Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and the reading.

Karl Walenda, father of the famous family of tightrope walkers, once crossed over Niagara Falls. As he was about to go, he struck up a conversation with someone standing by to watch the feat. Karl turned to the person and asked: “Do you think that I can do it?” “Of course you can,” came the reply. “You’re Karl Walenda!” Karl responded, “Then if you really believe me, jump on my shoulders and go with me!”

The heart of today’s reading is the two words, “receive” and “believe.” Receive Jesus and believe in him. “Believe” in John’s Gospel means an active, total surrender to the Lord. The key words become two dynamic aspects of one reality. When you surrender to Jesus, he enters your heart to dwell there.

John 1:6–8,12–28

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Voice crying in the desert v. 23

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 the beginning part of the reading: Genesis 41:53-57.

 All the years of Joseph’s trusting in the Lord come to fruition at this moment of meeting his brothers. They have come to Egypt in search of food. What restraint Joseph exhibits as he recognizes them, but does not reveal himself! Think of what he might have said to those who had sold him into slavery. He keeps silent about that. God uses him to bring ultimate joy to his family. Though we may not understand the long delay and the trips of his brothers to Canaan and back—all the territory covered in the Exodus—the suspense only serves to heighten the coming moment of total recognition.

Be patient. The Lord is working out all the details in his own time of reconciliation with those with whom you may be estranged. Seek to do God’s will.

Genesis 41:53—43:15

This is the second of three parts of the Torah Portion Mikketz (At the End) 
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.

Genesis 41:1—44:17

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Joseph seeing his brothers 42:8

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

Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and Luke 1:46-55.

Just as darkness and light are set against each other in this season, so the high and glorious words of Angel Gabriel contrast with the humble, receptive, gentle words of Mary. She makes her decision: “Behold the maidservant of the Lord!” God takes flesh in her womb because of her “Yes.”

Mary and Elizabeth meet, as well as the children in their wombs. Mary combines humility with exaltation in her song, the Magnificat: “My soul magnifies the Lord.”

A magnifying glass makes bigger what you see through it. Mary makes God larger to Elizabeth and to us. How can you ready yourself so that when others look at you, they see Christ within and beyond you, made larger, greater, and clearer?

Luke 1:26–56

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: My soul magnifies the Lord v. 47

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the Winter Season of Advent to Epiphany this year we read Luke 1-2; Mark 1-3

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.