February 7 - Why Worship?

Overview of: 2 Chronicles

Today's Reading:
2 Chr. 30:1-27
"Hezekiah Celebrates Passover"

Focus Verses: 2 Chronicles 30:8-9
8 Do not be stiff-necked, as your fathers were; submit to the LORD. Come to the sanctuary, which he has consecrated forever. Serve the LORD your God, so that his fierce anger will turn away from you. 9 If you return to the LORD, then your brothers and your children will be shown compassion by their captors and will come back to this land, for the LORD your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him."

Insight:
With the northern tribes scattered and overrun by Assyria, and the southern Kingdom of Judah on its last leg, King Hezekiah led a campaign to turn Israel back to the Lord. Over the years, as the people of Israel had turned away from God, the observance of religious festivals and holy days of Israel had drifted away. Hezekiah determined to rally people back to God by reinstituting the observance of Passover.

The people answered Hezekiah's call, and Jerusalem experienced the largest Passover celebration ever had since the days of Solomon and David. Though the people did not observe all the practices and traditions of Passover in exact accordance with the Law of Moses, God saw their hearts were turned toward him and so heard their prayers and graciously blessed them with healing and forgiveness.

Response and Action:
Worship is at the center of turning my heart to God. My faithfulness to keep worship a priority in my life will serve to keep me from turning away from God. Worship is key to spiritual health and spiritual renewal. I will worship in times of repentance. I will worship in times of joy and thanks. I will make worship an every day thing; it will center me, remind me, renew me, restore me, refresh me, direct me, and sustain me.

O God, you are great and worthy to be praised. No one can fathom your wonderful ways. One generation will tell to the next the works of the Lord and mighty acts! Every day, every way, I will praise you and extol your name forever and ever. 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: Romans 12:1

1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
In Context: Romans 12

Recommended Reading:
Worship & Celebration
by Janet L. Johnson

February 6 - The Good Way

Overview of: Micah

Today's Reading:
Micah 1:1; 6:1-16
"Wake Up to What is Good!"

Focus Verses: Micah 6:8
8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. 9 Listen! The LORD is calling to the city—and to fear your name is wisdom— "Heed the rod and the One who appointed it.

Insight:
Micah prophesied during the final days of Israel. The northern kingdom had turned away from God and would soon be overrun and destroyed by Assyria. The southern kingdom would not last much longer either. Micah predicted the fall of the northern kingdom's capital, Samaria (1:5–7), and also foretold the coming desolation of Judah (1:9–16).

If only the people of Israel and Judah would have walked humbly with God, acting justly and loving mercy, they could have survived as a nation. Micah's prophecy called the people to open their eyes and recognize that the troubles they were facing were the result of spiritual and moral failure. He urged them to open their ears and listen to what God was saying to them through the troubles they were now experiencing.

Response and Action:
I want to avoid the hardships and troubles of life that are caused by indifference toward God. I want the wisdom to see the connection between sin and the consequences of sin. If I face hardship, I want it to be for doing the right thing. I want to act with justice--to treat others with goodwill and integrity. I want to love mercy--to be gracious, patient, and forgiving when others act wrongly toward me. I want to walk humbly with my God--to trust him to protect and provide, and to honor and obey him.

O God, thank you for your grace and mercy. Give me a heart and mind that delight in your will. Help me to walk in your ways with a humble spirit. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, teach me to act justly and to love mercy. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 6:16-19
"There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers."

New Testament for Today: 1 Peter 2:20

20But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
In Context: 1 Peter 2:4-25

Recommended Reading:
Evil And the Justice of God
by N.T. Wright

February 5 - Turning to God

Overview of: 2 Chronicles

Today's Reading:
2 Chronicles 20:1-30
"God Saves Judah"

Focus Verses: 2 Chron. 20:1-30
27 Then, led by Jehoshaphat, all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the LORD had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies. 28 They entered Jerusalem and went to the temple of the LORD with harps and lutes and trumpets. 29 The fear of God came upon all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard how the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.

