January 12 - Protecting Love's Bloom

Overview of: SONG OF SONGS

Today's Reading:
Song 2:1-17
"A Lover and His Beloved"

Focus Verses: Song 2:14-15
14 My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places on the mountainside, show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely. 15 Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.

Insight:
Song of Songs, a love poem, is one of the wisdom books attributed to Solomon. The song describes the love of a man and woman in all it's complexity, passion, and mystery. It portrays this love as gift from God to be enjoyed. It is also a gift to be guarded. In verse 15, "the lover" expresses his concern about the little things that can ruin a relationship.

Response and Action:
I am thankful for the loving relationship I have with my wife. I will do all I can to not let little things destroy or diminish the joy of our marriage. I will try to identify and "catch" these little foxes and get rid of them. I want us to enjoy a joyful and rich marriage for the rest of our lives. By putting the Lord first in our lives, we will grow closer together in love. The source of our love for each other will flow out of the love we receive from God.

O God, thank you for love. Thank you for the blessing of marriage. Grant me the wisdom to seek you and love you first, and may the love I find in you bless and multiply the love and joy I share with my wife. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 12:4a
"A wife of noble character is her husband's crown..."

New Testament for Today: Ephesians 5:31
31 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh."
In Context: Ephesians 5:21-33

Recommended Reading:
The Mystery of Marriage
by Mike Mason

January 11 - The Snare of Success

Overview of: 1 KINGS

Today's Reading:
1Kgs. 10:14 - 11:13
"Solomon's Riches and Ruin"

Focus Verses: 1 Kings 11:9-11
9 The LORD became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. 10 Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the LORD's command. 11 So the LORD said to Solomon, "Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates.

Insight:
Solomon's splendor seems to have squelched his spirit. In the accumulation of wealth, he lost track of wisdom. He became completely occupied with his own desires, and his success turned his heart away from seeking and serving God. This led not only to his own demise, but also the downfall of Israel.

Response and Action:
If it turns me away from God, I do not want success, wealth, comfort, or possessions. I want to be a good steward of all God gives. I want every blessing from God to draw me closer to him. I want gratitude and praise to be my response to every success. I want to be devoted to God. I will seek him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. I will guard my heart against attitudes, desires, and even blessings that distract me from putting Christ first.

O God, help me to turn away from what is wrong and do what is right. Help me to love you with all that is within me. Do not let success become a snare to me. Do not let me be thrown off balance by blessings. Help me to fix my eyes on Jesus, and to press forward to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of me. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 11:28
"Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf."

New Testament for Today: Phil. 3:14
14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
In Context: Philippians 3:8-14

Recommended Reading:
Never Beyond Hope
by J. I. Packer and Carolyn Nystrom

January 10 - Famous for God

Overview of: 1 KINGS

Today's Reading:
1Kgs. 10:1-13
"The Queen of Sheba"

Focus Verses: 1 Kings 10:6-9
6 She said to the king, "The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. 7 But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard. 8 How happy your men must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 9 Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD's eternal love for Israel, he has made you king, to maintain justice and righteousness."

Insight:
Solomon's fame became widespread because God's blessing on him and his kingdom was so great. The Queen of Sheba heard about God's blessing upon Solomon, and she traveled far to see for herself if the reports were true. The reality of what she discovered exceeded the reports she had heard. The wisdom, faith, beauty, leadership, and bounty she witnessed overwhelmed her.

When God is at work, people notice. Honest searches for the source of wisdom, truth, beauty, and blessing will always lead the searcher to God--the giver of every good and perfect gift.

Response and Action:
Like the Queen of Sheba, I want to search out and recognize God's blessing and truth. Like Solomon, I want to love and honor God live a life that evidences his blessing and guidance. I want to be a living witness of God's wisdom and goodness, to be shaped and guided by his wisdom and truth.

O God, give me wisdom and make my life a testimony of your goodness. Help me to seek you with all my heart so that everything aspect of my life gives evidence of your blessing. Draw me closer to you each day and help me to recognize you in everything that is beautiful and true. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 10:17
"He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray."

New Testament for Today: Matthew 12:42
42The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom, and now one greater than Solomon is here.
In Context: Matthew 12:15-45

Recommended Reading:
The Mark of the Christian
by Francis Schaeffer

January 9 - Worship and Community

Overview of: PSALMS

Today's Reading:
Psalm 84:1-12
"A Temple Song"

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.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 9:10
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

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

Recommended Reading:
Church: Why Bother?
by Philip Yancey

January 8 - Heaven Touching Earth

Overview of: 1 KINGS

Today's Reading:
1Kgs. 6:1-14,38; 8:1-34
"Solomon Builds the Temple"

Focus Verses: 1 Kings 8:27-29
27 "But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! 28 Yet give attention to your servant's prayer and his plea for mercy, O LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day. 29 May your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, this place of which you said, 'My Name shall be there,' so that you will hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place.

