August 6 - Living with Integrity

Overview of: Psalms

Today's Reading:
Psalms 95 – 101

Focus Verses: Psalm 101:2-3, 6
2 I will be careful to lead a blameless life—when will you come to me? I will walk in my house with blameless heart. 3 I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me. - - - 6 My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; he whose walk is blameless will minister to me.

Insight:
King David desired to live with integrity. He understood that the life he longed for required intentionality. He would need to exercise discipline and make choices that were consistent with his desire to honor God and walk in truth. He would need an awareness of God's presence. He would need to be careful about the things to which he gave his time and attention--the things he would put before his eyes. He would need to avoid relationships that turned him away from God or caused him to stray from truth. He would need to seek out relationships and support from others who shared his desire to honor God and live righteously.

Response and Action:
I share David's desire to honor God and live with integrity. I want my love for God, and my commitment to honor him, to be fully integrated with every aspect of my life. I will be careful and intentional about my choices. I will set my heart and mind on things that strengthen my heart for God. I will be careful about the things I place before my eyes. I will avoid relationships with people or things that diminish my faithfulness to God. I will seek out friendships and resources that nurture and spur me on toward righteousness.

O God, help me to delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Help me to be a good steward of the life you have given me. Grant me the wisdom and the will to guard my heart, to feed my spirit, to stimulate my mind, and to care for my body. Help me to fix my eyes on Jesus, and to follow him in the company of friends who are doing the same. Help me to set my thoughts on things that are noble, beautiful, and true, and to set my heart on things above. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Titus 2:11-14
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
In Context: Titus 2

Proverb for Today: Prov. 6:23
"For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life..."

Recommended Reading:
The Pursuit of God
by A. W. Tozer

August 5 - A Heart of Wisdom

Overview of: Psalms

Today's Reading:
Psalms 90 – 94

Focus Verses:
Psalm 90:2-6, 10, 12
2 Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. 3 You turn men back to dust, saying, "Return to dust, O sons of men." 4 For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. 5 You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning- 6 though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry and withered. - - - 10 The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. - - - 12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Insight:
Psalm 90 is attributed as "A Prayer of Moses the Man of God." Moses knew a lot about life and death. He had seen many of his people die as slaves in Egypt, and even as they were delivered from bondage, he saw many of them die in the wilderness during their forty-year sojourn before entering the land God had promised. Though he lived a long life, he was acutely aware of its brevity in the big picture of God's creation, God's plan, and the history of God's people. He knew that in order to be wise, a person must understand how just how ephemeral life is.

Response and Action:
My life is short. I will commit each new day God grants me to honoring him. Today, I will seek him with my whole heart. Today, I will strive to serve him. Today, I will treasure his Word. Today, I will surrender my life to the call of Christ Jesus. Today, I will love my neighbor. Today, I will hold up every goal, action, attitude, responsibility, and relationship to the light of God's will.

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. Teach me to number my days, that I might present to you a heart that is wise. Remind me that every day I have is a gift from you. Amen.

New Testament for Today: James 4:13-15
13 Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."
In Context: James 4

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."

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

August 4 - Beyond Compare

Overview of: Psalms

Today's Reading:
Psalms 85 – 89

Focus Verses: Psalm 86:8-12
8 Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. 9 All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name. 10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God. 11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. 12 I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.

Insight:
There is no other god like the Lord, the only true God. This will eventually be clear to all people; all the nations will come to worship God. The way of the Lord is the way of truth. His marvelous deeds testify that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the only true God. He is worthy of my whole-hearted praise and allegiance.

Response and Action:
I will reflect upon the ways God is at work in my life--he is leading, blessing, teaching, saving, and transforming me. I will consider marvelous things the Scriptures tell me God has done through creation, through history, and through Christ Jesus. I recognize that there is only one God, and I will give him my praise. I will commit myself to seeking his truth and walking in his ways. I will love him and follow him with an undivided heart.

O God, help me to recognize the things that threaten to diminish my love for you. Show me your ways and your truth, that I might follow you with an undivided heart. Help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God, my savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Revelation 5:9-10
9 And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. 10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."
In Context: Revelation 5

Proverb for Today: Prov. 4:18-19
"The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble."

Recommended Reading:
Jesus Among Other Gods The Absolute Claims Of The Christian Message
by Ravi Zacharias

August 3 - Worshiping with Others

Overview of: Psalms

Today's Reading:
Psalms 80-84

Focus Verses: Psalm 84:1-2,10,12
1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty! 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. - - - 10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. - - - 12 O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.

