September 9 - Life, Jesus, and Scripture

The new Sept. 2008 - August 2009 schedule will be available for you to download soon. The first day of the new reading schedule is September 15th. Invite others to read with you this year!

Overview of: Bible FAQs

Today's Reading:
John 5
"The Son and the Scriptures"

Focus Verses: John 5:24-26
24 "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. 25 I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself." - - - 39 "You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life."

Insight:
Jesus was persecuted for more than breaking Sabbath laws. There were attempts and plots to kill him, not because he was a controversial teacher, but because "he was calling God his own father, and making himself equal with God" (John 5:18). He claimed to be the Son of God, the promised redeemer, the giver of eternal life, the one who would raise the dead, and the one who would judge on the final day.

Response and Action:
My faith is in Jesus. I accept his claims about himself. I believe he is the fulfillment of the promises found in the law and the prophets of the Hebrew Scriptures. I believe that the scriptures, the Holy Spirit, and the testimony of the saints all testify to the truth of Christ. My hope of life, purpose, and eternity are in Jesus. I will seek to do good, and pursue his righteousness today and every day. I eagerly await the day of his appearing—the day when he will redeem all humankind and all of creation with his resurrection power.

O God, thank you for the life and redemption given through Christ Jesus, your Son. Give me the wisdom and the will to follow and serve him. Help me to live in such a way that my life becomes another testimony of the hope and life he came to give. Strengthen and transform me that I might know Christ and the power of his resurrection. Amen.

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:
Jesus according to Scripture: Restoring the Portrait from the Gospels
by Darrell L. Bock

September 8 - Seeing through Scripture

The new Sept. 2008 - August 2009 schedule will be available for you to download soon. The first day of the new reading schedule is September 15th. Invite others to read with you this year!

Overview of: Bible FAQs

Today's Reading:
Luke 24
"Jesus on the Road to Emmaus"

Focus Verses: Luke 24:25-27
25 He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

Insight:
When the disciples failed to recognize Jesus, he did not immediately tell them who he was. Instead, he asked them what they were thinking and feeling. He then turned them to the testimony of scripture. He wanted them to see how the scriptures accurately explained who he was and what would happen to him. He helped them see the reliability scripture and demonstrated the importance scripture for all who want to understand and recognize him.

Response and Action:
Knowing and understanding the Bible is a very important part of knowing and understanding who Christ is. I must make time for reading and meditating upon God's word and make it a priority in my daily life. I want to be a person who recognizes Jesus for who the Scriptures show him to be.

O God, thank you for your written word. Thank you that your Spirit has spoken through the prophets. Help me to be a person of the Word. I want to read, study, memorize, and know the scriptures. As I hide your word in my heart, please help me to better recognize and know Jesus. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 8:33-34
"Listen to my (wisdom's) instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway."

Recommended Reading:
Can I Trust the Bible?
by Darrell Bock

Reading Schedule for September 8 - 13

Sept. 8 - Luke 24
Sept. 9 - John 5
Sept. 10 - Acts 8:26-40
Sept. 11 - Acts 17
Sept. 12 - Romans 15
Sept. 13 - 1 Timothy 4


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 plan will be available soon.

September 6 - Sharp

The new Sept. 2008 - August 2009 schedule will be available for you to download soon. The first day of the new reading schedule is September 15th. Invite others to read with you this year!

Overview of: Bible FAQs

Today's Reading:
Hebrews 4:1-16
"The Promise of Rest"

Focus Verses: Hebrews 4:12-13
12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Insight:
Nothing is hidden from God. God's word is alive and active; his truth is penetrating and able to cut to the heart of everything in creation. Even our thoughts and attitudes are an open book to God. God's truth must be heeded because we are all accountable to him.

Response and Action:
I recognize that God knows me better than I know myself. I will look to his word for guidance in my life. His word is able to help me see my own motives and attitudes. I will meditate on God's word and hide it in my heart. I will let the truth of God's word shape and direct me.

