Ben had bought pirated computer software for years, simply because it was cheaper. Even though it was illegal and broke copyright laws, he didn’t feel that it was morally wrong. After all, everyone did it, and why should he buy expensive original software? Who would check?
\nAfter hearing a talk on daily examples of living by God’s standards, however, Ben, a new believer growing in the faith, began to wonder, What does it mean to do the right thing?
\nBen decided to replace all his software with original versions. It cost a lot more, but, as he explained to his friends, “God knows. And He calls us to do what’s right, right?”
\nIn Amos 7, God reminded the Israelites that His standards were impartial and absolute and applied to all, including His favored nation. His laws and moral standards were like “a plumb line” (v. 8)—a weighted line used by builders to ensure structural integrity by showing if a wall wasn’t being built perfectly vertical.
\nWhile He may extend mercy, God can’t compromise His justice—which is why He sent His Son Jesus to die in our place as payment for our sin. The Bible shows us whether we’re walking in His way or not. By His grace, God helps those who believe in Jesus to live in a way that pleases Him and brings honor to Him—to do what’s right.
\n","excerpt":"Ben had bought pirated computer software for years, simply because it was cheaper. Even though it was illegal and broke copyright laws, he didn’t fell that it was morally wrong. After all, everyone did it, and why should he buy expensive original software? Who would check?
\r\nAfter hearing a talk on daily examples of living by God’s standards, however, Ben, a new believer growing in the faith, began to wonder, What does it mean to do the right thing?
\r\nBen decided to replace all his software with original versions. It cost a lot more, but, as he explained to his friends, “God knows. And He calls us to do what’s right, right?”
\r\nIn Amos 7, God reminded the Israelites that His standards were impartial and absolute. There was to be no compromise: they applied to all, including His favored nation. His laws and moral standards were like “a plumb line” (v. 8)—a weighted line used by builders to ensure structural integrity by showing if a wall wasn’t being built perfectly vertical.
\r\nWhile He may extend mercy, God can’t compromise His justice—which is why He sent His Son Jesus to die in our place as payment for our sin. The Bible shows us whether we’re walking in His way or not. By His grace, God helps those who believe in Jesus to live in a way that pleases Him and brings honor to Him—to do what’s right.
","insights":"Observing how the writers of the Bible arranged their material aids us in our understanding of Scripture. In Amos 1-6, the prophet’s messages are prefaced with “this is what the Lord says” (see 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 13) or some other call to “hear” what God has to say (see 3:1; 4:1). In Amos 7, there’s a noticeable shift from “words” spoken by God Himself to “visions” God “showed” the prophet (v. 1). This pattern continues for the remainder of the book (see 8:1; 9:1). The visions of chapter 7 include a plumbline used to see if a wall was straight (vv. 7-8). It represented a standard for correctness. The standard for correct living for believers in Jesus is Christ Himself. The apostle John says, “Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked” (1 John 2:6 esv).
","passage":"Amos 7:1-9","passage_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Amos+7%3A1-9","passage_reference":"Amos 7:1-9","response":"What aspects of our lives can we apply God’s plumb line to? What would “living rightly” look like in your life?
","thought":"Dear Father, You’ve called me to be holy like Your Son, Jesus. Please teach and help me to honor You in all things great and small.
","verse":"Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people. Amos 7:8
\r\n","insight_question":"","author_name":"Leslie Koh","lang_author_name":"","author_link":"https://odb.org/author/lesliekoh/","slug":"doing-right","insights_author":"1848657","insights_author_name":"Arthur Jackson","insights_author_id":"1848657","image_url":"https://d626yq9e83zk1.cloudfront.net/files/2026/07/odb20260721.jpg","audio_url":"https://dzxuyknqkmi1e.cloudfront.net/odb/2026/07/odb-07-21-26.mp3","brandName":"Our Daily Bread","preheader_text":"Ben had bought pirated computer software for years, simply because it was cheaper....","sku_listname":"EEN100","brand_logo_url":"https://odb.org/wp-content/themes/odbm-base-ourdailybread/images/odb_logo.svg","language":"en_US","date_id":1784592000000},{"status":"publish","site_id":"1","date":1784678400000,"title":"Rhythms of Joy","author":"1668557","bible_in_a_year":"Psalms 31-32; Acts 23:16-35","bible_in_a_year_references":"Psalms 31-32; Acts 23:16-35","bible_in_a_year_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+31-32%3B+Acts+23%3A16-35","content":"A scientific study—which sought to explore how much of people’s musical sensitivity is cultural and how much of it is instinctual—played drum rhythms for newborn babies while monitoring their brain wave activity. Occasionally, the researchers would omit a beat from the rhythm. Amazingly, they found the infants’ brain waves spiked right when the note was left out—showing their young minds were already anticipating that beat and reacting to its absence.
\nThe study brings to mind the amazing way that God has created us. He’s even wired us to embrace the wonderful gift of music and respond to it with joy and, as the psalmist David writes in Psalm 30, to respond to God’s grace with music of our own—songs of “praise [to] his holy name” (v. 4).
\nYet pain, exhaustion, regret, or grief can sometimes weigh our hearts down and threaten to silence our songs of praise. Experiencing despair, even fearing death, David pleaded with God to deliver, asking “What is gained if I am silenced? . . . Will the dust praise you?” (v. 9).
\nDavid did experience God’s faithfulness as joy was restored once more, as God turned his “wailing into dancing” and “clothed [him] with joy” (v. 11). As God heals our hearts and fills them with the rhythms of joy we were born to dance to, we too can testify: “Lord my God, I will praise you forever” (v. 12).
\n","excerpt":"A scientific study—which sought to explore how much of people’s musical sensitivity is cultural and how much of it is instinctual—played drum rhythms for newborn babies while monitoring their brain wave activity. Occasionally, the researchers would omit a beat from the rhythm. Amazingly, they found the infants’ brain waves spiked right when the note was left out—showing their young minds were already anticipating that beat and reacting to its absence.
\r\nThe study brings to mind the amazing way that God has created us. He’s even wired us to embrace the wonderful gift of music and respond to it with joy. And, as the psalmist David writes in Psalm 30, to respond to God’s grace with music of our own—songs of “praise to his holy name” (v. 4).
\r\nYet pain, exhaustion, regret, or grief can sometimes weigh our hearts down and threaten to silence our songs of praise. Experiencing despair, even fearing death, David pleaded with God to deliver, asking “What is gained if I am silenced? . . . Will the dust praise you?” (v. 9).
\r\nDavid did experience God’s faithfulness as joy was restored once more, as God turned his “wailing into dancing” and “clothed [him] with joy” (v. 11). As God heals our hearts and fills them with the rhythms of joy we were born to dance to, we too can testify: “Lord my God, I will praise you forever” (v. 12).
","insights":"Psalm 30 is a psalm of praise for the way God had delivered and healed David (vv. 1-3, 9-11). But as commentators Jacobson and Tanner put it, the psalm isn’t just a psalm of praise, but “a psalm about praise” calling hearers to “a complete life of praise.” It’s God’s merciful and restoring character that gives His people reason to live a life of praise (vv. 4-5). To be abandoned by God would be to be “silenced” (v. 9). But because God turns “wailing into dancing” (v. 11), we have reason to “praise [Him] forever” (v. 12). As we praise Him, God can fill our hearts with rhythms of joy and give us hope for the days ahead.
","passage":"Psalm 30:4-12","passage_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+30%3A4-12","passage_reference":"Psalm 30:4-12","response":"How has music helped you to experience God’s grace? How has He turned your mourning into dancing?
","thought":"Gracious God, thank You for breathing hope, joy, and new life into my days.
","verse":"You turned my wailing into dancing. Psalm 30:11
\r\n","insight_question":"","author_name":"Monica La Rose","lang_author_name":"","author_link":"https://odb.org/author/monicalarose/","slug":"rhythms-of-joy","insights_author":"1668557","insights_author_name":"Monica La Rose","insights_author_id":"1668557","image_url":"https://d626yq9e83zk1.cloudfront.net/files/2026/07/odb20260722.jpg","audio_url":"https://dzxuyknqkmi1e.cloudfront.net/odb/2026/07/odb-07-22-26.mp3","brandName":"Our Daily Bread","preheader_text":"A scientific study—which sought to explore how much of people’s musica...","sku_listname":"EEN100","brand_logo_url":"https://odb.org/wp-content/themes/odbm-base-ourdailybread/images/odb_logo.svg","language":"en_US","date_id":1784678400000},{"status":"publish","site_id":"1","date":1784764800000,"title":"Prepared to Help","author":"32","bible_in_a_year":"Psalms 33-34; Acts 24","bible_in_a_year_references":"Psalms 33-34; Acts 24","bible_in_a_year_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+33-34%3B+Acts+24","content":"My friend needed to practice parallel parking before her driving test that was coming up soon. I was prayerfully looking for a safe place to teach her when the idea came to go to a neighborhood church with an ample parking lot. After we set up what turned out to be a less-than-ideal practice parking space using folding chairs, she made her first attempt to back into the spot between the chairs.
\nThen the pastor came out with orange cones in hand, similar to the kind used in a driving test. He introduced himself and asked, “Could you use these cones?” He explained that just last week their church family had discussed ways to help neighbors new to the community. “We talked about letting people use these cones in our parking lot for parking practice.” They had prepared to help others, and what a blessing they were for my friend.
\nPrepared to help others. That’s exactly what God did for us and in us. He “prepared in advance” for us to do good works and care for others (Ephesians 2:10). The apostle Paul says, “We are God’s handiwork” (v. 10), so we serve under His direction and for His purposes. Salvation is a gift from God (v. 8), who is “rich in mercy” (v. 4). Our good works are a work of God through us. He’s prepared us and will give us the compassion and wisdom we need to reach out to others.
\n","excerpt":"My friend needed to practice parallel parking before her driving test that was coming up soon. I was praying about and looking for a safe place to teach her when the idea came to go to a neighborhood church with an ample parking lot. After we set up what turned out to be a less-than-ideal practice parking space using folding chairs, she made her first attempt to back into the spot and park between the chairs. The pastor came out with orange cones in hand, which would be similar to the ones used in a driving test, and he introduced himself. He asked, “Could you use these cones?” He continued, “Just last week our church family was talking about ways to help neighbors who are new to our community. And we discussed letting people use these cones in our parking lot for parking practice.” They had prepared to help others, and what a blessing they were for my friend.
\r\nPrepared to help others. That’s what God did for us and in us. He “prepared in advance” for us to do good works and care for others (Ephesians 2:10). The apostle Paul says, “We are God’s handiwork” so we serve under His direction and for His purposes. Salvation is a gift from God, who is “rich in mercy” (vv. 4, 8). Our good works are a work of God through us.
\r\nWe have been prepared by God, and He will give us compassion and wisdom to prepare to reach out to others.
","insights":"The creation account in Genesis says that “God created mankind in his own image” (1:27). Ephesians 2:10 also declares that “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Jesus set the example for us during His earthly ministry by doing “many good works from the Father” (John 10:32). Peter elaborates and says: “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, . . . he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him” (Acts 10:38). The fruit of the Spirit’s work in us is “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). As believers in Christ, the Spirit will provide the opportunities and empowerment to follow in Jesus’ footsteps and do good works.
