November 19 - Grasshopper Eyes

Overview of: Numbers

Today's Reading:
Num. 13:1 - 14:44
"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.

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

Proverb for Today: Prov.19:8
"He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers."

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

November 18 - Grumbling or Grateful

Overview of: Numbers

Today's Reading:
Num. 11:1 - 12:16
"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.

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

Proverb for Today: Prov.18:12
"Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor."

Resources:
Following Jesus
by N.T. Wright

November 17 - Watching for God's Lead

Overview of: Numbers

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.

New Testament for Today: Matthew 17:5
5 While 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

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."

Resources:
Following Jesus
by N.T. Wright

Reading Schedule for November 17 - 22

Nov. 17 - Num. 9:15 – 10:36
Nov. 18 - Num. 11:1 - 12:16
Nov. 19 - Num. 13:1 - 14:44
Nov. 20 - Num. 20:1 – 21:9
Nov. 21 - Dt. 1:1 – 2:37
Nov. 22 - Dt. 3:1 – 4:49

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

November 15 - Which Way?

Overview of: Leviticus

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 God gave the Law 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." This is a good chapter to bookmark because you will see many of the warnings and promises are fulfilled during the destruction of Jerusalem, the years of exile that followed, and the eventual return of the exiles to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles - Esther).

Response and Action:
God is my maker. Therefore, his instruction and commands for are best for me. When I walk in his ways I am walking toward blessing. If I turn away from his ways I am turning 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 and 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.

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

Proverb for Today: Prov. 15:3
"The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good."

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

November 14 - Sexuality

Overview of: Leviticus

Today's Reading:
Leviticus 18:1 – 19:37
"Laws about Sexual Conduct"

Focus Verses: Lev. 16:20-22
1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'I am the LORD your God. 3 You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices. 4 You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the LORD your God. 5 Keep my decrees and laws, for the man who obeys them will live by them. I am the LORD.

Insight:
Humans are sexual beings. It is crucial that our sexual perspectives and conduct be informed and guided by God. So much of life--our sense of self, our relationships, our respect and responsibility toward others--is affected by our sexuality. It makes sense, then, that the Law Moses received from God should be very specific about sexual behavior.

The detailed instruction in the Law about sexual conduct implies the need humans have to be instructed. Such instruction would not be necessary if we were not so susceptible to the many possibilities for violating God's plan and intention for our sexuality. God called people to live according to his commands, not according to the practices of the people around them, and not according to their own inclinations or desires.

Response and Action:
God's will relates to every aspect of my life, including my body and my sexuality. God's will is about more than my heart, my mind, my beliefs, and my motives; it is about my interactions and relationships with everyone around me. My body is the means through which I relate with everyone and everything around me. I will turn away from sexual immorality. My ideas about sexuality and my sexual conduct must not be shaped by the world around me, nor my own inclinations, but rather by God's command. I have faith that the abundant and healthy life I want, including my sexuality, is to be found in obedience to God.

O God, I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Help me to love and honor you with my heart, my mind, and my body. Thank you for guidance you give for every aspect of life. Help me to turn away from sexual immorality. Grant me the wisdom and the will to guard my heart, feed my spirit, stimulate my mind, and care for my body. Do not let me be shaped by the pattern of this world. Instead, transform me by the renewing of my mind and your holy word. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Hebrews 10:1-4
3 It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.
In Context: 1 Thes. 4:1-12

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

Resources:
Thinking About Sexuality (eBook)
by Paul R. Stevens, Robert Banks
Real Sex: The Naked Truth about Chastity
by Lauren F. Winner
Rumors of Another World: What on Earth Are We Missing?
by Philip Yancey

November 13 - Driving Sin Away

Overview of: Leviticus

Today's Reading:
Leviticus 16:1-34
"The Day of Atonement"

Focus Verses: Lev. 16:20-22
20 "When Aaron has finished making atonement for the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting and the altar, he shall bring forward the live goat. 21 He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites—all their sins—and put them on the goat's head. He shall send the goat away into the desert in the care of a man appointed for the task. 22 The goat will carry on itself all their sins to a solitary place; and the man shall release it in the desert.

