March 12 - Humbling Myself

Overview of: Luke

Today's Reading:
Luke 17:1 - 18:43
"Faith, Prayer, and Life"

Focus Verses: Luke 18:13-14
13 "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' 14 "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Insight:
Jesus taught that God sees the injustices of our world and will one day bring justice and set all things right. Jesus warned those who looked down at others and felt a little too sure of their own goodness. He told them that truly righteous people understand they are sinners, and have a deep sense of their need for mercy. Humility is the mark of true righteousness.

Response and Action:
I want to be humble before God and others. I want to be quicker to see the sin in my own life than to notice the faults of others. I will deal with the log in my own eye before trying to help others with the speck in theirs. I want to draw upon God’s grace for living a righteous life. I will be careful to give God glory for any good thing he does in me. I will put aside arrogance and self-congratulation and depend on God to lift me up at the right time.

O God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Thank you for your son, Jesus, who has brought your grace and forgiveness to me. Help me to follow him in humility and full surrender. Thank you for the promise of redemption Christ brings for me and for the whole world. Give me the wisdom and the strength to join him in his redemptive work today, as he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: 2 Chron. 7:14
14 ...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
In Context: 2 Chronicles 7:11-22

Proverb for Today: Prov. 12:22
"The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful."

Recommended Reading:
Why Sin Matters: The Surprising Relationship between Our Sin and God's Grace
by Mark R. McMinn

March 11 - Welcome Home

Overview of: Luke

Today's Reading:
Luke 15:1 – 16:31
"Strays, Schemers, and Skeptics"

Focus Verses: Luke 15:7
20 So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

Insight:
This story is most often called "The Parable of the Prodigal Son." I guess that makes sense since the story line follows the son, and most of us probably identify more strongly with the son.

The main idea of the story, however, seems to be centered in the character of the father. He was willing to let the son leave him. He longed for the son to come to his senses and be restored. He ran to welcome the son when he returned. He rejoiced and threw a party to celebrate being reunited with his estranged son. It was like receiving his son back from the dead!

Response and Action:
I recognize that God has give me the freedom to honor and serve him, or to wander and reject him. I believe that when I turn away from him, he longs for me to return and be restored. I want to have the wisdom to come home to God and to live for him. I must give thanks to God for his goodness in extending forgiveness and reconciliation to me.

I will share God's love for my brothers and sisters who are wandering. I will do what I can to find them and bring them back home. With God, I long for them to return and find their place in his family. When they return, I will run alongside God to welcome them. I will celebrate their restoration and renewal.

O God, thank you for welcoming me home. Thank you for your redeeming and saving love for all people. Thank you for giving your son, that whoever believes in him might have eternal life. Give me your heart for those who have wandered or turned away from you. Give me a readiness to reach out to them and to run to meet them with your gracious welcome. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Jeremiah 24:6-7
6 My eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. 7 I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.
In Context: Jeremiah 24

Proverb for Today: Prov. 11:25
"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."

Recommended Reading:
The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
by Timothy Keller

March 10 - Everything

Overview of: Luke

Today's Reading:
Luke 13:1 – 14:35
"Embracing or Rejecting the Kingdom"

Focus Verses: Luke 13:18-21
18 Then Jesus asked, "What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? 19 It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches." 20 Again he asked, "What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? 21 It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough."

Insight:
Once the Kingdom of God gets a little foothold in your life, it takes over. A mustard seed might be the smallest thing a gardener could plant, but eventually it dominates and becomes bigger than anything else in the garden. A minuscule amount of yeast in a large amount of dough will eventually work its way through the whole batch. It changes everything!

Response and Action:
I desire the mustard seed and the yeast of the Kingdom of God to take root and take over in my life. Like the gardener, I must exercise my desire by giving the mustard seed a place in my garden. Like the woman making bread, I must mix the yeast into the dough of my life. I am doing this through faith in Jesus, following him, praying, taking in the Scriptures, obeying, surrendering, thinking, applying, living, and seeking the Kingdom first.

If I am faithful to plant and mix, I will the seed and the yeast (the truth and life of the Kingdom) become the most dominant and influential element of my life. The transforming power of the Kingdom of Christ will change everything.

O God, I long to be receptive and fertile soil for the seed of your Kingdom. May the power and grace of your Holy Spirit work its way through every aspect and dimension of my life. I want your ways to be my ways. I want my heart and mind to be controlled and shaped by your truth. Guide me, give me wisdom, and transform me that I might delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your name. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Hosea 10:12
12 Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.
In Context: Hosea 10

Proverb for Today: Prov. 10:30
"The righteous will never be uprooted, but the wicked will not remain in the land."