","passage":"Ephesians 2:1-10","passage_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2%3A1-10","passage_reference":"Ephesians 2:1-10","response":"How has God gifted you? In what ways could you join with others to serve people in your community?
","thought":"Dear God, please help me to see others’ needs and know what You want me to do so You may be seen.
","verse":"We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. Ephesians 2:10
\r\n","insight_question":"","author_name":"Anne Cetas","lang_author_name":"","author_link":"https://odb.org/author/annecetas/","slug":"prepared-to-help","insights_author":"67","insights_author_name":"Alyson Kieda","insights_author_id":"67","image_url":"https://d626yq9e83zk1.cloudfront.net/files/2026/07/odb20260723.jpg","audio_url":"https://dzxuyknqkmi1e.cloudfront.net/odb/2026/07/odb-07-23-26.mp3","brandName":"Our Daily Bread","preheader_text":"My friend needed to practice parallel parking before her driving test that was com...","sku_listname":"EEN100","brand_logo_url":"https://odb.org/wp-content/themes/odbm-base-ourdailybread/images/odb_logo.svg","language":"en_US","date_id":1784764800000},{"status":"publish","site_id":"1","date":1784851200000,"title":"Anchored in God","author":"2400450","bible_in_a_year":"Psalms 35-36; Acts 25","bible_in_a_year_references":"Psalms 35-36; Acts 25","bible_in_a_year_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+35-36%3B+Acts+25","categories":["Character of God","Faith"],"tags":[],"content":"It’s morning, so my husband opens his phone to select his favorite gospel song, “My Soul Is Anchored.” The lyrics express hope in God in turbulent times. Dan sings along, the words warning of billows rolling and breakers dashing. But we don’t sway, the song says, because God holds us fast.
\nThe words perfectly describe the work of a ship’s anchor. An anchor steadies a vessel by sinking its “arms” into the seabed, keeping the ship from drifting or getting tossed about during a violent squall.
\nThe anchor has become a classic symbol of the Christian faith—reflecting our hope in Christ, to whom we hold tightly, even in life’s chaos. As the writer of Hebrews said, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Hebrews 6:19). This hope is Jesus, whose “unchanging nature” (v. 17) is a trusted holding ground for those who believe in Him. Moreover, what God promised He confirmed with an oath, and in these “two unchangeable things . . . it’s impossible for God to lie” (vv. 17-18). That’s why we who hold on to His promises “may be greatly encouraged” (v. 18).
\nSome may anchor in unreliable things—their own ambition, unhealthy friends, or negative habits. How much better to anchor in the one whom we know we can trust and depend on. When the waves crash around us, we’ll be held fast. Our soul is anchored in God.
\n","excerpt":"It’s morning, so my husband clicks open his phone to his favorite gospel song, “My Soul Is Anchored.” The lyrics express hope in God in turbulent times. Dan sings along, the words warning of billows rolling and breakers dashing. But we don’t sway, the song says, because God holds us fast.
\nThe words perfectly describe the work of a ship’s anchor. An anchor steadies a vessel by sinking its “arms” into the seabed, keeping the ship from drifting or getting tossed about during a violent squall.
\nThe anchor has become a classic symbol of the Christian faith—reflecting our hope in Christ in whom we hold tightly, even in life’s most blustery, chaotic circumstances. As the writer of Hebrews said, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Hebrews 6:19). This hope is Jesus whose “unchanging nature” is a trusted “holding ground” for His followers. “For You have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe,” wrote David (Psalm 61:3). It is “impossible for God to lie,” so we who hold onto His promises “may be greatly encouraged” indeed (Hebrews 6:18).
\nSome may anchor in unreliable things—their own ambition, unhealthy friends, or negative habits. How much better it is to anchor in the One in whom we know we can trust and depend on. When the waves crash around us, we’ll be held fast. Our soul is anchored in God.
\n","insights":"The word translated “anchor” (ankyra) in Hebrews 6:19 is used four times in the New Testament. Three times the reference is to a ship’s anchor (Acts 27:29, 30, 40), a weighted iron connected to a rope or cable used to keep a ship in place. The figurative usage in Hebrews 6:19 speaks of the reliability and trustworthiness of God’s promises and their impact on our soul. Other word pictures are used throughout Scripture to depict the dependability of God, who cannot lie (v. 18). In Psalm 18:1-2, David leads with the word rock and then uses metaphors to celebrate God as his strength: “I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Today, God is still the anchor for our soul, and we can trust Him.
","passage":"Hebrews 6:17-20","passage_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+6%3A17-20","passage_reference":"Hebrews 6:17-20","response":"In what stormy sea of life have you held tightly to God? Why is He a trustworthy holding ground?
","thought":"I’m holding tight to You, dear God. Thank you for anchoring my soul amid all of life’s currents.
","verse":"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul. Hebrews 6:19
\r\n","meta":"[object Object]","insight_question":"","author_name":"Patricia Raybon","lang_author_name":"","slug":"anchored-in-god","insights_author":"1848657","insights_author_id":"1848657","image_url":"https://d626yq9e83zk1.cloudfront.net/files/2026/07/odb20260724.jpg","audio_url":"https://dzxuyknqkmi1e.cloudfront.net/odb/2026/07/odb-07-24-26.mp3","brandName":"Our Daily Bread","preheader_text":"It’s morning, so my husband opens his phone to select his favorite gospel so...","sku_listname":"EEN100","brand_logo_url":"https://odb.org/wp-content/themes/odbm-base-ourdailybread/images/odb_logo.svg","language":"en_US","app_bible_references":"","date_id":1784851200000},{"status":"publish","site_id":"1","date":1784937600000,"title":"Serving God, Not Self","author":"86","bible_in_a_year":"Psalms 37-39; Acts 26","bible_in_a_year_references":"Psalms 37-39; Acts 26","bible_in_a_year_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+37-39%3B+Acts+26","content":"The ancient Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II thought so much of himself that he had numerous structures built in his honor, including many monuments that captured his physical features. One, the colossal statue of Ramesses II, stands thirty-six feet tall and weighs eighty-three tons in all its red-granite glory. Age wasn’t kind to the proud ruler, however. In fact, when he died, he was suffering from bad teeth, arthritis, and chronic heart problems. Some of his monuments might last for a while, but—like all mortals—he himself passed.
\nAbsalom, one of King David’s sons, also built “a monument to himself” (2 Samuel 18:18). Fueled by rage from past tragedy (see ch. 13) and selfish ambition, this younger man worked to steal “the hearts of the people of Israel” from his father (15:6). When Absalom attempted to pilfer the throne, however, God didn’t allow him to overpower David, His anointed king (1 Samuel 16:12-13), and David’s fighting men (2 Samuel 18:6). In the end, Absalom was killed for his treachery. Although his monument still stood (v. 18), he died humbled and defeated.
\nBuilding monuments to ourselves and serving our own pride and desires won’t end well. But as we humbly serve God and love Him well (Philippians 2:3-8), we’ll find true meaning and fulfillment in His presence.
\n","excerpt":"The ancient Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II thought so much of himself that he had numerous structures served up in his honor, including many monuments that captured his physical features. One, the colossal statue of Ramesses II, stands thirty-six feet tall and weighs eighty-three tons in all its red-granite glory. Age wasn’t kind to the proud ruler, however. In fact, when he died he was suffering from bad teeth, arthritis, and chronic heart problems. Some of his monuments might last for a while, but—like all mortals—he himself passed.
\r\nAbsalom, one of King David’s sons, also built “a monument to himself” (2 Samuel 18:18). Fueled by rage from past tragedy (see ch. 13) and selfish ambition, this younger man worked to steal “the hearts of all the people of Israel” (15:6) from his father. When Absalom attempted to pilfer the throne, however, God did not allow him to overpower David, His anointed king (1 Samuel 16:12-13), and David's fighting men (2 Samuel 18:6). In the end, Absalom was killed for his treachery. Although his monument still stood (v. 18), he died humbled and defeated.
\r\nBuilding monuments to ourselves and serving our own pride and desires won’t end well. But as we humbly serve God and love Him well (Philippians 2:3-8), we’ll find true meaning and fulfillment in His presence.
","insights":"In 2 Samuel 13, we learn that Absalom’s sister Tamar is assaulted by their half-brother Amnon. Their father, King David, is furious about the news but does nothing (v. 21). Two years later, Absalom takes matters into his own hands and has Amnon killed (vv. 23, 28-29). Again, David does nothing—for years (see ch. 14). So Absalom’s anger and insurrection against his father was largely due to David’s inaction, poor choices, and lack of guidance. Absalom’s “monument to himself” (18:18) is just one sign of his alienation from David and from God. Today, as believers in Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit inside us to guide us. Empowered by Him, we’re called to trust in God’s sense of justice. He helps us to humbly serve Him and to value others above ourselves.
","passage":"2 Samuel 18:12-18","passage_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Samuel+18%3A12-18","passage_reference":"2 Samuel 18:12-18","response":"Why is living for and serving yourself an empty pursuit? What does it look like for you to humbly serve God?
","thought":"All-powerful God, please help me to serve You in love and humility. You’re the only one who’s worthy of my worship.
","verse":"During his lifetime Absalom had taken a pillar and erected it . . . as a monument to himself. 2 Samuel 18:18
\r\n","insight_question":"","author_name":"Tom Felten","lang_author_name":"","author_link":"https://odb.org/author/tfelten/","slug":"serving-god-not-self","insights_author":"67","insights_author_name":"Alyson Kieda","insights_author_id":"67","image_url":"https://d626yq9e83zk1.cloudfront.net/files/2026/07/odb20260725.jpg","audio_url":"https://dzxuyknqkmi1e.cloudfront.net/odb/2026/07/odb-07-25-26.mp3","brandName":"Our Daily Bread","preheader_text":"The ancient Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II thought so much of himself that he had nu...","sku_listname":"EEN100","brand_logo_url":"https://odb.org/wp-content/themes/odbm-base-ourdailybread/images/odb_logo.svg","language":"en_US","date_id":1784937600000},{"status":"publish","site_id":"1","date":1785024000000,"title":"Living Water of Christ","author":"2009642","bible_in_a_year":"Psalms 40-42; Acts 27:1-26","bible_in_a_year_references":"Psalms 40-42; Acts 27:1-26","bible_in_a_year_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+40-42%3B+Acts+27%3A1-26","content":"As I gazed at the intricate etching Christ and the Woman of Samaria by Dutch artist Rembrandt, two interesting details caught my eye. The first was Jesus’ humble pose—leaning over, with His hand over His heart—as he addressed the Samaritan woman. Due to centuries of hostilities between the two groups, Jews typically didn’t “associate with Samaritans” (John 4:9). Yet Jesus reached out with respect and dignity to a woman considered an outcast (vv. 17-18).
\nJesus knew the woman’s struggles and offered “living water” (v. 10) to satisfy her deepest need—the gift of cleansing and life-giving grace available through a restored relationship with God.