Almighty God, before you my heart is open, all my desires are known, and none of my secrets are hidden. Cleanse the thoughts of my heart by the power of your Holy Spirit. Guide me and teach me through your word. Help me to love you with my whole heart, and to live in your truth, that I might bring you glory. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 6:23
"For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life..."

Recommended Reading:
How to Read the Bible Book by Book: A Guided Tour
by Gordon Fee

September 5 - Paying Attention

The new Sept. 2008 - August 2009 schedule will be available for you to download soon. The first day of the new reading schedule is September 15th. Invite others to read with you this year!

Overview of: Bible FAQs

Today's Reading:
2 Peter 1:1-21
"Our Calling and Scripture"

Focus Verses: 2 Peter 1:19-21
19 And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 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.

Insight:
Peter stresses to his readers that the testimony of the Apostles was based on eyewitness experience, not clever stories they invented (v.16). They were with Jesus on the mount of transfiguration and heard God's voice commend him (v.17-18). What the prophets of old had spoken was now made certain through Christ Jesus. Prophecy and scripture, Peter says, are not merely ideas and interpretations that originate in the minds of men. Rather, Scripture is the result of men speaking from God, being moved and carried along by God's Spirit.

Response and Action:
I need to consider the claims of Scripture carefully. The idea that Scripture is nothing more than the ideas, opinions, and beliefs of humans runs contrary to what the Apostle Peter says here. I believe the Bible is reliable and inspired by God. I will read it and apply it to my life in the faith that it is from God, useful, and truthful.

O God, thank you for your written word. I will pay attention to it, as a light shining in the darkness. You word is a light for my path and a lamp to my feet. 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. Help me to receive your word so completely that my life becomes a reflection of your word and a testimony to your truth. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 5:1-2
"My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge."

Recommended Reading:
Can I Trust the Bible?
by Darrell Bock

September 4 - Useful and Alive

The new Sept. 2008 - August 2009 schedule will be available for you to download soon. The first day of the new reading schedule is September 15th. Invite others to read with you this year!

Overview of: Bible FAQs

Today's Reading:
2 Timothy 2:1 - 3:17
"Strength for Life and Scripture"

Focus Verses: 2 Tim. 3:12-17
12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Insight:
Some of the promises of Scripture don't get quoted as often as others. Verse 12 is one of those: "Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." Doing the right thing is likely to lead to difficult circumstances. Jesus faced persecution, so it stands to reason we should not be surprised to encounter persecution as we follow in his steps. The Scriptures are able to give us wisdom for life and salvation. The Scriptures are useful to us because they are alive with the very breath of God's truth and wisdom. The teaching, rebuke, correction, and training we receive from Scripture equips us for every good work and every circumstance.

Response and Action:
I need to expect some measure of hardship and suffering as I follow Jesus. I need God's wisdom and truth to live a righteous life. I will look to the Scriptures as a source of God's wisdom and truth. I will approach the Scriptures with diligence and a desire to be taught, rebuked, corrected, and trained.

O God, how can I keep my way pure? By living according to your Word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. Help me to hide your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Give me wisdom and understanding as I commit myself to the study of Scripture. Use the Scriptures to shape and guide me, O Lord, that I might honor and serve you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 4:13
"Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life."

Recommended Reading:
How to Read the Bible for All It's Worth
by Gordon D. Fee

September 3 - When I'm Lost

The new Sept. 2008 - August 2009 schedule will be available for you to download soon. The first day of the new reading schedule is September 15th. Invite others to read with you this year!

Overview of: Bible FAQs

Today's Reading:
Psalm 119:153-176
"Remembering and Reverence"

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

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

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

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

Proverb for Today: Prov. 3:5-6
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

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

September 2 - Reading and Heeding

The new Useful Breath reading schedule will begin on Monday, September 15, 2008. Please invite friends and family to join us as we read through the Bible once again.

