The Daily Devotional by Vince Miller

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are in the Gospel of Mark. Visit the website and purchase the Scripture Journal for this study so that you can follow along with us. I am giving a shout-out today to Tony Wendt from Neenah, WI. Thank you for being a monthly partner in Project23 and helping us share the Gospel with millions as we work our way through the entire Bible. Today, we’re looking at Mark 2:13-14: He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them. And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. — Mark 2:13-14 Levi wasn’t looking for Jesus. He was busy doing what he always did—collecting taxes, padding his pockets, ripping off his own people. He was despised by people. Rejected by locals. Labeled a traitor. The guy nobody thought Jesus would want, Jesus wanted. Jesus walks right up to him and says two words that changed everything: "Follow me." No elaborate speech. No warning to his present posse. No preconditions to the call. Just a command that cuts through the shame, guilt, and isolation. And Levi responds. Immediately. He doesn’t overthink it, unlike many others. He doesn’t argue with a man he doesn't even know. He just gets up and goes. That’s what happens when Jesus calls. He sees beyond your past. He sees beyond your reputation. He calls you to leave your booth behind—whatever old life you’ve been sitting in—and walk into a brand-new identity. If you’re wondering whether Jesus could ever want someone like you, remember Levi. You’re exactly the kind of person Jesus came to call. So, what booth are you still sitting in today? It’s time to leave it behind, get up, and follow Jesus. #FollowMe, #NewIdentity, #Project23 ASK THIS: DO THIS: Identify one “booth” you’re stuck at—some place where shame, fear, or comfort is keeping you seated. Stand up. Take one step today toward following Jesus more fully. PRAY THIS: Jesus, thank you for seeing me when others overlook me. Give me the courage to leave behind anything that holds me back from following you. Amen PLAY THIS: I Thank God.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are in the Gospel of Mark. Visit the website and purchase the Scripture Journal for this study so that you can follow along with us. I am giving a shout-out today to Rob Reed from Perham, MN. Thank you for being a monthly partner in Project23 and helping us share the Gospel with millions as we work our way through the entire Bible. Today, we’re reading Mark 2:6-12: Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” — Mark 2:6-12 It looked like a healing story. It sounded like a healing story. But Jesus was doing way more than healing legs—He was forgiving sins. The scribes caught it. And they hated it. "Who does this man think he is? Only God can forgive sins!" Exactly. That’s the whole point. Jesus reads their minds. Calls them out. He forces the issue: Which is easier to say—"your sins are forgiven" or "get up and walk"? From a human view, both are impossible. But for Jesus? He can do both. So he does both. He heals the body to prove his authority over the soul. Jesus isn’t just a good teacher, a moral man, or a first-century miracle worker. He’s God. In the flesh. With authority over everything. And when Jesus speaks—things happen. Sins are stricken. Muscles are strengthened. Religious officials are irritated. Crowds stand in wonder. Because Jesus doesn’t just fix external symptoms—he fixes the internal problems with the soul. So, are you experiencing external symptoms of internal problems? Bring them to Jesus. He goes beyond healing. He heals everything. #AuthorityOfChrist, #ForgivenAndHealed, #MarkStudy ASK THIS: DO THIS: Identify one hidden struggle in your heart and bring it to Jesus today—confess it, trust his forgiveness, and believe for healing. PRAY THIS: Lord Jesus, I lay my hidden sins and deepest hurts before you. Forgive me, heal me, and reveal your authority in every part of my life. Amen PLAY THIS: Gratitude.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are in the Gospel of Mark. Visit the website and purchase the Scripture Journal for this study so that you can follow along with us. I want to give a shout-out today to Robert Jassey from Double Springs, AL. Thank you for being a monthly partner in Project23 and helping us share the Gospel with millions as we work our way through the entire Bible. Today, we’re reading Mark 2:1-5: And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” — Mark 2:1-5 The room was packed. People crowding every inch, spilling out the door. But that didn’t stop these four men. They showed up carrying a friend who couldn't walk—and when the door was blocked, they didn’t turn around. They climbed the roof. Tore it open. Lowered him down right in front of Jesus. Because real faith doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. It finds a way. Jesus saw it. He didn’t just see a paralyzed man—He saw their faith. Not faith spoken. Faith acted out. Faith with sweat on its forehead and dirt under its fingernails. Faith that refuses to quit until it collides with Jesus. And what does Jesus do? He says something unexpected: "Son, your sins are forgiven." Before He heals the body, He heals the soul. Because that's how Jesus works—He goes after the real issue first. If you’re waiting for the “right time” to