November 19 - Thanksliving

Today's Reading:
Numbers 11:1-35
"Quail and Complaints"

Focus Verses: Numbers 11:21-23
21 But Moses said, "Here I am among six hundred thousand men on foot, and you say, 'I will give them meat to eat for a whole month!' 22 Would they have enough if flocks and herds were slaughtered for them? Would they have enough if all the fish in the sea were caught for them?" 23 The LORD answered Moses, "Is the LORD's arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you."

Insight:
After all God had brought them through, it's difficult to see how the Israelites could complain about their diet. When they were slaves in Egypt, surely any of them would have gladly given up meat from their diet in exchange for freedom. But now, even though they were free, they had the audacity to talk about Egypt like they missed it.

Instead of being thankful for what they had and for all God had done to bless them, they whined about what they didn't have and what they wanted God to do. God proved, once again, that he was more than able to provide for them. So able, in fact, that he brought them enough quail to feed them for a month.

Response and Action:
I don't want to be a complainer. I want to be much quicker to thank God for what I have than I am to complain to him about what I don't have. I want to be a grateful person who is continually giving praise to God for what he has done and is doing in my life. I will trust God to provide for my needs.

O God, thank you for your goodness and your generous provision to me. Give me a heart of thanksgiving and eyes to see the many ways you have blessed me. Help me to trust in you for all my needs. Forgive me for the times I whine and complain. Help me to mature and grow so strong in you that I am able to be content in any and every circumstance. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov.19:4
"A man's own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the LORD."

New Testament for Today: Philippians 4:14-15
14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe...
In Context: Philippians 2:14-16, 4:12-13

Resources:
Following Jesus
by N.T. Wright

Reading Schedule for November 19 - 24

Nov. 19 - Num. 11:1-35
Nov. 20 - Num. 12:1-16
Nov. 21 - Num. 13:1-33
Nov. 22 - Num. 14:1-44
Nov. 23 - Num. 20:1 - 21:9
Nov. 24 - Deut. 1:1-3, 4:1-49






You're invited to read through the Bible with Dave Burkum. Six readings each week will take you through key scripture passages from Genesis through Revelation. Click here to download your copy of the Useful Breath Reading Schedule for 2007-08.

November 17 - Keeping My Head in the Cloud

Today's Reading:
Numbers 9:15-23
"Following the Cloud "

Focus Verses: Numbers 9:22-23
22 Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out. 23 At the LORD's command they encamped, and at the LORD's command they set out. They obeyed the LORD's order, in accordance with his command through Moses.

Insight:
After receiving guidance from God on Mt. Sinai, Moses and the Israelites took steps to prepare and organize themselves for their trip to the land God had promised to them. They built the Tabernacle (a portable worship center), they established a priesthood, they took a census, and they established an orderly way to set up camp and travel. It was a huge endeavor and their entourage must have been an impressive sight to see.

Even more impressive was the dramatic way God made his presence and leading visible among them. A cloud covered the Tabernacle and towered above it by day. At night the cloud appeared as fire. When the cloud lifted and began to move, the Israelites would break up camp and prepare to travel. The direction and timing of their travels was absolutely determined by the cloud.

Response and Action:
Just as Moses ascended Mt. Sinai to receive guidance from God, I want to seek God's guidance for my life's journey. The ways I organize my goals, schedule, priorities, and strategies must be informed by the instruction of Scripture and direction by the Holy Spirit.

Just as the Tabernacle was one of the first priorities of the Israelites and at the center of their encampment, I will put worship and spiritual formation first and center in my life. Just as the Israelites were sensitive to God's leading, whether that meant pulling up and moving or staying in place and waiting, I want to be sensitive to God's leading in my life. Just as they followed the cloud, I will follow Jesus and listen to him.

O God, help me to trust in you with all my heart and not depend solely on my own understanding. In all my ways, I want to acknowledge your presence, trusting you to lead me in the best path. Be my cloud by day, shielding me from the draining heat of sun. Be my fire by night, protecting me from the chill of the darkness. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov.17:24
"A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth."

