Month: November 2024

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The Covenant with Abraham

Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and Genesis 17:1-14.

[From the original version]

Sarah’s barrenness was interpreted as a curse. Rather than trust in the Lord, she took it upon herself to tell Abraham to have relations with Hagar, Sarah’s maid, so that Abraham could have a son. Ishmael was born, and with it was begotten jealousy between the two women and their children, even to our own day. Modern day Arabs trace their ancestry back to Ishmael.

In chapter 17 we joyfully begin to recall the covenant that God made with Abraham. God introduces himself as El Shaddai, the name we translate as “The Almighty.”

God offers a covenant with Abraham. The sign of this covenant is circumcision—what comes forth in generative life is to be the gift of God and not simply the productivity of the flesh alone. May your heart be circumcised in a response to God’s abundant life.

Genesis 16—17

This is the third of three parts of the Torah Portion Lech L’cha (Go Yourself)
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.
Genesis 12—17

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: El Shaddai: “God Almighty” 17:1

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

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The Cup of the Hour

Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and Mark 14:32-52.

[From the version for young people]

The suffering of Jesus begins.  He has been telling this to the disciples; now it’s here. Jesus takes three of his closest friends to be with him during what we call, “The Agony in the Garden.”  Look what happens to the three friends: they fall asleep!

Jesus says that his hour has come, as well as the cup of suffering.  Centuries past, an hour glass would tell the length of an hour.  Can you see something similar between the cup of suffering and the “glass” of the hour that is before Jesus?  

Today, be aware of the actual hours of your day as so many glasses or cups that you fill with wakeful prayer.  As each empties and fills like a cup, stay close to Jesus in his suffering. You know, Jesus continues to suffer in the hours of this day through innocent people losing their lives such as refuge children from countries persecuted by tyrants and wars. Pray in an alert way for them as you help them in their suffering through your prayer.

  Mark 14:32-72

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Not my will, but Yours be done. v. 36

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels. This year, we generally read
from the Gospel of Mark, this season, chapters 10 to 16.

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.

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Colors from Deep Within – Revised

Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and the Reading.

[From the original version -Revised]

Sealed inside each of us are energies both dark and bright. Danger comes when the darker side of us is repressed. Better to break open the seal and let in the light of the Lord pierce the darkness to give you appropriate and even creative expression; otherwise, the darkness could have its energies explode in rage, irritable reactions, unkindness, and gossip.

Accept the entire range of your feelings. Feelings are neither good nor bad: they just are. Recognize and accept them and they will tend to flow outward in ways similar to the images of today’s reading.

Inner energies: be aware of this as you read about the opening of six of the seven seals. Strong contrasting images explode in each one. Color vary from bright to grotesque. How do you identify with these vibrant images? Revelation: it is the book, as well as God showing you God’s face from deep within your being.

Revelation 6

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Darkness not speaking to me

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In season of Kingdomtide this year,
we read 1 and 2 Thessalonians; Revelation 4—11.

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.