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 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.

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: No one making me afraid 26:6

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

Along with our Hebrew ancestors in the wilderness, the spirit of complaint blinds the Jewish leaders from receiving the gift in front of them of Jesus as the Bread of Life. Similar to Thomas the apostle who doubted, the leaders come to Jesus with their own concepts and norms for how God would touch and communicate with God’s people.

Complaining is poison. Do not do it. Receive the Bread of Life. Commit to the Lord that problem, that situation as you exhale each breath. With each inhale, take in the Bread of Life who is also the “breath” of life in the Holy Spirit. Receive the covenant blood of Jesus that brings salvation, joy and the immense love of Jesus.

John 6:41–71

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: The living bread from heaven v. 51

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.

Though the death of Ananias and Sapphira did not come as violently as did the idolaters in Monday’s reading from Ezekiel, it came as swiftly. Do not lie to God!

Water and oil do not mix; but joy and suffering can. Be aware of this blending in today’s reading.

How do you suffer? Is it with anger and complaints as a victim asking, “Why is this happening to me?” Give a name to the suffering and let this name turn into the name of Jesus. Offer your pain and suffering for others who do not have the faith that gives meaning to their pain. The joy of the Lord is your strength, making sense out of your suffering, which brings power in intercession for others.

Acts 5—6

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Joy to suffer for Your name 5:41

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the season of Easter this year we read Acts 1—9.

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.