November 11 - Holy Servants

Overview of: Leviticus

Today's Reading:
Lev. 8:1 – 9:24
"Priests Consecrated"

Focus Verses: Lev. 9:7-8
7 Moses said to Aaron, "Come to the altar and sacrifice your sin offering and your burnt offering and make atonement for yourself and the people; sacrifice the offering that is for the people and make atonement for them, as the LORD has commanded." 8 So Aaron came to the altar and slaughtered the calf as a sin offering for himself.

Insight:
Before Aaron and his sons could serve as priests on behalf of God's people, they needed to acknowledge their own sin, humble themselves before God, and offer sacrifices for their own purification.

The New Testament makes it clear that Jesus has served as the High Priest for all who come to him through faith. His sacrifice for me makes it possible for me to serve in the holy priesthood of Christ (1 Peter 2:5). Every Christian has been consecrated and purified by Christ to serve in his redemptive mission to the world. Holiness and humility are essential for all who would minister his name.


Response and Action:
Before I can minister to others in the name of Jesus, I must acknowledge my own sin and look to him for atonement and purification. I need to rid myself of malice, deceit, envy, hypocrisy, and slander. I must long for spiritual nourishment and pursue holiness and maturity.

Jesus has called me to more than salvation; he has called me to serve and minister in his name. Christians are more than followers of Christ, they are his hands and feet to a world that needs to find redemption and hope. I will commit myself to spiritual growth and holiness, through Christ, in order to be ready to serve others in his name.

O God, purify my heart and incline it toward you. Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way. Teach me your ways, and give me the wisdom and the will to walk in them. Cleanse me and make me ready to serve others and lead them to the salvation and life that is found in Christ Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

New Testament for Today: 1 Peter 2:9-10
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
In Context: 1 Peter 2:1-12

Proverb for Today: Prov. 11:30
"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise."

Resources:
The Pursuit of Holiness
by Jerry Bridges

November 10 - God's Presence

Overview of: Exodus

Today's Reading:
Exodus 40:1-38
"God's Glory and the Tabernacle"

Focus Verses: Ex. 40:36-38
36 In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; 37 but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. 38 So the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels.

Insight:
When the work of building the Tabernacle was finished, a cloud descended upon it and it was filled with the glory of God. More than a place for worship, it was a place inhabited in a special way by the Spirit of God. It was a constant reminder of God's presence as the Israelites traveled. The fire and cloud hovered above the Tabernacle in the center of their encampment. The cloud shielded them from the heat of the day and the fire brought warmth by night.

Response and Action:
I want to have an awareness of God's presence with me. I do not want to face the journey of my life without God's help and guidance. I need God's Spirit to shield me and comfort me. I will read the Scriptures, pray, worship each day as ways of practicing the presence of God. I will live in the faith that God is with me. I will grow in that faith as I experience his care and blessing.

O God, be my steadfast companion every step of my life's journey. Guide me, shape me, teach me, transform me, and sustain me by the power and grace of your Holy Spirit. Give me a growing awareness of your presence as I live by faith in your son, Jesus, who loved me and gave himself for me. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

New Testament for Today: 2 Corinthians 9:12-15
9 You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
In Context: Romans 8:1-17

Proverb for Today: Prov. 10:29
"The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous, but it is the ruin of those who do evil."

Resources:
The Attentive Life: Discerning God's Presence in All Things
by Leighton Ford

Reading Schedule for November 10 - 15

Nov. 10 - Ex. 40:1-38
Nov. 11 - Lev. 8:1 – 9:24
Nov. 12 - Lev. 10:1 – 11:47
Nov. 13 - Lev. 16:1-34
Nov. 14 - Lev. 18:1 – 19:37
Nov. 15 - Lev. 26:3-46

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 for printing by clicking the link in the right column.

