August 19 - Telling My Story

Overview of: PSALMS

Today's Reading:
Psalms 144 – 146

Focus Verses: Psalm 145:2-6
2 Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. 3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. 4 One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. 5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. 6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds.

Insight:
The ideas, beliefs, and hopes of every generation are shaped and informed by those who have gone before them. If God is good and faithful, there ought to be some stories and testimonies to inspire. If God has done mighty and wonderful things, there ought to be some songs and souvenirs to show for it. If God's greatness is more than anyone can fathom, surely there will be a storehouse of letters, speeches, poems, prayers, and books written by those who have tried to communicate the blessing and wonder they have experienced in their lives.

Response and Action:
I am thankful for the testimony of those who have experienced God's grace and glory. I am grateful for the stories of God's power and presence that have been handed down to me through the Scriptures and the pages of church history. I am especially thankful for the family and friends and teachers in my life who have given personal witness to God's work and blessing in their lives.

I need to tell my story and share my faith with my children and grandchildren. I need to speak of God's blessing and kindness to me. My life, my attitude, my actions, and my words may be more important and meaningful to others than I realize. Recounting God's faithfulness to me, and giving him praise, may be the most important ways for me to give witness to his goodness. My story may be vital to the faith and hope of someone following in my footsteps.

O God, give me the eyes to see your faithfulness to me. Give me a heart and mind that are ready to praise and worship you for your mighty deeds. Give me a tongue that is filled with stories of your goodness. Help me to declare your truth and your goodness to my children and their children. Help them to trust in you because they see, in my life, a testimony of your trustworthiness. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

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

New Testament for Today: Ephesians 3:20-21
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
In Context: Ephesians 3

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

August 18 - A Critical Kindness

Overview of: PSALMS

Today's Reading:
Psalms 140 – 143

Focus Verses: Psalm 141:3-5a
3 Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. 4 Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies. 5a Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness; let him rebuke me—it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it.

Insight:
The wisdom to accept correction and criticism demonstrates maturity and teachability. David was certainly not without sin, but he had a genuine desire to turn away from sin and a readiness to recognize his own failures. He understood that the "delicacies" of falling in with the wicked were a temptation and snare. He understood that the life he desired would require help from God, personal resolve, and the support/accountability of righteous friends. Because he had a heart to live a righteous life, he was able to see rebuke as a blessing and corrective discipline as a kindness.

Response and Action:
I want to live a righteous life that brings honor to God, blessing to others, and deep fulfillment to me. I will need to seek God's help and guidance. I will need to be on guard against the false, but tempting "pleasures" that could draw me toward evil. I will need to live with resolve and exert personal effort. I must humbly acknowledge my failings and weaknesses. I must be teachable and willing to receive rebuke and correction as I read the Scriptures and as I interact with others who are pursuing righteousness.

O God, lead me away from what is wrong and help me to do what is right. Grant me the wisdom and the will to guard my heart. Help me to recognize the fraudulent emptiness of the temptations toward evil. Give me the humility to learn, to receive rebuke, to accept correction, and to be trained in righteousness. Make me ready to do every good thing you have in mind for me to do. Bring godly and genuine friends into my life that we might be a strength and help for each other as together we seek you with our whole hearts. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

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

New Testament for Today: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
In Context: 2 Timothy 3:10-17

Recommended Reading:
Renovation of the Heart
by Dallas Willard

August 17 - Search Me

Overview of: PSALMS

Today's Reading:
Psalms 137 – 139

Focus Verses: Psalm 139:23-24
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Insight:
Psalm 139 is a beautiful song that we hear quoted frequently. The phrases "I'm fearfully and wonderfully made" and "Where can I go from your Spirit" and "Before a word is on my tongue" and "Search me, O God" get mentioned quite often. I never, however, hear anybody quote verses 19-22. We read the phrases, "If only you would slay the wicked" or "I have nothing but hate for them" and wonder what we should do with them.

Response and Action:
I suggest that we do the same thing David did with them. We should be honest about our anger and hate, we should give them up and place them in God's hands, and then humbly consider his wisdom and grace.

David begins this song (vv. 1-18) with awe and wonder at the knowledge of God. God knows everything. God’s knowledge is before and after all things. God is our maker and he knows us better than we know ourselves. God's thoughts are amazing and precious.

Then David is honest about his own thoughts--thoughts like "God, why do you tolerate evil?" or "God, why don't you just get rid of everyone who opposes you?" (vv. 19-22). When we, like David, find ourselves thinking in those ways, we might just want to take a step back and consider where we’d be if God thought like us.

