Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and Deuteronomy 15:7-11.

Persons on their deathbed are often able to put their things in order and make final arrangements before they die; so too in the case of Moses. Instructions are given about how the poor are to be treated and the ordinances for the freeing of slaves. Once again, the commandment is stated about celebrating the three major pilgrim festivals—Passover, Pentecost (“Weeks”) and Tabernacles.

We often take for granted the yearly celebration of festivals and holidays. Of course, the word “holiday” is from “holy day.” Originally, the Lord commanded such celebrations as a way to fill the year with remembrances of God’s saving activity on behalf of God’s people. We are responding to the instruction given by God through Moses. How do you celebrate holidays? Are they holy … or not so holy?

Deuteronomy 15:1—16:17

This is the third of three parts of the Torah Portion Reeh (Behold)
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. 
Deuteronomy 11:26—16:17

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: You’re blessing me here and now 15:4

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 Luke 18:1-14.

The Lord invites you to welcome two persons to accompany you today—one, a widow, the other, a tax collector, also known as a publican. You will come to know them by how they contrast with other characters in two parables unique to St. Luke. Joining with the widow is a judge who likely basks in being called “Your Honor,” but who has honor neither for God nor for humans. The person forever linked to the publican is the arrogant Pharisee who spends his time, not in praying, but in boasting in self-righteousness. The widow is a model for persistent, confident prayer; the publican is an example of total abandon, humility, and trust before God. These two are your teachers today about how you need to grow in prayer.

Luke 18

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Never losing heart in prayer v. 18

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the season of Pentecost this year we read Luke 9—19:27.

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 Hebrews 11:8-22.

Seventeen times in these two chapters the phrase “by faith” is used. The final parts of the letter offer great encouragement to the Hebrew Christians who are being tempted to deny their Christ.

Ponder the opening verse of chapter 11 about the nature of faith. Follow the sweeping review of Old Testament saints as the writer lifts them as examples of faith. They gave their lives for what they believed in their heart, without seeing it with their eyes.

You too are in the possession right now, of what you do not fully see—the perfect salvation won for you by Jesus. As you receive it, you anticipate by faith the joy you will experience completely when the veil of this life is removed and your life in heaven unfolds. What links now with then, is your faith. Exult in these chapters.

Hebrews 10—11

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: In full assurance of faith 10:22

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

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.