Recommended Reading:
Revolution of Character: Discovering Christ's Pattern for Spiritual Transformation
by Dallas Willard and Don Simpson

March 9 - Treasure

Overview of: Luke

Today's Reading:
Luke 11:1 – 12:59
"Wealth, Worry, and Watchfulness"

Focus Verses: Luke 12:13-48
32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Insight:
Life does not consist of the abundance of possessions. Security is not to be found in things (even lots of things). Worry about things can lead to misplaced priorities: obsession with self; blindness toward the needs of others; disregard for righteousness; failure to recognize the real beauty of today; and distorted values. Our pursuits and treasures indicate whether our perspective toward life is temporal and false, or eternal and true.

Response and Action:
I want to live with the eternal values and perspectives of the kingdom of Christ. I want to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. I want my faith in Christ, my pursuit of his righteousness, and my submission to his authority to determine the way I live and the choices I make. I do not want my faith in self or the pursuit of things to determine my relationship with Christ. I want to seek Jesus, his ways, and his priorities more than anything else. I will put first the things that last.

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. Shape my love for others by the grace and work of Christ in my life. Give me the wisdom to recognize what is true and what has eternal value. I trust you to provide for my needs as I put you first. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Ecclesiastes 5:10
10 Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless.
In Context: Ecclesiastes 5:8-20

Proverb for Today: Prov. 9:9
"Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning."

Recommended Reading:
The Suburban Christian: Finding Spiritual Vitality in the Land of Plenty
by Albert Y. Hsu

Reading Schedule for March 9 - 14

March 9 - Luke 11:1 – 12:59
March 10 - Luke 13:1 – 14:35
March 11 - Luke 15:1 – 16:31
March 12 - Luke 17:1 - 18:43
March 13 - Luke 19:1 – 20:47
March 14 - Luke 21:1 – 22:71

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

March 7 - One Thing Needed

Overview of: Luke

Today's Reading:
Luke 9:1 – 10:42
"Sent and Taught by Jesus"

Focus Verses: Luke 10:41-42
41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Insight:
It's possible to be so busy and concerned about doing what is good that we miss what is best. This particular encounter between Jesus, Mary, and Martha is a good reminder of this truth. The disciples--chosen, sent, and taught by Jesus--learned something important from Mary.

Martha was so concerned with serving Jesus and the guests she could not enjoy and savor her time with them. Mary was so focused on simply being with Jesus and listening to what he had to say that she left some things unattended. She chose what is best. Jesus commended her for this.

Response and Action:
I do not want to be so busy with the business of life—even Christian service--that I have no time to enjoy Jesus. I must take time to simply be with him, to pray, and to delight in the word. The most necessary thing is to know Jesus, to delight in his presence, and to abide in him.

I also want to cultivate my ability to truly be with family and Christian friends. I must be intentional about being with them and enjoying them, not simply serving them.

O God, help me to glorify you and enjoy you all my days. Thank you for Jesus, my Messiah, my Lord, my Savior, and my God. Grant me the blessing of knowing him as my friend, my brother, and my faithful companion. Help me to sense his presence and delight in it. Give me a heart to serve Christ, O God, but first give me a heart to love him. Give me a hunger and affection for the scriptures. Give me a desire to pray. Give me a fullness of the Spirit of Christ and a deep awareness of his indwelling every minute of my life. I ask all this in his name. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 84:10
10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere...
In Context: Psalm 84

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

Recommended Reading:
The Only Necessary Thing: Living a Prayerful Life
by Henri J. M. Nouwen

March 6 - Faith that Amazed Jesus

Overview of: Luke

Today's Reading:
Luke 7:1 – 8:56
"Faith, Doubt, Truth, and Power"

Focus Verses: Luke 7:9-10
9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel." 10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.

Insight:
In Luke 7-8 we read the accounts of a wide variety of encounters with Jesus. We see Jesus demonstrate his power and authority over sickness, death, demons, and nature. We see some people drawn to him and responding to him in faith. We see some struggling with doubts. We see others rejecting and opposing him. Some have eyes to see and ears to hear, but others don't.

I love the story of the centurion and his amazing faith. His faith in Christ was so complete that even Jesus "was amazed at him." He wanted Jesus to heal his servant, but didn't need Jesus to come to his house (he didn't even need to see Jesus face to face, but instead sent friends to make his request). He had such faith in the authority of Jesus that he only needed Jesus to "say the word." If Jesus declared his servant healed, that would be enough. He would simply take that word as true and expect his servant to be healed.

