My husband and I relocated from a…
ReadThirty years ago, I went to the…
ReadWhen I was young and had my first summer job, I saved enough money to buy my first car. My brother Larry took me to a junkyard and showed me…
ReadI wanted to share my Breast Cancer testimony with others because people need to know that there is a way. It was be the grace of God that I was…
ReadGod saw fit to create me with…
ReadMy name is Kimmi and I am…
ReadFor the Lord himself will come down…
ReadRonn Jones emerged from a childhood of…
ReadHebrews 4: 14-16
I must confess that I am a landlubber. I love the solid ground beneath my feet. Consequently, I know very few nautical terms. Port, starboard, stern, bow…
ReadI have many reasons to give thanks to God because He has been, the source of my strength. Through the years, I've watched my life blossom in so many times…
ReadMy daily regimen of an early long…
ReadMy name is Alma. I became a…
ReadMy mother had been in an assisted…
ReadHi, my name is Rocky and I…
Read
Each morning, as I do my morning devotions, I recall the fall of 2011 as my wife Margie lay wasting away at the Springhill Village nursing home.
We were both saved in 1967 but while she stayed close to the Lord, I fell away and drifted, on and off, for many years. But, when Margie became too ill to do her daily devotions, I would help, and eventually do them for her using Our Daily Bread. Then I would try to find Bible passages for her that related to her life.
She was such a great witness, even as she lay suffering and dying she would still praise the Lord every day.
When she would fall asleep during or after devotions, I found I was still reading our Bible. It was as though I could not get enough. God used that experience and Our Daily Bread to draw me back to Him! I cannot even write this without having to choke back tears.
I still use ODB in my morning devotions, and always will. Thank you so much for all you do to bring God’s word with understanding to people everywhere.
David Larimer
12075 S. Carlisle St.
Terre Haute, IN 47802
P.S. You have my permission to edit this and use it (or toss it) any way you wish.
ReadBible Reading: Proverbs 3:1-8
I worry a lot about everything. I am afraid that things won't work the way I want. From the book of Our Daily Bread, 2008 edition, I read the devotion entitled "Surprise me!". As I went on to read, it really surprised me that, God spoke to me through that book. He said, 'Do you like surprises?', "Yes I do", I answered immediately. Then I felt suddenly worried when I read the next line, 'Would you ever dare say, "SURPRISE ME! to God?'. It's true that many of us are somehow scared to do that. And before I read that book, I was one of those who were scared to say that. Yes, I have faith that God is good and that He loves us. Yet I am afraid I won't like what He chooses for me. Remember what God did to Job? God had allowed
Satan to do everything he wanted to Job except kill him. What was Job's reaction? "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him" (Job 13:15). His love and reverence for God took precedence in his life.
In the end, God blessed Job with twice as much as he had before. God allows things to happen for His reasons, whether or not we understand them. Above all, however, we must remember that God is good, just, loving, and merciful. Often things happen to us that we simply cannot understand. However, instead of doubting God's goodness, our reaction should be to trust Him. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your way acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight". (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Read
I came in contact with ODB when I was 12. An older neighbour who had relocated to the US had some of his old books cleaned out by the family and among the trash were copies of ODB from the 70s and very early 80s. This was in 1986. My brother and I picked those and began reading. I cannot tell you how much using the ODB helped my new-found faith and also in forming a habit of daily devotion. Part of the beauty is that one year with ODB would have taken you to almost every book in the bible and touched on many topics that affect the believer. I still use ODB 29 years on (now the 1-year editions) and am still being blessed by the Bread.
God bless the memory of Dr. De Haan and all those who make this devotional possible.
Osaeloka Daniels
Lagos, Nigeria
ReadMy husband and I were having a very difficult time in our marriage, My husband is a drug addict and I was trying every thing I could to get him some help. I have driven all over the state of Illnois to various detox programs and hospitals that had detox programs to get my husband the help that he needed, some of the programs were for 30 days. My husband decided to leave every one of them on his own free will( he didn't complete any of the programs). Then he went to jail for selling drugs, I bonded him out. He came out doing the same thing and he was picked up for another case and he is currently back in jail. I have prayed and ask God to deliver my husband and to restore our marriage he has answered my prayers. My faith has increased and I am a stronger woman, even tho my husband and I are seperated physically we are connected spiritually, we read our daily bread everyday and have prayer time each night, we also study through letters and send each other scriptures and we discuss them when I go visit him. Thank You for sending me our daily bread booklets and other books and resources. You all have been such a blessing to us and we truly thank God for your ministry of reaching people all over the world.