Insight:
The Day of Atonement was an annual ritual of cleansing and forgiveness that foreshadowed the ultimate and eternal cleansing that would be accomplished by Christ's sacrificial death. What they did year after year was a picture that anticipated what Jesus would one day do once for all (Hebrews 10:11-13).

The goat sacrificed on the Day of Atonement, along with the other sacrificed animals, symbolized the death and sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. There is much discussion and speculation about the meaning of the scapegoat driven away. Some think it represents the physical suffering and hardship Christ endured in bearing our sins. I think it may represent the believer's part in casting sin aside. Christ died for sin, but the believer must also participate in Christ’s work by turning away from and dying to sin (Rom. 12:1-2).

Response and Action:
I will look to Christ Jesus for the forgiveness of sins, renewal, and the hope of eternal life. I will put my faith in his saving sacrifice on my behalf. I will also make every effort to drive out the sins in my life. Christ not only died to atone for my sin, but also gives me the power of his Spirit to be made new and to find freedom from sin. By the power and grace of Christ, I will make every effort to put aside the sins that entangle me. Beyond forgiveness, I will pursue holiness.

O God, 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. Thank you for the forgiveness you have given through Jesus. Help me to drive sin and unfaithfulness out of my life. Help me to offer myself as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to you. By your grace, strengthen and bless my efforts to turn away from sin. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Hebrews 10:1-4
1 The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. 2 If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. 3 But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, 4 because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
In Context: Hebrews 10

Proverb for Today: Prov. 13:6
"Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner."

Resources:
The Pursuit of Holiness
by Jerry Bridges

November 12 - Playing with Fire

Overview of: Leviticus

Today's Reading:
Lev. 10:1 – 11:47
"Commands and Consequences"

Focus Verses: Lev. 10:10-11
10 You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean, 11 and you must teach the Israelites all the decrees the LORD has given them through Moses."

Insight:
The instruction and guidelines God gave to his people through Moses were commands, not suggestions. When Nadab and Abihu burned unauthorized incense (perhaps incense that was common in pagan worship - see Ex. 30:7-9), they were consumed by holy fire from God's presence. In approaching God, they had shown dishonor and carelessness. They had trivialized God's command, and in doing so they had trivialized and dishonored God.

Response and Action:
I cannot come to God on my terms. God is God and his commands are holy. To imagine that my relationship with God should be according to my personal tastes or ideas or traditions would be to make God smaller than me. Thinking I can live my life my way is like playing with fire. Following Christ must be done his way. Any confidence I have in approaching God is found in Christ Jesus, my Sovereign Leader, and his atoning sacrifice for me. I will love and obey Jesus and seek to do things his way.

O God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Forgive me for the times I put my ways above your ways. Help me to follow Jesus--to abide in his word, to love and obey him. Give me the wisdom and will to be more than just a hearer of his words. Help me to put them into practice, like a wise man building his house upon a rock. Thank you for the new and living way Jesus has made for me, and the confidence I can have through him. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Hebrews 10:19-20
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
In Context: Hebrews 10

Proverb for Today: Prov. 12:1
"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid."

Resources:
The Pursuit of Holiness
by Jerry Bridges

November 11 - Holy Servants

Overview of: Leviticus

Today's Reading:
Lev. 8:1 – 9:24
"Priests Consecrated"

Focus Verses: Lev. 9:7-8
7 Moses said to Aaron, "Come to the altar and sacrifice your sin offering and your burnt offering and make atonement for yourself and the people; sacrifice the offering that is for the people and make atonement for them, as the LORD has commanded." 8 So Aaron came to the altar and slaughtered the calf as a sin offering for himself.

Insight:
Before Aaron and his sons could serve as priests on behalf of God's people, they needed to acknowledge their own sin, humble themselves before God, and offer sacrifices for their own purification.

The New Testament makes it clear that Jesus has served as the High Priest for all who come to him through faith. His sacrifice for me makes it possible for me to serve in the holy priesthood of Christ (1 Peter 2:5). Every Christian has been consecrated and purified by Christ to serve in his redemptive mission to the world. Holiness and humility are essential for all who would minister his name.


