Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and Isaiah 43:1-7.

The Lord of all creation speaks tenderly and lovingly to the Chosen People. God longs that there be a loving union with God and the people. There never need be fear of anything, for the Lord will protect. God’s only interest is that the people respond to the preferential love that God has for them. Why this preference? This would be to know the mind of God—something that escapes us, and needs to escape us.

Jesus came to save all. God loves everyone, yet with a love that makes it seem as though each person is the only one. The Lord of the universe longs that you love God in return. Accept this with faith. Let yourself be loved by God and with this grace, to love God in return through loving the poor; God has a preferential love for them.

Isaiah 43

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the Winder Season of Advent to Epiphany this year we read Isaiah 40 – 55.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: “Calling you by name; you’re mine.” v. 1

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.

Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and the reading.

The angel Gabriel’s exalted words to Mary would not have happened without her permission. God does not impose God’s will on anyone. “Let it be to me according to your word,” says Mary. She gives permission for God to act in her in the most extraordinary manner possible. In the quiet of Mary’s soul, God shapes the deepest designs for redemption. She says “Yes.” The Son of God takes flesh in her womb.

The same gift of conceiving the Word can happen to you; you will need to give God the same permission as Mary did.

Ponder this passage carefully and let the Holy Spirit prompt you to say with your whole being, “Let it be to me according to Your Word.”

Luke 1:26–38

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Yes—according to your word v. 38

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
During the Winter Season of Advent to Epiphany this year, we read the Gospel of Mark, chapters 1-2.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.

Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and Genesis 45:28 – 46:1-7.

Jacob receives a comforting and wondrous vision from God during the night. This is the seventh time that God has spoken of the covenant—twice to Abraham, twice to Isaac, and now the third time to Jacob. Jacob is reassured about the promises of the Lord; he will see his son Joseph before he dies.

Respect the power of the night. When you awaken during it, turn to the Lord who wants to share with you the intimacies of the covenant God offers to you in Jesus through the Spirit. All the great revelations that God made to patriarchs and prophets are gathered in Jesus. The Lord wants to speak to your heart and tell you of the love, plans, and promises held out to you. Take time to listen to God with a pure, open heart—day or night.

Genesis 45:28—46:27

This is the second of three parts of the Torah Portion Vayiggash (And He Approached)
Conservative and Reform Jewish congregations read only this part this year,
as also in this Bible plan.
Here is the entire portion in all three parts.
Gen. 44:18—47:27

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Open to visions from God 46:2

The Saturday passages follow the reading list that Jewish people use in their synagogue worship
throughout the world. They are taken from
“The Torah,” the first five books of the Bible from Genesis to Deuteronomy
that are read each year beginning with autumn.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information