Resolute Podcast

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. And today's shout-out goes to Kevin Ontiveros from Sylmar, CA. Kevin, thank you for standing with us through Project23. Your support helps deliver healing to people. This one's for you. Our text today is Mark 5:30-34: And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?'” And he looked around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” — Mark 5:30-34 This woman thought she could slip away unnoticed by Jesus. She had reached for healing, and it worked. The bleeding stopped. Her body felt whole. But Jesus wasn't finished. “Who touched my garments?” It's a strange question in the middle of a crowd. People were pressing in from all sides. But Jesus knew. He felt power leave him—and he wanted to know who received it. Not because he didn't know. But because he wanted her to know she wasn't invisible. She comes forward, trembling. She tells the truth. And Jesus doesn't scold her. He doesn't shame her. He gives her a name: “Daughter!” Not “woman with the issue of blood.” Not “unclean.” Not “interruption.” Daughter. That's what Jesus does. He doesn't just heal the body—he restores the soul. He gives a new name, a new identity, a new peace. You may come to Jesus because of some issue—but he will always give you more than you came for. If you've ever felt unseen, unnoticed, or unworthy—hear this: Jesus sees you. Jesus knows you. And Jesus calls you daughter... son... his. And if you come to him, he will give you a new life, which is always more than expected. Are you ready to come? And if you're ready to come—come all the way. Don't just reach for a quick fix or temporary relief. Come for the deeper healing only Jesus offers. Jesus, I come to you today. Heal me. Restore me. Make me whole, amen. #FaithRestores, #JesusSeesYou, #HealingInChrist ASK THIS: What does Jesus' question “Who touched me?” reveal about his character? Why do you think Jesus called her "Daughter"? Have you ever tried to receive from God without being seen? What healing do you need that only Jesus can provide? DO THIS: Today, tell Jesus the whole truth—come to him vulnerably, not just for healing, but for identity and peace. PRAY THIS: Jesus, thank you for seeing me when I feel unseen. I come to you for healing, restoration, and the new name only you can give. Amen. PLAY THIS: You Say.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. And today's shout-out goes to Jay T Patterson from Verona, MO. Jay, thank you for standing with us through Project23. Your support helps deliver healing to people. This one's for you. Our text today is Mark 5:25-29: And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him. And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. — Mark 5:25-29 As Jesus walks with Jairus toward a dying daughter, another story unfolds in the crowd. A woman. Unnamed. Unnoticed. Twelve years of bleeding. Twelve years of suffering. Twelve years of disappointment. Twelve years of uncleanliness. She's spent everything she had—physically, financially, emotionally—and she's only gotten worse. By every account, she should have stayed home. She was considered physically and spiritually unclean. She wasn't supposed to be there. But faith doesn't wait for permission. She pushes through the crowd. Quietly. Carefully. She doesn't shout. She doesn't stop Jesus. She reaches out, thinking: “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” And in that moment—she is. The bleeding stops. The suffering ends. The healing begins. That's the power of quiet faith. It's not always loud or public. It doesn't always make headlines or draw attention. But it moves. It reaches. It touches Jesus. And Jesus responds. Sometimes, all you've got left—is a reach. But if you reach for the right One, that's all you'll ever need. What if the issue you're facing isn't about trying harder. But finally, reaching for Jesus? #FaithThatHeals, #TouchOfJesus, #Mark52529 ASK THIS: What have you been suffering with in silence? How have you reached for Jesus in your pain? What keeps you from pushing through the crowd today? Do you believe Jesus can respond to quiet faith? DO THIS: Push past the fear or shame today—pray boldly and reach out to Jesus with that one issue you've been hiding. PRAY THIS: Jesus, I come quietly but boldly, reaching for You with the pain I've carried far too long. Heal what doctors and efforts cannot—touch my life with Your power. Amen. PLAY THIS: “He Knows My Name” by Tasha Cobbs Leonard.