August 11 - Lie Detector

Overview of: 2Peter

Today's Reading:
2 Pet. 1:1 – 2:3
"Our Calling, Scripture, and Discernment"

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

Insight:
In chapter 1, Peter says the testimony of the prophets and the apostles is trustworthy and inspired by God. Now in chapter 2 he warns of false teachers who make up their stories and their teachings. These false teachers are marked by: 1) their denial of God's sovereignty; 2) their shameful ways; and 3) their greed and exploitation of others. Peter urged Christians to exercise discernment. Not everyone who claims to be teaching the truth of God is doing so; followers of Jesus must be careful that they are not lead astray by so-called prophets and teachers.

Response and Action:
I need to be careful about whom I listen to and whom I follow. I want to follow Jesus, so I will study the Scriptures carefully everyday. I will hold every teaching and story I hear up to the light of Christ's teaching and example. I will be on guard against every teaching that diminishes God or questions the lordship of Jesus. I will evaluate teachers and leaders with a critical mindset and watch out for any indicators of greed, exploitation, or other selfish motives.

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

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

Proverb for Today: Prov. 11:3
"The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity."

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

Reading Schedule for August 11 - 16

Aug. 11 - 2Pet. 1:1 – 2:3
Aug. 12 - Jude 1:1-25
Aug. 13 - 1 John 1:1-10
Aug. 14 - 1John 3:1-24
Aug. 15 - 1John 4:1-21
Aug. 16 - 1John 5:1-15



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.

August 9 - Jesus Shaped Mouth

Overview of: 1Peter

Today's Reading:
1Pet. 3:8 – 4:19
"Faith when Life is Hard"

Focus Verses: 1 Peter 3:8-10
8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.

Insight:
Harmony, sympathy, brotherhood, compassion, and humility are hallmarks of faith. The way we interact and relate with others, whether friends or foes, is part of the calling and inheritance of those who follow Jesus. The words of our mouths give evidence of the depth and maturity of our spiritual formation. When our hearts are formed and motivated by the redemptive grace and peace of Christ, we will not return insult for insult or evil for evil.

Response and Action:
If I am truly following Christ, and allowing him to shape and guide my heart and mind, my attitudes and words should demonstrate it. I do not want bitter or unkind words to be my first response when I am offended, hurt, or insulted. I want my speech and attitudes to be driven and shaped by what Christ Jesus would have me say and think.

O God, by the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, transform my heart and mind. Unkind and mean words are too easily spoken when I face difficulties and offense in my own strength. I want you to shape and guide the attitudes of my heart, the thoughts of my mind, and the words of my mouth. Give me the wisdom and the will to surrender to you so fully that all my dealings with other people are rooted in the redemptive love of Jesus. It is in his gracious name that I pray. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 34:11-14
11 Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 12 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, 13 keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. 14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
In Context: Psalm 34

Proverb for Today: Prov. 9:7-9
"Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning."

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

August 8 - Got Milk?

Overview of: 1Peter

Today's Reading:
1Peter 1:1 – 2:3
"Hope and Holiness"

Focus Verses: 1 Peter 2:2-3
2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Insight:
Peter begins his letter with an exclamation of praise to God who "in his great mercy has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." This living hope comes with the possibility and responsibility of living a new life. He urges them to "grow up in their salvation" by craving the “pure spiritual milk” that comes through the "living and enduring word of God."

Response and Action:
Salvation is more than forgiveness for sin; it is the hope of living in the grace and resurrection power God offers through Jesus. I want to "grow up" in my salvation -- to mature in Christ, and to throw off the old habits and deeds of sin. I will crave and seek out every opportunity to learn and follow God's word. I will strive to know Christ and surrender to him. I will read the Scriptures and pray each day for God's wisdom and grace. In faith, I will expect my life to change and mature as God blesses my wholehearted efforts to live for him.

Dear Father, I ask that by the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, you would 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. Stir up my desire for the pure spiritual milk of your word that I might become transformed and mature in Christ. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 119:130-132
130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. 131 I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. 132 Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name.
In Context: Psalm 119:129-136

Proverb for Today: Prov. 8:34-35
"Blessed is the man who listens to me (wisdom), watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD."