\nThe second detail that caught my eye was the dark shadow covering the woman’s face, symbolizing her initial struggle to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, or Israel’s promised rescuer. When the woman told Jesus, “I know that Messiah is coming” (v. 25) and He responded, “I am he” (v. 26), her eyes and heart were opened (v. 29).
\nAs we encounter people who are spiritually thirsty, Jesus’ example reminds me to speak with humility and kindness, praying for God to remove the shadow that “has blinded the minds of unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 4:4) so they can fully understand Christ’s life-changing offer of living water.
\n","excerpt":"As I gazed at the intricate etching Christ and the Woman of Samaria by Dutch artist Rembrandt, two interesting details caught my eye. The first was Jesus’ humble pose—leaning over, with His hand over His heart—as he addressed the Samaritan woman. By depicting Jesus this way, Rembrandt captured a significant aspect of the biblical story. Due to centuries of hostilities between the two groups, Jews typically did not associate with Samaritans (John 4:9). Yet Jesus reached out with respect and dignity to a woman considered an outcast, not only because of her ethnicity but also because of her checkered past (vv. 17–18).
\r\nJesus knew the woman’s struggles and offered “living water” (v. 10) to satisfy her deepest need—the gift of cleansing and life-giving grace available through a restored relationship with God.
\r\nThe second detail that caught my eye was the dark shadow covering the woman’s face, symbolizing her initial struggle to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, or Israel’s promised rescuer. When the woman told Jesus, “I know that Messiah is coming” (v. 25) and He responded, “I am he” (v. 26), her eyes and heart were opened (v. 29).
\r\nAs we encounter people who are spiritually thirsty, Jesus’ example reminds me to speak with humility and kindness, praying for God to remove the shadow that “has blinded the minds of unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 4:4) so that they can fully understand Jesus’ life-changing offer of living water.
","insights":"Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman is remarkable on two counts. When He asked her for water, she responded, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (John 4:9). Jews had no dealings with Samaritans because they were a people of mixed-race (see 2 Kings 17:24-41). The woman was also likely surprised that Christ, a man, would speak to her as a woman, for that rarely happened in a public setting. In both cases, Jesus displayed kindness that overruled man-made boundaries. As we encounter people today, God can help us share His love with humility and kindness.
","passage":"John 4:7-8, 13-18, 21, 23-26","passage_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+4%3A7-8%2C+13-18%2C+21%2C+23-26","passage_reference":"John 4:7-8, 13-18, 21, 23-26","response":"How did you first experience Christ’s “living water”? Who can you pray for that needs Jesus’ gift of living water?
","thought":"Heavenly Father, with Your kindness and humility, please help me share with the hurting Your offer of living, life-transforming water.
","verse":"Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. John 4:14
\r\n","insight_question":"","author_name":"Lisa M. Samra","lang_author_name":"","author_link":"https://odb.org/author/lisasamra/","slug":"unveiled","insights_author":"31","insights_author_name":"Bill Crowder","insights_author_id":"31","image_url":"https://d626yq9e83zk1.cloudfront.net/files/2026/07/odb20260726.jpg","audio_url":"https://dzxuyknqkmi1e.cloudfront.net/odb/2026/07/odb-07-26-26.mp3","brandName":"Our Daily Bread","preheader_text":"As I gazed at the intricate etching Christ and the Woman of Samaria by Dutch artis...","sku_listname":"EEN100","brand_logo_url":"https://odb.org/wp-content/themes/odbm-base-ourdailybread/images/odb_logo.svg","language":"en_US","date_id":1785024000000},{"status":"publish","site_id":"1","date":1785110400000,"title":"Words That Honor God","author":"3414976","bible_in_a_year":"Psalms 43-45; Acts 27:27-44","bible_in_a_year_references":"Psalms 43-45; Acts 27:27-44","bible_in_a_year_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+43-45%3B+Acts+27%3A27-44","content":"My friend, Alex, a book editor, checked his inbox, anticipating an angry email from an author. He’d been working with a prominent business leader on the client’s manuscript for months. Unexpectedly, the publisher had decided to halt the publication of the book due to company problems. After emailing the author the bad news, Alex braced himself.
\nA week later a reply came. “I didn’t answer right away because I wanted to think first about my words and how to respond,” the author wrote. He expressed disappointment, then calmly stated how he thought the publisher could’ve handled the issue.
\nThe author’s wise, measured response left a deep impression on me. His behavior reflected what the Bible says our communication should be like, especially when we’re angry. The apostle James tells us to keep “a tight rein on [our] tongues” because it’s easy to sin with our words (James 1:26; see 3:5-6). We’re to prioritize listening to others so we can understand them, choose our words, and consider whether it’s necessary to get angry (1:19).
\nNot only does restraint in speech help us to avoid sin and allow the Scriptures to change us (v. 21), but it also reflects who God is to others: “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love” (Psalm 103:8). Let’s model our loving God with our words—and our silences.
\n","excerpt":"My friend, Alex, a book editor, checked his inbox, anticipating an angry email from an author. He’d been working with a prominent business leader on his manuscript for months. Unexpectedly, the publisher had decided to halt the publication of the book due to company problems. After emailing the author the bad news, Alex braced himself.
\r\nA week later a reply came. “I didn’t answer right away because I wanted to think first about my words and how to respond,” the author wrote. He expressed disappointment, then calmly stated how he thought the publisher could’ve handled the issue.
\r\nThe author’s wise, measured response left a deep impression on me. His behavior reflected what the Bible says our communication should be like, especially when we’re angry. The apostle James tells us to keep “a tight rein on [our] tongues” because it’s easy to sin with our words (James 1:26; 3:5−6). We’re to prioritize listening to others so we can understand them, choose our words, and consider whether it’s necessary to get angry (1:19).
\r\nNot only does restraint in speech help us to avoid sin and allow the Scriptures to change us (v. 21) but it also reflects who God is to others: “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love” (Psalm 103:8). Let’s model our loving God with our words—and our silences.
","insights":"The book of James cycles through a handful of themes that are introduced in the first chapter and revisited throughout the letter. One of these themes is the tongue, which James compares to a rudder, a fire, a horse’s bit, and poison (3:1-12). The tongue is important to monitor, especially for teachers (vv. 1-2). It’s also difficult to tame, he says, and rare is the person who has control over it (v. 8). How refreshing it is, then, when a person is “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (1:19). Words that honor God are like a spring of water that overflows with “praise” rather than “cursing” (3:9-10) and “[produces] the righteousness God desires” (1:20). This kind of righteous life is characterized by heavenly wisdom that’s “first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness” (3:17-18).
\r\nFor further study, read When Anger Burns.
","passage":"James 1:19-21","passage_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A19-21","passage_reference":"James 1:19-21","response":"When angered, how can you restrain your communication? How do your words reflect your faith?
","thought":"Wise Father, please help me to be quick to listen, and slow to speak and become angry.
","verse":"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19
\r\n","insight_question":"","author_name":"Karen Huang","lang_author_name":"","author_link":"https://odb.org/author/karenhuang/","slug":"dont-reply-yet","insights_author":"3655154","insights_author_name":"Tim Laniak","insights_author_id":"3655154","image_url":"https://d626yq9e83zk1.cloudfront.net/files/2026/07/odb20260727.jpg","audio_url":"https://dzxuyknqkmi1e.cloudfront.net/odb/2026/07/odb-07-27-26.mp3","brandName":"Our Daily Bread","preheader_text":"My friend, Alex, a book editor, checked his inbox, anticipating an angry email fro...","sku_listname":"EEN100","brand_logo_url":"https://odb.org/wp-content/themes/odbm-base-ourdailybread/images/odb_logo.svg","language":"en_US","date_id":1785110400000},{"status":"publish","site_id":"1","date":1785196800000,"title":"Recovering from Betrayal","author":"12577","bible_in_a_year":"Psalms 46-48; Acts 28","bible_in_a_year_references":"Psalms 46-48; Acts 28","bible_in_a_year_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+46-48%3B+Acts+28","content":"In one of her novels, Toni Morrison tells the story of Nel and Sula, friends since childhood. But the friendship frays as Sula’s self-centeredness grows, culminating in her seducing Nel’s husband. “Why didn’t you think about me?” Nel asks Sula. “Didn’t I count?” Sadly, Sula doesn’t even care enough to answer.
\nAs anyone who’s experienced it knows, the pain of a friend’s betrayal is hard to rival. King David felt such “malice and abuse” when a political conspiracy of “threats and lies” engulfed him (Psalm 55:10-11). The worst part was who was behind it. “If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it,” he says. “But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend” (vv. 12-13).
\nHow should we respond to such betrayal? While David takes his turmoil to God (vv. 16, 20), he prays retribution will fall on his betraying friend (v. 15). We see a different approach taken by Jesus. Faced with Judas’ betrayal, he says, “Do what you came for, friend,” refusing to retaliate in kind (Matthew 26:49-50).
\nCan a friendship recover from betrayal? Only if the offended can stay open to reconciliation and the offender proves their repentance over time. Sula’s lack of remorse means Nel must walk away. As God helps us, let’s treasure our friendships and swiftly make amends for any hurt we cause.
\n","excerpt":"In one of her novels, Toni Morrison tells the story of Nel and Sula, girlfriends since childhood. But the friendship frays as Sula’s self-centeredness grows, culminating in her seducing Nel’s husband. “Why didn’t you think about me?” Nel asks Sula. “Didn’t I count?” Sadly, Sula doesn’t even care enough to answer.
\r\nAs anyone who’s experienced it knows, the pain of a friend’s betrayal is hard to rival. King David felt such “malice and abuse” when a political conspiracy of “threats and lies” engulfed him (Psalm 55:10-11). The worst part was who was behind it. “If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it,” he says. “But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend” (vv. 12-13).
\r\nHow should we respond to such betrayal? While David takes his turmoil to God (vv. 16, 20), he prays retribution will fall on his betraying friend (v. 15). We see a different approach taken by Jesus. Faced with Judas’ betrayal, he says, “Do what you came for, friend,” refusing to retaliate in kind (Matthew 26:49-50).
\r\nCan a friendship recover from betrayal? Only if the offended can stay open to reconciliation and the offender proves their repentance over time. Sula’s lack of remorse means Nel must walk away. May God empower us to treasure our friendships and swiftly make amends for any hurt we cause.
","insights":"David was in intense emotional anguish and was enduring devastating pain (Psalm 55:4-5) caused by the betrayal of someone he trusted, one whom he described in endearing terms: “my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship” (vv. 13-14). Initially, the psalmist had considered hiding in the desert to escape the storm, hoping to isolate himself from the pain. He pictures himself as a bird taking flight into the desert, which he thought would provide him with a safe place of refuge (vv. 6-8). Eventually, David chose to run to God instead, affirming that only He could rescue him and keep him safe (vv. 16-18). He says to “give your burdens to the Lord and he will take care of you” (v. 22 nlt). Just as God pursued David, He hears us and pursues us when we’re experiencing the pain of a betrayed relationship. He provides grace as we trust in Him for repentance and healing.
