Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and Deuteronomy 24:14-22.

Mercy and justice are blended in these laws of Israelite society. Laws of justice have changed; those of mercy and compassion have not. The essence of the motive for compassion is the word “remember” found in 24:19 and verse 22. The energy for compassion comes from solidarity with those whose lives are being diminished. Every person in need can present him or herself before you, prompting you to utter from your heart: “I’ve been there; I too have been a slave in Egypt.”

There we would continue to be, but for the mercy and grace of God upon our lives. Be a sacrament of love; be like Moses, who in the power of the coming Christ, led those in bondage in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land—the Kingdom that God is ever opening to you.

Deuteronomy 24:14—25:19

This is the third of three parts of the Torah Portion Ki Tetze (When You Go 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. 
Deuteronomy. 21:10—25:19

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: You give rest from enemies. 25:19

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 Habakkuk 2:1-5.

Habakkuk’s name means, “embrace.” To embrace with the heart what eyes do not see, this is the essence of faith and the power chapter 2, verse 4 “The righteous live by their faithfulness.” It was the byword of the Reformation of the sixteenth century.

Habakkuk and God relate through questions and answers similar to the Book of Job. But there is more intimacy and “give and take” here, than in Job. Yet as Job, the prophet has eyes of wonder at his world. Join your eyes with his as you read. Notice the contrast between how the book begins and how it ends.

Place yourself at a vantage point such as the prophet takes at the beginning of chapter 2. With eyes of faith, watch what God is going to say to you today in this reading and in the events of your day, which will be soaked with grace.

Habakkuk 1—3

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Kingdomtide we read Habakkuk to Malachi.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: The righteous will live by faith. 2:4

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.