Insight:
King David had envisioned a temple in Jerusalem, and had made many provisions and preparations for building it prior to his death. His son, Solomon, was faithful to David's vision, and made the completion of the Temple a priority as he began his reign as King of Israel.

While the Temple was to be a place of worship, and a place where God's presence would dwell in a special way, Solomon and the people of Israel understood that no building could contain God. They knew that not even the whole of creation or the highest heavens could contain the one true God, much less a building built by human hands. The Temple served merely as a place of connection between God and man--a place where heaven and earth would overlap.

Sadly, Solomon and his people became half-hearted toward God. The nation of Israel became divided, the Temple was eventually destroyed, and the people of Israel were scattered or taken captive.

Jesus used temple language about himself. He referred to himself as the temple of God (Mt. 12:5-7; John 2:19). God's presence entered the world in a special way through Jesus. The word became flesh and lived among us full of grace and truth (John 1:14).

Today, those who have been saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:8-10) serve as a sort of temple as they live in the world filled with the Holy Spirit. Through God's people, heaven and earth overlap. Because God's Spirit lives in us, we are to live as children of light (Eph. 5:8).

Response and Action:
Through faith in Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, I am part of God's temple. My heart and life should be a place where God's presence is powerful, fruitful, and visible. By God's grace my life can be a place where heaven and earth overlap. My life can be a witness for Christ and a connecting point with the love and grace of God.

O God, who fills the heavens, you are Holy. I long to see your kingdom come -- your will lived out on earth as in heaven. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and transform my heart by your power and grace. Help me to live to the praise of your glorious grace as the Spirit of Jesus indwells my mortal body. Through Christ, 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: Ephesians 2:19-22
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
In Context: Ephesians 2

Recommended Reading:
The Lord and His Prayer
by N.T. Wright

January 7 - Asking for Wisdom

Overview of: 1 KINGS

Today's Reading:
1Kgs. 1:28-30; 3:1-28
"Solomon Becomes King"

Focus Verses: 1 Kings 3:7-10
7 "Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?" 10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.

Insight:
Though God forgave David for his grave sins in the affair with Bathsheba, scandal, violence, infidelity, and power struggle plagued his kingdom for the rest of his life. These stories of rape, treason, and political intrigue occupy the remaining chapters of 2 Samuel (chapters 13-24).

Eventually, David's son, Solomon (whose mother was Bathsheba), was established as David's heir to the throne. Even this succession was challenged, but Solomon finally prevailed and reigned over Israel's most glorious days as a united kingdom.

Early on, Solomon recognized that being the King of Israel was more than he could possibly hope to do in his own strength and understanding. His commitment to walk in the ways of his father David, and his quest for wisdom, served him well. God's blessing was upon him and the nation of Israel flourished.

Response and Action:
I recognize that my life is bigger than my ability to live it. The privileges, responsibilities, relationships, and struggles are more than I can face in my own strength and in my own understanding. I need wisdom from God, the strength of the Holy Spirit, and the hope that comes through faith in Christ.

I will seek wisdom through prayer, through Scripture, and through godly counsel. I will humble myself before God and look to the Holy Spirit for guidance and transformation. I will trust in the Lord Jesus, walk in his ways and hold to his teaching.

O God, show me your ways. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God, my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 7:4-5
"Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and call understanding your kinsman; they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words."

New Testament for Today: James 1:5
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
In Context: James 1

Recommended Reading:
Discipleship of the Mind: Learning to Love God in the Ways We Think
by James W. Sire

Reading Schedule for January 7 - 12

Jan. 7 - 1Kgs. 1:28-30; 3:1-28
Jan. 8 - 1Kgs. 6:1-14,38; 8:1-34
Jan. 9 - Ps. 84:1-12
Jan. 10 - 1Kgs. 10:1-13
Jan. 11 - 1Kgs. 10:14 – 11:13
Jan. 12 - Song 2:1-17

You're invited to read through the Bible with Dave Burkum. Six readings each week will take you through key scripture passages from Genesis through Revelation. Click here to download your copy of the Useful Breath Reading Schedule for 2007-08.

January 5 - God's Thoughts and My Thoughts

Overview of: PSALMS

Today's Reading:
Psalm 139:1-24
"A Song of David"

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 is quoted very often. 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 let them go, give them to God, and 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. 5:21
"For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths."