Response and Action:
Before I can minister to others in the name of Jesus, I must acknowledge my own sin and look to him for atonement and purification. I need to rid myself of malice, deceit, envy, hypocrisy, and slander. I must long for spiritual nourishment and pursue holiness and maturity.

Jesus has called me to more than salvation; he has called me to serve and minister in his name. Christians are more than followers of Christ, they are his hands and feet to a world that needs to find redemption and hope. I will commit myself to spiritual growth and holiness, through Christ, in order to be ready to serve others in his name.

O God, purify my heart and incline it toward you. Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way. Teach me your ways, and give me the wisdom and the will to walk in them. Cleanse me and make me ready to serve others and lead them to the salvation and life that is found in Christ Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

New Testament for Today: 1 Peter 2:9-10
9 But 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. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
In Context: 1 Peter 2:1-12

Proverb for Today: Prov. 11:30
"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise."

Resources:
The Pursuit of Holiness
by Jerry Bridges

November 10 - God's Presence

Overview of: Exodus

Today's Reading:
Exodus 40:1-38
"God's Glory and the Tabernacle"

Focus Verses: Ex. 40:36-38
36 In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; 37 but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. 38 So the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels.

Insight:
When the work of building the Tabernacle was finished, a cloud descended upon it and it was filled with the glory of God. More than a place for worship, it was a place inhabited in a special way by the Spirit of God. It was a constant reminder of God's presence as the Israelites traveled. The fire and cloud hovered above the Tabernacle in the center of their encampment. The cloud shielded them from the heat of the day and the fire brought warmth by night.

Response and Action:
I want to have an awareness of God's presence with me. I do not want to face the journey of my life without God's help and guidance. I need God's Spirit to shield me and comfort me. I will read the Scriptures, pray, worship each day as ways of practicing the presence of God. I will live in the faith that God is with me. I will grow in that faith as I experience his care and blessing.

O God, be my steadfast companion every step of my life's journey. Guide me, shape me, teach me, transform me, and sustain me by the power and grace of your Holy Spirit. Give me a growing awareness of your presence as I live by faith in your son, Jesus, who loved me and gave himself for me. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

New Testament for Today: 2 Corinthians 9:12-15
9 You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
In Context: Romans 8:1-17

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."

Resources:
The Attentive Life: Discerning God's Presence in All Things
by Leighton Ford

Reading Schedule for November 10 - 15

Nov. 10 - Ex. 40:1-38
Nov. 11 - Lev. 8:1 – 9:24
Nov. 12 - Lev. 10:1 – 11:47
Nov. 13 - Lev. 16:1-34
Nov. 14 - Lev. 18:1 – 19:37
Nov. 15 - Lev. 26:3-46

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

November 8 - Good at Giving

Overview of: Exodus

Today's Reading:
Ex. 35:30 – 38:20
"Constructing the Sanctuary"

Focus Verses: Ex. 36:4-7
4 So all the skilled craftsmen who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left their work 5 and said to Moses, "The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD commanded to be done." 6 Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: "No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary." And so the people were restrained from bringing more, 7 because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.

Insight:
The people were so generous that Moses had to command them to quit bringing their freewill offerings. It's not often you hear a leader ask people to stop giving!

Response and Action:
I want to excel in the grace of giving. I want to give generously, faithfully, regularly and cheerfully to my church and other ministries.

O God, thank you for all you have given. Thank you for the indescribable gift of your son, Jesus, and the eternal life he gives. Give me the heart and wisdom to seek you first and to recognize every good a perfect gift I have comes from you. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

New Testament for Today: 2 Corinthians 9:12-15
12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
In Context: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Proverb for Today: Prov.8:17-18
"I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity."

Resources:
Giving to God: The Bible's Good News about Living a Generous Life
by Mark Allan Powell

November 7 - Giving Freely

Overview of: Exodus

Today's Reading:
Ex. 34:1 – 35:29
"Tablets and Tabernacle"

Focus Verses: Ex. 35:29
29 All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to the LORD freewill offerings for all the work the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do.