Recommended Reading:
Savoring God's Word: Cultivating the Soul-Transforming Practice of Scripture Meditation
by Jan Johnson

August 7 - Praying for Rain

Overview of: James

Today's Reading:
James 5:1-20
"Power, Patience, and Prayer"

Focus Verses: James 5:16-18
16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. 17 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

Insight:
Just as human beings are agents of change interacting with the world, so is God. God is ready, willing, and able to act within the world. He hears our prayers, considers them, and answers them. The Scriptures are filled with examples of God's active response to everyday people who called out to him for help. God is not impersonal, distant, or uninvolved with his creation. He is working to save, lead, guide, help, and provide.

Response and Action:
I will pray because I believe God is present, powerful, persuadable, and personal. I believe that God is engaged and interested in his creation. I will call out to God and ask him for help, guidance, relief, strength, deliverance, and provision. I will make prayer a priority in my life. I will cultivate a regular and thoughtful routine for daily prayer.

O God, thank you for hearing our prayers. Thank you for your grace and provision in our lives. We call out to you, Holy Father, believing that yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 5:1-3
1 Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing. 2 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. 3 In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
In Context: Psalm 5

Proverb for Today: Prov. 7:1
"My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you."

Recommended Reading:
The Prayer God Longs For
by James Emery White

August 6 - Make the Devil Run

Overview of: James

Today's Reading:
James 4:1-17
"Submitting to God"

Focus Verses: James 4:7-8
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Insight:
The devil flees from those who submit themselves to God. God draws near to those who draw near to him. Those who are single-minded in their submission to God, and desire to be near him, take sin seriously; they purify their hearts and wash their hands of wickedness.

Response and Action:
I want to live a life that is surrendered to God. I will make every effort to draw near to him. I will make holiness and the pursuit of God the highest priority of my life. I will wholeheartedly and single-mindedly follow Christ and turn away from evil.

O God, help me live for you and through you today 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, and to love my neighbor as myself. Lead me away from temptation, deliver me from evil, and provide for my needs. Protect me from discouragement, and encourage me by your Spirit through your word, your people, your promises, and all that is beautiful and true. By the power 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. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 68:1-2
1 May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him. 2 As smoke is blown away by the wind, may you blow them away; as wax melts before the fire, may the wicked perish before God.
In Context: Psalm 68

Proverb for Today: Prov. 6:16-19
"There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers."

Recommended Reading:
The Pursuit of Holiness
by Jerry Bridges

August 5 - Doing Faith

Overview of: James

Today's Reading:
James 2:14 – 3:18
"Works, Words, and Wisdom"

Focus Verses: James 2:14-17
14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Insight:
Faith is not truly faith unless it produces action. Faith is more than words. Faith is more than ideas. It's more than strong conviction. Words, ideas, and convictions are empty unless they are lived out. Faith is not merely something you have in your heart; it's something you live and do.

Response and Action:
If I really believe that something must be done for those in need, I will do something. If I really believe something wrong, I will make every effort to avoid it. If I really believe the Bible is God's word, I will read it and heed its counsel and direction. If really believe Jesus is Lord, I will do what he says I should do.

I want a faith that is alive and proved in action. I want to move beyond words and ideas into action. I want to move beyond saying I believe in Jesus to proving it. I do not want to merely hear and recognize truth, I want to build my life upon it.

O God, help me to live by faith today. Give me the will and the courage to step out in faith as I make choices and face challenges. Help me to identify ways to put my beliefs into practice. Help me to see every responsibility, relationship, goal, and need through the eyes of faith. And in every case, give me the wisdom and the will to do what faith should do. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Micah 6:8
8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
In Context: Micah 6:1-8

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

Recommended Reading:
The Dangerous Act of Worship: Living God's Call to Justice
by Mark Labberton

August 4 - Quick to Listen

Overview of: James

Today's Reading:
James 1:1 – 2:10
"Practical Instruction"

Focus Verses: James 1:19-21
19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

Insight:
I've heard it said that God gave us two ears and one mouth, and that we should use them proportionately. That advice seems to go along pretty well with James' instruction. James suggests that being quick to listen and slow to speak would help us be slower to get angry. Anger--at least the kind of anger we have when we don't listen and shoot off our mouths--is contrary to the righteous life God desires for us and from us. We need to be serious about turning away from sin, and humble and receptive toward God's word.