Response and Action:
I would like to amaze Jesus with my faith. I would like to have such confidence in his power and authority that I am satisfied to make my needs known to him. No matter what my circumstances or needs are, I will ask Jesus to simply say the word and trust in his power. I will also trust in God's goodness and purposes, believing that he also has the authority to deny my requests.

O God, my faith and my hope are in you, your son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. I believe that you are powerful and able meet my needs. I believe that you are personal and that you care about my burdens and my circumstances. I believe you are persuadable--that you hear my prayers and that you are responsive to the cries of my heart. I believe that you are present with me, that you are closer than the air I breathe, that you are good and just and gracious and merciful. Help me to live with confidence that comes from recognizing and embracing your authority. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 23:4
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
In Context: Psalm 23

Proverb for Today: Prov. 5:21
"For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths."

Recommended Reading:
Faith & Doubt
by John Ortberg

March 5 - Astonished

Overview of: Luke

Today's Reading:
Luke 5:1 – 6:49
"Calling and Kingdom"

Focus Verses: Luke 5:8-11
8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Insight:
Simon Peter was shaken by the mystery and authority he saw in Jesus. Because of the awe he had for Jesus, and the deep sense of his own sinfulness, Peter's first inclination was to push Jesus away. Jesus reassured him and spoke of a new future and purpose for his life. Peter and his partners, James and John, walked away from everything and followed Jesus.

Response and Action:
Like Peter, I am very impressed with Jesus. His power and authority are amazing. Sadly, like Peter I can also, at times, be preoccupied with my sin and weakness. It's so good to know that Jesus interrupts my shame and self-doubt with grace and peace. He tells me to not be afraid and gives me hope and purpose. I want to put Jesus first and find my purpose in him. I will follow him and treasure him above all things. I will leave behind anything that hinders my walk with him.

O God, thank you for the grace and truth Christ brings. I am astonished by his power and his call to me. Help me to honor and obey him. Help me to demonstrate my love for him by keeping his word. Show me your purpose for my life, remove my fears, and give me the courage to follow Jesus wherever he leads. Give me the wisdom and the will to cast off anything that would distract me from the promise I have in Christ . Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 1:1-2
1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
In Context: Psalm 1

Proverb for Today: Prov. 5:21
"For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths."

Recommended Reading:
Following Jesus: Biblical Reflections on Discipleship
by N. T. Wright

March 4 - Hope Has Arrived

Overview of: Luke

Today's Reading:
Luke 3:1 – 4:44
"Jesus Begins His Ministry"

Focus Verses: Luke 4:18-21
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." 20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21 and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

Insight:
Jesus came preaching the good news, which had been promised and foretold by the prophet Isaiah. It was good news of healing, freedom, justice, and restoration. More than merely spiritual, philosophical, or religious, Jesus came to bring truth and deliverance that would bring about real change, recovery, and hope in the real world.

This good news was not just for Israel, but for all people everywhere. When the people of Nazareth rejected Jesus, he reminded them that they were not the first to reject someone sent by God. In fact, the abuse and rejection of the prophets was typical in their history. They became outraged when he pointed out scriptural examples of non-Jews who, unlike them, were quicker to recognize God's power and truth.

Response and Action:
I recognize Jesus as good news. He is the hope of salvation. He brings forgiveness and restoration. He offers freedom from oppression and bondage. He is the proof of God's love and favor toward humanity. I will embrace the good news that Jesus embodies. My faith and hope are in him.

Not only will I receive the good news, I will commit myself to joining Jesus in preaching and living the good news of God. As a follower of Jesus, I must commit myself to bring peace, deliverance, health, justice, life, truth, and freedom to the world around me. To embrace Christ Jesus is to embrace his agenda for the world.

O God, you are holy and loving. Your love and holiness have been gloriously lived out on earth through Christ Jesus. Thank you for the good news Jesus has brought to the whole world. Help me to follow in his steps and to walk in the power of his Spirit, that I might live and preach the same good news. Help me to be an active agent and living witness of the freedom, restoration, and hope that are in Christ Jesus. May your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Isaiah 61:11
11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.
In Context: Isaiah 61:1-11

Proverb for Today: Prov. 9:10-11
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life."

