December 8 - The Source of Power

Today's Reading:
Judges 16:1-30
"Samson and Delilah"

Focus Verses: Judges 16:20
20 Then she called, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" He awoke from his sleep and thought, "I'll go out as before and shake myself free." But he did not know that the LORD had left him.

Insight:
Samson's life seems to be way off track and his thinking about the source of his strength seems to have been lost too. His strength wasn't in his hair; it was in the Lord. His strength was gone because the Lord had left him. The cutting of his hair and his careless living were symptomatic of his unfaithfulness to God. It appears that he had become more confident in himself than in God. He learned the hard way that he was nothing without God.

Response and Action:
I need to have a constant awareness of God's presence and power in my life. I need to remember that every strength and success is from the Lord. I want to guard against the careless mistakes of self-reliance and self-indulgence.

O God, help me to live for you and look to you for the strength I need to do so. Forgive me for the times I rely on my own strength or take credit for the things you are doing in and through me. Help me to seek you with all my heart and to draw near to you. Help me to be a good steward of all you have given to me. Grant me the wisdom and the will to guard my heart, feed my spirit, stimulate my mind, and care for my body. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 8:17
"I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me."

New Testament for Today: James 4:7-8
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
In Context: James 4:1-12

Recommended Reading:
Following After God: What Difference Does God Make
by Daniel Hill

December 7 - Being before Doing

Today's Reading:
Judges 14:1-20
"Samson's Marriage"

Focus Verses: Judges 14:3-4
3 His father and mother replied, "Isn't there an acceptable woman among your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?" But Samson said to his father, "Get her for me. She's the right one for me." 4 (His parents did not know that this was from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion to confront the Philistines; for at that time they were ruling over Israel.)

Insight:
Samson is not very likable or honorable. In just the few verses of this chapter, he seems brash, selfish, impulsive, violent, spoiled, disrespectful, deceptive, quarrelsome, and self-absorbed. Instead of driving out the Philistines, the Israelites were living among them and were dominated by them. Nonetheless, to the dismay of his parents, Samson decided (and demanded) to marry a Philistine woman. He is a stunning reminder that not every person used by God is a good example of how to follow God.

God, nonetheless, intended to accomplish his will through Samson (and his Samson-sized flaws). The redemptive power of God is so great that he can use even our failings to accomplish good. God can hit a home run with a broken bat.

The fact that God can redeem our failures, however, does not mean that God wants or needs us to sin. Samson learns the hard way that it is possible to be used by God and still lose sight of God. How much better it would have been for Samson, had he loved the Lord God with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength!

Response and Action:
I want to know God, not just be used by God. I want to set my heart on things above, to love God with everything I have, to know His will and to walk in His ways. I want my doing to flow out of my being. I want my service to God to flow out of my love for God. I will commit myself to living a righteous and pure life for God's glory, for my own joy and fulfillment, and that I might be used for noble purposes.

O God, draw me to you. Give me a pure and devoted heart. Strengthen me to love, obey, honor, and serve you. Help me to flee the evil desires of youth, and to pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. And then, O Lord, use me to accomplish your purposes and your will. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 7:2-3
"Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart."

New Testament for Today: 2 Timothy 2:20-21
20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. 21 If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
In Context: 2 Timothy 2:1-26

Recommended Reading:
Following After God: What Difference Does God Make
by Daniel Hill

December 6 - Breaking the Chain

Today's Reading:
Judges 13:1-25
"The Birth of Samson"

Focus Verses: Judges 13:1
1 Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, so the LORD delivered them into the hands of the Philistines for forty years.

Insight:
Once again, due to their unfaithfulness to God, the Israelites find themselves dominated by the Philistines. The whole book of Judges is a sad repetition of a destructive cycle. First, they experience God's blessing and deliverance. Next, they become complacent and unfaithful, doing evil and turning to false gods. Third, God turns them over to their falsehood and they become oppressed. Then, they cry out to God for help and God sends a deliverer. When they are liberated and back on their feet, they become complacent and once again turn away from God.

Response and Action:
I do not want to live my life in a constantly repeating cycle of rebellion, hardship, repentance, restoration, and rebellion. I want to turn to God, surrender to his will, and walk in his ways. I want to be transformed by God, to live according to his word, to honor him with my life, and to walk in his ways. With God's help, I can break the chain of repeated failure and sin.