New Testament for Today: Matthew 17:5
5While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"
In Context: Matthew 17:1-12

Resources:
Following Jesus
by N.T. Wright

November 16 - Walking toward Blessing

Today's Reading:
Leviticus 26:3-46
"Rewards and Punishments"

Focus Verses: Lev. 26:3-4,14-16
3 "If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, 4 I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees of the field their fruit. --- 14 But if you will not listen to me and carry out all these commands, 15 and if you reject my decrees and abhor my laws and fail to carry out all my commands and so violate my covenant, 16 then I will do this to you: I will bring upon you sudden terror, wasting diseases and fever that will destroy your sight and drain away your life. You will plant seed in vain, because your enemies will eat it."

Insight:
After the tragic Golden Calf incident, Moses went back up on Mount Sinai for another forty days and renewed the commitment of the Israelites to follow and obey God. While he was on Sinai he received much more than the Ten Commandments. God revealed the design for the Tabernacle (the portable precursor of the Temple), instructions about special feasts and worship observances, and the sacrifice and offering rituals.

After God gave all these to Moses, he gave solemn promises and warnings. They can be summed up like this: "If you do what I say, you will be blessed. If you turn away from me and disregard my guidance and commands, you will suffer the consequences."

Response and Action:
God is my maker. Therefore, his instruction and commands for are best for me. To walk in his ways is to walk toward blessing. To turn away from his ways is to walk toward disaster and destruction. It is not enough to know his ways, I need God's help to walk in them. I have failed to follow God's commands, but Jesus' sacrifice on the cross has atoned for my sin and made forgiveness and restoration possible. By the power of the Holy Spirit, God is purifying my heart and transforming my will to turn away from sin and to delight in his ways.

O God, show me your ways. Guide me in your truth and teach me. Only you can save me from sin; my hope is in you all day long. Thank you for Jesus who loved me gave himself for me as a sacrifice to atone for my sin. Thank you for the Holy Spirit who is changing my heart, drawing me closer to you, and helping me to live a life that honors you. Help me to walk in your ways that I might enjoy the blessing and reward you have promised me. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov.16:6
"Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil."

New Testament for Today: Romans 8:3-4
3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, 4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.
In Context: Romans 8:1-11

Resources:
Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ
by Dallas Willard

November 15 - So Close, Yet So Far

Today's Reading:
Exodus 32:1-35
"The Golden Calf"

Focus Verses: Ex. 32:7-9, 31-32
7 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. 8 They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, 'These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.' 9 "I have seen these people," the LORD said to Moses, "and they are a stiff-necked people. - - - 31 So Moses went back to the LORD and said, "Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made themselves gods of gold. 32 But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written."

Insight:
The Golden Calf was not some new invention of the Israelites. During the time of the Exodus, the image of "The Bull" was an object of worship in Egypt. It was also widely worshiped among their neighboring nations in the Ancient Near East.

Moses was on Mount Sinai for forty days and nights. That was long enough for the people of Israel to jump to the conclusion that something had happened to him. In his absence, they reverted to pagan idolatry and turned back to a god-image they had learned in Egypt. Not only did they make a calf, they celebrated the deity it represented with pagan practices of ritualistic gluttony and sexual immorality.

This whole event is a stark and shocking reminder of just how far the people of Israel were from understanding or knowing the true God who had delivered them from slavery. Moses was angry with the people, but he begged God to forgive them.

Response and Action:
The people of Israel were so close to God, and yet so far away from him. Moses was in the very presence of God on Mt. Sinai, receiving God's promises and commands, but the people of Israel were distant, disobedient, and confused in the dark valley of their ignorance. They needed the commands and guidance God was giving them through Moses. They needed the truth God was revealing and to turn from their false ideas about God.

I need to draw near to God. The truth revealed to me in the Bible will help me to leave the darkness of my ignorance and help me to recognize the One True God and not confuse him with my own ideas or the false concepts of God so prevalent in the world around me.

O God, thank you for your Holy Word. I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Save me from my own ignorance and the false ideas of the world that surround me. Thank you for Jesus who has made you known to me. Help me to follow in his way and to build my life upon the solid ground of his words. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov.15:14
"The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly."