Recommended Reading:
Kingdom Come: How Jesus Wants to Change the World
by Allen Mitsuo Wakabayashi

March 3 - Eyes that See

Overview of: Luke

Today's Reading:
Luke 2:1-52
"The Birth of Jesus"

Focus Verses: Luke 2: 27b
27b When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."

Insight:
Simeon was a righteous and devout man who worshiped God with his whole heart, and prayed faithfully for the consolation of Israel. When he saw the baby Jesus at the temple, he recognized the hope and peace for which he had been waiting and praying. He saw in Jesus, the fulfillment of the promised salvation the prophet Isaiah had foretold.

Response and Action:
What do I see in Jesus? Do I recognize in him the hope of peace and comfort? Do I see in him the fulfillment of God's promises to save? I believe Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God. I believe there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only begotten of the Father--God from God, light from light, true God from true God.

O God, give me eyes to see who Jesus is. Please help me to recognize him as the Savior you sent into the world to rescue me from the dominion of darkness. Show me the hope, healing, light, and life that are found only in him. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Isaiah 9:2,6
2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. - - - 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
In Context: Isaiah 9:1-7

Proverb for Today: Prov. 2:3-5
"...and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God."

Recommended Reading:
Who Was Jesus?
by Scot McKnight, Ravi Zacharias, Danielle Durant

March 2 - God's Messengers

Overview of: Luke

Today's Reading:
Luke 1:1–80
"The Births of John and Jesus Foretold"

Focus Verses: Luke 1:16-17, 30-33
16 Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." 30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

Insight:
The Old Testament prophets spoke of a future hope that Israel had yet to see. This hope was more than the rebuilding of Jerusalem, more than the return of the Jews from exile, and more than the restoration of the temple. They spoke of the coming Messiah who would save his people. He would bring redemption and give new hearts. He would bring freedom and eternal life. The coming Messiah would be announced by a special messenger who would shout, "Prepare the way of the Lord."

An angel appeared to Zechariah and said, "Your son is going to be the messenger who proclaims the coming of Christ." The angel Gabriel told Mary, "You will have a son--the son of the Most High God--and he will be the long awaited Savior." It's exciting to see that the first words of promise in the New Testament are the fulfillment of the last words of promise of the Old Testament.

Response and Action:
I am thankful for God's unfolding story of redemption and salvation. By faith, I embrace the promises of the prophets. By faith, I believe that Jesus is God's promised Messiah. By faith, I believe that God is present in the world today, still working toward redemption and salvation. By faith, I have given and continue to give my life to Jesus. By faith, I have entered the unfolding story of redemption, and pray that God will direct and use me for his redemptive purposes as I serve and follow Jesus.

O God, thank you for your son Jesus, who for us and for our salvation became incarnate from the virgin Mary and was made man. Thank you that for our sake, he suffered death, but rose again on the third day as the victor over death. Help me to love and follow Jesus, with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Malachi 3:1
1 "See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty.
In Context: Malachi 3:1 - 4:6

Proverb for Today: Prov. 26:6
"Like cutting off one's feet or drinking violence is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool."

Recommended Reading:
The Incomparable Christ
by John Stott

Reading Schedule for March 2 - 7

March 2 - Luke 1:1-80
March 3 - Luke 2:1-52
March 4 - Luke 3:1 – 4:44
March 5 - Luke 5:1 – 6:49
March 6 - Luke 7:1 – 8:56
March 7 - Luke 9:1 – 10:42

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

February 28 - Thirsty

Overview of: Isaiah

Today's Reading:
Isaiah 54:1 - 55:13
"Call to the Thirsty"

Focus Verses: Isaiah 55:1,6-7
1 "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. - - - 6 Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

Insight:
Only God can give true life and true satisfaction. It is such a waste to spend time, money, and effort on things that do not ultimately fulfill or satisfy the deepest longings our hearts. How many things have I chased after because I thought they would make my life better, but instead found them to be yet another empty promise?

Jesus said, "Let everyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. For he who believes in me will have streams of living water flowing from the innermost part of his being." If I listen to God, give attention to his words, and take hold of the life he offers, I will find myself delighted and truly alive in Christ.

Response and Action:
God invites me to find fulfillment and satisfaction in him. Jesus invites me to come to him for life and meaning and salvation. I will respond to God's invitation and take hold of his promises by placing my faith and hope in Christ Jesus. I will follow him, forsaking my own ways and thoughts, and commit my heart and soul to living by faith in Christ.