O God, 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. 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. 6:5
"Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler."

New Testament for Today: Hebrews 12:1b-2a
1b "...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2a Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..."
In Context: Hebrews 12:1-12

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

December 5 - Too Strong for My Own Good

Today's Reading:
Judges 7:1-25; 8:28-33
"Midian is Defeated"

Focus Verses: Judges 7:1-2
1 Early in the morning, Jerub-Baal (that is, Gideon) and all his men camped at the spring of Harod. The camp of Midian was north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh. 2 The LORD said to Gideon, "You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands. In order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her..."

Insight:
The Israelites had been completely demoralized and dominated by Midian. When the angel of the Lord called Gideon to be a leader to liberate Israel, Gideon was hiding in a winepress to thresh a little grain for food. The thought of his calling was so intimidating he asked God for a sign, and then another, just to be sure he wasn't imagining things.

Gideon assembled 32,000 men to fight for freedom deliverance from Midian, but God said, "That’s too many. You're too strong. Send away those who are frightened." Immediately, 22,000 men left, which says something about how fierce and large the Midianite forces must have been.

Then God said to Gideon, "Ten thousand is still too many!" and proceeded to whittle the Israelite army down to only 300 men. God wanted the number of Israelites to be so incredibly small that only God could be credited with the victory.

Response and Action:
In what ways am I too strong for my own good? Are there times when I take credit for something God has done or is doing? Am I missing out on God's help because I think I'm able to handle things on my own? Do I trust God enough to step out and do things that are clearly too big for me to do in my own strength?

I want to give God glory and honor in every situation. I want to praise and thank God for every success and victory. I want to trust God so completely that I am willing to do what he calls me to do, even if it is something I am clearly too weak to accomplish on my own.

O God, I am weak but you are strong. Help me to see every strength and ability I have as a gift from you. Help me to see every weakness and fear I have as an opportunity for you to demonstrate your power and faithfulness. Help me to live by faith in you, not myself. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 5:21
"For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths."

New Testament for Today: 2 Corinthians 12:9b-10
9b Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
In Context: 2 Corinthians 11:16 - 12:10

Recommended Reading:
Strength in Weakness: Overcoming Sexual and Relational Brokenness
by Andrew Comiskey

December 4 - Tearing Down Idols

Today's Reading:
Judges 6:1-40
"Gideon Begins"

Focus Verses: Judges 6:25-26
25 That same night the LORD said to him, "Take the second bull from your father's herd, the one seven years old. Tear down your father's altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. 26 Then build a proper kind of altar to the LORD your God on the top of this height. Using the wood of the Asherah pole that you cut down, offer the second bull as a burnt offering."

Insight:
Gideon wondered, "If God is with Israel, then why has he let us be overpowered by the Midianites." The reason was Israel's unfaithfulness to God. Instead of worshiping God alone, they had worshiped the gods of the Amorites.

The first step toward deliverance for Israel was to destroy the pagan Baal altar and Ashtoreth pole that had been set up in his town. The road to restoration and deliverance begins with tearing down what is false and instead offering up worship and devotion to the One True God.

Response and Action:
When I face difficult situations in life, I find myself asking a question similar to Gideon's-- "If God is with me, why is this happening?" Before questioning God's faithfulness, I should examine my own faithfulness to God and the faithfulness toward God of the people around me (my family, my church, my town, my state, my country). Honest reflection is needed if I am to recognize the idols I (we) have erected and the ways I (we) have let them distort and diminish my (our) devotion for God. There is no God but the One True God. Any rivals for wholehearted commitment to and reverence for God must be torn down.

O God, free me from everything that oppresses and diminishes. Help me to turn away from what is wrong and to do what is right. Lead me away from temptation and 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. Give me the honesty to recognize the false ideas and idols in my heart, and give me the courage to tear them down and cast them aside in order that I might worship and follow you with my whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov.4:23-23
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips."