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. And today's shout-out goes to Rick Morris from Bunnell, FL. Rick, thank you for standing with us through Project23. Your support helps deliver God's Word to families across the globe. This one's for you. Our text today is Mark 5:21-24: And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” And he went with him. — Mark 5:21-24 Jesus returns to the Jewish side of the Sea of Galilee, and as usual, the crowds are already waiting. But this time, someone pushes through the crowd—not a leper, not a tax collector, not a fisherman. It's a father. And a synagogue ruler. His name is Jairus. He's a respected man. A religious leader. A person of status in the community. But on this day, none of that matters to him. The only thing on his mind is the life of his daughter—sick and close to death. Jairus doesn't send a servant. He leaves her bedside, falls at Jesus' feet, and begs: “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” This is more than desperation—it's faith. That's what faith does. It moves into and through imperfect conditions. It walks into uncertainty. It reaches through desperation—toward the only one who holds hope and healing: Jesus. Jairus didn't know how his request would be received. But he had heard about Jesus. And he knew Jesus was the only one who could help. And Jesus responds with mercy—he goes with him. Faith is often seen most clearly in our moments of desperation. The singular focus of our heart, mind, and soul in crisis directs everything toward the one object worthy of our trust. For Jairus, it wasn't a physician. It was the Miracle Worker from Nazareth. He fell at His feet—believing He could heal and save. Maybe today, you're carrying a desperate burden. Maybe it's not a daughter—but a decision. Maybe not a disease—but a disappointment. Don't carry it alone. Bring it to Jesus. Run to Him. Fall before Him. Ask boldly. And trust—He still walks with those who cry out in faith. #FaithInCrisis, #JesusHeals, #BoldBelief ASK THIS: What desperate burden are you carrying today? How does Jairus' faith challenge your own response to trials? Who or what do you usually run to in crisis? What might it look like to “fall at Jesus' feet” in your life? DO THIS: Run to Jesus today with your burden—don't delay. Speak to him out loud, laying your needs at his feet. PRAY THIS: Jesus, in my desperation, I bring my burden to You, trusting You alone can save. Strengthen my faith as I wait for Your mercy. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Run to the Father" by Cody Carnes.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. And today's shout-out goes to Cary Lemasters from Wellsville, OH. Cary, thank you for standing with us through Project23. Your support helps deliver the Word where it's needed most. This one's for you. Our text today is Mark 5:14-20: The herdsmen fled and told it in the city and in the country. And people came to see what it was that had happened. And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. And those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs. And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled. — Mark 5:14-20 The people come running because they've heard what happened and want to see it for themselves. And what they see shocks them. The same man who once lived naked in the tombs. The man who cried out night and day. The one who broke shackles and couldn't be subdued is now sitting. Clothed. Calm. In his right mind. It's such a radical transformation the crowd doesn't celebrate—they tremble in fear. The power of Jesus disturbs them more than the chaos of Legion. So they demand something tragic—they ask Jesus to leave. But not the man who was freed. He doesn't want Jesus to go without him. He begs to follow. But Jesus gives him a more important assignment: “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” And the man obeys. He tells his story. And people marvel. That's the power of a testimony. Theologians can argue. Skeptics can question. But no one can refute a changed life. This man didn't go to seminary—he came out of the tombs. And now he's a missionary to the very region that once feared him. That's what Jesus does. So—what has Jesus done for you that someone else needs to hear? You may not have a “Legion” story. But you do have a mercy story. Share it. Tell it. Live the mission. Don't keep it to yourself. God wants to use the story He's given you to preach the good news to others. You are the mouth he wants to use to tell the world about his mercy. #FromDarknessToLight, #MercyStory, #JesusSaves ASK THIS: What stands out most about the man's transformation? Why do you think the people were more afraid of Jesus than of Legion? How has God's mercy changed your life? Who in your life might need to hear that story? DO THIS: Write down your story—one moment or season where Jesus met you with mercy. Then, ask God to show you who needs to hear it this week. PRAY THIS: Jesus, thank you for the mercy you've shown me. Don't let me keep it to myself. Use my story to point others to your love and power. Amen. PLAY THIS: "My Story" by Big Daddy Weave.