","passage":"Psalm 55:12-20","passage_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+55%3A12-20","passage_reference":"Psalm 55:12-20","response":"Why would it have been wrong for Nel to stay friends with Sula? How can Jesus’ response to Judas help us keep reconciliation open?
","thought":"Dear God, please empower me by Your Spirit to be a faithful, trustworthy friend.
","verse":"If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it . . . . But it is you, . . . my close friend. Psalm 55:12-13
\r\n","insight_question":"","author_name":"Sheridan Voysey","lang_author_name":"","author_link":"https://odb.org/author/svoysey/","slug":"recovering-from-betrayal","insights_author":"12576","insights_author_name":"K.T. Sim","insights_author_id":"12576","image_url":"https://d626yq9e83zk1.cloudfront.net/files/2026/07/odb20260728.jpg","audio_url":"https://dzxuyknqkmi1e.cloudfront.net/odb/2026/07/odb-07-28-26.mp3","brandName":"Our Daily Bread","preheader_text":"In one of her novels, Toni Morrison tells the story of Nel and Sula, friends since...","sku_listname":"EEN100","brand_logo_url":"https://odb.org/wp-content/themes/odbm-base-ourdailybread/images/odb_logo.svg","language":"en_US","date_id":1785196800000},{"status":"publish","site_id":"1","date":1785283200000,"title":"The Company We Keep","author":"10","bible_in_a_year":"Psalms 49-50; Romans 1","bible_in_a_year_references":"Psalms 49-50; Romans 1","bible_in_a_year_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+49-50%3B+Romans+1","content":"A scientific study revealed that watching TV programs featuring mean characters can actually lead people to be mean. Various forms of aggression—whether outright fighting or subtle gossip—primes viewers’ brains for similar behavior. This connection is often subconscious, meaning that even shows with seemingly “harmless” jokes at others’ expense can subtly influence how we treat others. So, too, the people we choose to spend our time with will affect our behavior.
\nSolomon provides timeless wisdom on this important subject: “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20). He implies that individuals may not achieve this wisdom alone, so they should associate with wise, God-honoring people—teachers and friends—instead of those who are foolish. Surrounding oneself with wise individuals fosters “good judgment” and helps us steer clear of “destruction” (v. 15). One scholar calls this “education by friendship.” Regular companions inevitably influence each other, for better or worse. Solomon urges us to be aware of the company we keep, recognizing that “the teaching of the wise is a fountain of life” (v. 14).
\nAs God helps us, let’s consistently surround ourselves with people who will encourage us to revere Him, love others, and grow in wisdom.
\n","excerpt":"A scientific study revealed that watching TV programs featuring mean characters can actually lead people to be mean. Various forms of aggression—whether outright fighting or subtle gossip—primes viewers’ brains for similar behavior. This connection is often subconscious, meaning that even shows with seemingly “harmless” jokes at others’ expense can subtly influence how we treat others. So too, the people we choose to spend our time with will affect our behavior.
\r\nSolomon provides timeless wisdom on this important subject: “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20). He implies that individuals may not achieve this wisdom alone, so they should associate with wise, God-honoring people—teachers and friends—instead of those who are foolish. Surrounding oneself with wise individuals fosters “good judgment” and helps us steer clear of “destruction” (v. 15). One scholar calls this “education by friendship.” Regular companions inevitably influence each other, for better or worse. Solomon urges us to be aware of the company we keep, recognizing that “the teaching of the wise is a fountain of life” (v. 14).
\r\nAs God helps us, let’s consistently surround ourselves with people who will encourage us to revere Him, love others, and grow in wisdom.
","insights":"The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings penned by several people. Today’s text comes from a portion of Scripture that King Solomon wrote. Tragically, the challenge was one that he himself failed to follow. He wrote, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20). Yet he’d surrounded himself with one thousand pagan wives and concubines (1 Kings 11:3), which was forbidden by God (v. 2), and they drew Solomon away from Him: “As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been. He followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites” (vv. 4-5). God desires instead that we surround ourselves with those who encourage us to love Him and others.
","passage":"Proverbs 13:14-20","passage_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+13%3A14-20","passage_reference":"Proverbs 13:14-20","response":"Why is it vital to learn from people who love others and act wisely? How can you encourage others to grow in love and wisdom?
","thought":"Loving God, thank You for the people who’ve taught me wisdom, kindness, and love.
","verse":"Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20
\r\n","insight_question":"","author_name":"Marvin Williams","lang_author_name":"","author_link":"https://odb.org/author/marvinwilliams/","slug":"the-company-we-keep","insights_author":"31","insights_author_name":"Bill Crowder","insights_author_id":"31","image_url":"https://d626yq9e83zk1.cloudfront.net/files/2026/07/odb20260729.jpg","audio_url":"https://dzxuyknqkmi1e.cloudfront.net/odb/2026/07/odb-07-29-26.mp3","brandName":"Our Daily Bread","preheader_text":"A scientific study revealed that watching TV programs featuring mean characters ca...","sku_listname":"EEN100","brand_logo_url":"https://odb.org/wp-content/themes/odbm-base-ourdailybread/images/odb_logo.svg","language":"en_US","date_id":1785283200000},{"status":"publish","site_id":"1","date":1785369600000,"title":"New Life for Dead Hearts","author":"1373037","bible_in_a_year":"Psalms 51-53; Romans 2","bible_in_a_year_references":"Psalms 51-53; Romans 2","bible_in_a_year_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+51-53%3B+Romans+2","categories":["Fallen Nature","Person and Work of Christ","Spiritual Growth","Spiritual Transformation"],"tags":[],"content":"Heartwood is the central supporting pillar of certain trees. Although dead, it won’t decay or lose strength while the outer, living layers are intact. Composed of fibers bound together by a chemical glue called lignin, heartwood can be as strong as steel. This element of a tree’s structure enables it to survive nature’s travails.
\nWhen Paul encouraged the Colossians to live a resurrected life, he could have used the metaphor of heartwood to express how those who have been saved are transformed. “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). While Paul’s reference to us as “dead” might seem discouraging, when understood from the perspective of the resurrection we grasp the hope of such a statement. God transforms the dead core of our beings, strengthening us in the power of the resurrected Jesus to endure the trials of this life.
\nOur prior inner beings are as dead as the heartwood of a tree. Yet we still exist as the unique people God created us to be—and more. We’re made new (Revelation 21:5). We’re new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). In Jesus “we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).
\nWe see a living example of how the structure of trees represents our life in Christ. Thanks be to God for transforming us from death to life!
\n","excerpt":"Heartwood is the central supporting pillar of certain trees. Although dead, it won’t decay or lose strength while the outer, living layers are intact. Composed of fibers bound together by a chemical glue called lignin, heartwood can be as strong as steel. This element of a tree’s structure enables it to survive nature’s travails.
\nWhen Paul encouraged the Colossians to live a resurrected life, he could have used the metaphor of heartwood to express how those who have been saved, are transformed. “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). While Paul’s reference to us as “dead” might seem discouraging, when understood from the perspective of the resurrection we grasp the hope of such a statement. God transforms the dead core of our beings, strengthening us in the power of the resurrected Jesus to endure the trials of this life.
\nOur prior inner beings are as dead as the heartwood of a tree. Yet we still exist as the unique people God created us to be—and more. We’re made new (Revelation 21:5). We’re new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). In Jesus “we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).
\nWe see a living example of how the structure of trees represents our life in Christ. Thanks be to God for transforming us from death to life!
\n","insights":"In his letters, Paul frequently talks about how believers in Jesus have “died” (Colossians 3:3) to sin. In Romans 6, the apostle reminds believers that they’ve been united with Christ in His death and will be “united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that the old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with” (vv. 5-6). Because of Jesus’ death, sin is no longer our master. We no longer live to gratify our desires or “cravings of our flesh” (Ephesians 2:3) because we serve another master, Christ. Our sins are forgiven, and we’re alive in Him. He’s canceled the debt we owed and could never pay “by nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:14). That doesn’t mean we no longer sin, but that God helps us in our struggles, transforming us to be more like Him.
","passage":"Colossians 3:1-4","passage_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+3%3A1-4","passage_reference":"Colossians 3:1-4","response":"What does understanding God’s heartwood in trees teach you about Him? How are you embracing His transformational power in your life?
","thought":"Dear God, I pray You would strengthen my inner being, my life hidden in You.
","verse":"You died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3
\r\n","meta":"[object Object]","insight_question":"","author_name":"Elisa Morgan","lang_author_name":"","slug":"new-life-for-dead-hearts","insights_author":"67","insights_author_id":"67","image_url":"https://d626yq9e83zk1.cloudfront.net/files/2026/07/odb20260730.jpg","audio_url":"https://dzxuyknqkmi1e.cloudfront.net/odb/2026/07/odb-07-30-26.mp3","brandName":"Our Daily Bread","preheader_text":"Heartwood is the central supporting pillar of certain trees. Although dead, it won...","sku_listname":"EEN100","brand_logo_url":"https://odb.org/wp-content/themes/odbm-base-ourdailybread/images/odb_logo.svg","language":"en_US","app_bible_references":"","date_id":1785369600000},{"status":"publish","site_id":"1","date":1785456000000,"title":"The Battle Is God’s","author":"1707267","bible_in_a_year":"Psalms 54-56; Romans 3","bible_in_a_year_references":"Psalms 54-56; Romans 3","bible_in_a_year_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+54-56%3B+Romans+3","content":"Though she enjoyed befriending and helping folks in her church’s seniors ministry, Carol found herself being picked on by its domineering leader. She felt so bothered by it that she had to seek counseling. She was advised to quit the ministry, but she didn’t want to “abandon” the seniors. Feeling caught in between, she prayed to God for guidance, and He gave her comfort and assurance as she submitted her fears to Him. He showed her that she should talk to the leader but trust Him to resolve the issue.
\nWhen King Jehoshaphat heard of a powerful enemy approaching Jerusalem, his first response was to pray. Appealing to God’s sovereignty, he said, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12). Instead of relying on their own strength, the king and people of Judah submitted themselves and their troubles to God (v. 18).
\nGod’s answer to the king and people through the prophet Jahaziel was heartening: “Do not be afraid or discouraged . . . . For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v. 15). God commanded Judah to march out, but to trust Him with the result. They did so in faith, praising God as if the prayer was already answered (vv. 20-21)—and found the battle already won (v. 24).
\nWhenever we face difficult situations, let’s pray and look to God for help. We may not always see victory, but whatever happens, we need not be afraid, for the battle is His.
\n","excerpt":"Though she enjoyed befriending and helping folks in her church’s seniors ministry, Carol found herself being picked on by its domineering leader. She felt so bothered by it that she had to seek counseling. She was advised to quit the ministry, but she didn’t want to “abandon” the seniors. Feeling caught in between, she prayed to God for guidance, and He gave her comfort and assurance as she submitted her fears to Him. He showed her that she should talk to the leader but trust Him to resolve the issue.
\r\nWhen King Jehoshaphat heard of a powerful enemy approaching Jerusalem, his first response was to pray. Appealing to God’s sovereignty, he said: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12). Instead of relying on their own strength, the king and people of Judah submitted themselves and their troubles to God.