New Testament for Today: 1 Corinthians 10:14-15
14 Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? In Context: 1 Corinthians 10:1-33

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

December 3 - Careful to Remember

Today's Reading:
Judges 2:6-19; 4:1-24
"Disobedience, Defeat, and Deborah"

Focus Verses: Judges 2:10-14
10 After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel. 11 Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD and served the Baals. 12 They forsook the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them. They provoked the LORD to anger 13 because they forsook him and served Baal and the Ashtoreths. 14 In his anger against Israel the LORD handed them over to raiders who plundered them. He sold them to their enemies all around, whom they were no longer able to resist.

Insight:
The new generation of Israelites who were born in the Promised Land, did not remember or appreciate their history. They forgot their heritage and turned away from God to worship the idols and false gods of the people around them. This resulted in conflict, war, and bloodshed. They were caught in a tragic cycle. First they would forget and forsake God. Then, they would fall prey to their enemies. Next, they would cry out to God for help. Then, God would deliver them and restore them through chosen leaders (judges). Finally, they would prosper, but in their prosperity they would once again forget and forsake God.

Response and Action:
I don't want to forget who God is or how far God has brought me. I don't want to be a person who cries out to God when times are bad, but then forgets and turns away from God when times are good. I do not want to forget and turn away from God when I'm doing well. I do not want hardship and suffering to be the only things that cause me to look up. Instead, I want to live a consistent and dedicated life toward God. I want to praise and honor God in times of blessing. I want to avoid the pain, conflict, drama, and disaster that inevitably follow forsaking God.

O God, give me the wisdom to remember. Thank you for the Scriptures that recall your redemptive work throughout the history of mankind. Help me to love and honor you in times of blessing. I want to be faithful to you everyday and not let comfort or success turn my eyes from you. Help me to lift my voice up to you in praise and faith, so that I might not have to lift up my voice in sorrow that results from my own rebellion. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov.3:1-2
"My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.

New Testament for Today: Hebrews 3:12
12 See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.
In Context: Hebrews 3:1-19

Resources:
Never Beyond Hope: How God Touches & Uses Imperfect People
by J.I. Packer and Carolyn Nystrom

Reading Schedule for December 3 - 8

Dec. 3 - Judges 4:1-24
Dec. 4 - Judges 6:1-40
Dec. 5 - Judges 7:1-25; 8:28-33
Dec. 6 - Judges 13:1-25
Dec. 7 - Judges 14:1-20
Dec. 8 - Judges 16:1-30


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.

December 1 - Who Will I Serve Today?

Today's Reading:
Joshua 24:1-29
"Joshua's Final Words"

Focus Verses: Joshua 24:14-15
14 "Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

Insight:
Joshua had successfully led the Israelites into the Land of Promise. They had divided and conquered the land. They portioned out the land and gave an allotment to each of the tribes to settle and live. God's promises to Abraham were finally being fulfilled before their very eyes. Yet, the choice to follow God was just as real as ever. In his final words, Joshua reminded them that their choice to serve God was not just their heritage--it was central to their future.

Response and Action:
I intend to face each new day with a fresh resolve to choose God and follow Christ Jesus. Every morning I will renew my commitment to Christ, turn to the Scriptures for guidance, and set my heart on things above. I will love the Lord, my God, with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

O God, you are my God. Earnestly I seek you. My soul thirsts for you, my flesh yearns for you, in a dry weary land where there is no water. Uphold me with your right hand, O Lord. Show me your ways. Guide me in your truth and teach me. Your faithfulness is eternal, and your mercies are new every morning. Help me to choose you every day and to honor you in every way. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov.1:32-33
"For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm."

New Testament for Today: Colossians 3:2
2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
In Context: Colossians 3:1-17

Resources:
Listening to God in Times of Choice: The Art of Discerning God's Will
by Gordon T. Smith

November 30 - Secret Sins

Today's Reading:
Joshua 7:1-26
"Achan's Sin"

Focus Verses: Joshua 7:19-21
19 Then Joshua said to Achan, "My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and give him the praise. Tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me." 20 Achan replied, "It is true! I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I have done: 21 When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath."

Insight:
The story of Achan is sad and tragic. It's sad that Achan valued possessions more than he valued obedience to God. It's sad that he somehow thought he could hide his sin from God and from others. It's tragic that his sin resulted in others losing their lives. It's tragic how his self-indulgence turned out to be self-destruction.