November 8 - Good at Giving

Overview of: Exodus

Today's Reading:
Ex. 35:30 – 38:20
"Constructing the Sanctuary"

Focus Verses: Ex. 36:4-7
4 So all the skilled craftsmen who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left their work 5 and said to Moses, "The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD commanded to be done." 6 Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: "No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary." And so the people were restrained from bringing more, 7 because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.

Insight:
The people were so generous that Moses had to command them to quit bringing their freewill offerings. It's not often you hear a leader ask people to stop giving!

Response and Action:
I want to excel in the grace of giving. I want to give generously, faithfully, regularly and cheerfully to my church and other ministries.

O God, thank you for all you have given. Thank you for the indescribable gift of your son, Jesus, and the eternal life he gives. Give me the heart and wisdom to seek you first and to recognize every good a perfect gift I have comes from you. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

New Testament for Today: 2 Corinthians 9:12-15
12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
In Context: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Proverb for Today: Prov.8:17-18
"I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity."

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

November 7 - Giving Freely

Overview of: Exodus

Today's Reading:
Ex. 34:1 – 35:29
"Tablets and Tabernacle"

Focus Verses: Ex. 35:29
29 All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to the LORD freewill offerings for all the work the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do.

Insight:
With the plans for the Tabernacle in hand, it was time to collect all the needed materials for construction. God's people gave generously of their own free will. For the gold that was needed, the people gave jewelry of all kinds. The finest linens and animal skins were given for the curtains and coverings that would be made. Fine fabrics were spun, stones and gems were gathered, and fine oils and spices were collected. The generosity of God's people made the very act of constructing the Tabernacle an act of worship.

Response and Action:
Giving and sacrifice are spiritual acts of worship. More than the giving a things or money or even time, the highest act of worship I have to offer God is to give myself. I want to offer my body--my very being--for God's good, pleasing, and perfect purposes.

O God, help me to give myself fully to you. Help me to honor and worship you through full surrender of my heart, my mind, my body, my possessions, and my actions. Transform me, renew my mind, and help me to walk in your ways to the glory of your name. Through Christ Jesus, my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.

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

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

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

November 6 - Wrong about God

Overview of: Exodus

Today's Reading:
Ex. 32:1 – 33:23
"Idolatry and Mercy"

Focus Verses: Ex. 32:31-32
31 So Moses went back to the LORD and said, "Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made themselves gods of gold. 32 But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written."

Insight:
The Golden Calf was not some new invention of the Israelites. During the time of the Exodus, the image of "The Bull" was an object of worship in Egypt. It was also widely worshiped among their neighboring nations in the Ancient Near East.

Moses had been on Mount Sinai for forty days and nights--long enough for the people of Israel to speculate that something bad had happened to him. In his absence, they reverted to pagan idolatry and turned back to a god-image they had learned in Egypt. They fashioned a calf idol out of gold and then celebrated the deity it represented. They gave this bull-god credit for their deliverance from Egypt and then engaged in the pagan practices of ritualistic gluttony and sexual immorality.

What a stark and shocking reminder of just how far the people of Israel were from understanding or knowing the true God who had delivered them from slavery! Though Moses was angry with the people, but he begged God to forgive them.

Response and Action:
The people of Israel were so close to God, and yet so far away from him. Moses was in the very presence of God on Mt. Sinai, receiving God's promises and commands, but the people of Israel were distant, disobedient, and confused in the dark valley of their ignorance. They needed the commands and guidance Moses was receiving from God. They needed truth and light from God, and they needed to turn away from their idolatry and pagan ideas.

I need to draw near to God. The truth revealed to me in the Bible will help me to leave the darkness of my ignorance and help me to recognize the One True God. I need guard against confusing the truth of who God is with the many false concepts and beliefs so prevalent in the world around me.

O God, thank you for your Holy Word. I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Save me from ignorance and false gods. Thank you for Jesus who has made you known to me. Help me to follow in his way and to build my life upon the solid ground of his words. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Colossians 1:13-14
13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
In Context: Colossians 1:1-23

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."