Insight:
While God allowed the northern kingdom of Israel to be defeated and scattered by its enemies, he saved Judah (the southern kingdom) because they turned to him. King Jehoshaphat assembled all the people, and they humbled themselves before God and prayed. This was done in accordance with the promise God had made to King Solomon (2 Chron. 7:14) at the dedication of the Temple -- "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Response and Action:
God is ready to save those who humble themselves, repent, and call out to him for help. I want to have a humble heart that is quick to turn to God for help and forgiveness. I need to be honest about my need for God’s help and mercy, and turn away from sin. God is faithful to deliver and restore those who are humble and contrite before him.

O God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and save me from the things that can destroy my life. Help me to turn away from what is wrong and to do what is right. Teach me to walk in your ways. Give me the courage to trust and praise you as I look to you for deliverance and guidance. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, lead, teach, transform, shape, and strengthen me. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 5:21-22
"For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths. The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast."

New Testament for Today: 1 John 1:9

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

Recommended Reading:
The Message of Salvation: By God's Grace, for God's Glory
by Philip Graham Ryken

February 4 - Destroyed by Duplicity

Overview of: 2 Kings

Today's Reading:
2 Kings 17:1-23; 35-41
"The Fall of Israel"

Focus Verses: 2 Kings 17:40-41
40 They would not listen, however, but persisted in their former practices. 41 Even while these people were worshiping the LORD, they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did.

Insight:
In today's reading we see the historic account of the unfaithfulness Hosea and Amos preached against. Israel fell because of its half-heartedness toward God. They allowed their worship of God to be compromised and corrupted by serving foreign gods and idols. This spiritual adultery began with the first king to rule over the north after Solomon's death, Jeroboam, and persisted even after the fall of Israel.

Response and Action:
God calls us to undivided devotion to him. We are to worship him, and him only. Half-heartedness toward God is self-destructive. God calls us to worship him in spirit and truth. I will seek God with wholehearted devotion. I will honor God by put him first in my life. I will follow Jesus and look to him for the guidance and strength I need to draw near to God.

O God, 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 turn away from what is wrong and to do what is right. Teach me to recognize those things that threaten to diminish or corrupt my walk with you. Help me to worship you in spirit and in truth. Show me your ways and give me an undivided heart that is quick to worship and serve you alone. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 3:5-6
"Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways..."

New Testament for Today: John 4:21-24

21 Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.
In Context: John 4:1-42

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

Reading Schedule for Feb. 4 - 9

Feb. 4 - 2Kgs. 17:1-23, 35-41
Feb. 5 - 2Chr. 20:1-30
Feb. 6 - Micah1:1; 6:1-16
Feb. 7 - 2Chr. 30:1-27
Feb. 8 - Isaiah 1:1; 6:1-13
Feb. 9 - Isaiah 25:1 – 26:6

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.

February 2 - God's Not Giving Up

Overview of: Hosea

Today's Reading:
Hosea 11:1-11
"God's Love for Israel"

Focus Verses: Hosea 11:8
8 "How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I treat you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused."

Insight:
Hosea ends his prophetic message with song of God's love and compassion for his stubborn and unfaithful people. They don't deserve God's love, but God asks, "How can I give them up?" God's love and compassion flow out of his heart and his nature; his love and forgiveness are unearned and undeserved.

Response and Action:
God doesn't give up his people. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). God doesn't give up on me when I stumble, fall, turn away, or disobey. Even when I give up on myself, God doesn't give up on me. He calls me to repentance; he calls me to follow; he calls me to transformation; he calls me to maturity; he calls me to righteousness; he calls me to faith; he calls me to the life that he is able to restore and bless by the power and grace of his Holy Spirit.