New Testament for Today: Colossians 1:13-14
13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
In Context: Colossians 1:1-23

Resources:
Breaking the Idols of Your Heart
by Dan Allender and Tremper Longman

November 14 - The Voice from the Mountain

Today's Reading:
Exodus 19:1 - 20:26
"Sinai and the Commandments"

Focus Verses: Exodus 19:16-19
16 On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. 17 Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. 18 Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the LORD descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, the whole mountain trembled violently, 19 and the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder. Then Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him.

Insight:
God had saved the nation of Israel and called them to a holy purpose: "You will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (v.6). God's holiness is so absolute that he warned the people of Israel to not even touch the mountain because doing so would result in death. The mountain itself rumbled and shook as it could barely abide God's awesome and holy presence. Then God spoke and gave Moses commands that would guide his people toward holy lives.

Response and Action:
Sin separates humanity from God who is absolutely holy. Just like the people of Israel and Mount Sinai, I need to recognize God's holiness and my sinfulness. Thankfully, God is working to guide, forgive, redeem, and transform those who will follow him in faith. More than just a list of laws, God has also sent his Son, Jesus, into the world to cleanse me from sin, to remove the barriers that separate me from God, and to transform my heart by the power of his Spirit. I will pursue holiness, look to Christ for forgiveness and transformation, and offer myself to God to serve his holy purpose for me.

O God, 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, and to love my neighbor as myself. Lead me away from temptation and deliver me from evil. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, lead, teach, transform, shape, and strengthen me, that I might delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov.14:27
"The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death."

New Testament for Today: Hebrews 12:14,18, 22-23
14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. --- 18 You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; --- 22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. In Context: Hebrews 12:14-29

Resources:
The Pursuit of Holiness
by Jerry Bridges

November 13 - Wise Leadership

Today's Reading:
Exodus 18:1-27
"Jethro Visits Moses"

Focus Verses: Exodus 18:17-18,21,23
17 Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you are doing is not good. 18 You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. --- 21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. --- 23 If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied."

Insight:
Moses received some very wise and godly advice about leadership from his father-in-law, Jethro. The advice was very clear and thoughtful, and was given with a spirit of concern and humility.

Some Bible scholars suggest that the number of people Moses was leading was as many as three million. If these people were to be led well, there would have to be a strategy and structure for leadership. Moses would be doing well just to lead the leaders!

Wise leadership in any community (whether it be church, organization, city, state, or nation), must have a strategy for and commitment to developing levels of leadership. The best leaders are always training, equipping, and nurturing a larger network of leaders who can deliver satisfying care and service to the greater community. Failure to do this results in stressed out leaders and frustrated followers.

Response and Action:
I want to encourage wise leaders and followers in my church community. It is vital for leaders to share the load. It is important for followers to support leaders and not expect too much from any one person. I want to give prayerful consideration to my role as a leader. I want to help and empower others to lead, and I want to be a supportive follower of others who are serving and leading.

O God, thank you for your church and for those who you have called to serve your the church as leaders. Help them to look to you for guidance and wisdom, and to love you with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Help me to find my place and my roles of service in this community of believers. In the ways you have called me to lead, help me lead effectively. In the ways you have called me to follow, help me to follow supportively. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov.13:10
"Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice."

New Testament for Today: 1 Peter 5:1-3
1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
In Context: 1 Peter 5:1-11

Resources:
Shepherds After My Own Heart: Pastoral Traditions And Leadership in the Bible
by Timothy S. Laniak

November 12 - One Day at a Time

Today's Reading:
Exodus 16:1 - 17:16
"Manna, Quail, Water, and War"

Focus Verses: Exodus 16:16-18
16 This is what the LORD has commanded: 'Each one is to gather as much as he needs. Take an omer for each person you have in your tent.' " 17 The Israelites did as they were told; some gathered much, some little. 18 And when they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little. Each one gathered as much as he needed.

Insight:
Escaping from Egypt is one thing. Becoming a free nation that follows and trusts God is another. Once the Israelites had been released from the hardships of slavery, they had to learn how to face the challenges and fears of freedom.

They worried and grumbled about food, and God provided for their needs. When they were attacked, God defended them. Their needs came one day at a time, and that's exactly how God provided for them--one day at a time. When it seemed to them they would not be able to face another day, God provided for that day. God wanted them to depend on him one day at a time. He told them to rest on the seventh day and trust him to meet their needs.