\r\nGod’s answer was heartening: “Do not be afraid or discouraged . . . . For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v. 15). God commanded Judah to march out, but to trust Him with the result. They did so in faith, praising God as if the prayer was already answered—and found a battle already won (vv. 20-21, 24).
\r\nWhenever we face difficult situations, let’s pray and look to God for help. We may not always see victory, but whatever happens, we need not be afraid, for the battle is His.
","insights":"The example of King Jehoshaphat is one that’s worthy of emulation. Not only does he go to God in prayer with his overwhelming concern, he also unhesitatingly trusts Him for the solution to the problem (2 Chronicles 20:5-12). This is wisdom indeed, for God said, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please’ ” (Isaiah 46:10). Regardless of what challenges we face today, the one who knows the end from the beginning can be trusted to provide the help we need.
\r\nFor further study, read Get Unstuck: Three Biblical Steps for Overcoming Anxiety.
","passage":"2 Chronicles 20:14-19","passage_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Chronicles+20%3A14-19","passage_reference":"2 Chronicles 20:14-19","response":"What difficulties are you facing now? How can you submit your troubles to God?
","thought":"Mighty God, as I rest in Your sovereign hands, please help me to trust in You, for the battle is Yours.
\r\n","verse":"Do not be afraid or discouraged . . . . For the battle is not yours, but God’s. 2 Chronicles 20:15
\r\n","insight_question":"","author_name":"Leslie Koh","lang_author_name":"","author_link":"https://odb.org/author/lesliekoh/","slug":"a-battle-won","insights_author":"31","insights_author_name":"Bill Crowder","insights_author_id":"31","image_url":"https://d626yq9e83zk1.cloudfront.net/files/2026/07/odb20260731.jpg","audio_url":"https://dzxuyknqkmi1e.cloudfront.net/odb/2026/07/odb-07-31-26.mp3","brandName":"Our Daily Bread","preheader_text":"Though she enjoyed befriending and helping folks in her church’s seniors min...","sku_listname":"EEN100","brand_logo_url":"https://odb.org/wp-content/themes/odbm-base-ourdailybread/images/odb_logo.svg","language":"en_US","date_id":1785456000000},{"status":"publish","site_id":"1","date":1785542400000,"title":"God’s Better Country","author":"843491","bible_in_a_year":"Psalms 57-59; Romans 4","bible_in_a_year_references":"Psalms 57-59; Romans 4","bible_in_a_year_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+57-59%3B+Romans+4","categories":["Eschatology (End Times)","Family relationships","Hope & Joy","Suffering"],"tags":[],"content":"Michele experienced a mixture of emotions as her father neared the end of his life. She grieved when he said, “Honey, I won’t be here to walk you down the aisle.” But she assured him of her love, clinging to the hope she found in Hebrews 11 as she said, “You’re heading for a better country, a country in heaven.” Michele believed that her dad, when he died, would be with God forever. She reflected, “Heaven will be that good!”
\nThe letter to the Hebrews was aimed at Jewish believers in Jesus experiencing persecution by state and religious opponents. Although it was written before the destruction of the temple in ad 70, the fall of Jerusalem to the Romans may have occurred soon after. In this climate of fear, the author urged the believers to hold firm to their faith as he highlighted a great “cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1). Each “did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance” (11:13). They lived by faith, “longing for a better country—a heavenly one,” and God was pleased to be called their God, and “prepared a city for them” (v. 16).
\nAlthough Michele ached with sadness when her father died, she embraced the promises of her heavenly Father. We too can welcome these same promises “from a distance” (v. 13), trusting in God.
\n","excerpt":"Michele experienced a mixture of emotions as her father neared the end of his life. She grieved when he said, “Honey, I won’t be here to walk you down the aisle.” But she assured him of her love, clinging to the hope she found in Hebrews 11 as she said: “You’re heading for a better country, a country in heaven.” Michele believed that her dad, when he died, would be with God forever. She reflected, “Heaven will be that good!”
\nThe letter to the Hebrews was aimed at the Jewish believers experiencing persecution by state and religious opponents. Although it was written before the destruction of the temple in ad 70, the fall of Jerusalem to the Romans may have occurred soon after. In this climate of fear, the author urged the believers to hold firm to their faith as he highlighted a great “cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1). Each “did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance” (Hebrews 11:13). They lived by faith, “longing for a better country—a heavenly one.” God was pleased to be called their God, and He “prepared a city for them” (v. 16).
\nAlthough Michele ached with sadness when her father died, she embraced the promises of her heavenly Father. We too can welcome these same promises “from a distance” (v. 13), trusting in God.
\n","insights":"Hebrews 11 has been referred to as the “Hall of Faith” because everyone listed in the chapter is presented as a model of faith. This makes sense because verse 6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Because our human effort to do good will always fall short of God’s standard (Ephesians 2:8-9), we’re dependent upon Him by faith. By faith we trust God now, and one day we’ll be in His eternal presence (John 3:16).
","passage":"Hebrews 11:8-16","passage_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11%3A8-16","passage_reference":"Hebrews 11:8-16","response":"How can you embrace God’s help and trust Him more today? How does the thought of heaven inform your hopes, dreams, and actions?
","thought":"Heavenly Father, please help me live knowing that You’re trustworthy and will one day welcome me home.
\r\nLearn more about God’s wonderful plan for heaven and earth.
","verse":"They were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Hebrews 11:16
\r\n","meta":"[object Object]","insight_question":"","author_name":"Amy Boucher Pye","lang_author_name":"","slug":"a-better-country","insights_author":"31","insights_author_id":"31","image_url":"https://d626yq9e83zk1.cloudfront.net/files/2026/08/odb20260801.jpg","audio_url":"https://dzxuyknqkmi1e.cloudfront.net/odb/2026/08/odb-08-01-26.mp3","brandName":"Our Daily Bread","preheader_text":"Michele experienced a mixture of emotions as her father neared the end of his life...","sku_listname":"EEN100","brand_logo_url":"https://odb.org/wp-content/themes/odbm-base-ourdailybread/images/odb_logo.svg","language":"en_US","app_bible_references":"","date_id":1785542400000},{"status":"publish","site_id":"1","date":1785628800000,"title":"Walking in Integrity","author":"12571","bible_in_a_year":"Psalms 60-62; Romans 5","bible_in_a_year_references":"Psalms 60-62; Romans 5","bible_in_a_year_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+60-62%3B+Romans+5","categories":["Authenticity","Wisdom"],"tags":[],"content":"An Uber driver named Esbon Kamau picked up a sixteen-year-old rider who was on his way to purchase a motorcycle—a gift from his father. After Kamau dropped the passenger off, he noticed the teen had left a bag in the back seat. There was $8,000 inside—the cash needed for the purchase of the motorcycle. Kamau quickly contacted Uber to try and locate the passenger. Soon Kamau delivered the cash back to the grateful, relieved young man. “Do the right thing at the right time,” Kamau said, “and don’t let selfishness overpower [you].”
\nKamau displayed integrity. He resisted making a fast buck or taking advantage of someone’s mistake. Instead, he chose to simply do the right thing. “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,” Proverbs says (10:9). When we practice integrity, we never have to worry about remembering what we said to whom, because truth is our only concern. When we practice integrity, we don’t have to fear for our reputation or that our schemes will catch up with us (v. 23). We don’t have to be concerned about being a person whose “crooked paths will be found out” (v. 9). We simply live true—displaying wisdom (v. 13) that comes from God. We’re secure and free in Him.
\nWe face numerous temptations to lie or manipulate in life, but God calls us to walk with Him. And as we do, we can lead “blameless” (v. 29) lives of integrity.
\n","excerpt":"An Uber driver named Esbon Kamau picked up a sixteen-year-old rider who was on his way to purchase a motorcycle—a gift from his father. After Kamau dropped the passenger off, he noticed the teen had left a bag in the back seat. There was $8,000 inside—the cash needed for the purchase of the motorcycle. Kamau quickly contacted Uber to try and locate the passenger. Soon Kamau delivered the cash back to the grateful, relieved young man. “Do the right thing at the right time,” Kamau said, “and don’t let selfishness overpower [you].”
\nKamau displayed integrity. He resisted making a fast buck or taking advantage of someone’s mistake. Instead, he chose to simply do the right thing. “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,” Proverbs says (10:9). When we practice integrity, we never have to worry about remembering what we said to whom, because truth is our only concern. When we practice integrity, we don’t have to fear for our reputation or that our schemes will catch up with us. We don’t have to be concerned about being a person whose “crooked paths will be found out” (v. 9). We simply live true—displaying wisdom (v. 13) that comes from God. We’re secure and free in Him.
\nWe face numerous temptations to lie or manipulate in life, but God calls us to walk with Him. And as we do, we can lead “blameless” (v. 29) lives of integrity.
\n","insights":"In Proverbs, Solomon offers basic wisdom for life and often uses a Hebrew poetic device called parallelism, where two or more lines of poetry correspond with one another. Parallelism and other poetic devices are normal features of Hebrew poetry, which doesn’t operate with rhyme and meter like Western poetry.
\r\nIn synonymous parallelism, the idea in the first half of the verse is repeated in the second half but with different wording: “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke” (3:11). Proverbs 10:9 is an example of antithetical parallelism, where two statements are contrasted with opposite language: “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” Solomon exposes the folly of ignoring God’s wisdom and shows the consequences of that folly. Today, God will help us live by His wisdom and be marked as people of character who walk in integrity.
","passage":"Proverbs 10:6-14","passage_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+10%3A6-14","passage_reference":"Proverbs 10:6-14","response":"When has your integrity been challenged? How have you experienced others’ integrity?
","thought":"Dear God, I want to live with integrity. Please help me be blameless in You.
","verse":"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely. Proverbs 10:9
\r\n","meta":"[object Object]","insight_question":"","author_name":"Winn Collier","lang_author_name":"","slug":"walking-in-integrity","insights_author":"31","insights_author_id":"31","image_url":"https://d626yq9e83zk1.cloudfront.net/files/2026/08/odb20260802.jpg","audio_url":"https://dzxuyknqkmi1e.cloudfront.net/odb/2026/08/odb-08-02-26.mp3","brandName":"Our Daily Bread","preheader_text":"An Uber driver named Esbon Kamau picked up a sixteen-year-old rider who was on his...","sku_listname":"EEN100","brand_logo_url":"https://odb.org/wp-content/themes/odbm-base-ourdailybread/images/odb_logo.svg","language":"en_US","app_bible_references":"","date_id":1785628800000},{"status":"publish","site_id":"1","date":1785715200000,"title":"Waiting for God","author":"12570","bible_in_a_year":"Psalms 63-65; Romans 6","bible_in_a_year_references":"Psalms 63-65; Romans 6","bible_in_a_year_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+63-65%3B+Romans+6","categories":["Hope & Joy","Trust in God","Waiting on God"],"tags":[],"content":"Kazuto and his wife, Migiwa, waited with trepidation for the ultrasound exam results. Migiwa’s liver had been failing for more than nine months, and she urgently needed a liver transplant. Kazuto could donate a portion of his liver to his wife, but there was one condition: Migiwa’s heart had to be strong. The last ultrasound had shown slight improvement to her heart. Would it show more this time?