O God, thank you for your grace and your persistence. Thank you for loving me with a love that never gives up. When I am tempted to give in or give up, remind me of your power and your promises. Give me a heart that perseveres and pursues what it true and what is best. Pick me up when I fall. Call me back to you when I wander. Help me to press on to take hold of all you have called me to be in Jesus. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 2:12-13
"Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways..."

New Testament for Today: 1 John 4:9-10
9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
In Context: 1 John 4:7-21

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

February 1 - Hope for the Unfaithful

Overview of: Hosea

Today's Reading:
Hosea 1:1 – 3:5
"Israel's Adultery"

Focus Verses: Hosea 2:5-7
5 Their mother has been unfaithful and has conceived them in disgrace. She said, 'I will go after my lovers, who give me my food and my water, my wool and my linen, my oil and my drink.' 6 Therefore I will block her path with thornbushes; I will wall her in so that she cannot find her way. 7 She will chase after her lovers but not catch them; she will look for them but not find them. Then she will say, 'I will go back to my husband as at first, for then I was better off than now.'

Insight:
In the final days of the northern kingdom of Israel, Hosea, like Amos, warned of impending judgment. This judgment, Hosea said, would come at the hands of Assryia.

Hosea's marriage to an unfaithful spouse served as the prophetic illustration of Israel's unfaithfulness to God. The life of his wife, Gomer, was destroyed by her unfaithfulness. She did not realize Hosea's goodness to her until her adultery had left her destitute, naked, and auctioned as a slave.

When Hosea saw her being sold, he bought her, took her home, and restored her as his wife. In doing this, Hosea was acting out and proclaiming God's redemptive love for even those who are unfaithful to him.

Response and Action:
I need to thank God every day for the redemption I have in Christ. I need to be alert to the dangers of unfaithfulness to God. I need the wisdom to see how half-heartedness and compromise are self-destructive. I need to turn away from sin and turn to God.

How can I, like Hosea, be a demonstration of God's grace and redeeming love to those who are unfaithful to God? How can I be a living example of what it means to restore and an instrument of God's forgiveness?

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. Thank you for loving me even though I am a sinner. Thank you for the redemption you have made possible for me through Jesus. As I have received redemption, make me a vessel of your redeeming love. Help me, by your grace, to offer hope and forgiveness to others. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 1:10
"My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them."

New Testament for Today: Luke 15:17-18
17 "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
In Context: Luke 15:11-32

Recommended Reading:
To Forgive Is Human: How to Put Your Past in the Past
by Michael E. McCullough, Steven J. Sandage, Everett L. Worthington

January 31 - Words of Warning to the Wealthy

Overview of: Amos

Today's Reading:
Amos 1:1; 3:12 - 4:13
"Amos Warns of Judgment"

Focus Verses: Amos 3:15 - 4:1
3:15 I will tear down the winter house along with the summer house; the houses adorned with ivory will be destroyed and the mansions will be demolished," declares the LORD. 4:1 Hear this word, you cows of Bashan on Mount Samaria, you women who oppress the poor and crush the needy and say to your husbands, "Bring us some drinks!"

Insight:
At the time when Amos' prophesied, Israel was politically secure and spiritually careless. Gone were the days of drought and famine the previous generation had suffered during the time of Elisha. They took it for granted that they were in God's good graces. They interpreted their prosperity as a sign of God's blessing, but sadly, they were allowing that wealth and comfort to corrupt their morals and compromise their faithfulness to God. Amos was sent to tell them that God's patience had run out and they would soon face his judgment.

Response and Action:
Prosperity and comfort are not necessarily signs of God's blessing. In fact, wealth and security can be dangerous distractions from obedience and faithfulness to God. I need to be careful to not assume success and prosperity equals blessing from God. Are there ways my possessions are distracting me from obedience to God? Am I allowing security and comfort to make me spiritually lazy or careless?

O God, help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. I thank you for every blessing and success you give, but I ask you to make me wise so that blessings do not become distractions. Do not let comfort lead to moral compromise. Help me to be a good steward of all you have given to me. Teach me to guard my heart, feed my spirit, stimulate my mind, and care for my body. Whether living in plenty or in need, help me to honor you. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 31:30
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."