Then, like David (vv. 23-24), we should ask God to search our hearts and show us the ways our thoughts and attitudes are hurtful, or shortsighted, or motivated by fear and anxiety. We can then ask God to lead our hearts and thoughts into better and everlasting ways.

O God, your thoughts are higher than my thoughts, and your ways are higher than my ways. Help me to think more like you think. Make my heart more like yours. Replace my hate and frustration with grace and hope. Help me extend to others the same love, forgiveness, and redemption you have shown to me. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 17:27
"A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered."

New Testament for Today: Matthew 5:43-45a
43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.
In Context: Matthew 5:38-48

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

Reading Schedule for August 17 - 22

August 17 - Psalms 137 – 139
August 18 - Psalms 140 – 143
August 19 - Psalms 144 – 146
August 20 - Psalms 147 – 150
August 21 - Prov. 1 – 3
August 22 - Prov. 4 – 6




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 15 - Song of the Throng

Overview of: PSALMS

Today's Reading:
Psalms 131 - 136

Focus Verses: Psalm 133:1-3
1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

Insight:
We all know what it's like to experience high traffic and increased delays on trips to very popular destinations or public events. In the same way, the Israelites making their feast day pilgrimage must have dealt with busier roads and larger crowds the closer they got to Jerusalem. By singing Psalm 133, they were reminded that the long lines and crowded conditions (which I assume were at least as challenging and wearisome for them as they are for us) were actually reasons for thanks and celebration.

Why? Because these crowds were the result of God's people coming together in obedience and reverence for God. The gathering throngs of Israelites were giving witness to their need and love for God. They were declaring God to be the center of their lives, the basis of their community, and the center of their national identity.

Unity was a joy and a blessing from God. It was being poured out upon them--just as the oil of blessing had been poured upon Aaron so abundantly that it flowed down to the edge of his robes. Unity was a life-giving gift, just as the streams melting from Mount Hermon's snowcapped peaks flowed down to bless and enrich the green valleys below.

Response and Action:
I want to know the joy of living in unity with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I want to look past the hassles and demands of community life, and celebrate the blessing God has intended it to be. I want to recognize that the shared relationships, activities, and responsibilities I experience in my church are a gift from God, a blessing to my life, and a testimony to the world. Today, I'm especially thankful for the wonderful time I had with twenty-five men from my church community last night! I want to be a community builder in my church family. I want to sing out the joys and the goodness of God's people living together in unity.

O God, you have made me for community. You have said that it is not good for me to be alone, and you have given me so many ways to experience the blessing of togetherness. I thank you for my wife, for my children, for my parents and siblings, for my church, for my friends, for my colleagues, and my neighbors. Help me to be a faithful source of blessing to others. Give me a readiness to serve, a heart to forebear, a word to cheer, a discipline to pray, and a maturity to enrich others, through Christ Jesus my Lord and Savior, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 15:33
"The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor."

New Testament for Today: Colossians 3:12-15
12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
In Context: Colossians 3:1-17

Recommended Reading:
Life Together
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

August 14 - Building Song

Overview of: PSALMS

Today's Reading:
Psalms 126 – 130

Focus Verses: Psalm 127:1-2
1 Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. 2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves.

Insight:
As the Israelites climbed the road to Jerusalem for feast days and sang these songs, they remembered what it must have been like for the first generation who returned to Jerusalem after the exile (Ps. 126). They thought of how joyous and unbelievable it must have been for the children of those who had seen Jerusalem destroyed to one day return and rebuild it.

The returning exiles knew the consequences of turning away from God. They had seen their houses destroyed, and understood the futility of the things accomplished in their own strength. Psalm 127 was perfect song to sing after Psalm 126. Those who know the futility and destruction of turning away from God can wisely declare: "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain."

Response and Action:
I want to begin today with a Psalm 126 perspective--to look back at the foolish ambitions and efforts of my past, and to rejoice in the ways God faithfully continues to lead me out of those failures into a joyful and hopeful future.

I will give careful consideration to the things I work on today. Am I building something that honors God? Am I giving myself to the work and purpose and direction God is leading me to do? Am I depending upon his guidance, strength, and provision, or am I wearing myself out by doing things for my own reasons, in my own way, and in my own strength?

I want my life to be a house that God is building. I want to find rest and peace and satisfaction in God's will and purpose. God is the builder of the life I want to live.

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. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, lead, build, provide, and sustain my life. Help me to delight in your will, and to walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Through Christ, Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 14:1
"The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down."

