Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and the reading.

The name Thomas has been linked with “doubting.” We might also add another—“bold”! For that’s what Thomas was as he stepped outside into the streets that so recently saw the violence of Jesus’s crucifixion. All his brothers were inside that room with doors and windows tightly closed for fear of their being arrested, just as Jesus was. However, Thomas needed to be where the action really was; but he was not. By cutting himself off from the community, he cut himself off from faith. Remember that!

However, it is not too late for him; he has a second chance. He comes back after his errand—and so does Jesus. While it is not a good idea to place terms on faith, Jesus lovingly meets Thomas where he is, inviting him to feel the evidences of the pain that are now signs of glory. Caravaggio has Jesus guiding Thomas’s finger into the wound…But I wonder: did he really put his finger in the wound? The presence of Jesus was enough for him and it is more than enough for you. “Blessed are those who have not seen, yet have believed.”

John 20:19–31

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Though not seeing, I believe. v. 29

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 Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and Leviticus 10:12-15.

What foods to eat or not to eat might seem of minor importance to us, but what is not minor, is cleanliness. The familiar adage: “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” is the point behind all these prescriptions. The sacred is clean; the profane is unclean. When God speaks to the people about what is clean and unclean, they are to associate themselves with creatures that especially draw them into the sacred. God’s presence is to pervade every aspect of life. There is a constant reminder of this when coming up against choices in creation. For something to be a sacrament of God’s presence, it must be clean.

Take in inventory of what you do and with whom you associate in your life. Do the people, places, and things in your life lead you to God or not? That is the all-important question.

Leviticus 10:12—11:32

This is the second of three parts of the Torah Portion Shemini (Eighth)
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 9:1—11:47

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Holiness of all God’s gifts v. 12

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.

Jesus portrays the New Community about to come into existence. He is going to move from this world to the Father; he invites us to come with him. It is a New Exodus. Here at the foot of a new Mount Sinai, Jesus has given us a New Commandment that we love one another. He gives us the Holy Spirit as each one’s personal lawyer to guide us on the way that is to come. Jesus is going to show us the way to where the Father lives. At the same time, he reveals the place where the Father and he are going to dwell; it is within the human hearts of those who believe in his name.

What are you doing to be sure that you are living in this new community with the new commandment of love? Be aware of the need to find friends in the Lord with whom you can confide, love and be loved.

John 14:1–17

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: “Knowing me—knowing Father” v. 7

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.