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Our Daily Bread Daily Devotional for 2021

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Monday, October 31, 2022 Opportunities to Shine Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 22–23, Titus 1 Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 5:13–16 In March 2020, while walking his dog in New York City’s Central Park, Whitney, a retired financial expert, saw trucks, stacks of tarps, and white tents, each bearing a cross and the name of a charity he’d never heard of before. When he discovered the group was building a field hospital for his fellow New Yorkers with COVID-19, he asked if he could help. For weeks,...More Sunday, October 30, 2022 Hope in God Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 20–21, 2 Timothy 4 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:24 Today's Scripture & Insight: Lamentations 3:22–26 As the holiday season approached, package shipments were delayed due to an unprecedented influx of online orders. I can remember a time when my family preferred to simply go to the store and purchase items because we knew we had very little control over the speed of mail delivery. However, when my mother signed up for an account that included expedited shipping, this expectation...More Saturday, October 29, 2022 When Weakness Is Strength Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 18–19, 2 Timothy 3 Why did I ever come out of the womb to see trouble and sorrow and to end my days in shame? Jeremiah 20:18 Today's Scripture & Insight: Jeremiah 20:7–13 Drew had been imprisoned for two years because he served Jesus. He’d read stories of missionaries who felt constant joy throughout their incarceration, but he confessed this was not his experience. He told his wife that God had picked the wrong man to suffer for Him. She replied, “No. I think maybe He picked the right man. This was not an accident.” Drew could...More Friday, October 28, 2022 For the Sake of the Gospel Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 15–17, 2 Timothy 2 In every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. Titus 2:10 Today's Scripture & Insight: Titus 2:1–10 The year was 1916 and Nelson had just graduated from medical school in his native Virginia. Later that year, he and his bride of six months arrived in China. At the age of twenty-two, he became a surgeon at Love and Mercy Hospital, the only hospital in an area of at least two million Chinese residents. Nelson, together with his family, lived in the area for twenty-four more years, running the...More Thursday, October 27, 2022 Sister to Brother Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 12–14, 2 Timothy 1 Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. 1 Timothy 5:1–2 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Timothy 5:1–2 When a leader asked if I’d speak with her privately, I found Karen in the retreat center counseling room red-eyed and wet-cheeked. Forty-two years old, Karen longed to be married, and a man was currently showing interest in her. But this man was her boss—and he already had a wife. With a brother who cruelly teased her and a father devoid of...More Wednesday, October 26, 2022 Walk On Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 9–11, 1 Timothy 6 My word...will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 Today's Scripture & Insight: Isaiah 55:9–11 Walk On is the fascinating memoir of Ben Malcolmson, a student with virtually no football experience who became a “walk on”—a non-recruited player—for the 2007 University of Southern California Rose Bowl champion team. A college journalist, Malcolmson decided to write a first-person account of the grueling tryout process. To his disbelief, he won a coveted spot on the...More Tuesday, October 25, 2022 Trusting God’s Foresight Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 6–8, 1 Timothy 5 They returned to their country by another route. Matthew 2:12 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 2:1–2, 7–12 While driving us to an unfamiliar location, my husband noticed that the GPS directions suddenly seemed wrong. After entering a reliable four-lane highway, we were advised to exit and travel along a one-lane “frontage” road running parallel to us. “I’ll just trust it,” Dan said, despite seeing no delays. After about ten miles, however, the traffic on the highway next to us slowed to a near standstill. The...More Monday, October 24, 2022 Fleeing from Turkeys Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 3–5, 1 Timothy 4 David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. 1 Samuel 17:48 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Samuel 17:32, 40–50 Two wild turkeys stood in the country lane ahead. How close could I get? I wondered. I slowed my jog to a walk, then stopped. It worked. The turkeys walked toward me . . . and kept coming. In seconds, their heads were bobbing at my waist, then behind me. How sharp were those beaks? I ran away. They waddled after me before giving up the chase. How quickly the tables had turned! The hunted had become...More Sunday, October 23, 2022 True Change Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 1–2, 1 Timothy 3 You were taught...to put on the new self. Ephesians 4:22–24 Today's Scripture & Insight: Ephesians 4:17–24 Raised in a turbulent home in South London, Claud started selling marijuana at fifteen and heroin when he was twenty-five. Needing a cover for his activities, he became a mentor to young people. Soon he became intrigued by his manager, a believer in Jesus, and wanted to know more. After attending a course exploring the Christian faith, he “dared” Christ to come into his life. “I felt such a welcoming presence,”...More Saturday, October 22, 2022 Heart of Anger Bible in a Year: Isaiah 65–66, 1 Timothy 2 Anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Matthew 5:22 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 5:21–26 Guernica, Pablo Picasso’s most important political painting, was a modernist portrayal of the 1937 destruction of a small Spanish town by that name. During the Spanish revolution and the ramp-up to World War II, Nazi Germany’s planes were permitted by Spain’s Nationalist forces to use the town for bombing practice. These controversial bombings took scores of lives, drawing the attention of a...More Friday, October 21, 2022 Choosing Compassion Bible in a Year: Isaiah 62–64, 1 Timothy 1 You should not gloat over your brother in the day of his misfortune. Obadiah 1:12 Today's Scripture & Insight: Obadiah 1:8–15 A five-minute montage of snow-related mishaps was the central piece to one episode of a TV show. Home videos of people skiing off rooftops, crashing into objects while tubing, and slipping on ice brought laughter and applause from the studio audience and people watching at home. The laughter seemed to be loudest when it appeared that the people who wiped out deserved it because of their own foolish...More Thursday, October 20, 2022 God in the Details Bible in a Year: Isaiah 59–61, 2 Thessalonians 3 She saw the basket among the reeds and . . . she opened it and saw the baby. Exodus 2:5–6 Today's Scripture & Insight: Exodus 2:1–10 It had been an awful week for Kevin and Kimberley. Kevin’s seizures had suddenly worsened, and he’d been hospitalized. Amid the pandemic, their four young children—siblings adopted from foster care—were taking cabin fever to a new extreme. On top of that, Kimberley couldn’t scrounge up a decent meal from the fridge. Oddly, at that moment, she craved carrots. An hour...More Wednesday, October 19, 2022 Reasons to Rejoice Bible in a Year: Isaiah 56–58, 2 Thessalonians 2 The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him; all the upright in heart will glory in him! Psalm 64:10 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 64 When Ms. Glenda walked into the church commons area, her infectious joy filled the room. She had just recovered from a difficult medical procedure. As she approached me for our usual after-church greeting, I thanked God for all the times over the years that she’s wept with me, gently corrected me, and offered encouragement. She’s even asked for forgiveness when...More Tuesday, October 18, 2022 Beyond Words Bible in a Year: Isaiah 53–55, 2 Thessalonians 1 This man . . . heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. 2 Corinthians 12:3–4 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Corinthians 12:1–10 Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) was one of the church’s most celebrated defenders of the faith. Yet just three months before his death, something caused him to leave unfinished his Summa Theologica, the massive legacy of his life’s work. While reflecting on the broken body and shed blood of his Savior, Aquinas claimed to see a vision that left him without words. He...More Monday, October 17, 2022 God Spoke Bible in a Year: Isaiah 50–52, 1 Thessalonians 5 God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Genesis 1:3 Today's Scripture & Insight: Genesis 1:1–4 In 1876, inventor Alexander Graham Bell spoke the very first words on a telephone. He called his assistant, Thomas Watson, saying, “Watson, come here. I want to see you.” Crackly and indistinct, but intelligible, Watson heard what Bell had said. The first words spoken by Bell over a phone line proved that a new day for human communication had dawned. Establishing the dawn of the first day into the...More Sunday, October 16, 2022 The Indwelling Christ Bible in a Year: Isaiah 47–49, 1 Thessalonians 4 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. John 14:20 Today's Scripture & Insight: John 14:15–24 English preacher F. B. Meyer (1847–1929) used the example of an egg to illustrate what he called “the deep philosophy of the indwelling Christ.” He noted how the fertilized yolk is a little “life germ” that grows more and more each day until the chick is formed in the shell. So too will Jesus come to live with us through His Holy Spirit, changing us. Meyer said, “From...More Saturday, October 15, 2022 Signs of Life Bible in a Year: Isaiah 45–46, 1 Thessalonians 3 I will come to you and fulfill my good promise. Jeremiah 29:10 Today's Scripture & Insight: Jeremiah 29:4–14 When my daughter received a pair of pet crabs as a gift, she filled a glass tank with sand so the creatures could climb and dig. She supplied water, protein, and vegetable scraps for their dining pleasure. They seemed happy, so it was shocking when they disappeared one day. We searched everywhere. Finally, we learned they were likely under the sand, and would be there for about two months as they shed their...More Friday, October 14, 2022 Baby Boy Bible in a Year: Isaiah 43–44, 1 Thessalonians 2 [God] defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you. Deuteronomy 10:18 Today's Scripture & Insight: Deuteronomy 10:14–22 For more than a year, his legal name was “Baby Boy.” Discovered by a security guard who heard his cries, Baby Boy had been abandoned—hours old and wrapped only in a bag—in a hospital parking lot. Soon after his discovery, Social Services called the people who would one day become his forever family. The couple took him in and called him Grayson...More Thursday, October 13, 2022 Will You Still Love Me? Bible in a Year: Isaiah 41–42, 1 Thessalonians 1 While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 Today's Scripture & Insight: Romans 5:6–11 Ten-year-old Lyn-Lyn had finally been adopted, but she was afraid. In the orphanage where she’d grown up, she was punished over the slightest mistake. Lyn-Lyn asked her adoptive mom, who was a friend of mine: “Mommy, do you love me?” When my friend replied yes, Lyn-Lyn asked, “If I make a mistake, will you still love me?” Although unspoken, some of us might ask that same question when we feel we’ve...More Wednesday, October 12, 2022 Life Expectancy Bible in a Year: Isaiah 39–40, Colossians 4 A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by. Psalm 90:4 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 90:1–14 In 1990, French researchers had a computer problem: a data error when processing the age of Jeanne Calment. She was 115 years old, an age outside the parameters of the software program. The programmers had assumed no one could possibly live that long! In fact, Jeanne lived until the age of 122. The psalmist writes, “Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength...More Tuesday, October 11, 2022 Your Part, God’s Part Bible in a Year: Isaiah 37–38, Colossians 3 Go . . . to the land I will show you. . . . So Abram went. Genesis 12:1, 4 Today's Scripture & Insight: Genesis 12:1–9 When my friend Janice was asked to manage her department at work after just a few years, she felt overwhelmed. Praying over it, she felt God was prompting her to accept the appointment—but still, she feared she couldn’t cope with the responsibility. “How can I lead with so little experience?” she asked God. “Why put me here if I’m going to be a failure?” Later, Janice was reading about...More Monday, October 10, 2022 Happy Thanksgiving Bible in a Year: Isaiah 34–36, Colossians 2 In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 Today's Scripture & Insight: Philippians 4:4–7 A study by psychologist Robert Emmons divided volunteers into three groups that each made weekly entries in journals. One group wrote five things they were grateful for. One described five daily hassles. And a control group listed five events that had impacted them in a small way. The results of the study revealed that those in the gratitude group felt better about their...More Sunday, October 9, 2022 The Power of Scripture Bible in a Year: Isaiah 32–33, Colossians 1 For the word of God is alive and active. Hebrews 4:12 Today's Scripture & Insight: Hebrews 4:12–13 Stephen was an up-and-coming comedian, and a prodigal. Raised in a Christian family, he struggled with doubt after his dad and two brothers died in a plane crash. By his early twenties, he’d lost his faith. But he found it one night on the frigid streets of Chicago. A stranger gave him a pocket New Testament, and Stephen cracked open the pages. An index said those struggling with anxiety should read Matthew 6:27–34, from...More Saturday, October 8, 2022 Self-Control in God’s Strength Bible in a Year: Isaiah 30–31, Philippians 4 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life. 2 Peter 1:3 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Peter 1:3–10 A 1972 study known as the “marshmallow test” was developed to gauge children’s ability to delay gratification of their desires. The kids were each offered a single marshmallow to enjoy but were told if they could refrain from eating it for ten minutes, they’d be given a second one. About a third of the children were able to hold out for the larger reward. Another third gobbled it up within thirty...More Friday, October 7, 2022 Birds of the Air Bible in a Year: Isaiah 28–29, Philippians 3 Do not worry about your life. Matthew 6:25 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 6:25–33 The summer sun was rising and my smiling neighbor, seeing me in my front yard, whispered for me to come look. “What?” I whispered back, intrigued. She pointed to a wind chime on her front porch, where a tiny teacup of straw rested atop a metal rung. “A hummingbird’s nest,” she whispered. “See the babies?” The two beaks, tiny as pinpricks, were barely visible as they pointed upward. “They’re waiting for the mother.” We...More Thursday, October 6, 2022 Envisioning a Different Future Bible in a Year: Isaiah 26–27, Philippians 2 Help them . . . so they can continue to live among you. Leviticus 25:35 Today's Scripture & Insight: Leviticus 25:35–37 The three hundred middle and high school students of the small town of Neodesha, Kansas, filed into a surprise school assembly. They then sat in disbelief upon hearing that a couple with ties to their town had decided to pay college tuition for every Neodesha student for the next twenty-five years. The students were stunned, overjoyed, and tearful. Neodesha had been hard hit economically, which...More Wednesday, October 5, 2022 Grieving and Grateful Bible in a Year: Isaiah 23–25, Philippians 1 The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised. Job 1:21 Today's Scripture & Insight: Job 1:13–22 After my mom died, one of her fellow cancer patients approached me. “Your mom was so kind to me," she said, sobbing. “I’m sorry she died . . . instead of me.” “My mom loved you,” I said. “We prayed God would let you see your boys grow up.” Holding her hands, I wept with her and asked God to help her grieve peacefully. I also thanked Him for her remission that allowed her...More Tuesday, October 4, 2022 Our Heart’s True Home Bible in a Year: Isaiah 20–22, Ephesians 6 My whole being longs for you. Psalm 63:1 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 63 “Bobbie the Wonder Dog” was a collie mix separated from his family while they were on a summer vacation together more than 2,200 miles from home. The family searched everywhere for their beloved pet but returned heartbroken without him. Six months later, toward the end of winter, a scraggly but determined Bobbie showed up at their door in Silverton, Oregon. Bobbie somehow made the long and dangerous trek, crossing rivers, desert, and...More Monday, October 3, 2022 Mirror Test Bible in a Year: Isaiah 17–19, Ephesians 5:17–33 Whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it . . . will be blessed in what they do. James 1:25 Today's Scripture & Insight: James 1:22–27 “Who’s in the mirror?” the psychologists conducting the self-recognition test asked children. At eighteen months or younger, children don't usually associate themselves with the image in the mirror. But as kids grow, they can understand they’re looking at themselves. Self-recognition is an important mark of healthy growth and...More Sunday, October 2, 2022 God’s Gentle Grace Bible in a Year: Isaiah 14–16, Ephesians 5:1–16 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 Today's Scripture & Insight: Ephesians 4:2–15 “Tell all the truth but tell it slant,” the poet Emily Dickinson wrote, suggesting that, because God’s truth and glory is far “too bright” for vulnerable human beings to understand or receive all at once, it’s best for us to receive and share God’s grace and truth in “slant”—gentle, indirect—ways. For “the Truth must dazzle gradually / Or every man be...More Saturday, October 1, 2022 Look at the Fruit Bible in a Year: Isaiah 11–13, Ephesians 4 By their fruit you will recognize them. Matthew 7:16 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 7:15–20 “Will the real [person’s name] please stand up?” That’s the familiar line at the end of the game show To Tell the Truth. A panel of four celebrities asks questions of three individuals claiming to be the same person. Of course, two are impostors, but it’s up to the panel to discern the actual person. In one episode, the celebrities tried to guess “the real Johnny Marks,” who wrote the lyrics to “Rudolph the...More Friday, September 30, 2022 Where to Turn Bible in a Year: Isaiah 9–10, Ephesians 3 The Lord longs to be gracious to you. Isaiah 30:18 Today's Scripture & Insight: Isaiah 30:12–18 Everyone in high school admired Jack’s easygoing attitude and athletic skill. He was happiest in midair above a half-pipe ramp—one hand holding his skateboard, the other stretched out for balance. Jack decided to follow Jesus after he started attending a local church. Up to that point, he’d endured significant family struggles and had used drugs to medicate his pain. For a while after his conversion, things seemed to...More Thursday, September 29, 2022 The Coffee-Bean Bowl Bible in a Year: Isaiah 7–8, Ephesians 2 We are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:15 Today's Scripture & Insight: John 12:1–7 I’m not a coffee drinker, but one sniff of coffee beans brings me a moment of both solace and wistfulness. When our teenage daughter Melissa was making her bedroom uniquely hers, she filled a bowl with coffee beans to permeate her room with a warm, pleasant scent. It’s been nearly two decades since Melissa’s earthly life ended in a car accident at age seventeen, but we still have that coffee-bean bowl. It gives...More Wednesday, September 28, 2022 Out of the Heart Bible in a Year: Isaiah 5–6, Ephesians 1 Out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. Matthew 15:19 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 15:12–20 A rescue mission nicknamed “Operation Noah’s Ark” might sound fun for animal lovers, but it was a nightmare for the Nassau Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. After receiving complaints about the noise and the horrid stench coming from a certain house, workers entered the Long Island home and found (and later removed) more than four hundred...More Tuesday, September 27, 2022 God’s Help for Our Future Bible in a Year: Isaiah 3–4, Galatians 6 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Psalm 90:14 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 90:12–17 According to psychologist Meg Jay, our minds tend to think about our future selves similarly to how we think about complete strangers. Why? It’s probably due to what’s sometimes called the “empathy gap.” It can be hard to empathize and care for people we don’t know personally—even future versions of ourselves. So in her work, Jay tries to help young people...More Monday, September 26, 2022 The Miracle of Salvation Bible in a Year: Isaiah 1–2, Galatians 5 Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God? John 11:40 Today's Scripture & Insight: John 11:38–44 Blogger Kevin Lynn’s life seemed to be falling apart. In a recent article he recounted, “I actually put a gun to my head . . . . It took for God to supernaturally step into my room and my life. And at that moment, I really found what I know is God now.” God intervened and prevented Lynn from taking his life. He filled him with conviction and gave him an overwhelming reminder of His loving presence....More Sunday, September 25, 2022 Choose Wisely Bible in a Year: Song of Songs 6–8, Galatians 4 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Mark 8:36 Today's Scripture & Insight: Mark 8:34–38 Astronaut Chris Ferguson made a difficult decision as the commander of the flight crew scheduled for a journey to the International Space Station. But that decision didn’t have anything to do with the mechanics of flight or the safety of his fellow astronauts. Instead, it pertained to what he considers his most important work: his family. Ferguson opted to keep his feet planted firmly on...More Saturday, September 24, 2022 The Power of a Name Bible in a Year: Song of Songs 4–5, Galatians 3 Your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. Genesis 17:5 Today's Scripture & Insight: Genesis 17:1–8, 15–16 Seeking to affirm some children who live on the streets in Mumbai, India, Ranjit created a song of their names. Coming up with a unique melody for each name, he taught them the tune, hoping to give them a positive memory related to what they’re called. For children who don’t regularly hear their name spoken in love, he bestowed on them a gift of respect. Names are...More Friday, September 23, 2022 The Story Isn’t Over Bible in a Year: Song of Songs 1–3, Galatians 2 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 6:9–13 When British drama Line of Duty concluded, record numbers watched to see how its fight against organized crime would end. But many viewers were left disappointed when the finale implied that evil would ultimately win. “I wanted the bad guys brought to justice,” one fan said. “We needed that moral ending.” Sociologist Peter Berger once noted that we hunger for hope and justice—hope...More Thursday, September 22, 2022 People Who Need People Bible in a Year: Ecclesiastes 10–12, Galatians 1 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings. Romans 16:16 Today's Scripture & Insight: Romans 16:3–16 In his hall-of-fame career as a sportswriter, Dave Kindred covered hundreds of major sporting events and championships and wrote a biography of Muhammad Ali. Growing bored in retirement, he started attending girls’ basketball games at a local school. Soon he began writing stories about each game and posting them online. And when Dave’s mother and grandson died and his wife suffered a...More Wednesday, September 21, 2022 Living Water Bible in a Year: Ecclesiastes 7–9, 2 Corinthians 13 Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. John 7:37 Today's Scripture & Insight: John 7:37–39 The cut flowers came from Ecuador. By the time they arrived at my house, they were droopy and road-weary. Instructions said revive them with a cool drink of refreshing water. Before that, however, the flower stems had to be trimmed so they could drink the water more easily. But would they survive? The next morning, I discovered my answer. The Ecuadorian bouquet was a glorious sight, featuring flowers I’d...More Tuesday, September 20, 