May 7 - Wide-Eyed

Overview of: Ephesians

Today's Reading:
Ephesians 1:1 – 3:21
"Blessing, Life, and Purpose"

Focus Verses: Ephesians 1:18-20
18 I pray 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 his people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms...

Insight:
Paul prayed for the Christians in Ephesus to be wide-eyed, receptive, open-hearted, and fully aware of all that God had for them--the hope, inheritance, and power for all who believe. Implicit in his prayer is the possibility that people can be believers, and yet be blind to much of what God has for them through Jesus. Christians must live, pray, and act in ways that open them up to see and take hold of God's power and blessing in their lives.

Response and Action:
I want my heart to be wide-eyed! I want my life to be transformed by God's grace. I want to know and experience the power and truth of Christ more each day. I want to do the good things God has planned for me, and is preparing me to do.

I will seek times of solitude in order to focus upon God. I will study and meditate up on the Scriptures. I will pray and yield my heart and will to God. I will give thought and care to my choices, actions, and attitudes. In all things, I will seek to follow Christ, honor God, and walk in truth.

O God, the God of my Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, grant me the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that I may know you better. Open the eyes of my heart and enlighten me in order that I may know the hope to which you have called me. Show me the riches of your glorious inheritance for all the saints, and transform me by your incomparably great power for all who believe. Make my life a demonstration of your power and workmanship. Help me to do the good things you would have me do. Through Christ, Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 119:17-18
17 Be good to your servant while I live, that I may obey your word. 18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
In Context: Psalm 119:17-24

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

Recommended Reading:
The Pursuit of God in the Company of Friends
by Richard Lamb

May 6 - Burdens

Overview of: Galatians

Today's Reading:
Galatians 4:8 – 6:18
"Grace and Freedom"

Focus Verses: Galatians 6:2-5
2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5 for each one should carry his own load.

Insight:
To live out the character and example of Christ, we must share each other's burdens. This requires humility and selflessness. While followers of Christ should be quick to help others carry their burdens, we should also make every effort to carry our own load, and not be an unnecessary burden to others. When our burden is more than we can bear, we should gladly accept the love and help others extend to us. When we see someone else struggling under a burden, we should do what we can to help.

Response and Action:
I need to be sensitive to the needs of those around me. How can I help? What can I do to share or lighten the load? A humble spirit will stimulate this kind of awareness toward others. This kind of awareness will also contribute to a humble spirit. I want to do my best to carry my own load, and yet be ready to accept help when I need it. I don't want pride to get in the way of giving or receiving help.

O God. Thank you for the love and support you give me through fellowship with other Christians. Give me a humble heart and a readiness to help others bear their burdens. Thank you for Christ Jesus who has given his all to bear my burdens. Help me to have a Christ-like heart for others. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 68:19-20
19 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. 20 Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.
In Context: Psalm 68

Proverb for Today: Prov. 6:5
"Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler."

Recommended Reading:
Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

May 5 - Prisoner No More

Overview of: Galatians

Today's Reading:
Galatians 1:1 – 4:7
"Faith or Law"

Focus Verses: Galatians 3:21-24
21 Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. 22 But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. 23 Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. 24 So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.

Insight:
The declaration of Scripture and the testimony of our own experience is that "the whole world is a prisoner of sin." Having laws and moral codes doesn't change our hearts nor our actions. In fact, having the law serves to convict us all, as we are all shown to have broken it. It's great to have the moral guidance of the law, but what we need even more is the transformed heart that helps us live up to it. We need more than knowledge; we need freedom. We need to be saved from our bondage to sin. Christ's sacrifice opens the door for us to be justified by faith in him. The power of his Spirit can transform us into people whose lives are guided not by the constraint of laws, but by our Christ-like hearts.

Response and Action:
I will take hold of freedom through Christ, remembering that salvation is not earned by human effort, but rather by faith. In order to live a righteous life, I need to be transformed by God's Spirit. With my faith firmly rooted in Christ, I can then make every effort to pursue righteousness as I am led and empowered by the Spirit. God's grace in my life is freedom from sin and the power of salvation. By grace, the Holy Spirit in me is the source of strength for leading a righteous life, serving Jesus, and honoring God.