ReadLast year my husband retired after 31 years of military service, including time in Korea, Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. I took note of a magazine article he was reading this week. It was titled "Alive Day". In it were written the stories of various people who had faced a particular day in their military service when something took place that could have ended their lives. These people recognize the anniversary of this date annually. It was described as the "day they were wounded, and their lives were changed".
Christians have a similar day in our lives, although most of us do not recognize it annually. We may share our testimony from time to time, but it might be a good idea to practice celebrating our own "ALIVE DAY". We would celebrate the time when we came to know Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and be born into life eternal.
We need to thank all those who serve in our armed forces for their service and protection of the freedoms that we enjoy in this great country. We also need to thank The Lord for his provision of our own individual "Alive Day".
ReadI feel God has spoken to me again and again to write to you about my story. Finally, I am obeying.
This story is about a painting I created.
SOW THE SEED, MY STORY
Not knowing where to begin, or what specific points God wants me to express, I’ll just write in chronological order.
- September 2011
I developed allergies, resulting in permanent lung damage. It became necessary for me to leave my employment due to allergens in the work environment. As time went by I realized this lifestyle change was actually a blessing. Now I had time to read the Bible, to learn Scripture and to seek God each morning. I began journaling which evolved to written prayer/communication. And, now I had more time to paint – something I have longed to do since childhood.
- January 2012
I began an oil painting – an image I had painted previously and titled Bequeath. I decided to title the new painting Bequeath II. I prayed almost every day about this painting, asking God to guide me in all ways with my work, but especially with my reason for painting it. I asked to paint it for His Glory rather than my ego.
- February 6, 2012
While quietly working in my studio, the words “Sow the Seed(s)” came thundering into my head. It wasn’t a voice or a vision – it was unlike anything I’d experienced before. It was so intense, but calming.
An excerpt of my journal entry for that day reads, “This afternoon I felt God told me what to name this painting . . . “Sow the Seeds”. It’s so perfect! The name just was told to me while I was in the studio. It says it all – We must sow the seeds for our Lord – I’ll find Scripture tomorrow. The message is clear it is so perfect! Thank you Lord. As I write this I realize – You have given me the perfect name . . . “
At this point the painting isn’t finished. And, I’m only beginning to dig into His Word. As well as praying for the painting to bring God glory, I prayed that I would complete it in a masterly manner and in time for jury entry into an Oil Painters of America annual exhibition.
- February 18, 2012
I was very anxious about the title for the painting because I was uncertain, did God say, “Sow the Seeds” or did he say, “Sow the Seed”. I fell asleep praying about what title to enter. The deadline to enter is February 24, 2012! Ultimately, I submitted the painting into the Oil Painters of America National Exhibition with the title, “Sow the Seed”. Jury notification results would be made March 21, 2012.
- February 27, 2012
My growing concern about the title is evident in an excerpt of my journal entry for February 27, 2012, it reads, “did God say “seed” or “seeds”? I wasn’t certain and I began to try to make more sense out of the title . . . with gardening you plant more than one seed, so it should be “seeds” and yet sowing “seed” made sense too. “
As always, during my daily Quiet Time, I read the daily devotional, Our Daily Bread. The Scripture noted to read for February 27, 2012 is Galatians 3:19-29. I opened my Bible and my eyes fell directly on verse 16:
“The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed” meaning one person, who is Christ.” -Gal. 3:16
I almost fell off my chair! I wasn’t familiar with this Scripture. I thought, WOW, I have to write to the people at Our Daily Bread to tell them this story. But, I didn’t.
- June 2014
In preparing for the July 1, 2014 Canada Day Salmon Festival (as the Art Show Coordinator of this festival which brings in approximately 100,000 visitors), I thought it would be wonderful if I could hand out copies of Our Daily Bread to those who stopped at my booth. I contacted my Pastor, a few local Churches and a Christian bookstore to find copies, but to no avail. Next year, I thought to myself, I will write to the people at Our Daily Bread and ask them for copies.