2022 Reckless Decisions Bible in a Year: Ecclesiastes 4–6, 2 Corinthians 12 Because you did not trust in me..., you will not bring this community into the land. Numbers 20:12 Today's Scripture & Insight: Numbers 20:1–12 As a teen, I was driving way too fast trying to follow my friend to his home after a high school basketball practice. It was raining hard, and I was having a hard time keeping up with his car. Suddenly, my wipers cleared the watery windshield only to reveal my friend’s sedan stopped in front of me! I slammed on the brakes, slid off the street, and struck a large tree. My car...More Monday, September 19, 2022 Imaginative Faith Bible in a Year: Ecclesiastes 1–3, 2 Corinthians 11:16–33 The mountains and hills will burst into song before you. Isaiah 55:12 Today's Scripture & Insight: Isaiah 55:6–13 “Look, Papa! Those trees are waving at God!” As we watched young birches bending in the wind before an oncoming storm, my grandson’s excited observation made me smile. It also made me ask myself, Do I have that kind of imaginative faith? Reflecting on the story of Moses and the burning bush, the poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote that “Earth’s crammed with heaven, / And every...More Sunday, September 18, 2022 Learning and Loving Bible in a Year: Proverbs 30–31, 2 Corinthians 11:1–15 He took the children in his arms . . . and blessed them. Mark 10:16 Today's Scripture & Insight: Mark 10:13–16 At a primary school in Greenock, Scotland, three teachers on maternity leave brought their babies to school every two weeks to interact with schoolchildren. Playtime with babies teaches children empathy, or care and feeling for others. Often, the most receptive are the students who are “a little challenging,” as one teacher put it. “It’s often [schoolchildren] who interact more on a one-to-one...More Saturday, September 17, 2022 Deep-Water Rescue Bible in a Year: Proverbs 27–29, 2 Corinthians 10 He drew me out of deep waters. Psalm 18:16 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 18:1–3, 16–19 A record rainfall more than tripled what was forecasted in Waverly, Tennessee, in August 2021. In the wake of the powerful storm, twenty people lost their lives and hundreds of homes were destroyed. Had it not been for the compassion and skill of helicopter pilot Joel Boyers, the loss of human life would’ve been even greater. The pilot took flight in response to a phone call from a woman who was concerned about her...More Friday, September 16, 2022 Hallelujah! Bible in a Year: Proverbs 25–26, 2 Corinthians 9 He will reign for ever and ever. Revelation 11:15 Today's Scripture & Insight: Revelation 11:15–18 Astonishingly, it took Handel only twenty-four days to write the orchestral music for the Messiah oratorio—today perhaps the world’s most famous musical composition, one performed thousands of times every year around the world. The magnificent work reaches its climax nearly two hours after it begins with the most famous part of the oratorio, the “Hallelujah Chorus.” As the trumpets and timpani announce the...More Thursday, September 15, 2022 Where I Belong Bible in a Year: Proverbs 22–24, 2 Corinthians 8 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 133 At the end of a meal to mark Passover, a traditional Jewish holiday that celebrates and remembers the greatness of God’s saving work, church members expressed their joy by dancing together in a circle. Barry stood back, watching with a huge smile. He remarked how much he loved these occasions, saying, “This is my family now. This is my community. I’ve found somewhere where I know I can love and be...More Wednesday, September 14, 2022 A House Undivided Bible in a Year: Proverbs 19–21, 2 Corinthians 7 Every city or household divided against itself will not stand. Matthew 12:25 Today's Scripture & Insight: Ephesians 2:17–22 On June 16, 1858, as the newly nominated Republican candidate for the US Senate from Illinois, Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous “House Divided” speech, which highlighted the tensions between various factions in America regarding slavery. It caused a stir among Lincoln’s friends and foes. Lincoln felt it was important to use the “house divided” figure of speech which Jesus used in...More Tuesday, September 13, 2022 Whale of a Story Bible in a Year: Proverbs 16–18, 2 Corinthians 6 The Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. Jonah 2:10 Today's Scripture & Insight: Jonah 2:1–10 Michael was diving for lobster when a humpback whale caught him in its mouth. He pushed back in the darkness as the whale’s muscles squeezed against him. He thought he was done. But whales don’t prefer lobstermen, and thirty seconds later the whale spit Michael into the air. Amazingly, Michael had no broken bones—only extensive bruises and one whale of a story. He wasn’t the first. Jonah...More Monday, September 12, 2022 Trust in His Name Bible in a Year: Proverbs 13–15, 2 Corinthians 5 Those who know your name trust in you. Psalm 9:10 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 9:7–12 As a child, there was a time I dreaded going to school. Some girls were bullying me by subjecting me to cruel pranks. So during recess, I’d take refuge in the library, where I read a series of Christian storybooks. I remember the first time I read the name “Jesus.” Somehow, I knew that this was the name of someone who loved me. In the months that followed, whenever I’d enter school fearful of the torment that lay ahead,...More Sunday, September 11, 2022 Compassion Over Bitterness Bible in a Year: Proverbs 10–12, 2 Corinthians 4 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger. Ephesians 4:31 Today's Scripture & Insight: Ephesians 4:25–32 When the World Trade Center towers fell on September 11, 2001, Greg Rodriguez was one of the victims who died in the wreckage. As his mother, Phyllis, and his father grieved, they also carefully considered their response to such a horrific attack. In 2002, Phyllis met Aicha el-Wafi, the mother of one of the men accused of helping the terrorists. Phyllis said she “approached her and opened my arms. We embraced and...More Saturday, September 10, 2022 Uncommon Era Bible in a Year: Proverbs 8–9, 2 Corinthians 3 The Jews agreed to continue the celebration they had begun, doing what Mordecai had written to them. Esther 9:23 Today's Scripture & Insight: Esther 9:20–23, 29–32 Despite living much of his life as a pagan, the Roman emperor Constantine (ad 272–337) implemented reforms that stopped the systematic persecution of Christians. He also instituted the calendar we use, dividing all of history into bc (before Christ) and ad (anno Domini, or “in the year of the Lord”). A move to secularize this system has changed...More Friday, September 9, 2022 A Heavenly Reunion Bible in a Year: Proverbs 6–7, 2 Corinthians 2 We will be with the Lord forever. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 When writing my mom’s obituary, I felt that the word died seemed too final for the hope I had in our promised reunion in heaven. So, I wrote: “She was welcomed into the arms of Jesus.” Still, some days I grieve when looking at the more current family photos that don’t include my mom. Recently, though, I discovered a painter who creates family portraits to include those we’ve lost. The artist uses the photos...More Thursday, September 8, 2022 Building the House Bible in a Year: Proverbs 3–5, 2 Corinthians 1 On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Matthew 16:18 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 16:13–20 In 1889, the most ambitious private home construction project in the United States began. On-site manufacturing produced some 32,000 bricks a day. The work continued until the completion of George Vanderbilt II’s “summer house”—six years later. The result was the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. To this day, it remains the largest private residence in America,...More Wednesday, September 7, 2022 Finding Refuge Bible in a Year: Proverbs 1–2, 1 Corinthians 16 You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm. Isaiah 25:4 Today's Scripture & Insight: Isaiah 25:1–9 My wife and I once stayed in a lovely old seaside hotel with large sash windows and thick stone walls. One afternoon, a storm ripped through the region, churning up the sea and pounding our windows like angry fists on a door. Yet we were at peace. Those walls were so strong, and the hotel’s foundations so solid! While storms raged outside, our room was a...More Tuesday, September 6, 2022 A Hole in the Wall Bible in a Year: Psalms 148–150, 1 Corinthians 15:29–58 Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control. Proverbs 25:28 Today's Scripture & Insight: Proverbs 25:16–28 Something was eating my flowers. The day before, blooms proudly lifted their heads. Now they were headless stems. I prowled the perimeter of my yard and discovered a rabbit-sized hole in my wooden fence. Bunnies are cute, but the pesky animals can mow down a garden of flowers in minutes. I wonder, might there be “intruders” shearing off the blooms of God’s...More Monday, September 5, 2022 Lego Lessons Bible in a Year: Psalms 146–147, 1 Corinthians 15:1–28 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial. James 1:12 Today's Scripture & Insight: James 1:2–12 Approximately ten Lego pieces are sold for every person on earth each year—more than seventy-five billion of the little plastic bricks. But if it wasn’t for the perseverance of Danish toymaker Ole Kirk Christiansen, there wouldn't be any Legos to snap together. Christiansen toiled away in Billund, Denmark, for decades before creating Leg Godt, which means “play well.” His workshop was destroyed by...More Sunday, September 4, 2022 Rediscovered Bible in a Year: Psalms 143–145, 1 Corinthians 14:21–40 He read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant, which had been found in the temple of the Lord. 2 Chronicles 34:30 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Chronicles 34:29–31 In 1970, a car executive visiting Denmark learned that a 1939 Buick Dual Cowl Phaeton was owned by a local resident. Since the car never actually went into production, it was a rare find—a one-of-kind vehicle. Delighted with the discovery, the executive bought the car and spent his time and money to have it restored. Currently,...More Saturday, September 3, 2022 Rooted in Love Bible in a Year: Psalms 140–142, 1 Corinthians 14:1–20 You left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. Ruth 2:11 Today's Scripture & Insight: Ruth 2:5–13 I arrived at the cancer care center, where I’d be serving as my mom’s live-in caregiver, feeling alone and afraid. I’d left my family and support system more than 750 miles behind me. But before I could even touch my luggage, Frank, a man with a huge grin, offered to help. By the time we reached the sixth floor, I’d made plans to meet his wife, Lori,...More Friday, September 2, 2022 Lighting Candles Bible in a Year: Psalms 137–139, 1 Corinthians 13 Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning. Luke 12:35 Today's Scripture & Insight: Luke 12:35–40 It was noon, but the sun wasn’t visible. New England’s Dark Day began the morning of May 19, 1780, and lasted for hours. The cause of the surreal darkness was likely heavy clouds of smoke from massive wildfires in Canada, but many wondered if it might be judgment day. The Connecticut governor’s council (senate) was in session, and when some considered adjourning because of the darkness, Abraham...More Thursday, September 1, 2022 When We Gather Together Bible in a Year: Psalms 135–136, 1 Corinthians 12 Let us not neglect our meeting together, . . . but encourage one another. Hebrews 10:25 Today's Scripture & Insight: Hebrews 10:19–25 Denmark is among the happiest countries in the world, according to the World Happiness Report. The Danes weather their lengthy, dark winters by gathering with friends to share a warm drink or a gracious meal. The word they use for the feelings associated with those moments is hygge (hoo-gah). Hygge helps them offset the impact of enjoying less sunlight than their counterparts at lower...More Wednesday, August 31, 2022 When Knowledge Hurts Bible in a Year: Psalms 132–134, 1 Corinthians 11:17–34 For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief. Ecclesiastes 1:18 Today's Scripture & Insight: Ecclesiastes 1:12–18 Zach Elder and his friends pulled up to shore after a twenty-five-day rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. The man who came to retrieve their rafts told them about the COVID-19 virus. They thought he was joking. But as they left the canyon their phones pinged with their parents’ urgent messages. Zach and his friends were stunned. They wished they could return to the...More Tuesday, August 30, 2022 Leave the Light On Bible in a Year: Psalms 129–131, 1 Corinthians 11:1–16 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 5:13–16 A hotel chain’s commercial featured one little building standing amidst a dark night. Nothing else was around. The only light in the scene came from a small lamp near the door on the porch of the building. The bulb cast enough illumination for a visitor to walk up the steps and enter the building. The commercial ended with the phrase, “We’ll leave the light on for...More Monday, August 29, 2022 Seeds of Time Bible in a Year: Psalms 126–128, 1 Corinthians 10:19–33 Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop. Mark 4:20 Today's Scripture & Insight: Mark 4:13–20 In 1879, people watching William Beal would likely think he was loony. They’d see the professor of botany filling twenty bottles with various seeds, then burying them in deep soil. What they didn’t know was that Beal was conducting a seed viability experiment that would span centuries. Every twenty years a bottle would be dug up to plant its seeds and see which seeds would...More Sunday, August 28, 2022 Love and Lean on God Bible in a Year: Psalms 123–125, 1 Corinthians 10:1–18 Ruth clung to her. Ruth 1:14 Today's Scripture & Insight: Ruth 1:11–19 Zach was funny, smart, and well-liked. But he secretly struggled with depression. After he committed suicide at age fifteen, his mom, Lori, said of him, “It’s just hard to comprehend how someone that had so much going for him would come to that point. Zach . . . was not exempt from suicide.” There are moments in the quiet when Lori pours out her sorrow to God. She says that the deep sadness after suicide is “a whole different level of...More Saturday, August 27, 2022 Plans and Providence Bible in a Year: Psalms 120–122, 1 Corinthians 9 If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that. James 4:15 Today's Scripture & Insight: James 4:13–17 In 2000, an upstart company operating on a movie-rental-by-mail system offered to sell their company for $50 million to Blockbuster, the home movies and video game rentals king at that time. Netflix had roughly 300,000 subscribers, while Blockbuster had millions and millions of them. Blockbuster passed on the opportunity to purchase their little competitor. The result? Today Netflix has more than 180 million...More Friday, August 26, 2022 Just Ask! Bible in a Year: Psalm 119:89–176, 1 Corinthians 8 You do not have because you do not ask God. James 4:2 Today's Scripture & Insight: Philippians 4:4–7 The gleeful shouts arising from our basement came from my wife, Shirley. For hours she’d wrestled with a newsletter project, and she was ready to be done with it. In her anxiety and uncertainty about how to move forward, she prayed for God’s help. She also reached out to Facebook friends and soon the project was completed—a team effort. While a newsletter project is a little thing in life, small (and not...More Thursday, August 25, 2022 When You Need Help Bible in a Year: Psalm 119:1–88, 1 Corinthians 7:20–40 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 121 It was a Monday morning, but my friend Chia-ming wasn’t in the office. He was at home, cleaning the bathroom. A month unemployed, he thought, and no job leads. His firm had shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic and worries about the future filled Chia-ming with fear. I need to support my family, he thought. Where can I go for help? In Psalm 121:1, the pilgrims to Jerusalem asked a similar...More Wednesday, August 24, 2022 Landing Spot Bible in a Year: Psalms 116–118, 1 Corinthians 7:1–19 We live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Corinthians 5:6–10 The impala, a member of the antelope family, is able to jump up to ten feet high and thirty feet in length. It’s an incredible feat, and no doubt essential to its survival in the African wild. Yet, at many impala enclosures found in zoos, you’ll find that the animals are kept in place by a wall that’s merely three feet tall. How can such a low wall contain these athletic animals? It works because impalas will...More Tuesday, August 23, 2022 The Course of a Lifetime Bible in a Year: Psalms 113–115, 1 Corinthians 6 Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years of Jehoiada the priest. 2 Chronicles 24:2 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Chronicles 24:2, 13–16 “There are different questions a young artist can ask,” says singer-songwriter Linford Detweiler of eclectic folk duo Over the Rhine. “One is, ‘What must I do to be famous?’ ” Detweiler warns that such a goal “swings the door open to all manner of destructive forces from both within and without.” He and his wife have instead chosen a less flashy...More Monday, August 22, 2022 Transmitting Truth Bible in a Year: Psalms 110–112, 1 Corinthians 5 Teach [God’s ways and instructions] to your children and to their children after them. Deuteronomy 4:9 Today's Scripture & Insight: Deuteronomy 4:9–14 Without the ability to see their grandchildren in person due to risk of infection, many grandparents sought new ways of connecting during the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent survey showed that many grandparents adopted texting and social media as a means to maintain their precious bond with their grandchildren. Some even worshiped with their extended families by video...More Sunday, August 21, 2022 Two Houses Bible in a Year: Psalms 107–109, 1 Corinthians 4 Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matthew 7:24 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 7:24–27 To test the stability of two houses, engineers simulated a Category 3 hurricane by using powerful fans that produced wind gusts of one hundred miles per hour for ten minutes. The first house was built according to a non-hurricane building code, and the other was put together with a reinforced roof and floors. The first house shook and eventually...More Saturday, August 20, 2022 Radiant Drifters Bible in a Year: Psalms 105–106, 1 Corinthians 3 Let us live up to what we have already attained. Philippians 3:16 Today's Scripture & Insight: Philippians 3:10–21 Under the night sky in the spring of 2020, surfers rode bioluminescent waves along the coast of San Diego. These lightshows were caused by microscopic organisms called phytoplankton, a name derived from a Greek word meaning “wanderer” or “drifter.” During the day, the living organisms create red tides and capture sunlight that converts into chemical energy. When disturbed in the darkness, they produce...More Friday, August 19, 2022 As Strong as Iron Bible in a Year: Psalms 103–104, 1 Corinthians 2 Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall. Jeremiah 1:18 Today's Scripture & Insight: Jeremiah 1:14–19 Ironclad beetles are known for their tough exterior which protects them from predators. One special variety, however, has extraordinary strength under pressure. The insect’s hard, outer shell stretches, rather than cracks, where it joins together. Its flat back and low profile also help it to resist fractures. Scientific tests show that it can survive a compression force of nearly forty...More Thursday, August 18, 2022 A Compassionate Father Bible in a Year: Psalms 100–102, 1 Corinthians 1 As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him. Psalm 103:13 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 103:13–18 After eight-year-old Gabriel underwent surgery to remove a tumor from his brain, it left a noticeable scar on the side of his head. When the boy said he felt like a monster, his dad, Josh, had an idea: demonstrate how much he loved his son by getting a tattoo on the side of his head with the same shape as Gabriel’s scar. According to the psalmist, this is the...More Wednesday, August 17, 2022 The Making of Me Bible in a Year: Psalms 97–99, Romans 16 Barnabas wanted to take John . . . with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him. Acts 15:37–38 Today's Scripture & Insight: Acts 15:36–40 Seven-year-old Thomas Edison didn’t like or do well in school. One day, he was even called “addled” (mentally confused) by a teacher. He stormed home. After speaking with the teacher the next day, his mom, a teacher by training, decided to teach Thomas at home. Helped along by her love and encouragement (and his God-given genius), Thomas went on to become a great inventor. He...More Tuesday, August 16, 2022 Crushed and Beautiful. Bible in a Year: Psalms 94–96, Romans 15:14–33 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart. Psalm 51:17 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 51:10–17 At first glance I dismissed the painting Consider the Lilies by Makoto Fujimura as a simple, monochromatic painting featuring a lily seemingly hiding in the background. However, the painting came alive when I learned it was actually painted with more than eighty layers of finely crushed minerals in a style of Japanese art known as Nihonga, a style Fujimura calls “slow art.” Looking closely...More Monday, August 15, 2022 The Marriage Metaphor Bible in a Year: Psalms 91–93, Romans 15:1–13 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 Today's Scripture & Insight: Ephesians 4:2–13 After twenty-two years together, I sometimes wonder how my marriage to Merryn works. I’m a writer; Merryn is a statistician. I work with words; she works with numbers. I want beauty; she wants function. We come from different worlds. Merryn arrives to appointments early; I’m occasionally late. I try new things on the menu; she orders the same. After twenty minutes at an...More Sunday, August 14, 2022 Grace for Trials Bible in a Year: Psalms 89–90, Romans 14 [The Lord] will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8 Today's Scripture & Insight: Deuteronomy 31:1–8 Annie Johnson Flint was crippled by severe arthritis just a few years after high school. She never walked again and relied on others to help care for her needs. Because of her poetry and hymns, she received many visitors, including a deaconess who felt discouraged about her own ministry. When the visitor returned home, she wrote to Annie, wondering why God allowed such hard...More Saturday, August 13, 2022 Monstro the Goldfish Bible in a Year: Psalms 87–88, Romans 13 Love your neighbor as yourself. Luke 10:27 Today's Scripture & Insight: Luke 10:27–37 Lacey Scott was at her local pet store when a sad fish at the bottom of the tank caught her eye. His scales had turned black and lesions had formed on his body. Lacey rescued the ten-year-old fish, named him “Monstro” after the whale in the fairytale Pinocchio, and placed him in a “hospital” tank, changing his water daily. Slowly, Monstro improved, began to swim, and grew in size. His black scales transformed to gold. Through Lacey’s...More Friday, August 12, 2022 Drawn by Disaster Bible in a Year: Psalms 84–86, Romans 12 Lord, help us! Joel 1:19 nlt Today's Scripture & Insight: Joel 1:1–7, 19–20 In 1717, a devastating storm raged for days, leading to widespread flooding in northern Europe. Thousands of people lost their lives in the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark. History reveals an interesting and customary—for that time—response by at least one local government. The provincial authorities of the Dutch city of Groningen called for a “prayer day” in response to the disaster. A historian reports that the citizens gathered in churches...More Thursday, August 11, 2022 Untold Riches Bible in a Year: Psalms 81–83, Romans 11:19–36 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! Romans 11:33 Today's Scripture & Insight: Romans 11:33–36 In an orbit between Mars and Jupiter zooms an asteroid worth trillions and trillions of dollars. Scientists say 16 Psyche consists of metals such as gold, iron, nickel, and platinum worth unfathomable amounts of money. For now, earthlings are not attempting to mine this rich resource, but the United States is planning to send a probe to study the valuable rock. The promise of untold riches...More Wednesday, August 10, 2022 Standing Boldly Bible in a Year: Psalms 79–80, Romans 11:1–18 Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? Esther 4:14 Today's Scripture & Insight: Esther 4:7–14 In a small Illinois town, domestic violence comprises 40 percent of all crimes in the community. According to a local pastor, this issue is often hidden in our faith communities because it’s uncomfortable to talk about. So instead of shying away from the problem, local ministers chose to exercise faith and courageously address the issue by taking classes to recognize the signs of...More Tuesday, August 9, 2022 Humility Is the Truth Bible in a Year: Psalms 77–78, Romans 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10 Today's Scripture & Insight: James 4:1–11 Reflecting one day on why God values humility so highly, sixteenth-century believer Teresa of Avila suddenly realized the answer: “It is because God is the supreme Truth, and humility is the truth. . . . Nothing good in us springs from ourselves. Rather, it comes from the waters of grace, near which the soul remains, like a tree planted by a river, and from that Sun which gives life to our works.” Teresa concluded...More Monday, August 8, 2022 Discerning Right Paths Bible in a Year: Psalms 74–76, Romans 9:16–33 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6 Today's Scripture & Insight: Proverbs 22:6, 17–21 No one would have believed sixteen-year-old Brazilian skateboarder Felipe Gustavo would become “one of the most legendary skateboarders on the planet.” Gustavo’s dad believed his son needed to pursue his dream of skating professionally, but they didn’t have the money. So his dad sold their car and took his son to the renowned Tampa Am skating...More