Resources:
Breaking the Idols of Your Heart
by Dan Allender and Tremper Longman

November 5 - Gifted

Overview of: Exodus

Today's Reading:
Ex. 29:1 – 31:18
"Sacred Things"

Focus Verses: Exodus 31:1-6
1 Then the LORD said to Moses, 2 "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. 6 Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you...

Insight:
God chose gifted people to craft the Tabernacle structure, curtains, furnishings, tools, incense, and garments. These people were described as Spirit-filled and skillful. They had knowledge, ability, and artistry.

God has gifted different people in different ways for different purposes. The arts have a special purpose as they contribute to the worship life of faith communities. Artistry, beauty, and craftsmanship are God-given. Those who are skilled in the arts should be called upon to use these gifts to nurture and enrich worship and community life.

Response and Action:
I am thankful for the artistic men and women God has gifted in my church family. I am grateful for the music, photography, craftsmanship, beauty, creative writing, graphic arts, drama, architecture, painting, dance, and so much more that make my worship and Christian experience so rich and enjoyable. I will take note of the ways God has gifted me and consider how I can use these gifts to honor God, serve my Christian community, and shine as a witness of God's goodness to the world around me.

O God, thank you for beauty and creativity. When I consider all the worlds your hands have made--the stars, the rolling thunder, the lofty mountains, the gentle breeze, the songs of birds, the babbling brook--my soul sings, "O my Lord, how great you are!" Thank you for giving human beings the ability to appreciate beauty, and for giving them the skill and desire to create beautiful things. May the works of our hands be a praise to you, a blessing to your people, and a testimony of your grace. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Ephesians 2:10
10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
In Context: Ephesians 2:1-10

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."

Resources:
Art & Soul: Signposts for Christians in the Arts
by Hilary Brand and Adrienne Chaplin

November 4 - Consecrated

Overview of: Exodus

Today's Reading:
Ex. 27:1 – 28:43
"The Altar and Priestly Garments"

Focus Verses: Exodus 28:41
41 After you put these clothes on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so they may serve me as priests.

Insight:
All the details and elements of the Tabernacle--its accouterments, its furnishings, and the priests who ministered in it--were set aside for a special purpose. These things and these people were consecrated for serving God. Every aspect of Israel's religious practice was intended to emphasize the holiness, uniqueness, and majesty of God. The objects, the garments, the rituals, and the priests were dedicated to one purpose—the worship of God. Once consecrated to God, they were not to be used for anything else. They belonged to their Holy God and were exclusively committed to his holy purposes.

Response and Action:
All the details of my life must be devoted to honoring and serving God. My choices, my lifestyle, my mouth, my attitudes, my work, my relationships, my hopes, and my plans must all be consecrated for his holy purpose for me.

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. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, lead me, teach me, transform me, shape me, and strengthen me, that I might delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to you. Through Christ, Amen.

New Testament for Today: 2 Timothy 2:20-21
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.
In Context: 2 Timothy 2:14-26

Proverb for Today: Prov. 4:23
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

Resources:
Possessed by God: A New Testament Theology of Sanctification and Holiness
by David Peterson

November 3 - Design and the Divine

Overview of: Exodus

Today's Reading:
Ex. 25:1 – 26:37
"Tabernacle Plans"

Focus Verses: Exodus 26:30-31
30 "Set up the tabernacle according to the plan shown you on the mountain. 31 "Make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim worked into it by a skilled craftsman.

Insight:
The plans for the Tabernacle were more than functional in nature. The plans incorporated artistic beauty, required the expertise of skilled craftsmen, and were constructed with precious and costly materials. This portable worship center was to be the center of the community as they traveled toward the land of promise. It was a reminder of the centrality of worship in all of life. It represented God's presence with them and among them on their journey.

Response and Action:
Beauty and artistry are important ways to honor God. They heighten my worship experience and remind me of God's presence. Sacrifice and skill are valuable in shaping ideas about who God is and what it means to worship him. Art in life can serve to remind me of God's presence. It can point me to the source of beauty and truth--God himself.

