The Candle of the Heart 

An ever-burning candle in sanctuaries in many church traditions bears witness to the command given to Moses in chapter 6, verse 13. From the appearance of God in the ever—burning bush before Moses and later the faithfully burning fire by night that led God’s people out of Egypt, fire has been a sign of the presence of God.

The burning of the grain offering suggests taking this basic element of life as a symbol of the substance of you. Offer yourself to the Lord. You might take a candle as a way of recalling this offering. As it burns during your prayer, your essence, your substance, your “grain,” is offered to God.

St. Paul enjoins us to “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Light the candle of the heart to ever burn before the Lord.

Leviticus 6:1—7:10

This is the first 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 heart, a burnt offering 9:1ff

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

Peering into the Mystery

Feel the frustration of the lame man beside the pool. Thirty-eight years of trying to get to the waters, someone else always beating him to it … thirty-eight years for bystanders to know him, have compassion for him, and hence joy at his healing. Nevertheless, not for the Jewish leaders … Legalism blocks and blinds them from the Good News of the healing Jesus.

Exalted words of Jesus well up as sparks and then flames from the friction between the leaders and him. We are peering directly into the mystery of Jesus’divinity and oneness with God the Father. Contemplate the mystery and live it, for Jesus shares with you the very life he has with the Father. Rest in this life, this love, this healing touch of God upon you. Rise and walk!

John 5

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: “Stand up, take your mat and walk.” v. 8

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the seasons of 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.

Practical Ways 

Virtues move from being mere abstractions when placed against the vices that Paul lists. Note the specific ways of behaving that Paul enjoins. Decide to practice them.

How could you make chapter 5 verse 19 for the day come alive for you as you literally speak to others in words of Scripture? Look at the agenda of your day. Ask the Lord to give you verses applied to the persons with whom you interact each day.

These are vital chapters for families. When reading about the submission of wives, remember that this applies only to those marriages where the husband loves his wife as Christ loves the church.

You would be well to memorize the elements of the whole armor of God in 6:14–17. Put them on as you would the clothes you wear.

Ephesians 5—6

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Living as a child of light 5:8

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the season of Lent this year we read Ephesians and 1 Corinthians 11-12.

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.