Saturday, August 6, 2022 Relinquishing Control to God Bible in a Year: Psalms 70–71, Romans 8:22–39 I the Lord bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. Ezekiel 17:24 Today's Scripture & Insight: Ezekiel 17:19–24 Picture a mighty oak tree that’s small enough to fit on a kitchen table. That’s what a bonsai looks like—a beautiful ornamental tree that’s a miniature version of what you find wild in nature. There’s no genetic difference between a bonsai and its full-size counterpart. It’s simply that a shallow pot, pruning, and root trimming restrict growth, so the plant remains...More Friday, August 5, 2022 We Need Jesus’ Help Bible in a Year: Psalms 68–69, Romans 8:1–21 Apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 Today's Scripture & Insight: John 15:1–8 The day finally came—the day I realized my father wasn’t indestructible. As a boy, I knew his strength and determination. But in my early adult years, he injured his back, and I realized that my father was mortal after all. I stayed with my parents to help my dad to the bathroom, assisting him in dressing, even guiding a glass of water to his mouth—it was humbling to him. He made some initial attempts to accomplish small tasks, but...More Thursday, August 4, 2022 The Privilege of Stewardship Bible in a Year: Psalms 66–67, Romans 7 Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground. Genesis 1:28 Today's Scripture & Insight: Genesis 1:20–21, 24–28 While on vacation, my husband and I walked along the beach and noticed a large, square patch of sand blocked off by a makeshift fence. A young man explained that he worked around the clock with a team of volunteers committed to guarding the eggs in each sea turtle’s nest. Once the hatchlings emerge from their nest, the presence of both animals and...More Wednesday, August 3, 2022 When Prayer Shakes the Earth Bible in a Year: Psalms 63–65, Romans 6 The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God. Revelation 8:4 Today's Scripture & Insight: Revelation 8:1–6 Dr. Gary Greenberg has magnified and photographed sand from beaches around the world, often revealing surprising, vibrant splashes of color from the minerals, shell, and coral fragments contained within. He’s discovered there’s more to sand than meets the eye. In arenology (the study of sand), the microscopic analysis of sand’s mineral content can reveal much...More Tuesday, August 2, 2022 Life-Giving Correction Bible in a Year: Psalms 60–62, Romans 5 Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. Proverbs 15:31 Today's Scripture & Insight: Proverbs 15:31–33 “Unfortunately, we had a pretty hard conversation recently,” said Shellie. “I don’t think either of us enjoyed it, but I really felt her attitude and actions needed to be addressed in order to keep from hurting those around her.” Shellie was talking about the young woman she mentors. Although uncomfortable, their conversation was fruitful and actually strengthened their relationship. Just a...More Monday, August 1, 2022 In This Together Bible in a Year: Psalms 57–59, Romans 4 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. 2 Timothy 4:16 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Timothy 4:9–22 Kelly was battling brain cancer when the COVID-19 crisis hit. Then fluid developed around her heart and lungs, and she had to be hospitalized again. Her family couldn’t visit because of the pandemic. Her husband, Dave, vowed to do something. Gathering loved ones together, Dave asked them to make large signs with messages. They did. Wearing masks, twenty people stood on the street...More Sunday, July 31, 2022 “Make It Your Own, Dawg!” Bible in a Year: Psalms 54–56, Romans 3 I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Philippians 3:12 Today's Scripture & Insight: Philippians 3:7–16 On June 11, 2002, the singing competition American Idol debuted. Each week, hopefuls performed their own versions of popular songs, and the viewing audience voted on who advanced to the next round of the competition. As one of the panel judges on the show, Randy Jackson’s signature feedback was this zinger: “You made that song your own, dawg!” He lavished that praise when a...More Saturday, July 30, 2022 Puddles of Sunshine Bible in a Year: Psalms 51–53, Romans 2 On those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. Matthew 4:16 Today's Scripture & Insight: John 1:1–5 It was a warm summer day and my four-year-old granddaughter Mollie and I were taking a break from playing ball. As we sat on the porch with our glasses of water, Mollie looked out at the yard and said, “Look at the puddles of sunshine.” The sunlight was filtering through the thick foliage to create a pattern of light amid the dark shadows. Puddles of sunshine. Isn’t this a beautiful image for...More Friday, July 29, 2022 Followed by God’s Goodness Bible in a Year: Psalms 49–50, Romans 1 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. Psalm 23:6 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 23 At my first job during my high school years, I worked at a women’s clothing store where a female security guard dressed as a shopper followed women she thought might steal the merchandise. Certain people fit profiles of those the store owners thought were suspicious. Others not considered a threat were left alone. I’ve been profiled in stores myself and followed, an interesting experience since I still recognize...More Thursday, July 28, 2022 When the Whole World Sings Bible in a Year: Psalms 46–48, Acts 28 They sang a new song, saying . . . with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. Revelation 5:9 Today's Scripture & Insight: Revelation 5:8–14 A commercial jingle of the 1970s inspired a generation. Created as part of Coca Cola’s “The Real Thing” ad campaign, a British group called The New Seekers eventually sang it as a full-length song that climbed to the top of music charts around the world. But many will never forget the original television version sung by young people...More Wednesday, July 27, 2022 The Key Bible in a Year: Psalms 43–45, Acts 27:27–44 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 11:25–29 In his classic book The Human Condition, Thomas Keating shares this memorable tale. A teacher, having lost the key to his home, is on his hands and knees searching through the grass. When his disciples see him searching, they join the hunt, but with no success. Finally, “one of the more intelligent disciples” asks, “Master, have you any idea...More Tuesday, July 26, 2022 God of the Garden Bible in a Year: Psalms 40–42, Acts 27:1–26 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day. Genesis 3:8 Today's Scripture & Insight: Genesis 3:8–13 Many years ago, Joni Mitchell wrote a song called “Woodstock” in which she saw the human race trapped in a “bargain” with the devil. Urging her listeners to seek a simpler, more peaceful existence, she sang of a return to “the garden.” Mitchell spoke for a generation longing for purpose and meaning. Mitchell’s poetical “garden”...More Monday, July 25, 2022 Traveling Light Bible in a Year: Psalms 37–39, Acts 26 Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 Today's Scripture & Insight: Hebrews 12:1–3 A man named James took an adventurous, 1,250-mile journey down the West Coast of the US—biking from Seattle, Washington, to San Diego, California. A friend of mine met the ambitious biker near the cliffs of Big Sur, 930 miles from his starting point. After learning that someone had recently stolen James’ camping gear, my friend offered his blanket and sweater, but James refused. He said that as he traveled south...More Sunday, July 24, 2022 God Knows Bible in a Year: Psalms 35–36, Acts 25 The Mighty One, God, the Lord! He knows! Joshua 22:22 Today's Scripture & Insight: Joshua 22:21–27 A couple who stopped to admire a large abstract painting noticed open paint cans and brushes underneath it. Assuming it was a “work in progress” that anyone could help create, they stroked in some color and left. The artist, though, had purposefully left the supplies there as part of the finished work’s display. After reviewing video footage of the incident, the gallery acknowledged the misunderstanding and didn’t press...More Saturday, July 23, 2022 Called to Grow Bible in a Year: Psalms 33–34, Acts 24 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive. 2 Peter 1:8 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Peter 1:3–9 The sea squirt is a strange creature. Found attached to rocks and shells, it looks like a soft plastic tube waving with the current. Drawing its nutrients from the passing water, it lives a passive life far removed from its once–active youth. The sea squirt starts life as a tadpole with a primitive spinal cord and brain that helps it find food and...More Friday, July 22, 2022 Live Like You’re Healed Bible in a Year: Psalms 31–32, Acts 23:16–35 Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. Acts 3:8 Today's Scripture & Insight: Acts 3:1–10 Two sisters from India were born blind. Their father was a hard-working provider, but he could never afford the surgery that would give them sight. Then a team of doctors came to their region on a short-term medical mission. The morning after their surgery, the girls smiled wide as the nurse unwrapped their bandages. One exclaimed, “Mother, I can see! I can see!” A man who...More Thursday, July 21, 2022 God Sees You Bible in a Year: Psalms 29−30, Acts 23:1−15 You are the God who sees me. Genesis 16:13 Today's Scripture & Insight: Genesis 16:7−16 Early mornings can be painful for my friend Alma, a single mom of two. She says, “When everything is quiet, worries surface. As I do household chores, I think about our financial concerns and the kids’ health and studies.” When her husband abandoned her, Alma bore the responsibility of raising her children on her own. “It’s difficult,” she says, “but I know God sees me and my family. He gives me the strength to...More Wednesday, July 20, 2022 What a Find! Bible in a Year: Psalms 26–28, Acts 22 I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the Lord. 2 Kings 22:8 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Kings 22:8–12 While scuba diving in 2021, Jennifer’s eyes fixed on a small, green bottle at the bottom of a river. She scooped up what she describes as “a once-in-a-lifetime find.” The bottle contained a message written by a young man on his eighteenth birthday in 1926! The words requested that whoever discovered the message return it to him. Jennifer used Facebook to locate a delighted family member of the man. Although...More Tuesday, July 19, 2022 A Humble Snack Bible in a Year: Psalms 23–25, Acts 21:18–40 Clothe yourselves with humility. 1 Peter 5:5 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Peter 5:1–6 The bag of snack chips was small, but it taught an American missionary a big lesson. Working one evening in the Dominican Republic, she arrived at a church meeting and opened her chips when a woman she hardly knew reached and grabbed a few from the bag. Others helped themselves, too. How rude, the missionary thought. Then she realized a humbling lesson. She didn’t yet understand the culture where she’d agreed to serve....More Tuesday, July 19, 2022 As Strong as Iron Bible in a Year: Psalms 103–104, 1 Corinthians 2 Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall. Jeremiah 1:18 Today's Scripture & Insight: Jeremiah 1:14–19 Ironclad beetles are known for their tough exterior which protects them from predators. One special variety, however, has extraordinary strength under pressure. The insect’s hard, outer shell stretches, rather than cracks, where it joins together. Its flat back and low profile also help it to resist fractures. Scientific tests show that it can survive a compression force of nearly forty...More Monday, July 18, 2022 Unwanted Guests Bible in a Year: Psalms 20–22, Acts 21:1–17 Who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins. Psalm 19:12–13 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 19:1–4, 7–14 Kyle and Allison had a wonderful honeymoon in an exotic location. When they returned home, however, they discovered that Kyle’s feet had developed a strange, itchy rash. The couple was referred to an infectious disease specialist. He informed them that small parasites had burrowed their way into Kyle’s feet through blisters caused by his new flip flops....More Sunday, July 17, 2022 Traveling Mercies Bible in a Year: Psalms 18–19, Acts 20:17–38 He has watched over your journey...and you have not lacked anything. Deuteronomy 2:7 Today's Scripture & Insight: Deuteronomy 2:1–7 You might start your journey in the southwest United States in a dusty town called Why, Arizona. Heading cross-country would take you through Uncertain, Texas. Bearing northeast, you’d make a rest stop in Dismal, Tennessee. Ultimately, you’d reach your destination—Panic, Pennsylvania. These are real places across the landscape of America, though not likely a trip you’d ever choose...More Saturday, July 16, 2022 Useless Without Love Bible in a Year: Psalms 16–17, Acts 20:1–16 If I give all I possess to the poor . . . but do not have love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:3 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Corinthians 13:1–7 After taking the pieces for my special-order table from the box and laying them out before me, I noticed something wasn’t quite right. The beautiful top for the table and other parts were accounted for, but it was missing one of the legs. Without all of the legs, I couldn’t assemble the table, rendering it useless. It’s not just tables that are useless when...More Friday, July 15, 2022 The Whole House Bible in a Year: Psalms 13–15, Acts 19:21–41 Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household. Acts 16:31 Today's Scripture & Insight: Acts 16:22–34 Wearing his striped jumpsuit, James walked across the steamy jail gym and climbed into the portable pool where he was baptized by the prison chaplain. James’ joy multiplied, however, when he heard that his daughter Brittany—also an inmate—had been baptized that same day . . . in the same water! When they realized what had happened, even the staff got emotional. “There wasn’t a dry...More Thursday, July 14, 2022 Flexing Faith Muscles Bible in a Year: Psalms 10–12, Acts 19:1–20 Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 46 During a trip to the zoo, I stopped to rest near the sloth exhibit. The creature hung upside down. He seemed content being completely still. I sighed. Because of my health issues, I struggled with stillness and desperately wanted to move forward, to do something—anything. Resenting my limitations, I longed to stop feeling so weak. But while staring at the sloth, I observed how he stretched one arm, gripped a nearby branch, and stopped again....More Wednesday, July 13, 2022 Who Is Jesus? Bible in a Year: Psalms 7–9, Acts 18 Who do people say I am? Mark 8:27 Today's Scripture & Insight: Mark 8:27–30 Who do people believe Jesus is? Some say He was a good teacher, but just a man. Author C. S. Lewis wrote, “Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher.” These now-famous words from Mere Christianity...More Tuesday, July 12, 2022 A Teachable Spirit Bible in a Year: Psalms 4–6, Acts 17:16–34 Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance. Proverbs 1:5 Today's Scripture & Insight: Proverbs 1:1–7 It has become sadly “normal” to attack not only the opinions of others but also the person holding the opinion. This can be true in academic circles as well. For this reason, I was stunned when scholar and theologian Richard B. Hays wrote a paper that forcefully took to task a work that he himself had written years earlier! In Reading with the Grain of Scripture, Hays demonstrated...More Monday, July 11, 2022 True Freedom Bible in a Year: Psalms 1–3, Acts 17:1–15 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. 1 Corinthians 10:24 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Corinthians 10:23–11:1 While reading on the train, Meiling was busy highlighting sentences and jotting down notes in the margins of her book. But a conversation between a mother and child seated nearby stopped her. The mom was correcting her child for doodling in her library book. Meiling quickly put her pen away, not wanting the toddler to ignore her mother’s words by following Meiling’s example. She knew that the...More Sunday, July 10, 2022 Watching Out for One Another Bible in a Year: Job 41–42, Acts 16:22–40 Show mercy and compassion to one another. Zechariah 7:9 Today's Scripture & Insight: Zechariah 7:4–10 Jose, a seventy-seven-year-old substitute teacher, had been living out of his car for eight years. Every night, the elderly man bunked down in his 1997 Ford Thunderbird LX, carefully monitoring the car battery as it powered his computer for his evening’s work. Instead of using the money earmarked for rent, Jose sent it to numerous family members in Mexico who needed it more. Early every morning, one of the teacher’s former...More Saturday, July 9, 2022 The Dream Team Bible in a Year: Job 38–40, Acts 16:1–21 So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:5 Today's Scripture & Insight: Romans 12:3–8 Together, friends Melanie and Trevor have hiked miles of mountain trails. Yet neither would be able to do so without the other. Melanie, born with spina bifida, uses a wheelchair. Trevor lost his sight to glaucoma. The duo realized they were one another’s perfect complement for enjoying the Colorado wilderness: As he walks the trails, Trevor carries Melanie on his back; meanwhile, she...More Friday, July 8, 2022 Food That Says I Love You Bible in a Year: Job 36–37, Acts 15:22–41 He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them. Luke 22:19 Today's Scripture & Insight: Luke 22:14–20 I attended a family birthday gathering where the hostess wove the theme of “favorite things” into the decor, the gifts, and—best of all—the food. Because the birthday girl loved steak and salad—and white chocolate raspberry Bundt cake—the hostess grilled steak, spun spinach, and ordered that favorite cake. Favorite foods say, “I love you.” The Bible contains many references to banquets,...More Thursday, July 7, 2022 Hurry Up and Wait Bible in a Year: Job 34–35, Acts 15:1–21 Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Samuel 22:1–5 “What will we do with all our spare time?” That thought was at the heart of an essay published in 1930 by the economist John Maynard Keynes. In it, Keynes proposed that within a hundred years, technological and economic advances would bring humans to a point where we would work only three hours a day and fifteen hours a week. It’s been more than ninety years since Keynes published his famous essay. But...More Wednesday, July 6, 2022 You Can Do It! Bible in a Year: Job 32–33, Acts 14 [Paul and Barnabas] returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. Acts 14:21–22 Today's Scripture & Insight: Acts 14:21–28 Encouragement is like oxygen—we can’t live without it. This was true for nine-year-old James Savage. The boy swam more than two miles from the San Francisco shoreline to Alcatraz Island and back, breaking the record for the youngest person to accomplish the feat. But thirty minutes into the swim, the choppy, frigid waters made James want to...More Tuesday, July 5, 2022 Wisdom and Understanding Bible in a Year: Job 30–31, Acts 13:26–52 For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6 Today's Scripture & Insight: Proverbs 2:1–11 In 1373, when Julian of Norwich was thirty years old, she became ill and nearly died. When her minister prayed with her, she experienced a number of visions in which she considered Jesus’ crucifixion. After miraculously recovering her health, she spent the next twenty years living in solitude in a side room of the church, praying over and thinking through the experience. She concluded that...More Monday, July 4, 2022 No Greater Love Bible in a Year: Job 28–29, Acts 13:1–25 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13 Today's Scripture & Insight: John 15:9–17 Commemorations of the seventy-fifth anniversary of D-Day in 2019 honored the more than 156,000 troops who took part in the largest seaborne invasion in history to liberate Western Europe. In his prayer broadcast over the radio on June 6, 1944, President Roosevelt asked for God’s protection, praying, “They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to...More Sunday, July 3, 2022 He Knows My Heart Bible in a Year: Job 25–27, Acts 12 He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears. Isaiah 11:3 Today's Scripture & Insight: Isaiah 11:1–5 After a customer at a grocery store self-checkout station had completed her transaction, I made my way to the station and proceeded to scan my goods. Unexpectedly, a visibly angry person confronted me. I’d failed to notice that she was actually next in line for checkout. Recognizing my mistake, I sincerely said, “I’m sorry.” She replied (though not limited to these words), “No,...More Saturday, July 2, 2022 Surviving and Thriving Bible in a Year: Job 22–24, Acts 11 The whole body...grows and builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:16 Today's Scripture & Insight: Ephesians 4:4–16 The Croods, an animated caveman family, believe that “the only way to survive is if the pack [their small family] stays together.” They’re afraid of the world and others, so when looking for a safe place to live they’re filled with fear after discovering a strange family already in the area they’ve chosen. But they soon learn to embrace the differences of their new neighbors, draw strength from them, and survive...More Friday, July 1, 2022 Celestial Communion Bible in a Year: Job 20–21, Acts 10:24–48 Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:26 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 When Apollo 11’s Eagle lunar module landed on the moon’s Sea of Tranquility on July 20, 1969, the space travelers took time to recover from their flight before stepping onto the moon’s surface. Astronaut Buzz Aldrin had received permission to bring bread and wine so he could take Communion. After reading Scripture, he tasted the first foods ever consumed...More Thursday, June 30, 2022 Giving God My Work Bible in a Year: Job 17–19, Acts 10:1–23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord. Colossians 3:23 Today's Scripture & Insight: Colossians 3:22–25 The magazine I was writing for felt “important,” so I struggled to present the best possible article I could for the high-ranking editor. Feeling pressure to meet her standards, I kept rewriting my thoughts and ideas. But what was my problem? Was it my challenging topic? Or was my real worry personal: Would the editor approve of me and not just my words? For answers to our job...More Wednesday, June 29, 2022 Run From Sin Bible in a Year: Job 14–16, Acts 9:22–43 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22 Today's Scripture & Insight: Genesis 39:11–23 Twice this summer I suffered the scourge of poison ivy. Both times it happened, I was working on clearing away unwanted plant growth from our yard. And both times, I saw the nasty, three-leafed enemy lurking nearby. I figured I could get close to it without it affecting me. Soon enough, I realized I’d been wrong. Instead of...More Tuesday, June 28, 2022 A Friend of God’s Friends Bible in a Year: Job 11–13, Acts 9:1–21 Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Matthew 10:40 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 10:1–11, 40–42 Something so cordial can happen in first introductions when two persons discover that they have a friend in common. In what may be its most memorable form, a big-hearted host welcomes a guest with something like, “So nice to meet you. Any friend of Sam’s, or Samantha’s, is a friend of mine.” Jesus said something similar. He’d been attracting...More Monday, June 27, 2022 God’s Provision Bible in a Year: Job 8–10, Acts 8:26–40 Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?” 