Moses took some manna and put it in a jar as an ongoing reminder of God's provision. When they were saved from the attack of the Amalekites, Moses wrote on a scroll to preserve an account of what had happened.

Response and Action:
I need to trust God one day at a time. I need to be faithful to follow him and trust that he will be faithful to care for me. When I find myself grumbling or stressed out, I want to examine my heart and ask God to strengthen my faith. I want to be careful to notice and remember the many ways God has brought me this far. I can take time for rest and for worship because I trust God to provide for my needs.

O God, help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Help me to trust you for my needs one day at a time. Give me a heart and mind that are at peace. Protect me from discouragement, and encourage me by your Spirit through your word, your people, your promises, and all that is beautiful and true. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov.12:3
"A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted."

New Testament for Today: Matthew 6:11
11 Give us today our daily bread.
In Context: Matthew 6:9-34

Resources:
Exodus: Learning to Trust God
by James Reapsome

Reading Schedule for November 12 - 17

Nov. 12 - Ex. 16:1 - 17:16
Nov. 13 - Ex. 18:1-27
Nov. 14 - Ex. 19:1 - 20:26
Nov. 15 - Ex. 32:1-35
Nov. 16 - Lev. 26:3-43
Nov. 17 - Num. 9:15-23




You're invited to read through the Bible with Dave Burkum. Six readings each week will take you through key scripture passages from Genesis through Revelation. Click here to download your copy of the Useful Breath Reading Schedule for 2007-08.

November 10 - Now What Do I Do?

Today's Reading:
Exodus 13:17 – 14:31
"Parting and Crossing the Sea"

Focus Verses: Exodus 14:13-14
13 Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."

Insight:
With Pharaoh's army pursuing them from behind and the Red Sea before them blocking any way of escape, the Israelites were terrified. They thought they would be killed in a massacre.

Moses told them to be still, to stand firm, and to not be afraid. He said God would fight for them and bring them deliverance. Those who were threatening their lives would never threaten them again.

Response and Action:
When I am facing challenges and threatening circumstances, I need to remember that I am not alone. God will help me, so I will stand firm. God is able to deliver me, so I will not be afraid. God is able to save, so I will be still and trust in him.

O God, when I am afraid, help me to be still and put my trust in you. When I feel like running in the face of challenges and obstacles, give me the courage to stand firm. Be my help, my shelter, and my deliverer. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov.10:29
"The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous, but it is the ruin of those who do evil."

New Testament for Today: Ephesians 6:10-11
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
In Context: Ephesians 6:10-20

Resources:
Exodus: Learning to Trust God
by James Reapsome

November 9 - Free at Last

Today's Reading:
Exodus 12:31-42
"Leaving Egypt"

Focus Verses: Exodus 12:31-34
31 During the night Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, "Up! Leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested. 32 Take your flocks and herds, as you have said, and go. And also bless me." 33 The Egyptians urged the people to hurry and leave the country. "For otherwise," they said, "we will all die!" 34 So the people took their dough before the yeast was added, and carried it on their shoulders in kneading troughs wrapped in clothing.

Insight:
After four hundred years of bondage, the Israelites were finally leaving Egypt. Even as they were leaving, the event had great spiritual significance to them. God had instructed them to reenact this day every year thereafter to remember the significance of the Exodus in their history, AND to contemplate the spiritual meaning and ongoing relevance of the Exodus for their present.

Leaving Egypt was always a picture of deliverance from spiritual bondage. They were to remember that the God who delivered them from Egypt with mighty acts of power could also deliver them from bondage to sin. The bread without yeast became symbolic of a life without sin. They were to remember that in the same way a little yeast worked its way through a whole batch of dough, a little sin could corrupt a whole person and, in fact, a whole nation.

Response and Action:
When I celebrate Holy Communion, I am remembering the deliverance Christ Jesus has given me. The Passover bread Jesus broke with his disciples, and the Passover cup of deliverance he poured, remind me that he was broken, like the Passover lambs, to set me free from sin. Just as the Israelites left bondage to Egypt, Christ calls me to leave behind my bondage to sin. Just as their bread was without yeast, I am called to live a holy life without the corruption of sin.

