December 9 - Generations

Overview of: Judges

Today's Reading:
Judges 2:1-19; 4:1-24
"Disobedience 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 born in the Promised Land, did not remember or appreciate their history. Did their parents fail to teach them? Did they simply not listen to their parents? Somehow 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. 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) and they would prosper. But ultimately, they would once again forget and forsake God.

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 walking in the ways of Jesus. I will make an effort to know and remember the works and ways of the Lord. I will try to pass on my knowledge and faith to my children.

O God, you are my God. Earnestly I seek you. Help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Help me to tell the stories and speak the truth of your faithfulness in meaningful and convincing ways so that my children and their peers might know you and find their hope and purpose in you. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Ephesians 6:4
4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
In Context: Ephesians 5:21 - 6:4

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

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

December 8 - Choosing

Overview of: Joshua

Today's Reading:
Josh. 23:1 - 24:33
"Joshua's Farewell"

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.

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

Proverb for Today: Prov. 8:10-11
"Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her."

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

Reading Schedule for December 8 - 13

Dec. 8 - Josh. 23:1 - 24:33
Dec. 9 - Jdgs. 2:1-19; 4:1-24
Dec. 10 - Jdgs. 6:1 - 7:25; 8:28-33
Dec. 11 - Jdgs. 13:1 - 14:20
Dec. 12 - Jdgs. 15:1 - 16:30
Dec. 13 - Ruth 1:1-22 - 2:23


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.

December 6 - Surrender

Overview of: Joshua

Today's Reading:
Josh 10:29 – 11:23
"Divide and Conquer"

Focus Verses: Joshua 11:18-20
18 Joshua waged war against all these kings for a long time. 19 Except for the Hivites living in Gibeon, not one city made a treaty of peace with the Israelites, who took them all in battle. 20 For it was the LORD himself who hardened their hearts to wage war against Israel, so that he might destroy them totally, exterminating them without mercy, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Insight:
The story of the Hivites (Joshua 9) is a very interesting exception to the way most of the cities and kings responded to Israel's invasion into their land. The Hivites, having heard of God's command to Joshua to completely conquer and destroy them, came up with a plan to trick Israel into making a peace treaty. Instead of dismissing the God of Israel, they feared him. Instead of waging war, they accepted submission and servitude. This suggests to me, that other kings and peoples could have responded in a similar way, but didn't.

Response and Action:
If I reject God's ways, ignore his authority, or resist his purposes, I will be defeated. If I humble myself, recognize my limitations, acknowledge God's authority, and submit to his will, there is hope for me. Humble submission before God is always the way to life. Pride and rebellion is always the path of destruction. Surrendering to God is wise.

O God, give me the wisdom to acknowledge your authority, the humility to submit to you, and the readiness to walk in your ways. While many resist and deny you, help me to be responsive and reverent before you. Show me your ways, you are God, my savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

New Testament for Today: James 4:9-10
9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
In Context: James 4:1-12

Proverb for Today: Prov. 6:3
"...do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor!"

Resources:
The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others
by Scot McKnight

December 5 - Destroyed by Deceit

Overview of: Joshua

Today's Reading:
Josh. 7:1 – 8:35
"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.

New Testament for Today: Gal. 6:7-8
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
In Context: Galatians 6:1-10

Proverb for Today: Prov.5:22-23
"The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly."

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

December 4 - Victory by Faith

Overview of: Joshua

Today's Reading:
Josh. 5:1 – 6:27
"Gilgal and 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. 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 imposing 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.

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

Proverb for Today: Prov.4:25-26
"Let your eyes look straight ahead,fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm."

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

December 3 - Stones that Speak

Overview of: Joshua

Today's Reading:
Josh. 3:1 – 4:24
"Crossing the Jordan"

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 into a witness and reminder of God's faithfulness 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.

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

Proverb for Today: Prov.3:3
"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart."

Resources:
Unceasing Worship
by Harold Best

December 2 - Wisdom for Leading

Overview of: Joshua

Today's Reading:
Josh. 1:1 - 2:24
"New Leader, New Land"

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. Whether its big or small, we're all leaders in some way. We all have to take the lead at some time. As a follower of Jesus, I take heart in knowing that God will not forsake me in the times I need to be a leader. 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.

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

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

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

December 1 - Starting with Praise

Overview of: Deuteronomy

Today's Reading:
Dt. 31:30 – 34:12
"Moses' Song, Blessing, and Death"

Focus Verses: Deuteronomy 31:1-4
1 Listen, O heavens, and I will speak; hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. 2 Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. 3 I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! 4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.

