Our Daily Bread

Topic:You’ll See Her Again Bible in a Year: Isaiah 26–27 Philippians 2 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:3–4, 12–22 The room was dim and silent as I pulled a chair close to Jacquie’s bed. Before a three-year battle with cancer, my friend had been a vibrant person. I could …

Topic:Begin with the End Bible in a Year: Isaiah 23–25 Philippians 1 He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3–11 “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I was often asked that question as a child. And the answers changed like the wind. …

Topic:Strange Comfort Bible in a Year: Isaiah 20–22 Ephesians 6 Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see. 2 Kings 6:15–17 The verse on the card Lisa received didn’t seem to match her situation: “Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (2 …

Topic:Removing the Intruder Bible in a Year: Isaiah 17–19 Ephesians 5:17–33 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Ephesians 5:25–33 It wasn’t quite dawn when my husband rose from bed and went into the kitchen. I saw the light flip on and off and wondered at his action. Then I recalled …

Topic:How to Reflect Christ Bible in a Year: Isaiah 11–13 Ephesians 4 God has chosen to make known . . . the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:25–27 Thérèse of Lisieux was a joyful and carefree child—until her mother died when she was just four years old. She became timid …

Topic:Rooted in Love Bible in a Year: Isaiah 9–10 Ephesians 3 I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power . . . to grasp . . . the love of Christ. Ephesians 3:14–21 “That’s all it takes!” Megan said. She had clipped a stem from her geranium plant, dipped the cut end into honey, and …

Topic:Wandering Off Bible in a Year: Isaiah 3–4 Galatians 6 Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep. Luke 15:1–7 Living near cattle ranches as he did, humorist Michael Yaconelli noticed how cows were prone to wander while grazing. A cow would keep moving, always looking for the fabled “greener pastures.” Near the edge of the property, the cow …

Topic:Promise-Keeper Bible in a Year: Isaiah 1–2 Galatians 5 After waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. Hebrews 6:13–20 Gripped by the gravity of the promises he was making to LaShonne, Jonathan found himself stumbling as he repeated his wedding vows. He thought, How can I make these promises and not believe they’re possible to keep? He made it through …

Topic:Never Too Sinful Bible in a Year: Song of Songs 4–5 Galatians 3 You are a forgiving God . . . abounding in love. Nehemiah 9:17, 27–31 “If I touched a Bible, it would catch fire in my hands,” said my community college English professor. My heart sank. The novel we’d been reading that morning referenced a Bible verse, and …

Topic:God-Paved Memories Bible in a Year: Song of Songs 1–3 Galatians 2 Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me. Deuteronomy 4:3–10 When my grown son faced a difficult situation, I reminded him about God’s constant care and provision during his dad’s year of unemployment. I recounted the times God strengthened …