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

January 4 - A Heart after God

Overview of: PSALMS

Today's Reading:
Psalm 51:1-17
"David's Song of Repentance"

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.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 4:20-23
"My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

New Testament for Today: Colossians 3:1-2
1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
In Context: Colossians 3:1-17

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

January 3 - Sin's Wake

Overview of: 2 SAMUEL

Today's Reading:
2 Samuel 12:1-25
"God Rebukes David"

Focus Verses: 2 Samuel 12:9-11a
9 Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 10 Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.' 11a "This is what the LORD says: 'Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you.

Insight:
God sent Nathan the prophet to confront David about his sin against Uriah and Bathsheba. Nathan's rebuke to David reminds me of two important principles.

First, it is easier to see the faults of others than to acknowledge your own. David's blindness and denial about his own sin is clearly seen in the self-righteous response he makes to Nathan's story about a man who stole a lamb. How could David have been so quick to pronounce judgment on someone else's sin and so slow to see his own?

Second, sin leaves destruction in its wake. Consequences remain even if a person confesses, repents, and receives forgiveness. Nathan told David that because of his sin a child would die, his family would suffer more violence, and that there would be repercussions of David's sin in his family's future.

Response and Action:
I want to live an examined life and be mindful of the consequences of sin. God offers me forgiveness and redemption if I will acknowledge and confess my sins. That gracious promise, however, does not mean that all the effects of my sin will be erased. My sins make an impact on my world and affect others in ways that my repentance and sorrow may not or cannot change.

Even God's forgiveness of sin and restoration does not mean I will escape all the consequences of that sin. That is why, more than forgiveness for sin, I want to be changed and transformed by God, that I might turn away from sin and do what is right!

O God, give me the eyes to see my own sin. Grant me the humility to acknowledge and confess my sin, to repent, and to turn away from sin. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, lead, teach, transform, shape and strengthen me that I might turn away from sin and, instead, offer myself to you as an instrument of righteousness. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 3:7-8
"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones."

New Testament for Today: 1 John 1:8
8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
In Context: 1 John 1:5-10

Recommended Reading:
When Godly People Do Ungodly Things: Arming Yourself in the Age of Seduction
by Beth Moore

January 2 - Careful Not to Fall

Overview of: 2 SAMUEL

Today's Reading:
2Sam. 11:1-27
"David's Sin against Bathsheba and Uriah"

Focus Verses: 2 Samuel 11:26-27
26 When Uriah's wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. 27 After the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing David had done displeased the LORD.

Insight:
David learned how tragically easy it is to be corrupted by power and security. Once his reign as king of Israel had been firmly established, he discovered just how great his own capacity was for infidelity toward God, his loyal followers, his family, and himself. When the external threats diminished, the dangers of his own internal weakness emerged.

It's shocking to see David sink to such a level of self-indulgence and self-deception. How cold-hearted and blind David had to be in order to steal the wife of one of his most loyal soldiers! How desperately evil it was for him to heap on the lies, attempt to manipulate, and eventually murder that faithful soldier.

Response and Action:
It's very important that I recognize my capacity for sin and to be on guard against it. It is also important that I love the Lord, respect and value others, and keep my eyes focused on what is right.

Honoring God with all his heart, or loving others as he loved himself must have been far from David’s mind for him to commit such sins. I must devote myself to seeking God so fully that my energies, actions, choices, attitudes, and efforts are directed toward righteousness. Half-heartedness toward God is an open door for temptation and sin.

O God, 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, and to love others as I love myself. Grant me the wisdom and the will to guard my heart, feed my spirit, stimulate my mind, and care for my body. Thank you for your faithfulness to me in times of temptation. Strengthen me to stand and give me eyes that see the ways of escape you provide. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 2:12-13
"Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways..."

New Testament for Today: 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! 13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
In Context: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Recommended Reading:
When Godly People Do Ungodly Things: Arming Yourself in the Age of Seduction
by Beth Moore

January 1 - Counting My Blessings

Overview of: PSALMS
Today's Reading:
Psalm 103:1-22
"A Psalm of David"

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

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

December 31 - The Place of Worship

Overview of: 1 CHRONICLES

Today's Reading:
1Chr. 16:1-16; 17:1-27
"David, the Ark, and the Temple"

Focus Verses: 1 Chr. 16:8-10
8 Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. 9 Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. 10 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

Insight:
David was quick to praise God for what God had promised, for what God had done, and for what God was doing. Now that the nation of Israel was beginning to be united under his leadership, he wanted to make sure that the praise and worship of God was central to his reign.

He brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem from the house of Abinadab where it had sat, largely ignored, during the years of Saul's reign. He envisioned building a Temple as a place of worship for God's people. It would serve as a testimony to the nations of God's faithfulness to Israel and be a place for the Ark of God to reside.