Response and Action:
I want to be quick to listen and slow to speak. I need to become a better listener. I need to listen to God's leading through his word. I need to listen to what others saying and be careful to keep my responses and my attitudes in check. Careless anger is inconsistent with seeking God and trying to please him. I will guard against it.

O God, make me an instrument of your peace. Help me to become a good listener and to use words with careful measure. Give me the grace to relate to others in loving and healthy ways. Give me a mouth that blesses and encourages. Teach me to delight in your will and to walk in your ways to the glory of your name. I pray through Christ Jesus my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 66:16
16 Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.
In Context: Psalm 66

Proverb for Today: Prov. 4:10
"Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many."

Recommended Reading:
Listening Is an Act of Love: A Celebration of American Life from the StoryCorps Project
by Dave Isay

Reading Schedule for August 4 - 9

Aug. 4 - James 1:1 – 2:10
Aug. 5 - James 2:14 – 3:18
Aug. 6 - James 4:1-17
Aug. 7 - James 5:1-20
Aug. 8 - 1Pet. 1:1 – 2:3
Aug. 9 - 1Pet. 3:8 – 4:19



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.

August 2 - Running with Perseverance

Overview of: Hebrews

Today's Reading:
Hebrews 12:1-28
"Disciplined by God"

Focus Verses: Hebrews 12:1-2
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.

Insight:
Following Christ and living by faith requires perseverance. We must throw off the things that drag us down and entangle us in sin. We must fix our eyes on Jesus, who endured the pain of the cross for the joy and victory of salvation.

Response and Action:
Following Jesus will require perseverance, and I will certainly face hardship and struggles. I need to examine my life and identify the things that drag me down and entangle me in sin. I must then be intentional--making every effort to throw off those entanglements. I must also pursue Christ Jesus through the scriptures, through prayer, and through the fellowship and community of his church.

O God, help me to live for you and through you this day in thought, word, and deed. Help me to turn away from what is wrong and to do what is right. Lead me away from temptation, and deliver me from evil. Provide for my needs today. Protect me from discouragement, and encourage my by your Spirit through your word, your people, your promises, and all that is beautiful and true. Help me to fix my eyes on Jesus. Grant me the strength and wisdom to persevere. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 100:5
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
In Context: Psalm 100

Proverb for Today: Prov. 2:12
"Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse..."

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

August 1 - The Lens of Faith

Overview of: Hebrews

Today's Reading:
Hebrews 11:1-40
"Living by Faith"

Focus Verses: Hebrews 11:39-40
39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. 40 God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

Insight:
Faith in God and hope in his provision and deliverance was what motivated and sustained all the great men and women of faith in the history of Israel. They viewed all of their hardships, decisions, failures, victories, goals, experiences, miracles, losses, and gains through the lens of faith in God. The Hebrew writer held out Jesus as the fulfillment of all they were hoping for--the deliverer, the hope of salvation, the one who would eventually bring justice and redemption.

The first century audience the Hebrew writer addressed had the testimony of those who had been with Jesus, seen his glory, heard his words, experienced his power, and witnessed his resurrection. They had seen and experienced first hand what the Old Testament people had only hoped and longed for in faith.

Today, thousands of years after Christ's resurrection and ascension to the Father's right hand, Christian men and women live our lives by faith. Already, we are receiving and experiencing the forgiveness, grace, and transformation of the Holy Spirit, but we look forward to more. We believe that Christ will return. We believe that God will reconcile all things to himself. We believe that justice and healing will come to all the earth. We believe that Jesus will raise us from the dead and renew all things. We believe in the New Jerusalem. We believe that God will one day wipe away all tears from our eyes. We believe that we will live eternally in God’s very presence.