The new Sept. 2008 - August 2009 schedule will be available for you to download soon. Until then, our daily readings will be centered on the importance of Scripture in our lives. Keep reading!

Overview of: Bible FAQs

Today's Reading:
Psalm 119:129-152
"Wonderful, Eternal Words"

Focus Verses: Psalm 119:145-147
145 I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD, and I will obey your decrees. 146 I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes. 147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word.

Insight:
Calling for help and heeding God's Word go hand in hand. The psalmist called out to God for an answer, realizing that the answer would require obedience. He called out for salvation, understanding that he must keep God's statutes. He cried to God for help, and at the same time put his hope in the promise and direction of the Word.

Response and Action:
As a person who calls out to God for help, I must be ready to obey the direction of God's Word. As a person who looks to God for salvation, I must be ready to live out my salvation by keeping God's Word. In order to live according to God's Word, I will need to read it, delight in it, meditate up on it, know it, respond to it, follow it, and hope in it. The words of God are wonderful to me. Therefore, I obey them.

O God, the unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. Give me a heart that longs for your words and a mouth that is ready to speak them. Direct my footsteps according to your word that no sin may rule over me. Your words are forever right; give me understanding that I may live by them. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 2:1-6
"My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, 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. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."

Recommended Resource:
The IVP Introduction to the Bible
by Philip S. Johnston

September 1 - Every Wrong Path

The new Useful Breath reading schedule will begin on Monday, September 15, 2008. Please invite friends and family to join us as we read through the Bible once again.

The new Sept. 2008 - August 2009 schedule will be available for you to download soon. Until then, our daily readings will be centered on the importance of Scripture in our lives. Keep reading!

Overview of: Bible FAQs

Today's Reading:
Psalm 119:105-128
"Guidance from the Word"

Focus Verses: Psalm 119:127-128
127 Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold, 128 and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path.

Insight:
The psalmist considered God's word to be right and more precious than gold. It follows, then, that everything that anything that led him astray from God's commands, he considered to be worthless. Anything that contradicted God's precepts, he considered to be wrong.

Response and Action:
If I am to accept God's word as true, I will have to reject things that are contrary to it. If I consider God's word to be true and valuable, I will have to consider things that counter it to be false and worthless. To truly follow God's word, I will need to forsake everything that contradicts it.

O God, help me to know and understand your Holy Word. Give me a love for truth and the testimony of Scripture. Help me to value the Bible and to demonstrate my love for your Word as I study and apply it every day. Amen.

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

Recommended Resource:
How to Read the Bible Book by Book: A Guided Tour
by Gordon Fee

Reading Schedule for Sept. 1 - 6

Sept. 1 - Psalm 119:105-128
Sept. 2 - Psalm 119:129-152
Sept. 3 - Psalm 119:153-176
Sept. 4 - 2 Timothy 2:1 - 3:17
Sept. 5 - 2 Peter 1:1-21
Sept. 6 - Hebrews 4:1-16


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 plan will be available soon.

August 30 - Honey

The new Useful Breath reading schedule will begin on Monday, September 15, 2008. Please invite friends and family to join us as we read through the Bible once again.

The new Sept. 2008 - August 2009 schedule will be available for you to download soon. Until then, our daily readings will be centered on the importance of Scripture in our lives. Keep reading!

Overview of: Bible FAQs

Today's Reading:
Psalm 119:81 - 104
"Love & Longing for the Word"

Focus Verses: Psalm 119:97, 103-104
97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. - - - 103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.

Insight:
Bible reading should not be approached as a mere duty or study assignment. The psalmist loved the Scriptures and savored them like honey. When something is sweet and desirable it is approached as a joy and privilege. Those who delight in the richness of the Word gain understanding for life and find every right path.

Response and Action:
I am thankful for the Bible and I read it because I want to! I want to enjoy and delight in the precious gift of God's Word. So often Bible reading is talked about in terms of duty and discipline, but I think about it in terms of love and longing for truth. I cannot think of anything sweeter than finding my way in life and growing in wisdom.