2 Kings 4:2 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Kings 4:1–7 Three-year-old Buddy and his mom went to church each week to help unload groceries from the food ministry truck. When Buddy overheard his mom telling his grandmother that the delivery truck broke down, he said, “Oh, no. How will they do food ministry?” His mom explained that the church would have to raise money to buy a new truck. Buddy smiled. “I have money,” he said, leaving...More Sunday, June 26, 2022 Walking with Others Bible in a Year: Job 5–7, Acts 8:1–25 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another. Romans 13:8 Today's Scripture & Insight: Romans 13:8–14 Billy, a loving and loyal dog, became an internet star in 2020. His owner, Russell, had broken his ankle and was using crutches to walk. Soon the dog also began to hobble when walking with his owner. Concerned, Russell took Billy to the vet, who said there was nothing wrong with him! He ran freely when he was by himself. It turned out that the dog faked a limp when he walked with his owner....More Saturday, June 25, 2022 Dark Moments, Deep Prayers Bible in a Year: Job 3–4, Acts 7:44–60 Lord, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. Psalm 143:11 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 143 “I had a dark moment.” Those five words capture the internal agony of a popular female celebrity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adjusting to a new normal was part of her challenge, and in her turmoil, she acknowledged that she wrestled with thoughts of suicide. Pulling out of the downward spiral included sharing her struggle with a friend who cared. We’re all susceptible to tumultuous hours,...More Friday, June 24, 2022 The Message of the Cross Bible in a Year: Job 1–2, Acts 7:22–43 The message of the cross is...the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Corinthians 1:18–25 Zhang was raised with, in his words, “no God, no religion, nothing.” In 1989, seeking democracy and freedom for his people, he helped lead students in peaceful protests. But the protests tragically led to the government’s intervention and hundreds of lives lost. For his part in the event, Zhang was placed on his country’s most-wanted list. After a short imprisonment, he fled to an outlying village where he...More Thursday, June 23, 2022 Drastic Measures Bible in a Year: Esther 9–10, Acts 7:1–21 The king...renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord—to follow the Lord and keep his commands. 2 Kings 23:3 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Kings 23:3–7 The ornate ceremonial bow and quiver had hung on the wall of our home in Michigan for years. I’d inherited them from my father, who acquired the souvenirs while we were serving as missionaries in Ghana. Then one day a Ghanaian friend visited us. When he saw the bow, he got a strange look on his face. Pointing to a small object tied to it he said, “That...More Wednesday, June 22, 2022 Abundance Meets Need Bible in a Year: Esther 6–8, Acts 6 Your plenty will supply what they need. 2 Corinthians 8:14 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Corinthians 8:13–15 School cafeterias, like large catering businesses, often prepare more food than is consumed simply because they can’t perfectly predict the need, and leftover food goes to waste. Yet there are many students who don’t have enough food to eat at home and who go hungry on weekends. One US school district partnered with a local non-profit to find a solution. They packaged leftovers to send home with students, and...More Tuesday, June 21, 2022 God Fights for Us Bible in a Year: Esther 3–5, Acts 5:22–42 [God] will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 91:1–10 A Colorado mother proved she would stop at nothing to protect her child. Her five-year-old son was playing outside when she heard him screaming. She rushed outside and, to her horror, saw that her son had an unexpected “playmate”—a mountain lion. The large cat was on top of her son, with his head in its mouth. The mother summoned her...More Monday, June 20, 2022 Trustworthy Love Bible in a Year: Esther 1–2, Acts 5:1–21 Love does no harm. Romans 13:10 Today's Scripture & Insight: Romans 12:9–21 Why can’t I stop thinking about it? My emotions were a tangled mess of sadness, guilt, anger, and confusion. Years ago, I’d made the painful decision to cut ties with someone close to me, after attempts to address deeply hurtful behavior were merely met with dismissal and denial. Today, after hearing she was in town visiting, my thoughts had spiraled into hashing and rehashing the past. As I struggled to calm my thoughts, I...More Sunday, June 19, 2022 Fatherless No More Bible in a Year: Nehemiah 12–13, Acts 4:23–37 [God is] a father to the fatherless. Psalm 68:5 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 68:1–10 Guy Bryant, single and with no children of his own, worked in New York City’s child welfare department. Daily, he encountered the intense need for foster parents and decided to do something about it. For more than a decade, Bryant fostered more than fifty children, once caring for nine at the same time. “Every time I turned around there was a kid who needed a place to stay,” Bryant explained. “If you have the space in your...More Saturday, June 18, 2022 How Are You? Bible in a Year: Nehemiah 10–11, Acts 4:1–22 Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. Luke 23:34 Today's Scripture & Insight: Luke 23:32–43 Charla was dying, and she knew it. While she was lying on her hospital room bed, her surgeon and a group of young interns poured into the room. For the next several minutes, the doctor ignored Charla as he described her terminal condition to the interns. Finally, he turned to her and asked, “And how are you?” Charla weakly smiled and warmly told the group about her hope and peace in...More Friday, June 17, 2022 Planted in God Bible in a Year: Nehemiah 7–9, Acts 3 They will be like a tree planted by the water. Jeremiah 17:8 Today's Scripture & Insight: Jeremiah 17:5–8 “The wind is tossing the lilacs.” With that opening line of her springtime poem “May,” poet Sara Teasdale captured a vision of lilac bushes waving in gusty breezes. But Teasdale was lamenting a lost love, and her poem soon turned sorrowful. Our backyard lilacs also encountered a challenge. After having their most lush and beautiful season, they faced the axe of a hard-working lawn man who “trimmed” every...More Thursday, June 16, 2022 New DNA in Jesus Bible in a Year: Nehemiah 4–6, Acts 2:22–47 Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:24 Today's Scripture & Insight: Ephesians 4:17–24 Chris had his blood retested four years after his lifesaving bone marrow transplant. The donor’s marrow had provided what was needed to cure him but had left a surprise: the DNA in Chris’ blood was that of his donor, not his own. It makes sense, really: the goal of the procedure was to replace the weakened blood with a donor’s healthy blood. Yet even swabs of Chris’ cheeks,...More Wednesday, June 15, 2022 Investing in Others Bible in a Year: Nehemiah 1–3, Acts 2:1–21 Use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves. Luke 16:9 Today's Scripture & Insight: Luke 16:1–12 When a corporation offered one thousand frequent-flier miles for every ten purchases of one of their foods, one man realized their cheapest product was individual cups of chocolate pudding. He bought more than twelve thousand. For $3,000, he received gold status and a lifetime supply of air miles for himself and his family. He also donated the pudding to charity, which netted him an $800 tax write-off....More Tuesday, June 14, 2022 Pride and Deception Bible in a Year: Ezra 9−10, Acts 1 The pride of your heart has deceived you. Obadiah 1:3 Today's Scripture & Insight: Obadiah 1:1−4 Loving God, thank You for Your gentle, nudging correction. With my shoulders slumped, I murmured those difficult words. I’ve been so arrogant, thinking I could do it all on my own. For months, I’d been enjoying successful work projects, and the accolades lulled me into trusting my capabilities and rejecting God’s leading. It took a challenging project for me to realize I wasn’t as smart as I thought. My proud heart had deceived me...More Monday, June 13, 2022 Divine Tenderness Bible in a Year: Ezra 6–8, John 21 [Elijah] looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. 1 Kings 19:6 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Kings 19:4–10, 15–18 I once heard a businessman describe his years in college as a time when he often felt “helpless and hopeless” from bouts of depression. Sadly, he never talked to a doctor about these feelings, but instead started making more drastic plans—ordering a book on suicide from his local library and setting a date to take his...More Sunday, June 12, 2022 God’s Moves Bible in a Year: Ezra 3–5, John 20 It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes. Exodus 12:27 Today's Scripture & Insight: Exodus 12:24–28 I love a good game of Scrabble. After one particular game, my friends named a move after me—calling it a “Katara.” I’d been trailing the entire game, but at the end of it—with no tiles left in the bag—I made a seven-letter word. This meant the game was over, and I received fifty bonus points as well as all the points from all of my opponents’...More Saturday, June 11, 2022 Faith Conversations at Home Bible in a Year: Ezra 1–2, John 19:23–42 Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you. Mark 5:19 Today's Scripture & Insight: Mark 5:11–20 “There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home.” Those unforgettable lines spoken by Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz reveal a story-telling device found in an overwhelming number of our most enduring stories from the likes of Star Wars to The Lion King. It’s known as “the hero’s journey.” In brief: an ordinary person is living an ordinary life when an extraordinary adventure is...More Friday, June 10, 2022 Time Enough Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 34–36, John 19:1–22 He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 Today's Scripture & Insight: Ecclesiastes 3:1–13 When I saw the massive volume of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace on my friend’s bookshelf, I confessed, “I’ve never actually made it all the way through that.” “Well,” Marty chuckled, “When I retired from teaching, I got it as a gift from a friend who told me, ‘Now you’ll finally have time to read it.’ ” The first...More Thursday, June 9, 2022 Rejecting Rationalization Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 32–33, John 18:19–40 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions. Mark 7:8 Today's Scripture & Insight: Mark 7:6–13 An Atlanta police officer asked a driver if she knew why he’d stopped her. “No idea!” she said in bewilderment. “Ma’am, you were texting while driving,” the officer gently told her. “No, no!” she protested, holding up her cell phone as evidence. “It’s an email.” Using a cell phone to send an email doesn’t grant us a loophole from a law that prohibits...More Wednesday, June 8, 2022 Generosity and Joy Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 30–31, John 18:1–18 The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord. 1 Chronicles 29:9 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Chronicles 29:1–9 Researchers tell us there’s a link between generosity and joy: those who give their money and time to others are happier than those who don’t. This has led one psychologist to conclude, “Let’s stop thinking about giving as a moral obligation, and start thinking of it as a source of pleasure.” While giving can make...More Wednesday, June 8, 2022 Food That Says I Love You Bible in a Year: Job 36–37, Acts 15:22–41 He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them. Luke 22:19 Today's Scripture & Insight: Luke 22:14–20 I attended a family birthday gathering where the hostess wove the theme of “favorite things” into the decor, the gifts, and—best of all—the food. Because the birthday girl loved steak and salad—and white chocolate raspberry Bundt cake—the hostess grilled steak, spun spinach, and ordered that favorite cake. Favorite foods say, “I love you.” The Bible contains many references to banquets,...More Tuesday, June 7, 2022 Jesus Is Here Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 28–29, John 17 [Teach] them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 28:16–20 My elderly great aunt lay on her sickbed with a smile on her face. Her gray hair was pushed back from her face and wrinkles covered her cheeks. She didn’t speak much, but I still recall the few words she said when my father, mother, and I visited her. She whispered, “I don’t get lonely. Jesus is here with me.” As a single woman at the...More Monday, June 6, 2022 The Kindness of Candor Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 25–27, John 16 The pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice. Proverbs 27:9 Today's Scripture & Insight: Proverbs 27:1–9 “My dear friend, sometimes you sound holier than you really are.” Those words were leveled with a direct gaze and gentle smile. Had they come from someone other than a close friend and mentor whose discernment I highly valued, my feelings might have been hurt. Instead, I winced and laughed at the same time, knowing that while his words “hit a nerve,” he was also right. Sometimes when...More Sunday, June 5, 2022 Confident in God Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 23–24, John 15 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 1 John 5:14 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 John 5:13–15 A 2018 study of adults in the United Kingdom found that, on average, “they checked their smartphones every twelve minutes of the waking day.” But let’s be honest, this statistic seems extremely conservative when I consider how frequently I search Google to find the answer to a question or respond to endless alerts that come to my phone throughout the day....More Saturday, June 4, 2022 God Focus Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 21–22, John 14 Godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Timothy 6:6–11 When I was shopping for engagement rings, I spent many hours looking for exactly the right diamond. I was plagued by the thought, What if I miss the best one? According to economic psychologist Barry Schwartz, my chronic indecision indicates that I am what he calls a “maximizer,” in contrast to a “satisficer.” A satisficer makes choices based on whether something is adequate for their needs. Maximizers? We...More Friday, June 3, 2022 Spotting Rainbows of Hope Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 19–20, John 13:21–38 Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him. Psalm 42:5 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 42 During an October vacation, another battle with chronic pain forced me to spend the first few days recovering in our room. My mood became as overcast as the sky. When I finally ventured out to enjoy sightseeing at a nearby lighthouse with my husband, gray clouds blocked much of our view. Still, I snapped a few photos of the shadowy mountains and dull horizon. Later, disappointed because a downpour tucked us in...More Thursday, June 2, 2022 Set Apart Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 17–18, John 13:1–20 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart. Matthew 11:29 Today's Scripture & Insight: Ephesians 4:29–32 In November 1742, a riot broke out in Staffordshire, England, to protest against the gospel message Charles Wesley was preaching. It seems Charles and his brother John were changing some longstanding church traditions, and that was too much for many of the townsfolk. When John Wesley heard about the riot, he hurried to Staffordshire to help his brother. Soon an unruly...More Wednesday, June 1, 2022 Giving Out of Love Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 15–16, John 12:27–50 Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:4 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 6:1–4 Every day, Glen purchases his morning coffee at a nearby drive-through. And every day he also pays for the order of the person in the car behind him, asking the cashier to wish that person a good day. Glen has no connection to them. He’s not aware of their reactions; he simply believes this small gesture is “the least he can do.” On one occasion, however, he learned of the impact of his...More Tuesday, May 31, 2022 Hope Cuts through Storms Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 13–14, John 12:1–26 He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. Psalm 107:29 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 107:23–32 In the spring of 2021, several storm-chasers recorded videos and took photos of a rainbow next to a tornado in Texas. In one video, long stalks of wheat in a field bent under the power of the whirling winds. A brilliant rainbow cut across the gray skyline and arched toward the twister. Bystanders in another video stood on the side of the road and watched the symbol of hope standing firm beside...More Monday, May 30, 2022 Healing for the Whole World Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 10–12, John 11:30–57 God...reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Corinthians 5:11–19 Tucked into a remote gorge in western Slovenia, a secret medical facility (Franja Partisan Hospital) housed an extensive staff that tended to thousands of wounded soldiers during World War II—all the while staying hidden from the Nazis. Though avoiding detection from numerous Nazi attempts to locate the facility is in itself a remarkable feat, even more...More Sunday, May 29, 2022 Pressing Pause to Pray Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 7–9, John 11:1–29 [They] did not inquire of the Lord. Joshua 9:14 Today's Scripture & Insight: Joshua 9:7–15 The fire hydrant gushed into the street, and I saw my opportunity. Several cars had splashed through before me, and I thought, What a great way to get a free wash! My car hadn’t been cleaned for a month and the dust was thick. So I fired it up and headed into the deluge. Crack! It happened so fast. The sun had already beaten down on my black car that morning, heating its glass and interior. But the water...More Saturday, May 28, 2022 Narrow Door Cafe Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 4–6, John 10:24–42 Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. Luke 13:24 Today's Scripture & Insight: Luke 13:22–30 Croissants, dumplings, pork curry, and all sorts of scrumptious food await those who find and enter the Narrow Door Cafe. Located in the Taiwanese city of Tainan, this cafe is literally a hole in the wall. Its entrance is barely forty centimeters wide (less than sixteen inches)—just enough for the average person to squeeze his way through! Yet, despite the challenge, this unique cafe has attracted large...More Friday, May 27, 2022 The Forecaster’s Mistake Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 1–3, John 10:1–23 Let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. Jeremiah 23:28 Today's Scripture & Insight: Jeremiah 23:16–22 At noon on September 21, 1938, a young meteorologist warned the U.S. Weather Bureau of two fronts forcing a hurricane northward toward New England. But the chief of forecasting scoffed at Charles Pierce’s prediction. Surely a tropical storm wouldn’t strike so far north. Two hours later, the 1938 New England Hurricane made landfall on Long Island. By 4:00 p.m. it had reached New England, tossing...More Friday, May 27, 2022 God’s Provision Bible in a Year: Job 8–10, Acts 8:26–40 Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?” 2 Kings 4:2 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Kings 4:1–7 Three-year-old Buddy and his mom went to church each week to help unload groceries from the food ministry truck. When Buddy overheard his mom telling his grandmother that the delivery truck broke down, he said, “Oh, no. How will they do food ministry?” His mom explained that the church would have to raise money to buy a new truck. Buddy smiled. “I have money,” he said, leaving...More Thursday, May 26, 2022 Turn Up the Heat Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 28–29, John 9:24–41 Be earnest and repent. Revelation 3:19 Today's Scripture & Insight: Revelation 3:14–22 Temperatures where we live in Colorado can change quickly—sometimes within a few minutes. So my husband, Dan, was curious about the temperature differences in and around our home. As a fan of gadgets, he was excited to unpack his latest “toy”—a thermometer showing temperature readings from four “zones” around our house. Joking that it was a “silly” gadget, I was surprised to find myself frequently checking the...More Wednesday, May 25, 2022 Run Away Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 25–27, John 9:1–23 How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way? Matthew 26:54 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 26:47–56 The introductory lesson on aikido, a traditional Japanese form of martial arts, was an eye-opener. The sensei, or teacher, told us that when faced with an attacker, our first response should be to “run away.” “Only if you can’t run away, then you fight,” he said seriously. Run away? I was taken aback. Why was this highly skilled self-defense instructor telling...More Tuesday, May 24, 2022 Generous Giving Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 22–24, John 8:28–59 Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. Leviticus 19:10 Today's Scripture & Insight: Leviticus 19:9–10 General Charles Gordon (1833–1885) served Queen Victoria in China and elsewhere, but when living in England he’d give away 90 percent of his income. When he heard about a famine in Lancashire, he scratched off the inscription from a pure gold medal he’d received from a world leader and sent it up north, saying they should melt...More Monday, May 23, 2022 In the End Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 19–21, John 8:1–27 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Timothy 4:6–8 I’m often given the privilege of leading spiritual retreats. Getting away for a few days to pray and reflect can be deeply enriching, and during the program I sometimes ask participants to do an exercise: “Imagine your life is over and your obituary is published in the paper. What would you like it to say?” Some attendees change their life’s priorities as a result,...More Sunday, May 22, 2022 Something Deep and Binding Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 16–18, John 7:28–53 God created mankind in his own image. Genesis 1:27 Today's Scripture & Insight: Genesis 1:26–28 Amina, an Iraqi immigrant, and Joseph, an American from birth, attended a political protest on opposite sides. We’ve been taught to believe that those who are separated by ethnicity and politics carry unbridled animosity toward each other. However, when a small mob accosted Joseph, trying to set his shirt on fire, Amina rushed to his defense. “I don’t think we could be any further apart as people,” Joseph told a...More Saturday, May 21, 2022 The Fruit Sells the Tree Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 13–15, John 7:1–27 The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22–23 Today's Scripture & Insight: Galatians 5:22–26 A nursery owner set out to sell peach trees. She considered various approaches. Should she line up leafy saplings in burlap sacks in a beautiful display? Should she create a colorful catalog picturing peach trees in various seasons of growth? At last she realized what really sells a peach tree. It’s the peach it produces:...More Friday, May 20, 2022 Refreshed at Simon’s House Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 10–12, John 6:45–71 They refreshed my spirit and yours also. 1 Corinthians 16:18 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Corinthians 16:15–18 My trip to Simon’s house was unforgettable. Under the cover of a starlit sky in Nyahururu, Kenya, we made our way to his modest home for dinner. The dirt floor and the lantern light reflected Simon’s limited means. What was on the menu, I don’t recall. What I can’t forget was Simon’s joy that we were his guests. His gracious hospitality was Jesus like—selfless, life-touching, and...More Thursday, May 19, 2022 Food from Heaven Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 7–9, John 6:22–44 The Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you.” Exodus 16:4 Today's Scripture & Insight: Exodus 16:4–5, 13–18 In August 2020, residents of Olten, Switzerland, were startled to find that it was snowing chocolate! A malfunction in the ventilation system of the local chocolate factory had caused chocolate particles to be diffused into the air. As a result, a dusting of edible chocolate flakes covered cars and streets and made the whole town smell like a candy store. When I think of...More Wednesday, May 18, 2022 Crave Him Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 4–6, John 6:1–21 Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35 Today's Scripture & Insight: John 6:25–35 Why is it that when we say, “This is the last potato chip I’m going to eat,” five minutes later we’re looking for more? Michael Moss answers that question in his book Salt Sugar Fat. He describes how America’s largest snack producers know how to “help” people crave junk food. In fact, one popular company spent $30 million...More Tuesday, May 17, 2022 Uncommon Courage Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 1–3, John 5:25–47 Take me to the king, and I will interpret his dream for him. Daniel 2:24 Today's Scripture & Insight: Daniel 2:24–30 In 1478, Lorenzo de Medici, the ruler of Florence, Italy, escaped an attack on his life. His countrymen sparked a war when they tried to retaliate against the attack on their leader. As the situation worsened, the cruel King Ferrante I of Naples became Lorenzo’s enemy, but a courageous act by Lorenzo changed everything. He visited the king unarmed and alone. This bravery, paired with his charm and...More