O God, thank you for all the beauty in my world. Thank for giving humanity the capacity to appreciate and create beauty. May the gifts we bring and the care with which we bring them be a glory to you, and a testimony of your goodness. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Phil. 4:8-9
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
In Context: Philippians 4:4-9

Proverb for Today: Prov. 3:19-20
"By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the deeps were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew."

Resources:
Art & Soul: Signposts for Christians in the Arts
by Hilary Brand and Adrienne Chaplin

Reading Schedule for November 3 - 8

Nov. 3 - Ex. 25:1 – 26:37
Nov. 4 - Ex. 27:1 – 28:43
Nov. 5 - Ex. 29:1 – 31:18
Nov. 6 - Ex. 32:1 – 33:23
Nov. 7 - Ex. 34:1 – 35:29
Nov. 8 - Ex. 35:30 – 38:20


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 for printing by clicking the link in the right column.

November 1 - From God

Overview of: Exodus

Today's Reading:
Ex. 23:1 – 24:18
"Laws & Covenant"

Focus Verses: Exodus 24:15-18
15 When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it, 16 and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud. 17 To the Israelites the glory of the LORD looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain. 18 Then Moses entered the cloud as he went on up the mountain. And he stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights.

Insight:
The Israelites saw what looked like a consuming fire and cloud on the mountain. The elders of Israel went part of the way toward the mountain with Moses and saw some sort of vision of God's presence. Moses climbed the mountain into the cloud cover and spent forty days in the very presence of God. The overwhelming message of all this serves to reinforce the authority of the Law of Moses. The Law of Moses was understood to be directly from God.

Response and Action:
My view of the Scriptures is very important. If I consider the Bible to be just a book with the ideas and beliefs and directives of human beings, it will probably not have much power or authority in my life. If I consider it to be the Word of God, it will have a great deal of authority and power in my life. I will give careful consideration to my views toward Scripture. If I believe the Bible is from God, which I do, I will give it the respect and authority it deserves. I will read, study, memorize, and apply the truths of the Bible in order to live a life that is pleasing to God.

O God, thank you for the Bible. Show me your ways, O Lord, guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God, my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. I seek you, Lord, with all my heart. Don't let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Amen.

New Testament for Today: 2 Peter 1:20-21
20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
In Context: 2 Peter 1:12-21

Proverb for Today: Prov. 1:22
"How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?"

Resources:
Can I Trust the Bible?
by Darrell Bock

October 31 - Freedom in Surrender

Overview of: Exodus

Today's Reading:
Ex. 21:1 – 22:31
"Social Laws"

Focus Verses: Exodus 21:5-6
5 "But if the servant declares, 'I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,' 6 then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life.

Insight:
The people of Israel were on their way toward becoming the nation of Israel. In Egypt, they were defined by slavery--a captive community governed by their captors. Now they were defined by the deliverance and promise of God--a free community governed by the God who set them free. The laws God instructed Moses to give the people were not just about faith and religion and theology; they were social laws given to govern the practical affairs of living in community.

One very interesting law related to cases where bond-servants (slaves) did not wish to be freed because they were so happy with their master. Such servants came before the leaders of Israel to have their ears pierced in a solemn ceremony, thereby declaring their decision to remain slaves to the master they loved.

Response and Action:
The image of a bond-servant, who has given up his freedom in order to remain under the authority and provision of the master he loves, is a good metaphor for what it means to be a Christian. I have surrendered my life to my master, Jesus Christ, because "I love him and do not want to be free." My baptism was a solemn declaration that I have chosen the authority and blessing of Christ over the freedom of self-reliance. I believe that life with Jesus as my master is better than any other life I could imagine or desire.