Insight:
Psalm 84 expresses how wonderful it was to worship the Lord at Solomon's Temple. It was so beautiful, and God's presence was so tangible, that reverence and praise came easily (v.4). Even the trip to Jerusalem was a meaningful experience for those who traveled to worship at the Temple. It reminded them of the faith journeys made by their forefathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (vv.5-7). Once they arrived and joined into the Temple worship experience, their faith was bolstered. One day of this experience was so encouraging and valuable to the worshipers, they felt it was worth more than a thousand days doing anything else.

Response and Action:
Gathering with others to worship and praise God should be a beautiful and encouraging experience for me. It should be something I look forward to with joyful anticipation. As a follower of Christ, I want to do my part to make worship a beautiful and encouraging experience for others. I want my church family--my worship community--to be so filled with God's presence and beauty that people look forward to being together. I want time spent with my church family to be so sweet that it's better than a thousand days elsewhere.

O God, give me a heart that is quick to worship you. Give me a love for your church and an appreciation for time spent with your people. Help my church family to seek you wholeheartedly, and to become a beautiful and attractive witness of your grace and presence. Help me, as part of that community, to be an encouragement and joy to others. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Hebrews 10:22-25
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. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
In Context: Hebrews 10:1-25

Proverb for Today: Prov. 3:5-6
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

Recommended Reading:
Church: Why Bother?
by Philip Yancey

Reading Schedule for August 3 - 8

August 3 - Psalms 80 – 84
August 4 - Psalms 85 – 89
August 5 - Psalms 90 – 94
August 6 - Psalms 95 – 101
August 7 - Psalms 102 – 105
August 8 - Psalms 106 – 107


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.

August 1 - He Remembers

Overview of: Psalms

Today's Reading:
Psalms 78 – 79

Focus Verses: Psalm 78:37-39
37 ...their hearts were not loyal to him, they were not faithful to his covenant. 38 Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them. Time after time he restrained his anger and did not stir up his full wrath. 39 He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return.

Insight:
This is a teaching song. It begins with an appeal to listen to the psalmist's words as he speaks in parables, as he speaks of hidden things, and as he recounts the things of old. His hope is that the generations to come will learn something from those who have gone before them. He is honest about the good and the bad. He wants their descendants to learn from the mistakes of their forefathers.

Asaph speaks of God's judgment and wrath, but he also speaks of God's love and grace. He speaks of the unfaithfulness and weakness of people, but rejoices in God's faithfulness. God, he says, remembers the frailty and weakness of people--that they "are but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return." God knows our weaknesses and is merciful. Through Christ Jesus, he is able to sympathize with our weaknesses, and he is willing and able to help us in our times of need.

Response and Action:
I want to pay attention and be teachable. There is so much to learn from the experiences of God's people recorded in Scripture and throughout church history. I will consider the words, stories, and experiences from people of faith who have gone before me. I will read the Bible and explore the rich supply of Christian biographies, memoirs, letters, poetry, songs available to me.

I will do my best to honestly share my experiences, good and bad, with my children and their children. I will rejoice in God's amazing grace and faithfulness to me. I will give thanks for my merciful God who understands my weaknesses and helps me in my times of need.

O God, thank you for your love and faithfulness. Forgive my sins, and have mercy toward me in my weakness. 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. I pray all this in Jesus' name. Amen

New Testament for Today: Hebrews 4:14-16
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
In Context: Hebrews 4

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

Recommended Reading:
What's So Amazing About Grace?
by Philip Yancey

July 31 - Zoom Out

Overview of: Psalms

Today's Reading:
Psalms 74-77

Focus Verses: Psalm 77:6b, 9-13
6b My heart mused and my spirit inquired: - - - 9 Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?" 10 Then I thought, "To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High." 11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. 12 I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. 13 Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God?

Insight:
God cannot forget to be himself. God would have to forget who he is in order to forget his mercy and compassion. God would, in fact, simply not be God if he forgot himself. God cannot be who he is and, at the same time, contradict who he is.

Asaph mused and wrestled with this puzzle. He looked at the trials and problems he was facing and wondered why God was not intervening. He felt like his cries were not being heard. He felt like God was far off. He wondered, "Has God stopped being God? Has God forgotten who he is?"