New Testament for Today: 1 Timothy 6:17-18
17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
In Context: 1 Timothy 6:3-19

Recommended Reading:
Neither Poverty Nor Riches: A Biblical Theology of Possessions
by Craig L. Blomberg

January 30 - What if I Don't Like Them?

Overview of: Jonah

Today's Reading:
Jonah 3:1 – 4:11
"Jonah's Complaint"

Focus Verses: Jonah 3:10 - 4:4
3:10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened. 4:1 But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. 2 He prayed to the LORD, "O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. 3 Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live." 4 But the LORD replied, "Have you any right to be angry?"

Insight:
It's bad enough that Jonah ran from God's call to preach repentance to the people of Ninevah, but even worse is the reason why he ran. In chapter four, we read that he ran because he knew that God was "gracious and compassionate, slow anger, and abounding in love." Jonah didn't want God to forgive the people of Ninevah! His reason for disobeying was rooted in his antipathy toward the people of Ninevah.

Response and Action:
Is my slowness to serve others ever rooted in my dislike for them? Do I fail to do things God has asked me to do because I don't care about the people it would benefit? Are there people I don't serve because deep inside I don't want God to help them?

O God, save me from misanthropy. You know, O Lord, that I find it hard to care about some people. I realize that it's only by your transforming grace that I will be able to care for them and serve them. Thank you for the unmerited love and care you have given to me. Give me a humble heart that delights in seeing your love and forgiveness extended to everyone. Make me a willing instrument of your love and grace to the lovely and the unlovely. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 30:11-14
11 "There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers; 12 those who are pure in their own eyes and yet are not cleansed of their filth; 13 those whose eyes are ever so haughty, whose glances are so disdainful; 14 those whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are set with knives to devour the poor from the earth, the needy from among mankind.

New Testament for Today: Matthew 25:40
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
In Context: Matthew 25:31-46

Recommended Reading:
Kissing the Leper: Seeing Jesus in the Least of These
by Brad Jersak (Author), Eugene H. Peterson (Foreword), Andy MacPherson (Introduction)

January 29 - Running Away

Overview of: Jonah

Today's Reading:
Jonah 1:1 – 2:10
"Jonah Flees"

Focus Verses: Jonah 1:1-3
1 The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me." 3 But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.

Insight:
The story of Jonah could not start in a more straightforward way. God clearly told Jonah what to do, but Jonah turned and ran away. Jonah had a clear calling from God, but he rejected God's direction and purpose. Jonah's problem was not that he didn't know what God wanted him to do, but rather the complete opposite--he knew exactly what God wanted him to do.

Response and Action:
I need to be careful to do the things I know God has called me to do. Am I running away from things I should be doing? Am I turning my back on clear direction from God? I will give careful thought to this and examine my ways. Sometimes the things I know God wants me to do seem difficult and I'm tempted to give up on them. Instead of giving up or looking for a way out, I must trust God to strengthen and sustain me.

O God, forgive me for the times I run away from your will and guidance for my life. Help me to trust you with all my heart and accept your call. Give me a heart that is ready and willing to follow you wherever you lead. Help me to delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 29:18
"Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law."

New Testament for Today: 2 Timothy 4:2
2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
In Context: 2 Timothy 4:1-5

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

January 28 - Turning for the Better

Overview of: Joel

Today's Reading:
Joel 2:1-2, 10-19
"Repentance, and Restoration"

Focus Verses: Joel 2:19
19 The LORD will reply to them: "I am sending you grain, new wine and oil, enough to satisfy you fully; never again will I make you an object of scorn to the nations.

Insight:
The circumstances of drought and a locust infestation provide the imagery and occasion for the prophet Joel to warn the people of Israel about God's day of judgment. He called them to repentance and held out the hope of renewal and restoration for all who would return to the Lord with all their heart.