come to Jesus, stop. If you’re waiting for your "life to get cleaned up before you act," stop. Faith tears the roof off whatever stands between you and Jesus. Right now, take action and tear off your roof by praying this simple prayer with me, and watch as Jesus provides you with the real healing you need. Jesus, I don't know all the right steps to take. But I know this prayer is a step in the process. Receive this prayer as my step of faith in you. I am trusting that you will provide me with the healing I really need. Amen. If you prayed this prayer with me, and this is the first time you've taken this step, let me know in the comments by typing: "I choose Jesus!" #FaithInAction, #RoofTearingFaith, #SoulHealing ASK THIS: "crowd" DO THIS: Identify one excuse you’ve been using to stay stuck spiritually. Name it. Then, today—take one bold, imperfect step toward Jesus anyway. PRAY THIS: Jesus, break down anything that stands between me and you. Give me a faith that’s not afraid to rip the roof off if that’s what it takes. Amen. PLAY THIS: Same God.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are in the Gospel of Mark. Go to the website and grab the Scripture Journal for this study so you can study along with us. I want to give a shout-out today to Tim Steinke from Menasha, WI. Go Packers! Thank you for being a monthly partner in Project23 and helping us share the Gospel with millions as we work our way through the entire Bible. Today, we’re reading Mark 1:21-45: And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee. And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon's mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them. That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons. And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter. — Mark 1:21-45 Jesus walks into the synagogue and doesn’t just teach—He commands. His words land differently. Not like the scribes. Not recycled thoughts or secondhand opinions. Jesus speaks with authority, and it stuns people. It’s the kind of authority that silences demons and heals sickness with a touch. This is power and compassion, side by side. He speaks, and spirits flee. He touches, and sickness disappears. He lifts a woman by the hand—and she rises, healed, and starts serving. Jesus isn’t just full of authority—He uses it to serve, not dominate. He doesn’t flex to impress. He acts to restore. That’s the kind of King He is. And word spreads. Fast. People start crowding the door. Sick, desperate, oppressed—everyone wants a moment with Jesus. But here's the key: the ones who encountered Him didn’t just get relief, they experienced release. Not just healed from something—but freed for...

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are in the Gospel of Mark. Go to the website and grab the Scripture Journal for this study so you can study along with us. Our shout-out today goes to Tim Salvesen from Carver, MN! Thank you for being a monthly partner, Tim. You rock my face off. I hope you enjoy this devotional today. Today, we’re reading Mark 1:16-20: Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him. — Mark 1:16-20 Jesus didn’t give these men a detailed plan. He didn’t give a lecture or a checklist. He gave a simple, life-altering invitation: “Follow me.” No resume required. No spiritual degree. Just ordinary fishermen—busy working, heads down, doing life. Jesus walks up and flips their world upside down with two words. And here’s the wild part—they dropped everything. Nets. Boats. Family. Comfort. Security. Gone in an instant. Because when Jesus calls, obedience can’t be delayed. He didn’t just invite them to believe something—He invited them to become something. "Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men." He wasn’t offering a career change. He was offering transformation. A new mission. A new identity. That’s what following Jesus always does. It interrupts. It costs. But it also creates. He doesn’t call you to a better version of yourself—He calls you into a whole new purpose. And notice the pattern: He calls. They respond. No stalling. No excuses. No “let me check my schedule.” Just immediate obedience. That’s the power of Jesus’ voice—it cuts through the noise and speaks straight to the soul. So, what do you need to drop to become someone different in Jesus today? #FollowJesus, #RadicalObedience, #FishersOfMen ASK THIS: What is Jesus asking me to drop in this season? Do I respond to Jesus immediately or with hesitation? How does my identity change when I follow Jesus fully? Am I more focused on comfort or on His calling? DO THIS: Drop the one thing today that’s delaying your full obedience to Jesus. PRAY THIS: Jesus, give me the courage to drop what’s familiar and follow you without delay. Make me into who you’ve called me to be. Amen. PLAY THIS: I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. A shout-out today goes to David and Patti Fredrickson from Lake City, MN. Thank you both for your kind email, for be grateful listeners, and for becoming month partners. We cannot do this without you. Be like the Fredrickson's and listen daily with your spouse! Today we premiere the next lesson in my newest study for men, titled Blacksmith's Discipline. If you'd like to join me for this click the link to receive notifications and purchase the study book that accompanies the study today. We have four more weeks to go. Today, we’re reading Mark 1:12-13: The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.