Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and Leviticus 13:12-17.

Leprosy was a sign of death in a body alive. Such afflicted persons must keep apart from the rest of the people. No one was permitted to touch a leper, for fear of contagion and uncleanness coming upon the person. Such a person was obliged to call out “Unclean, unclean,” so that people would stay away.

Wholeness of body and holiness of spirit were always seen together for a Jew. That is the significance of Jesus’s approach to the leper, of not being afraid of becoming unclean by such contact. Jesus reverses the principle; only what Jesus does touch becomes whole and holy!

Invite Jesus to inspect your life and diagnose your ills. Jesus heals. Do not be afraid to touch those lacking in wholeness; they can become whole through contact with you, if you are in Jesus.

Leviticus 13:29–59

This is the second of three parts of the Torah Portion Tazria (Conceives)
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.

Leviticus 12:1—13:59

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Cleanliness within my heart

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 Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and the reading.

 “Arise: let us go from here.” Jesus concludes his message to the apostles at the Last Supper. As so often in John’s Gospel, Jesus’s words have meanings on ever deepening levels.

The New Community has been founded. Now it is about to move out into the world. It will always be with Jesus who takes the lead, as the New Exodus is about to begin.

This chapter encourages the disciples, as well as you and me. As you read, do so meditatively. Take your place with the others in that room. Listen to Jesus tell you about what is going to happen.

Though the path to come is going to include great pain, Jesus is The Way for us to follow. Nothing that is ever going to come upon you in your Exodus to life will be without Jesus having gone there first, showing you the way. You will always have within you the Comforter, the Holy Spirit to sustain you.

John 14:18–31

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: “I will not leave you orphaned.” v. 18

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the Seasons of Lent and Easter 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.

Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and the reading and Acts 12:1-11.

Fears often beset Peter. From the time when he walked on water to Jesus, to the courtyard of the high priest and his fears of a servant girl, Peter reacted when he was afraid. The distance between Jesus and him in the courtyard opened the way for his denial. The gap then between Peter and Jesus was too much for him.

Now, however, Peter is close to his Lord in his heart, afraid of nothing, trusting in him. He moves beyond fear to faith and trust in the Lord. If God tells him to eat what is set before him, who is Peter to hold back from doing this? Read what happens when Peter is arrested in chapter 12. Nothing is impossible with God!

In a very brief reference, the news comes of James’s martyrdom. He is the brother of John. Together with Peter, they were the closest friends of Jesus.

Take courage from these apostles. God is with you as God was with them.

Acts 11—12

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: God’s word continues to grow. v. 24

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the Easter Season this year we read Acts 10:1 to 18:22.

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