New Testament for Today: Luke 14:28-30
28 "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29 For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30 saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'
In Context: Luke 14:25-35

Recommended Reading:
A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
by Eugene Peterson

August 13 - Surrounded

Overview of: PSALMS

Today's Reading:
Psalms 120 – 125

Focus Verses:
Psalm 125:1-3
1 Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. 2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore. 3 The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil.

Insight:
The fifteen psalms called the "Psalms of Ascent" (Psalms 120 - 134) were to be sung when the children of Israel traveled to the Temple in Jerusalem (Mount Zion) three times a year to worship and celebrate the feast days prescribed in the Law of Moses. Christians have long considered these ancient pilgrimages to be a useful metaphor of their own spiritual journey and maturity (ascent) as followers of Christ.

As the people climbed the road to Jerusalem, and saw how it was surrounded by rugged and unshakable mountains, they sang praise to their God who surrounded them with his unshakable love and provision. They rejoiced in God's steadfast care, and put their hope in his promises.

Response and Action:
Though my Christian journey has been an uphill climb, I am trusting in God's enduring love. I believe he will keep his promises to those who worship him and seek his righteousness. I am surrounded by the unshakable love and care of my God who never sleeps or slumbers (Ps. 121). He watches over my life--my coming and my going--now and forever. I will celebrate and worship him today. I will live in hope, believing his promises to be faithful and true.

O God, I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven. As the eyes of a child look to his mother, as the eyes of a captive look to his deliverer, as the eyes of the hungry look to their provider, and the eyes of a sinner look to the one who forgives, as the eyes of the broken look to the one who restores, as the eyes of the sick look to the one who heals, so my eyes look to Jesus Christ, my Lord and merciful Savior who lives and reigns with you, and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 13:20
"He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm."

New Testament for Today: Hebrews 12:1-3
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. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
In Context: Hebrews 12:1-12

Recommended Reading:
A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
by Eugene Peterson
A wonderful book of meditations based on the Psalms of Ascent.

August 12 - When I Stray

Overview of: PSALMS

Today's Reading:
Psalm 119

Focus Verses: Psalm 119:174-176
174 I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight. 175 Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me. 176 I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.

Insight:
Even those who delight in God's law can stray from it. Getting lost doesn't mean that you've forgotten God's commands. The psalmist asks God to seek him out when he strays, and to bring him back to the truth.

Response and Action:
As a person who calls out to God for help, I must be ready to obey the direction of God's Word. Knowing God's word helps me know how to live and what choices to make. It also helps me know when I have strayed or lost my way. I will seek God with all my heart, but I will also ask God to seek and save me!

O God, teach me your ways. Guide me in your truth and teach me. When I stray, O Lord, please seek me and bring me back to the green pastures and still waters of your truth and blessing. Thank you for Jesus, who came to seek and save the lost. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 12:15
"The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice."

New Testament for Today: John 10:14-16
14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.
In Context: John 10:1-21

Recommended Reading:
Reading the Bible With Heart and Mind
by Tremper Longman

August 11 - The Day

Overview of: PSALMS

Today's Reading:
Psalms 115 – 118

Focus Verses:
Psalm 118:13-14; 22-24
13 I was pushed back and about to fall, but the LORD helped me. 14 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. - - - 21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. 22 The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; 23 the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Insight:
I've heard people in church gatherings quote Psalm 118's "this is the day the Lord has made" many times, but rarely with the meaning or intention of the psalmist. Most frequently it seems to be quoted as if it meant, "Wow, what a nice day! The sun is shining, the birds are singing; it's good to be together on this lovely day that God has given us." Is that what the Psalmist meant? Nope.

It's true the day the psalmist is talking about is a good one, but just what good day is he talking about? The day of salvation--the day we are set free by our faithful and good God whose love endures forever (vv. 105). The psalmist was rejoicing in God's deliverance from a national perspective (v. 1), from a faith perspective (vv. 2-3), and a personal perspective (vv. 5-6).

The psalmist also understood the need for deliverance and forgiveness from sin in order to have peace and fellowship with God (v. 27). The Apostle Peter picked up on that theme and saw Jesus as God’s ultimate deliverer. The greatest day of deliverance is the day of salvation God gives us through Christ, who laid down his life for us, and conquered death in order that we might have eternal life, peace, and fellowship with God.

Response and Action:
I will give God thanks for the many ways he delivers and saves me. I look to Christ Jesus as the supreme expression of God's faithfulness to save. I will seek to be an instrument of God's faithfulness and grace in the lives of others around me.