O God, help me to live for you and through you in thought, word, and deed. Help me to turn away from what is wrong and to do what is right. Thank you for Christ Jesus, my deliverer who has set me free from slavery to sin. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, lead, teach, transform, shape, and strengthen me, that I might delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your Name. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov.9:6
"Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding."

New Testament for Today: 1 Corinthians 5:7-8
7Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 8Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth.
In Context: 1 Corinthians 5

Resources:
The Pursuit of Holiness
by Jerry Bridges

November 8 - Cries in the Darkness

Today's Reading:
Exodus 12:1-30
"The Passover"

Focus Verses: Exodus 12:29-30
29 At midnight the LORD struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on the throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner, who was in the dungeon, and the firstborn of all the livestock as well. 30 Pharaoh and all his officials and all the Egyptians got up during the night, and there was loud wailing in Egypt, for there was not a house without someone dead.

Insight:
In obeying Moses' instruction to them regarding the Passover, the Israelites were graciously saved from the plague of death. They sacrificed lambs, made unleavened bread, marked the doorposts of their homes with blood, and stayed inside all night long and worshiped God. They took hold of God's salvation by faith in reverent obedience.

The Egyptians, due to Pharaoh's stubborn defiance, were subject to the consequences of rebellion. Failure to acknowledge God results in sorrow and death. How different the story of Egypt might have been if Pharaoh had humbled himself and put his faith in God!

Response and Action:
I will put my faith in God. I want to take hold of God's gracious offer of life and salvation through Christ. I will reverently enter into the Passover story through faith in Christ Jesus. I believe that the Passover of Exodus is a foreshadowing of the ultimate Passover made possible through Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. I will hide myself in him.

O God, save me from the destruction and death that result from sin. Thank you for the salvation you have graciously extended to me through Christ Jesus. May his cross be the blood mark on the door of my heart. May his church be the house I stay within, a place of fellowship, and a refuge from judgment. May each day of my life be and act of worship and thanksgiving. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

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

New Testament for Today: Romans 6:23
23For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
In Context: Romans 6:15-23

Resources:
Cries of The Heart
by Ravi Zacharias

November 7 - Pride Kills

Today's Reading:
Exodus 10:1 – 11:10
"Pharaoh Refuses to Humble Himself"

Focus Verses: Exodus 10:3
3 So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said to him, "This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: 'How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, so that they may worship me.

Insight:
How did God harden Pharaoh's heart? By continually giving him more chances to humble himself. With every refusal, God's power was displayed yet again, and Pharaoh's stubborn pride became more irrational and self-destructive. The harder he fought against God, the harder his fall was certain to be.

Response and Action:
Refusing to humble myself before God, and to obey him, is self-destructive. Being prideful and having a disregard for God is sure to bring me down. If I am humble before God and responsive to his call and his commands, he will lift me up. Resisting God is irrational. Yielding to God makes perfect sense.

O God, help me to live for you and through you this day in thought, word, and deed. Help me to turn away from what is wrong and to do what is right. Help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Teach me your ways and walk humble with you. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov.7:2
"Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye."

New Testament for Today: James 4:8-10
8Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. In Context: James 4:1-12

Resources:
Renovation of the Heart
by Dallas Willard

November 6 - The Danger of Resisting Grace

Today's Reading:
Exodus 9:8-35
"Pharaoh's Hard Heart"

Focus Verses: Exodus 9:12-17
12 But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart and he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said to Moses. 13 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Get up early in the morning, confront Pharaoh and say to him, 'This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me, 14 or this time I will send the full force of my plagues against you and against your officials and your people, so you may know that there is no one like me in all the earth. 15 For by now I could have stretched out my hand and struck you and your people with a plague that would have wiped you off the earth. 16 But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. 17 You still set yourself against my people and will not let them go.

Insight:
The more Pharaoh resisted God, the harder his heart became. Every opportunity God gave Pharaoh to respond was also an opportunity to reject. So in a way, God was hardening Pharaoh's heart by giving him more chances to respond and surrender.

Rejecting God's sovereignty is rebellion. Rejecting God's grace is hardheartedness. Rejecting the truth for a lie is self-destructive.

Response and Action:
God is continually extending opportunities to acknowledge him and respond to him. I can soften my heart and surrender to God, or harden my heart and resist God’s grace. Because I believe that God is God, that Jesus is the Son of God, and that God has offered life and salvation, I want to be as responsive to God as possible.

