Our Daily Bread

Topic: What to Name the Baby Bible in a Year: Micah 4–5 Revelation 12 The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 9:2–7 Here’s one conversation Mary didn’t have to have with Joseph as they awaited the birth of the baby she was carrying: “Joseph, what should we name the baby?” Unlike …

Topic: Who Are You Wearing? Bible in a Year: Jonah 1–4 Revelation 10 I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you. Zechariah 3:1–7,10 The Argentine women’s basketball team came to their tournament game wearing the wrong uniforms. Their navy blue jerseys were too similar to Colombia’s dark blue jerseys, and as the visiting team, …

Topic: The Language of the Cross Bible in a Year: Obadiah Revelation 9 God demonstrates his love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:1–10 Pastor Tim Keller said, “Nobody ever learns who they are by being told. They must be shown.” In a sense, it’s one application of the adage, “Actions speak …

Topic: Leave a Little Behind Bible in a Year: Amos 7–9 Revelation 8  them for the poor and the foreigner residing among you. Leviticus 23:15–22 Pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and occasionally a half-dollar. That’s what you’d find on the nightstand beside his bed. He’d empty his pockets each evening and leave the contents there, for he knew eventually they’d come …

Topic: Christmas Awe Bible in a Year: Amos 4–6 Revelation 7 Let all God’s angels worship him. Hebrews 1:1–9 I was in London one night for a meeting. It was pouring rain, and I was late. I rushed through the streets, turned a corner, and then stopped still. Dozens of angels hovered above Regent Street, their giant shimmering wings stretching …

Topic: Gentle Speech Bible in a Year: Amos 1–3 Revelation 6 The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome. 2 Timothy 2:22–26 I was on Facebook, arguing. Bad move. What made me think I was obligated to “correct” a stranger on a hot topic—especially a divisive one? The results were heated words, hurt feelings (on my part anyway), and a broken …

Topic: Who You Are Bible in a Year: Joel 1–3 Revelation 5 What is mankind that you are mindful of them? Psalm 8 His name is Dnyan, and he considers himself a student of the world. And “this is a very big school,” he says of all the cities and towns he’s passed through. He began a four-year journey on …

Topic:The Christmas Gift of Speech Bible in a Year: Hosea 12–14 Revelation 4 [Zechariah’s] mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. Luke 1:62–75 A post-surgical stroke had robbed Tom of his ability to speak, and he faced a long rehab journey. Weeks later, we were pleasantly surprised when he showed up at …

Topic:Prayerful Wrestling Bible in a Year: Hosea 9–11 Revelation 3 Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. Genesis 32:24–32 Dennis’ life was transformed after someone gave him a New Testament. Reading it captivated him, and it became his constant companion. Within six months, two life-changing events occurred in his life. He placed his faith in …

Topic: Morning Mist Bible in a Year: Hosea 5–8 Revelation 2 I have swept away your offences. . . like the morning mist. Isaiah 44:9–11, 21–23 One morning I visited a pond near my house. I sat on an overturned boat, thinking and watching a gentle west wind chase a layer of mist across the water’s surface. Wisps of fog …