Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and Genesis 9:8-17.

Noah emerges from the ark with the rest of the land animals—“birds, beasts and beetles.” Just as in the first account of creation, when the dry land appeared with water taking its assigned place, here again, dry land emerges from the chaos of the Flood.

For the first time in the Bible, the word Covenant is used to describe a new dimension in the relation of the Creator to the creature. The term is repeated several times in chapter 9, as though to introduce the new intimacy that the Lord wants to have with the human family. It thus anticipates the great covenants to come with Abraham, Moses—and of course, with Jesus.

Is there any chaos from which you are emerging in your life? From it there arises a new relation of intimacy and joy with your Creator and Lord.

Genesis 8:15—10:32

This is the second of three parts of the Torah Portion Noah.
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 6:9—11:32

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: All creatures placed in our hands 9:2

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 Nick read the Firestarter and Matthew 25:31-46.

This is the last chapter in Matthew’s Gospel before the Passion of Jesus. It consists of two parables and the description of the final judgment. They are as three murals that fill the wall of a great hall. Your imagination will creatively continue the stories and the images before you.

If there is one word that gives unity to the three scenes, it is responsibility. Take the word in the sense of “being responsive.” The wise virgins, the persons with five and three talents, and those at the final judgment who were compassionate to the needy—each of these were responsive to the demands and the details of the presence of Jesus as Bridegroom, Master, and Son of Man. 

Meditate on where you find yourself in each of these stories, noting the changes needed in your responsiveness—before it is too late.

Matthew 25

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Done for th’ least, doing for You v. 45

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read Matthew 19 to 28.

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 Nick read the Firestarter and 1 Corinthians 7:12-16.

Paul seeks to reorient the Corinthians according to moral principles, especially about sexuality. His understanding rests on the power of the Christian life to make holy a marriage with an unbeliever. Greater is the power of holiness than the power of unbelief. This holy fidelity can result in the conversion of the unbeliever. Both faith and love can move mountains.

There is strength, yet gentleness in the teaching of Paul. Perhaps you have come to a place in your life and are sharing it with someone, without having previously adhered to these standards. Live the standard now, by the grace of the Lord. Renew your repentance for past sin, asking the Lord to let holiness of life flow through you to all those who depend upon the commitment of your love.

1 Corinthians 7—8

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Love lifting to holiness

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read 1 Corinthians.

For all the Firestarters 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.