Terms of the Covenant

The Ten Commandments are not impassioned principles of law from an impersonal ruler of the universe. The Commandments set the basic boundaries and terms of the covenant relation that the Lord is offering to us. If you want to have a life with God, then here is what not to do so that this can occur.

The People of God knew what would happen if God spoke directly to them; they would die. Hence, Moses was a mediator for them. We have a Mediator in Jesus who is both God and man. He makes the connection through the Holy Spirit from the heart of God to yours. Receive the Ten Commandments warmly and reflect on them deeply.

Deuteronomy 5—6

This is the second of three parts of the Torah Portion Vaethanan (I Implored) 
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. 3:23—7:11

Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Wanting what you want for me 5:21

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.

Transfiguration and the Center

If you were to take the Gospel of Mark and fold it in half like a roof, this would be the top. The Transfiguration of the Lord is the centerpiece for this Gospel. The first part is going up to the top—miracles, teachings, the expansive movement of Jesus. The downside of the roof sees the prediction of the Passion and death of Jesus and the outcome of the opposition to Jesus in the Jewish authorities. This means a climb to another mountaintop. The Mount of the Transfiguration and Mount Calvary are both expressions of the glory of Jesus. Adore your Lord. God will be with you on the downside and then on the upside—the resurrection.

Mark 9:1–13

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: It is good to be with You. v. 5

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.

Zeal Penetrating Strife

Arguments threaten to discredit Paul’s ministry. He seeks to penetrate the resistance so that the church in Corinth can receive him, but more importantly, can receive Christ.

The passion of Paul for the Lord Jesus leaps like flames in his writings. The key is zeal—an inner fire for the things of the Lord. It is as the burning bush before Moses. Zeal burns without consuming.

It is not the same with jealousy—the wicked sibling of zeal. The word comes from the same parent word in Greek. Jealousy is a fire that consumes. It destroys love and foments strife. Zeal is stronger—a blowtorch that penetrates strife. Pray that you move from the dark side of this energy into the light.

2 Corinthians 11

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Zealous to bring souls to You v. 2

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 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.