O God, thank you for the ways you save and deliver me. Thank you for bringing me through trials and hardships. Thank you for saving me from the ignorance and foolishness of human reasoning that lacks your counsel and your Word. Thank you for rescuing me from an empty life without meaning or purpose. Thank you for liberating me from the fear of death. Thank you for saving me and granting me eternal life through Jesus. Thank you for reclaiming my life and renovating my spirit through the indwelling of your Holy Spirit. I rejoice in every day of deliverance you have made! I will rejoice and be glad as I place my complete trust and confidence to keep and save me to the end! Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 11:2
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."

New Testament for Today: Acts 4:8-12
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 He is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
In Context: Acts 4:1-22

Recommended Reading:
How to Read the Psalms
by Tremper Longman

August 10 - From Sun to Rising Sun

Overview of: PSALMS

Today's Reading:
Psalms 108 – 114

Focus Verses: Psalm 113:2-4
2 Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore. 3 From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised. 4 The LORD is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens.

Insight:
From the beginning of the day to its ending, the Lord is worthy of my praise. From the beginning of my week through its conclusion, the Lord is worthy of honor each and every day. His love is higher than the heavens, and his faithfulness reaches beyond the skies. The contemplation of all God has made and has done call for a response of worship and thanksgiving.

Response and Action:
I want praise and thanksgiving to be a central part of my week. I want to lift up praise to the Lord. I will worship him and stand in awe of his mighty acts. I will thank him for his grace and his faithfulness. I will wake up to all of the reasons to give glory to God.

O God, give me the eyes to see your goodness, and the mind to remember your faithfulness to your people throughout history. Give me a heart that is ready to worship you all day every day, and a voice that is quick to sing your praise. Thank you for your grace and mercy toward me, a sinner. Thank you for the redemption you have given through Christ. Thank you for the transformation and renewal you make possible by the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 10:13
"Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment."

New Testament for Today: Romans 12:1-2
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
In Context: Romans 12

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

Reading Schedule for August 10 - 15

August 10 - Psalms 108 – 114
August 11 - Psalms 115 – 118
August 12 - Psalm 119
August 13 - Psalms 120 – 125
August 14 - Psalms 126 – 130
August 15 - Psalms 131 - 136



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 8 - Saying It

Overview of: PSALMS

Today's Reading:
Psalms 106 - 107

Focus Verses:
Psalm 107:1-3, 29-32
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say this—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, 3 those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south. - - - 29 He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. 30 They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. 31 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. 32 Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders.

Insight:
God redeems and saves his people. Those who have been delivered should say so! They should express their thankfulness to God. They should tell others about specific ways God has helped and redeemed them. They should praise him publicly for the wonderful deeds he has done for them.

Response and Action:
What are the ways God has saved me? How has he provided for my needs? From what foes has he delivered me? What storms has he calmed in my life?

I've been redeemed, and so I will say it: "God's love endures forever." I want to express my thanksgiving to God. I want to rejoice in the ways God has saved me. I want to tell others about how my life has been blessed and sustained by his loving mercy. I'm redeemed, and so I will talk about it, give thanks to God for it, and give witness to the world around me.

O God, you are my hope and salvation. I will give you thanks, and I will testify of your goodness to me. Thank you for saving, protecting, delivering, correction, blessing, and loving your people. Thank you for Jesus, your Son, who saves and redeems my life. It's in his name that I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 8:34
"Blessed is the man who listens to me (Wisdom), watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway."

New Testament for Today: Luke 8:22-25
24 The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25 "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."
In Context: Luke 8:24-25

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

August 7 - Benefits

Overview of: PSALMS

Today's Reading:
Psalms 102 – 105

Focus Verses: Psalm 103:1-2a
1 Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits..."

Insight:
Praising God goes hand in hand with remembering all the blessings he gives. Counting and naming these blessings helped David to be thankful, and moved him to wholehearted worship. The benefits David enumerated in this song include: forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, compassion, righteousness, justice, and understanding.

Response and Action:
I want to praise God with all my being. I will follow David's example and count my blessings, naming them one by one. How has God helped, encouraged, forgiven, restored, healed, sustained, led, transformed, blessed, and saved me in recent days? I should think about this and offer up my thanks and praise.

O God, you are so good to me. Help me to remember your grace and blessing to me, and grant me a heart that is quick to give you praise. Yours is the kingdom, the power, and glory forever. Praise the Lord, O my soul! Amen.

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

New Testament for Today: John 1:16
16 From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.
In Context: John 1:1-18

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

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