O God, work in my life. Change me as I follow Jesus in complete trust. Make me a person who does what is right out of a heart and mind that has been made right by you. Open every door and show me every path that leads to a closer walk with you. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Genesis 15:6
6 Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
In Context: Genesis 15

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

Recommended Reading:
Galatians: Experiencing the Grace of Christ
by John Stott

May 4 - Weakness

Overview of: 2 Corinthians

Today's Reading:
2Cor. 11:1 – 13:14
"Apostleship"

Focus Verses: 2 Cor. 12:8-10
8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Insight:
Most of us find it difficult to admit weaknesses, let alone delight in them. Paul wasn't even really happy about hardships and weaknesses. He cried out to God asking him to remove them. Paul had learned, however, that his weaknesses and hardships revealed the evidence of God's grace and strength in his life.

Paul had come to see that his problems and difficulties were windows for God's grace and God's strength to shine through. This gave him a new perspective. He could delight in weaknesses because God was clearly displayed through them. He could see the his own limitations as a strength because they give witness to God's strength and provision.

Response and Action:
I need to recognize my weaknesses and limitations. I need to rely on God's strength. Reliance on God and openness about my weaknesses and problems can be a testimony that leads others to trust and praise God.

O God, help me to live for you and through you in thought, word, and deed. Help me to lean on you and look to you for strength. May my reliance upon your strength, and my humble acknowledgment of my own weakness, be a testimony and praise to you. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Joel 3:10
10 Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weakling say, "I am strong!"
In Context: Joel 3

Proverb for Today: Prov. 4:23
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

Recommended Reading:
2 Corinthians: Finding Strength in Weakness
by Paul Stevens

Reading Schedule for May 4- 9

May 4 - 2Cor. 11:1 – 13:14
May 5 - Gal. 1:1 – 4:7
May 6 - Gal. 4:8 – 6:18
May 7 - Eph. 1:1 – 3:21
May 8 - Eph. 4:1 – 6:24
May 9 - Phil. 1:1 – 2:30


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 by clicking the link in the right column.

May 2 - Generosity

Overview of: 2 Corinthians

Today's Reading:
2Cor. 9:1 – 10:18
"Giving and Boasting"

Focus Verses: 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Insight:
Giving generously to help others and to advance the cause of Jesus is a testimony of faith and thanksgiving. When I recognize God's grace and generosity to me, I can give cheerfully and freely. Joyful giving reflects my confidence in God to supply my needs and my willingness to share God's blessings with others. What I give is mine to decide, how I give shows my faith in God's ongoing generosity and goodness to those who trust in him.

Response and Action:
God has been so generous and good to me that I too want to be a cheerful giver. I have decided in my heart to give generously to others in need, to my church, and to those who are advancing Christ's kingdom and purposes in the world. I give in the confidence that God is able to supply all my needs and that his goodness to his own will never cease.

Holy Father, I long to see your kingdom come -- your will lived out on earth as it is in heaven. Thank you for faithfully providing my daily bread. Thank you for your generous grace, and mercy, and forgiveness. Make me a cheerful giver and bless my giving to the praise of your name and the fulfillment of your good will toward humankind. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 112:5-7
5 Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. 6 Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. 7 They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
In Context: Psalm 112

Proverb for Today: Prov. 2:6-8
"For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones."

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

May 1 - Teachable

Overview of: 2 Corinthians

Today's Reading:
2Cor. 7:1 – 8:24
"Repentance and Giving"

Focus Verses: 2 Cor. 7:8-10
8 Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— 9 yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

Insight:
In his earlier letter to the Corinthians, Paul had confronted a number of very serious issues. His bold rebukes resulted initially in the Corinthians experiencing sorrow and hurt. The ultimate results, however, were self-examination, repentance, renewal, change, and spiritual maturity.

Since the sorrow and hurt brought about good in the end, Paul calls it "godly sorrow." Sorrow and hurt don't always end with good results. So much depends upon how rebuke and confrontation is received. Those who will not accept correction, and are unwilling to be confronted with their failings, or are too proud to take responsibility for their wrongs will not experience godly results.

Response and Action:
Am I teachable and willing to face criticism? Can I accept rebuke? Am I willing to take responsibility for my wrong actions and attitudes? I need to be able answer "yes" to these questions if I want to grow in wisdom and integrity. If I truly want to be like Jesus, I will need to face up to the ways I am so unlike him. I will need to take ownership of my sin, so that in faith and repentance I can take hold of God's grace to overcome it. When I am confronted with my weaknesses and wrongs, I can choose to hold on to my hurt, or I can choose a godly sorrow that produces positive and holy results in my life.

