Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and Luke 22:39-53.

Jesus arrives at Jerusalem, carried upon a donkey—sign of royalty. The King is taking possession of the Holy City, soon to become the heavenly Jerusalem.

Palm Sunday is a day with mixed emotions. There is the clear joy of the triumphal entry, but soon the crowd’s cry will change from “Hosanna” to “Crucify Him.” How the winds of the public can change!

The contrast of feeling is present in the liturgy of Palm Sunday—the exuberant beginning, then the later sober reading of the Passion. Become present to the two apparently conflicting emotions of joy and sadness. Both are true in our lives, whenever we love greatly.

Spend time Palm Sunday afternoon and evening with the movements of the Passion of Jesus according to Luke.

Luke 22:14—23:56

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Not my will but Yours be done. 22:46

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year C, we generally read from the Gospel of Luke.

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 Leviticus 8:22-29.

The Tabernacle has been constructed, ready for worship to fill it. There is drama in the reading. Everywhere you look, all that you hear, feel, taste, touch and smell, evokes a sense of the sacred, the consecrated, the holy. These are words used to translate the Hebrew qadosh, that which has been cleansed, purified, and set apart for the Lord.

In Christ, you are more than the sons of Aaron. You are set apart for the things of God. The sweet aroma of the Lamb of God who died for you takes the place of all the bulls and rams of the old sacrifices that strain to make their way heavenward.

What daily rituals can you create that would increase the inner sense that your life is sacred and set apart for God?

Leviticus 8:1–36

This is the second of three parts
of the Torah Portion Tzav (Command)
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 6:1—8:36

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: My life as a burnt off’ring v. 21

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.

In the center of the passage is the tiny sentence: “And it was night” (v. 30). Into this darkness, Judas escapes to complete the final details of the betrayal. Within the upper room, however, Jesus announces the triumph of the glory of God. The Light of the world shines as never before, illumining us with a new commandment, bathing all former ones with the extravagant light of God’s love.

The passage closes with the arrogant protestations of Peter, that he will be always faithful. The night of his sin is here, but soon will come the daybreak of repentance and forgiveness. Yet for Judas, it was into a perpetual night that he walked.

The contrasts need to move you, until all that is dark in you vanishes before the saving light of Jesus and the New Commandment.

John 13:18–38

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Laying down my life for You. v. 37

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In Lent and Easter 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.