Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and Exodus 16:11-21.

Join today, not only with those across the globe who observe the Sabbath, but also reach down over 3,250 years ago to that Sabbath after the week of manna. Just as the Lord had ceased the work of creation and rested on the seventh day, so does God command . The Sabbath is a sacred time to pause and celebrate God’s presence and activity in life. A familiar saying is reversed: “Don’t just DO something—STAND THERE!

Yet instead of spending time contemplating the miracle of free bread from the skies, the Israelites complain that they are now about to die of thirst. Doubt, complaining and anger cloud their belief that the God who just did one miracle for food is about to do another for water.

After the reading, go down into your own depths and flush out any doubting or complaining going on there.

Exodus 16:11—17:16

This is the third of three parts of the Torah Portion Beshallah (Sent Out)
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 13:17—17:36

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: All complaining stops within 17:3

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 6:20-38.

No one sits down and consumes three meals of the day all at once. Similarly, you may want to take the nourishment from God’s Word today and divide it into smaller portions. Sense the contrasting movements of the chapter. Be with Jesus on the mountaintop as he seeks uninterrupted union with the Father before he calls the Twelve Apostles.

Think of it: Jesus prays. If the eternal Son of God sought out times for quiet prayer, how much more do you and I need to do the same. The absence of union with God in the lives of the Pharisees had them become the plaything of the forces of Satan through pride and religiosity.

Take time to listen to Luke’s counterpart to Matthew: “The Sermon on the Plain.” Read slowly … pray deeply … ponder the questions that Jesus puts to you.

Luke 6

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Blessing those who curse at me v. 27

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.

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

Peter urges his first recipients and us, his latest ones, to reverse the downward spiral of earthly lust into an ascent of virtues. There is a rising chain for us to climb with the energy of eight virtues, links in the upward movement. They are found in verses 5 to 7. Meditate upon each of them, sensing in your spirit how each yields to the next. Make each of these abstractions into inner spiritual realities by applying your senses to them, especially tasting each virtue as you receive the next one.

All of these, along with the theme of “knowledge of the Lord,” weave through this letter as gifts from God. Their source rests upon the greatest gift of all—divine life pulsing through our human, mortal flesh.

2 Peter 1:1–12

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Faith supported by goodness v. 5

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the seasons of Advent through Epiphany this year,
we read the letters of Peter.

For all the Firestarters in the original version, I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these Firestarters with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.