Insight:
With the plans for the Tabernacle in hand, it was time to collect all the needed materials for construction. God's people gave generously of their own free will. For the gold that was needed, the people gave jewelry of all kinds. The finest linens and animal skins were given for the curtains and coverings that would be made. Fine fabrics were spun, stones and gems were gathered, and fine oils and spices were collected. The generosity of God's people made the very act of constructing the Tabernacle an act of worship.

Response and Action:
Giving and sacrifice are spiritual acts of worship. More than the giving a things or money or even time, the highest act of worship I have to offer God is to give myself. I want to offer my body--my very being--for God's good, pleasing, and perfect purposes.

O God, help me to give myself fully to you. Help me to honor and worship you through full surrender of my heart, my mind, my body, my possessions, and my actions. Transform me, renew my mind, and help me to walk in your ways to the glory of your name. Through Christ Jesus, my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Romans 12:1-2
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. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
In Context: Romans 12

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

Resources:
Giving to God: The Bible's Good News about Living a Generous Life
by Mark Allan Powell

November 6 - Wrong about God

Overview of: Exodus

Today's Reading:
Ex. 32:1 – 33:23
"Idolatry and Mercy"

Focus Verses: Ex. 32:31-32
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 had been on Mount Sinai for forty days and nights--long enough for the people of Israel to speculate that something bad had happened to him. In his absence, they reverted to pagan idolatry and turned back to a god-image they had learned in Egypt. They fashioned a calf idol out of gold and then celebrated the deity it represented. They gave this bull-god credit for their deliverance from Egypt and then engaged in the pagan practices of ritualistic gluttony and sexual immorality.

What 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! Though 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 Moses was receiving from God. They needed truth and light from God, and they needed to turn away from their idolatry and pagan ideas.

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. I need guard against confusing the truth of who God is with the many false concepts and beliefs 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 ignorance and false gods. 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.

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

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."

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

November 5 - Gifted

Overview of: Exodus

Today's Reading:
Ex. 29:1 – 31:18
"Sacred Things"

Focus Verses: Exodus 31:1-6
1 Then the LORD said to Moses, 2 "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. 6 Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you...

Insight:
God chose gifted people to craft the Tabernacle structure, curtains, furnishings, tools, incense, and garments. These people were described as Spirit-filled and skillful. They had knowledge, ability, and artistry.

God has gifted different people in different ways for different purposes. The arts have a special purpose as they contribute to the worship life of faith communities. Artistry, beauty, and craftsmanship are God-given. Those who are skilled in the arts should be called upon to use these gifts to nurture and enrich worship and community life.

Response and Action:
I am thankful for the artistic men and women God has gifted in my church family. I am grateful for the music, photography, craftsmanship, beauty, creative writing, graphic arts, drama, architecture, painting, dance, and so much more that make my worship and Christian experience so rich and enjoyable. I will take note of the ways God has gifted me and consider how I can use these gifts to honor God, serve my Christian community, and shine as a witness of God's goodness to the world around me.

O God, thank you for beauty and creativity. When I consider all the worlds your hands have made--the stars, the rolling thunder, the lofty mountains, the gentle breeze, the songs of birds, the babbling brook--my soul sings, "O my Lord, how great you are!" Thank you for giving human beings the ability to appreciate beauty, and for giving them the skill and desire to create beautiful things. May the works of our hands be a praise to you, a blessing to your people, and a testimony of your grace. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

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

Proverb for Today: Prov. 5:1-2
"My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge."

Resources:
Art & Soul: Signposts for Christians in the Arts
by Hilary Brand and Adrienne Chaplin

November 4 - Consecrated

Overview of: Exodus

Today's Reading:
Ex. 27:1 – 28:43
"The Altar and Priestly Garments"

Focus Verses: Exodus 28:41
41 After you put these clothes on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so they may serve me as priests.

