Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and the reading.

Jesus celebrates the arrival of his hour. He has spoken about it often in the Gospel of John, usually noting that it is yet to come. Now the time of glory for Jesus is here.

There is no shame in the cross for Jesus. He is not a victim upon it, but a victor. In John’s Gospel, Jesus is always in charge of the movement of what happens. Though it is a “passion,” it is “action” as well, as Jesus allows what is going to happen to take place out of love for you.

Think about “hour” this week. Whether the electronic beep of your watch tickles your ears or you enjoy the tolling of a grandfather clock, receive each hour as your hour that has come. Reflect upon the hour just past. Let go of sin. Celebrate its ashes in the fire of Jesus’s love. Continue that part of the journey, which is the hour before you.

John 12:20–33

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Lifted up, all drawn to You.” v. 32

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.

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 Exodus 40:34-38, the final section of the reading.

The Holy Spirit brings the presence of the Lord when the Word is read with hearts opened in faith. You are going to meet the Lord in the reading.

Aholiab was an engraver, a designer and a weaver. Be the same. God engraves the Word on your heart, designs your life, and weaves the very minutes and hours of your day into a sacred garment to wear as a priest of the Lord.

Four sacred colors mentioned can be symbolic of four days of the week: GOLD for Sundays, the Lord’s Day; BLUE for Saturdays, the Sabbath, and the Torah; PURPLE for Mondays: the Prophets; SCARLET for Fridays: the words of Jesus, his blood and the Gospel.

The tabernacle is completed—the glory of the Lord comes down.

Exodus 39:22—40:38

This is the second of three parts of the Torah Portion Pekude (Reckoning) 
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

Exodus 38:21—40:38

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: My inner house for worship v. 1ff

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 John 9:35-41, the final section of the reading.

The Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 A.D., and with it, the entire system of sacrifice prescribed by Moses. The local synagogue became more and more vital in the life of a Jew. Early Christians continued to share in the life of the synagogue community, until something drastic happened. If the Christians did not stop believing in Jesus, they would be expelled from the synagogue.

It appears that this situation was one of the very motives for writing the Gospel of John. It was a support and comfort to Christians who could no longer worship with Jewish communities.

This understanding will help you to appreciate the story of “The Man Born Blind.” May this account bring comfort to you in any areas of life where you may be cut off, ostracized, excluded, and rejected. Fall on your knees as the man born blind and worship Jesus who receives you completely.

John 9

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: I once was blind; now I see. v. 25

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the Seasons of Lent and Easter this year we read the Gospel of John.

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.