O God, give me the eyes to see and believe in you. Give me a heart that is soft and responsive to your grace. Give me a mind that delights in your will. Give me a desire to walk in your ways. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 6:2-3
"...if you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor!"

New Testament for Today: Romans 1:20
20For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
In Context: Romans 1:18-32

Resources:
Renovation of the Heart
by Dallas Willard

November 5 - Surrender or Resist?

Today's Reading:
Exodus 8:16 - 9:7
"Pharaoh Remains Unyielding"

Focus Verses: Exodus 9:5-7
5 The LORD set a time and said, "Tomorrow the LORD will do this in the land." 6 And the next day the LORD did it: All the livestock of the Egyptians died, but not one animal belonging to the Israelites died. 7 Pharaoh sent men to investigate and found that not even one of the animals of the Israelites had died. Yet his heart was unyielding and he would not let the people go.

Insight:
When it came to Moses and his God, Pharaoh struggled with two things. First, whether or not to believe this God was true. Second, whether or not he should submit to this God.

During the time of the Pharaohs, the people of Egypt believed in many gods. In their way of thinking, some gods were more powerful than others. They didn't have a concept of one true God who had ultimate power and who was worthy of complete surrender. In fact, every one of the plagues may have been a direct confrontation of some god Pharaoh worshiped (the god of blood, the frog god, the god of darkness, of flies, of gnats, etc.).

With every plague, God was making it clearer and clearer to Pharaoh that the God of Abraham was the only one, true, and almighty God. And with every new realization, Pharaoh was forced to make a choice -- soften his heart and submit this God, or harden his heart and resist him.

Response and Action:
It is not enough to believe in God, I must surrender my life to him. If I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, I must submit to his authority and yield my heart and life to him. True faith results in complete surrender.

O God, help me to see you more clearly every day. Show me who you are through your Word, your people, your promises, and all that is beautiful and true. Help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Help me to submit to you in thought, word, and deed. Give me a readiness to obey you and follow in the steps of Jesus. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 4:23
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

New Testament for Today: Matthew 7:21
21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
In Context: Matthew 7:15-29

Resources:
Jesus Among Other Gods The Absolute Claims Of The Christian Message
by Ravi Zacharias

Reading Schedule for November 5 - 10

Nov. 5 - Ex. 8:16 – 9:7
Nov. 6 - Ex. 9:8-35
Nov. 7 - Ex. 10:1 – 11:10
Nov. 8 - Ex. 12:1-30
Nov. 9 - Ex. 12:31-42
Nov. 10 - Ex. 13:17 – 14:31

You're invited to read through the Bible with Dave Burkum. Six readings each week will take you through key scripture passages from Genesis through Revelation. Click here to download your copy of the Useful Breath Reading Schedule for 2007-08.

November 3 - Tomorrow?

Today's Reading:
Exodus 7:1 - 8:15
"Pharaoh Refuses Moses"

Focus Verses: Exodus 8:8-10
8 Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, "Pray to the LORD to take the frogs away from me and my people, and I will let your people go to offer sacrifices to the LORD."
9 Moses said to Pharaoh, "I leave to you the honor of setting the time for me to pray for you and your officials and your people that you and your houses may be rid of the frogs, except for those that remain in the Nile."
10 "Tomorrow," Pharaoh said. Moses replied, "It will be as you say, so that you may know there is no one like the LORD our God.

Insight:
Pharaoh was unyielding and hardhearted. He refused Moses' request to let his people go. Every time he denied Moses, God gave Pharaoh a miraculous sign to show that Moses was truly sent by God.

The second miraculous sign God gave to Pharaoh was a plague of frogs. The entire land suffered from a terrible infestation, even in their houses. The stench and misery was so awful that Pharaoh called for Moses and asked him to pray for the frogs to be taken away.

To make it clear that God was in control, Moses let Pharaoh choose the time for the frogs to be taken away. Oddly enough, Pharaoh said, "Tomorrow."

Response and Action:
Why did Pharaoh say, tomorrow instead of today? Why wouldn't he want relief and deliverance as soon as possible?

What is God offering to help me with today, but I am choosing tomorrow? What blessings am I missing out on today because I am putting them off until tomorrow? What burdens am I needlessly enduring because I am not looking to God for freedom today?

