Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and Exodus 40:34-38, the final section of the reading.

The Holy Spirit brings the presence of the Lord when the Word is read with hearts opened in faith. You are going to meet the Lord in the reading.

Aholiab was an engraver, a designer and a weaver. Be the same. God engraves the Word on your heart, designs your life, and weaves the very minutes and hours of your day into a sacred garment to wear as a priest of the Lord.

Four sacred colors mentioned can be symbolic of four days of the week: GOLD for Sundays, the Lord’s Day; BLUE for Saturdays, the Sabbath, and the Torah; PURPLE for Mondays: the Prophets; SCARLET for Fridays: the words of Jesus, his blood and the Gospel.

The tabernacle is completed—the glory of the Lord comes down.

Exodus 39:22—40:38

This is the second of three parts of the Torah Portion Pekude (Reckoning) 
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

Exodus 38:21—40:38

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: My inner house for worship v. 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

Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and John 12:20-36.

Greeks wish to see Jesus—the occasion for Jesus’s outpoured expression that his hour has finally come. This incident has the same purpose in John’s Gospel as the account of the Magi has in Matthew. There is total rejection on the part of the Chosen People. The Gentile world, on the other hand, searches and seeks to see Jesus and accept him. Victory courses through this passage, even as the forces of evil mount against Jesus. The cross becomes a great magnet, drawing all people to it, and to the victorious Savior reigning from this throne lifted on high.

Resurrection and ascension are embedded in the cross. From now on, these three are bound together for those who believe and adhere to Jesus. Surrender yourself to the drawing power of the cross and live as never before.

John 12:11–50

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: When lifted up: drawing all v. 32

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 today’s passage.

This chapter blends concrete images and abstract virtues. Allow the images of the bridle, the rudder, and the small fire used to describe the tongue, bring piercing awareness to you. Reflect upon the ways your tongue sins, praying to the Lord for the quietness and restraint needed to curb its reactions.

The pickax words of James will loosen the soil of your soul. Beware of any denial or defensiveness on your part as you face James’s honest confrontations with the truths about sin. Then you will be able to bear the sweet fruit of righteousness that will come as you drink in the beauty of the last two verses of this chapter. They are filled with virtues that will well up from the heart when repentance frees the way.

James 3

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Only You can tame my tongue v. 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 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.