As he thought, he appealed to the things God had done in the past. Instead of rejecting God, Asaph wisely rejected his own doubts about God. Through worship and faith, Asaph concluded that God really was holy, good, powerful, and faithful. He recounted all the ways God had been faithful to his people throughout history. He trusted that God really was God and would always be God. He trusted that God would save in the future, just as he had saved in the past.

Response and Action:
My limited view of my trials and circumstances can give a distorted view of God. From my point of view, it can look as though God has lost interest or forgotten to check in on me. It can be tempting to wonder if God has forgotten to be who he claims to be. After all, if he is loving, caring, powerful, merciful, and able to save, where is he?

When I have doubts about God, I'm forced to choose between my fearful perceptions and the testimony of Scripture. I have to decide if I will trust my limited perspective more than I trust the promises of God. Will I reject God, or will I reject my doubts?

When I find myself wondering about God's faithfulness, I will gain perspective by reflecting upon the Scriptures, the testimony of Christians, the history of Israel and the church, and the encouragement of Christian friends today. When I can't see past my circumstances, I will "zoom out" in order to get a broader view. I will trust God to be the good and holy God he has proven himself to be.

O God, I trust you to be faithful and good. I trust you to be YOU. I give thanks to you, for your Name is near. People tell of your wonderful deeds. You choose the appointed time for everything. You judge uprightly. When the earth and all its people quake, it is you who holds its pillars firm. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Matthew 7:24-25
24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
In Context: Matthew 7:24-29

Proverb for Today: Prov. 31:9
"Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."

Recommended Reading:
Reflections on the Psalms
by C. S. Lewis

July 30 - Envy Until...

Overview of: Psalms

Today's Reading:
Psalms 70 – 73

Focus Verses: Psalm 73:1-3; 16-17
1 Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. 3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. - - - 16 When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me 17 till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.

Insight:
I really appreciate how the songwriter, Asaph, is so honest about his feelings and doubts. He believes that God is good and that he is good to his people. He believes that those who are pure in heart can count on God's goodness. He admits, however, that his faith was on slippery ground. His foothold was shaken by the prosperity of the wicked and he found himself beginning to envy them. "What good does it do me to have faith in you God?" he asks. "I don't understand what's going on!" he says.

Trying to reason through the whole philosophical/theological problem of how God can be good while the world is so evil became oppressive to him. It was only when he began to worship God that he began to see and understand. Worshipping the eternal God gave him an eternal perspective. Temporal prosperity lost its shine and allure in the light of eternal destiny.

Response and Action:
Like the Psalmist, I am sometimes tempted to feel like faith in God isn't getting me anywhere. I can envy the wicked. I can lose sight of eternal promises when I see people who have no regard for God prospering and succeeding. Worship is the way to hold on to understanding and my faith. Worship gives me perspective and reminds me of what is eternal and what is temporal. I will worship God, believing he is good and faithful to his people--to those who seek him with pure hearts.

O God, help me to turn away from what is wrong and to do what is right. In your faithfulness to me, do not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear. Lead me away from temptation and deliver me from evil. Thank you for your goodness to those who seek you. Give me humility and the wisdom to not envy the arrogant. Give me the perspective and discernment to know what is true and what is real. Deepen my understanding of life and truth as I worship you and praise you. Amen.

New Testament for Today: 2 Corinthians 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.
In Context: 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

Proverb for Today: Prov. 30:7-9
"Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God."

Recommended Reading:
Learning to Pray Through the Psalms
by James Sire

July 29 - Let Me Tell You!

Overview of: Psalms

Today's Reading:
Psalms 66 – 69

Focus Verses: Psalm 66:1-5, 16
1 Shout with joy to God, all the earth! 2 Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious! 3 Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. 4 All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name." 5 Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man's behalf! - - - 16 Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.

Insight:
In Psalm 66, the psalmist is absolutely exuberant with praise at the thought of all God is and has done. So many of the psalms are filled with appeals for God to do something, but this psalm is celebration of all God has done.

Response and Action:
I spend a lot of time asking God to do things for me. I want to spend more time reflecting on all God has done and the many blessings he has provided. I will lift up my needs to the Lord, but I will also lift up enthusiastic shouts of praise for the awesome deeds he has done on behalf of humankind--the awesome works that have blessed me in so many ways.

Not only will I praise God, I will make that praise glorious and unrestrained. I will tell anyone who will listen of the great things God has done for me. I will celebrate and tell others about the things God is doing in my life. I will delight in the great things God has promised to do.

