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

 We often find a way of expressing the quality of a spiritual experience through the sense of smell. “I don’t like the smell of this,” refers to some negatives discerned in a situation.

Two spiritual odors rise up in the incident of the supper with Martha, Mary and their brother Lazarus whom Jesus brought back to life. There is the aroma of extravagant love in the costly oil of spikenard; there is the spiritual stench of death in Judas’s greed, exploitation of the poor, and in the plot to kill Jesus. Yet the sweet smell of life and love fills the house, overpowering the stifling, musty smell of hatred and death.

Are you ready to be Mary, pouring out your life in loving service for others? Overpower the negative odors that seek to pollute the otherwise sweet fragrance of your own goodness—gift of the Holy Spirit.

John 12:1–8

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Fragrance of love, filling space v. 3

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year C, we generally read from the Gospel of Luke.

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 Leviticus 5:17-19.

We long to be reconciled to God. The sacrifice and burning of various animals correspond to various kinds of sin; this is the Bible’s way of calling the people to repent from sin without further consequences. They were the acts of contrition whereby one could turn from sin and live again in communion with God and God’s people. Fire made the burnt offering become a sweet smelling smoke ascending into the air, blending with the presence of God all about.

Face your sin. Confess it. In so doing, you celebrate the gratuitous fact that God has already forgiven you in Jesus. When you repent, the Lord burns your sins away with his love, for he has gathered all sin into himself. The blood of Christ shed for you, turns sorrow for sin into a sweet smelling smoke rising from the cross.

Leviticus 4:27—5:26

This is the second of three parts
of the Torah Portion Vayikra (And He Called)
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.
Leviticus 1:1—5:19

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Sin burned away by Your love

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 the reading.

Jesus stands before his destiny. The hour has come. Judas is bound; Jesus is free. Total love takes over, as when Mary of Bethany pours out the oil of her gladness and love upon the feet of Jesus. Now it is Jesus who anoints the feet of the disciples with the waters of cleansing, regeneration, and service. There is a complete reversal here: the kingly one becomes the absolute servant.

Meditate upon the persons, the words, and the actions in this passage. Join the disciples. Let Jesus wash your feet. Ask the Holy Spirit to anoint your imagination with holy faith and profound sentiments of love for your Master and Lord.

Are there reversals of attitudes such as those of Peter that need to take place in your life? There is nothing like Jesus’s servant love for you to make this happen.

John 13:1–17

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Knowing what You’ve done for me v. 12

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In Lent and Easter we read the Gospel of John.

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.