Response and Action:
What problems and hardships in my life can serve as warnings and reminders to me of my need to return to God? How can I humble myself before God and take hold of his promises for me?

O God, I want to follow Christ. Help me to turn away from what is wrong, and do what is right. Give me the humility and honesty to see and confess my sins. Thank you for the hope you offer through Christ. Thank you for the promise that if I confess my sins, you are faithful and just, and will forgive me of my sins and purify me from all unrighteousness (John 1:9). Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 28:13
"He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy."

New Testament for Today: 2 Corinthians 7:10
10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
In Context: 2 Corinthians 7:2-16

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

Reading Schedule for Jan. 27 - Feb. 2

Jan. 28 - Joel 2:1-2, 10-19
Jan. 29 - Jonah 1:1 – 2:10
Jan. 30 - Jonah 3:1 – 4:11
Jan. 31 - Amos 1:1; 3:12 - 4:13
Feb. 1 - Hosea 1:1 – 3:5
Feb. 2 - Hosea 11:1-11





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.

January 26 - Opening My Eyes

Overview of: 2 Kings

Today's Reading:
2Kgs. 6:8-23
"The Blinded and the Sighted"

Focus Verses: 2 Kings 6:17-18
17 And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 18 As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, "Strike these people with blindness." So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked.

Insight:
When Elisha's servant saw that the army of Aram had surrounded them, he was afraid. Elisha prayed that his eyes would be opened to see God's mighty power to defend and deliver. Next, he prayed that the eyes of his enemies would be closed so their plan of attack would be given up in blind confusion.

God has the power to help us see, and the power to strike us blind. He opens the eyes of those who seek and serve him, helping them to see his provision and power to save. He blinds and confuses the way of those who reject him and oppose his will.

Response and Action:
I will seek God with my whole heart, and ask him to open my eyes. I will open my eyes to the truth of Scripture. I will open my eyes to the work of the Spirit. I will open my eyes to the counsel and fellowship of the Church. I will open my eyes to the needs of the world. I will open my eyes to the possibilities God has for those who follow Jesus.

O God, open the eyes of my heart. I want to see you, your power, and your salvation. Light my way, show me your will, and save me from the blindness of sin. Thank you for the resurrection power you promise to all who believe in Jesus. 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: Ephesians 1:18-20
18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms...
In Context: Ephesians 1:3-23

Recommended Reading:
Living the Resurrection: The Risen Christ in an Everyday Life
by Eugene Peterson

January 25 - Stumbling Forward

Overview of: 2 Kings

Today's Reading:
2Kgs. 5:1-27
"Naaman is Healed"

Focus Verses: 2 Kings 5:13-14
13 Naaman's servants went to him and said, "My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, 'Wash and be cleansed'!" 14 So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.

Insight:
Naaman did not know the God of Abraham, but his hope for a cure led him to Elisha. After being healed, he decided to never again worship any god other than the God of Israel. He didn't fully understand who that God was, but his heart was turned and headed in the right direction.

Gehazi did know the God of Abraham, and had seen his power displayed in powerful ways through Elisha's ministry. However, in his actions toward Naaman, and deceit toward Elisha, he demonstrated that his heart was turning away from God and headed in the wrong direction.

Naaman turned toward God and found healing. Gehazi turned away from God and became diseased. Carelessly turning away from God in selfish sin leads to death and sickness. Turning toward God in faith and submission leads to life and restoration.

Response and Action:
Am I, like Naaman, seeking truth and drawing nearer to God? Am I growing in my understanding and my wholeheartedness toward Christ? Or am I, like Gehazi, taking God for granted, and getting careless about my actions? I do not want my profession of faith to be contradicted by actions that are selfish and deceptive.

