file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940329.txt
          -------------------------------------------------------


          OUR DAILY BREAD                           Tuesday, March 29, 1994
          ---------------
          Read:  2 Timothy 4:1-13

                                    BOOK FRIENDS

                         Bring the cloak ... and the books,
                             especially the parchments.
                                  --2 Timothy 4:13

          The  apostle  Paul sat alone is a Roman prison facing  his  final
          weeks  on earth.  The wet cold of the dungeon must  have  pierced
          his  bones  as he penned a letter to his  young  friend  Timothy,
          urging  him  to come before winter (4:21).  He asked  Timothy  to
          bring  a cloak with him, which would shield him from the  gnawing
          chill, and to bring the scrolls, and especially the parchments.

          The  parchments,  made of animal skins, may have been  copies  of
          parts  of the Old Testament.  The "books," made of papyrus,  were
          probably  scrolls.  Clearly, Paul did not plan to  write  another
          weighty  theological letter like the book of Romans.  Nor was  he
          about to prepare more sermons.  He needed those books to warm his
          heart and to keep his mind alert.

          A  famous  French  author has written, "The  wise  men  who  have
          written before our time are travelers who have preceded us in the
          paths  of  misfortune,  and who reach out to us  their  hands  to
          invite  us to join their society when all others  have  abandoned
          us.  A good book is a good friend."

          We need to cultivate good reading habits.  The Bible, of  course,
          is number one.  But God also uses good book friends to  encourage
          our heart and stimulate our mind.

          Author:  Haddon W. Robinson

                         Immortal words of truth we've read,
                     So powerfully penned, so filled with grace,
                         Will follow us through all our days
                         And spur us on to win life's race.
                                        --DJD

          THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
          -------------------
          A good book -- like a good friend -- is always there in your time
          of need.

          THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  1 Samuel 11-13











-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of Radio Bible Class,
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA. Written permission must be obtained 
from RBC for any further posting or distribution. RBC provides a variety
of Bible resources, which are free of charge. RBC is not funded by any
group or denomination, and support comes voluntarily from its Members
and friends. Write for more information, or call 1-800-598-7221
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------