O God, thank you for your son, Jesus, who although he existed in the very form of God emptied himself and became a servant. Help me to follow in his footsteps, to live as a servant, and to have in me the same mind and heart for your will and your ways. Thank you for the rich and satisfying life you give to those who serve you. Thank you for the joy of serving you which surpasses any "freedom" I could possibly imagine apart from you. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Philippians 2:5-7
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
In Context: Philippians 2

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

Resources:
Surrending to Love: Discovering the Heart of Christian Spirituality
by David G. Benner

October 30 - From Sinai to Zion

Overview of: Exodus

Today's Reading:
Ex. 19:1 – 20:26
"Moses on Mount Sinai"

Focus Verses: Exodus 19:16-19
16 On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. 17 Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. 18 Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the LORD descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, the whole mountain trembled violently, 19 and the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder. Then Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him.

Insight:
God had saved the nation of Israel and called them to a holy purpose: "You will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (v.6). God's holiness is so absolute that he warned the people of Israel to not even touch the mountain because doing so would result in death. The mountain itself rumbled and shook as if the earth itself could barely abide God's awesome and holy presence. Then God spoke and gave Moses commands that would guide his people toward holy lives.

Response and Action:
Sin separates humanity from God who is absolutely holy (Is. 59:2). Just like the people of Israel at Mount Sinai, I need to recognize God's holiness and my sinfulness. Thankfully, God is working to guide, forgive, redeem, and transform those who will follow him in faith. More than just a list of laws, God has also sent his Son, Jesus, into the world to cleanse me from sin, to remove the barriers that separate me from God, and to transform my heart by the power of his Spirit. I will pursue holiness, look to Christ for forgiveness and transformation, and offer myself to God to serve his holy purpose for me.

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 my neighbor as myself. Lead me away from temptation and deliver me from evil. 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. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Hebrews 12:14,18, 22-23
14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. --- 18 You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; --- 22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven.
In Context: Hebrews 12:14-29

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

Resources:
The Pursuit of Holiness
by Jerry Bridges

October 29 - Leadership

Overview of: Exodus

Today's Reading:
Ex. 18:1-27
"Good Advice from Jethro"

Focus Verses: Exodus 18:17-18,21,23
17 Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you are doing is not good. 18 You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. --- 21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. --- 23 If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied."

Insight:
Moses received some very wise and godly advice about leadership from his father-in-law, Jethro. The advice was very clear and thoughtful, and was given with a spirit of concern and humility.

Some Bible scholars suggest that the number of people Moses was leading was as many as three million. If these people were to be led well, there would have to be a strategy and structure for leadership. Moses would be doing well just to lead the leaders!

Wise leadership in any community (whether it be church, organization, city, state, or nation), must have a strategy for and commitment to developing levels of leadership. The best leaders are always training, equipping, and nurturing a larger network of leaders who can deliver satisfying care and service to the greater community. Failure to do this results in stressed out leaders and frustrated followers.

Response and Action:
I want to encourage wise leaders and followers in my church community. It is vital for leaders to share the load. It is important for followers to support leaders and not expect too much from any one person. I want to give prayerful consideration to my role as a leader. I want to help and empower others to lead, and I want to be a supportive follower of others who are serving and leading.

O God, thank you for your church and for those who you have called to serve your the church as leaders. Help them to look to you for guidance and wisdom, and to love you with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Help me to find my place and my roles of service in this community of believers. In the ways you have called me to lead, help me lead effectively. In the ways you have called me to follow, help me to follow supportively. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

New Testament for Today: 1 Peter 5:1-3
1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
In Context: 1 Peter 5:1-11

Proverb for Today: Prov.13:10
"Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice."

Resources:
Shepherds After My Own Heart: Pastoral Traditions And Leadership in the Bible
by Timothy S. Laniak

October 28 - Enough for Today

Overview of: Exodus

Today's Reading:
Ex. 16:1 - 17:16
"God's Power & Provision"

Focus Verses: Exodus 16:16-18
16 This is what the LORD has commanded: 'Each one is to gather as much as he needs. Take an omer for each person you have in your tent.' " 17 The Israelites did as they were told; some gathered much, some little. 18 And when they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little. Each one gathered as much as he needed.

