Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and

[From the original version ]

Simeon in Luke 2 blesses the Lord in words similar to the verse for today. Linger with Jacob and Joseph in their meeting—so long in coming. Taste the joy of Jacob. So much of Jacob’s life has been pain and sorrow; we are sad as Jacob gives a one-sentence account of himself to Pharaoh in 47:9.

Do you need to reconcile with someone in your life? The Lord is present in an experience of holy sadness as an incentive to bring this about.

The settling of Jacob and his sons in Egypt sets the stage for the coming friction between Israel and Egypt and God’s liberation of the people in the next book of the Bible, Exodus. Whatever be the circumstance of your life right now, it is the one the Lord is using to bring you to freedom.

Genesis 46:28—47:27

This is the third of three parts of the Torah Portion
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.

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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

[From the original version]

 Enter the joyous story of the call to Mary to become the mother of Jesus, her visit to Elizabeth, and her song. Be with Mary in the morning, as her prayer is bathed in the light of The Annunciation. Travel with her during the hours of the morning, till you reach Elizabeth at midday, reading the account of The Visitation around noon. Stay with these holy women until evening, concluding with hearing Mary sing The Magnificat. For ages this has been the song for Evening Prayer in the Catholic and Anglican traditions. This first of three songs in Luke’s infancy narrative has a parallel in the song of Hannah (1 Samuel 2:1–10) who rejoices at the birth of Samuel.

This is the season of miracle birthings … including your miraculous rebirth in Jesus.

Luke 1:26–56

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Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In Advent through Epiphany this year we read Luke chapters 1 to 8.

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.

[From the original version]

When we pick up a lamp or small appliance, we need to gather up the cord so that we do not trip. In New Testament times, people wore long clothes that hung down by the feet. To move quickly, they would gather the lower part of their clothing and tie it to the waist so that they would not fall. This is the meaning in “prepare” your minds.

What are the loose and hanging ends of your thoughts and attitudes? Do they tend to trip you? Gather them. Tie them up, away from your spiritual feet that need to move freely and joyfully through the power of the Word of God today. Be specific; jot down what you discover.

Verses 18–21 gather the whole Gospel into a small space. Tie these verses about your mind as you walk in the light of these truths. When the Evil One seeks to trip you, you’ll be able to see clearly where you are going.

1 Peter 1:13–25

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Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the seasons of Advent through Epiphany this year,
we read the letters of Peter.

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.