Welcome to today's reading from Our Daily Bread.

I'm Amy Boucher Pie, and I called it a refreshing oasis.

When Andrew and his family went on safari in Kenya, they had the pleasure of watching a variety of animals frequenting

a small lake that appeared in the scrabbly landscape. Giraffes, wildebeests, hippopotamuses,

and waterfowl all traveled to this life-giving source of water. As Andrew observed their

comings and goings, he thought how the Bible is like a divine

watering hole. Not only is it a source of guidance and wisdom, but it's a refreshing oasis

where people from all walks of life can quench their thirst. Andrew's observation echoed

the psalmist who called people blessed when they delight in and meditate on God's law,

a term used in the Old Testament to describe his instruction and commandments.

Those who meditate on the scriptures are like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season. Just as a tree's roots reach down to the soil to find

the source of refreshment, people who believe in and love God will root themselves deeply in

scripture and find the strength they need. Submitting ourselves to God's wisdom will keep our

foundations embedded in Him.

We won't be like chaff that the wind blows away.

When we ponder what God is given to us in the Bible,

we gain nourishment that can lead to our bearing fruit that lasts.

The scripture reading I selected for today is Psalm 1.

Blessed is the one who does not walk and step with the wicked, or stand in the way that

sinners take, or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the

law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree

planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit and season, and whose leaf does not wither.

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