O God, thank you for the sweetness and goodness of your Word. Help me to delight in it each day. Lead me and bless me as I do. Amen.

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

Recommended Resource:
Zondervan NIV Study Bible
#1 Best-selling study Bible / the most read, most trusted English-language translation. / Over 20,000 study notes. / Introductions and outlines provide valuable background information for each book of the Bible. / In-text maps, charts, diagrams, and illustrations right where you want them / 16 pages of full-color maps plus timelines and presentation page. / NIV concordance plus subject and study notes indexes.

August 29 - Finding My Way

The new Useful Breath reading schedule will begin on Monday, September 15, 2008. Please invite friends and family to join us as we read through the Bible once again.

The new Sept. 2008 - August 2009 schedule will be available for you to download soon. Until then, our daily readings will be centered on the importance of Scripture in our lives. Keep reading!

Overview of: Bible FAQs

Today's Reading:
Psalm 119:57 - 80
"God's Direction"

Focus Verses: Psalm 119:59, 73
59 I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. - - - 73 Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands.

Insight:
Living according to God's Word is sensible! In verses 59 and 73, the psalmist gives two very practical reasons for doing so. First (v. 59), he considered the ways he was out of step with the instruction of Scripture and decided that living by God's statutes had better results. Secondly (v.73), he concludes that since God was his maker, God's commands would be the best guidance he could get.

Response and Action:
First, I need to give consideration to my ways. How would my life be better if I turned my steps to follow the instruction of the Bible? What difficulties and burdens in life are the result of failing to follow God? Secondly, since God is my maker, I need to trust him to know what is best for me. Doesn't it make sense to listen to my creator?

O God, show me your ways. Guide me in your truth and lead me. Teach, rebuke, correct, and train me through the wisdom of your inspired and useful Word. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 29:18
"Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law."

Recommended Resource:
How to Read the Bible for All It's Worth
by Gordon D. Fee

August 28 - The Theme of My Song

The new Useful Breath reading schedule will begin on Monday, September 15, 2008. Please invite friends and family to join us as we read through the Bible once again.

The new Sept. 2008 - August 2009 schedule will be available for you to download soon. Until then, our daily readings will be centered on the importance of Scripture in our lives. Keep reading!

Overview of: Bible FAQs

Today's Reading:
Psalm 119:33 - 56
"Remembering God and His Word"

Focus Verses: Psalm 119:50-55
50 My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. 51 The arrogant mock me without restraint, but I do not turn from your law. 52 I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them. 53 Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law. 54 Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. 55 In the night I remember your name, O LORD, and I will keep your law.

Insight:
The psalmist found God's Word to be a source of encouragement and hope in every circumstance, place, or time. In suffering, God's promises preserved and sustained him. In the face of mocking and wickedness, God's ancient laws gave comfort and direction. Whether at home or traveling, God's decrees were like a song in his heart. Night or day, the Word filled his thoughts and brought the Lord's name to mind.

Response and Action:
Reading and meditating on God's Word makes me ready to face every situation. It makes me able to remember who God is, what he has commanded, and what he has promised. No matter what my circumstance, no matter where I am, no matter what time of day it is, God's Word will sustain me, direct me, put a song in my heart, and bring to mind thoughts of God and his goodness.

O God, I long for your Word. Help me to hide it in my heart that it might sustain and direct me everyday, everywhere, and in every circumstance. Amen.

Proverb for Today: Prov. 27:17
"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

Recommended Resource:
Can I Trust the Bible?
by Darrell L. Bock

August 27 - The Path of Freedom

The new Useful Breath reading schedule will begin on Monday, September 15, 2008. Please invite friends and family to join us as we read through the Bible once again.

The new Sept. 2008 - August 2009 schedule will be available for you to download soon. Until then, our daily readings will be centered on the importance of Scripture in our lives. Keep reading!

