Listen to Nick read the Firestarter
and the beginning part of the reading: Genesis 41:53-57.

 All the years of Joseph’s trusting in the Lord come to fruition at this moment of meeting his brothers. They have come to Egypt in search of food. What restraint Joseph exhibits as he recognizes them, but does not reveal himself! Think of what he might have said to those who had sold him into slavery. He keeps silent about that. God uses him to bring ultimate joy to his family. Though we may not understand the long delay and the trips of his brothers to Canaan and back—all the territory covered in the Exodus—the suspense only serves to heighten the coming moment of total recognition.

Be patient. The Lord is working out all the details in his own time of reconciliation with those with whom you may be estranged. Seek to do God’s will.

Genesis 41:53—43:15

This is the second of three parts of the Torah Portion Mikketz (At the End) 
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.

Genesis 41:1—44:17

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Joseph seeing his brothers 42:8

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 Luke 1:46-55.

Just as darkness and light are set against each other in this season, so the high and glorious words of Angel Gabriel contrast with the humble, receptive, gentle words of Mary. She makes her decision: “Behold the maidservant of the Lord!” God takes flesh in her womb because of her “Yes.”

Mary and Elizabeth meet, as well as the children in their wombs. Mary combines humility with exaltation in her song, the Magnificat: “My soul magnifies the Lord.”

A magnifying glass makes bigger what you see through it. Mary makes God larger to Elizabeth and to us. How can you ready yourself so that when others look at you, they see Christ within and beyond you, made larger, greater, and clearer?

Luke 1:26–56

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: My soul magnifies the Lord v. 47

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.

Points of light spring up all over the land as the darkness of night invades late afternoon. Are there brands of darkness that seek to move in upon the light-center of your life?

As you look at areas in your life where light needs to shine, listen to John remind you that obedience to the Lord is essential for light to fill you. Otherwise, arrogance, error, and hatred—as so much darkness, will try to overtake you.

Hatred is darkness; love is light. Are there pockets of dark resentments in your life? The verses of John’s letter will be as a string of lights to adorn the house of your heart. Write. The lines in your journal will continue the points of lights that the Spirit is offering to you.

1 John 2:1–11

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Loving is living in light v. 10

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.