Response and Action:
I will cling to the promises of God. I will live my life by faith. I will view every aspect of my life through the lens of faith. By faith, I will live with certainty and confidence. I want the promises of God and the hope I have in Christ to be the basis of my every choice, action, and perspective.

O God, increase my faith. Give me the courage to live by your promises. Deliver me from fears and darkness. Protect me from discouragement, and encourage me by your Holy Spirit, through your word, your people, your promises, and all that is beautiful and true. Help me to fix my eyes on Jesus and the hope he offers all who trust in him. Grant me the eyes to see your truth and to recognize your power and involvement in the world and in my life. Give me the confidence and boldness to live this day by faith. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 57:10-11
10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. 11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
In Context: Psalm 57

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

Recommended Reading:
Hope Has Its Reasons: The Search to Satisfy Our Deepest Longings
by Rebecca Manley Pippert

July 31 - Encourage and Spur

Overview of: Hebrews

Today's Reading:
Hebrews 10:5-39
"A New and Living Way"

Focus Verses: Hebrews 10:23-25
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.

Insight:
Our hope in Christ requires commitment and faith in God's promises. Faith is meant to be lived out in community, and so we must be committed to fellowship with other Christians. Because of the hope we have in Christ, we should spur each other on toward love and good deeds. We must do our best to encourage each other with a sense of urgency, knowing that Christ's return is imminent.

Response and Action:
My hope is in Christ. I will put my hope in him and trust his promises. I will look for ways to encourage and prompt others toward a deeper relationship with God. I will also cultivate ways to help my Christian community to become more loving and servant-minded toward others.

O God, help me to live for you and through you in thought, word, and deed. Help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, lead, teach, shape, and strengthen me. Help me, by faith, to do the good things you've prepared in advance for me to do. Amen.

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

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

Recommended Reading:
Living the Resurrection: The Risen Christ in an Everyday Life
by Eugene Peterson

July 30 - Like Us

Overview of: Hebrews

Today's Reading:
Hebrews 2:1 – 3:6
"The Son, Our Brother"

Focus Verses: Hebrews 2:14-15
14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

Insight:
In Jesus, through the incarnation, God shares our humanity. Jesus suffered death, in order to destroy the power of death. Jesus, the one human being who is not guilty of sin or bound by death, willingly laid down his life in our place in order to free us from the bondage to death and the fear of death.

Response and Action:
I will put my trust and hope in Jesus. I will praise and thank God for the great deliverance Christ Jesus has made possible by sharing my humanity and through his sinless death destroyed death's power and grip on me. I will live with hope and purpose and joy, believing that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. I will live today in the confidence that I have eternal life in Jesus. I will encourage others to take hold of eternal life through faith in Jesus.

I will rejoice in you, O God. You are my salvation and my strength. I bless and thank you, Lord, because you are a God of deliverance -- the escape from death belongs to you. Even when walking in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. You are worthy of my praise, my life, my all. Because you have freed me from death, I will live for you. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 49:15
15 But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself.
In Context: Psalm 49

Proverb for Today: Prov. 30:4
"Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know!"

Recommended Reading:
Living the Resurrection: The Risen Christ in an Everyday Life
by Eugene Peterson

July 29 - Noble Purpose

Overview of: 2 Timothy

Today's Reading:
2 Tim. 2:1-26
"Instructions for Serving"

Focus Verses: 2 Tim. 2:20-22
20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. 21 If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. 22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Insight:
The many objects in my house serve as a good illustration of what it means to be "set apart for a noble purpose." Some objects, like the couch in my living room, are for anybody to use. Others, like the scouring brush in the kitchen sink are for specifically dirty purposes. Others, like my pillow or my toothbrush, are set aside for me, and for me alone. In the same way, God is calling us to his noble purposes. We can't be used by just anybody for anything and still be set apart for him.

Response and Action:
I want to be used by God for noble purposes. I need to flee from evil desires and unrighteousness. I need to pursue purity, faith, love, and peace in the company of others who are trying to do the same.