Both Naaman and Gehazi were confused in their understanding about God, but Naaman was stumbling toward God, and Gehazi was stumbling away from God. I have a long way to go in my understanding of God, my knowledge of Scripture, and my spiritual growth, so I will keep eyes on Jesus, turn my heart toward him, and pursue righteousness. When I stumble, I want to stumble toward God.

O God, I want to know you more. Thank you, that though I have so far to go, you love me where I am. Draw me closer to you. Grant me the wisdom and the will to seek you with my whole heart and to walk in your ways. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 25:25-26
"Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land. Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked."

New Testament for Today: James 3:14-15
14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.
In Context: James 3:13-18

Recommended Reading:
Following Jesus: Biblical Reflections on Discipleship
by N.T. Wright
Ch. 8 - "The Mind Renewed" is a wonderful sermon based on 2 Kings 5.

January 24 - What Miracles Mean

Overview of: 2 Kings

Today's Reading:
2 Kgs. 4:1-44
"Elisha Performs Miracles"

Focus Verses: 2 Kings 4:3-5
3 Elisha said, "Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few. 4 Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side."
5 She left him and afterward shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. 6 When all the jars were full, she said to her son, "Bring me another one." But he replied, "There is not a jar left." Then the oil stopped flowing.

Insight:
Elisha performed many miracles. Because the power of God was displayed in these miracles, they served to reinforce the authority of Elisha's prophetic words. The benevolent, providential, and restorative focus of these miracles gave witness to God’s redemptive character. Similarly, the miracles of Jesus demonstrated his authority and testified to God’s saving power.

The miracle of the widow's oil illustrates the importance of faith. Her willingness to gather many jars demonstrated that she believed the prophet's promise. The way the oil stopped when the last jar was filled seems to indicate that the amount of the provision was somehow proportionate to her faith and obedience.

Response and Action:
I need to recognize the way so many miracles in the Bible point to God's goodness and goodwill. If I believe in God's power and his redemptive will, I need to respond in obedience and put my faith into action. I do not want to limit God's blessing and provision; so as the widow gathered many jars, I will seek out every opportunity I can for God to fulfill my need and bless my life.

O God, thank you for your resurrection power, your loving provision, your readiness to save, and your ability to satisfy needs. Thank you for Jesus who has demonstrated your great love and redemptive heart. Give me the wisdom to follow him and to submit to his authority. 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: John 14:10-11
10 Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.
In Context: John 14

Recommended Reading:
Miracles: A Preliminary Study
by C.S. Lewis

January 23 - My Turn to Serve

Overview of: 2 Kings

Today's Reading:
2 Kgs. 2:1-18
"Elijah Departs & Elisha Begins"

Focus Verses: 2 Kings 2:11-14
11 As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 12 Elisha saw this and cried out, "My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!" And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them apart.

13 He picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. 14 Then he took the cloak that had fallen from him and struck the water with it. "Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?" he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.

Insight:
Elijah passed on his prophetic role to his servant Elisha. He had already anointed Elisha as his successor, but on the day of his departure, he acted out several important truths (in typical prophetic fashion). First, he made Elisha follow him closely wherever he went (a prophet goes wherever God leads). Secondly, he made Elisha demonstrate and declare his commitment and desire to do follow God (a prophet must be committed and wholehearted). Third, he made it clear to Elisha that the prophetic role and power was not his to give, but God's (a prophet can only be and do what God ordains).

Response and Action:
Like Elijah, I want to be faithful to serve God in the ways he has called me to serve. I want to train and encourage others to take up that service when I am no longer able to do it. Like Elisha, I want to follow in the footsteps of others who have faithfully served. I want to learn from them, recognize the ways God has used and empowered them, and, as God wills and empowers, take up and continue their work.

O God, help me to follow in the footsteps of others who have served you faithfully. Help me to learn from their example. Give me a desire to be like them. Grant me the same wisdom and power you granted to them. Raise up others who will be faithful to take up the work I am doing when the day comes that I can do it no longer. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 23:12
"Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge."