\nTo their disappointment, the results were the worst yet. Kazuto shared, “After I comforted my crying wife, I also cried by myself. But . . . as Henri Nouwen writes, waiting isn’t a waste of time because God is nurturing something wonderful . . . while we wait, even though we can’t see anything on the surface.”
\nKazuto’s confidence in God paralleled that of King David, who wrote, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14). Because God is our “light,” “salvation,” and “stronghold” (v. 1), we can trust Him to offer hope amid darkness (v. 3), comfort us during our trials (v. 13), and secure us safely in “his dwelling” (v. 5).
\nWhen God seems to delay in answering our prayers, we can still put our complete trust in His unchanging attributes. As we bring our heartaches to Him, let’s also instruct our hearts: “Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (v. 14). He is with us and always working for our good.
\n","excerpt":"Kazuto and his wife Migiwa waited with trepidation for the ultrasound exam results. Migiwa’s liver had been failing for more than nine months, and she urgently needed a liver transplant. Kazuto could donate a portion of his liver to his wife, but there was one condition: Migiwa’s heart had to be strong. The last ultrasound had shown slight improvement to her heart. Would it show more this time?
\nTo their disappointment, the results were the worst yet. Kazuto shared: “After I comforted my crying wife, I also cried by myself. But . . . waiting isn’t a waste of time because God is nurturing something wonderful . . . while we wait, even though we can’t see anything on the surface.”
\nKazuto’s confidence in God paralleled that of King David, who wrote, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14). Because God is our “light”, “salvation”, and “stronghold” (v. 1), we can trust Him to offer hope amid darkness (v. 3), comfort us during our trials (v. 13), and secure us safely in “his dwelling” (v. 5).
\nWhen God seems to delay in answering our prayers, we can still put our complete trust in His unchanging attributes. As we bring our heartaches to Him, let’s also instruct our hearts: “Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (v. 14). He is with us and always working for our good.
\n","insights":"David’s anxious prayer in the second half of Psalm 27 (vv. 7-12) must be read against his unwavering proclamation at the beginning of the psalm: “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life” (v. 1). The psalmist chose to focus on God rather than on his difficult circumstances. He speaks of Him as his light, which guides him safely into God’s presence and goodness. God is also his salvation, delivering him from dangers and death. He’s his stronghold, providing a strong, fortified place for his refuge and security. Knowing who God is, David rhetorically asks, “Of whom shall I be afraid?” (v. 1). The psalmist didn’t fear, for he knew God wouldn’t abandon him. Today, when we’re waiting on God, we can put our trust in Him and “be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (v. 14).
\r\nFor further study, read The Sword, the Son, and a Rest for God’s People.
","passage":"Psalm 27:1-3, 13-14","passage_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+27%3A1-3%2C+13-14","passage_reference":"Psalm 27:1-3, 13-14","response":"What are you waiting for from God? Which of His attributes can you cling to as you wait?
","thought":"Loving Father, please help me to be strong as I wait for You.
","verse":"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14
\r\n","meta":"[object Object]","insight_question":"","author_name":"Poh Fang Chia","lang_author_name":"","slug":"waiting-6","insights_author":"12576","insights_author_id":"12576","image_url":"https://d626yq9e83zk1.cloudfront.net/files/2026/08/odb20260803.jpg","audio_url":"https://dzxuyknqkmi1e.cloudfront.net/odb/2026/08/odb-08-03-26.mp3","brandName":"Our Daily Bread","preheader_text":"Kazuto and his wife, Migiwa, waited with trepidation for the ultrasound exam resul...","sku_listname":"EEN100","brand_logo_url":"https://odb.org/wp-content/themes/odbm-base-ourdailybread/images/odb_logo.svg","language":"en_US","app_bible_references":"","date_id":1785715200000},{"status":"publish","site_id":"1","date":1785801600000,"title":"The Help God Provides","author":"797605","bible_in_a_year":"Psalms 66-67; Romans 7","bible_in_a_year_references":"Psalms 66-67; Romans 7","bible_in_a_year_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+66-67%3B+Romans+7","content":"When commercial fisherman Scott Thompson fell out of his boat one moonless night in the Santa Barbara Channel off the California coast, he didn’t know if he’d survive. He swam hard after the boat, but the motor was running and he couldn’t reach it. So he attempted to swim to a distant oil platform in the darkness. Beginning to lose hope, Thompson heard a splash in the cold water near him. A harbor seal swam with him for a while, nudging him along toward the platform. Five hours later, Thompson completed the long swim and described the seal as “an angel” sent to help him.
\nThe writer of the book of Hebrews describes angels as “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). The passage highlights the greatness of Jesus and emphasizes that angels—wonderful and glorious beings that they are—exist to further His purposes in saving us. Jesus sustains “all things by his powerful word” (v. 3).
\nAll around us is an unseen reality in which God sends angels to aid those who have gladly received the good news of Jesus. Sometimes our nights may be long, and we may wonder if we can keep going. But He’ll always give us the help we need—help that will nudge us on in Him.
\n","excerpt":"When commercial fisherman Scott Thompson fell out of his boat one moonless night in the Santa Barbara Channel off the California coast, he didn’t know if he’d survive. He swam hard after the boat, but the motor was running and he couldn’t reach it. So he attempted swimming to a distant oil platform in the darkness. Beginning to lose hope, Thompson heard a splash in the cold water near him. A harbor seal swam with him for a while, nudging him along toward the platform. Five hours later, Thompson completed the long swim and described the seal as “an angel” sent to help him.
\r\nThe writer of the book of Hebrews describes angels as “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). The passage highlights the greatness of Jesus and emphasizes that angels—wonderful and glorious beings that they are—exist to further His purposes in saving us. Jesus sustains “all things by his powerful word” (v. 3).
\r\nAll around us is an unseen reality in which God sends angels to aid those who have gladly received the good news of Jesus. Sometimes our nights may be long, and we may wonder if we can keep going. But He’ll always give us the help we need—help that will nudge us on in Him.
","insights":"Hebrews says that angels are “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation” (1:14). They were created by God to worship and praise Him (v. 6), to serve as messengers (Revelation 1:1), and to protect His people (Psalm 68:17). In 2 Kings 6, when the Arameans surrounded the Israelites, the prophet Elisha reassured his frightened servant, “Don’t be afraid . . . . Those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (v. 16). The servant’s eyes were opened, and he “saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (v. 17)—a vast army of angels.
\r\nPsalm 91:11-12 says, “He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Today, no matter what we’re going through, we can be assured that God loves and cares for us and will provide the help we need.
","passage":"Hebrews 1:7-14","passage_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+1%3A7-14","passage_reference":"Hebrews 1:7-14","response":"In what ways has God sent you unexpected help? How might He use you to help others today?
","thought":"I praise You today, loving God, knowing that because You sustain all things, I’ll one day be able to praise You forever!
","verse":"Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:14
\r\n","insight_question":"","author_name":"James Banks","lang_author_name":"","author_link":"https://odb.org/author/jamesbanks/","slug":"the-help-we-need","insights_author":"67","insights_author_name":"Alyson Kieda","insights_author_id":"67","image_url":"https://d626yq9e83zk1.cloudfront.net/files/2026/08/odb20260804.jpg","audio_url":"https://dzxuyknqkmi1e.cloudfront.net/odb/2026/08/odb-08-04-26.mp3","brandName":"Our Daily Bread","preheader_text":"When commercial fisherman Scott Thompson fell out of his boat one moonless night i...","sku_listname":"EEN100","brand_logo_url":"https://odb.org/wp-content/themes/odbm-base-ourdailybread/images/odb_logo.svg","language":"en_US","date_id":1785801600000},{"status":"publish","site_id":"1","date":1785888000000,"title":"Family in God","author":"1848657","bible_in_a_year":"Psalms 68-69; Romans 8:1-21","bible_in_a_year_references":"Psalms 68-69; Romans 8:1-21","bible_in_a_year_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+68-69%3B+Romans+8%3A1-21","categories":["Living Like Christ"],"tags":[],"content":"“What makes you smile when you think about your son?” That was my question for Clarence—a younger man I was mentoring. The proud father proceeded to share some of his bright four-year-old’s accomplishments. One particular detail left me amused. Not only does the child have his father’s first and last names, but he already looks so much like his father that he can unlock his father’s smartphone using facial recognition!
\nIn John 14, Jesus made it clear how closely He resembled His Father. When an inquisitive Philip requested, “Lord, show us the Father” (v. 8), Jesus responded, “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (v. 9). How was it that the Father was revealed through the Son? It was through Jesus’ “words” (v. 10) and “works” (v. 11) that God’s love, mercy, grace, and more were brilliantly displayed.
\nEmpowered by God’s Spirit, believers in Jesus are privileged to share family likeness. The invisible God becomes visible through His children. Regarding Christlike love, John reminds us, “No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us” (1 John 4:12 nlt).
\n","excerpt":"“What makes you smile when you think about your son?” That was my question for Clarence—a younger man I was mentoring. The proud father proceeded to share some of his bright four-year-old’s accomplishments. One particular response left me amused. Not only does the child have his father’s first and last names, but he already looks so much like his father that he can unlock his father’s smart phone using the facial recognition feature!
\nIn John 14, Jesus made it clear how closely He resembled His Father. When an inquisitive Philip requested, “Lord, show us the Father” (v. 8), Jesus responded, “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (v. 9). How was it that the Father was revealed through the Son? It was through Jesus’ “words” (v. 10) and “works” (v. 11) that God’s love, mercy, grace, and more were brilliantly displayed.
\nEmpowered by God’s Spirit, believers in Jesus are privileged to share family likeness. The invisible God becomes visible through His children. Regarding Christ-like love, John reminds us, “No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us” (1 John 4:12 nlt).
\nWhat is it about your words and deeds that remind others of Jesus?
\n","insights":"The beginning of John’s gospel describes those who don’t see Jesus for who He is: “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him” (1:10-11).
\r\nYet Christ had expectations for those who were closest to Him—those who’d heard His words, who’d seen and experienced His works. He rebuked His disciple for not recognizing Him: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time?” (14:9). When we honestly and prayerfully evaluate the words and works of Christ as seen in the Gospels, the Spirit can open our eyes and hearts regarding His identity as God’s Son and the King of Kings, and we’ll be welcomed into the family of God (1:12-13). When we become children of God, He can help us make Jesus visible to others through our words and actions.
","passage":"John 14:5-11","passage_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A5-11","passage_reference":"John 14:5-11","response":"What is it about your words and deeds that remind others of Jesus? How might you pray about the Holy Spirit working in and through you to bring honor to God the Father and Christ the Son?
","thought":"Dear Father, please strengthen me to love Jesus, and to live like Him and for Him.