Have mercy on me, O God, a sinner. Give me the humility to see my need and the grace to accept correction. Help my desire for godliness to outweigh the hurt and sorrow of recognizing my failures. Help me to be quick to repent of my sin and slow to sulk about it. Remind me of the glad promise and hope I have in your power and your desire to make me more like Jesus each day. I pray all this in his redeeming name. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Deut. 30:19-20
19 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
In Context: Deuteronomy 30

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

Recommended Reading:
Repentance: The First Word of the Gospel
by Richard Owen Roberts and Henry T. Blackaby

April 30 - Unseen

Overview of: 2 Corinthians

Today's Reading:
2Cor. 4:1 – 6:18
"Hardship, Hope, and Holiness"

Focus Verses: 2 Cor. 4:16-18
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Insight:
Paul is honest with the Corinthians about the fatigue and weariness he is experiencing in his life and ministry. He is also clear about the hope he has in Christ. Even though there are hardships and troubles, he does not lose heart. In fact, he can see God using those troubles to accomplish greater things.

Though Paul and his ministry partners are outwardly weary, he says they are inwardly renewed one day at a time. Paul says that they experience this hope and renewal by looking past the momentary troubles to the eternal promises of God. Christians can find strength, purpose, and renewal each day by having an eternal perspective that sees beyond the trouble of the moment; by looking to Jesus for strength; and by believing God can use even the difficulties of life.

Response and Action:
Jesus said that in this world we would see trouble, but even in the face of trouble we should take heart because he has overcome the world (John 16:33). I will place my hope in Jesus and fix my eyes on him. Because my perspective of life includes eternity, I will look at the troubles of today as momentary and temporary. I will trust God to bring me through my problems and look to him for the strength I need for today. I believe God is so redemptive and sovereign that he can use even the hardships of my life to accomplish good things.

O God, lead me away from temptation and deliver me from evil. This world is filled with trouble, in your grace and mercy, sustain me and renew me. Help me to fix my eyes on Jesus and your eternal promises so that I might not lose heart. Make my life a testimony of your faithfulness to uphold and strengthen those who trust in you. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 9:9-10
9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
In Context: Psalm 9

Proverb for Today: Prov. 30:5
"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him."

Recommended Reading:
Embracing the Mysterious God: Loving the God We Don't Understand
by James Emery White

April 29 - Reflectors

Overview of: 2 Corinthians

Today's Reading:
2Cor. 1:1 – 3:18
"Comfort and Covenant"

Focus Verses: 2 Cor. 3:17-18
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Insight:
The Spirit of the Lord gives freedom. Those who place faith in Christ receive the free gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) who indwells our mortal bodies (Romans 8). We are no longer in bondage to sin (Romans 6), but instead we are freed from it to live a new life in Christ. Freedom in Christ means we have the freedom to change and grow and become. The Spirit of God leads, empowers, transforms, and shapes the lives of all who follow and submit to Christ. This is a process; each passing day, each passing year, we continue to grow, becoming more and more like Jesus.

Response and Action:
I need to remember that in Christ, I have the freedom to change and become more like Jesus. I need to hold on to this promise and make every effort to make it a reality. I need to open my heart and focus my mind on the leading of the Spirit of the Lord as I read and apply the scriptures, as I pray, and as I participate in Christian community.

O God, I have so far to go, but I know you love me where I am. Thank you for a love that accepts me where I am and yet calls and lifts me to where I can be. Thank you for your Spirit and the freedom he gives me as a believer in Christ Jesus. Help me to be faithful in prayer, a student of the scriptures, and an active participant in Christian community. Make me sensitive and alert to your leading. Help me to make new strides each day as I follow Jesus with a heart to be like him. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Exodus 34:33-35
33 When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. 34 But whenever he entered the LORD's presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, 35 they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the LORD.
In Context: Exodus 34

Proverb for Today: Prov. 29:13
"The poor and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both."

Recommended Reading:
In His Image: Reflecting Christ in Everyday Life
by Michael Wilkins

April 28 - Risen Indeed!

Overview of: 1 Corinthians

Today's Reading:
1Cor. 14:1 – 16:24
"Worship, Resurrection, and Partnership"

Focus Verses: 1 Corinthians 15:13-20
13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. 20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Insight:
If Jesus Christ did not raise from the grave--if the resurrection story is just a myth or wishful thinking, then Christianity is a sham. Apart from the resurrection, faith and preaching is worthless and the Apostles were misled at best and liars at worst. Without the resurrection, there is no hope for deliverance from sin, and all who have died with faith in Christ are lost. But Christ has been raised from the dead! The testimony of scripture, history, the church, and of changed lives all point to the veracity of Christ's resurrection.