Insight:
These last chapters of Deuteronomy contain the last words Moses spoke to his people. He begins with a song, and that song begins with praise. The song is very sobering as it recounts the unfaithfulness of God's people and the wickedness and idolatry of the nations. Both the song and the blessings Moses proclaims have an ominous tone as he speaks of the dangers of turning away from God. Their is promise and joy for those who walk in God's ways, but destruction for those who do not. Those who rejoice at the end of their lives will be those who are careful to begin everything they do with praise for God.

Response and Action:
I will acknowledge God's goodness and authority in all things. Honoring and worshiping God must extend into every activity of life. Every hope, desire, plan, dream, and action must be an act of praise. Every thing I do must be done to the glory of God. I want a life that pleasing to God and a joy for me. My devotion, worship, and obedience to God must be first in all things.

O God, you are my God. I will seek you earnestly. Do not let me stray from your commands. Show me your ways. Guide me in your truth and teach me. Help me to live out my praise and reverence for you in every thought, word, desire, and deed. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Col. 3:16-17
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
In Context: Colossians 3:1-17

Proverb for Today: Prov.1:7
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline."

Resources:
Worship & Celebration
by Jan Johnson

Reading Schedule for December 1 - 6

Dec. 1 - Dt. 31:30 – 34:12
Dec. 2 - Josh. 1:1 - 2:24
Dec. 3 - Josh. 3:1 – 4:24
Dec. 4 - Josh. 5:1 – 6:27
Dec. 5 - Josh. 7:1 – 8:35
Dec. 6 - Josh 10:29 – 11:23



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 29 - Thanking God First

Overview of: Deuteronomy

Today's Reading:
Dt. 26:1 – 28:14
"Firstfruits, Blessings, and Curses"

Focus Verses: Deut. 26:5-10a
5 Then you shall declare before the LORD your God: "My father was a wandering Aramean, and he went down into Egypt with a few people and lived there and became a great nation, powerful and numerous. 6 But the Egyptians mistreated us and made us suffer, putting us to hard labor. 7 Then we cried out to the LORD, the God of our fathers, and the LORD heard our voice and saw our misery, toil and oppression. 8 So the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror and with miraculous signs and wonders. 9 He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey; 10 and now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, O LORD, have given me."

Insight:
Once they had taken possession of the land and were enjoying the fruits of working the land, the Israelites were to bring the firstfruits of their harvest to the Lord. The ceremony of presenting their firstfruits was one of thanksgiving, humility, remembrance, and recognition.

I am struck by the profound simplicity of the firstfruits ceremony as I imagine people bringing baskets of their firstfruits and presenting them with words expressing humility and thanks. "O Lord, I am the descendant of a nomadic man who had nothing. I am the child of a nation of slaves. Without God's deliverance, protection, and provision I would have nothing. Yet here I am today with a basket of blessing. What I bring is NOT because of me, my fathers, or my nation, but rather because of our good God who has kept his good promises. I bring these firstfruits of my crop to acknowledge that everything I have is from God!"

Response and Action:
This is the attitude I want to have as I give to the Lord. I want to acknowledge that every blessing I have comes from him. I want to give my first and my best to God as an act of humble worship and a thankful recognition of his goodness to me.

O God, you are my provider. Every good and perfect gift I have is from you. May every blessing I have remind me of your faithfulness. Give me a wise and humble heart that gives you thanks and praise before all else. I pray in the name of Jesus, the greatest blessing of all. Amen.

New Testament for Today: 2 Cor. 9:10-12
10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 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.
In Context: 2 Corinthians 9

Proverb for Today: Prov.29:7
"The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern."

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

November 28 - Generous to Others

Overview of: Deuteronomy

Today's Reading:
Dt. 14:1 – 16:20
"Food, Debts, and Holy Feasts"

Focus Verses: Deut. 15:7-11
7 If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. 8 Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs. 9 Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: "The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near," so that you do not show ill will toward your needy brother and give him nothing. He may then appeal to the LORD against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. 10 Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. 11 There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.

Insight:
One of the truly astounding aspects of the Mosaic law is the concern for the welfare of the widow, orphan, slave, and alien. God expected his people to live with compassion, concern, and generosity toward those who were in need. Those who were doing well were to see their wellbeing as a blessing from God. They were expected to give "without a grudging heart" and to be "openhanded" to the poor. There will always be someone in need, so those who are in a position to help must always be ready and willing to do so. God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9:7).

