Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and the Gospel.

A runner seeing the finish line in the distance finds a burst of energy to complete the race. So does Jesus fix his eyes upon Jerusalem straight ahead to be then taken straight up to Heaven.

The Greek word for “taken up,” analepsis, is the word for the Ascension of Jesus. Mount Calvary is as the Mount of the Ascension; the raised cross prefigures, and is at once, the Ascension.

From the deepest of suffering and darkness, there is no place to go but up. Yet for this to happen there is no place to go but straight ahead in following Jesus. He has blazed the trail for you; all you need to do is follow. Keep your eyes upon him, and nothing from the sidelines will distract you, or prompt you to leave the race before the finish.

Luke 9:51–62

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: I, messenger before You v. 52

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year C, we generally read from the Gospel of St. Luke.

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 Numbers 18:25-32.

 It was a unique privilege to have been a son of Aaron, or to have been born into the tribe of Levi. The tithes of the rest of the people were dedicated to the support of these two priestly groups. The entire life of the priests was devoted to the care of the sanctuary and worship. Chapter 18 verse 29 describes the even greater responsibility of the Levites to honor what they do with these gifts, for they belong to the Lord.

The life of worship is central for God’s people. The tabernacle is the most important place for the Israelites, for it draws the people together about their God, maintaining a consciousness of the presence of God in all life.

We are reading the Letter to the Hebrews on Thursdays, which expresses the priesthood of Jesus in even more exalted terms. In Jesus, you are a priest. What do you do with the gifts you have been given?

Numbers 18

This is the third of three parts of the Torah Portion Korah.
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. 
Numbers 16—18

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Offering my best to You v. 29ff

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 10:25-37.

The Evil One often uses the mixed motives of others in an attempt to distract us from God’s will. The root of the word for the “testing” by the lawyer is the same one Luke uses to describe the temptation of Jesus by the devil in the desert (Luke 4:2)—even a more intense form of the word. Yet Jesus is up to the challenge.

Heady questions that fill committee rooms can distract us, while abuse and mugging could be taking place just outside the door. The two priestly types missed the chance to be near Jesus who was within the man in great need. “I was sick and you took care of me” (Matt 25:36).

There are moments to find Jesus in another in need … and moments—as Mary found—to sit at his feet and listen to his Word. Do not miss either today.

Luke 10:25–42

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Pouring oil on wounds of heart v. 34

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.