Response and Action:
I believe in the resurrection of Jesus - my faith matters. Because I believe it, the study of scripture and learning as a disciple of Jesus are vital. Because I believe in the resurrection, I have hope of something beyond my mortal life. Because I believe in resurrection power, I have hope of transformation and renewal in my life today. Because I believe in the resurrection, I have hope that the world can change through faith and obedience to Christ. Because I believe in the resurrection, I have hope of salvation. Because I believe and my belief has changed my life, I want to help others find that same hope and salvation.

O God, thank you for raising Christ Jesus from the dead. Thank you that resurrection power is available to me today as I surrender to you (Romans 8). Help me to take hold of that power that I might be changed into the likeness Jesus in thought, word, and deed. Thank you for your promise to raise me on the final day, that I might spend eternity with you and all those who have believed in Jesus. Help me to be a witness and a blessing to everyone around me that others might come to salvation and be raised into a new life and a new hope. I look for the resurrection and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 116:7-9
7 Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. 8 For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, 9 that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
In Context: Psalm 116

Proverb for Today: Prov. 28:26
"Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe."

Recommended Resource:
Resurrection
by N.T. Wright

April 27 - Life Math

Overview of: 1 Corinthians

Today's Reading:
1Cor. 11:1 – 13:13
"Worship and Community"

Focus Verses: 1 Cor. 13:4-7
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Insight:
Here is a simple equation for life: (Whatever I can do) - (Love) = 0. Great ability, minus love, equals nothing. Amazing accomplishments, minus love, equals nothing. Self-sacrifice, minus love, equals nothing. Staggering insight and understanding, minus love, equals nothing. Amazing accomplishments, minus love, equals nothing. Faith and miracles, minus love, equals nothing. Life – Love = Nothing.

Response and Action:
Love is the defining mark that demonstrates God's transforming grace and power in my life. Since God is the source of love, those who do not love show that they do not know God. I want to put away childish things and grow in love. I want to love and value others. I want to grow into a person who loves others as Christ loves me. I want to be patient, kind, humble, and slow to anger. I desire to rejoice in truth, to protect, trust, hope, and persevere.

O God, thank you for the love you have for me, demonstrated through Christ's death. Thank you for acting to save and redeem me from my sin. Renew and transform me. Make me able to love others with the love of Christ. Help me to live it out in practical and meaningful ways. Make the love of Christ visible and tangible through me. It's in Jesus' loving and life-giving name that I pray. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 145
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. 14 The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
In Context: Psalm 145

Proverb for Today: Prov. 2:19
"As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart."

Recommended Reading:
The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others
by Scot McKnight

Reading Schedule for April 27 - May 2

April 27 - 1Cor. 11:1 – 13:13
April 28 - 1Cor. 14:1 – 16:24
April 29 - 2Cor. 1:1 – 3:18
April 30 - 2Cor. 4:1 – 6:18
May 1 - 2Cor. 7:1 – 8:24
May 2 - 2Cor. 9:1 – 10:18


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 by clicking the link in the right column.

April 25 - Good Conscience

Overview of: 1 Corinthians

Today's Reading:
1Cor. 8:1 – 10:33
"Choices and the Good of Others"

Focus Verses: 1 Cor. 8:1-2; 9-12
1 Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 2 The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. ---- 9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol's temple, won't he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? 11 So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 12 When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.

Insight:
What a person knows, understands, and believes has a direct relationship with what that person can or cannot do with a clear conscience. Some Christians, with a clearer knowledge and understanding of truth, may have freedoms that others do not. They must, however, exercise those freedoms with sensitivity and care toward others--Christian or not--who do not share them. Knowledge that results in carelessness toward others is not wise or Christ-like. Real and mature knowledge is always more concerned with the interests of others than with the exercise of personal freedoms.

Response and Action:
I need to pursue truth and wisdom. The more I know the truth, the more the truth will set me free. My freedoms must always be lived out with reverence for Christ and concern for others. I must guard against knowledge that is blind to the interests of others. I must avoid pride and live with humility. I will not sin by exercising freedoms in ways that are hurtful or destructive toward others.