O God, thank you for hearing my prayers. Thank you for the love you have not withheld from me. Give me a mind to recount my blessings. Give me a heart to offer up thanks. Give me a mouth that is quick to sing praise. Give me an eagerness to tell others of all you have done for me. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Mark 5:19-20
19 Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." 20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
In Context: Mark 5:1-20

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

Recommended Reading:
Reflections on the Psalms
by C. S. Lewis

July 28 - Night Song

Overview of: Psalms

Today's Reading:
Psalms 60 – 65

Focus Verses: Psalm 63:6-8
6 On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. 7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. 8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.

Insight:
You can tell how difficult and threatening life must have been for David; so many of his psalms perpetually focus on the need for deliverance and refuge. Many of these threats were external--enemies, armies, malicious words, arrows, and swords--but others were internal, like his fears, his sins, his ignorance, and his weaknesses.

He must have had many a sleepless night, but even in those times he turned his thoughts toward God. When he couldn't sleep, whether he was on duty or whether he was filled with anxiety, he remembered that God was his help. Because he believed God would uphold and protect him, he could offer up a song of praise in the darkest night.

Response and Action:
Just a few nights ago I found myself awake. My mind was racing through a long list of concerns over responsibilities and relationships. It was a mild and peaceful night outside, so I went outside and sat down in one of the Adirondacks in front of my house. I laid my head back and watched the clouds float by in the moonlight.

There, in the quiet of the night, I thought of David's words in Psalm 63, and tried to follow his example. I praised God and told him I was trusting him to accomplish his will and to see me through. Then, I went back to bed and slept soundly until morning. When life's concerns wake me up (or keep me up), I will sing a song of trust and hope to God, and then get some rest.

O God, you are my God. I seek you earnestly. In this dry and weary land, my soul thirsts for you and my body longs for you. My soul finds rest in you alone. May the peace of Christ guard my heart and mind in every circumstance. It's in his name that I pray. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
In Context: Philippians 4:2-20

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

Recommended Reading:
Praying the Psalms of Jesus
by James Sire

July 27 - Peril and Praise

Overview of: Psalms

Today's Reading:
Psalms 55 – 59

Focus Verses: Psalm 57:4-7
4 I am in the midst of lions; I lie among ravenous beasts—men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. 6 They spread a net for my feet—I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path—but they have fallen into it themselves. 7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
See 1 Samuel 24 to read the story behind the Psalm

Insight:
The Psalms in today's reading are filled with descriptions of perils juxtaposed with expressions praise. In one breath David describes the tongues of his enemies as sharp swords, but then in the next breath David's tongue begins to praise his God. David describes the trap his enemies have spread for his feet, though they are the ones who will trip and fall. In contrast, David's heart is steadfast. He is confident that by God's grace he will not be brought down, and so he lifts up his voice in songs of praise.

Response and Action:
When I think of the fears and challenges in my life, I will lift them up to God in prayer. And as I cry out for help, I will also sing songs of honor and trust. I will punctuate my pleas for help with shouts of praise. Every problem I recount to God will be accompanied with an expression of hope and adoration. Every time I think of the things that threaten to bring me down, I will give thanks to the Lord who has promised to hold me up.

O God, I live in a world of danger, but you are a God of deliverance. There are things that scare me, but you have promised to save me. Traps have been set to pull me down, but your truth has been given to hold me up. In the face of every peril, I will give you praise. Thank you for Christ Jesus who has both promised and proved that you are the faithful God who has defeated every enemy--even death. Nothing can defeat those who have placed their confidence in you by trusting in your Son, our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit--one God now and forever. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Romans 8:33-37
33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
In Context: Romans 8

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

Recommended Reading:
Faith & Doubt
by John Ortberg

Reading Schedule for July 27 - August 1

July 27 - Psalms 55 – 59
July 28 - Psalms 60 – 65
July 29 - Psalms 66 – 69
July 30 - Psalms 70 – 73
July 31 - Psalms 74 – 77
August 1 - Psalms 78 – 79





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.

July 25 - A Contrite Heart

Overview of: Psalms

Today's Reading:
Psalms 50 – 54

Focus Verses: Psalm 51:6,10,17
6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. - - - 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. - - - 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Insight:
When Samuel rebuked King Saul and told him the kingdom would be taken away from him (1Sam. 13:14), he said the Lord had "sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people." That man was David. In Acts 13, the Apostle Paul also makes reference to David as being "a man after God's own heart" who "would do everything God wanted him to do."