","verse":"Don’t you know me, Philip . . . ? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. John 14:9
\r\n","meta":"[object Object]","insight_question":"","author_name":"Arthur Jackson","lang_author_name":"","slug":"like-father-like-children","insights_author":"1848657","insights_author_id":"1848657","image_url":"https://d626yq9e83zk1.cloudfront.net/files/2026/08/odb20260805.jpg","audio_url":"https://dzxuyknqkmi1e.cloudfront.net/odb/2026/08/odb-08-05-26.mp3","brandName":"Our Daily Bread","preheader_text":"“What makes you smile when you think about your son?” That was my ques...","sku_listname":"EEN100","brand_logo_url":"https://odb.org/wp-content/themes/odbm-base-ourdailybread/images/odb_logo.svg","language":"en_US","app_bible_references":"","date_id":1785888000000},{"status":"publish","site_id":"1","date":1785974400000,"title":"Part of God’s Story","author":"1480866","bible_in_a_year":"Psalms 70-71; Romans 8:22-39","bible_in_a_year_references":"Psalms 70-71; Romans 8:22-39","bible_in_a_year_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+70-71%3B+Romans+8%3A22-39","categories":["Obedience","Service"],"tags":[],"content":"Archaeologist Jodi Magness and her team have been excavating a synagogue in the ancient village of Huqoq in Lower Galilee, where they’ve found an incredible collection of mosaics, paintings, and carvings. Particularly rare, however, is a mosaic telling the biblical story of Deborah and her role in Israel’s battle against the Canaanites; there’s no other known ancient depiction of this heroine.
\nDuring twenty years of oppression by Canaan, Deborah, a prophetess, “was leading Israel” (Judges 4:4). At God’s prompting, Deborah urged Israel’s general Barak to mount an attack on the Canaanite forces and their commander, Sisera. Barak heeded God’s instructions to “take . . . ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor” (v. 6), and Deborah lured the enemy’s army to the area. The Canaanite troops indeed fell in the battle, and though Sisera initially fled on foot, he too ultimately met his demise. “On that day God subdued . . . Canaan before the Israelites” (v. 23) through the courageous obedience of Deborah and Barak.
\nThe Bible preserves for us a literary mosaic of historical events in the life of God’s people—collectively and individually. We can take courage from these examples to heed God’s instructions even in the face of hardship and struggle. We can trust Him to equip us with the strength to do so.
\n","excerpt":"Archaeologist Jodi Magness and her team have been excavating a synagogue in the ancient village of Huqoq in Lower Galilee where they’ve found an incredible collection of mosaics, paintings, and carvings. Particularly rare, however, is a mosaic telling the biblical story of Deborah and her role in Israel’s battle against the Canaanites; there’s no other known ancient depiction of this heroine.
\nDuring twenty years of oppression by Canaan, Deborah, a prophetess, “was leading Israel” (Judges 4:4). At God’s prompting, Deborah urged Israel’s general Barak to mount an attack on the Canaanite forces and their commander, Sisera. Barak heeded God’s instructions to “take . . . ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor” (v. 6) and Deborah lured the enemy’s army to the area. The Canaanite troops indeed fell in the battle, and though Sisera initially fled on foot, he too ultimately met his demise. “On that day God subdued . . . Canaan before the Israelites” (v. 23) through the courageous obedience of Deborah and Barak.
\nThe Bible preserves for us a literary mosaic of historical events in the life of God’s people—collectively and individually. Through it we’re offered examples from which we can glean courage to heed God’s instructions even in the face of hardship and struggle. We can trust Him to equip us with the strength to do so.
\n","insights":"The book of Judges bridges the times between Joshua and the beginning of the monarchy under Saul (see 1 Samuel 9). It’s characterized by what some scholars call the “cycle of apostasy.” Each cycle begins when Israel falls away from God. Then He sends a neighboring nation to discipline them, followed by God’s provision of a judge to deliver them from that nation, and then a season of spiritual revival. Twelve different judges, from Othniel to Samson, are God’s instruments of rescue. Deborah is the fourth of those judges (Judges 4), whose season of leadership over Israel lasted about forty years, second only to Ehud, who judged for eighty years. Through the leadership and example of the judges, the people returned to God, and He enabled them to trust Him and obey His law afresh. Their example can remind us today that He’ll give us the strength to trust and obey Him no matter the circumstance.
","passage":"Judges 4:4-9, 14","passage_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges+4%3A4-9%2C+14","passage_reference":"Judges 4:4-9, 14","response":"When has God asked you to do something difficult? How did He equip and sustain you in that situation?
","thought":"Heavenly Father, please give me the courage to heed Your instructions.
","verse":"Has not the Lord gone ahead of you? Judges 4:14
\r\n","meta":"[object Object]","insight_question":"","author_name":"Kirsten Holmberg","lang_author_name":"","slug":"part-of-his-story","insights_author":"31","insights_author_id":"31","image_url":"https://d626yq9e83zk1.cloudfront.net/files/2026/08/odb20260806.jpg","audio_url":"https://dzxuyknqkmi1e.cloudfront.net/odb/2026/08/odb-08-06-26.mp3","brandName":"Our Daily Bread","preheader_text":"Archaeologist Jodi Magness and her team have been excavating a synagogue in the an...","sku_listname":"EEN100","brand_logo_url":"https://odb.org/wp-content/themes/odbm-base-ourdailybread/images/odb_logo.svg","language":"en_US","app_bible_references":"","date_id":1785974400000},{"status":"publish","site_id":"1","date":1786060800000,"title":"God Is Greater","author":"31","bible_in_a_year":"Psalms 72-73; Romans 9:1-15","bible_in_a_year_references":"Psalms 72-73; Romans 9:1-15","bible_in_a_year_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+72-73%3B+Romans+9%3A1-15","categories":["Angels & Satan","Doctrine of God","Doctrine of the Holy Spirit","Work of the Holy Spirit"],"tags":[],"content":"Before he became famous, the Mongolian warlord Genghis Khan (ca. ad 1162-1227) killed his own half brother to advance his position in the family. As he solidified his power, he began to build an empire more expansive than Alexander the Great’s, stretching from Asia’s Pacific coast to Eastern Europe. Ruthless in his tactics, the khan and his army left a trail of death and destruction everywhere they advanced. His devastating military forays are unparalleled in recorded history.
\nToday we face a vicious foe even more intimidating than a marauding army—an enemy who wants to conquer and devastate our souls. The apostle Peter cautioned, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). This enemy is cunning and dangerous like a great warrior and is much more than we can handle on our own. But we have great reason for hope. The apostle John wrote, “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). This “one who is in you” is the Holy Spirit Himself. We need not fear the enemy of our souls.
\nAs we rely on the Holy Spirit, we gain confidence that our lives are guarded from the one who’s trying to conquer our souls. Our God is greater. We can trust Him to be with us in everything.
\n","excerpt":"Before he became famous, the Mongolian warlord Genghis Khan (c. 1162-1227) killed his own half-brother to advance his position in the family. As he solidified his power, he began to build an empire more expansive than Alexander the Great’s, stretching from Asia’s Pacific coast to Eastern Europe. Ruthless in his tactics, the khan and his “Golden Horde” left a trail of death and destruction everywhere they advanced. His devastating military forays are unparalleled in recorded history.
\nToday we face a vicious foe even more intimidating than a marauding army—an enemy who wants to conquer and devastate our souls. The apostle Peter cautioned, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). This enemy is cunning and dangerous like a great warrior and is much more than we can handle on our own. But we have great reason for hope. The apostle John wrote, “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). This “one who is in you” is the Holy Spirit Himself. We need not fear the enemy of our souls.
\nAs we rely on the Holy Spirit, we gain confidence that our lives are guarded from the one who’s trying to conquer our souls. Our God is greater. We can trust Him to be with us in everything.
\n","insights":"What does the New Testament tell us about our “enemy the devil” (1 Peter 5:8)? First, it gives him a variety of names: “Satan,” which means “accuser” or “adversary” (Revelation 12:9-10); “Beelzebul, the prince of demons” (Matthew 12:24); “the god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4); “the ruler of the kingdom of the air” (Ephesians 2:2); “the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3); “the great dragon” (Revelation 12:9); and the “ancient serpent” (20:2; see 2 Corinthians 11:3).
\r\nSecond, Satan’s mission is “to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The devil is opposed to God and seeks to drive a wedge between Him and humans. Satan hopes to tear down our confidence and trust in God and deter us from our mission of spreading the gospel. James says, “Submit yourselves . . . to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). The Holy Spirit will help us resist the devil and stand strong in Christ.
\r\nLearn more about spiritual warfare.
","passage":"1 Peter 5:6-11","passage_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+5%3A6-11","passage_reference":"1 Peter 5:6-11","response":"When have you sensed the enemy’s opposition? How did you respond?
","thought":"Loving God, thank You that You’re greater than my enemy and have already defeated him. Please help me rely on Your Spirit.
","verse":"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
\r\n","meta":"[object Object]","insight_question":"","author_name":"Bill Crowder","lang_author_name":"","slug":"the-conqueror","insights_author":"67","insights_author_id":"67","image_url":"https://d626yq9e83zk1.cloudfront.net/files/2026/08/odb20260807.jpg","audio_url":"https://dzxuyknqkmi1e.cloudfront.net/odb/2026/08/odb-08-07-26.mp3","brandName":"Our Daily Bread","preheader_text":"Before he became famous, the Mongolian warlord Genghis Khan (ca. ad 1162-1227...","sku_listname":"EEN100","brand_logo_url":"https://odb.org/wp-content/themes/odbm-base-ourdailybread/images/odb_logo.svg","language":"en_US","app_bible_references":"","date_id":1786060800000},{"status":"publish","site_id":"1","date":1786147200000,"title":"Impacting Generations","author":"1480879","bible_in_a_year":"Psalms 74-76; Romans 9:16-33","bible_in_a_year_references":"Psalms 74-76; Romans 9:16-33","bible_in_a_year_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+74-76%3B+Romans+9%3A16-33","categories":["Disciple-making","Family relationships"],"tags":[],"content":"During basketball practice, Enrique’s dad asked him and his friend to show the team how to pass the ball correctly. Enrique had practiced for weeks but feared messing up. He prayed, completed the drill, and said, “Thank You, God!” Later his dad said, “I’m proud of you for working hard, son. But I’m prouder that you prayed and praised God.” Enrique shrugged and said, “I just did what you do.”
\nThroughout history, God has worked through healthy, cross-generational relationships. Sharing His decrees and laws with the Israelites, He said not to add to them nor subtract from them (Deuteronomy 4:1-2). “Observe them carefully,” God said, “for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations” (v. 6). But God wasn’t only interested in how others perceived His people. He said, “Teach them to your children and to their children after them” (v. 9). Why? So that they “may learn to revere” God and teach “their children” about Him (v. 10).
\nWe don’t have to be parents or serve in children’s ministry to share our Spirit-empowered faith with younger people. Whether we’re praying for a younger person or a young family, providing resources to nurture spiritual growth, or offering encouragement, God uses our healthy, cross-generational relationships to impact generations to come.
\n","excerpt":"During basketball practice, Enrique’s dad asked him and his friend to show the team how to pass the ball correctly. Enrique had practiced for weeks but feared messing up. He prayed, completed the drill, and said, “Thank You, Lord!” Later, his dad said, “I’m proud of you for working hard, Son. But I’m prouder that you prayed and praised God.” Enrique shrugged and said, “I just did what you do.”
