Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and Deuteronomy 13:1-5.

In Biblical times, atheism was never an option; this is a modern invention. Atheism, as we know it, is simply another false religion. The atheist is committed to something approaching an absolute—some “god” that he adheres to and “worships,” as did our wandering ancestors in the desert. Then there are “theists” for whom God is nothing more than a vague reality on the margin of life.

Is there any person, place, or thing elbowing a way into your life seeking to take the place that belongs to God alone?

Deuteronomy 12:29—14:29

This is the second of three parts of the Torah Portion Reeh (Behold)
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.
Deuteronomy 11:26—16:17

Bible Breaths – Learn More…
Example: Holding fast to You alone 13:4

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 the next several weeks, the Firestarters will be from the original version of this program. For these 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 Gospel reading.

What makes for true greatness?—a question pondered long and hard by sages from all cultures. Jesus’s disciples enter the dispute, arguing among themselves, forgetting that incarnate Wisdom walks with them. Jesus stops, takes a child, sets him in their midst, and shares the essence of greatness that is wrapped in a child’s heart. Listen as Jesus speaks to your heart.

There is a child inside of you. Would that the evil kings of Judah and Israel would have listened as this child to God’s voice! One wonders just where they “rested”, when they “rested with their fathers.” You will rest in the bosom of the Father forever in heaven, if you live as God’s beloved child now upon earth.

Mark 9:33–50

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: “Welcome children—welcome Me.” v. 37

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels. This year, we generally read
from the Gospel of Mark, this season, chapters 4 to 9.

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 2 Corinthians 13:5-13.

Take a step back and look at your life, not with eyes of judgment, but with kindness, even though the Spirit may sweetly convict you of sinfulness. This will incline you less to feel guilt along with the accompanying blame of others or defensiveness in yourself. Release the flow of your life, whether its present movement is joyful or painful. Get out of your own way and let the reconciling, healing powers of the Lord bubble up from deep within. Then you will be more disposed for Paul’s encouragement in v. 11 that we “aim for perfection.” The Greek word for this is katartizo, the same word for the disciples “mending” their nets just before Jesus asked them to cast their nets out into the sea again.

May you be mended, healed, made whole and blameless in the sight of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 13

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Joy in the strength that You give v. 9

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In this season of Pentecost this year,
we read 2 Corinthians.

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.