Response and Action:
David saw his life in the long context of the history of Israel and God's promises to Abraham and God's plan to redeem the world. He understood that it was necessary for worship, thanksgiving, and faith to be at the very heart of his life and his nation. I want to see and understand my life in the greater context of God's plan and promises. I want to make faith, worship, and thankfulness the foundation of all I do.

O God, help me to see how my life is connected to the lives of all the faithful believers and seekers who have gone before me. Help me to find my purpose and life in you. Grant me the wisdom and readiness to obey, serve, worship, and honor you. May my thoughts, words, and actions flow out of my relationship with you and your people. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 31:30
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."

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:
Unceasing Worship: Biblical Perspectives on Worship and the Arts
by Harold Best

Reading Schedule for Dec. 31 - Jan. 5

Dec. 31 - 1Chr. 16:1-16; 17:1-27
Jan. 1 - Ps. 103:1-22
Jan. 2 - 2Sam. 11:1-27
Jan. 3 - 2Sam. 12:1-25
Jan. 4 - Ps. 51:1-17
Jan. 5 - Ps. 139:1-24

You're invited to read through the Bible with Dave Burkum. Six readings each week will take you through key scripture passages from Genesis through Revelation. Click here to download your copy of the Useful Breath Reading Schedule for 2007-08.

December 29 - For the Sake of Others

Overview of: 2 SAMUEL

Today's Reading:
1 Samuel 31:1-7; 2Sam. 1:17-27; 5:1-25
"Saul's Death, David's Rise"

Focus Verses: 2 Samuel 5:4-5,12
4 David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years. 5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years. - - - 12 And David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.

Insight:
Saul had forgotten how and why he had become king in the first place. Instead of seeing his role as a means to bless others, he was obsessed with holding on to power and position for himself. The nation of Israel was in disarray by the time of Saul's death. There were divided loyalties and sharp political differences. The divisions were so intense that it was necessary for David to conquer the capital city in order to establish his reign.

One of the things that made David so different from Saul was that he understood “that the Lord had established him as king over Israel." He recognized the he had been placed in the position of king, not for his own glory or because of his own merit, but rather "for the sake of the people of Israel."

Response and Action:
How do I think about my successes and accomplishments? Do I pat myself on the back, or do I see that it is the Lord who is blessing and granting success? Do I see my victories and gifts as something for my personal gain and benefit, or do I recognize them as opportunities to serve God's purposes and God's people?

O God, give me eyes that see your blessing, guidance, and support in every success. Grant me the wisdom to see every victory and strength as a gift from you that I might serve your people and to accomplish your purposes. I ask for a humble heart and a willing spirit. Make me quick to give you thanks and ready to live my life to the praise of your glorious grace. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 29:2
"When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan."

New Testament for Today: Romans 12:3
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
In Context: Romans 12:1-8

Recommended Reading:
The Making of a Leader
by J. Robert Clinton

December 28 - Making Peace

Overview of: 1 SAMUEL

Today's Reading:
1 Samuel 25:1-42
"Abigail becomes David's Wife"

Focus Verses: 1 Samuel 25:29-31
29 Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, the life of my master will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the LORD your God. But the lives of your enemies he will hurl away as from the pocket of a sling. 30 When the LORD has done for my master every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him leader over Israel, 31 my master will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself. And when the LORD has brought my master success, remember your servant."

Insight:
This chapter of 1 Samuel tells the dramatic story of how Abigail became King David's wife. With Samuel's death, the conflict in Israel over who should be king, Saul or David, was bound to intensify. The powerful and rich man, Nabal, was clearly not in David's camp. Though he had profited from the protection and help David's men had given him, he insulted David by giving him nothing in return. Nabal heaped on the offenses with snide remarks like, "Who is this David?" and "I hear many men are breaking away from their masters these days."

We can tell from Abigail's words, however, that David's fame with Goliath, his military successes, and his struggles with King Saul were well-known among the people. The faith, wisdom, and decisiveness of Abigail give her a prominent place in the story of Israel (background stories about the wives of kings are rare in the Bible).

She was able take action in a very volatile situation and prevented needless bloodshed. She was articulate, shrewd, and strong. She had faith in God and believed David to be the rightful successor to the throne of Israel. She was rewarded for her wisdom by being brought into Israel's royal family.

Response and Action:
Like David, I want to have the wisdom to listen to godly advice and refrain from rash overreactions in difficult circumstances. Like Abigail, I want to have the clearness of mind and the strength of faith to take decisive actions that stop bad situations from escalating into needlessly painful and destructive situations.