Insight:
All the details and elements of the Tabernacle--its accouterments, its furnishings, and the priests who ministered in it--were set aside for a special purpose. These things and these people were consecrated for serving God. Every aspect of Israel's religious practice was intended to emphasize the holiness, uniqueness, and majesty of God. The objects, the garments, the rituals, and the priests were dedicated to one purpose—the worship of God. Once consecrated to God, they were not to be used for anything else. They belonged to their Holy God and were exclusively committed to his holy purposes.

Response and Action:
All the details of my life must be devoted to honoring and serving God. My choices, my lifestyle, my mouth, my attitudes, my work, my relationships, my hopes, and my plans must all be consecrated for his holy purpose for me.

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 do what is right. Help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, lead me, teach me, transform me, shape me, and strengthen me, that I might delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to you. Through Christ, Amen.

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 2:14-26

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

Resources:
Possessed by God: A New Testament Theology of Sanctification and Holiness
by David Peterson

November 3 - Design and the Divine

Overview of: Exodus

Today's Reading:
Ex. 25:1 – 26:37
"Tabernacle Plans"

Focus Verses: Exodus 26:30-31
30 "Set up the tabernacle according to the plan shown you on the mountain. 31 "Make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim worked into it by a skilled craftsman.

Insight:
The plans for the Tabernacle were more than functional in nature. The plans incorporated artistic beauty, required the expertise of skilled craftsmen, and were constructed with precious and costly materials. This portable worship center was to be the center of the community as they traveled toward the land of promise. It was a reminder of the centrality of worship in all of life. It represented God's presence with them and among them on their journey.

Response and Action:
Beauty and artistry are important ways to honor God. They heighten my worship experience and remind me of God's presence. Sacrifice and skill are valuable in shaping ideas about who God is and what it means to worship him. Art in life can serve to remind me of God's presence. It can point me to the source of beauty and truth--God himself.

O God, thank you for all the beauty in my world. Thank for giving humanity the capacity to appreciate and create beauty. May the gifts we bring and the care with which we bring them be a glory to you, and a testimony of your goodness. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Phil. 4:8-9
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
In Context: Philippians 4:4-9

Proverb for Today: Prov. 3:19-20
"By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the deeps were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew."

Resources:
Art & Soul: Signposts for Christians in the Arts
by Hilary Brand and Adrienne Chaplin

Reading Schedule for November 3 - 8

Nov. 3 - Ex. 25:1 – 26:37
Nov. 4 - Ex. 27:1 – 28:43
Nov. 5 - Ex. 29:1 – 31:18
Nov. 6 - Ex. 32:1 – 33:23
Nov. 7 - Ex. 34:1 – 35:29
Nov. 8 - Ex. 35:30 – 38:20


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

November 1 - From God

Overview of: Exodus

Today's Reading:
Ex. 23:1 – 24:18
"Laws & Covenant"

Focus Verses: Exodus 24:15-18
15 When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it, 16 and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud. 17 To the Israelites the glory of the LORD looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain. 18 Then Moses entered the cloud as he went on up the mountain. And he stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights.

Insight:
The Israelites saw what looked like a consuming fire and cloud on the mountain. The elders of Israel went part of the way toward the mountain with Moses and saw some sort of vision of God's presence. Moses climbed the mountain into the cloud cover and spent forty days in the very presence of God. The overwhelming message of all this serves to reinforce the authority of the Law of Moses. The Law of Moses was understood to be directly from God.

Response and Action:
My view of the Scriptures is very important. If I consider the Bible to be just a book with the ideas and beliefs and directives of human beings, it will probably not have much power or authority in my life. If I consider it to be the Word of God, it will have a great deal of authority and power in my life. I will give careful consideration to my views toward Scripture. If I believe the Bible is from God, which I do, I will give it the respect and authority it deserves. I will read, study, memorize, and apply the truths of the Bible in order to live a life that is pleasing to God.

O God, thank you for the Bible. Show me your ways, O Lord, guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God, my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. I seek you, Lord, with all my heart. Don't let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Amen.

New Testament for Today: 2 Peter 1:20-21
20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
In Context: 2 Peter 1:12-21

Proverb for Today: Prov. 1:22
"How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?"

Resources:
Can I Trust the Bible?
by Darrell Bock