Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and the reading.

Bound by legalism, the Pharisees could not rest; they were always “working” at accusing Jesus, refusing to rest in him. There was always some other ordinance that must be kept. They were never satisfied, projecting that God also was never satisfied.

Jesus came to release us from bondage, setting us free to enjoy a continual Sabbath by exulting in life. Every day with Jesus is Sabbath rest, for he shares the yoke of our lives. “Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).

Jesus is your Sabbath. Let him give you rest as he does his work in you. He came to relieve you of all other negative movements that work against the rest he longs to give you.

Mark 2:23—3:6

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Lord Jesus—my Sabbath rest.

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In the Season of Pentecost this year we read Mark 2—6; John 6.

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 26:3-6.

Here are the blessings that come from obedience and the curses that result from disobedience. When you read about the curses, focus not on the Lord who is punishing, but on the issue of not walking in God’s ways.

We don’t like to hear about a God who punishes. However, God will forgive where there is repentance. God will be faithful to the Covenant God established with our ancestors.

A difficulty we have with a God who punishes out of justice, is the projection of our unholy anger. Harboring resentments, dwelling on thoughts of revenge and wanting to punish those who have wronged us: this is our sin. The Lord is pure love, with justice. It is comforting to know that ultimate justice will take place. The Covenant is the Lord’s. It is ultimately God’s responsibility to reward or punish—not ours.

Leviticus 26:3—27:15

This is the first and second of three parts of the Torah Portion Behukkotai (My Commandment)
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. 26:3—27:34

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example:I follow Your commandments. 26:3

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.

As the Good News spreads, so does the opposition. Jesus’s family thinks he has gone out of his mind. Opposition of the scribes and Pharisees increases to the point of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, to conclude that Jesus’s miracles are the work of the devil. Jesus teaches that such a sin cannot be forgiven.

Do not be afraid of this. If you are reading God’s Word and want to grow in Christ, you are far from this devastating, pernicious, premeditated sin. However, we do live in a world that quietly mocks and disdains the gifts of the Lord. If there is not outright blasphemy, there is that indifference and lukewarmness that John said is worse than being cold to the Lord (Revelation 3:16).

Put on the mind of Christ and do not be afraid of those who think you are out of yours! 

Mark 3:20–35

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: I long to do Your holy will. v. 35

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
Since Easter was two weeks earlier than its mean week, the two weeks at the end of the Epiphany season are added to the beginning of the season of Pentecost.

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.