DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
APRIL 7, 2026
READ: James 1 (Focus vs. 22-25)
MEMORY VERSE
“Do what [the w\Word] says.” James 1:22
BACKGROUND
On my desk is a memo board of reminders. Pinned on it is a list, “10 Habits for Great Health,” that I cut out of a nutrition magazine years ago.
Recently, I was stunned that even though I see this list every day, I could only remember four items. The list was such a familiar part of my daily surroundings that I’d glance at it without really seeing it or following what it said.
James describes something similar in the attitude of many believers toward the Scriptures: “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and . . . goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like” (James 1:23-24).
Many followers of Christ are aware of what the Bible says. However, we may “merely listen to the word” (v. 22), and the extent to which we submit to it ends there.
In this way, we deceive ourselves about the power and authority of Scripture, failing to see it as providing the “perfect law that gives [us] freedom” (v. 25).
James tells us to be “doers of the word” (v. 22 nasb). A “doer” looks “intently into” Scripture and “[continues] in it” (v. 25), consistently doing “what it says” (v. 22).
Obeying God should be not just something we do, but something that flows from who we are. By His strength, we can live out His Word in our world.
Karen Huang
INSIGHT
Our readiness to “do what [the word] says” (James 1:22) can be influenced by how well prepared we are to receive the truths of the Scriptures. Verse 19 encourages the right kind of reception: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
The posture described is one of readiness and welcome. The image that comes to mind is that of an eager, restrained, proactive learner. Believers in Jesus in ancient Thessalonica embodied that kind of deportment.
Paul said, “We . . . thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
Because Scripture is God-breathed (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17), we can respond to its truth with humility and ask God to help us to obey Him and honor Him with our lives.
Arthur Jackson
APPLICATION
Why do we need to be “doers of the word”? What Scriptural teaching could you ask God’s help for in obeying?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“Our readiness to “do what [the Word] says” can be influenced by how well prepared we are to receive the truths of the Scriptures…Obeying God should be not just something we do, but something that flows from who we are.”
PR’s TAKE
“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11
We should read the Word not from an informative lens but a transformative one. Pr
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You for the truth of the Scriptures. Please help me let obedience to You be who I am.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“THY WORD IS A LAMP UNTO MY FEET…” Amy Grant
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
When I feel afraid
Think I’ve lost my way
Still you’re there right beside me
And nothing will I fear
As long as you are near
Please be near me to the end
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
I will not forget
Your love for me and yet
My heart forever is wandering
Jesus be my guide
And hold me to your side
I will love you to the end
Nothing will I fear as long as you are near
Please be near me to the end
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
And a light unto my path
You’re the light unto my path