Insight:
Escaping from Egypt is one thing. Becoming a free nation that follows and trusts God is another. Once the Israelites had been released from the hardships of slavery, they had to learn how to face the challenges and fears of freedom.

They worried and grumbled about food, and God provided for their needs. When they were attacked, God defended them. Their needs came one day at a time, and that's exactly how God provided for them--one day at a time. When it seemed to them they would not be able to face another day, God provided for that day. God wanted them to depend on him one day at a time. He told them to rest on the seventh day and trust him to meet their needs.

Moses took some manna and put it in a jar as an ongoing reminder of God's provision. When they were saved from the attack of the Amalekites, Moses wrote on a scroll to preserve an account of what had happened.

Response and Action:
I need to trust God one day at a time. I need to be faithful to follow him and trust that he will be faithful to care for me. When I find myself grumbling or stressed out, I want to examine my heart and ask God to strengthen my faith. I want to be careful to notice and remember the many ways God has brought me this far. I can take time for rest and for worship because I trust God to provide for my needs.

O God, help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Help me to trust you for my needs one day at a time. Give me a heart and mind that are at peace. Protect me from discouragement, and encourage me by your Spirit through your word, your people, your promises, and all that is beautiful and true. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Matthew 6:11
11 Give us today our daily bread.
In Context: Matthew 6:9-34

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

Resources:
Exodus: Learning to Trust God
by James Reapsome

October 27 - Quick to Sing

Overview of: Exodus

Today's Reading:
Ex. 15:1-27
"Songs and Complaints"

Focus Verses: Exodus 15:1-2
1 Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD : "I will sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea. 2 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.

Insight:
The people of Israel had cried out in fear when Pharaoh's army pursued them and they were trapped along the Red Sea, but God was faithful to deliver them. They were filled with joy because of God's mighty salvation. They burst into song and dance because God had saved them. It wasn't long, however, before they faced another challenge--a shortage of water, and the people were quick to grumble against Moses.

Response and Action:
I want to grow in my faith and confidence in God. I want to be quicker to give thanks than I am to grumble. I want to be quicker to remember God's blessing and provision than I am to worry about the next challenge or hardship. I want to be a singer of praise instead of a grumbler about problems.

O God, forgive me for the times I am so quick to grumble and complain. Help me to remember the many ways you have provided for me. Help me to recount the blessing you have poured out on my life. Thank you for the guidance and salvation you have given. Give me a hopeful heart that is devoted to you, a thankful mouth that gives you praise, and a clear mind that is set on following Christ. It's in his name that I pray all this. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Ephesians 5:19-20
19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In Context: Ephesians 5:1-20

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

Resources:
Exodus: Learning to Trust God
by James Reapsome

Reading Schedule for Oct. 27 - Nov. 1

Oct. 27 - Ex. 15:1-27
Oct. 28 - Ex. 16:1 - 17:16
Oct. 29 - Ex. 18:1-27
Oct. 30 - Ex. 19:1 – 20:26
Oct. 31 - Ex. 21:1 – 22:31
Nov. 1 - Ex. 23:1 – 24:18

You're invited to read through the Bible with Dave Burkum. Six readings each week will take you through the entire New Testament and key passages of the Old Testament. The 2008-09 Useful Breath reading can be downloaded for printing by clicking the link in the right column.

October 25 - Help when I'm Afraid

Overview of: Exodus

Today's Reading:
Ex. 13:1 – 14:31
"Consecration & Crossing"

Focus Verses: Exodus 14:13-14
13 Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."

Insight:
With Pharaoh's army pursuing them from behind and the Red Sea before them blocking any way of escape, the Israelites were terrified. They thought they would be killed in a massacre.

Moses told them to be still, to stand firm, and to not be afraid. He said God would fight for them and bring them deliverance. Those who were threatening their lives would never threaten them again.