— Mark 1:12-13 The moment Jesus is baptized—He’s launched into battle. No time to bask in the glory of that voice from heaven. No pause. No pat on the back. The same Spirit that descended like a dove drives him into the wilderness. And what waits for him there? Satan. Temptation. Wild animals. Isolation. It’s easy to think that following God should lead to peace, comfort, clarity. But here—obedience leads Jesus into hardship. Before Jesus ever preached a word, He had to fight a war. This wilderness moment matters. Jesus steps into the mess of temptation not because He had to—but because we do. He willingly walks into the fire so He could stand in it with us. He faces Satan head-on, not as a show of power, but as a statement of solidarity. The Son of God chose to suffer first. And Mark tells it fast—just two verses. No dialogue. No breakdown of the temptation. Just this: He was tempted, He endured, He was not alone. God doesn’t abandon us in the wilderness—He strengthens us there. You may feel like you're walking through your own desert right now. Maybe you're facing temptation, loneliness, or attack. But take this to heart: Jesus has walked that road, and He’s walking it with you now. #WildernessFaith, #JesusFightsFirst, #Mark11213 ASK THIS: What “wilderness” are you currently facing? How do you typically respond to spiritual battles? What does this passage teach you about God’s presence in trials? In what ways can you rely more on the Spirit during temptation? DO THIS: Walk into your wilderness today with confidence—Jesus has already been there, and He’s walking with you now. PRAY THIS: Jesus, thank you for walking into the wilderness before me. Help me to see your presence in my hardest moments and trust your strength in my weakness. Amen. PLAY THIS: Battle Belongs.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are in the Gospel of Mark. Go to the website and grab the Scripture Journal for this study so you can study along with us. Our shout-out today goes to Phillip "William" Beckwith from Greer, SC. Thanks for being a monthly partner. We cannot do what we do here without the support of faithful donors like you. I love you brother. Today, we’re reading Mark 1:9-11: In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” — Mark 1:9-11 Jesus didn’t need to be baptized. Yet, he did. He stepped into the waters of baptism to identify with us. He didn’t come to be served but to serve, to walk through the same trials and experiences we face. And his baptism marked the start of his public ministry, but we see here it also served as a resounding affirmation from the Father. As Jesus came out of the water, the heavens were torn open, the Spirit descended like a dove, and the Father’s voice thundered, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased." This was profound on two levels. First, it revealed Jesus's identity as the Son of God, marked by divine approval. Second, it displayed the full Trinity in action: the Father speaking, the Son being baptized, and the Spirit descending. But there’s more. Jesus didn’t come just to receive the Father’s approval. He came to restore our relationship with the Father. The voice that said, “You are my beloved Son” is now extended to us. The Father adopts us into his family through Jesus. The same Spirit that descended on Jesus is available to empower us today. Jesus’s baptism is a reminder that the Father delights in his children and that he equips us with his Spirit to live out our calling. You see, this moment wasn’t just for Jesus. It was done as an example and declaration for all who would follow him. We are invited into an immersive relationship with the Father. Public baptism declares we are confirmed, secured, and empowered by the Father. If you haven’t made the decision to follow Jesus, today is the day to turn to him. Jesus came to restore your relationship with your Father and empower you to live for him. Will you accept that invitation today? You see, the Father is not distant or disengaged. He is actively involved in our lives, calling us to be his children. Just as Jesus was affirmed and empowered in his identity as the Son of God, we too are called to walk in our new identity as sons and daughters of the King. Don't do this life alone without the Heavenly Father. He has done everything to call you home. If today is the day for you to come home. Write "I choose Jesus," in the comments below. #BelovedByTheFather, #Mark1Devotional, #IdentityInChrist ASK THIS: DO THIS: Make your identity in Christ your foundation—live from the Father’s affirmation, not for it. PRAY THIS: Father, thank you for calling me your beloved. Empower me by your Spirit to live boldly in my new identity. Amen. PLAY THIS: Who You Say I Am.