\nThroughout history, God has worked through healthy cross-generational relationships. Sharing His decrees and laws with the Israelites, He said not to add to them nor subtract from them (Deuteronomy 4:1-2). “Observe them carefully,” God said, “for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations” (v. 6). But God wasn’t only interested in how others perceived His people. He said, “Teach them to your children and to their children after them” (v. 9). Why? So that they “may learn to revere” God and teach “their children” about Him (v. 10).
\nWe don’t have to be parents or serve in children’s ministry to share our Spirit-empowered faith with younger people. Whether we’re praying for a younger person or a young family, providing resources to nurture spiritual growth, or offering encouragement, God uses our healthy cross-generational relationships to impact generations to come.
\n","insights":"The Israelites were to pass on God’s truth to the next generation (Deuteronomy 4:9). In the New Testament, the apostle Paul writes to Timothy, who’d been impacted by women of faith from two different generations: “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5). The apostle also noted how God’s truth had contributed to Timothy’s development: “From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (3:15). Today, we can ask God to help us nurture the spiritual lives of future generations.
","passage":"Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-10","passage_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+4%3A1-2%2C+6-10","passage_reference":"Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-10","response":"How has God used older people to nurture you spiritually? How can you invest in the spiritual lives of a younger person or a young family?
","thought":"Father God, please help me value, serve, and share You with people from all generations.
","verse":"Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Deuteronomy 4:9
\r\n","meta":"[object Object]","insight_question":"","author_name":"Xochitl Dixon","lang_author_name":"","slug":"impacting-generations","insights_author":"1848657","insights_author_id":"1848657","image_url":"https://d626yq9e83zk1.cloudfront.net/files/2026/08/odb20260808.jpg","audio_url":"https://dzxuyknqkmi1e.cloudfront.net/odb/2026/08/odb-08-08-26.mp3","brandName":"Our Daily Bread","preheader_text":"During basketball practice, Enrique’s dad asked him and his friend to show t...","sku_listname":"EEN100","brand_logo_url":"https://odb.org/wp-content/themes/odbm-base-ourdailybread/images/odb_logo.svg","language":"en_US","app_bible_references":"","date_id":1786147200000},{"status":"publish","site_id":"1","date":1786233600000,"title":"Costly Faithfulness","author":"12577","bible_in_a_year":"Psalms 77-78; Romans 10","bible_in_a_year_references":"Psalms 77-78; Romans 10","bible_in_a_year_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+77-78%3B+Romans+10","categories":["Authenticity","Fruit of the Spirit","Living for Christ","Persecution","Resurrection","Trust in God"],"tags":[],"content":"The film A Hidden Life tells the true story of Austrian farmer Franz Jägerstätter during World War II. Sickened by Nazi atrocities and believing only Jesus is Lord, Franz refused to swear allegiance to Hitler and was arrested. The rest of the film shows the anguish this brave stand brought him.
\nFranz’s village treated him with contempt for opposing Hitler’s agenda. Cellmates ridiculed his faith, and even some priests thought he was being foolish. “God doesn’t care what you say, only what’s in your heart,” one person says in the film, tempting Franz to “hail” Hitler without meaning it to save his life. “My rock, my fortress,” Franz prays, feeling pressure to recant, “give me strength to follow You.”
\nPsalm 31 is the prayer of a person facing evil powers. “Be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me” (v. 2), David pleads in the face of his own tyrants (vv. 4, 11). His life in anguish and suffering the contempt of his neighbors, David longs to stay faithful under pressure (vv. 3, 10-13). “Into your hands I commit my spirit,” he prays (v. 5), words later echoed by Jesus on the cross (Luke 23:46).
\nOur God never leaves costly faithfulness unrewarded. Franz Jägerstätter stayed faithful to the end. Like Jesus, this faithfulness cost him his life. But just as Jesus was raised from the grave, so Franz will rise one day too.
\n","excerpt":"The film A Hidden Life tells the true story of Austrian farmer Franz Jägerstätter during World War II. Sickened by Nazi atrocities and believing only Jesus is Lord, Franz refuses to swear allegiance to Hitler and is arrested. The rest of the film shows the anguish this brave stand brings him.
\nFranz’s village treats him with contempt for opposing Hitler’s agenda. Cellmates ridicule his faith, and even some priests think he’s being foolish. “God doesn’t care what you say, only what’s in your heart,” one person says, tempting Franz to “hail” Hitler without meaning it to save his life. “My rock, my fortress,” Franz prays, feeling pressure to recant, “give me strength to follow You.”
\nPsalm 31 is the prayer of a person facing evil powers. “Be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me” (v. 2), David pleads in the face of his own tyrants (vv. 4, 11). His life in anguish and suffering the contempt of his neighbors, David longs to stay faithful under pressure (vv. 3, 10–13). “Into your hands I commit my spirit,” he prays (v. 5), words later echoed by Jesus on the cross (Luke 23:46).
\nOur God never leaves costly faithfulness unrewarded. Franz Jägerstätter stayed faithful to the end. Like Jesus, this faithfulness cost him his life. But just as Jesus was raised from the grave, so Franz will rise one day too.
\n","insights":"In his anguish, David turned to God, his “rock of refuge” (Psalm 31:2). God heard his “cry for mercy” (v. 22) and delivered him from his enemies (vv. 8, 15). He hears our cries too and offers us an eternal reward for our faithfulness and perseverance. James 1:12 tells us, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” Therefore, we’re encouraged to “stand firm . . . always [giving ourselves] fully to the work of the Lord,” because our “labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
","passage":"Psalm 31:1-5, 7-13","passage_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+31%3A1-5%2C+7-13","passage_reference":"Psalm 31:1-5, 7-13","response":"What can you learn from history’s martyrs? What can you do today to stay faithful in a time of trial?
","thought":"My Rock and Fortress, please give me strength to follow You, whatever opposition I face.
","verse":"Be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Psalm 31:2
\r\n","meta":"[object Object]","insight_question":"","author_name":"Sheridan Voysey","lang_author_name":"","slug":"costly-faithfulness","insights_author":"67","insights_author_id":"67","image_url":"https://d626yq9e83zk1.cloudfront.net/files/2026/08/odb20260809.jpg","audio_url":"https://dzxuyknqkmi1e.cloudfront.net/odb/2026/08/odb-08-09-26.mp3","brandName":"Our Daily Bread","preheader_text":"The film A Hidden Life tells the true story of Austrian farmer Franz Jägerst&...","sku_listname":"EEN100","brand_logo_url":"https://odb.org/wp-content/themes/odbm-base-ourdailybread/images/odb_logo.svg","language":"en_US","app_bible_references":"","date_id":1786233600000},{"status":"publish","site_id":"1","date":1786320000000,"title":"Hope in God","author":"67","bible_in_a_year":"Psalms 79-80; Romans 11:1-18","bible_in_a_year_references":"Psalms 79-80; Romans 11:1-18","bible_in_a_year_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+79-80%3B+Romans+11%3A1-18","categories":["Hope & Joy","Spiritual Growth","Suffering"],"tags":[],"content":"Because of his father’s alcoholism and mistreatment of his mother, Pablo left home when he was a teenager. He moved in with an uncle, graduated high school, married, and had three children. But sadly, Pablo began repeating the same destructive behavior he’d once fled. His own alcohol addiction and behavior began to tear his family apart. Soon, it was all gone—his marriage, family, job, and home. “My life was terrible, and it got worse,” he said.
\nFinally he turned to a treatment facility for help. “I was in bad shape, and God opened the door for me.” One day after praying, he experienced God through the beauty of nature. Soon his youngest daughter noticed he’d changed, and reconciled with him. Today he’s working to rebuild trust with his other children.
\nIn Lamentations, the prophet Jeremiah grieved over the plight of his people, who had turned from God and were exiled to Babylon: “I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall . . . and my soul is downcast within me” (Lamentations 3:19-20). Like the Israelites, Pablo was far from God. And like Jeremiah, he found hope in God: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (vv. 22-23).
\nLike Pablo, the Israelites got a fresh start. We can turn to God and find hope.
\n","excerpt":"Because of his father’s alcoholism and mistreatment of his mother, Pablo left home when he was a teenager. He moved in with an uncle, graduated high school, married, and had three children. But sadly, Pablo began repeating the same destructive behavior he’d once fled. His own alcohol addiction and behavior began to tear his family apart. Soon, it was all gone—his marriage, family, job, and home. “My life was terrible, and it got worse,” he said.
\nFinally, he turned to a treatment facility for help. “I was in bad shape, and God opened the door for me.” One day after praying, he experienced God through the beauty of nature. Soon his youngest daughter noticed he’d changed and reconciled with him. Today he’s working to rebuild trust with his other children.
\nIn Lamentations, Jeremiah grieved over the plight of his people, who had turned from God and were exiled to Babylon: “I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall . . . and my soul is downcast within me” (Lamentations 3:19-20). Like the Israelites, Pablo was far from God. And like Jeremiah, he found hope in God: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (vv. 22-23).
\nLike Pablo, the Israelites got a fresh start. We can turn to Him and find hope.
\n","insights":"In the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament), books are usually named for the first word or words in the text. As such, the Hebrew title for Lamentations is “How,” taken from verse 1: “How deserted lies the city.” Those who translated the Old Testament into Greek (the Septuagint) titled the book “Lamentations.” Both titles are apt. In many lament psalms, the psalmist’s cry is rooted in the phrase “How long, Lord?” (see Psalm 13:1). And Jeremiah’s laments in both his prophecies and in the book of Lamentations are so consistent that he’s generally regarded as “the weeping prophet.” In today’s text (Lamentations 3:19-26), he’s grieving over the city of Jerusalem, which was besieged and taken captive by the Babylonians. Now, seeing the city desolated, Jeremiah finds hope in the faithful God whose mercies are “new every morning” (v. 23). Even in our times of deepest despair and loss, we can hope in God.
","passage":"Lamentations 3:19-26","passage_url":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lamentations+3%3A19-26","passage_reference":"Lamentations 3:19-26","response":"Are you looking for hope? How is God inviting you to hope in Him?
","thought":"Dear God, thank You for offering me a renewed relationship with You.
","verse":"The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him. Lamentations 3:25
\r\n","meta":"[object Object]","insight_question":"","author_name":"Alyson Kieda","lang_author_name":"","slug":"hope-in-him-2","insights_author":"31","insights_author_id":"31","image_url":"https://d626yq9e83zk1.cloudfront.net/files/2026/08/odb20260810.jpg","audio_url":"https://dzxuyknqkmi1e.cloudfront.net/odb/2026/08/odb-08-10-26.mp3","brandName":"Our Daily Bread","preheader_text":"Because of his father’s alcoholism and mistreatment of his mother, Pablo lef...","sku_listname":"EEN100","brand_logo_url":"https://odb.org/wp-content/themes/odbm-base-ourdailybread/images/odb_logo.svg","language":"en_US","app_bible_references":"","date_id":1786320000000}]