July 17 - Glory to God

Overview of: Psalms

Today's Reading:
Psalms 19 – 22
SONGBOOK I : Psalms 1-41
Note: Review my post from July 11, 2009 for thoughts on Psalm 22.

Focus Verses: Psalm 19:1, 9, 14
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. - - - 9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. - - - 14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Insight:
It's hard to imagine how bright the stars blazed during the time of David. Our 21st century atmosphere is flooded with man-made light that diminishes our experience of the night sky. Sometimes when I get away from the lights of the city, like on a trip to northern woods and lakes of Minnesota, I'm reminded of just how breathtaking the heavens can be.

As a shepherd, and then later as a soldier, David spent many a night under the stars. He looked up and heard them "declare God's glory." The sun, moon, and stars were all giving glory to God by being exactly what he had made them to be. God had brought them into being by his word, and by God's word they were a glory to God.

Like the stars in the heavens, David wanted to be exactly who God had made him to be. He realized that God was his maker and he wanted to live by God's word in order to bring glory to God.

Response and Action:
I recognize that I exist by God's creative word. I want to live according to God's word. I will seek to know God's word as he has revealed it through creation, through the Scriptures, and through his Son Jesus--the Word made flesh. I will treasure, heed, and keep God's Word. God's Word will guide and inform all I am and think and do. I will pray that the words of my mouth, the attitudes of my heart, and the works of my hands will be pleasing and honoring to God.

O God, help me to delight in your word, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Romans 16:25-27
25 Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him— 27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
In Context: Romans 16

Proverb for Today: Prov. 17:3
"The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart."

Recommended Reading:
How to Read the Psalms
by Tremper Longman

July 16 - Son of David

Overview of: Psalms

Today's Reading:
Psalms 16 – 18
SONGBOOK I : Psalms 1-41

Focus Verses: Psalm 16:8-11
8 I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, 10 because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. 11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Insight:
The Apostle Peter famously quoted this Psalm in his sermon on the Day of Pentecost recorded in Acts 2. Many of the the Psalms of David were considered to be Messianic--they were seen to have a meaning that would ultimately be fulfilled in the fullest way by the promised Messiah (the Anointed One, the Son of David, the Christ).

Peter reasoned that since King David himself died, was buried, and experienced decay, Psalm 16:8-11 was more perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David who had risen from the grave. Peter understood King David to be prophesying about Jesus Christ.

It seems to me that some other passages in today's reading could also be seen to find their fullest meaning and fulfillment in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. Consider these: Psalm 17:11-15; Psalms 18:4-6; 18:45-50.

Response and Action:
In keeping with the teaching of the Apostles, I see Jesus to be the Christ who fulfills the Messianic promises and hopes of the Old Testament prophets. My faith is strengthened the more I see the ways that Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection so accurately embody the hopes and prophecies of the Old Testament Scriptures. I will place my hope and my faith in Jesus, believing that he is God's promised deliverer who has conquered death, brought salvation, and will one day reconcile all things to God.

O Lord, I praise you because you counsel me. Even at night, by your Spirit, my heart instructs me. I have set You always before me. I call on you, for you will answer me. Give ear to me and hear my prayer. Show me the wonder of your great love. Save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Amen

New Testament for Today: Acts 2:29-32
29 "Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact.
In Context: Acts 2

Proverb for Today: Prov. 16:10a
"The lips of a king speak as an oracle..."

Recommended Reading:
How to Read the Psalms
by Tremper Longman

July 15 - Righteousness from God

Overview of: Psalms

Today's Reading:
Psalms 11 – 15
SONGBOOK I : Psalms 1-41

Focus Verses: Psalm 14:2-3
2 The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. 3 All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.

Insight:
Contrasting the wicked and the righteous is a major consideration throughout the Old Testament Psalter. It is certainly the prevalent theme throughout the five psalms in today's reading.

In Psalm 11, David says that "He takes refuge in the Lord" who "is righteous and loves justice," believing that "upright men will see his face." In Psalm 14, he attaches wickedness with the denial of God, saying those who say 'there is no God' are corrupt. He acknowledges, however, that "all have turned aside" from God, and "there is no one who does good, not even one."