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are in a brand new book of the Bible. Go to the website and grab the Scripture Journal for this study so you can study along with us. Shout out today to JT Sherrod on YouTube, who recently made a strong recommitment. He said he is renewing his commitment and is "Okay if this costs him everything." JT is awesome. Be like JT people. Live all in. Today, we’re looking at Mark 1:4-8: John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, 'After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. — Mark 1:4-8 John the Baptist is an unforgettable figure. His appearance alone was enough to make people take notice—dressed in camel’s hair and eating locusts! But John’s message wasn’t about his strange attire or his odd diet; it was about preparing the hearts of the people for the arrival of the Messiah. He called them to repentance, to turn away from their sin, and to seek forgiveness. It was a message of renewal, of returning to God’s design for their lives. There’s something profound about the way John humbly points to Jesus. He doesn’t seek the spotlight; instead, he steps aside to make way for the true Savior. John recognizes his place—he is not worthy to untie the sandals of the one who is to come. This is a powerful reminder for us: It’s not about making ourselves famous but about pointing others to the One who is truly worthy. John knew his role, and it wasn’t to take center stage; it was to prepare the way for Jesus to be revealed. John’s message of baptism is also a message of transformation. While he baptized with water, Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit, a deeper, more lasting change. This is the promise of a new life, one that is marked by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. The gospel isn’t just about an external cleansing; it’s about an internal, heart-deep change that only God can bring. You’re invited into this transformation—not just to confess your sins but to be baptized with the Holy Spirit, receiving the power to live a new life in Christ. John didn’t just preach a message of repentance; he preached a message of hope. He pointed to Jesus, who would not only forgive but empower. Just as John prepared the people for Jesus’ arrival, we, too, are called to prepare our hearts and lives to receive this transformative power. Don’t settle for an outward change when God wants to bring a deep, inner transformation. Take time today to reflect on areas of your life where you need true transformation—not just an external change, but an internal one. What areas of sin or struggle do you need to turn away from and invite the Holy Spirit to renew? #BaptismOfTheHolySpirit, #JohnTheBaptist, #TransformationInChrist ASK THIS: DO THIS: Reflect on areas of your life that need internal transformation and invite the Holy Spirit to renew you. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me recognize the areas of my life that need transformation. Empower me through your Holy Spirit to live a life that points others to you, with humility and obedience. Amen. PLAY THIS: Spirit of the Living God.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are in a brand new book of the Bible. Go to the website and grab the Scripture Journal for this study so you can study along with us. Shout out today to Fred Jackson, from Elk Grove, CA, and his bride, who listen every day. I met Fred recently at the Men of Honor Conference at Creekside Church, and he came up and introduced himself, confessing that he had put together that the guy he had been listening to every day was standing on the stage! I love it. Today, we’re looking at Mark 1:1-3: The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’” — Mark 1:1-3 Everything changes with the arrival of the gospel. It isn’t just news—it’s history in the making. Mark opens his account with a statement that turns everything upside down: "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God." These aren’t just the first words of a book—they are the first words of hope for the entire world. Jesus didn’t just arrive; He was sent with a purpose. The gospel has always been part of God’s plan. Mark goes on to show us that this wasn’t a random event. It was the fulfillment of centuries-old prophecies. The messenger—John the Baptist—was sent to prepare the way. But preparation isn’t just about getting things ready on the outside; it’s about making our hearts ready for Jesus. John’s call to make straight paths for the Lord is a challenge for us today. Is your heart prepared? Are you ready to receive the gospel, or are there roadblocks and distractions in the way? The gospel doesn’t just come to inform; it comes to transform. The question isn’t just whether we’ve heard the gospel—it’s whether we’ve allowed it to reshape our lives. The starting point for all of this is simple: Jesus is the Son of God, and he’s here to change everything. This isn’t just a story about someone else’s faith. This is a call to action for us. The question is: How are you preparing the way for Jesus in your life? Maybe it’s time to clear out some clutter, repent of old habits, or make space for God to move in new ways. John the Baptist’s message wasn’t just for those in the wilderness—it’s for us, too. Prepare your heart for the Lord, and let the gospel change you. #PrepareTheWay #GospelTransformation #HeartOfRepentance ASK THIS: DO THIS: Clear the clutter from your life and heart to make space for Jesus to move in new ways. PRAY THIS: Lord, I open my heart to you today. Clear the path and make my heart ready to receive the transformative power of your gospel. Amen. PLAY THIS: Prepare The Way.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. Tomorrow, we start the Gospel of Mark. Go to the website and grab the Scriptural Journal for this study so you can study along with us. Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 12:13-14: The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. — Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 This is the moment everything has been building toward. After all the searching, testing, questioning, and reflecting—Solomon ends with one clear, uncompromising truth: Fear God. Keep His commandments. This is not just a good idea. It’s not a nice suggestion. It’s the whole duty of humanity. Solomon’s not talking about fear that paralyzes—but a fear that rightly places God above all else. It’s reverence. Awe. Weight. A deep awareness that God is holy, sovereign, and not to be ignored. And with that reverence comes obedience. Not out of guilt, but from a heart that understands who God is and what He deserves. Why? Because one day, we’ll stand before Him. Every secret thing—every word, motive, thought, and action—will be laid bare. The life we lived, the choices we made, the paths we walked—they all matter. And that’s why this final word hits so hard: Solomon isn't just summarizing a book—he's giving us a compass for life. In a world full of distractions and noise, this is clarity. In a life filled with vapor, this is substance. Fear God. Obey His Word. That’s the whole book. #FearGod, #ObeyHisWord, #EternalPerspective ASK THIS: DO THIS: Write down one area where you need to realign your life with God's commands—and act on it today. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to live with reverent fear of You. Teach me to love and obey Your Word with all my heart. Amen. PLAY THIS: Jesus Paid It All.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are in the last chapter of Ecclesiastes. That means today, we are 1 day away from starting the Gospel of Mark. Go to the website and grab the Scriptural Journal for this study so you can study along with us. Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 12:9-12: Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care. The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth. The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. — Ecclesiastes 12:9-12 These verses show Solomon’s passion as a teacher. He didn’t just live wisely—he worked to pass wisdom on. He studied, he sifted, he selected each word carefully. Not to impress, but to guide. Not to sound clever, but to offer truth. He compares wisdom to a goad—a sharp stick used to keep animals on the right path. And also to nails—firmly fixed, anchoring truth into the soul. Good wisdom doesn’t just entertain—it moves you. It stabilizes you. It sets your course. And Solomon says something profound here: these collected sayings were given by one Shepherd. Even though Solomon penned them, the true Author behind them is God. He’s the One trying to lead us home. But then comes a warning. "Beware of anything beyond these." So Solomon isn’t anti-learning. He’s not dismissing scholarship or curiosity. He’s warning us not to drown in the endless search for knowledge while missing the truth already in front of us. Too many people spend their lives chasing new ideas but never living out the truth they already know. There are a lot of voices out there. A lot of opinions. A lot of books. But not all words are equal. Some distract. Some deceive. But the words that come from the Shepherd? They lead us home. #WiseWords, #ShepherdsVoice, #Ecclesiastes12 ASK THIS: DO THIS: Choose one piece of wisdom from Scripture today—and live it out. Don’t just read truth. Apply it. PRAY THIS: Father, help me to value Your wisdom above the noise of the world. Anchor my heart in Your truth and lead me home. Amen. PLAY THIS: The Lord Will Provide.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are in the last chapter of Ecclesiastes. That means today, we are 2 days away from starting the Gospel of Mark. Go to the website and grab the Scriptural Journal for this study so you can study along with us. Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 12:8: Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.— Ecclesiastes 12:8 This is Solomon’s final conclusion. The last echo of a theme he has repeated from the very first line of Ecclesiastes to the very end: "Vanity of vanities... all is vanity." But this isn’t just repetition—it’s the closing line of a grand experiment. Solomon, the preacher-king, has tested everything. Wisdom. Pleasure. Work. Wealth. Achievement. He’s chased every path under the sun. He’s tasted every fruit the world has to offer. And here’s his final verdict: It’s all smoke. That’s the deeper meaning of the word “vanity” in Hebrew—hevel—vapor, mist, breath, smoke. Something that looks solid but slips through your fingers. It’s not meaningless, but it’s ungraspable. Fleeting. Elusive. Solomon’s point is simple: if you build your life on anything but God, you build on smoke. All the tests have been run. All the variables explored. And this is what the wisest man to walk the earth—besides Jesus—wants you to know: Don’t waste your life chasing smoke. So stop putting your hope in what won’t last. Stop assuming the next achievement, relationship, or possession will settle your soul. It won’t. The purpose of Ecclesiastes isn’t to lead us to despair. It’s to lead us to God—the only One who isn’t a smoke show. #VanityOfVanities, #ChasingSmoke, #WisdomFromSolomon ASK THIS: DO THIS: Identify one thing you’ve been chasing that won’t last—and surrender it to God today. PRAY THIS: God, I don’t want to waste my life chasing what won’t satisfy. Teach me to build on what is eternal—You alone. Amen. PLAY THIS: Jesus Have It All.