Response and Action:
Do I have concern for those who are in need? Do I have compassion for those who are in circumstances that lead to poverty? If so, how do I demonstrate this compassion and concern? I must be ready to pitch in and give when someone around me is in need. I should also encourage my church family to be ready to meet practical needs within our fellowship and in the community around us. I can also be an advocate for social programs on the local, state, and federal level, that are directed toward meeting the needs of the poor and the alien. I must be realistic about poverty; it is persistent and ongoing. My concern for those in poverty must likewise be persistent and ongoing.

O God, you have been so gracious and generous to me. Give me a heart like you -- compassionate toward the poor and generous to the needy. Give me the attitude of Christ Jesus, who emptied himself for my sake. Help me to be cheerful and openhanded as I share the blessings you've given me with those who are in need. Amen.

New Testament for Today: 1 John 3:17-18
17 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
In Context: 1 John 3

Proverb for Today: Prov.28:27
"He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses."

Resources:
Practical Justice: Living Off-center in a Self-centered World
by Kevin Blue

November 27 - Don't Listen

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Overview of: Deuteronomy

Today's Reading:
Dt. 12:1 – 13:18
"True Worship and True Prophecy"

Focus Verses: Deut. 13:1-4
1 If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, 2 and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, "Let us follow other gods" (gods you have not known) "and let us worship them," 3 you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.

Insight:
Moses warned the people to be very careful about prophetic claims. He told them to reject any and every claim of prophecy that encouraged them to worship anything or anyone other than the one true God--the God of Abraham who had delivered them from Egypt.

Similarly, the Apostle Peter warned Christians to be on guard against false teachers who could be identified by their denial of God's sovereignty, shameful ways of living, greed, and the exploitation of others.

Not everyone who claims to be teaching the truth of God is doing so. Wise truth-seekers must be careful that they are not lead astray by so-called prophets and teachers.

Response and Action:
I need to be a discerning. Because I want to know truth and live by it, I will study the Scriptures carefully everyday. I will judge every truth claim and teaching I hear by Scripture and the light of Christ's teaching and example. I will be on guard against every teaching that diminishes God or questions the lordship of Jesus. I will evaluate teachers and leaders with a critical mindset, and watch out for indicators of greed, exploitation, or other selfish motives.

O God, your word is sharper than a two edged sword -- able to cut through the attitudes and motives of the heart. Give me a growing love for your written word and the discipline to study and meditate upon it each day. Thank you for Jesus, the Living Word. Help me to follow him closely and to become so familiar with his words, his actions, and his life that I am able to clearly recognize and reject anything that runs contrary to his way. Amen.

New Testament for Today: 2 Peter 2:1-3
1 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
In Context: 2 Peter 2

Proverb for Today: Prov.27:12
"The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

Resources:
God Talk: Cautions for Those Who Hear God's Voice
by Ruth Tucker

November 26 - It's Not Because of Me

Overview of: Deuteronomy

Today's Reading:
Dt. 9:1 – 11:32
"Remembering and Obeying God"

Focus Verses: Deut. 9:4
4 After the LORD your God has driven them out before you, do not say to yourself, "The LORD has brought me here to take possession of this land because of my righteousness." No, it is on account of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD is going to drive them out before you.

Insight:
It's important to note that in driving out the nations who were occupying the land he had promised to Israel, God was not only blessing Israel for their obedience, he was judging those other nations for their wickedness. Moses warned the people of Israel against becoming smug and self-righteous as if they were better than the people who were being dispossessed. Moses reminded them of their own idolatry and rebellion against God. He made it clear to them that God's righteousness and goodness, not their own, was the reason for the blessings they were about to experience.

Response and Action:
Moses' warning to the Israelites is a good one for me to think about. I need to be careful to avoid the mistake of thinking that the blessings I enjoy are the result of my own goodness and merit. I am a stubborn and sinful person saved by grace. God's goodness and mercy are the source of blessing and promise in my life.

It is by the power and grace that I am able to experience renewal, transformation, and promise that lead to an abundant life in Christ Jesus. Apart from God's grace, I am no more righteous than anyone else. Apart from God's grace I have no more claim to his promise or blessing than anyone else. Humility and thanksgiving are the attitude I need to have as I enjoy God's provision and promise.