New Testament for Today: 2 Timothy 2:1-2
1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.
In Context: 2 Timothy 1:3-2:7

Recommended Reading:
Serious Times: Making Your Life Matter in an Urgent Day
by James Emery White

January 22 - I'm Not Alone

Overview of: 1 Kings

Today's Reading:
1Kgs. 19:1-18
"Elijah and God"

Focus Verses: 1 Kings 19:14, 18
14 He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."

- - - 18 Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him."

Insight:
Elijah felt like giving up on Israel. He thought that he was the only one left in Israel who had not turned away from God to worship Baal. God told Elijah that he was mistaken; there were still many others who remained faithful. There were some who would rise up as new leaders, a prophet who would follow in his footsteps, and seven-thousand others in Israel who were still true to God.

Response and Action:
There may be times faithfulness to God seems like a lonely enterprise. It can be tempting to feel overwhelmed by the world and be tempted to just give up. Years ago, my dad wrote a wonderful gospel song based on this text. I grew up hearing that song many times. The lyrics of that song still serve as a good reminder to me.

Everybody's not doing it, brother.
Don't give into the world!
You can overcome old Satan's power.
Although you may seem to be all alone,
Remember God is on your side;
And don't give into the world,
Stay true to the Lord.

O God, remind me that I am never alone in following Jesus and being faithful to you. Thank you for the many brothers and sister I have in your church. Surround me with many Christian friends who will support, encourage, teach, prod, and inspire me to be faithful to you. Through Christ, I pray. 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: Hebrews 10:24
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
In Context: Hebrews 10:19-25

Recommended Reading:
Shaking the System: What I Learned from the Great American Reform Movements
by Tim Stafford

January 21 - True or False

Overview of: 1 Kings

Today's Reading:
1Kgs. 18:1-45
"Elijah Confronts the Prophets of Baal"

Focus Verses: 1 Kings 18:36-39
36 At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: "O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. 37 Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again." 38 Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. 39 When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, "The LORD -he is God! The LORD -he is God!"

Insight:
King Ahab was so wrongheaded in his religious beliefs that he blamed Elijah for his problems. Elijah was uncompromisingly faithful to the God of Abraham, but King Ahab saw this as stubborn and narrow-minded. He was religiously pluralistic and thought it made more sense to embrace more gods in more ways. Elijah's condemnation of Baal worship and his insistence that there was only one God ran in direct confrontation with Ahab's pantheism.

The confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel was the collision of conflicting worldviews. Faith in the one true God, the God of Abraham, won the day.

Response and Action:
Truth is exclusive. Conflicting claims to truth cannot stand unchallenged and untested. I need to give careful consideration to all truth claims. I need to give careful thought to why I believe what I believe and why I consider one claim to be true and others to be false. Both reason and experience factor into this process. I need to consider who is making the claim, why are they making it, what reasons are there for doubting or believing it, and how these claims resonate with real life experience (in my own life, the lives of others, and in history).

O God, help me to recognize what is true and what is false. Confirm my faith in you through your Word, through your people, through my life experiences, through the testimony of others, and through sound reasoning. Protect me from deception and doubt. Increase my faith and show yourself to be powerful and true in all things. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 20:12
"Ears that hear and eyes that see—the LORD has made them both."

New Testament for Today: Acts 26:25-26
25 "I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner.
In Context: Acts 26

Recommended Reading:
Why Should Anyone Believe Anything at All?
by James W. Sire

Upcoming Event:
Student Apologetics Training Conference (Feb. 1-2)
MacLaurin Institute at the University of Minnesota

Reading Schedule for January 21 - 26

Jan. 21 - 1Kgs. 18:15-40
Jan. 22 - 1Kgs. 19:1-18
Jan. 23 - 2Kgs. 2:1-18
Jan. 24 - 2Kgs. 4:1-44
Jan. 25 - 2Kgs. 5:1-27
Jan. 26 - 2Kgs. 6:8-23


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.