In Psalm 15, he extols the virtues of integrity and applauds the one who "is righteous, speaking the truth from his heart." David says that these are the people who will dwell with God and cannot be shaken.

Response and Action:
I will give careful thought to my ways. I want to live a righteous life that honors God. Though I want to speak the truth, I humbly recognize the ways I have turned from God and become corrupt. I am thankful that, through faith in Christ Jesus, God has reached past my sin and is at work to redeem and renew me. I’m glad that by God’s grace and redemptive power I can turn away from misdeeds and, instead, live by the Spirit.

O God, by the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, lead, teach, transform, shape, and strengthen me. Forgive me of my sin and help me to turn away from it. Create in me a clean heart. By your Spirit, make me a person of integrity. I cannot be righteous on my own. Thank you for the grace you've extended to me through Jesus. Help me to abide in Him and in doing so become able to walk in his ways. Amen

New Testament for Today: Romans 3:20-24
20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. 21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
In Context: Romans 3

Proverb for Today: Prov. 15:9
"The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness."

Recommended Reading:
Becoming Good
by David W. Gill

July 14 - Pitfall

Overview of: Psalms

Today's Reading:
Psalms 6 – 10
SONGBOOK I : Psalms 1-41

Focus Verses: Psalm 7:15-17
15 He who digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit he has made. 16 The trouble he causes recoils on himself; his violence comes down on his own head. 17 I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.

Insight:
King Saul was a Benjamite. David's succession to the throne was a difficult and contentious road. Many from the tribe of Benjamin opposed him. This psalm arises out of that conflict. It's about a specific circumstance and person. The note in the title tells us it is a song David sang to the Lord about Cush, a Benjamite.

David begins the psalm with a statement of trust in God, and ends the psalm with a statement of praise and thanks to God. The body of the psalm is filled with the fears, thoughts, and anger that filled David's thoughts and heart due to his conflict with Cush.

As David considered the motives and morality of others, he must have also been considering his own integrity and heart. He believed that evil motives and actions would eventually bring destruction upon those who did them. Ultimately, David trusted God to sort things out, to vindicate the righteous, and to judge the wicked.

Response and Action:
It makes sense to bring specific conflicts and problems to God. When I come to God with specific people and circumstances in mind, I will be careful to start with expressions of trust and end with thanksgiving and praise. While talking to God about the actions and motives of others, I will also be careful to evaluate my own heart. I will give careful thought to how my problems may have been brought on or worsened by my own actions. I will ask God for humility, wisdom, support, and restoration, because my ultimate hope is in him.

O God, help me live for you and through you in thought, word, and deed. Help me to turn away from what is wrong and do what is right. Help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Lead me away from temptation and deliver me from evil. Help me to delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Amen

New Testament for Today: James 1:2-6
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
In Context: James 1

Proverb for Today: Prov. 14:8
"The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception."

Recommended Reading:
How to Read the Psalms
by Tremper Longman

July 13 - Pray A.M.

Overview of: Psalms

Today's Reading:
Psalms 1 – 5
SONGBOOK I : Psalms 1-41

Focus Verses: Psalm 5:1-3
1 Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing. 2 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. 3 In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

Insight:
Two words in this passage catch my attention today: morning and expectation. The first word speaks to practice and the second word speaks to motivation. First, morning prayers were routine for the psalmist. Making time to pray every morning was the norm. Secondly, the psalmist believed that God heard, considered, and answered his prayers. When he prayed, he prayed with the expectation that God would act--his prayers mattered.

Response and Action:
I will make regular times and patterns for prayer part of my daily life. I will make every effort to make and guard a time for prayer every morning. When I pray, I will pray believing that God hears and cares about my prayers. I will pray with expectation, knowing that somehow, some way, my prayers connect my heart, my needs, and my requests into the gracious and loving presence of God. I will lay my requests before Him.

Every morning mercies new
Fall as fresh as morning dew;
Every morning let us pay
Tribute with the early day:
For your mercies, God, are sure;
Your compassion does endure.
Amen

New Testament for Today: Mark 1:35-37
35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!"
In Context: Mark 1

Proverb for Today: Prov. 13:12
"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."

