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 the Gospel reading.

The solemn entry of Jesus into Jerusalem marks the gateway to his entry into the heavenly Jerusalem. The people of this central city of God will soon abandon their loyalty to Jesus as quickly as the branches thrown beneath Jesus will be brushed to the side and die.

We enter autumn, season of harvest and return to routines as defined by children going back to school. Soon the leaves will emit a final gasp of color before they die and lie strewn beneath your feet as you walk into this season and smell its unique fragrance.

Two episodes of action, the entry of Jesus into the sacred city and the table-turning in the Temple, frame a setting of stillness as Jesus weeps over resistant Jerusalem of earth. Soon will there be the foundations of the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven.

Walk with Jesus into the Kingdom; it is the name given to this sacred season.

Luke 19:28–48

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Lord, I join my tears with Yours. v. 41

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read Luke 19:28 to 24:53.

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 2 Timothy 1:1-14.

Beyond Timothy, the recipient of this warm and personal letter from Paul is the Spirit’s intent that this letter reach you just as personally. It is Paul’s “Last Will and Testament,” just as are the words of Moses in the Sabbath readings from Deuteronomy.

Take your eyes inward to those places where the frequent imperatives from Paul stir you to action. Respond as Timothy to the urging of Paul that Timothy “fan the flame” of the gift. Do the same with your gift for ministry—a gift that perhaps yet lies smoldering in the depths of your spirit.

The letter is one of great encouragement. Is there someone who will hang on your words of love and strength just as you and Timothy hang onto Paul’s words?

2 Timothy 1—2

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Lord, fan into flame Your gift. v. 6

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read 2 Timothy and Revelation 12—22.

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.