Our Daily Bread

Topic:A Ready Remedy Bible in a Year: Isaiah 9–10 Ephesians 3 The punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 Following the park guide, I scribbled notes as he taught about the plants of the Bahamian primeval forest. He told us which trees to avoid. The poisonwood tree, he said, secretes …

Topic:Who Am I? Bible in a Year: Isaiah 7–8 Ephesians 2 “I am who I am.” Exodus 3:14 Dave enjoyed his job, but for a long time he’d sensed a pull toward something else. Now he was about to fulfill his dream and step into mission work. But strangely, he began to have serious doubts. “I don’t deserve this,” he …

Topic:Live Like Jesus Is Coming Bible in a Year: Isaiah 3–4 Galatians 6 Keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Matthew 25:1–13 I’m inspired by country singer Tim McGraw’s song “Live Like You Were Dying.” In it he describes some of the exciting “bucket list” things a man did after receiving some bad news about …

Topic:Faith-Stand Bible in a Year: Isaiah 1–2 Galatians 5 Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. John 19:40 Our Daily Bread Desmond Doss enlisted to serve in World War II as a non-combatant. Though his religious beliefs prevented him from carrying a gun, Doss ably served as a combat medic. In …

Topic:False Places of Safety Bible in a Year: Song of Songs 6–8 Galatians 4 The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news! Mark 1:15 When our dog Rupert was a puppy, he was so afraid of going outside I’d have to drag him to the park. After getting him there one day, I foolishly let …

Topic:Qualified in God’s Eyes Bible in a Year: Song of Songs 4–5 Galatians 3 [Noah] walked faithfully with God. Genesis 6:9 A technology-consulting firm hired me after college although I couldn’t write a line of computer code and had very little business knowledge. During the interview process for my entry-level position, I learned that the company did not place high …

Topic:A Shield Around Me Bible in a Year: Song of Songs 1–3 Galatians 2 But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. Psalm 3:3 Our church experienced an agonizing loss when Paul, our gifted worship minister, died at the age of thirty-one in a boating accident. Paul and his wife, DuRhonda, …

Topic:Growing to Know Bible in a Year: Ecclesiastes 10–12 Galatians 1 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 “You’re going to be an exchange student!” I was seventeen and thrilled to hear I was approved to study in Germany. But it was only three months before my departure, and I had never taken a …

Topic:Name of Names Bible in a Year: Ecclesiastes 7–9 2 Corinthians 13 God exalted [Jesus] to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name. Philippians 2:9 The name of Antonio Stradivari (1644–1737) is legendary in the world of music. His violins, cellos, and violas are so treasured for their craftsmanship and clarity of sound that …

Topic:In the Vine Bible in a Year: Ecclesiastes 4–6, 2 Corinthians 12 No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:4 One spring after a particularly dreary winter during which she helped a family member through a long illness, Emma found encouragement each time …