Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and Exodus 15:19-26.

Events move rapidly in the Exodus. After the Israelites cross the Red Sea, Moses leads the people in praise of God. Then the scene shifts to one of complaint about there being no water, and later, there being no food.

How easy it is to forget the major interventions of the Lord on our behalf, and complain! After the episode of grumbling about no water, God makes a promise: if there is in the people, a heart that listens and does what the Lord wants, then God will be Yahweh-Rapha, “The Lord Who Heals.” 15:26 has been called “The Old Testament Covenant of Diving Healing.” Return to it often in those circumstances that tempt you to complain. Greater than what besets you is the Lord who promises to lead you through the Red Sea of suffering to freedom and wholeness.

Exodus 14:15—16:10

This is the second of three parts of the Torah Portion Beshallah (Sent Out)
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.

Exodus 13:17—17:36

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Rescued from all Egyptians v. 30

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 the reading.

The first action of deliverance in Mark’s Gospel is the casting out of an unclean spirit. Jesus heals the person at a Sabbath service in the synagogue of Capernaum. Synagogues at that time shared the same, basic sequence of Torah readings that we follow on Saturdays.

Jesus’s presence in the synagogue is transforming. Persons who need healing, physically or emotionally, are present. Jesus brings fresh, divine power into the covenant of healing which we read around this time in Exodus 15:26. It is basic in Mark: Jesus wins victory over the power of Satan in the movement of his ministry, just as he overcame the devil in the desert. Where the Israelites were faithless, Jesus is faithful.

Be in the synagogue with Jesus and watch him make new what is old, with his love and power.

Mark 1:21–31

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: You touch me—I am in peace. v. 31

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the Winter Season of Advent to Epiphany this year we read Luke 1-2; Mark 1-3

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 the reading.

If you have any love in you at all, it is because God, who is Love, is present to you through the Holy Spirit. God does not indwell in us as a reward for our loving; rather God’s presence makes it possible to love.

Love is super-natural; it is beyond our nature and us. Yes, it’s easy to love those who love you, as Matthew 5:46 declares; but love goes beyond egoism and personal attraction and preference, giving a divine quality to our lives, not coming from ourselves, but from God. 

The theme of “abiding” or “indwelling” is a central one for John, both in the letters and in his Gospel. Take each verse and let their truths sink deep. Brood over this teaching: “Perfect love casts out fear.” The Lord of love dwells in you, burning away all fear until you are aglow with love.

1 John 4:13–21

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Born of God, I’m protected. v. 18

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the Winter Season of Advent to Epiphany this year we read the Letters of John and Jude.

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.