Overview of: Bible FAQs

Today's Reading:
Psalm 119:17-32
"Singing about Scripture"

Focus Verses: Psalm 119:28-32
28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. 29 Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. 30 I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. 31 I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame. 32 I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.

Insight:
Taking time to read Scripture and meditate on it gives strength in times of weariness, and moral clarity in the face of lies. Running the path of God's commands leads to a heart that is free.

Response and Action:
Life is draining and demanding; I will look to God's Word as a source of strength. The world is filled with lies and deceit; I will look to the Bible for guidance and wisdom. My daily path is filled with snares and burdens; I will look to the words of Scripture to find freedom and peace for my heart and mind.

O God, by the power and grace of your Spirit, bless me and sustain me as I take time to meditate upon your Word each day. Grant me strength when I am weary. Give me joy in times of sorrow. Give me wisdom to discern what is true. Give me freedom as I follow your commands. I pray in the name of Jesus, the Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.

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

Recommended Resource:
Zondervan NIV Study Bible
#1 Best-selling study Bible in the best-selling NIV translation / NIV text remains unchanged - the most read, most trusted English-language translation. / Over 20,000 study notes. / NIV translators thoroughly revised and expanded the award-winning study notes and added over 800 new notes. / Icons make important information easy to spot. / 900 Character Profile icons. / 425 Archaeology icons. Almost 3,000 Personal Application icons. / Introductions and outlines provide valuable background information for each book of the Bible. / In-text maps, charts, diagrams, and illustrations right where you want them—five of which are completely new. / 16 pages of full-color maps plus timelines and presentation page. / Words of Christ in red letter. / NIV concordance plus subject and study notes indexes.

August 26 - How to Live?

The new reading schedule will begin on Monday, September 15, 2008. Please invite friends and family to join us as we read through the Bible once again. The new reading schedule will begin on Monday, September 15, 2008. Until then, our daily readings will be centered on the importance of Scripture in our lives. Keep reading!

Overview of: Bible FAQs

Today's Reading:
Psalm 119:1-16
"Scripture Psalm"

Focus Verses: Psalm 119:9-11
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Insight:
God's Word is useful for knowing God's will and for learning how to live in purity and truth. It is important to have a desire to know God and his will. This whole-hearted desire motivates the believer to read, apply, study, know, and memorize Scripture.

Response and Action:
If I want to know God and his will for my life, I need to spend time in the Bible. I will seek him with my whole heart and commit myself to walking in the light of his truth. I will make time every day to read the Scripture, to prayerfully consider how it applies to my life, and to be as responsive to it as I can be.

O God, thank you for the Bible. Open my mind to understand what it says. Make my heart soft and ready to receive it. Give me the wisdom and the will to obey and respond to it. Show me your ways, O Lord, guide me in your truth and lead me for you are God, my savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Amen.

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

Recommended Reading:
Transforming Bible Study: Understanding Scripture Like You've Never Read It Before
by Bob Grahmann

Reading Schedule for August 26 - 30

Aug. 26 - Psalm 119:1-16
Aug. 27 - Psalm 119:17-32
Aug. 28 - Psalm 119:33-56
Aug. 29 - Psalm 119:57-80
Aug. 30 - Psalm 119:81-104


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 plan will be available soon.

Congratulations!

If you started reading the Bible with me in September 2007, congratulations, you've successfully read key passages through the entire Bible. I'm revising the Useful Breath reading plan for next year so that it will include the entire New Testament and key passages throughout the Old Testament.

Please invite friends and family to join us as we read through the Bible once again. The new reading schedule will begin on Monday, September 15, 2008. Until then, our daily readings will be centered on the importance of Scripture in our lives. Keep reading!

August 23 - No More Tears

Overview of: Revelation

Today's Reading:
Rev. 21:1 – 22:5
"The New Jerusalem"

Focus Verses: Revelation 12:10
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." 5 He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."