Lord God, Help me to grow in knowledge and understanding. I want to live in the freedom that comes from a knowledge and understanding of truth. At the same time, Lord, I want to live the truth in love. Give me a sensitivity and awareness of the needs and views of others who may not fully understand what is true or may not have the same freedoms. Give me a love and concern for others that tempers and guides my actions. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Ezekiel 34:15-16
15 I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign LORD. 16 I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.
In Context: Ezekiel 34

Proverb for Today: Proverbs 25:28
"Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control."

Recommended Reading:
Revolution of Character: Discovering Christ's Pattern for Spiritual Transformation
by Dallas Willard and Don Simpson

April 24 - Sexual

Overview of: 1 Corinthians

Today's Reading:
1Cor. 6:1 – 7:40
"Conflict, Sex, and Marriage"

Focus Verses: 1 Cor. 6:13b-20
13b The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! 16 Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, "The two will become one flesh." 17 But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit.

18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. 19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

Insight:
Sexual immorality is a product of fallen humanity. The human body is not meant for immorality. The body is intended for glorifying God. God raised Jesus from the dead and by that same power he can raise us from our fallen condition. Sexuality is a very deep part of the human self. That makes it a very dangerous form of sin. Once it takes root in our bodies it is very difficult to root it out, and its impact upon our whole person can be devastating. We need to think of our bodies as a temple--a holy place for the Holy Spirit to live. We bring honor to God by caring for our bodies and making sure they are used for holy purposes.

Response and Action:
I must avoid sexual immorality. I must recognize the danger sexual immorality poses to my whole self. I need to honor God with my heart, mind, and body. I need to draw upon the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit to rise above my vulnerability and the sexual sinfulness of my fallen world, recognizing that God's power and grace can raise me up. God is the creator of sexuality, and so it follows that if it is to be a blessing to me, and an honor to God, I must acknowledge and heed God's boundaries and purposes for sexuality.

O God, lead me away from temptation and deliver me from evil. Create in me a clean heart. Help me to delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your name. Give me the wisdom and the will and the strength to do what is right. Help me to honor you with my heart, my mind, and my body. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Proverbs 7:4-5
4 Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and to insight, "You are my relative." 5 They will keep you from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words.
In Context: Proverbs 7

Proverb for Today: Prov. 24:14
"Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off."

Recommended Reading:
Real Sex: The Naked Truth about Chastity
by Lauren F. Winner

April 23 - Motives

Overview of: 1 Corinthians

Today's Reading:
1Cor. 4:1 – 5:13
"Authority and Arrogance"

Focus Verses: 1 Cor. 4:1-5
1 This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. 2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of people's hearts. At that time each will receive their praise from God.

Insight:
The motives of our hearts are open before God. He knows them and he can expose them and bring them to light. Those who are humble and serious about sin look to God for the understanding, guidance, and strength they need to confront sin in their own lives. This same humility and seriousness should extend to the life of their Christian community.

Response and Action:
I want to please God. Only God can truly understand my actions and the motivation for those actions. When I seek God with all my heart, I gain a deeper and truer understanding of who I am. I want God to show me who I am, and how I need to change in order to be the person he has made me to be. I will seek to draw near to God and be sensitive to the leading of his Spirit through the Scriptures, through prayer, and through my Christian community. Honoring God and bringing him praise should be the deepest motivation for all that I do.

O God, help me to keep my eyes on you. Help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. You have blessed me in many ways; help me to live faithfully for you. Do not let me be tempted or influenced by a need to receive the praise of people, but instead, give me a heart that is motivated by a desire to receive your commendation. Help me to be honest and humble about weaknesses and failings in my life, and give me the courage and the strength of your Spirit to turn away from sin. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 51:17
17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.
In Context: Psalm 51

Proverb for Today: Prov. 23:17-18
"Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off."

Recommended Reading:
Desiring God's Will: Aligning Our Hearts With The Heart Of God
by David G. Benner

April 22 - Only Servants

Overview of: 1 Corinthians

Today's Reading:
1Cor. 3:1-23
"Leaders and Followers"

Focus Verses: 1 Cor. 3:5-8
5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.

Insight:
Christians can be too preoccupied with loyalties to a certain teacher, tradition, or denomination. "I am of Apollos" and "I am of Paul" sound very similar to “I am a protestant," "I am a Calvinist," or "I am an evangelical."

God is the one who makes the seed of faith grow, not your favorite pastor, theologian, or author. Teachers, traditions, and denominations can help plant, water, and nurture the seed of faith, but they do not deserve the credit for what only God can do.