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are in the last chapter of Ecclesiastes. That means today, we are 3 days away from starting the Gospel of Mark. Go to the website and grab the Scriptural Journal for this study so you can study along with us. Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 12:6-7: Before the silver cord is snapped, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern, and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.— Ecclesiastes 12:6-7 There’s a sacred weight to these words. Solomon doesn’t talk about death with fear—but with poetic beauty and sobering clarity. And this is especially meaningful because these are the words of an older man, written near the close of his life—someone who has tasted everything and now speaks with hard-earned wisdom. He uses four metaphors to describe life’s final moments: a snapped cord, a shattered bowl, a broken pitcher, and a ruined wheel. Each one precious, each one fragile, each one irreparable. That’s the moment when the soul leaves the body. When dust returns to dust. And the spirit goes back to the One who breathed it into being. This text isn’t just about dying—it’s about living in the light of eternity. It’s about recognizing that life isn’t endless here. That one day, all the activity, all the noise, all the striving will go quiet. And only what was done in relationship with God will last. We don’t control the moment the cord snaps. But we do control how we live before it does. That’s why remembering your Creator matters. It frames your days. It humbles your pride. It clarifies your purpose. It prepares you to return—not just to the ground—but to God. We weren’t made to stay here. But we were made for something more. #EternalPerspective, #BibleDevotional, #Ecclesiastes12 ASK THIS: Ecclesiastes 12:6 DO THIS: Live today with the end in mind—honor your Creator in everything you do. PRAY THIS: God, help me to remember You in every moment, especially when life feels busy or distracting. Teach me to live with a heart that is prepared to return to You. Amen. PLAY THIS: Feet Of Jesus + All I Need.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are in the last chapter of Ecclesiastes. That means today we are 4 days away from starting the Gospel of Mark. Go to the website and grab the Scriptural Journal for this study so you can study along with us. Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 12:4-5: And the doors on the street are shut—when the sound of the grinding is low, and one rises up at the sound of a bird, and all the daughters of song are brought low—they are afraid also of what is high, and terrors are in the way; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along, and desire fails, because man is going to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets— Ecclesiastes 12:4-5 Solomon continues his poetic descent through the aging process—and this time, he describes not just physical breakdown but also emotional and social decline. The “doors on the street” are shut—perhaps the ears or even social isolation. The “sound of grinding is low”—daily activity slows to a crawl. Rising at the “sound of a bird”—sleep becomes fragile and easily disturbed. “Daughters of song are brought low”—joy is muted, and singing no longer lifts the soul as it once did. And then the fear creeps in. Fear of falling. Fear of going out. The almond tree blossoms—white hair. The grasshopper drags along—once agile, now slow. And desire? It begins to fade. Not just sexual desire (though let’s be honest—testosterone replacement therapy is more common than ever), but also a decline in passion, motivation, and drive. Solomon isn’t rubbing it in—he’s inviting reflection. Because the destination is clear: man goes to his eternal home. He’s asking us: Do you really want to wait until life grows silent, slow, and sorrowful to make eternal decisions? What you still have—your energy, joy, desire, and courage—use it now. Before the mourners gather, choose the joy of the Lord. #EternalPerspective, #ChooseJoyNow, #DailyDevotional ASK THIS: “desire” DO THIS: Reflect on one area of your life where you’ve lost desire—and ask God to reignite it with eternal purpose. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me see the brevity of life not as a burden but a blessing. Teach me to live each day with eternal purpose and lasting joy. Amen. PLAY THIS: Grow.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are in the last chapter of Ecclesiastes. That means today we are 5 days away from starting the Gospel of Mark. Go to the website and grab the Scriptural Journal for this study so you can study along with us. Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 12:2-3: Before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened and the clouds return after the rain, in the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those who look through the windows are dimmed— Ecclesiastes 12:2-3 Solomon shifts his tone here—what began as an invitation now becomes a slow descent into poetic realism. He’s describing the gradual breakdown of the human body. The lights dim. Strength fades. Teeth are few. Eyesight fails. Age is creeping in. It’s like a storm that just passed, but the clouds keep rolling back. You think it’s over—but it isn’t. The effects of time continue to accumulate, one layer at a time. The metaphors are vivid. The “keepers of the house” tremble—your hands. The “strong men” are bent—your legs and back. The “grinders” are few—your teeth. The “windows” are dimmed—your eyes. This is what happens when we age. Solomon isn’t being cruel—he’s being clear. This is reality. And he’s urging us to take it seriously. The point isn’t to fear old age—it’s to respect time. To recognize that the life we have now, in all its mobility and clarity, won’t last forever. So why delay obedience? Why postpone faithfulness? Why assume you’ll always have what you have today? If you’re still strong—use your strength. If you can still see clearly—open your eyes to truth. If you can still speak—declare God’s goodness. The shadows of age are coming. And you who are older know what I am talking about. But you don’t have to wait for the dark to live in the light. #LiveBeforeTheDark, #Ecclesiastes12, #DailyDevotional ASK THIS: DO THIS: Use your strength, clarity, and voice today for God’s purposes—don’t delay what you were meant to do now. PRAY THIS: Lord, thank You for the strength and clarity I still have today. Help me not to waste it, but to honor You with urgency and obedience. Amen. PLAY THIS: Graves Into Gardens.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are in the last chapter of Ecclesiastes. That means today we are 6 days away from starting the Gospel of Mark. Go to the website and grab the Scripture Journal for this study so you can study along with us. Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 12:1: Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them.” — Ecclesiastes 12:1 There’s a temptation to put off getting serious about our faith until later in life. To assume we’ll get around to God when life slows down or after we’ve experienced all that the world has to offer. But Solomon flips that thinking on its head. He says: "Remember your Creator"—now, not later. In the days of your youth. Not just when it is convenient or calm. Not when the pressure lets up. But while you’re young, energetic, full of possibility. Why? Because evil days are coming. Aging is inevitable. Challenges will increase. Pain will multiply. And it becomes harder to build a foundation of faith when life begins to wear you down. Youth is a gift, people. It's a window of opportunity. It’s a season when your heart is still moldable, your body is still able, and your mind is still open. That’s when you need to anchor yourself to the truth of who God is. "Remember" here also doesn’t mean a fleeting thought—it means live like God is your personal Maker, Designer, and Architect. Make decisions that reflect his authority. Build habits that honor his design. Shape your values around his Word. Because the days will come when you’ll look back and realize how vital those early decisions were. The strength you’ll need for tomorrow must be cultivated right now, today! Don’t wait until life breaks you to bow your heart. Remember Him now—before regret writes your story. #FaithNow, #Ecclesiastes12, #LiveAnchored ASK THIS: "convenient" DO THIS: Build one spiritual habit today that reflects God's design for your life—don’t delay. PRAY THIS: Father, help me to remember You now while I still have strength, clarity, and opportunity. Teach me to live today in a way that honors You for a lifetime. Amen. PLAY THIS: I Believe.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are one week away from starting the Gospel of Mark. Go to the website and grab the Scriptural Journal for this study so you can study along with us. Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 11:9-10: Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity. — Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 Solomon gives a strong encouragement here: to enjoy your life. This isn’t a call to reckless living—but to a joyful one. Life is short, and the days pass quickly. So don’t waste them. But the freedom he describes comes with a boundary. He reminds us that everything we do—every diversion, every decision, every desire—is seen by God. And it will all be weighed. That’s not meant to scare us. It’s meant to ground us. God is not a killjoy; He’s the One who gave us the gift of life. But He also cares how we use it. We’re called to live with boldness and accountability. To enjoy life deeply and honor God fully. To chase good things—but not in a way that forgets the Giver. To pursue the desires of our heart—but also regulate those desires by his will. So what does that look like? It looks like joy without rebellion. Passion with wisdom. Zeal that’s anchored in truth. It means dealing with the stuff that confuses our hearts—bitterness, anxiety, sin—and not letting it steal the true beauty of the moment. Then he adds to remove vexation and put away pain. In other words, don’t let the weight of the world settle into your soul. Don’t carry what you don’t have to. Don’t waste your youth—or your life—on what doesn’t last. Enjoy your life. Honor your God. And let both shape the legacy you leave behind. And on to our last chapter of Ecclesiastes—chapter 12. #LiveWithPurpose, #JoyAndJudgment, #Ecclesiastes11 ASK THIS: DO THIS: Enjoy your life today in a way that honors the God who gave it to you. PRAY THIS: Father, thank You for the gift of life and the freedom to enjoy it. Help me live with joy and accountability, honoring You in everything I do. Amen. PLAY THIS: Joy In The Morning.