David was every bit the sinner that Saul was. In fact, David's adultery and murder of a good and faithful soldier are right up there, and might surpass, any of Saul's sins. So how can it be that David is described as a man "after God's own heart?"

Obviously, "having a heart after God" does not mean being without sin. David and Saul were both sinners, but only David was willing to recognize his sin, humble his heart, ask God for cleansing, and turn his heart back toward following and obeying God.

Response and Action:
I want to have a heart after God. This does not mean that I will never sin or make mistakes. It does mean, however, that I am seeking God. It means that I am humble before God and ready to recognize my sin and my need for forgiveness. It means that I desire to obey and serve God. It means that I will look to God for direction, for cleansing, for purpose. It means that I acknowledge Jesus as my Lord and Savior, and that I will seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.

O God, create in me clean heart -- a heart that is after your heart. Search me and try me to see if there is anything hurtful or sinful in me. Forgive me, purify me, and lead me in your everlasting ways. Put your truth and wisdom in my inmost parts. Help me to delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Amen.

New Testament for Today: 2 Corinthians 7:9b-10
9b ...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.
In Context: 2 Corinthians 7:2-16

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

Recommended Reading:
A Heart for God: Learning From David Through the Tough Choices of Life
by Rebecca Manley Pippert

July 24 - Fears

Overview of: Psalms

Today's Reading:
Psalms 45 – 49
SONGBOOK II : Psalms 42 - 72

Focus Verses: Psalm 46:1-6
1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

Insight:
God's help and care are always available to me. In times of trouble, I will run to him for refuge and lean on him for strength. No matter how traumatic and hopeless the situation, no matter how deep the grief, no matter how frightening the circumstances, I will look to the Most High.

Response and Action:
What are the threats and fears I am facing today? What troubles in the world depress and overwhelm me? What is breaking my heart and shaking my world? I will not seek death or give up in despair, I will remember that God is present and persevere through him.

O God, be near me when I walk through the valleys of life. Be the light of hope for me when the shadows of death are looming all around me. Be a rock and a refuge to me when the storms rage. Remind me of your goodness and the future hope you have for me. Save me at the break of day and renew me with the river of life that flows from you; make me glad and bring me safely into your presence forever. Calm my every fear. In Jesus' name, Amen.

New Testament for Today: Romans 8:31-39
31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? 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? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
In Context: Romans 8

Proverb for Today: Prov. 24:10
"If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!"

Recommended Reading:
Be Not Afraid
by David Ivaska

July 23 - Loving Regard

Overview of: Psalms

Today's Reading:
Psalms 41 - 44
SONGBOOK II : Psalms 42 - 72

Focus Verses: Psalm 41:1-4
1 Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. 2 The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. 3 The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness. 4 I said, "O LORD, have mercy on me; heal me, for I have sinned against you."

Insight:
There is a connection between our relationship with God and our relationships others. The connection is a matter of perspective and motivation. If we truly understand and receive God's love, it will impact the way we love others. When we understand our need to be forgiven and God's grace to forgive, it moves us to forgive others. In recognizing our weakness before God and our need for deliverance, we are reminded and moved to have compassion on those around us who are weak and in need of rescue. As we love, forbear, help, and extend grace and support for others, we can rest in the assurance of God's faithfulness to preserve our lives and meet our needs.

Response and Action:
Because God is gracious and faithful to me, I will faithfully extend grace to others. I will have regard for the weak. I will do what I can to help others in times of trouble. I will pray, share, listen, work, give, and sacrifice for others as an expression of my faith and reliance upon God. Because I cry out to God, I will be sensitive to the cries of those around me who are hurting and in need.

O Lord, thank you for your gracious salvation and work in my life. Help me, by faith, to do the good things you've prepared in advance for me to do--to be faithful, fruitful, and effective as your servant. Give me a regard for the weak, a heart for the hurting, a hand for the downtrodden, an ear for the misunderstood, a good word for the weary, and a generosity for the needy. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

New Testament for Today: 1 John 4:19-21
19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
In Context: 1 John 4:7-21

Proverb for Today: Prov. 23:6-7
"Do not eat the food of a stingy man, do not crave his delicacies; for he is the kind of man who is always thinking about the cost. "Eat and drink," he says to you, but his heart is not with you."