Monday, May 16, 2022 The Fierce Struggle Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 24–25, John 5:1–24 Our struggle is...against the powers of this dark world. Ephesians 6:12 Today's Scripture & Insight: Ephesians 6:10–20 In 1896, an explorer named Carl Akeley found himself in a remote section of Ethiopia, chased by an eighty-pound leopard. He remembered the leopard pouncing, trying “to sink her teeth into my throat.” She missed, snagging his right arm with her vicious jaws. The two rolled in the sand—a long, fierce struggle. Akeley weakened, and “it became a question of who would give up first.” Summoning his last...More Sunday, May 15, 2022 Monkeying with the Cosmos Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 22–23, John 4:31–54 He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. Colossians 1:17 nlt Today's Scripture & Insight: Colossians 1:15–20 In the early 1980s, a prominent astronomer who didn’t believe in God wrote, “A common sense interpretation of the facts suggests that a super-intellect has monkeyed with physics, as well as with chemistry and biology.” To this scientist’s eye, the evidence showed that something had designed everything we observe in the cosmos. He added, “There are no blind forces worth speaking about in...More Saturday, May 14, 2022 The Gift of Repentance Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 19–21, John 4:1–30 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate. Joel 2:13 Today's Scripture & Insight: Joel 2:12–14 “No! I didn’t do it!” Jane heard her teenage son’s denial with a sinking heart, for she knew he wasn’t telling the truth. She breathed a prayer asking God for help before asking Simon again what happened. He continued to deny he was lying, until finally she threw her hands up in exasperation. Saying she needed a time out, she began to walk away when she felt a...More Friday, May 13, 2022 Finish Strong Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 17–18, John 3:19–36 I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:24 Today's Scripture & Insight: Acts 20:17–24 As I enter the final few minutes of my forty-minute workout, I can almost guarantee that my instructor will yell out, “Finish strong!” Every personal trainer or group fitness leader I’ve known uses the phrase a few minutes before cool down. They know that the end of the workout is...More Thursday, May 12, 2022 Walking by a Blessing Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 15–16, John 3:1–18 If only you had paid attention to my commands. Isaiah 48:18 Today's Scripture & Insight: Isaiah 48:12–20 In 1799, twelve-year-old Conrad Reed found a large, glittering rock in the stream that ran through his family’s small farm in North Carolina. He carried it home to show his father, a poor immigrant farmer. His father didn’t understand the rock’s potential value and used it as a doorstop. The family walked by it for years. Eventually Conrad’s rock—actually a seventeen-pound gold nugget—caught...More Wednesday, May 11, 2022 Always Worth Sharing Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 13–14, John 2 Thanks be to God, who always . . . uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. 2 Corinthians 2:14 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Corinthians 2:12–17 After I became a believer in Jesus, I shared the gospel with my mother. Instead of making a decision to trust Jesus, as I expected, she stopped speaking to me for a year. Her bad experiences with people who claimed to follow Jesus made her distrust believers in Christ. I prayed for her and reached out to her weekly. The Holy Spirit comforted me and continued working...More Tuesday, May 10, 2022 Engraved Grief Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 10–12, John 1:29–51 Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, . . . inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever! Job 19:23–24 Today's Scripture & Insight: Job 19:19–27 After receiving the devastating diagnosis of a rare and incurable brain cancer, Caroline found renewed hope and purpose through providing a unique service: volunteering photography services for critically ill children and their families. Through this service, families could capture the precious moments shared with their children,...More Monday, May 9, 2022 The Sunflower Battle Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 7–9, John 1:1–28 In Christ you have been brought to fullness. Colossians 2:10 Today's Scripture & Insight: Colossians 2:6–14 The deer in our neighborhood and I have two different opinions about sunflowers. When I plant sunflowers each spring, I’m looking forward to the beauty of their blooms. My deer friends, however, don’t care about the finished product. They simply want to chew the stems and leaves until there’s nothing left. It’s an annual summertime battle as I try to see the sunflowers to maturity before my four-hoofed neighbors...More Sunday, May 8, 2022 How Great Is Our God! Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 4–6, Luke 24:36–53 Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Psalm 111:2 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 111:1–10 Fingerprints have long been used to identify people, but they can be faked by creating copies. Similarly, the pattern of the iris in the human eye is a reliable source for ID—until someone alters the pattern with a contact lens to skew the results. The use of biometrics to identify individuals can be defeated. So, what qualifies as a unique identifying characteristic? It turns out that...More Saturday, May 7, 2022 Love Like Mom Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 1–3, Luke 24:1–35 Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. 1 Thessalonians 2:7–8 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Thessalonians 2:1–9 Juanita told her nephew about growing up during the Great Depression. Her poor family only had apples to eat, plus whatever wild game her dad might provide. Whenever he bagged a squirrel for dinner, her mom would say, “Give me that squirrel head. That’s all I want to eat. It’s the best piece of meat.” Years later Juanita realized there wasn’t any meat on a squirrel’s...More Friday, May 6, 2022 He Knows Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 21–22, Luke 23:26–56 You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. Psalm 139:1 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 139:1–5 Lea was about to start a job as a nurse in Taiwan. She’d be able to better provide for her family, more than she could in Manila, where job opportunities were limited. On the night before her departure, she gave instructions to her sister, who’d be taking care of her five-year-old daughter. “She’ll take her vitamins if you also give her a spoonful of peanut butter,” Lea explained, “And, remember, she’s shy....More Thursday, May 5, 2022 Our Father Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 19–20, Luke 23:1–25 This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father . . .” Matthew 6:9 COMMENT Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 6:5–13 Most mornings I recite the Lord’s Prayer. I’m not worth much for the new day until I’ve grounded myself in those words. Recently I’d said only the first two words—“Our Father”—when my phone rang. It startled me as it was 5:43 a.m. Guess who? The phone display read “Dad.” Before I had a chance to answer, the call quickly ended. I guessed my dad had called by mistake. Sure enough,...More Wednesday, May 4, 2022 A Heart for Service Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 16–18, Luke 22:47–71 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God. 2 Corinthians 9:13 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Corinthians 9:12–13 A ministry in Carlsbad, New Mexico, supports their community by offering more than 24,000 pounds of free food each month to local residents. The leader of the ministry shared, “People can come here, and we will accept them and meet them right where they are. Our goal is . . . to meet their practical needs to get to their spiritual needs.” As believers in Christ, God...More Tuesday, May 3, 2022 Longing for a Home Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 14–15, Luke 22:21–46 Pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 62:1–8 Anne, the lead character in the Anne of Green Gables stories, longed for a family. Orphaned, she had lost hope of ever finding a place to call home. But then she learned that an older man named Matthew and his sister Marilla would take her in. On the buggy ride to their home, Anne apologized for chattering on and on, but Matthew, a quiet man, said, “You can talk as much as you like. I don’t mind.” This was music...More Monday, May 2, 2022 Father of Lies Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 12–13, Luke 22:1–20 When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44 Today's Scripture & Insight: John 8:39–47 Victor slowly became addicted to pornography. Many of his friends looked at porn, and he fell into it too. But now he understands how wrong it was—he sinned against God—and it crushed his wife. He’s vowed to put safeguards in his life so he’ll never look at it again. Yet he fears it’s too late. Can his marriage be saved? Will he ever be free and fully forgiven? Our...More Sunday, May 1, 2022 Let There Be Light Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 10–11, Luke 21:20–38 God said, “Let there be light.” Genesis 1:3 Today's Scripture & Insight: Genesis 1:1–5 In my daughter’s earliest days, I often named for her the things she encountered. I’d identify objects or allow her to touch something unfamiliar and say the word for her, bringing understanding—and vocabulary—to the vast world she was exploring. Though my husband and I might naturally have expected (or hoped) her first word would be Mama or Daddy, she surprised us with an entirely different first word: her small mouth...More Saturday, April 30, 2022 Servants of the Night Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 8–9, Luke 21:1–19 May the Lord bless you from Zion. Psalm 134:3 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 134 It’s 3 a.m. at an acute-care hospital. A worried patient presses the call button for the fourth time in an hour. The night-shift nurse answers without complaint. Soon another patient is screaming, crying for attention. The nurse isn’t surprised. She requested the night shift five years ago to avoid her hospital’s daytime frenzy. Then the reality hit. Night work often meant taking on extra tasks, such as lifting and turning patients by...More Friday, April 29, 2022 Spiritual Diagnosis Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 6–7, Luke 20:27–47 We will not listen to the message you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord. Jeremiah 44:16 Today's Scripture & Insight: Jeremiah 44:16–18, 20–23 Chemotherapy reduced the tumor in my father-in-law’s pancreas, until it didn’t. As the tumor began to grow again, he was left with a life-and-death decision. He asked his doctor, “Should I take more of this chemo or try something else, perhaps a different drug or radiation?” The people of Judah had a similar life-and-death question. Weary from war and...More Thursday, April 28, 2022 Growing in Faith Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 3–5, Luke 20:1–26 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James‬ ‭1:4 Today's Scripture & Insight: James 1:2–4 At the beginning of my gardening journey, I’d wake up early and run to my vegetable garden to see if anything had sprouted. Nothing. After an internet search for “fast garden growth,” I learned that the seedling stage is the most important phase of a plant’s lifespan. Knowing now that this process couldn’t be rushed, I came to appreciate the strength of small sprouts...More Wednesday, April 27, 2022 Sing Again Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 1–2, Luke 19:28–48 Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Zephaniah 3:14 Today's Scripture & Insight: Zephaniah 3:14–20 Australia’s regent honeyeater bird is in trouble—it’s losing its song. Though once an abundant species, just three hundred birds now remain; and with so few others to learn from, the males are forgetting their unique song and failing to attract mates. Thankfully, conservationists plan to rescue the honeyeaters by singing to them. Or, more precisely, play them recordings of other honeyeaters singing so they...More Tuesday, April 26, 2022 Age Is Just a Number Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 23–24, Luke 19:1–27 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Timothy 4:6–13 Youthfulness shouldn’t stop anyone from achievement. It certainly didn’t stop eleven-year-old Mikaila. Instead of putting up a lemonade stand, Mikaila opened a lemonade business. Me & the Bees Lemonade started with her grandmother’s recipe and eventually earned a $60,000 investment from investors on the...More Monday, April 25, 2022 Pulled to Safety Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 21–22, Luke 18:24–43 He reached down from on high and took hold of me. 2 Samuel 22:17 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Samuel 22:13–20 A little girl waded in a shallow creek while her father watched. Her rubber boots reached her knees. As she sloshed downstream, the water deepened until it flowed over the top of her waders. When she couldn’t take another step, she yelled, “Daddy, I’m stuck!” In three strides, her father was at her side, pulling her to the grassy bank. She yanked her boots off and laughed as water poured onto the...More Sunday, April 24, 2022 Feeling Dusty Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 19–20, Luke 18:1–23 He remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103:14 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 103:13–19 When Warren mentioned during our weekly ministry team call that he was “feeling dusty,” I sensed that this was his way of referencing the physical challenges associated with aging and ill-health. For Warren and his wife, both in their late sixties, 2020 included doctors’ visits, surgical procedures, and the rearranging of their home to accommodate in-home care. They were on the other side of the prime of life and they were...More Saturday, April 23, 2022 What Counts Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 16–18, Luke 17:20–37 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Romans 14:19 Today's Scripture & Insight: Romans 14:13–23 My friend recounted how she’d pointedly been asked by a fellow believer and colleague which political party she belonged to. His aim in asking the question seemed to be to predict whether he agreed with her on any number of issues currently dividing their community. In an effort to find common ground between them, she simply replied, “Since we’re both believers, I’d...More Friday, April 22, 2022 Gratitude on Earth Day Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 14–15, Luke 17:1–19 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. Genesis 2:15 Today's Scripture & Insight: Genesis 2:4–10, 15 Earth Day is an annual event observed on April 22. In recent years, more than one billion people in about two hundred countries have taken part in educational and service activities. Each year, Earth Day is a reminder of the importance of caring for our amazing planet. But the mandate to care for the environment is far older than this annual event—it goes all the way...More Thursday, April 21, 2022 Really Alive Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 12–13, Luke 16 There will be no more death. Revelation 21:4 Today's Scripture & Insight: Revelation 21:1–7 Since it was the week after Easter, our five-year-old son, Wyatt, had heard plenty of resurrection talk. He always had questions—usually real stumpers. I was driving, and he was buckled into his seat behind me. Wyatt peered out the window, deep in thought. “Daddy,” he said, pausing and preparing to ask me a tough one. “When Jesus brings us back to life, are we going to be really alive—or just alive in our...More Wednesday, April 20, 2022 Love Is Worth the Risk Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 9–11, Luke 15:11–32 If you love me, keep my commands. John 14:15 Today's Scripture & Insight: John 21:15–19 After a friend ended our decade-long friendship without explanation, I began slipping back into my old habit of keeping people at arms’ length. While processing my grief, I pulled a tattered copy of The Four Loves by C. S. Lewis off my shelf. Lewis makes a powerful observation about love requiring vulnerability. He states there’s “no safe investment” when a person risks loving. He suggests that loving “anything [will lead to]...More Tuesday, April 19, 2022 Come and Worship Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 6–8, Luke 15:1–10 Assemble the people—men, women and children, and the foreigners residing in your towns. Deuteronomy 31:12 Today's Scripture & Insight: Deuteronomy 31:9–13 As they sang praise songs together in the multi-generational worship service, many experienced joy and peace. But not a frazzled mother. As she jiggled her baby, who was on the verge of crying, she held the songbook for her five-year-old while trying to stop her toddler from running off. Then an older gentleman sitting behind her offered to walk the toddler around the...More Monday, April 18, 2022 Witness in the Workplace Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 3–5, Luke 14:25–35 If you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 1 Peter 2:20 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Peter 2:11–21 “Are you still upset that I want to reduce the size of your favorite department?” Evelyn’s manager asked. “No.” She tightened her jaw. She was more frustrated that he seemed to be teasing her about it. She’d been trying to help the company by finding ways to draw in different interest groups, but limited space made this nearly impossible. Evelyn fought back tears, but she made...More Sunday, April 17, 2022 This Changes Everything Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 1–2, Luke 14:1–24 Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 15:20 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Corinthians 15:12–26 Jaroslav Pelikan, longtime Yale professor considered one of “his generation’s preeminent authorities on Christian history,” was renowned for his extensive academic career. He published more than thirty books and won the esteemed Kluge Prize as a lifetime award for his voluminous writing. One of his students, however, recounted what he considered his...More Saturday, April 16, 2022 Not So Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 30–31, Luke 13:23–35 All those who knew him...stood at a distance, watching these things. Luke 23:49 Today's Scripture & Insight: Luke 23:49–56 “I wanted somehow to make it not so,” lamented the man, eulogizing a friend who died young. His words gave poignancy to humanity’s ageless heart-cry. Death stuns and scars us all. We ache to undo what can’t be undone. The longing to “make it not so” might well describe how Jesus’ followers felt after His death. The Gospels say little about those awful hours, but they do record...More Friday, April 15, 2022 His Cross of Peace Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 27–29, Luke 13:1–22 A certain man from Cyrene...was passing by...and they forced him to carry the cross. Mark 15:21 Today's Scripture & Insight: Mark 15:16–24 Somber eyes peer out from the painting Simon of Cyrene by contemporary Dutch artist Egbert Modderman. Simon’s eyes reveal the immense physical and emotional burden of his responsibility. In the biblical account from Mark 15, we learn that Simon was pulled from the watching crowd and forced to carry Jesus’ cross. Mark tells us that Simon was from Cyrene, a big city in...More Thursday, April 14, 2022 “And It Was Night” Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 25–26, Luke 12:32–59 As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night. John 13:30 Today's Scripture & Insight: John 13:21–32 Elie Wiesel’s book Night starkly confronts us with the horrors of the Holocaust. Based on his own experiences in Nazi death camps, Wiesel’s account flips the biblical story of the Exodus. While Moses and the Israelites escaped slavery at the first Passover (Exodus 12), Wiesel tells of the Nazis arresting Jewish leaders following Passover. Lest we criticize Wiesel and his dark irony,...More Wednesday, April 13, 2022 Carried by Love Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 22–24, Luke 12:1–31 I have made you and I will carry you. Isaiah 46:4 Today's Scripture & Insight: Isaiah 46:1–10 My four-year-old grandson sat on my lap and patted my bald head, studying it intently. “Papa,” he asked, “What happened to your hair?” “Oh,” I laughed, “I lost it over the years.” His face turned thoughtful: “That’s too bad,” he responded. “I’ll have to give you some of mine.” I smiled at his compassion and pulled him close for a hug. Reflecting later on his love for me in that cherished...More Tuesday, April 12, 2022 Like Us, for Us Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 19–21, Luke 11:29–54 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way. Hebrews 2:17 Today's Scripture & Insight: Hebrews 2:10–18 Derek noticed his son didn’t want to take off his shirt to swim and realized it was because he was self-conscious about a birthmark that covers parts of his chest, belly, and left arm. Determined to help his son, Derek underwent a lengthy and painful tattooing process to create an identical mark on his own body. Derek’s love for his son reflects God’s love for His sons and...More Monday, April 11, 2022 Making Every Moment Count Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 17–18, Luke 11:1–28 Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. Matthew 24:42 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 24:36–44 The halted hands of a pocket watch in a library’s archives at the University of North Carolina tell a harrowing tale. They mark the exact moment (8:19 and 56 seconds) the watch’s owner Elisha Mitchell slipped and fell to his death at a waterfall in the Appalachian Mountains on the morning of June 27, 1857. Mitchell, a professor at the university, was gathering data to...More Sunday, April 10, 2022 A King on a Donkey Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 15–16, Luke 10:25–42 See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey. Matthew 21:5 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 21:1–11 It was Sunday—the day we now call Palm Sunday. Without a doubt, this wasn’t Jesus’ first visit to Jerusalem. As a devout Jew, He would’ve gone to the city every year for the three great feasts (Luke 2:41–42; John 2:13; 5:1). In the past three years, Christ had also ministered and taught in Jerusalem. But this Sunday His coming into the city was radically different. By riding a young...More Saturday, April 9, 2022 Chatty Bus Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 13–14, Luke 10:1–24 Let your conversation be always full of grace. Colossians 4:6 Today's Scripture & Insight: Colossians 4:2–6 In 2019, the Oxford Bus Company launched the instantly popular “Chatty Bus,” a bus with designated people on board willing to talk with interested passengers. The route was initiated in response to government research which found