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are approaching the end of Ecclesiastes, and the Gospel of Mark is next. Go to the website and grab the Scriptural Journal for this study so you can study along with us. If you are a donor who gives $35/month or more, you will receive one of these for free each time we begin a new study, as long as we have your current mailing address. You also get a few more benefits by becoming a monthly or annual donor, like video access to the website, and you can see all those benefits at the link in the description today. Either way, get your Scripture Journal now so you can take notes and follow along. Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 11:7-8: Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun. So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity. — Ecclesiastes 11:7-8 Life is a gift. Solomon reminds us to enjoy it—to see the light, feel the warmth, and enjoy the good days. There’s something sacred about the simplicity of a sunrise, a shared meal, or a laugh with a friend. These are glimpses of God’s goodness in a world that often feels heavy. But Solomon adds a sobering reminder: "The days of darkness will be many." Life has darkness. Seasons of loss. Moments of grief. Times when the light isn’t so visible. And we shouldn’t be surprised when they come. Still, the contrast makes the sun sweeter. The joy of life isn’t found in pretending the dark days don’t exist—but in choosing to rejoice while we can. Not in a shallow, Instagram-worthy way—but in a deep, grounded gratitude that sees every moment as grace. The call here is to live with balance. Rejoice fully. Remember frankly. Don’t cling to the delusion that life will always be easy. But don’t grow so cynical that you miss the beauty right before you. Savor the good gifts of God today. And who prepare your hearts to trust God when the shadows fall tomorrow. #LifeIsAGift, #Ecclesiastes11, #DailyDevotional ASK THIS: DO THIS: Today, pause and savor one good gift from God—a sunrise, a smile, or a moment of stillness. PRAY THIS: Father, help me rejoice in the light and prepare my heart for the shadows. Teach me to see each moment as grace from You. Amen. PLAY THIS: Fountains + Came To My Rescue.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. Today's shout-out goes to a couple of Delta pilot friends of mine. Cory Baron and Randy Strenge. Thanks to both of you for being followers for so many years and for faithfully serving me and others on Delta for all that time. Also we are approaching the end of Ecclesiastes, and the Gospel of Mark is next. Go to the website and grab the Scriptural Journal for this study so you can study along with us. If you are a donor who gives $35/month or more, you will receive one of these for free each time we begin a new study, as long as we have your current mailing address. You also get a few more benefits by becoming a monthly or annual donor, like video access to the website, and you can see all those benefits at the link in the description today. Either way, get your Scripture Journal now so you can take notes and follow along. Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 11:6: In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good. — Ecclesiastes 11:6 Solomon is encouraging us to live and work with a faithful consistency. He paints the picture of a person who begins sowing early in the day and continues into the evening. They’re not lazy. They’re not overly selective. They simply keep showing up and doing the work. Why? Because they don’t know what will succeed. One seed might take root, or another. Maybe both. Maybe neither—at least not right away. This is how life works. We can’t always predict outcomes. Some conversations bear fruit. Others don’t. Some relationships thrive. Others fade. Some opportunities explode into blessings. Others seem to fall flat. But the point is this: if you never sow, you’ll never reap. God calls us to live faithfully, not perfectly. He calls us to work diligently, not just when we feel inspired or when the results are guaranteed. What matters most is that we show up. That we keep planting. That we remain steady in the daily grind. The harvest isn’t our job—obedience is the job. We don’t control the soil, the weather, or the results. Shoot, we don't even produce the seed. But we do control whether we’re willing to keep working, believing God will bring something good from our faithful effort. So keep sowing. Keep investing. Keep loving. Keep showing up. Not just when it’s easy but especially when it’s not. You never know what God might do with the seed you plant today. Now go plant a seed in someone's life. #FaithfulLiving, #KeepSowing, #ObedienceOverOutcome ASK THIS: DO THIS: Show up today and do one faithful act—whether it’s seen, celebrated, or not. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to be faithful in the daily grind, even when I can’t see the results. I trust You to bring the growth in Your time and way. Amen. PLAY THIS: Stay Strong.