O God, help me to acknowledge you in all my ways and not lean on my own understanding. Give me the wisdom to listen to sound advice. Grant me the wisdom to be able to give godly counsel to others. Give me the courage and good sense to take action when something must be done to prevent problems from becoming tragedies. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 28:26
"He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe."

New Testament for Today: Romans 12:17-19
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.
In Context: Romans 12

Recommended Reading:
The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict
by Ken Sande

December 27 - Established by God

Overview of: 1 SAMUEL

Today's Reading:
1 Samuel 24:1-22
"David Spares Saul"

Focus Verses: 1 Samuel 24:18-20
18 You have just now told me of the good you did to me; the LORD delivered me into your hands, but you did not kill me. 19 When a man finds his enemy, does he let him get away unharmed? May the LORD reward you well for the way you treated me today. 20 I know that you will surely be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands.

Insight:
Saul was hunting David with the intent to kill him. Rather than recognizing that the loss of his kingship was due to his own failure and sin, Saul convinced himself that David was the problem.

The events described in today's reading illustrate how David could have easily taken Saul's life, but he would not do it. This made the situation so clear that even Saul was forced to admit that David was not stealing the kingdom away from him. God was taking the kingdom from Saul and giving it to David.

Response and Action:
Like David, I want to have the wisdom to wait on God to accomplish his purposes, especially when I am facing resistance or when there is controversy about what is the right thing to do. This kind of waiting on God is very important, not only for me, but for others around me.

If I push too hard or move too quickly in times of conflict, it may make it more difficult for me and for others to recognize God's will from our own. Like David, I want God's leading and blessing to be recognized by all concerned, even those, who like Saul, may be standing in opposition to what God is doing.

O God, help me by faith to do the good things you've prepared in advance for me to do. Give me the wisdom and patience to do them in ways that are clearly blessed and guided by you. Help me to be measured and righteous in times of conflict and controversy. Give me a heart that depends on you and trusts you to accomplish your purposes. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 27:1-2
"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips."

New Testament for Today: 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
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.
In Context: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Recommended Reading:
Leadership Essentials
by Greg Ogden & Daniel Meyer

December 26 - My Heart Says, "Seek"

Overview of: PSALMS
Today's Reading:
Psalm 27:1-14
"A Psalm of David"

Focus Verses: Psalm 27:7-8
7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. 8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.

Insight:
David was determined to seek God. It wasn't just his need or external circumstances that caused him to seek God; his heart also told him to "seek God's face!"

Response and Action:
I will seek God with all my heart. I do not want to be a person who seeks God only in times of need. I want a heart that desires to draw near to God so that I am ready for difficult situations. I will seek God through prayer, through the Scriptures, through fellowship with others who seek him, and through every true and beautiful thing in the world around me.

O God, help me to seek you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Show yourself to me through your word, your people, your promises, and all that is beautiful and true. Give me the desire and delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your Name. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 26:12
"Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him."

New Testament for Today: Luke 11:9-10
9 "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
In Context: Luke 11:1-13

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

December 25 - Waiting and Trusting

lMerry Christmas!l
Overview of: 1 SAMUEL

Today's Reading:
1 Samuel 23:7-29
"Saul Pursues David"

Focus Verses: 1 Samuel 23:13-14
13 So David and his men, about six hundred in number, left Keilah and kept moving from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he did not go there. 14 David stayed in the desert strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands.

Insight:
Samuel had anointed David as King of Israel but King Saul would not let go of his power and position. Instead of humbling himself before God and relinquishing his throne, he pursued David with the intent to kill him.

Hundreds of soldiers gathered around David in his support and defense. Even Jonathan, the son of King Saul, acknowledged David's rightful ascent to the throne. But rather than fighting or attacking Saul, David waited on the Lord. He trusted God to defend him and to raise him to the position of King in God's time and in God's way.

Response and Action:
Sometimes it's hard to wait on the Lord. God's promises can seem very far away from my present circumstances. I will take David's example to heart when I am tempted to give up or to just try to make things happen in my own strength and in my own way. I will do my best to be faithful in the difficulties of today, trusting that God will sustain me and keep his promises. I trust God to lead and provide for me in his own way and in his own time. I also trust that his way and his time are best for me, and the best for accomplishing God's will.

O God, teach me your ways; show me how to best deal with the troubles and problems I face. Don't let me be overwhelmed or defeated by lies, by enemies, or by hardships. I am confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in my lifetime. I tell my heart and soul, "Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." Help me to press on through Christ, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 25:28
"Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control."

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

Recommended Reading:
Waiting: Finding Hope When God Seems Silent
by Ben Patterson