O God, help me to live for you and through you in though, word, and deed. Help me to turn away from what is wrong and do what is right. Give me the wisdom to take hold of your salvation today. Help me to be responsive to you and to take hold of your promises today. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 3:7
"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil."

New Testament for Today: Hebrews 3:13
13But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
In Context: Hebrews 3:7-19

Resources:
The Smell of Sin: And the Fresh Air of Grace
by Don Everts

November 2 - What's That in Your Hand?

Today's Reading:
Exodus 4:1-17
"Miracles for Moses"

Focus Verses: Exodus 4:2-5
2 Then the LORD said to him, "What is that in your hand?"
"A staff," he replied.
3 The LORD said, "Throw it on the ground."
Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it. 4 Then the LORD said to him, "Reach out your hand and take it by the tail." So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand. 5 "This," said the LORD, "is so that they may believe that the LORD, the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you."

Insight:
Moses felt insufficient and was reluctant to accept God's call to go to Egypt. He asked God, "What if no one believes me? What if I don't know what to say or how to say it?"

God asked Moses, "What's that in your hand?" And then God demonstrated what could happen with his help and power. God asked him, "Who made your mouth?" After all, if God could make Moses' mouth, surely he could help Moses speak!

Moses still felt inadequate to the task and said, "Please send someone else!" But God was determined to use Moses. God was not pleased with Moses' slowness to accept his calling, but God continued to do whatever needed to be done to give Moses more confidence.

Response and Action:
What am I holding in my hand? How can God use that for his purpose and glory? What am I holding back, or slow to do, because I lack confidence? I need to trust in God and trust that he has the power to use whatever I have, however small or weak it may seem to me. God made me, and God can use me for his good purpose.

O God, help me to remember that you can use me to do things I could never do on my own. Help me to trust in you and look to you for the strength and guidance I need for life. Give me a strong faith in you, and a readiness to serve you. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 2:6
"For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."

New Testament for Today: Ephesians 2:10
10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
In Context: Ephesians 2:1-10

Resources:
Courage & Calling: Embracing Your God-Given Potential
by Gordon T. Smith

November 1 - On Fire with Purpose

Today's Reading:
Exodus 2:11 - 3:22
"Moses Escapes and God Calls"

Focus Verses: Exodus 3:1-4
1 Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up."4 When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am."

Insight:
It's interesting that God did not save the Israelites by giving Moses favor in the eyes of Pharaoh as he had done with Joseph many years before. I wonder why he didn’t. The Pharaoh's daughter had taken him into her care when he was just a small child. Why not make Moses a great leader in Egypt, like Joseph had been?

Instead, God used the disfavor of Pharaoh to get Moses out of Egypt. As an exile in the land of Midian, Moses became a shepherd, started a family, and gained perspective about who he was. Eventually he was called by God to go back to Egypt to save his people from their oppression.

God got Moses' attention with the strange sight of a burning bush. God's presence filled the bush with flames but the bush was not consumed, it just kept burning and burning. In a way, God was calling Moses to become like that bush--completely aflame with God's presence and used for God's purpose. Moses must have thought that such a calling would utterly consume him. But in surrendering his life to God's call, rather than being consumed, Moses was lifted to the most glorious, meaningful, and productive days of his life.

Response and Action:
The ways God plans to use me may not be the ways I would expect to be used. I want to fulfill God's calling and purpose for my life. I will keep my heart and mind open to his leading. When the direction God is leading seems to be to big and overwhelming for me, I will remember Moses and the burning bush. Just as the bush was not consumed, but rather was transformed into a glorious testimony of God's presence and purpose, my life will not be consumed or burned up, but instead be transformed with the light and purpose of Christ.

O God, thank you for saving and reaching out to me. Thank you for being a God of deliverance. Help me to embrace the calling I have in Christ and to find my purpose and fulfillment in him. Give me the faith to find my life by losing it. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 1:5
“Let the wise listen and add to their learning,and let the discerning get guidance-“

New Testament for Today: 1 Peter 2:9
9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
In Context: 1 Peter 2:4-12

Resources:
Courage & Calling: Embracing Your God-Given Potential
by Gordon T. Smith