Response and Action:
My secret sins are no secret to God. Still, I have secret sins and it's easy for me to identify with Achan. I don't want secret sins to destroy me or to hurt others. How many times have we all seen that!

I am thankful for the grace and forgiveness God has extended to me through Christ Jesus. I want to live a life that is fully devoted to him. I will not bury sins under the “tent floor” of my life. I will strive to be honest with God and with others. With the guidance of God’s word, and the transforming strength of the Holy Spirit, I can escape the snares and temptations of selfish desires.

O God, help me to walk with integrity. Do not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear. Strengthen me to stand and provide ways of escape. Transform and shape my heart so that I desire what you desire. Help me to remember that I am not my own, I have been bought with a price. Help me to live a life of devotion to you. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov.30:8
"Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread."

New Testament for Today: 1 John 1:8-9
8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
In Context: 1 John 1:1-10

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

November 29 - Seventh Day Shout

Today's Reading:
Joshua 5:10 – 6:27
"The Fall of Jericho"

Focus Verses: Joshua 6:15-16
15 On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. 16 The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the people, "Shout! For the LORD has given you the city!

Insight:
Jericho was the first city to fall as the Israelites entered the Promised Land and began to divide and conquer it. Rather than simply attacking the city, they followed God's command to march around the city for seven days in a solemn procession. The people were to march in silence while at the center of the procession seven priests walked before the Ark of the Covenant blowing on seven trumpets made of rams' horns. They marched around the city seven times on the seventh day, and then, at Joshua's command, they gave a loud shout and the walls of Jericho fell down.

This ritualistic approach to Jericho served to teach and remind the Israelites of several important things: 1. God was giving them the victory; 2. Worship and obedience were central to their success; 3. The God of Abraham was keeping his covenant promises; 4. The God of Abraham was their provider ("ram's horns" - Gen. 22); 5. Their victory was not the result of their own strength or power.

Response and Action:
In order to take hold of God's promises for my life, I will have to face and conquer some imposing challenges. Some of these challenges are like fortified cities that I will not be able to bring down in my own strength. Before attacking these challenges and problems by myself, I will take time to march around them--worshiping, trusting, and waiting on God. The battle belongs to the Lord! I will look to him for the provision, the power, and guidance I need to face the demands of my relationships and responsibilities.

O God, give me the faith, obedience, and strength I need to enter into the promises you have made. Give me an awareness of your presence. Guide me with your Word. Help me to worship you in stillness, and to wait upon you, believing that you are my Provider. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov.29:15
"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe."

New Testament for Today: 1 John 5:3-4
3 This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
In Context: 1 John 5:1-12

Resources:
The Fight: A Practical Handbook to Christian Living
by John White

November 28 - Everyday Milestones

Today's Reading:
Joshua 3:1 - 4:24
"Crossing the Jordan River"

Focus Verses: Joshua 4:20-22,24
20 And Joshua set up at Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken out of the Jordan. 21 He said to the Israelites, "In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, 'What do these stones mean?' 22 tell them, 'Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.' - - - 24 He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God."

Insight:
As the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, they took common rocks from the middle of the river and turned them into a memorial witness of their uncommon God. Every time someone saw that pile of twelve stones, it reminded them of the powerful way God showed himself to be their provider. The same God who had brought them out of Egypt, safely through the Red Sea, and safely through the wilderness, now brought them safely across the Jordan into the Land of Promise. Ordinary stones from the river became milestones of their journey--a memorial of God's faithfulness to them.

Response and Action:
Common things can serve as wonderful faith souvenirs that remind me of God's goodness and provision. In communion, common bread and wine become a witness of God's grace and deliverance in Christ's death and resurrection. In baptism, common water becomes a witness of the new life God offers to all who confess Jesus as Lord and Savior.

What is God bringing me through today? What common thing could I pick up today and turn it into a witness and reminder of God's faithfulness to me?

In August, I transitioned to a new ministry with a church after fifteen years of ministry at the U of M. This new leg of my journey presents new challenges and new possibilities. God has been faithful each step of the way and I want to remember his goodness. I think I’ll take a common everyday cardboard moving box and give it a place of honor in my office today. Instead of being just a box; it can be a reminder to me.