O God, help me to turn away from what is wrong and to do what is right. Help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. Lead me away from temptation and deliver me from evil. Forgive, cleanse, and renew me so that I might serve your holy purposes. Make me an instrument of your love and peace. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 4:3-4
3 Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him. 4 In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.
In Context: Psalm 4

Proverb for Today: Prov. 29:6
"An evil man is snared by his own sin, but a righteous one can sing and be glad."

Recommended Reading:
The Pursuit of Holiness
by Jerry Bridges

July 28 - Christ the Victor

Overview of: 2 Timothy

Today's Reading:
2 Tim. 1:1-18
"Be Faithful"

Focus Verses: 2 Tim. 1:8-10
8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Insight:
God's purpose to save and give life has been put on display in the life, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. Christ has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality. This is good news for all of us. Even though death and suffering are so pervasive in our world, God has a will and a way to save us! He calls us to believe and follow Christ, and live holy lives by his grace and power.

Response and Action:
My hope and faith are in Jesus. I will follow him and look to God for the power and grace to live a holy life. In a world filled with death and suffering, I will remember that Christ has destroyed death; life and immortality are found in him. He is alive and he is giving life to me; I can face today with hope and purpose.

O God, you have saved me from death, not because of anything I have done, but because your purpose has always been to save and restore. Thank you for Jesus, who has shared my humanity, has faced death, and has destroyed it. Thank you for giving me the gift of life through Jesus. Make me more alive each day. Help me to remember that I have eternal life right now. Help me live in the hope of light of your eternal love today. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 18:24-26
24 The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight. 25 To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, 26 to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd.
In Context: Psalm 18

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:
The Incomparable Christ
by John Stott

Reading Schedule for July 28 - August 2

July 28 - 2 Tim. 1:1-18
July 29 - 2 Tim. 2:1-26
July 30 - Hebrews 2:1 – 3:6
July 31 - Hebrews 10:5-39
Aug. 1 - Hebrews 11:1-40
Aug. 2 - Hebrews 12:1-28




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.

July 26 - Love and Money

Overview of: 1Timothy

Today's Reading:
1 Tim. 6:3 – 21
"Focus and Fight"

Focus Verses: 1 Timothy 6:17-19
17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Insight:
Am I rich? According to the Global Policy Forum's Statistics on Poverty and Inequality, in 1999, 3 billion of the world's people were living on less than $2 per day while 1.3 billion were getting by on less than $1 per day. Chances are that if you're able to read this blog, you, like me, are rich in comparison to most people in the world.

In today's scripture passage, Paul has some very practical instructions for rich people like us. We need to avoid arrogance. We should not put our hope in what we possess. We should remember that wealth is uncertain. We should trust in God and acknowledge him as the source of blessing and provision. We should be rich in good deeds -- generous and willing to share with others.

Response and Action:
I need to recognize how much I have. I need to be thankful to God who has so generously blessed and provided so much for my needs and enjoyment. I need to be careful to always remember that God is my hope and provider, and to never put my trust in things. Instead of trying to be rich in possessions, I will strive to be rich in doing good deeds.

I need to be generous and open-handed with all God has given me. I need to be a faithful steward of all God has given and to be ready to share with others. I will generously give to the church, to efforts to help the poor, to ministries that are taking the Good News of Jesus to the world, and to practical causes that contribute to the health and betterment of my community and my world.

O God, you have blessed me in so many ways. Help me, in reverence and thanksgiving to share all you have given me. Help me to be a source of blessing. Give me the wisdom I need to be a good steward and generous heart that is ready to give and share. Let me to live with a generosity that boldly demonstrates my confidence in you -- my hope, my security, and my provider. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 49:12-13
12 But man, despite his riches, does not endure; he is like the beasts that perish. 13 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings.
In Context: Psalm 49

Proverb for Today: Prov. 26:27
"If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it; if a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him."

