Listen to Nick read the Firestarter and Genesis 45:28 – 46:1-7.

Jacob receives a comforting and wondrous vision from God during the night. This is the seventh time that God has spoken of the covenant—twice to Abraham, twice to Isaac, and now the third time to Jacob. Jacob is reassured about the promises of the Lord; he will see his son Joseph before he dies.

Respect the power of the night. When you awaken during it, turn to the Lord who wants to share with you the intimacies of the covenant God offers to you in Jesus through the Spirit. All the great revelations that God made to patriarchs and prophets are gathered in Jesus. The Lord wants to speak to your heart and tell you of the love, plans, and promises held out to you. Take time to listen to God with a pure, open heart—day or night.

Genesis 45:28—46:27

This is the second of three parts of the Torah Portion Vayiggash (And He Approached)
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.
Gen. 44:18—47:27

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Open to visions from God 46:2

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 the reading.

There are three songs in two chapters: what a way to begin a Gospel! The first is the song of Zechariah in today’s reading; the second is the song of Mary we considered last Friday; the final one is the song of Simeon in 2:29–32. Religious communities have been singing these songs for centuries as part of morning, evening, and night prayer.

The song of Zechariah is the first sound of praise that flows from his lips after he was struck dumb. After the silence of the night, a faith-filled praying of this song will have you begin your day aware of God’s power. God is faithful to you now, just as in past ages. You will be “the child” to go before him to prepare the way for Jesus— the bright “Son-Light” for others in your day.

Luke 1:57–80

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Giving light to those in dark v. 79

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 were to describe your spiritual states before God as a member of a family, what would you call yourself? Are you a “father,” a “spoiled child”? How might others in a family see you with an honest perception of how you are? John does this in the church community to whom he is writing.

Whatever is your assessment of spiritual growth, the words in verses 15–17 need to be taken to heart. Reflect upon what is passing in your life and what lasts forever. Take the three-fold assessment that John makes of the world and meditate on them until their truth comes home to you. Take this with you today and always: “He who does the will of God abides forever.”

1 John 2: 12–17

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Abiding—doing Your will v. 17

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.