O God, you are worthy of my praise and thanks. You guide and provide for your people as they follow you in faith. Open my eyes to all the common things around me that can serve as reminders of your uncommon power and goodness to me. Give me the creativity and discipline to gather small souvenirs along my life's journey to serve as witnesses of your love and mercy to me. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov.28:14
"Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble."

New Testament for Today: Luke 22:19
19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."
In Context: Luke 22:7-30

Resources:
Unceasing Worship
by Harold Best

November 27 - Courage and Strength

Today's Reading:
Joshua 1:1 - 2:24
"New Steps with a New Leader"

Focus Verses: Joshua 1:7-9
7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Insight:
The torch of leadership was passed on from Moses to Joshua. God admonished Joshua to be strong and courageous and to be careful to follow the commands he received through Moses. Though they would face frightening opposition and discouraging circumstances, God promised Joshua that he would be with him wherever he went, giving him strength and success.

Response and Action:
I'm no Joshua, but my life's journey requires strength and courage. As a follower of Jesus, I take heart in knowing that God will not forsake me. Like Joshua, I will commit myself to knowing and meditating upon God's written word. When I face difficult and discouraging circumstances, I will look to God for the energy and confidence I need to keep pressing forward.

O God, thank you for the promise to be with your people. Give me an awareness of your presence with me today. Grant me the strength and the faith I need to face the challenges and circumstances of my life. When I am frightened, guard my heart and mind with the peace of Christ Jesus. Protect me from discouragement, and encourage me, by your Holy Spirit, through your Word, your people, your promises, and all that is beautiful and true. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov.27:17
"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

New Testament for Today: John 14:27
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
In Context: John 14:15-31

Resources:
How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth
by Gordon D. Fee

November 26 - A Heart for God

Today's Reading:
Deut. 6:4-12; 8:1-20
"Love, Thanks, and Remembrance"

Focus Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4-8
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

Insight:
God loves and calls people to love him. The love God has for us is beyond comprehension. He desires that we love him with our all-- all our heart, all our soul, and all our strength. Hiding God's word and treasuring his commands is vital to living out our love for God. If I truly want to love God with all I am, I must know God's word, desire to walk in his ways, and allow his commands to shape and form my very being and character.

This is something I want to impress upon my family and friends as well. I want to talk about it, pray about it, sing about it, and think about it every day with them. Even my house and workplace should be filled with reminders of God's love and calling for me.

Response and Action:
I will commit myself to reading the Bible each day and give prayerful thought to how the verses I have read can help me to love God and live in obedience to his will. I will talk with my family and friends about my faith, my desire to follow God, and the ways I am being challenged, shaped, and directed by the Spirit and the Word.

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. 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 truth of your Holy Word and 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.26:12
"Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him."

New Testament for Today: John 14:23-24
23 Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. In Context: John 14:15-31

Resources:
How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth
by Gordon D. Fee

Reading Schedule for Nov. 26 - Dec. 1

Nov. 26 - Dt. 6:4-12; 8:1-20
Nov. 27 - Josh. 1:1 - 2:24
Nov. 28 - Josh. 3:1 – 4:24
Nov. 29 - Josh. 5:13 – 6:23
Nov. 30 - Josh. 7:1-26
Dec. 1 - Josh. 24:1-29

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 24 - Looking Back, Moving Forward

Today's Reading:
Deuteronomy 1:1-3, 4:1-49
"Moses Speaks of the Past and Future"

Focus Verses: Deuteronomy 4:9, 39-40
9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. - - - 39 Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other. 40 Keep his decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long in the land the LORD your God gives you for all time.

Insight:
The Israelites had nearly completed their forty year sojourn through the wilderness from Mt. Sinai to the Promised Land. Moses was old and God had told him that it wouldn't be much longer until he died. At this critical milestone in their historic journey, Moses delivered a great and solemn proclamation. He spoke to them of their deliverance, Mt. Sinai, God's provision, their failures and successes, his own failures and successes, the Law God had given, and even the hopes and dangers they would see in future days.

Now, as they entered the Land of Promise, he urged the people to be careful and wise by:
1. Remembering all the things they had seen and learned in their wilderness experiences; 2. teaching their history to their children and grandchildren; 3. Acknowledging there is only one God in heaven and earth--the LORD, the God of Abraham; 4. Being diligent to honor and obey God by keeping his commands; and 5. Remembering that blessing and obedience go hand in hand.