Shortly after this, during one of my Quiet Times I opened an envelope from you which enclosed a 60 day introductory addition of Our Daily Bread. The picture on the front cover reminded me of my Grandparents’ farm and somehow this led me to daydream/visualize my painting, Sow the Seed on the cover! I was excited about this idea and thought I should write to them and ask them if that would be a possibility. But, I didn’t.
- December 2014
I received the January issue of Our Daily Bread and noticed the invitation to write to you to tell one's personal story. This again confirmed what I felt God has been asking me to do for almost three years. But still, I didn’t.
- January 2015
I received the February issue of Our Daily Bread and again noticed the invitation to write to you to tell one's personal story. This once more confirmed what I felt God has been asking me to do for almost three years. Again, I didn’t.
- February 2, 2015
The organizer of the Salmon Festival emails me to remind me the festival is six short months away. Yes, I think, I should write to Our Daily Bread. But, I didn’t.
- February 3, 2015
This morning during my Quiet Time, before I began to read today's devotional in Our Daily Bread I noticed on the back Cover the story about "Dan" the man who requested 10 copies so he could hand them out and that how he now distributes 150 devotionals every three months. OK Lord I know you're talking to me! I have to write to the people at Our Daily Bread.
I then turned to today's devotional February 3: At the bottom in bold print of today's devotional are the words in boldface type "We sow the seed -God produces the harvest.
I don't know how much more clearly the Lord can speak to me. It's time for me to obey him and write to you. So, this is my story.
Sept. 2011 | He gives me a lifestyle to do what I want to do most (to work as an artist).
|
Feb 6 2012 | He gives me the name of a painting that I have prayed will bring Him glory.
|
Feb 27 2012 | He gives me (through Our Daily Bread) the Scripture for the title of the painting when my memory fails me – IN WRITING, the morning after I pray about it.
|
June 2014
Dec 2014 Jan 2014 Feb 2 2014 |
He reminds me again and again and again to write to you.
|
Feb 3 2014 | Again, IN WRITING (through Our Daily Bread), He reminds me about the title He gave me, and to write to you, so that indeed, we may Sow the Seed
|
SOW THE SEED
Recipient of:
ACCEPTANCE – 2012 Oil Painters of America National Exhibition
FINALIST STILL LIFE – Art Renewal Center, 2012-2013 ARC Salon
BEST OF SHOW – 2013 National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society
FINALIST WINNER – Raymar Art Annual Final Art Competition 2011-2012
BEST STILL LIFE AWARD – Federation of Canadian Artist, Annual International Representational Show – 2012
FINALIST – Raymar Art Annual Final Art Competition August 2012
THIRD PLACE – Bold Brush Painting Competition August 2012
FAV 15% BADGE – Bold Brush Painting Competition August 2012
SECOND PLACE – Federation of Canadian Artists, 365 Juried Competition – 2015 Calendar
Is this story a string of coincidences? I don’t believe so. God has blessed me with a lifestyle so I can do what I have come to believe is my purpose in life – to share the Good News through what I am most passionate about.
I want to “Thank you” for Our Daily Bread. Those words though, don’t seem near adequate. Your devotional has changed my life!
In gratitude,
Tanya Bone
PS: Please do not hesitate to contact me should you decide to use my image, Sow the Seed. I would be honoured and pleased to provide you with a high resolution jpeg for reproduction purposes.
ReadA broken dream isn’t the greatest tragedy, but a life forever defined by it is. Creating a healthy new normal after the death of a dream is essential. In this…
WatchI AM OVERJOYED AND OVERWHELMED BY THE POWER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND WHAT HE HAS DONE IN MY LIFE.
I WAS A DRUG ADDICT, LUST IN THE WORLD , COMMITING CRIMES ON DAILY BASIS. I WAS IN AND OUT OF JAILS FOR OVER TEN YEARS.
SEVEN YEARS AGO I ENDED UP IN A CELL, ALONE, CONFUSED , EMPTY, AND DESPERATE.
WERE I FOR THE FIRST TIME OPENED A BIBLE, AND THE LORD SPOKE TO ME IN JEREMIAH 33:3,
AS MY EYES WENT STRAIGHT TO THIS VERSE I STARTED TO CRY DESPERATELY AND FULL OF JOY KNOWING THAT GOD WAS SPEAKING DIRECTLY TO ME. "CALL ON TO ME, AND I WILL ANSWER YOU, AND SHOW YOU GREAT AND MIGHTY THINGS YOU DO NOT KNOW" (JER. 33:3) AS I STARTED TO READ THE BIBLE I COULD'NT
STOP CRYING AND TO KNOW I HAD A SAVIOR THAT LOVED ME SO MUCH, AND I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT HIM.
