Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and Genesis 25:19-34.

Within the womb of Rebecca, the twins Jacob and Esau struggle in strife—sign of the same evils that will beset future generations of the human family. Within the flow of God’s gracious covenant and the responses on the part of our patriarchs, there are the shadows of selfishness and greed. Witness the tension between instant gratification, and patient waiting for fuller revelation, as described in Esau’s selling his future destiny so that he could have his stomach filled in the present. Find the points of identification with these figures portrayed as so very frail and human, though at the same time touched by God with wondrous plans for the future.

Are there future possibilities you are compromising by being obsessed with some immediate desire that presses on you for satisfaction?

Genesis 25:19—26:22

This is the first of three parts of the Torah Portion Tol’doth (Progeny) 
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 25:19—28:9

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Free us, Lord, from fam’ly strife.

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 24:13-34.

Yesterday’s reading about the New Jerusalem came as a marked contrast with the previous chapter in Revelation; so also for today’s Gospel of the resurrection. Evil has been defeated on the cross. The glorious presence of Jesus, the Bridegroom, fills the final chapter of Luke as we conclude this year of grace next week.

Be a silent, observant partner as you walk with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Jesus joins them. He is the yoke between them and the power within. Watch their hearts begin to burn as Jesus reveals the inner meaning of the Scriptures to them.

You might divide the reading into two parts, one for the morning, one for the evening. Spend your whole day with the risen Lord. Jesus walks with you and talks with you.

Luke 24:1–35

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: My heart burning within me v. 32

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read Luke 19:28 to 24:53.

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 Revelation 21:1-7.

Heaven and earth are bonded together in the striking images of this passage . Evil is forever defeated. Wickedness no longer impedes the sweet commerce intended to take place between heaven and earth. It is the ultimate answer to the plea in the Lord’s Prayer that God’s “will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

The image of the flow between heaven and earth is similar to the dream of Jacob in Genesis 28:12, reiterated in John 1:51 with the image of “angels ascending and descending.”

As you receive the images of the New Jerusalem, which abound in purity and perfection, may you rest in victorious peace at the heart of the Church. This is the temple.

Revelation 21

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: You wipe away ev’ry tear. v. 4

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read 2 Timothy and Revelation 12—22.

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.