O God, forgive me for the times I chase after the things that do not give life. Give me the wisdom and will to seek you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Only you can satisfy the desires of my heart. Only you can give my life the meaning and purpose I long for. Only you can meet my deepest needs and fulfill my highest aspirations. Thank you for Jesus and the life he gives to thirsty people like me who come to him and drink. Amen.

New Testament for Today: John 7:37-38
37 On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."
In Context: John 7:25-44

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

Recommended Reading:
Come Thirsty: No Heart Too Dry for His Touch
by Max Lucado

February 27 - Arm of Salvation

Overview of: Isaiah

Today's Reading:
Isaiah 40:1-31; 52:1 - 53:12
"God's Servant who Saves"

Focus Verses: Isaiah 52:10,13-15
10 The LORD will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God. - - - 13 See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. 14 Just as there were many who were appalled at him — his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness— 15 so will he sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand.

Insight:
The ultimate salvation for Israel would be more than the return from exile, more than the rebuilding of the temple, and more than the restoration of Jerusalem. It would be good news of peace and salvation under God's reign. But how and through whom would this salvation and peace come?

Isaiah's words about a faithful and wise servant were hard to understand. Who would this servant be? Why would suffer violence? What would kings and nations come to understand about him?

Christ's life, crucifixion, and resurrection seem to be the perfect fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. The Good News of Jesus is the ultimate salvation for all people made possible through his atoning death on the cross.

Response and Action:
I believe that Jesus has conquered death and offered salvation to a people. My trust and hope are in him. I am depending on Jesus for salvation from sin, strength and guidance for life, and the promise of eternal life.

O God, thank you for Christ Jesus who has taken up my infirmities and carried my sorrows. Thank you, Lord and Savior, for bearing the punishment that has brought me peace. You were pierced and crushed for my sin; by your wounds I am healed. I exalt and worship you, Jesus, for you were lifted up on the cross, dying that I might have life. Praise the name of Jesus! Amen.

New Testament for Today: John 12:32-33
32 But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
In Context: John 12:20-36

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

Recommended Reading:
The Incomparable Christ
by John Stott

February 26 - Tempted by Suffering

Overview of: Job

Today's Reading:
Job 42:1-17
"Job Repents"

Focus Verses: Job 42:3-6
3 You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. 4 "You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.' 5 My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. 6 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."

Insight:
It's easy to see a suffering person's need for comfort and help, but not so easy to see that person's need to be confronted or corrected. Suffering presents unique and intense challenges and temptations. We are tempted to reject God or blame him. We are tempted to think everything is meaningless. Subsequently, we are tempted to live in self-centered, bitter, or careless ways. Suffering can produce its own peculiar kind of arrogance that finds its root in a sense of unjust victimization.

When confronted by God, Job wisely recognized the subtle arrogance at work in his suffering heart. He stopped shaking his fist at God, and came to the startling epiphany: "I am suffering for reasons too awesome and mysterious for me to know." Job humbled himself in repentance and entrusted his suffering to God. This kind of trust and humility is perhaps the deepest and most profound expression of faith any human can offer to God.

Response and Action:
I will entrust my suffering and hardship to God. I choose to believe that my life—including my suffering--has meaning, even if that meaning is too wonderful for me to comprehend. I will examine my heart in times of trial and guard against the unique sins suffering can provoke in me. I will humble myself before God.

O God, forgive me when trials and problems get the best of me. Help me to draw near to you, and to trust you with my sorrows and difficulties. Help me to have a thankful heart, and as I lift up my requests to you, guard my heart and mind with the peace of Christ Jesus. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Phil. 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
In Context: Phil. 4:4-9

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."

Recommended Reading:
Disappointment with God & Where is God When it Hurts? (2 books in 1 volume)
by Philip Yancey

February 25 - Questioning God

Overview of: Job

Today's Reading:
Job 30:11-31; 38:1-41
"Unanswerable Questions"

Focus Verses: Job 30:20; 38:1-4
30:20 "I cry out to you, O God, but you do not answer; I stand up, but you merely look at me.
38:1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: 2 "Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? 3 Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 4 "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand."

Insight:
No one can fault Job for questioning God. Job had reverence for God and did his best to lead a righteous life, but his life had collapsed into loss, pain, fear, and suffering. He began doubting God after the constant verbal barrage from friends and family who were convinced he was being judged by God for something he had done. Job’s doubts, fear, and anger intensified when it seemed to him that the Lord would never answer his cries for help

When God finally did answer Job, it was in the form of a long list of questions. God essentially said, "Job, I know you don't understand what is going on in your life, but have you thought about how many other things you don't understand? Do you trust me to know what's going on? If you don't trust me, who will you trust? Who else has the answers?"