Response and Action:
When I am facing challenges and threatening circumstances, I need to remember that I am not alone. God will help me, so I will stand firm. God is able to deliver me, so I will not be afraid. God is able to save, so I will be still and trust in him.

O God, when I am afraid, help me to be still and put my trust in you. When I feel like running in the face of challenges and obstacles, give me the courage to stand firm. Be my help, my shelter, and my deliverer. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Ephesians 6:10-11
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
In Context: Ephesians 6:10-20

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

Resources:
Exodus: Learning to Trust God
by James Reapsome

October 24 - Crying

Overview of: Exodus

Today's Reading:
Ex. 11:1 – 12:51
"Death and Deliverance"

Focus Verses: Exodus 12:29-30
29 At midnight the LORD struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on the throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner, who was in the dungeon, and the firstborn of all the livestock as well. 30 Pharaoh and all his officials and all the Egyptians got up during the night, and there was loud wailing in Egypt, for there was not a house without someone dead.

Insight:
In obeying Moses' instruction to them regarding the Passover, the Israelites were graciously saved from the plague of death. They sacrificed lambs, made unleavened bread, marked the doorposts of their homes with blood, and stayed inside all night long and worshiped God. They took hold of God's salvation by faith in reverent obedience.

The Egyptians, due to Pharaoh's stubborn defiance, were subject to the consequences of rebellion. Their failure to acknowledge God resulted in sorrow and death. How different the story of Egypt might have been if Pharaoh had only humbled himself and put his faith in the one true God!

Response and Action:
I will put my faith in God. I want to take hold of God's gracious offer of life and salvation through Christ. I will reverently enter into the Passover story through faith in Christ Jesus. I believe that the Passover of Exodus is a foreshadowing of the ultimate Passover made possible through Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. I will hide myself in him.

O God, save me from the destruction and death that result from sin. Thank you for the salvation you have graciously extended to me through Christ Jesus. May his cross be the blood mark on the door of my heart. May his church be the house I stay within, a place of fellowship, and a refuge from judgment. May each day of my life be an act of worship and thanksgiving. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Romans 6:23
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
In Context: Romans 6:15-23

Proverb for Today: Prov.24:14
"Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off."

Resources:
Cries of The Heart
by Ravi Zacharias

October 23 - Hard Times for Hard Hearts

Overview of: Exodus

Today's Reading:
Ex. 9:13 – 10:29
"More Plagues"

Focus Verses: Exodus 9:13-17
13 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Get up early in the morning, confront Pharaoh and say to him, 'This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me, 14 or this time I will send the full force of my plagues against you and against your officials and your people, so you may know that there is no one like me in all the earth. 15 For by now I could have stretched out my hand and struck you and your people with a plague that would have wiped you off the earth. 16 But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. 17 You still set yourself against my people and will not let them go.

Insight:
The more Pharaoh resisted God, the harder his heart became. Every opportunity God gave Pharaoh to respond was also an opportunity to reject. Every choice given to Pharaoh was a choice to soften or harden his heart. So God was hardening Pharaoh's heart by giving him more chances to respond and surrender.

Rejecting God's sovereignty is rebellion. Rejecting God's grace is hardheartedness. Rejecting the truth for a lie is self-destructive.

Response and Action:
God is continually extending opportunities for me to acknowledge him and respond to him. I can soften my heart and surrender to God, or harden my heart and resist God’s grace. Because I believe that God is God, that Jesus is the Son of God, and that God has offered life and salvation, I want to be as responsive to God as possible.

O God, give me the eyes to see and believe in you. Give me a heart that is soft and responsive to your grace. Give me a mind that delights in your will. Give me a desire to walk in your ways. Give me a life that honors you. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Romans 1:20
20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
In Context: Romans 1:18-32

Proverb for Today: Prov. 23:19
"Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path."

Resources:
Renovation of the Heart
by Dallas Willard