Recommended Reading:
Neither Poverty Nor Riches: A Biblical Theology of Possessions
by Craig L. Blomberg

July 25 - Prayers for Everyone

Overview of: 1Timothy

Today's Reading:
1 Tim. 1:1 – 3:8
"Instructions for Timothy"

Focus Verses: 1 Timothy 2:1-4
1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Insight:
There are many ways to pray: making requests, lifting up the needs of others, and giving thanks. There are many people to pray for: those in authority, friends, relatives, neighbors, enemies, leaders, and co-workers. There are many reasons to pray: the hope of a peaceful life, the pursuit of holiness, to please and honor God, and to give witness to the truth of Christ.

God wants all people to be saved. God wants all people to come to a knowledge of the truth. Prayer is essential to my spiritual growth, my service, my worship, and my testimony.

Response and Action:
I will be intentional about prayer. I will pray for others, making requests and giving thanks. This will help me grow in my faith, live with godliness, and become an example and testimony of Christ's power to saving grace and power.

O God, thank you for the gift of prayer. Thank you that I can lift my needs and the needs of others up to you. Thank you for your desire to save all people and help them come to a knowledge of the truth. Help me to live in a way that demonstrates your power to save. I pray all this in the name of Jesus, my Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 5:1-3
1 Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing. 2 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. 3 In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
In Context: Psalm 5

Proverb for Today: Prov. 25:25
"Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land."

Recommended Reading:
The Prayer God Longs For
by James Emery White

July 24 - Saying, "No"

Overview of: Titus

Today's Reading:
Titus 2:1 – 3:8
"Teaching and Doing"

Focus Verses: 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.

Insight:
God desires a people for himself -- people who are purified by his grace, and eager to do what is good. God's grace is more than forgiveness; it is our teacher. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passion. It teaches us to live self-controlled lives that honor God.

Response and Action:I want to be taught by God's grace. I want and need to learn how to say "No" to ungodliness. I want to say "No" to worldly passion. I want to honor God and learn how to live a self-controlled life by the power and grace of the Holy Spirit. I will prayerfully identify areas of my life where I need to say "No" in order to live a godly life.

O God, help me to live for you and through this day in thought, word, and deed. Help me to turn away from what is wrong, and to do what is right. Teach me to say "No" to ungodliness, and teach me to say "Yes" to all that is righteous and true. Make me yours and help me to honor you. Change my heart and help me to live a self-controlled life by the power of your Spirit. Amen.
Old Testament for Today: Psalm 15:1-21 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? 2 He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart...
In Context: Psalm 15

Proverb for Today: Prov. 24:1-2
"Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company; for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble."

July 23 - "So That"

Overview of: Philemon

Today's Reading:
Philemon 1:1-25
"Living as God's People"

Focus Verses: Philemon 1:4-6
4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. 6 I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.

Insight:
Two little words in verse six always catch my eye: "so that." It's not at all surprising the Apostle Paul would be praying that Philemon would be active in sharing his faith. Paul’s prayer for Philemon to have "a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ" is also very typical. Both of these prayers are common in Paul’s pastoral letters. In this case, however, he connects "sharing faith" and "understanding" with the words "so that," suggesting that sharing our faith is essential to gaining a fuller understanding of Christ's blessing and call on our lives.

The more we share Jesus with others, the more we will understand just how much he gives us! To fully understand what it means to live in Christ, we must share our lives and our faith. God's grace toward us in Christ has a deeper and richer meaning for those who live out and share that grace with the world around them.

Response and Action:
I want to grow in my understanding and my experience of every good thing God offers me through Christ. I will look for every opportunity to share my faith with others. The good things I have in Christ are intended by God to be shared.

O God, help me to live out my faith and share my life with others. Help me to share my faith: as a husband, father, son, brother, friend, neighbor, and colleague. Thank you for every good thing you have given to me. Give me a generous heart and a readiness to share with others the blessings I have received. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Isaiah 12:3-5
3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. 4 In that day you will say: "Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. 5 Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.
In Context: Isaiah 12

Proverb for Today: Prov. 23:12
"Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge."

Recommended Reading:
Speaking of Jesus: How to Tell Your Friends the Best News They Will Ever Hear
by J. Mack Stiles