I FELL IN LOVE WITH JESUS.
I WAS FACING 25 TO LIFE , AND YET THE LORD HAD SET ME FREE. I HAD SURRENDER MY LIFE TO JESUS.
I REMEMBER ASKING HIM, THAT ALL I WANTED WAS TO COME OUT DIFFERENT, TO SERVE HIM, AND IF IT MEANT FOR ME TO STAY IN JAIL FOR LIFE, TO USE ME FOR THE GLORY OF HIS NAME.
AS TIME WENT BY I WAS SENTENCED TO PRISON WERE I ENCOUNTER TO LIVE WITH LIFERS. JOYFUL AND TRUSTING IN MY SAVIOR I WAS RELEASED AFTER SERVING 17 MONTHS.
IT HAS BEEN A HARD WALK AS HE HAS TAUGHT ME TO GROW IN DIFFERENT AREAS OF MY LIFE, BUT I HAVE SUBMMITTED TO DO HIS WILL.
TODAY I VOLUNTEER IN JAILS AND I ALSO SPEAK ON THE RADIO IN A MINISTRY THATS CALLED
"I WAS IN JAIL, AND YOU CAME TO ME"...
THE LORD HAS RESTORE MY CHILDRENS ,AFTER SPENDING TEN YEARS WITHOUT THEM, HE HAS EQUIPT ME TO INSTRUCT THEM IN THE WAYS OF THE LORD, THEY ARE ALL SAVED, AND FOR THE GLORY OF GOD, ONE OF THEM IS GETTING BAPTIZED.
ONE THING I MUST SAY AS I STARTED MY WALK WITH THE LORD IN JAIL, RBC MINISTRY WAS A GREAT PART OF MY WALK. AND WHEN I CAME OUT IT KEPT ON LEADING ME TO MY DAILY SCRIPTURES AND WALK WITH THE LORD.
I MAY NOT HAVE MUCH MY BELOVED BROTHERS AND SISTER, BUT I HAVE A LOT OF LOVE FOR YOUR MINISTRY AND GRATITUDE FOR YOU WERE A GREAT DEAL IN MY WALK. BY GRACE I RECIVED, AND BY GRACE I GIVE WHAT THE LORD HAS STORED IN MY HEART. GOD BLESS YOUR MINISTRY, YOU TOUCH A LOT OF HEARTS IN JAILS, AS I GO TWICE A WEEK, ONE THING I NOTICE IS THE WOMANS IN THERE ALWAYS HAVE A DAILY BREAD FROM RBC. MAY MY TESTIMONY FOR THE GLORY OF GOD ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO CONTINUE IN THE WAYS OF THE LORD. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO SHARE MY TESTIMONY, AND MAY THE PEACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ALWAYS BE WITH YOU...
ReadHello. I use to get Daily Bread a long time in the mail. Then I got a divorce and it all stop.
I friend of mine told me tonight that you had a website here and I can get on and get my Daily Bread there. I was really happy to hear about it cause this is what I need right now. I have been going through so much in my life that I need some devotional reading to do on my break time and really any time I needed some encouragement or just to feel God close.
I just want to thank you for being here and I have you now on my mobile so I can take you anywhere!
Your newest member
Lisa Nunn
Read
Our Daily Bread has been a very powerful inspiration and daily source of spiritual food to my soul. I always get online just to read something to energize my mind,…
ReadI have been reading Our Daily Bread since 1991 through my mother who subscribes to Our Daily Bread way back in Nigeria, West Africa. I was kind of forced to use it…
ReadOur Daily Bread devotionals have really been a source of encouragement and spiritual teaching to me as a single mom over the last 14 years. Many times I and my…
ReadGrowing up in a good Christian home, in western NY and a good Bible believing and preaching church, our church ordered and made available a supply of Our Daily Bread…
ReadA serious car crash and one month in a coma changed the course of Russ Shadron's life. This wake-up call took him from a life of selfishness and partying to…
Watch