Recommended Reading:
Love, The Ultimate Apologetic: The Heart of Christian Witness
by Art Lindsley

July 22 - Wise Tongue

Overview of: Psalms

Today's Reading:
Psalms 37 – 40
SONGBOOK I : Psalms 1-41

Focus Verses: Psalm 37:30-31
30 The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just. 31 The law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip.

Insight:
Having the truth of Scripture hidden in my heart will give stability to my life. God's wisdom and truth in my heart will be apparent in the words I say and the way I say them.

Response and Action:
I will read the Scriptures every day and apply them to my life. Knowing God's word will help me live a stable and healthy life and help me to speak with wisdom and truth.

O God, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight. Help me to know and understand your word, that my mouth might speak truth and wisdom. Help me to walk with integrity and to speak and act justly. Give me the heart that is guided and shaped by your Spirit, that my mouth would be a blessing to others. Amen.

New Testament for Today: 2 Peter 1:19-21
19 And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 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

Proverb for Today: Prov. 22:11-12
"He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend. The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful."

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

July 21 - My Little World

Overview of: Psalms

Today's Reading:
Psalms 33 – 36
SONGBOOK I : Psalms 1-41

Focus Verses: Psalm 33:6,13-15, 22
6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. - - - 13 From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; 14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth- 15 he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. - - - 22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.

Insight:
In Psalm 33, the Psalmist praises the Creator who brought the vastness of the heavens and earth into existence with the breath of His mouth. Amazingly, this all-powerful God, who sees the expansive and mighty seas as something he could put into jars, is not distant or uninterested in humanity. To the contrary, he sees all of mankind and watches all who live on earth. The One who made the stars is the One who forms our hearts and thinks about everything we do.

Response and Action:
Sometimes I feel lost and insignificant. Though creation is beautiful and impressive, I often feel swallowed up by its enormity and complexity. It's hard to imagine that the God who breathed creation into being is interested in me, but that is exactly the hope and faith of the Psalmist, the message Christ taught, and the heart of the Christian faith.

I will rejoice in the promise that God knows me and cares about me. I will live today in the faith that God sees and considers everything I am doing. I will depend on God's unfailing love and put my hope in Him.

Oh God of the stars, the sun and the moon-- / Oh God of the wind and the sea, / Though You’re everywhere, How amazing it is that You can be here with me.

The uncharted craters of planets beyond, / You know like the palm of your hand; / And yet You’re concerned, with my little world. / Oh, help me to understand.

I know that miracles happen to people like me / the moment we dare to believe; / for we are the objects of God’s mighty love-- / love greater than our little minds can conceive.

The stars could collide, the sun could grow dim, / the whole universe pass away, / Still nothing can change the promise He made, / and Christ in my heart will stay.

"My Little World"
Written by Ralph Carmichael © Bud John Songs, Inc.

New Testament for Today: Matthew 6:26-30
26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
In Context: Matt. 6:5-34

Proverb for Today: Prov. 21:2
"All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart."

Recommended Reading:
Learning to Pray Through the Psalms
by James Sire

July 20 - Blessing in Confessing

Overview of: Psalms

Today's Reading:
Psalms 28 – 32
SONGBOOK I : Psalms 1-41

Focus Verses: Psalm 32:1-5
1 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. 3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "— and you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Insight:
Failure to acknowledge my sin before God will result in guilt and depression. How much better for me to admit my failures, uncover my sins, and confess my need for God's forgiveness and grace. The blessing of forgiveness and relief from guilt comes from being humble and honest before God. If I confess my sins, God is faithful and just and he will forgive me my sins and purify me from all unrighteousness.

Response and Action:
I will be humble and honest before God and admit my sins and weaknesses. God knows all about them anyway, so covering them up is only self-deception. I want the peace and freedom from guilt that comes with confession and honesty to God. I will openly acknowledge my weakness and transgressions to God. I will look to God for the grace and guidance I need to overcome sin. I will give God my thanks and praise for his mercy and faithfulness to forgive and restore.

Thank you, Almighty God, for your mercy and grace. Thank you for your faithfulness and your forgiveness that blesses all who confess their sins and look to you for salvation. Lead me away from temptation, and deliver me from evil. Help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Give me a humble heart and a readiness to repent, and as I do, restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with your free Spirit. Amen.

New Testament for Today: 1 John 1:8-9
8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
In Context: 1 John 1:5-10

Proverb for Today: Prov. 20:9
"Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin?"

Recommended Reading:
Learning to Pray Through the Psalms
by James Sire