Recommended Reading:
Learning to Pray Through the Psalms
by James Sire

Reading Schedule for July 13 - 18

July 13 - Psalms 1 – 5
July 14 - Psalms 6 – 10
July 15 - Psalms 11 – 15
July 16 - Psalms 16 – 18
July 17 - Psalms 19 – 22
July 19 - Psalms 23 – 27



You're invited to read through the Bible with Dave Burkum. Six readings each week will take you through the entire New Testament and key passages of the Old Testament. The 2008-09 Useful Breath reading can be downloaded by clicking the link in the right column.

July 11 - Not Forsaken

Overview of: Mark

Today's Reading:
Mark 15:1 – 16:20
"Crucifixion and Resurrection"

Focus Verses: Mark 15:33-34
33 At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

Insight:
When Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me," he was quoting the opening lines of Psalm 22, a psalm of David. He must have known, recited, and pondered over this song many times, especially as he knew the time of his death was drawing near. I think he was quoting or alluding to the last words of this Psalm ("he has done it") when he said, "It is finished." The account of the crucifixion in Mark 15 and the words of Psalm 22 are amazingly interconnected considering the Psalm was written hundreds of years before the time of Christ.

I don't believe that Jesus was forsaken by God, or thought he had been forsaken by God. His reference to Psalm 22 is actually a way for him to declare his absolute faith that God would not forsake him. He knew the last verse as well as the first verse. While others mocked and treated him as though he had been forsaken by God, Jesus quoted a song that declared his faith and hope that God would vindicate him, and his expectation to be victorious over death.

Response and Action:
I will trust in God's promises, even in the face of adversity and the threat of death. I believe that God is able to save. When it looks like I have been forsaken, I will, like Jesus, cling to the belief that God will save and restore me. I believe that nothing can separate me from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus.

O God, thank you for the hope of salvation. Lead me away from temptation. Deliver me from evil. Provide for my needs today. Protect me from discouragement, and encourage me by your Spirit through your word, your people, your promises, and all that is beautiful and true. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 22:1-5
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? 2 O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent. 3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the praise of Israel. 4 In you our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. 5 They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed.
In Context: Psalm 22

Proverb for Today: Prov. 11:30
"For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."

Recommended Reading:
Praying the Psalms of Jesus
by James Sire

July 10 - Covenant Meal

Overview of: Mark

Today's Reading:
Mark 13:1 – 14:72
"Anointed, Arrested, and Denied"

Focus Verses: Mark 13:32-34
22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body." 23 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them. 25 "I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God."

Insight:
This special meal that Jesus gave to his disciples must be the most reenacted historical event of all time. Every day for most of the last two thousand years, some group of people somewhere around the world has broken bread, poured a cup, and remembered Jesus and the new covenant of his blood. And now, the sun never sets on this special meal, as every day millions of Christians all around the world are breaking bread in sacred remembrance and joyful proclamation of the redemption and new life Jesus has made possible through his death on the cross.

Response and Action:
I will join with other Christians every week to worship and remember Christ through with the simple elements of broken bread and poured wine. In doing so I will remember and give witness to my need for forgiveness and salvation. I will remember and give witness to God's great love for humanity. I will remember and give witness to my place in the church--the body of Christ. I will remember and give witness to my faith and hope in the promise of Christ's return to redeem, restore, renew, and set all things right.

O God, thank you for sending your only Son into the world to save and redeem. O Christ, thank you for your selfless sacrifice. Thank you for the new and living way you have made for us to be renewed and made right with God. Thank you for rescuing us from the dominion of darkness and bringing us into your kingdom. Thank you for your church and for the opportunity to gather with them around a table each week to remember the cross, the resurrection, and the hope and purpose you give to our lives. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 23:5-6
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
In Context: Psalm 23

Proverb for Today: Prov. 10:17
"He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray."

Recommended Reading:
The Meal Jesus Gave Us
by N. T. Wright

July 9 - Capstone

Overview of: Mark

Today's Reading:
Mark 11:1 – 12:44
"Jerusalem, Temple, and Teachings"

Focus Verses: Mark 12:10-12
10 Haven't you read this scripture: " 'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; 11 the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?" 12 Then they looked for a way to arrest him because they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away.

