Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and Exodus 4:18-31.

Joseph dragged to Egypt as a slave, becomes the means of salvation for his people. Now it is Moses who returns to Egypt as the Lord’s chosen to save God’s people who had all become slaves in that land. The swelling movement of God’s saving acts begins again. No resistance on the part of Pharaoh is going to withstand what God is going to do. Even the periodic discouragements and angers of the Israelites against Moses do not stop the Lord from the relentless grace of salvation held out to God’s beloved people.

Resistance of God’s people is stronger when they fail to worship. When you find that affliction seems greater than grace, bow your head, go inward, and worship the Lord in acts of praise, trust, and surrender. Focus all the energies of faith upon the One who is delivering you right now.

Exodus 4:18—6:1

This is the third of three parts of the Torah Portion Shemoth (Names)
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.
Exodus 1:1—6:1

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Walking with the pow’r of God 4:20

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 Luke 3:15-17, 21-22.

Each of the first three chapters of Luke’s Gospel begins with a time-reference, placing Jesus in the depths of history. The ministry of Jesus begins, with its preparation in the preaching of John the Baptist. He preaches to you, readying you along with the crowd about John. The prophecy of Simeon pierced Mary’s heart with the sword of suffering; so let the ax of John fall into the center of your being, unpacking the hidden recesses of sinfulness that may lurk there.

Jesus comes into the center of history, bringing transforming grace as earth and heaven unite in his Baptism. In Genesis 1:2,”The Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” So here does the Holy Spirit hover over the waters of the Jordan and brings forth a new creation in Jesus.

What needs complete transformation in your life?

Luke 3

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: My life’s tree bearing good fruit v. 9

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In Advent through Epiphany this year we read Luke chapters 1 to 8.

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.