Response and Action:
Today is a new day with new possibilities. As I look back over the years of my life's journey what have I learned, what should I remember, what should I take to heart, and what should I do in the days ahead? Like the Israelites, I must: 1. Recognize there is one true God; 2. Love, value, and obey the instruction and commands he has given me through his revealed word; 3. Learn from my mistakes and commit myself to knowing and honoring God; 4. Realize that every blessing is from God.

O God, help me to follow you and to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Give me the wisdom to look back over the years of my life and to learn from my past experiences. Help me to learn from my mistakes, to seek the guidance of your Spirit and your Word, and to obediently and expectantly keep moving toward the promise and future you have for me. You alone are God. Help me to honor and follow you all the days of my life, and help me to teach my children and their children to do the same. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov.24:14
"Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off."

New Testament for Today: Hebrews 12:1-2a
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2a Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith...
In Context: Hebrews 12:1-12

Resources:
Knowing God's Will: Finding Guidance for Personal Decisions
by M. Blaine Smith

November 23 - Making God Look Bad

Today's Reading:
Numbers 20:1 - 21:9
"The Travails of Wilderness Travels"

Focus Verses: Numbers 20:12
12 But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them."

Insight:
The Israelites faced many trials and dangers as they traveled through the wilderness. Water and food shortages, hostility from regional powers and people groups living in the lands they were passing through, pestilence and an infestation of poisonous snakes. They were also experiencing the deaths of the elderly people among them. This included Moses' sister, Miriam, and his brother Aaron (who was serving as the high priest).

Not surprisingly, these trials exposed the weaknesses in the general population and in their leaders. When the people cried out in complaint because they needed water, God told Moses and Aaron to take a staff, gather the people, and speak to the rock so that water would pour out of it. Instead, Moses, tired and frustrated by his people, struck the rock twice and spoke harshly to the people, calling them rebels.

Later, God rebuked Moses and Aaron for "not honoring him as holy" in the sight of the people. This misrepresentation of God was so serious that God told them they would not lead the people into the land of promise.

Response and Action:
As a Christian, the things I say and do reflect upon God. It is important keep this in mind as a parent, friend, neighbor, and church leader. It is dishonoring to God to present one's own frustration, anger, or annoyance as though it were God's. I want to be a humble witness of God's holiness and a faithful representative of his grace. I need to be especially careful about this at times when I am tired, irritable, hurt, or easily provoked.

O God, help me to be mindful of how my actions reflect upon you. Give me the wisdom I need to treat others in a righteous way and to keep a tight reign on my attitude and my mouth. Forgive me for the times something I have said or done has given someone else a wrong impression of you. By your grace and mercy, shape me and transform me into a faithful ambassador of your truth and your goodness. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov.23:19
"Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path."

New Testament for Today: 2 Corinthians 5:20
20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.
In Context: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21

Resources:
Character Witness
by Christine Wood

November 22 - A Different Spirit

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today's Reading:
Numbers 14:1-44
"Fear, Faithlessness, and Failure"

Focus Verses: Numbers 14:20-24
20 The LORD replied, "I have forgiven them, as you asked. 21 Nevertheless, as surely as I live and as surely as the glory of the LORD fills the whole earth, 22 not one of the men who saw my glory and the miraculous signs I performed in Egypt and in the desert but who disobeyed me and tested me ten times- 23 not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their forefathers. No one who has treated me with contempt will ever see it. 24 But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.

Insight:
Moses sent spies into Canaan to explore the land and to evaluate the strength of the cities and the military readiness of the inhabitants. All of the spies agreed that the land was very good and filled with bounty. They all agreed that the cities were well-built, the inhabitants were strong, and that it would be a formidable challenge to invade and conquer them.

The spies were divided, however, when it came to the most important consideration of all -- faith in God. Only Caleb and Joshua (Hoshea) were confident that the land God had promised them could be taken with God's help and power. The fears and doubts of the other ten spies spread among the entire Israelite community and resulted in division among the people, rejection of leadership, and contempt for God.

Moses interceded for the people and God forgave their sin. But because of their spirit of unfaithfulness, God declared that none of the grumblers over twenty years old would ever set foot in the promised land.

