Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter  ad Numbers 9:1-5.

Seven lights, number of fullness, shine within the Holy Place. There is an inner light as you read God’s Holy Word.

The cleansing of the Levites reminds us that those at the center of worship need to be pure. Though here limited to a single class of people, the New Covenant extends to every person found within the Body of Jesus. Your surrender to the Lord is what brings you within Jesus and makes you a priest. Every action of yours can become a gesture of worship, bearing witness to the world of the holiness of God.

The second celebration of the Passover is announced. The root of the word in Hebrew for the “appointed” time, mo’ed, is the same as the word in Genesis1:14 for the seasons. God has outlined cycles of time by days and nights, seasons and years, giving rhythm and serenity to the passage of time. Respond to these shifts and changes as one candle shares its light with another.

Numbers 8:1—9:14

This is the first of three parts of the Torah Portion Behaalot’cha (When You Kindle) 
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.
Numbers 8:1—12:16

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: NOW is the appointed time. 2 Corinthians 6:2

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 Matthew 8:5-17.

Action follows thought, as we come down the mountain after pondering “The Sermon on the Mount.” There at the foot of the mountain is one of the rejects from Jewish society—a leper. Rather than keeping his distance, Jesus approaches and does the unthinkable: he touches him. As sparks leap from one pole to another, so do the hands of Jesus ignite the fire of healing love in those desperately bound by sickness in one form or another.

Wonder at the healings in this chapter. Reflect upon the demands of discipleship. Jesus has authority over the winds and the seas, yet the power over your own heart the Lord reserves until you surrender all to him. Therefore, do it now and live every hour of this and every day in God.

Matthew 8

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: With faith—and so it happens. v. 13

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the season of Pentecost this year we read Matthew 8 to 18.

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 Romans 1:8-17.

Summer Thursdays this year are immersed in the waters of the Spirit found in this letter of Paul to the church at Rome. The time of the year of fullness finds us pondering the thought of Paul in all its maturity. The letter is acclaimed to be the greatest exposition of Christian doctrine ever written.

The Roman Christians are waiting to meet Paul in person; you meet him as well. Yet deeper than seeing his face, is knowing his heart. The letter is filled with teachings about the Holy Spirit. Before reading, pray that the same Spirit who inspired Paul will be with you now.

The mercy of God lasts longer than God’s justice, as expressed in Monday’s passage from Isaiah. The New Testament soaks the First Covenant in waters of the Spirit, transforming judgment into mercy.

You will encounter verses that speak of the morality of homosexuality. Bear in mind that Paul does not understand this apart from the context of his letter—total godlessness, with a litany of vices that flow from those who disdain God.

Romans 1

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Gospel: the power of God. v. 16

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the season of Pentecost this year we read Paul’s Letter to the Romans.

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.