Our highest loyalty and identity should be placed in Christ Jesus. Christians wear the name of Christ, not the name of his servants. Let's be thankful for those who help us to mature in our faith and devotion to Christ, but let's not let them become a source of division and quarrels. No Christian teacher worth following wants that!

Response and Action:
While I value specific individuals, writers, teachers, groups, ministries, and denominations, I must not allow this appreciation to turn into something divisive. My loyalty is to Christ Jesus, and I embrace his church in its entirety. Those who plant and water the seeds of faith in my life deserve my thanks and love, but they would be dishonored if my loyalty to them overshadowed my loyalty for Christ and my desire to see all who follow him to be united in testimony and fellowship.

O God, I believe in one, holy, and universal church. I thank you for the men and women who have planted and watered the seeds of faith in me. Thank you for their examples, teachings, and writings. Help me to demonstrate true appreciation for them by placing my faith and commitment in Christ, rather than in them. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 133:1
1 "How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!"
In Context: Psalm 133

Proverb for Today: Prov. 22:4
"Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life."

Recommended Reading:
Mere Christianity
by C.S. Lewis

April 21 - Revealed

Overview of: 1 Corinthians

Today's Reading:
1Cor. 1:1 – 2:16
"Division, Power, & Revelation"

Focus Verses: 1 Cor. 1:20-24
20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Insight:
The power and wisdom of God are revealed in Christ Jesus. Philosophy and academics are useful, but they cannot, in and of themselves, give life. The wise man, the scholar, and the philosopher of this age need the truth of God to inform their wisdom, scholarship, and philosophy. God has revealed his truth and wisdom through Jesus.

Response and Action:
God's ways are higher than mine. I am reasonable enough to understand the limits of reason. Ultimate truth and wisdom are beyond my intelligence or comprehension. Apart from God's revelation and guidance, I am stuck with the frustration of my own limitations. Real wisdom is found in Jesus Christ. His words, actions, teachings, relationships, prayers, and stories all reveal the truth of God. I will examine all my studies, ideas, and beliefs in the light of what Jesus has said and done, because he is the wisdom of the God.

O God, thank you for revealing yourself through Jesus, your son. Thank you for the capacity to think and study and reason and grow. Help me to mature in wisdom and truth as I follow closely after Jesus. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Isaiah 55:8-9
8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. 9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
In Context: Isaiah 55

Proverb for Today: Prov. 20:5
"The purposes of the human heart are deep waters, but those who have insight draw them out."

Recommended Reading:
The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life In God
Dallas Willard

April 20 - Church

Overview of: Romans

Today's Reading:
Romans 15:1 – 16:27
"Final Instructions & Greetings"

Focus Verses: Romans 15:1-6
1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Insight:
Acceptance of others is essential to unity within the Christian community. The strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak. The weak should be thankful for the guidance and help of those who are strong. We should work to build up our neighbors and do what is pleasing for their good. We should seek to grow in Christ and be receptive to the ways others are helping us to mature in our faith and become more Christ-like in our living. True community produces true disciples who glorify God in both word and deed.

Response and Action:
I want to experience healthy Christian community marked by unity and acceptance. I must bear with the weaknesses of others and do my best to help them grow in their faith. I must acknowledge my own weaknesses and be responsive to the patience and counsel of Christian brothers and sisters who are doing what they can to help me grow. I will look to God for the grace, encouragement, and strength I need to help my church family to experience unity and maturity. I want my church family to be a strength for each other, a blessing and witness to the world around us, and a praise to God.

O God, give me a love for others. Help me to accept those who are weak and commit myself to helping them grow strong. When I am weak, move others to come around to encourage and help me. By the power of your Spirit and the guidance of your written word, help your people to become servants to each other. Help us to follow Jesus with all our hearts and to bring honor and glory to you, dear Father. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 133:1
1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!
In Context: Psalm 133

Proverb for Today: Prov. 20:6-7
"Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find? The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them."

Recommended Reading:
The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others
by Scot McKnight

Reading Schedule for April 20 - 25

April 20 - Romans 15:1 – 16:27
April 21 - 1Cor. 1:1 – 2:16
April 22 - 1Cor. 3:1-23
April 23 - 1Cor. 4:1 – 5:13
April 24 - 1Cor. 6:1 – 7:40
April 25 - 1Cor. 8:1 – 10:33


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 by clicking the link in the right column.