that 30 percent of Britons go at least one day each week without a meaningful conversation. Many of us have likely experienced the loneliness that comes from not having...More Friday, April 8, 2022 Permanent Address Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 10–12, Luke 9:37–62 One thing I ask from the Lord...that I may dwell in the house of the Lord. Psalm 27:4 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 27:1–6 Not long ago we moved to a new home just a short distance from our old one. Despite the close proximity, we still needed to load all of our belongings onto a moving truck because of the timing of the financial transactions. Between the sale and purchase, our furnishings stayed on the truck and our family found temporary lodging. During that time, I was surprised to discover how “at home” I...More Thursday, April 7, 2022 Real Hospitality Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 7–9, Luke 9:18–36 Offer hospitality to one another . . . use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:9–10 Today's Scripture & Insight: Genesis 24:12–20 “Kumain ka na ba?” (Have you eaten?) This is what you’ll always hear as a visitor in many homes in the Philippines, where I’m from. It’s the Filipino way of expressing care and kindness for our guests. And regardless of your reply, your host will always prepare something for you to eat....More Wednesday, April 6, 2022 Parking Lot Quarrel Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 4–6, Luke 9:1–17 Do not merely listen to the word . . . . Do what it says. James 1:22 Today's Scripture & Insight: James 1:19–27 The scene in the parking lot might have been funny if it wasn’t so tragic. Two drivers were arguing loudly over one of their cars that was blocking the passage of the other, and harsh words were being exchanged. What made it especially painful to watch was that this quarrel was taking place in the parking lot of a church. The two men had possibly just heard a sermon about love, patience, or forgiveness,...More Tuesday, April 5, 2022 A Good Work Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 1–3: Luke 8:26–56 He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 139:13–24 As a teenager, Charles Spurgeon wrestled with God. He’d grown up going to church, but what was preached seemed bland and meaningless. It was a struggle for him to believe in God, and Charles, in his own words, “rebelled and revolted.” One night a fierce snowstorm forced the sixteen-year-old Spurgeon to seek shelter in a tiny Methodist church. The pastor’s sermon...More Monday, April 4, 2022 Wise Counsel Bible in a Year: Ruth 1–4, Luke 8:1–25 The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. Exodus 18:18 Today's Scripture & Insight: Exodus 18:13–22 While attending seminary, I was working full-time. Add to that a chaplaincy rotation and an internship at a church. I was busy. When my father visited me, he said, “You’re going to have a breakdown.” I shrugged off his warning thinking he was of another generation and didn’t understand goal-setting. I didn’t have a breakdown. But I did experience a very rough, dry season in which I fell into...More Sunday, April 3, 2022 God’s Great Love Bible in a Year: Judges 19–21, Luke 7:31–50 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. Lamentations 3:22 Today's Scripture & Insight: Lamentations 3:19–26 When a friend asked me to speak with teenage girls at a workshop promoting purity, I declined. As a teenage runaway, I struggled and had decades of scars caused by my immorality. After getting married and losing our first child to a miscarriage, I thought God was punishing me for my past sins. When I finally surrendered my life to Christ at the age of thirty, I confessed...More Saturday, April 2, 2022 Built Together to Serve Bible in a Year: Judges 16–18, Luke 7:1–30 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. Ephesians 4:16 nlt Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Corinthians 12:18–30 In rural Amish culture, the building of a barn is a social event. It would take months for a single farmer and his family to construct a barn, but the Amish, doing it together, make quick work of it. Lumber is stocked ahead of time; tools are prepped. On the designated day, the entire Amish community gathers early, divvies up tasks, and together pitches in to raise a barn—sometimes in a single...More Friday, April 1, 2022 Witness Marks Bible in a Year: Judges 13–15, Luke 6:27–49 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. Romans 15:2 Today's Scripture & Insight: Romans 15:1–6 “See that?” The clock repairman pointed his flashlight beam on a small, fine mark roughly engraved inside the old grandfather clock he was working on in our home. “Another repairman could have put that there almost a century ago,” he said. “It’s called a ‘witness mark,’ and it helps me know how to set the mechanism.” Before the age of technical bulletins and repair...More Thursday, March 31, 2022 God’s Embassy Bible in a Year: Judges 11–12, Luke 6:1–26 When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Luke 14:13–14 Today's Scripture & Insight: Luke 14:7–14 Ludmilla, a widow aged eighty-two, has declared her home in the Czech Republic an “Embassy of the Kingdom of Heaven,” saying, “My home is an extension of Christ’s kingdom.” She welcomes strangers and friends who are hurting and in need with loving hospitality, sometimes providing food and a place to sleep—always with a compassionate and prayerful spirit....More Wednesday, March 30, 2022 God Cleans the Stains Bible in a Year: Judges 9–10, Luke 5:17–39 Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. Isaiah 1:18 Today's Scripture & Insight: Isaiah 1:10–18 What if our clothes were more functional, having the ability to clean themselves after we dropped ketchup or mustard or spilled a drink on them? Well, according to the BBC, engineers in China have developed a special “coating which causes cotton to clean itself of stains and odors when exposed to ultraviolet lights.” Can you imagine the...More Tuesday, March 29, 2022 Past the Boundaries of Knowing Bible in a Year: Judges 7–8, Luke 5:1–16 We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Corinthians 4:7–18 It was a hard day when my husband found out that, like so many others, he too would soon be furloughed from employment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We believed that God would meet our basic needs, but the uncertainty of how that would happen was still terrifying. As I processed my jumbled emotions, I found myself...More Monday, March 28, 2022 His Peace Bible in a Year: Judges 4–6, Luke 4:31–44 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3 Today's Scripture & Insight: Isaiah 26:3–7 For several months, I coped with intense workplace politics and intrigues. Worrying is second nature to me, so I was surprised to find myself at peace. Instead of feeling anxious, I was able to respond with a calm mind and heart. I knew that this peace could come only from God. In contrast, there was another period in my life when everything was going well—and yet I felt...More Sunday, March 27, 2022 The Essence of Prayer Bible in a Year: Judges 1–3, Luke 4:1–30 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Peter 5:6–11 When Abraham Lincoln became president of the United States, he was tasked with leading a fractured nation. Lincoln is viewed as a wise leader and a man of high moral character, but another element to his makeup, perhaps, was the foundation for everything else. He understood that he was inadequate for the task at hand. His response to that inadequacy? Lincoln said, “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the...More Saturday, March 26, 2022 A Life of Integrity Bible in a Year: Joshua 22–24, Luke 3 The integrity of the upright guides them. Proverbs 11:3 Today's Scripture & Insight: Proverbs 11:1–3 Abel Mutai, a Kenyan runner competing in a grueling international cross-country race, was mere yards from victory—his lead secure. Confused by the course’s signage and thinking he’d already crossed the finish line, however, Mutai stopped short. The Spanish runner in second place, Ivan Fernandez Anaya, saw Mutai’s mistake. Rather than take advantage and bolt past for the win, however, he caught up to Mutai, put out his arm and...More Friday, March 25, 2022 Where’s God? Bible in a Year: Joshua 19–21, Luke 2:25–52 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 Today's Scripture & Insight: Jeremiah 29:4–7, 10–14 In Martin Handford’s Where’s Waldo? books, a series of children’s puzzle books first created in 1987, the elusive character wears a red and white striped shirt and socks with a matching hat, blue jeans, brown boots, and glasses. Handford has cleverly hidden Waldo in plain sight within the busy illustrations filled with crowds of characters at various locations around the world. Waldo...More Thursday, March 24, 2022 And Seven Others Bible in a Year: Joshua 16–18, Luke 2:1–24 Believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. James 2:1 Today's Scripture & Insight: James 2:1–4 Tragedy struck near Los Angeles in January 2020 when nine people died in a helicopter crash. Most news stories began something like this, “NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna (“Gigi”), and seven others lost their lives in the accident.” It’s natural and understandable to focus on the well-known people involved in a horrible situation like this—and the deaths of Kobe and his...More Wednesday, March 23, 2022 God’s Good Glue Bible in a Year: Joshua 13–15, Luke 1:57–80 God made...all the creatures that move along the ground. Genesis 1:25 Today's Scripture & Insight: Genesis 1:20–25 Scientists from Penn State University recently engineered a new kind of glue that’s both extremely strong and also removable. Their design is inspired by a snail whose slime hardens in dry conditions and loosens again when wet. The reversible nature of the snail’s slime allows it to move freely in more humid conditions—safer for the snail—while keeping it securely planted in its environment when movement...More Tuesday, March 22, 2022 Keep It Simple Bible in a Year: Joshua 10–12, Luke 1:39–56 Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. Acts 8:35 Today's Scripture & Insight: Acts 8:26–35 The email was short but urgent. “Request salvation. I would like to know Jesus.” What an astonishing request. Unlike reluctant friends and family who hadn’t yet received Christ, this person didn’t need convincing. My task was to quiet my self-doubt about evangelizing and simply share key concepts, Scriptures, and trusted resources that addressed this man’s plea. From there, by...More Monday, March 21, 2022 Lost to the Past Bible in a Year: Joshua 7–9, Luke 1:21–38 Everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work. Exodus 35:21 Today's Scripture & Insight: Exodus 39:1–7 Upset with the corruption and extravagance plaguing his kingdom, Korea’s King Yeongjo (1694–1776) decided to change things. In a classic case of throwing out the baby with the bathwater, he banned the traditional art of gold-thread embroidery as excessively opulent. Soon, knowledge of that intricate process vanished into the past. In 2011, Professor...More Sunday, March 20, 2022 Rising to Dance Bible in a Year: Joshua 4–6, Luke 1:1–20 The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable. 1 Corinthians 15:42 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Corinthians 15:35–44 In a widely shared video, an elegant elderly woman sits in a wheelchair. Once a famed ballet dancer, Marta González Saldaña now suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. But something magical happens when Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake is played to her. As the music builds, her frail hands slowly rise; and as the first trumpets blast, she starts performing from her chair. Though her mind and body are...More Saturday, March 19, 2022 Reclaiming Our Time Bible in a Year: Joshua 1–3, Mark 16 I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten. . . . You will have plenty to eat, until you are full. Joel 2:25–26 Today's Scripture & Insight: Joel 2:21–27 My mother shared with me how she chose not to attend college so she could marry my father in the 1960s, but she always held on to her dream of becoming a home economics teacher. Three children later, though she never received a college degree, she did become a nutritionist aide for the state of Louisiana’s health system. She cooked meals to demonstrate healthier meal...More Friday, March 18, 2022 Little Foxes Bible in a Year: Deuteronomy 32–34, Mark 15:26–47 Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards. Song of Songs 2:15 Today's Scripture & Insight: Song of Songs 2:3–15 A pilot couldn’t fit his tea into the cupholder, so he set it on the center console. When the plane hit turbulence, the drink spilled onto the control panel, shutting off an engine. The flight was diverted and landed safely, but when it happened again to a crew from a different airline two months later, the manufacturer realized there was a problem. The plane cost $300 million, but...More Thursday, March 17, 2022 Preparing a Place for Us Bible in a Year: Deuteronomy 30–31, Mark 15:1–25 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:3 Today's Scripture & Insight: John 14:1–4 Our family was planning to get a puppy, so my eleven-year-old daughter researched for months. She knew what the dog should eat and how to introduce it to our new home—among myriad other details. Turns out puppies do best, she told me, if they’re introduced to one room at a time. So we carefully prepared a spare bedroom. I’m sure there...More Wednesday, March 16, 2022 Thanks, but No Thanks Bible in a Year: Deuteronomy 28–29, Mark 14:54–72 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. 2 Corinthians 6:14 Today's Scripture & Insight: Ezra 4:1–5, 24 A Christian school for autistic children in India received a big donation from a corporation. After checking that there were no strings attached, they accepted the money. But later, the corporation requested to be represented on the school board. The school director returned the money. She refused to allow the values of the school to be compromised. She said, “It’s more important to do God’s work in God’s...More Wednesday, March 16, 2022 The Fierce Struggle Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 24–25, John 5:1–24 Our struggle is...against the powers of this dark world. Ephesians 6:12 Today's Scripture & Insight: Ephesians 6:10–20 In 1896, an explorer named Carl Akeley found himself in a remote section of Ethiopia, chased by an eighty-pound leopard. He remembered the leopard pouncing, trying “to sink her teeth into my throat.” She missed, snagging his right arm with her vicious jaws. The two rolled in the sand—a long, fierce struggle. Akeley weakened, and “it became a question of who would give up first.” Summoning his last...More Tuesday, March 15, 2022 No Formula Needed Bible in a Year: Deuteronomy 26–27, Mark 14:27–53 Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 5:13–16 When Jen was young, her well-intentioned Sunday school teacher instructed the class in evangelism training, which included memorizing a series of verses and a formula for sharing the gospel. She and a friend nervously tried this out on another friend, fearful they’d forget an important verse or step. Jen doesn’t “remember if the evening ended in...More Monday, March 14, 2022 Justice and Jesus Bible in a Year: Deuteronomy 23–25, Mark 14:1–26 What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 Today's Scripture & Insight: Micah 6:1–8 Caesar Augustus (63 bc–ad 14), the first emperor of Rome, wanted to be known as a law-and-order ruler. Even though he built his empire on the back of slave labor, military conquest, and financial bribery, he restored a measure of legal due process and gave his citizens Iustitia, a goddess our justice system today refers to as Lady Justice. He also called for a census...More Sunday, March 13, 2022 Warts and All Bible in a Year: Deuteronomy 20–22, Mark 13:21–37 Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13 Today's Scripture & Insight: Colossians 3:12–15 Oliver Cromwell, known as the “Protector of England,” was a military commander in the seventeenth century. It was common practice during those days for people of importance to have their portraits painted. And it wasn’t unusual for an artist to avoid depicting the less attractive aspects of a person’s face. Cromwell, however, wanted nothing to do with a likeness that would flatter him. He cautioned the artist,...More Saturday, March 12, 2022 Love Song Bible in a Year: Deuteronomy 17–19, Mark 13:1–20 He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 Today's Scripture & Insight: Zephaniah 3:9–17 It’s a quiet riverside park on a Saturday afternoon. Joggers pass by, fishing rods whirl, seagulls fight over fish and chip wrappers, and my wife and I sit watching the couple. They are maybe in their late forties and are speaking a language unknown to us. She sits gazing into his eyes while he, without a hint of self-consciousness,...More Friday, March 11, 2022 Tackling Indecision Bible in a Year: Deuteronomy 14–16, Mark 12:28–44 In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6 Today's Scripture & Insight: Proverbs 3:5–8 We live in a world that offers a wide range of choices—from paper towels to life insurance. In 2004, psychologist Barry Schwartz wrote a book titled The Paradox of Choice in which he argued that while freedom of choice is important to our well-being, too many choices can lead to overload and indecision. While the stakes are certainly lower when deciding on which paper towel to buy, indecision...More Thursday, March 10, 2022 Revelation and Reassurance Bible in a Year: Deuteronomy 11–13, Mark 12:1–27 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 Today's Scripture & Insight: Philippians 4:1–7 Baby-gender reveals in 2019 were dramatic. In July, a video showed a car emitting blue smoke to indicate, “It’s a boy!” In September, a crop-duster plane in Texas dumped hundreds of gallons of pink water to announce, “It’s a girl!” There was another “reveal,” though, that uncovered significant things about the...More Wednesday, March 9, 2022 All Creatures Great and Small Bible in a Year: Deuteronomy 8–10, Mark 11:19–33 You, Lord, preserve both people and animals. Psalm 36:6 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 36:5–10 Michelle Grant trained a baby beaver named Timber to return to the wild. When she took him for swims in a pond, he’d come back to her kayak to snuggle and rub noses. One morning Timber didn’t return. Michelle scoured the pond for six hours before giving up. Weeks later she found a beaver skull. Assuming it was Timber, she began to cry. My soul ached for Michelle and Timber. I told myself, “Snap out of it....More Tuesday, March 8, 2022 Beautiful Feet Bible in a Year: Deuteronomy 5–7, Mark 11:1–18 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news. Isaiah 52:7 Today's Scripture & Insight: Isaiah 52:7–10 John Nash was awarded the Nobel Prize for Economics in 1994, recognizing his pioneering work in mathematics. His equations have since been used by businesses around the world in understanding the dynamics of competition and rivalry. A book and a full-length movie have documented his life and refer to him as having “a beautiful mind”—not because his brain had any particular aesthetic...More Monday, March 7, 2022 Willing to Wait Bible in a Year: Deuteronomy 3–4, Mark 10:32–52 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. James 5:7 Today's Scripture & Insight: James 5:7–12 Waiting can be a culprit in stealing our peace. According to computer scientist Ramesh Sitaraman, few things “inspire universal frustration and ire” in internet users as waiting for a sluggish web browser to load. His research says that we’re willing to wait an average of two seconds...More Sunday, March 6, 2022 Tongue-Tied in Prayer Bible in a Year: Deuteronomy 1–2, Mark 10:1–31 We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26 Today's Scripture & Insight: Romans 8:22–27 When my baby brother underwent surgery, I was concerned. My mother explained that “tongue-tie” (ankyloglossia) was a condition he was born with and that without help, his ability to eat and eventually to speak would be hindered. Today we use the term tongue-tied to describe being at a loss for words or too shy to speak. Sometimes we can be...More Saturday, March 5, 2022 Safe Hands Bible in a Year: Numbers 34–36, Mark 9:30–50 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble. Psalm 32:7 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 32 Like the unraveling of a rope, the threads of Doug Merkey’s life were breaking one by one. “My mother had lost her prolonged battle with cancer; a long-term romantic relationship was failing; my finances were depleted; my vocation was foggy. . . . The emotional and spiritual darkness around me and within me was deep and debilitating and seemingly impenetrable,” the pastor and sculptor wrote. These collective...More Friday, March 4, 2022 Unshakable Faith Bible in a Year: Numbers 31–33, Mark 9:1–29 Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions. Luke 12:15 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 6:19–24 Kevin walked into the nursing facility after his dad passed away to pick up his belongings. The staff handed him two small boxes. He said he realized that day that it really didn’t take an abundance of possessions to be happy. His dad, Larry, had been carefree and always ready with a smile and an encouraging word for others. The reason for his happiness was another “possession” that didn’t fit...More Thursday, March 3, 2022 Encouraged in God Bible in a Year: Numbers 28–30, Mark 8:22–38 Saul’s son Jonathan went to David . . . and helped him find strength in God. 1 Samuel 23:16 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Samuel 23:15–24 In 1925, Langston Hughes, an aspiring writer working as a busboy at a hotel, discovered that a poet he admired (Vachel Lindsey) was staying there as a guest. Hughes shyly slipped Lindsey some of his own poetry, which Lindsey later praised enthusiastically at a public reading. Lindsey’s encouragement resulted in Hughes receiving a university scholarship, furthering him on his way to...More Wednesday, March 2, 2022 Managing Our Gifts Bible in a Year: Numbers 26–27, Mark 8:1–21 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others. 1 Peter 4:10 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Peter 4:7–11 In 2013, British actor David Suchet was filming the final TV episodes as Agatha Christie’s beloved Belgian detective Hercule Poirot—and also starring in a stage play—when he took on “the biggest role in [his] life.” Between those projects he recorded an audio version of the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation—752,702 words—over two hundred hours. Suchet, who became a...More Tuesday, March 1, 2022 A Friendly Conversation Bible in a Year: Numbers 23–25, Mark 7:14–37 [Pray for me] that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. Ephesians 6:19 Today's Scripture & Insight: Ephesians 6:18–20 Catherine and I were good friends in high school. When we weren’t talking on the phone, we were passing notes in class to plan our next sleepover. Sometimes we rode horses together and partnered on school projects. One Sunday afternoon, I started to think about Catherine. My pastor had spoken that morning about how to have eternal life, and I knew my friend didn’t...More Monday, February 28, 2022 Choosing Celebration Bible in a Year: Numbers 20–22, Mark 7:1–13 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Peter 2:1–3, 9–10 Writer Marilyn McEntyre shares the story of learning from a friend that “the opposite of envy is celebration.” Despite this friend’s physical disability and chronic pain, which limited her ability to develop her talents in the ways she’d hoped, she was somehow able to uniquely embody joy and to celebrate with others, bringing “appreciation into every encounter” before she passed...More Sunday, February 27, 2022 The Joy of Good News Bible in a Year: Numbers 17–19, Mark 6:30–56 The Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news. Isaiah 61:1 Today's Scripture & Insight: Isaiah 61:1–7 One evening in 1964, the Great Alaska earthquake shocked and writhed for more than four minutes, registering a 9.2 magnitude. In Anchorage, whole city blocks disappeared, leaving only massive craters and rubble. Through the dark, terrifying night, news reporter Genie Chance stood at her microphone, passing along messages to desperate people sitting by their radios: a husband working in the bush heard that his wife was...More Saturday, February 26, 2022 Part of the Family Bible in a Year: Numbers 15–16, Mark 6:1–29 You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household. Ephesians 2:19 Today's Scripture & Insight: Ephesians 2:19–22 Downton Abbey was a popular British television drama that followed the fictional Crawley family as they navigated a changing social structure in early 1900s England. One of the key characters, Tom Branson, initially worked as the family’s chauffeur before shocking everyone by marrying the youngest Crawley daughter. Following a period of...More Friday, February 25, 2022 Avoid the Door Bible in a Year: Numbers 12–14, Mark 5:21–43 Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house. Proverbs 5:8 Today's Scripture & Insight: Proverbs 5:1–14 The dormouse’s nose twitched. Something tasty was nearby. Sure enough, the scent led to a birdfeeder full of delicious seed. The dormouse climbed down the chain to the feeder, slipped through the door, and ate and ate all night. Only in the morning did he realize the trouble he was in. Birds now pecked at him through the feeder’s door, but having gorged on the seed, he was now twice his size...More Thursday, February 24, 2022 Follow the Leader Bible in a Year: Numbers 9–11, Mark 5:1–20 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Corinthians 10:23–11:1 No words. Just music and moving. During a twenty-four-hour Zumba marathon amid the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of people from around the globe worked out together and virtually followed instructors from India, China, Mexico, America, South Africa, parts of Europe, and several other places. These diverse individuals were able to move together without any language barriers. Why? Because instructors...More Wednesday, February 23, 2022 The Challenge of the Stars Bible in a Year: Numbers 7–8, Mark 4:21–41 What is mankind that you are mindful of them? Psalm 8:4 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 8 In the early twentieth century, Italian poet F. T. Marinetti launched Futurism, an artistic movement that rejected the past, scoffed at traditional ideas of beauty, and glorified machinery instead. In 1909, Marinetti wrote his Manifesto of Futurism, in which he declared “contempt for women,” praised “the blow with the fist,” and asserted, “We want to glorify war.” The manifesto concludes: “Standing on the world’s...More Tuesday, February 22, 2022 Love Your Loved Ones Bible in a Year: Numbers 4–6, Mark 4:1–20 If he comes to you, welcome him. Colossians 4:10 Today's Scripture & Insight: Colossians 4:7–10 Amos was an overbearing extrovert, and Danny was a loner wracked with self-doubt. Somehow these eccentric geniuses became best friends. They spent a decade laughing and learning together. One day their work would receive a Nobel Prize. But Danny tired of Amos’ self-centered ways and told him they were no longer friends. Three days later, Amos called with terrible news. Doctors had found cancer and given him six...More