Response and Action:
It’s hard to live with unanswered questions. It's difficult to be crying out in the darkness of hardship, and yet trust that God knows and cares. But doubting or denying God will not remove the darkness. In fact, it makes the darkness even darker because now I am alone in my doubts.

There is so much I don't understand, why should I be surprised that I cannot understand my own struggles and difficulties. Would denying God give me a more satisfactory answer to my questions? Do my problems make a case for there not being a God, or do they underscore my need to humble myself before God, trusting he knows my needs and can redeem my life?

O God, you know all things; but I don't. You can do anything; no plan of yours can ever be shaken. There is so much I do not understand. Life is too big for me. Hear my cries and come to my aid, O Lord. Show me your ways, teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me. Give me the strength to trust in you, to wait upon you, to persevere and cling to you, even when life is more than I can bear and you seem silent and distant. You are God, my Savior. My hope is in you all day long. Amen.

New Testament for Today: 2 Corinthians 1:9-10
9 Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us..."
In Context: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11

Proverb for Today: Prov. 25:26
"Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked."

Recommended Reading:
Faith & Doubt
by John Ortberg

February 24 - Regardless of Circumstances

Overview of: Job

Today's Reading:
Job 1:1 – 2:10
"Job's Faith Is Tested"

Focus Verses: Job 1:9-11
9 "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. 10 "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face."

Insight:
The writer of Job sets the scene of Job's story with Satan making an accusation against God. He says, "The only reason people serve and worship you, God, is because you bribe them with blessing and comfort."

Response and Action:
Why do I honor and praise God? Is it because he is God--my maker, the giver of life, and only wise almighty sovereign? Or is it because I am looking to him for health, success, prosperity, and comfort? Does God have to buy my praise? Would I honor him and acknowledge him if there was no obvious benefit in it for me?

The Scriptures, my life experience, and the testimony of others show me that God does, indeed, bless those who trust in him. They also teach me, however, that a person who truly trusts God will give him honor and praise even in times of suffering. God is God regardless of my circumstances. The truest praise and deepest reverence I can offer God is the worship, faith, and loyalty I give him when there is no apparent benefit for myself.

O God, you give and take away. Blessed be your name in times of plenty. Blessed be your name in times of need. My lips will praise you in times of prosperity, and in times of trial and loss. I want to exalt you whether by life, or by death. Teach me the secret of being content in any and every situation. I pray this through Christ Jesus, my Lord, who in faith looked past his trials and hardship to the eternal joy set before him, and endured the cross, scorning its shame. Amen.

New Testament for Today: 1 Peter 4:19
19 So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
In Context: 1 Peter 4:1-19

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

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

February 23 - Holy Servants

Overview of: Malachi

Today's Reading:
Malachi 1:1 – 3:18
"The Righteous and the Wicked"

Focus Verses: Malachi 2:7-8
7 "For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, and from his mouth men should seek instruction—because he is the messenger of the LORD Almighty. 8 But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble; you have violated the covenant with Levi," says the LORD Almighty.

Insight:
The priests of Malachi's time had become corrupt and they caused the people they served to stumble. They had broken the covenant and violated the relationship God had established with them when the priesthood was inaugurated in the time of Moses. Rather than teaching truth, working for peace, and living with integrity, the priests were selfish, shallow, and deceitful.

Response and Action:
The Apostle Peter tells Christians that they are to be a holy priesthood who offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. Our lives are to be a testimony of righteousness. We are to declare the praises of God who has called us out of darkness. Truth, peace, integrity, light, and good deeds should be marks of all who follow Christ Jesus.

O God, help me to live for you and through you in thought, word, and deed. By your power and grace, help me to live with integrity, to be a testimony of your saving love, to be a witness to your love and mercy, to say the words and to do the works that honor you and fulfill your purpose and calling for my life. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 23:17
"Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD."

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 2:4-11

Recommended Reading:
The Pursuit of Holiness
by Jerry Bridges

Reading Schedule for February 23 - 28

Feb. 23 - Malachi 1:1 – 3:18
Feb. 24 - Job 1:1 – 2:10
Feb. 25 - Job 30:11-31; 38:1-41
Feb. 26 - Job 42:1-17
Feb. 27 - Isaiah 40:1-31; 52:1 - 53:12
Feb. 28 - Isaiah 54:1 - 55:13


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