Insight:
The authority of Jesus' words and actions were a direct confrontation to the authority of the religious establishment in Israel. This tension between the two was increasing and coming to a point of crisis. In clearing the temple, the cursing of the fig tree (see Luke 13:6-9), and the parable of the tenants, Jesus was denouncing and rejecting the authority of the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. They rejected Jesus' claims to authority, and plotted to have him arrested and silenced.

Using the words of the Psalms and the prophets, Jesus claimed to be the capstone and foundation stone of God's salvation. He said that in rejecting him, the religious leaders were ultimately rejecting God's hope and salvation. Jesus' appropriation of Psalm 118 turned it into a powerful statement of his claim to be God, the Messiah, the source of salvation, the foundation for life, and the gateway to salvation.

Response and Action:
I accept Jesus' authority. I look to him as the Son of God, the source of salvation, and the rightful Lord and master of my life. I will seek to know him, to follow him, and to obey him. I will build my life on the solid rock of his teaching. I will submit myself to his ways and trust him for the strength I need for life.

O Christ, you are my God, and I will ever praise you. I will seek you in the morning and learn to walk in your ways. Lead me step by step. Save me, strengthen me, guide me, renew me, and sustain me. Help me to know you more each day. Be the cornerstone of my life. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 118:8, 20-24
20 This is the gate of the LORD through which the righteous may enter. 21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. 22 The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; 23 the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
In Context: Psalm 118

Proverb for Today: Prov. 9:10
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

Recommended Reading:
Praying the Psalms of Jesus
by James Sire

July 8 - Hard to Believe

Overview of: Mark

Today's Reading:
Mark 9:14 – 10:52
"Faith, Greatness, and Priorities"

Focus Verses: Mark 9:21-24
21 Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?" "From childhood," he answered. 22 "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." 23 " 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." 24 Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

Insight:
"Everything is possible for him who believes." Really? What an outrageous thing for Jesus to say! Who can blame this poor father for struggling with belief? His son's life, and his own, had been terrorized by a self-destructive illness that was violent and demonic. Even after prolonged suffering and years of hopelessness, the man was somehow open to the possibility that Jesus could do something. I don't think Jesus was scolding the man; I think he was saying, "Don't stop believing in what God can do! No matter how hopeless it seems, hold on to what is possible with God."

Response and Action:
I identify strongly with this man. So many things in life make me cry out to Jesus, "If you can do anything, take pity on us." But even my cry is a expression of faith. Even my "if you can, God" is evidence of my hope in the face of doubt. The size of my faith is not what matters. What matters is where that faith is placed. I will put my faith and confidence in Jesus, believing that he is able to do all things. I believe that he will save and deliver me from evil. My hope is in Jesus.

O God, I believe. Save me from unbelief and increase my faith. My faith is in you. Your strength and your goodness are not diminished by the size of my faith. Even a mustard seed of faith can move mountains, if that faith is in you. Bolster my spirit, O God, and give me confidence, as I trust you with all my heart. I will not lean on my own understanding, but will instead acknowledge you in every need, and every circumstance of every day. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Habakkuk 1:5
5 "Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told."
In Context: Habakkuk 1

Proverb for Today: Prov. 8:1, 4
"Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? - 'To you, O men, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind.' "

Recommended Reading:
Getting Honest With God: Praying As If God Really Listens
by Mark Littleton

July 7 - The Point

Overview of: Mark

Today's Reading:
Mark 7:1 – 9:13
"Religion, Faith, and Jesus"

Focus Verses: Mark 7:6-8, 13
6 He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men. - - - 13 Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that."

Insight:
Jesus consistently confronted and denounced the religiosity that embraced external regulations, but missed God's heart and intent. What good did it do to have washed hands if your heart was filled with deceit and hate? Can lips really honor God if hearts are far from him?

You have missed the point of God's commands, Jesus told them, and reduced them to shallow rule-keeping. Worse, you have twisted God's commands and come up with ways to use them as a justification for doing the very things God condemns.

When Jesus ministered to the people of Tyre, Sidon, and Decapolis, he was taking hope and healing to people the Jews had written off as unclean. By doing this he was directly confronting the self-centered interpretations of the Mosaic Law and Abrahamic covenants that turned them into reasons to condemn an discard the Gentiles. God had promised Abraham that his descendants would bless all the nations. Jesus was living out God's covenant with Abraham when he healed the Syrophoenician woman's daughter and restored the hearing of the deaf man in Decapolis.

