Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and Leviticus 5:17-19.

We long to be reconciled to God. The sacrifice and burning of various animals correspond to various kinds of sin; this is the Bible’s way of calling the people to repent from sin without further consequences. They were the acts of contrition whereby one could turn from sin and live again in communion with God and God’s people. Fire made the burnt offering become a sweet smelling smoke ascending into the air, blending with the presence of God all about.

Face your sin. Confess it. In so doing, you celebrate the gratuitous fact that God has already forgiven you in Jesus. When you repent, the Lord burns your sins away with his love, for he has gathered all sin into himself. The blood of Christ shed for you, turns sorrow for sin into a sweet smelling smoke rising from the cross.

Leviticus 4:27—5:26

This is the second of three parts
of the Torah Portion Vayikra (And He Called)
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 1:1—5:19

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Sin burned away by Your love

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.

Jesus stands before his destiny. The hour has come. Judas is bound; Jesus is free. Total love takes over, as when Mary of Bethany pours out the oil of her gladness and love upon the feet of Jesus. Now it is Jesus who anoints the feet of the disciples with the waters of cleansing, regeneration, and service. There is a complete reversal here: the kingly one becomes the absolute servant.

Meditate upon the persons, the words, and the actions in this passage. Join the disciples. Let Jesus wash your feet. Ask the Holy Spirit to anoint your imagination with holy faith and profound sentiments of love for your Master and Lord.

Are there reversals of attitudes such as those of Peter that need to take place in your life? There is nothing like Jesus’s servant love for you to make this happen.

John 13:1–17

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Knowing what You’ve done for me v. 12

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.

Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and James 4:7-17.

Verse after verse stands on its own as precious truths and convictions. James uses a technique of balancing opposites in the opening verses. Just as dough is tossed back and forth from hand to hand, so do the parts of these verses move from side to side so that you, as dough, can be prepared for the oven of the Spirit.

James speaks plainly; that is one of the great benefits of his letter. Be vulnerable before truth, moving beyond guilt feelings that often come with awareness of sin, to the joy of being forgiven. A new life with the risen Lord comes in the Easter season.

A thought in keeping with the verse for the day: No one can assure you that today is not going to be the day that will appear on the memorial card for your funeral.

James 4

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: My life: a mist for awhile v. 13

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 the Letter of James, and 1 Corinthians 14-15.

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.