Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and Genesis 6:1-8.

Methuselah lived 969 years! He was not alone in great life spans listed for the ten Patriarchs from Adam to Noah and the flood. One of the purposes of this list is to give continuity to long periods of elapsed time and to keep the connection to our deepest roots in the human family. The shortening of the life span has been seen as a consequence to the degrading levels to which the human family had fallen. Everything went downhill. Some see the shortening as actually an act of mercy on God’s part, as we might say: “Quit, while you’re ahead,” or “Stop before things get worse!” And worse indeed did things get with the reference that even “sons of God” (fallen angels?) took human wives. God was grieved at creating us. However, there was one good man: Noah.
     How does God feel about having created you?

Genesis 5:1—6:8

This is the third of three parts of the Torah Portion Bereshith (Beginning)
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 1:1—6:8

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Thank You for creating me.

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 Mark 13:28-37.

[From the original version]

You have heard the expression: “Things have to get worse before they get better.” Jesus describes the end times in this way. There are many indicators that today’s world resembles the picture that Jesus makes. However, speculation about the time of the end distracts from the personal work that still needs to be done right now.

The end can always be near—the end of your life uncommitted totally to the Lord; the end of resentment, pain, confusion. Once you have died to yourself and are alive in Jesus, you are in heaven. You need not worry when “the curtain comes down” on everything. Watch for the signs that come your way telling you that you need more trust in the Lord.

Mark 13:14–37

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Alert for signs of the times v. 29

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels. This year, we generally read
from the Gospel of Mark, this season, chapters 10 to 16.

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.

[From the original version of the book]

Stand before the Lord at the end of your life. Is there some contribution you wished you could have made for the world? You are not dead yet. There is time for you to discover more clearly, what you could do to make a difference for the Lord in a world so indifferent to God.

Take this suggestion as you read the warning that Paul makes against idleness. It is not about being busy for the sake of being busy; rather it means to keep at your life-work—that beautiful something that you and only you can make for God.

Keep company with those who have a life, because they live life for the Lord.

2 Thessalonians 3

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Heart directed to Your love v. 5

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In season of Kingdomtide this year,
we read 1 and 2 Thessalonians; Revelation 4—11.

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.