O God, thank you for your grace and mercy toward me, a sinner. Thank you for the hope and promise you have poured into my life. Give me the wisdom and grace to recognize that every good and perfect gift comes from you. Help me to live with humility and gratitude, and make me a channel of your grace and blessing to others. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Eph. 2:8-10
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 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.26:12
"Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him."

Resources:
Humility
by Andrew Murray

November 25 - Cleaning House

Overview of: Deuteronomy

Today's Reading:
Dt. 7:1 – 8:20
"Driving Out the Nations"

Focus Verses: Deut. 7:25-26
25 The images of their gods you are to burn in the fire. Do not covet the silver and gold on them, and do not take it for yourselves, or you will be ensnared by it, for it is detestable to the LORD your God. 26 Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. Utterly abhor and detest it, for it is set apart for destruction.

Insight:
In order to take possession of the land God had promised to the Israelites, they would have to drive out the nations who were living there. This would take time and would not happen all at once. So even as they moved in and conquered, they would need to be on guard against being seduced by the idols and practices of the current residents. Those foreign idols and pagan practices were destined for destruction. If the Israelites embraced and adopted them, they too would be destroyed.

Response and Action:
I am courting disaster when I embrace the things God hates. It is foolish and reckless to hold on to things that are bound for destruction. I must be careful to turn away from the things I know are detestable to God. With God's help and guidance, I must commit myself to drive out of my life every idol and practice that he has condemned. It is self-destructive for me to carelessly bring them into my house, to live with them in complacency, or worse yet, to love them and delight in them.

O God, give me the discernment to recognize what is good and what is corrupt. Give me the wisdom and will to turn away from what is unholy and detestable to you. Help me to see through temptation and deception, and give me a holy disdain and disregard for everything that would divert me from walking in your ways. Guide me in your truth, and teach me, for you are God, my savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

New Testament for Today: 1 John 2:15-17
15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
In Context: 1 John 2:7-17

Proverb for Today: Prov.25:26
"Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked."

Resources:
Love Not The World: A Prophetic Call to Holy Living
by Watchman Nee

November 24 - Loving with All

Overview of: Deuteronomy

Today's Reading:
Deut. 5:1 – 6:25
"Obedience and Love"

Focus Verses: Deut. 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.

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

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."

Resources:
How to Read the Bible for All It's Worth
by Gordon D. Fee

Reading Schedule for November 24 - 29

Nov. 24 - Dt. 5:1 – 6:25
Nov. 25 - Dt. 7:1 – 8:20
Nov. 26 - Dt. 9:1 – 11:32
Nov. 27 - Dt. 12:1 – 13:18
Nov. 28 - Dt. 14:1 – 16:20
Nov. 29 - Dt. 26:1 – 28:14


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 22 - Where I've Been, Where I'm Going

Overview of: Deuteronomy

Today's Reading:
Deut. 3:1 – 4:49
"Lessons Learned and Life to Live"

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.

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

Proverb for Today: Prov.22:5
"In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them."

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

November 21 - Strength for the Journey

Overview of: Deuteronomy

Today's Reading:
Deut. 1:1 – 2:37
"Moses Recounts Events"

Focus Verses: Deuteronomy 2:7
7 The LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast desert. These forty years the LORD your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything.

Insight:
God took care of the Israelites during all their travels in the wilderness, even though their wandering in the wilderness was a punishment for their lack of faith and disobedience. God did not abandon his children, or fail to meet their needs.

Response and Action:
My failures to believe in God or obey him can result in missed blessings and a more difficult journey. Even when God's hand of discipline or punishment is on me, he will not abandon me or fail to provide for me.

O God, make me quick to obey you and strong in faith toward you. Thank you for being faithful to take care of me even when I fail you. Be my guide, my strength, and my provider, by the power grace of your Spirit, through Christ Jesus. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Romans 8:35, 37
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? - - - 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
In Context: Romans 8:28-39

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

Resources:
Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts
by Jerry Bridges

November 20 - Misrepresenting God

Overview of: Numbers

Today's Reading:
Numbers 20:1 - 21:9
"A Hard Road to Travel"

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. There were water and food shortages. There had difficulty with regional powers and peoples as they tried to pass through their lands. Then there was pestilence and an infestation of poisonous snakes. And beyond all these troubles, the elderly people among them were dying. I'm sure many were grieving the deaths of their parents and older loved ones, which 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.

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

Proverb for Today: Prov.20:27
"The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being."

Resources:
Character Witness: How Our Lives Can Make a Difference in Evangelism
by Christine Wood