Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and Leviticus 13:12-17.

Leprosy was a sign of death in a body alive. Such afflicted persons must keep apart from the rest of the people. No one was permitted to touch a leper, for fear of contagion and uncleanness coming upon the person. Such a person was obliged to call out “Unclean, unclean,” so that people would stay away.

Wholeness of body and holiness of spirit were always seen together for a Jew. That is the significance of Jesus’s approach to the leper, of not being afraid of becoming unclean by such contact. Jesus reverses the principle; only what Jesus does touch becomes whole and holy!

Invite Jesus to inspect your life and diagnose your ills. Jesus heals. Do not be afraid to touch those lacking in wholeness; they can become whole through contact with you, if you are in Jesus.

Leviticus 13:29–59

This is the second of three parts of the Torah Portion Tazria (Conceives)
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.

Leviticus 12:1—13:59

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Cleanliness within my heart

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 reading.

Mary Magdalene, figure of the New Eve, weeps at the place of sin’s evidence. Robbery continues to be the only alternative, even in the face of two angels whom one would think would stir her to wonder. Place yourself in the scene so you can feel Mary’s desperation and then the release of joy when recognition comes.

The power of the resurrection is in the power of love. John describes this incident in language that recalls the lover seeking the beloved in The Song of Songs, 3:2. The New Adam, the Bridegroom, is here to join in wondrous love with his Bride, the Church—the New Eve.

Remember the questions of Jesus to the first disciples (1:38): “What are you looking for?” … to his arresters (18:4) and here to Mary: “Whom are you looking for?” Let the power of the resurrection stir you to seek for Jesus, lover of your soul.

John 20:11–18

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
A sample from today’s reading:
Whom are you looking for?

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
During the Easter Season, we read the Gospel of John.

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 Acts 20:7-12.

As it was in Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit is at work in the early church. Watch for similar expressions; the power that Jesus had over death in the Gospels is the same power at work in Paul. Paul responds to the opposition to him in words similar to those of Jesus. Both preached in public. This new life is not a secret teaching to an elite group, designed to overthrow the government. For Jesus, nothing but the will of the Father was important; for Paul nothing but the task that the Lord Jesus had given him had any value.

The Lord has no favorites. The same power at work in Paul is available for you. What yet remains of what you need to surrender?

Acts 20

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: No value in life but You v. 24

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the Easter Season this year we read Acts 18:23—28:31.

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.