Monday, February 21, 2022 Never Say “Can’t” Bible in a Year: Numbers 1–3, Mark 3 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say. Exodus 4:12 Today's Scripture & Insight: Exodus 3:7–10; 4:10–15 Jen was born without legs and abandoned at the hospital. Yet she says being put up for adoption was a blessing. “I am here because of the people who poured into me.” Her adoptive family helped her to see she was “born like this for a reason.” They raised her to “never say ‘can’t’ ” and encouraged her in all her pursuits—including becoming an accomplished acrobat and aerialist! She...More Sunday, February 20, 2022 Leaning into God Bible in a Year: Leviticus 26–27, Mark 2 Pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Thessalonians 5:12–24 Harriet Tubman couldn’t read or write. As an adolescent, she suffered a head injury at the hands of a cruel slave master. That injury caused her to have seizures and lapses of consciousness for the rest of her life. But once she escaped slavery, God used her to rescue as many as three hundred others. Nicknamed “Moses” by those she freed, Harriet bravely made nineteen trips back to the pre-Civil War South to rescue others....More Saturday, February 19, 2022 Spotting God Bible in a Year: Leviticus 25, Mark 1:23–45 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3 Today's Scripture & Insight: Isaiah 26:3–4 A pirouette is a graceful spin that’s executed by ballerinas and contemporary dancers alike. As a child, I loved to do pirouettes in my modern dance class, whirling round and round until I was dizzy in the head and fell to the ground. As I got older, a trick I learned to help me maintain my balance and control was “spotting”—identifying a single point for my eyes to...More Friday, February 18, 2022 Lift Bible in a Year: Leviticus 23–24, Mark 1:1–22 Be strong and very courageous. Joshua 1:7 Today's Scripture & Insight: Joshua 1:1–9 During our tour of an aircraft carrier, a jet fighter pilot explained that planes need a 56-kilometer-per-hour wind to take off on such a short runway. To reach this steady breeze, the captain turns his ship into the wind. “Shouldn’t the wind come from the plane’s back?” I asked. The pilot answered, “No. The jets must fly into the wind. That’s the only way to achieve lift.” God called Joshua to lead His people...More Thursday, February 17, 2022 Being Seen Bible in a Year: Leviticus 21–22, Matthew 28 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. Acts 9:26 Today's Scripture & Insight: Acts 9:26–30 In an article on mentoring, Hannah Schell explains that mentors need to support, challenge, and inspire, but “first, and perhaps foremost, a good mentor sees you. . . . Recognition, not in terms of awards or publicity but in the sense of simply ‘being seen,’ is a basic human need.” People need to be recognized, known, and...More Wednesday, February 16, 2022 Wise Advice Bible in a Year: Leviticus 19–20, Matthew 27:51–66 The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. Proverbs 12:15 Today's Scripture & Insight: Proverbs 6:20–23 When the roof of Paris’ Notre-Dame Cathedral caught fire in April 2019, its ancient wood beams and lead sheeting created a furnace so hot it couldn’t be contained. After the cathedral’s spire dramatically fell, attention turned to its bell towers. If the giant steel bells’ wooden frames also burned, their collapse would bring both towers down, leaving the cathedral in...More Tuesday, February 15, 2022 We Are One Bible in a Year: Leviticus 17–18, Matthew 27:27–50 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2 Today's Scripture & Insight: Romans 12:1–5 In a small farming community, news travels fast. Several years after the bank sold the farm David’s family had owned for decades, he learned the property would be available for sale. After much sacrifice and saving, David arrived at the auction and joined a crowd of nearly two hundred local farmers. Would David’s meager bid be enough? He placed the first bid,...More Monday, February 14, 2022 The Power of Love Bible in a Year: Leviticus 15–16, Matthew 27:1–26 Many waters cannot quench love. Song of Songs 8:7 Today's Scripture & Insight: Song of Songs 8:6–7 Two octogenarians, one from Germany and the other from Denmark, were an unlikely couple. They had each enjoyed sixty years of marriage before being widowed. Though living only fifteen minutes apart, their homes were in separate countries. Still, they fell in love, regularly cooking meals and spending time together. Sadly, in 2020, due to the coronavirus, the Danish government closed the border crossing. Undeterred,...More Sunday, February 13, 2022 Not Forgotten Bible in a Year: Leviticus 14, Matthew 26:51–75 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. Hebrews 6:10 Today's Scripture & Insight: Hebrews 6:9–12 When we think of historic, trailblazing missionaries, the name of George Liele (1750–1820) doesn’t leap to mind. Perhaps it should. Born into slavery, Liele came to Christ in Georgia and gained his freedom prior to the American Revolutionary War. He took the message of Jesus to Jamaica, ministering to the slaves in the...More Saturday, February 12, 2022 Living by Faith Bible in a Year: Leviticus 13, Matthew 26:26–50 We live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Samuel 17:32, 40–47 Gary was experiencing some balance issues while walking, so his doctor ordered physical therapy to improve his balance. During one session his therapist told him, “You’re trusting too much in what you can see, even when it’s wrong! You’re not depending enough on your other systems—what you feel under your feet and your inner-ear signals—which are also meant to help keep you...More Friday, February 11, 2022 The Voice of the Father Bible in a Year: Leviticus 11–12, Matthew 26:1–25 This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Matthew 3:17 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 3:13–17 My friend’s father died recently. When he got sick, his condition deteriorated quickly, and in a matter of days he was gone. My friend and his dad always had a strong relationship, but there were still so many questions to be asked, answers to be sought, and conversations to be had. So many unsaid things, and now his father is gone. My friend is a trained counselor: he knows the ups and downs of...More Thursday, February 10, 2022 His Amazing Help Bible in a Year: Leviticus 8–10, Matthew 25:31–46 [God] spreads the snow like wool. Psalm 147:16 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 147:8–17 The sheriff marveled at the prayers, estimating “hundreds of thousands or maybe millions of prayers” were lifted to God for help as the East Troublesome Fire raged through the mountains of Colorado in the fall of 2020. Living up to its name, the blaze consumed 100,000 acres in twelve hours, roaring through tinder-dry forests, burning three hundred homes to the ground, and threatening entire towns in its path. Then came...More Wednesday, February 9, 2022 Mortality and Humility Bible in a Year: Leviticus 6–7, Matthew 25:1–30 What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4:14 Today's Scripture & Insight: James 4:7–17 Ancient scholars Jerome and Tertullian referenced stories of how in ancient Rome, after a general triumphed in an epic victory, he would be paraded atop a gleaming chariot down the capital’s central thoroughfares from dawn to sunset. The crowd would roar. The general would bask in the adoration, reveling in the greatest honor of his life. However, legend has it that a servant...More Tuesday, February 8, 2022 Success and Sacrifice Bible in a Year: Leviticus 4–5, Matthew 24:29–51 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. 1 John 3:16 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 John 3:11–18 During a summer study program, my son read a book about a boy who wanted to climb an Alpine mountain in Switzerland. Practicing for this goal occupied most of his time. When he finally set off for the summit, things didn’t go as planned. Partway up the slope, a teammate became sick and the boy decided to stay behind to help instead of achieving his goal. In the classroom, my...More Monday, February 7, 2022 Getting What We Want Bible in a Year: Leviticus 1–3, Matthew 24:1–28 Adonijah . . . put himself forward and said, “I will be king.” 1 Kings 1:5 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Kings 1:5, 32–37 Aaron Burr anxiously awaited the result of the tie-breaking vote from the US House of Representatives. Deadlocked with Thomas Jefferson in the 1800 race for the presidency, Burr had reason to believe that the House would declare him the winner. However, he lost, and bitterness gnawed at his soul. Nurturing grievances against Alexander Hamilton for not supporting his candidacy, Burr killed...More Sunday, February 6, 2022 Sweet Sleep Bible in a Year: Exodus 39–40, Matthew 23:23–39 When you lie down, you will not be afraid [and] your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:24 Today's Scripture & Insight: Proverbs 3:19–24 When my friend Floss lies awake at night, she thinks about the lyrics of the hymn “My Jesus I Love Thee.” She calls it her “middle-of-the-night” song because it helps her to remember God’s promises and the many reasons she loves Him. Sleep is a necessary—but sometimes elusive—part of life. At times we may sense the voice of the Holy Spirit bringing unconfessed...More Saturday, February 5, 2022 Not for Our Comfort Bible in a Year: Exodus 36–38,Matthew 23:1–22 We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3–4 Today's Scripture & Insight: Romans 5:1–11 Dan was riding his motorcycle when a car swerved into his lane and pushed him into oncoming traffic. When he woke up two weeks later in the trauma center, he was “a mess.” Worst of all, he suffered a spinal cord injury that left him a paraplegic. Dan prayed for healing, but it never came. Instead, he believes God has...More Friday, February 4, 2022 The Wonder of Creation Bible in a Year: Exodus 34–35, Matthew 22:23–46 Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it.” Genesis 1:11 Today's Scripture & Insight: Genesis 1:9–13 While Tim was hiking on Root Glacier in Alaska, he came across something he’d not seen before. Though Tim studies glaciers professionally, the vast number of small balls of moss were completely unfamiliar to him. After tracking the bright green balls for many years, Tim and his colleagues discovered that, unlike moss on trees, the...More Thursday, February 3, 2022 A Fresh Start Bible in a Year: Exodus 31–33, Matthew 22:1–22 If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Corinthians 5:16–20 Chinese New Year celebrations are observed by Chinese families everywhere. These festivities are tied to the lunar calendar, usually falling somewhere in late January to mid-February. These times for family reunions come with many traditions—some of great significance. Buying and donning new clothes, giving our homes a good cleaning, and paying off...More Wednesday, February 2, 2022 A Humble Posture Bible in a Year: Exodus 29–30, Matthew 21:23–46 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” Psalm 16:2 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 16 “Keep your hands behind your back. You’ll be fine.” That’s the loving admonition Jan’s husband always gave before she ventured off to speak to a group. When she found herself trying to impress people or seeking to control a situation, she’d adopt this posture because it put her in a teachable, listening frame of mind. She used it to remind herself to love those before her and to be...More Tuesday, February 1, 2022 Love Wherever We Go Bible in a Year: Exodus 27–28, Matthew 21:1–22 Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 25:31–40 I sat on the pier during a vacation, reading my Bible and watching my husband fish. A young man approached us, suggesting we use different bait. He glanced at me as he fidgeted from one foot to another and said, “I’ve been in jail.” He pointed to my Bible and sighed, “Do you think God really cares about people like me?” Opening to Matthew 25, I...More Monday, January 31, 2022 Unapologetic Tears Bible in a Year: Exodus 25–26, Matthew 20:17–34 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Luke 7:38 Today's Scripture & Insight: Luke 7:36–44 “I’m sorry,” Karen said, apologizing for her flowing tears. After the death of her husband, she stretched herself to care for her teenage kids. When men from church provided a weekend camping excursion to entertain them and give her a break, Karen wept with gratitude, apologizing over and over for her tears. Why do so many of us apologize for our tears? Simon, a...More Sunday, January 30, 2022 Unanswered Prayers Bible in a Year: Exodus 23–24, Matthew 20:1–16 How long, Lord, how long? Psalm 6:3 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 6 Are we there yet? Not yet. Are we there yet? Not yet. That was the back-and-forth game we played on the first (and definitely not the last) sixteen-hour trip back home to Arkansas from Colorado when our children were young. Our oldest two kept the game alive and well, and if I had a dollar for every time they asked, well, I’d have a stack of dollars. It was a question my children were obsessed with, but I (the driver) was equally obsessed...More Saturday, January 29, 2022 Perfect Like Christ Bible in a Year: Exodus 21–22, Matthew 19 Be perfect . . . as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 19:16–26 “Perfectionism is one of the scariest words I know,” Kathleen Norris writes, thoughtfully contrasting modern-day perfectionism with the “perfection” described in the book of Matthew. Modern-day perfectionism she describes as “a serious psychological affliction that makes people too timid to take necessary risks.” But the word translated “perfect” in Matthew actually means mature, complete,...More Friday, January 28, 2022 In God We Put Our Trust Bible in a Year: Exodus 19–20, Matthew 18:21–35 Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. Jeremiah 17:7 Today's Scripture & Insight: Jeremiah 17:5–8 The baby wasn’t due for another six weeks, but the doctor had just diagnosed Whitney with cholestasis, a liver condition common in pregnancy. In a whirlwind of emotions, Whitney was taken to the hospital where she received treatment and was told her baby would be induced in twenty-four hours! In another part of the hospital, ventilators and other equipment needed for the onslaught of...More Thursday, January 27, 2022 Not Holding Grudges Bible in a Year: Exodus 16–18, Matthew 18:1–20 Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:18 Today's Scripture & Insight: Romans 12:12–21 During a promotional event in 2011, two seventy-three-year-old former Canadian Football League players got into a fistfight on stage. They had a “beef” (a grudge or feud) dating back to a controversial championship football game in 1963. After one man knocked the other off the stage, the crowd called out to him to “let it go!”...More Wednesday, January 26, 2022 True Happiness Bible in a Year: Exodus 14–15, Matthew 17 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. Ecclesiastes 3:12 Today's Scripture & Insight: Ecclesiastes 3:9–14 In the tenth century, Abd al-Rahman III was the ruler of Cordoba, Spain. After fifty years of successful reign (“beloved by my subjects, dreaded by my enemies, and respected by my allies”), al-Rahman took a deeper look at his life. “Riches and honors, power and pleasure, have waited on my call,” he said of his privileges. But when he counted how many days...More Tuesday, January 25, 2022 Loving God Bible in a Year: Exodus 12–13, Matthew 16 We know and rely on the love God has for us. 1 John 4:16 Today's Scripture & Insight: 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in...More Monday, January 24, 2022 The Potter’s Wheel Bible in a Year: Exodus 9–11, Matthew 15:21–39 The pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Jeremiah 18:4 Today's Scripture & Insight: Jeremiah 18:1–6 In 1952, in an effort to prevent clumsy or careless people from breaking items in a shop, a Miami Beach storeowner posted a sign that read: “You break it, you buy it.” The catchy phrase served as a warning to shoppers. This type of sign can now be seen in many boutiques. Ironically, a different sign might be...More Sunday, January 23, 2022 This Is Grace Bible in a Year: Exodus 7–8, Matthew 15:1–20 God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah. Acts 2:36 Today's Scripture & Insight: 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as...More Saturday, January 22, 2022 Hiding from God Bible in a Year: Exodus 4–6, Matthew 14:22–36 The Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” Genesis 3:9 Today's Scripture & Insight: 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. 8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God...More Friday, January 21, 2022 Give While You Live Bible in a Year: Exodus 1–3, Matthew 14:1–21 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. John 9:4 Today's Scripture & Insight: John 9:1–12 A successful businessman spent the last few decades of his life doing all he could to give away his fortune. A multibillionaire, he donated cash to a variety of causes such as bringing peace to Northern Ireland and modernizing Vietnam’s health care system; and not long before he died, he spent $350 million to turn New York City’s Roosevelt Island into a technology hub. The man said, “I believe...More Thursday, January 20, 2022 Love of Learning Bible in a Year: Genesis 49–50, Matthew 13:31–58 Let the wise listen and add to their learning. Proverbs 1:5 Today's Scripture & Insight: Proverbs 1:1–7 When asked how he became a journalist, a man shared the story of his mother’s dedication to his pursuit of education. While traveling on the subway each day, she collected newspapers left behind on seats and gave them to him. While he especially enjoyed reading about sports, the papers also introduced him to knowledge about the world, which ultimately opened his mind to a vast range of interests....More Wednesday, January 19, 2022 Stay Awake! Bible in a Year: Genesis 46–48, Matthew 13:1–30 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 26:36–46 A German bank employee was in the middle of transferring 62.40 euros from a customer’s bank account when he accidentally took a power nap at his desk. He dozed off while his finger was on the “2” key, resulting in a 222 million euro (300 million dollar) transfer into the customer’s account. The fallout from the mistake included the firing of the...More Tuesday, January 18, 2022 Love’s Greatest Gift Bible in a Year: Genesis 43–45, Matthew 12:24–50 We all, like sheep, have gone astray. Isaiah 53:6 Today's Scripture & Insight: Isaiah 53:1–6 My son Geoff was leaving a store when he saw an abandoned walking frame (a mobility aid) on the ground. I hope there isn’t a person back there who needs help, he thought. He glanced behind the building and found a homeless man unconscious on the pavement. Geoff roused him and asked if he was okay. “I’m trying to drink myself to death,” he responded. “My tent broke in a storm, and I lost everything. I...More Monday, January 17, 2022 Brave Your Storm Bible in a Year: Genesis 41–42, Matthew 12:1–23 [Fix your] eyes on Jesus, . . . so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2–3 Today's Scripture & Insight: Hebrews 12:1–3, daily-bread-2022.php" title="12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.">12- 13 It was the evening of April 3, 1968, and a fierce thunderstorm was lashing through Memphis, Tennessee. Weary and...More Sunday, January 16, 2022 Darkness and Light Bible in a Year: Genesis 39–40, Matthew 11 I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12 Today's Scripture & Insight: John 3:1–2, 16–20 As I sat in the courtroom, I witnessed several examples of the brokenness of our world: a daughter estranged from her mother; a husband and wife who’d lost the love they once had and now shared only bitterness; a husband who yearned to be reconciled with his wife and to be reunited with his children. They desperately needed changed hearts, healed...More Saturday, January 15, 2022 Life by Death Bible in a Year: Genesis 36–38, Matthew 10:21–42 When I see the blood, I will pass over you. Exodus 12:13 Today's Scripture & Insight: Exodus 12:5–13 Carl was battling cancer and needed a double lung transplant. He asked God for new lungs but felt odd doing so. He confessed it’s a strange thing to pray, because “someone has to die so I might live.” Carl’s dilemma highlights a basic truth of Scripture: God uses death to bring life. We see this in the story of the exodus. Born into slavery, the Israelites languished under the oppressive...More Friday, January 14, 2022 Practice What You Preach Bible in a Year: Genesis 33–35, Matthew 10:1–20 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22 Today's Scripture & Insight: James 1:19–27 I started reading the Bible to my sons when my youngest, Xavier, entered kindergarten. I would look for teachable moments and share verses that would apply to our circumstances and encourage them to pray with me. Xavier memorized Scripture without even trying. If we were in a predicament in which we needed wisdom, he’d blurt out verses that shined a light on God’s...More Thursday, January 13, 2022 A Ludicrous Investment Bible in a Year: Genesis 31–32, Matthew 9:18–38 I knew that this was the word of the Lord; so I bought the field. Jeremiah 32:8–9 Today's Scripture & Insight: Jeremiah 32:6–15 In 1929, as the US economy crashed, millions of people lost everything. But not Floyd Odlum. As everyone else panicked and sold their stocks at cut-rate prices, Odlum appeared to foolishly jump in and purchase stocks just as the nation’s future disintegrated. But Odlum’s “foolish” perspective paid off, yielding robust investments that endured for decades. God told...More Wednesday, January 12, 2022 Hearing Us from Heaven Bible in a Year: Genesis 29–30, Matthew 9:1–17 Hear from heaven their prayer and their plea. 1 Kings 8:45 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Kings 8:37–45 At eighteen months old, little Maison had never heard his mother’s voice. Then doctors fitted him with his first hearing aids and his mom, Lauryn, asked him, “Can you hear me?” The child’s eyes lit up. “Hi, Baby!” Lauryn added. A smiling Maison responded to his mother with soft coos. In tears, Lauryn knew she’d witnessed a miracle. She’d given birth to Maison prematurely after gunmen shot...More Tuesday, January 11, 2022 Escape or Peace? Bible in a Year: Genesis 27–28, Matthew 8:18–34 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 Today's Scripture & Insight: ">John 16:25–33 “ESCAPE.” The billboard shouts the benefits of having a hot tub installed. It gets my attention— and gets me thinking. My wife and I have talked about getting a hot tub . . . someday. It’d be like a vacation in our backyard! Except for the cleaning. And the electric bill. And . . . suddenly, the...More Monday, January 10, 2022 Etch A Sketch Forgiveness Bible in a Year: Genesis 25–26, Matthew 8:1–17 As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 103:7–13 The little red rectangular box was magical. As a kid, I could play with it for hours. When I turned one knob on the box, I could create a horizontal line on its screen. Turn the other knob and voila—a vertical line. When I turned the knobs together, I could make diagonal lines, circles, and creative designs. But the real magic came when I turned my Etch A Sketch toy...More Sunday, January 9, 2022 Washed Bible in a Year: Genesis 23–24, Matthew 7 You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 6:11 Today's Scripture & Insight: Titus 3:3–7 My friend Bill described Gerard, an acquaintance of his, as being “very far from God for a very long time.” But one day, after Bill met with Gerard and explained to him how God’s love has provided the way for us to be saved, Gerard became a believer in Jesus. Through tears, he repented of his sin and gave his life to Christ. Afterward, Bill asked Gerard how...More Saturday, January 8, 2022 Drawn Near Bible in a Year: Genesis 20–22, Matthew 6:19–34 Tell your brother Aaron that he is not to come whenever he chooses into the Most Holy Place. Leviticus 16:2 Today's Scripture & Insight: Leviticus 16:1–5 In the wake of the coronavirus, retrieving something from my safety deposit box required even more layers of protocol than before. Now I had to make an appointment, call when I arrived to be granted entrance to the bank, show my identification and signature, and then wait to be escorted into the vault by a designated banker. Once inside, the heavy doors locked again...More Friday, January 7, 2022 Genuine Hope Bible in a Year: Genesis 18–19, Matthew 6:1–18 He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Peter 1:3-9 In the early 1960s, the US was filled with anticipation of a bright future. Youthful President John F. Kennedy had introduced the New Frontier, the Peace Corps, and the task of reaching the moon. A thriving economy caused many people to expect the future to simply “let the good times roll.” Then the war in Vietnam escalated, national unrest unfolded, Kennedy was...More Thursday, January 6, 2022 Dealing with Disagreement Bible in a Year: Genesis 16–17, Matthew 5:27–48 Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13 Today's Scripture & Insight: Colossians 3:12–14 The social media powerhouse Twitter created a platform where people all over the world express opinions in short sound bites. In recent years, however, this formula has become more complex as individuals have begun to leverage Twitter as a tool to reprimand others for attitudes and lifestyles they disagree with. Log on to the platform on any given day, and you’ll find the name of at least one person “trending.”