Insight:
The surprising hope of the gospel is that God has promised to one day make all things new. Jesus' prayer--"your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven"--will be granted. Earth and heaven will be one; God's dwelling place will be here with us; every tear will be wiped away; there will be no more death or crying or pain. This is the glorious promise of God, who has called us to the hope of resurrection and eternal life through faith in Christ Jesus.

Response and Action:
I will place all my trust and hope in Christ Jesus. My life and purpose in this world will be shaped by the redemptive purpose and promise of Jesus. I will do all I can to draw near to God, to meditate on the Scriptures, to follow in the steps of Jesus, and to enter into his redeeming and saving work in my world.

O God, help me to live in the transforming power of the Spirit who raised Christ from the dead. Help me to live each day in the glorious hope and promise of resurrection and eternal life. Grant me the wisdom and perseverance to follow the Lamb wherever he leads. Amen, even so, come Lord Jesus.

When Christ shall come will shout of acclamation,
To heal this world, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I will bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, "My God, how great you are!"

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 116:7-9
7 Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. 8 For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, 9 that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
In Context: Psalm 116

Proverb for Today: Prov. 23:17-18
"Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off."

Recommended Reading:
Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church
by N. T. Wright

August 22 - Cosmic Conflict

Overview of: Revelation

Today's Reading:
Rev. 12:1-17
"The Dragon Defeated"

Focus Verses: Revelation 12:10
10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.

Insight:
There is so much in life that poses a threat to my well-being and causes me to be weary. Beyond the practical difficulties of my circumstances and problems, these things are part of a spiritual battle for my heart and mind.

Response and Action:
I recognize that there is a spiritual dimension to the challenges and struggles I face. According to the Scriptures, all of creation is part of a cosmic battle God is waging to redeem and save. I will cry out to the Rock who is higher than I when I am weary and overwhelmed. I believe in the salvation, power, and authority of Christ. I believe that he can save me and bring me safely to himself.

Save me, O God, when my heart is fainting. Lead me away from temptation and deliver me from evil. Protect me from discouragement and encourage me, by your Spirit, through your word, your people, your promises, and all that is beautiful and true. Grant me the wisdom and the will to guard my heart, feed my spirit, stimulate my mind, and care for my body. Help me to trust and acknowledge you in all my ways. Be my rock and helper in every storm and trial. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 61:1-2
1 Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. 2 From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
In Context: Psalm 61

Proverb for Today: Prov. 22:8
"He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed."

Recommended Reading:
The Throne, the Lamb & the Dragon: A Reader's Guide to the Book of Revelation
by Paul Spilsbury

August 21 - Hearing His Voice

Overview of: Revelation

Today's Reading:
Rev. 2:1-29
"Letters to Churches"

Focus Verses: Revelation 3:17-20
17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

Insight:
It is so sad and so dangerous to be blind to one's own need. It is so easy to fall under the delusion of self-sufficiency that comes from comfort and possessions. Jesus is calling all lukewarm and half-hearted Christians to be earnest and repent. He stands at the door of our heart and knocks. If we will be responsive to him, he will come in and live with us. He will guide us to truth and refine us. He will give us the true riches of righteousness.

Response and Action:
I need to recognize my sin and need for Christ. I need to see the pitiful blindness and darkness of being deceived and lulled into half-heartedness by comfort and possessions. I need to hear Jesus' voice and open the door of my heart to receive his full counsel and the refining grace only he can give.

Lord Jesus, forgive me for any lukewarm and halfhearted attitudes you find in me. Give me a responsive heart and tune my ears to hear your voice. Thank you for the promise that you will live with me if I will open the door to you. Lead, teach, transform, shape, and strengthen me, that I might delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of God. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Deut. 30:19-20
19 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
In Context: Deuteronomy 30

Proverb for Today: Prov. 21:2
"All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart."

Recommended Reading:
The Voice of Jesus: Discernment, Prayer, and the Witness of the Spirit
by Gordon T. Smith