Joshua and Caleb had a different spirit -- they had complete confidence in God's power and promise. God rewarded their faith and they were the only two men of their generation to enter the promised land.

Response and Action:
It's one thing to hear God's promises, and quite another to trust in God's power to keep those promises. It's possible to appreciate the promises and feel excitement about the possibilities those promises hold, yet at the same time lose faith in the promise-giver and be overcome by fear. More than just knowing or liking God's promises, I want to have a spirit of confidence and trust that helps me to dive in, take hold, and live out God's promises.

O Faithful and Mighty God, give me the spirit and heart to trust you completely. You have made very great and precious promises to me. Give me the faith to follow and obey you into the full experience and possession of all you have promised. Strengthen me to walk in your promises with full confidence in your power to keep them. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov.22:4
"Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life."

New Testament for Today: Romans 8:15a
15a For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.
In Context: Romans 8:1-17

Resources:
Be Not Afraid
by David Ivaska

November 21 - How I See Myself

Today's Reading:
Numbers 13:1-33
"Moses Sends Spies into Canaan"

Focus Verses: Numbers 13:31-33
31 But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are." 32 And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, "The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. 33 We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them."

Insight:
All of the spies Moses had sent to scout out Canaan agreed that the land was good -- flowing with milk and honey. All of the spies saw that the inhabitants of the land were powerful and that conquering them would be very difficult.

Because Caleb and Joshua saw themselves in the light of God's promises and power, they believed the land could be taken. The other ten could only see their own weaknesses and fears and therefore became "like grasshoppers" in their own eyes.

Response and Action:
Life is filled with challenges and opportunities that I am unable to face in my own strength. If I fail to remember God's promises and strength, I become a grasshopper in my own eyes.

To forget God is to diminish my life and to miss great opportunity and blessing. I must hold every possibility, choice, and potential up to the light of God's promise and call for my life. With God, all things are possible.

Almighty God, I am painfully aware of my weaknesses and limitations. Make me even more aware of your strength and boundless grace. Help me to lean on you in every circumstance and believe in your power to sustain and support me. Guide me and give me courage to do whatever is necessary to follow your leading. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov.21:30
"There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD."

New Testament for Today: Romans 8:31b-32
31b If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
In Context: Romans 8:28-39

Resources:
Strength for the Journey: Day-by-Day with Jesus
by Joseph Stowell

November 20 - Follow the Leader

Today's Reading:
Numbers 12:1-16
"Grumbling Siblings"

Focus Verses: Numbers 12:1-2
1 Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite. 2 "Has the LORD spoken only through Moses?" they asked. "Hasn't he also spoken through us?" And the LORD heard this.

Insight:
Being a leader is tough. Not only did Moses have to deal with the complaints and discontent of the greater community, he also had to deal with conflicts in his inner circle--even with his own brother and sister. Aaron and Miriam were evidently having problems with two things: first, they had personal issues with Moses' wife; and second, they were jealous of Moses and felt he should share more authority with them.

God was very displeased with them and made two things very clear: first, Moses was his chosen leader and deserved their respect and support; second, God would not tolerate their prideful divisiveness.

Moses appealed to God on their behalf and the incident was put behind them. Miriam and Aaron took the rebuke to heart and never questioned Moses' leadership again.

Response and Action:
I want to give leaders the support and respect they deserve. It isn't easy to be a leader, so I will be careful to not undermine the service of those who lead, especially on the grounds of jealousy or personal issues unrelated to their leadership. Moses was a humble leader who was clearly doing his best to follow, obey, and honor God. I want to help and follow and stand behind leaders who clearly love, obey, serve, and honor God. I want to seek and love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, in order to be ready to serve and lead as God calls.

O God, thank you for the many men and women who have done so much to lead and serve others. Raise up leaders for your people today. Give us leaders who seek you and shepherd your people. Strengthen them in the times when they do not have the respect, cooperation, and support they deserve. Help me to recognize godly leadership when I see it. Help me to love and follow you so that I might honor you in the ways you call me to serve and lead. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov.20:28
"Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure."

New Testament for Today: Hebrews 13:7,17
7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. - - - 17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
In Context: Hebrews 13

Resources:
Community & Submission
by Janey L. Johnson