...More Wednesday, January 5, 2022 Back to the Basics Bible in a Year: Genesis 13–15, Matthew 5:1–26 Give up your violence and oppression and do what is just and right. Ezekiel 45:9 Today's Scripture & Insight: Ezekiel 45:9–10, 17–20 Resolutions, it seems, are made to be broken. Some folks poke fun at this reality by proposing New Year’s vows that are—shall we say—attainable. Here are a few from social media: Wave to fellow motorists at stoplights. Sign up for a marathon. Don’t run it. Stop procrastinating—tomorrow. Get lost without any help from...More Tuesday, January 4, 2022 Resilient Faith Bible in a Year: Genesis 10–12, Matthew 4 Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. Matthew 7:26 Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 7:24–27 Towering dunes along the north shore of Silver Lake put nearby homes at risk of sinking into shifting sands. Though residents tried moving mounds of sand in efforts to protect their homes, they watched helplessly as well-built houses were buried right before their eyes. As a local sheriff oversaw the cleanup of a recently destroyed cottage, he...More Monday, January 3, 2022 When Love Never Ends Bible in a Year: Genesis 7–9; Matthew 3 The Lord watches over all who love him. Psalm 145:20 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 145:8–20 “Whenever my grandfather took me to the beach,” Sandra reminisced, “he always took off his watch and put it away. One day I asked him why.” “He smiled and replied, ‘Because I want you to know how important my moments with you are to me. I just want to be with you and let time go by.’ ” I heard Sandra share that recollection at her grandfather’s funeral. It was one of her favorite memories of...More Sunday, January 2, 2022 Fresh Start Effect Bible in a Year: Genesis 4–6, Matthew 2 [Put] on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Colossians 3:10 Today's Scripture & Insight: Colossians 3:1–10 When Bryony turned thirty, she was sad to still be in a sales job she’d never liked. She decided it was time to stop procrastinating and find a new career. For David, New Year’s Eve had him looking in the mirror vowing this would be the year he lost weight. And for James, it was watching another month pass without his angry outbursts decreasing. Next month, he promised...More Saturday, January 1, 2022 The Word and a New Year Bible in a Year: Genesis 1–3, Matthew 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 Today's Scripture & Insight: John 1:1–14 Michellan faced challenges while growing up in the Philippines, but she always loved words and found comfort in them. Then one day while attending university, she read the first chapter in the gospel of John, and her “stone heart stirred.” She felt like someone was saying, “Yes, you love words, and guess what? There is an Eternal Word, one who . . . can cut through the darkness, now...More Friday, December 31, 2021 One Day Closer to Christmas Bible in a Year: Malachi 1–4, Revelation 22 Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20 Today's Scripture & Insight: Philippians 3:15–21 “I can’t believe Christmas is over,” my dejected daughter said. I know how she feels: The aftermath of Christmas can feel dreary. Presents have been opened. The tree and lights must come down. Listless January—and, for many, the need to shed holiday pounds—awaits. Christmas—and the breathless anticipation that comes with it—suddenly feels...More Thursday, December 30, 2021 Better Than Gold Bible in a Year: Zechariah 13–14, Revelation 21 [Wisdom] is a tree of life to those who take hold of her. Proverbs 3:18 Today's Scripture & Insight: Proverbs 3:13–18 When gold seeker Edward Jackson set out for California during the Great Gold Rush in the US, his diary entry on May 20, 1849, lamented his grueling wagon journey, marked by disease and death. “O do not leave my bones here,” he wrote. “If possible let them lay at home.” Another gold-seeker named John Walker penned, “It is the most complete lottery that you can imagine . . . . I cannot advise...More Wednesday, December 29, 2021 Lion, Lamb, Savior! Bible in a Year: Zechariah 9–12, Revelation 20 The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. Revelation 5:5 Today's Scripture & Insight: Revelation 5:1–7 Two stately stone lions watch over the entrance to the New York Public Library. Hewn from marble, they’ve stood there proudly since the library’s dedication in 1911. They were first nicknamed Leo Lenox and Leo Astor to honor the library’s founders. But during the Great Depression, New York’s Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia renamed them Fortitude and Patience, virtues he thought New Yorkers...More Tuesday, December 28, 2021 Great Wisdom Bible in a Year: Zechariah 5–8, Revelation 19 Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear. Jude 1:22–23 Today's Scripture & Insight: Jude 1:17–23 “The shepherd needs great wisdom and a thousand eyes,” wrote the beloved church father John Chrysostom, “to examine the soul’s condition from every angle.” Chrysostom wrote these words as part of a discussion on the complexity of caring well for others spiritually. Since it’s impossible to force anyone to heal, he emphasized, reaching...More Monday, December 27, 2021 God’s Right Hand Bible in a Year: Zechariah 1–4, Revelation 18 I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13 Today's Scripture & Insight: Isaiah 41:8–13 I helped my elderly dog, Wilson, out to the grass and in the process, I released the leash of our younger dog, Coach, for just a minute. As I bent to pick up Coach’s lead, he spied a bunny. Off he went, ripping the leash from my right hand and corkscrewing my ring finger in the process. I fell to the grass and cried out in pain. After returning from...More Sunday, December 26, 2021 Timely Resolution Bible in a Year: Haggai 1–2, Revelation 17 Settle matters quickly with your adversary. Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 5:21–26 The unresolved hurt between Simon and Geoffrey had persisted for years, and Simon’s attempts to reenter the relationship had been resisted. Upon hearing the news of the death of Geoffrey’s mother, Simon traveled “up country” in Kenya to attend her funeral service. Simon reflected on their encounter: “I had no expectations at all in terms of how the whole thing would turn out, [but] after the service, we opened up and had a fruitful...More Saturday, December 25, 2021 Christmas Child Bible in a Year: Zephaniah 1–3, Revelation 16 He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. Philippians 2:7 Today's Scripture & Insight: Philippians 2:6–11 Imagine the One who made cedars spring from seeds starting life over as an embryo; the One who made the stars submitting Himself to a womb; the One who fills the heavens becoming what would be in our day a mere dot on an ultrasound. Jesus, in very nature God, making Himself nothing (Philippians 2:6–7). What an astonishing thought! Imagine the scene as...More Friday, December 24, 2021 The Prince of Peace Bible in a Year: Habakkuk 1–3, Revelation 15 And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 Today's Scripture & Insight: Isaiah 9:1–7 When John’s cold turned into pneumonia, he ended up in the hospital. At the same time, his mother was being treated for cancer a few floors above him, and he felt overwhelmed with worries about her and about his own health. Then on Christmas Eve, when the radio played the carol “O Holy Night,” John was flooded with a deep sense of God’s peace. He listened to the words...More Thursday, December 23, 2021 How They’ll Know Bible in a Year: Nahum 1–3, Revelation 14 The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. Acts 11:26 Today's Scripture & Insight: Acts 11:19–26 “The Gathering” in northern Thailand is an interdenominational, international church. On a recent Sunday, believers in Jesus from Korea, Ghana, Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, the US, the Philippines, and other countries came together in a humble, thread-worn hotel conference room. They sang “In Christ Alone” and “I Am a Child of God,” lyrics that were especially poignant in that setting. No one...More Wednesday, December 22, 2021 Virtual Presence Bible in a Year: Micah 6–7, Revelation 13 Though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit. Colossians 2:5 Today's Scripture & Insight: Colossians 2:1–5 As the novel coronavirus marched across the globe, health experts advised increased physical distance between people as a means to slow the spread. Many countries asked their citizens to self-quarantine or shelter in place. Organizations sent employees home to work remotely if they could, while others suffered a financially debilitating loss of employment. Like others, I participated in church...More Tuesday, December 21, 2021 God’s Compass Bible in a Year: Micah 4–5, Revelation 12 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105 Today's Scripture & Insight: ">Psalm 119:105–112 During World War II, Waldemar Semenov was serving as a junior engineer aboard the SS Alcoa Guide when—nearly three hundred miles off the coast of North Carolina—a German submarine surfaced and opened fire on the ship. The ship was hit, caught fire, and began to sink. Semenov and his crew lowered a lifeboat into the water and used the vessel’s compass to sail toward the shipping lanes. After three days,...More Monday, December 20, 2021 Fear Not Bible in a Year: Micah 1–3, Revelation 11 Do not be afraid...a Savior has been born to you. Luke 2:10–11 Today's Scripture & Insight: Luke 2:8–14 Linus, in the Peanuts comic strip, is best known for his blue security blanket. He carries it everywhere and isn’t embarrassed at needing it for comfort. His sister Lucy especially dislikes the blanket and often tries to get rid of it. She buries it, makes it into a kite, and uses it for a science fair project. Linus too knows he should be less dependent on his blanket and lets it go from time to time, always to take...More Sunday, December 19, 2021 Remembered in Prayer Bible in a Year: Jonah 1–4, Revelation 10 Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her. Genesis 30:22 Today's Scripture & Insight: Genesis 30:1–2, 22–24 In the large African church, the pastor fell to his knees, praying to God. “Remember us!” As the pastor pleaded, the crowd responded, crying, “Remember us, Lord!” Watching this moment on YouTube, I was surprised that I shed tears too. The prayer was recorded months earlier. Yet it recalled childhood times when I heard our family’s pastor make the same plea to God. “Remember us,...More Saturday, December 18, 2021 Well Done! Bible in a Year: Obadiah, Revelation 9 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Timothy 4:1–8 The school where my son Brian coaches football lost the state title game in a hard-fought battle. Their opponent was undefeated over the past two years. I sent Brian a text to commiserate with him and received a terse reply: “Kids battled!” No coach shamed the players after the game. No one shouted at them for their mishaps or bad decisions along the way. No, the coaches showered...More Friday, December 17, 2021 Beautifully Broken Bible in a Year: Amos 7–9, Revelation 8 I am forgotten as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery. Psalm 31:12 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 31:12–24 Our bus finally arrived at our much-anticipated destination—an archaeological dig in Israel where we would actually do some excavation work of our own. The site’s director explained that anything we might unearth had been untouched for thousands of years. Digging up broken shards of pottery, we felt as though we were touching history. After an extended time, we were led to a workstation where...More Thursday, December 16, 2021 What Are You? Bible in a Year: Amos 4–6, Revelation 7 In Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. Galatians 3:26 Today's Scripture & Insight: Galatians 3:26–4:7 When I walked into the ice cream shop with my five-year-old biracial son, the man behind the counter glanced at me and stared at my child. “What are you?” His question and harsh tone triggered the all-too-familiar anger and heartache I’d experienced growing up as a Mexican-American who didn’t fit stereotypes. Pulling Xavier closer, I turned toward my Black husband as he entered the store....More Wednesday, December 15, 2021 I Am His Hands Bible in a Year: Amos 1–3, Revelation 6 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” 1 Corinthians 12:21 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Corinthians 12:12–21 Jia Haixia lost his sight in the year 2000. His friend Jia Wenqi lost his arms as a child. But they’ve found a way around their disabilities. “I am his hands and he is my eyes,” Haixia says. Together, they’re transforming their village in China. Since 2002 the friends have been on a mission to regenerate a wasteland near their home. Each day Haixia climbs on Wenqi’s back to cross a...More Tuesday, December 14, 2021 What Should I Say? Bible in a Year: Joel 1–3, Revelation 5 I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king. Nehemiah 2:4–5 Today's Scripture & Insight: Nehemiah 2:1–6 When I stopped to browse through a box of books marked “C. S. Lewis” at a used bookshop, the store owner appeared. As we chatted about the available titles, I wondered if he might be interested in the faith that inspired much of Lewis’ writing. I prayed silently for guidance. Information from a biography came to mind, and we began to discuss how C. S. Lewis’ character pointed to God. In the end, I was...More Monday, December 13, 2021 A Worthwhile Wait Bible in a Year: Hosea 12–14, Revelation 4 The Lord longs to be gracious to you....Blessed are all who wait for him! Isaiah 30:18 Today's Scripture & Insight: Isaiah 30:15–19 Stuck in a stressful job with long hours and an unreasonable boss, James wished he could quit. But he had a mortgage, a wife, and a young child to take care of. He was tempted to resign anyway, but his wife reminded him: “Let’s hang on and see what God will give us.” Many months later, their prayers were answered. James found a new job that he enjoyed and gave him more time...More Sunday, December 12, 2021 Heroes, Tyrants, and Jesus Bible in a Year: Hosea 9–11, Revelation 3 I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Corinthians 2:1–10 Beethoven was angry. He’d intended to name his Third Symphony “The Bonaparte.” In an age of religious and political tyranny, he saw Napoleon as a hero of the people and champion of freedom. But when the French general declared himself emperor, the celebrated composer changed his mind. Denouncing his former hero as a rascal and tyrant, he rubbed so hard to erase...More Saturday, December 11, 2021 Caring for Those in Need Bible in a Year: Hosea 5–8, Revelation 2 I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land. Deuteronomy 15:11 Today's Scripture & Insight: Deuteronomy 15:7–11 Elvis Summers answered the door to find Smokey, a frail woman who stopped by regularly to ask for empty cans to return for cash. This money was her primary source of income. Elvis got an idea. “Could you show me where you sleep?” he asked. Smokey led him to a narrow patch of dirt about two feet wide next to a house. Moved by compassion, Summers built her a...More Friday, December 10, 2021 Rescued from Powerful Enemies Bible in a Year: Hosea 1–4, Revelation 1 [God] rescued me from my powerful enemy. 2 Samuel 22:18 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Samuel 22:17–20 In 2010, at the age of ninety-four, George Vujnovich was awarded the bronze star for organizing what the New York Times called “one of the greatest rescue efforts of World War II.” Vujnovich, son of Serbian immigrants to the US, had joined the US Army. When word arrived that downed American airmen were being protected by rebels in Yugoslavia, Vujnovich returned to his family’s homeland, parachuting into the forest to...More Thursday, December 9, 2021 A Great Multitude Bible in a Year: Daniel 11–12, Jude Before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language. Revelation 7:9 Today's Scripture & Insight: Revelation 7:9–12 We came together for our Sunday morning church service with joy and anticipation. Although we were spatially distanced because of the coronavirus pandemic, we welcomed the opportunity to celebrate Gavin and Tijana’s wedding. Our technologically gifted Iranian friends broadcast the service to friends and family spread out geographically—including in Spain, Poland,...More Wednesday, December 8, 2021 Stay Together Bible in a Year: Daniel 8–10, 3 John Keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3 Today's Scripture & Insight: Ephesians 4:1–6 Dewberry Baptist Church split in the 1800s over a chicken leg. Various versions of the story exist, but the account told by a current member was that two men fought over the last drumstick at a church potluck. One man said God wanted him to have it. The other replied God didn’t care, and he really wanted it. The men became so furious that one moved a couple kilometers down the road and started Dewberry Baptist...More Tuesday, December 7, 2021 The Perfect Name Bible in a Year: Daniel 5–7, 2 John The Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 Today's Scripture & Insight: Isaiah 7:10–17 On a hot and humid day one August, my wife gave birth to our second son. But he remained nameless as we struggled to settle on a given name. After spending many hours in ice cream shops and taking long car rides, we still couldn’t decide. He was simply “Baby Williams” for three days before finally being named Micah. Choosing the right name can...More Monday, December 6, 2021 Cheerful Giver Bible in a Year: Daniel 3–4, 1 John 5 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 Nicholas, who was born in the third century, had no idea that centuries after his death he would be known as Santa Claus. He was just a man who loved God and genuinely cared for people and who was known for giving cheerfully of his own possessions and doing kind deeds. The story is told that after learning of a family who was in...More Sunday, December 5, 2021 Illustrating Scripture Bible in a Year: Daniel 1–2, 1 John 4 We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. Psalm 78:4 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 78:1–8 Decorative blue and white ceramic tiles commonly found in Dutch households were originally made in the city of Delft. They often depict familiar scenes of the Netherlands: beautiful landscapes, ubiquitous windmills, and people working and playing. In the nineteenth century, Charles Dickens wrote in his book A Christmas Carol how these tiles were used to...More Saturday, December 4, 2021 Generation Now Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 47–48, 1 John 3 Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord. 2 Kings 20:2 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Kings 20:1–19 “Never trust anyone over thirty,” said young environmentalist Jack Weinberg in 1964. His comment stereotyped an entire generation—something Weinberg later regretted. Looking back, he said, “Something I said off the top of my head . . . became completely distorted and misunderstood.” Have you heard disparaging comments aimed at millennials? Or vice versa? Ill thoughts directed from one...More Friday, December 3, 2021 True Identity Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 45–46, 1 John 2 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! 1 John 3:1 Today's Scripture & Insight: 4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He that...More Thursday, December 2, 2021 Celebrating Diversity Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 42–44, 1 John 1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 133 At the 2019 graduation ceremony at a local high school, 608 students prepared to receive their diplomas. The principal began by asking students to stand when he read the name of the country where they were born: Afghanistan, Bolivia, Bosnia . . . . The principal kept going until he’d named sixty countries and every student was standing and cheering together. Sixty countries; one high...More Wednesday, December 1, 2021 We Need Our Church Community Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 40–41, 2 Peter 3 [Let us] not [give] up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but [encourage] one another. Hebrews 10:25 Today's Scripture & Insight: Hebrews 10:19–25 I grew up the firstborn son of a Southern Baptist preacher. Every Sunday the expectation was clear: I was to be in church. Possible exceptions? Maybe if I had a significant fever. But the truth is, I absolutely loved going, and I even went a few times feverish. But the world has changed, and the numbers for regular church attendance are not what they used to be....More Tuesday, November 30, 2021 A Great Light Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 37–39, 2 Peter 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. Isaiah 9:2 Today's Scripture & Insight: Isaiah 9:1–3 In 2018, twelve Thai boys and their soccer coach descended into a mazelike cave, intending to enjoy an afternoon adventure. Due to unexpected rising water that forced them deeper and deeper into the cavern, it was two-and-a-half weeks before rescuers led them out. Dive teams, thwarted by rising water, attempted the rescue as the boys sat on a small rock shelf with only six flickering flashlights. They spent hours in...More

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