Response and Action:
I must be on guard against practicing religion that misses the point of God's intent. I must be careful to not replace God's heart and purposes with shallow tradition. To truly honor God, I must understand and live out his redemptive purposes in the world. As a follower of Christ, I must practice true religion that crosses barriers and shares God blessing. God's commands are intended not to cut us off from the world, but rather to help his people live in a way that blesses and saves others.

O God, save me from empty and self-deceived religion. Help me to discover true religion that loves you and lives for you. Help me to pursue holiness for the purpose of being ready to share your hope and redemption with the world around me. Help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, that I might live out your redemptive promise to bless to bless and save. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Genesis 12:2-3
2 "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
In Context: Genesis 12:1-8

Proverb for Today: Prov. 8:35
"For whoever finds me (wisdom) finds life and receives favor from the LORD."

Recommended Reading:
Jesus Without Religion
by Rick James

July 6 - Tell Them

Overview of: Mark

Today's Reading:
Mark 5:1 – 6:56
"Power and Provision"

Focus Verses: Mark 5:17-20
17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. 18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." 20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

Insight:
The man Jesus healed was an outcast from society. His condition had driven him away from family and friends and left to fend for himself among graves and near pig herds. It's completely understandable that he would want to leave his past behind and go with Jesus. The prospect of a new start in a new place must have seemed more desirable than going back to broken relationships and a shattered reputation. Yet Jesus told him to go home to his family and friends, and to show and tell them how much God, in his mercy, had done for him.

What a shock and wonder it must have been to family and old friends to see him healed and restored to his right mind. How much more healing and renewal did the man experience as a result of going home? What a powerful testimony of Christ's power it must have been to all who heard his testimony.

Response and Action:
I must look to Christ for the healing and renewal I need. Following Jesus is not a withdrawal from my world, but rather an engaging testimony to it. I must tell my family and friends about how God's mercy is restoring my life and what God is doing for me. My changed life is a message of God's saving power.

O God, by the power and grace of Christ Jesus, make me new. Forgive my sins, heal the wounds of my failure, take away the guilt of my transgressions, strengthen me in my weakness, free me from my bondage to sin, and restore my life. Give me the courage to be honest about my problems and needs, and help me give witness to the ways you are helping me to overcome them. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 103:2-5
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
In Context: Psalm 103

Proverb for Today: Prov. 6:23
"For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life..."

Recommended Reading:
Miracles
by C. S. Lewis

Reading Schedule for July 6 - 11

July 6 - Mark 5:1 – 6:56
July 7 - Mark 7:1 – 9:13
July 8 - Mark 9:14 – 10:52
July 9 - Mark 11:1 – 12:44
July 10 - Mark 13:1 – 14:72
July 11 - Mark 15:1 – 16:20


You're invited to read through the Bible with Dave Burkum. Six readings each week will take you through the entire New Testament and key passages of the Old Testament. The 2008-09 Useful Breath reading can be downloaded by clicking the link in the right column.

July 4 - Faith Family

Overview of: Mark

Today's Reading:
Mark 3:1 – 4:41
"Questions, Teachings, and a Miracle"

Focus Verses: Mark 3:31-35
31 Then Jesus' mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, "Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you." 33 "Who are my mother and my brothers?" he asked. 34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."

Insight:
Jesus was a controversial figure. Crowds pursued him, Pharisees plotted against him, his own family questioned his mental stability, and the teachers of the Law accused him of being satanic. Some, however, believed and followed him, desiring to do God's will. Jesus called them his brothers and sisters.

Response and Action:
Jesus remains a controversial figure today. He still elicits strong reactions. There are those who oppose him, dismiss him, ignore him, and despise him. But I love and him and trust him. I will follow him and be a part of the family who desire to do God's will.

O God, help me to turn away from what is wrong and do what is right. Help me to follow Jesus--to listen and to follow where he leads. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, help me to delight in his will and walk in his ways to the glory of his name. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 1:1
1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
In Context: Psalm 1

Proverb for Today: Prov. 4:18
"The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day."

Recommended Reading:
Following Jesus: Biblical Reflections on Discipleship
by N. T. Wright