Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and the Gospel.

Noah began to build the ark, not when it looked like rain, but when the Lord commanded. Imagine how Noah must have been mocked—building a great ship far away from the sea! Still, day after day, he built the ark, ready for the waters to become chaotic again, just as in the beginning.

Most of the world will not take notice that a new sacred “ark” of time begins with this First Sunday in Advent. Just as Noah, The Holy Spirit invites you to build each day’s spiritual portion of the year as you ready yourself for the coming of the Lord, whenever, and however that will occur. Be safe and secure in the ark of Christ’s body. Be safe and secure in this ark as worldly waters with chaotic energies pound against you from without, seeking to put a leak into the sacred seal of your sacred ark.

Matthew 24:36–44

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Being alert at all times.v. 36

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year A, we generally read from the Gospel of St. Matthew.

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 Genesis 28:10-22.

The mystic dream of Jacob is similar to the flow between heaven and earth that describes the Book of Revelation.

The ongoing deception of Laban and that of his sister Rebecca finds its beginning in the earlier deceit about Esau, Jacob and the blessing of Isaac. A stronghold of dishonesty has worked itself into that family, soon to have a strong effect upon the twelve sons born of Jacob, fathers of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.

Take a stand by faith against any family stronghold with which the Evil One seeks to stop the Spirit flow from God to you and your children. A stronghold is anything contrary to the will of God that is to be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Genesis 28:10—30:13

This is the first of three parts of the Torah Portion Vayetze (And He Departed) 
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. 

Genesis 28:10—32:3

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Blessed are those who die in You 23:2ff

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.

St. Luke’s Gospel ends as it begins, in the Temple. From the glowing lights of the Holy of Holies and the annunciation of the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah, to the inner glow in the hearts of the disciples waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit, the glory and presence of God has moved through this year of grace.

Apart from the cycle of Torah readings, today concludes the three-year cycle of readings from the Bible. Each day the Holy Spirit has been doing in your heart what the Spirit did with the first disciples—opening your understanding to receive the Scriptures. As the cycle begins again next week with the flickering of the first Advent Candle, pause today with gratitude as the whole Bible lies open before you. Look through the “zoom lens” of the present moment, which embraces all of God’s Word.

Luke 24:36–53

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: “Touch and see that it is me.” v. 39

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.