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. And today's shout-out goes to John & Cindy Brannum from Sioux Falls, SD. John & Cindy, thank you for standing with us through Project23. Your support helps deliver the Word where it's needed most. This one's for you. Our text today is Mark 5:6-13: And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. Now a great herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him, saying, “Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.” So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea. — Mark 5:6-13 Jesus steps onto the shore, and the man possessed by demons does something shocking—he runs toward Jesus. But as soon as he gets close, the demons take over. They fall. They scream. They beg for mercy. This is how evil responds to the holy—it bows in the presence of God. There's no battle. No contest. This isn't two equal forces clashing—it's total authority confronting total darkness. Jesus commands the spirit to come out. Then he asks for the demon's identity: “What is your name?” The answer is chilling: “My name is Legion, for we are many.” Literally—thousands of demons. And still, Jesus doesn't flinch, falter, or fear. It's as if he's handled situations like this a hundred times before. Then Legion pleads with Jesus. He begs for mercy—because they know they've encountered the all-powerful God, something even the disciples have yet to fully understand. They plead for dispersion rather than destruction. They beg Jesus to send them into a field of swine. There are all kinds of theories about why the pigs—but the simplest answer is this: The time for complete demonic defeat had not yet come. Jesus's mission was first to redeem mankind from the bondage of sin—before destroying evil entirely. So, Legion is cast into the pigs. And the entire herd rushes down the hillside and drowns in the sea. I believe many people today feel overwhelmed by darkness—whether internal or external. And too often, we try to manage it, medicate it, or manipulate it. But Jesus doesn't ask us to control the darkness. He asks us to surrender it—so He can confront it. If Jesus can cast out thousands of demons with a single word, he can confront the darkness you face today. So stop trying to manage the situation. Let Jesus confront it. Let him remove it. And let him cast it far from you—deep into the sea. #JesusOverDarkness, #Mark5, #SpiritualWarfare ASK THIS: Where do you feel darkness creeping into your life? Are you trying to manage what Jesus wants to remove? What does Legion's response reveal about Jesus' authority? How can you invite Jesus to confront your hidden struggles? DO THIS: Identify one area of darkness you've tried to manage and surrender it to Jesus in prayer today. PRAY THIS: Jesus, I confess the darkness I've tried to manage alone. I surrender it to You—cast it out and replace it with Your peace. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Break Every Chain” by Jesus Culture.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. And today's shout-out goes to Cory Baron from North Oaks, MN. Cory, thank you for standing with us through Project23. Your commitment is helping others step out of darkness and into the light. This one's for you. Our text today is Mark 5:1-5: They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. — Mark 5:1-5 Jesus and his disciples land in Gentile territory—on the far side of the sea. And the moment they step out of the boat, they're met by a man. But not just any man. He's a strange man who lives among the dead. He's naked. Bleeding. Tormented. Possessed by a legion of demons. (A legion was about 6,000—so this was a case of extreme demonization.) We read that no one could bind him. Not with ropes. Not even with chains. He had legion-like strength—and a soul consumed by suffering. So he lived alone. Crying out. Cutting himself. Unreachable. Unrestrained. Unhealed. This is what evil does. When we give ourselves over to it, evil isolates. It dehumanizes. It pulls us away from people—and pushes us further from peace. But notice—Jesus went out of his way to reach this far-out man. He crossed a violent sea to reach a violent man in a foreign land. To reach an outcast, everyone else had given up on. Jesus doesn't move away from the broken. He moves toward them. Maybe today you feel like this man—alone, tormented, ashamed. Or maybe you've written someone off, thinking they're too far gone. You're wrong. No one is too far from Jesus—not you, not them. Because Jesus can reach anyone, anywhere, at any time. Today, if you've drifted—come back to Jesus, the one who came for you. And if you've given up on someone—don't. Pray that God would send someone who represents Him to move close. Or ask Him if that someone is you. #TheDaily #Mark5 #JesusHeals #NoOneTooFarGone #FreedomInChrist #ComeBackToJesus ASK THIS: What does this man's condition reveal about the power of evil? How does Jesus' arrival in this scene reflect His character and mission? Have you ever felt unreachable—or believed someone else was? What would it look like for Jesus to step into that place today? DO THIS: Think of one person (maybe it's even you) who seems beyond hope—and pray specifically for Jesus to move toward them in power, just as He did for the man among the tombs. PRAY THIS: Jesus, thank you for stepping into places no one else would. Help me believe you can reach anyone—including me. And help me not to give up on those who still need your touch. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Rescue" by Lauren Daigle.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. And today's shout-out goes to William Hanson from Bagley, MN. William, thank you for your support of Project23. I pray this study will give you peace in your storm today. Our text today is Mark 4:35-41: On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” — Mark 4:35-41 It started as a simple boat ride across the lake. But halfway through, everything changed. A sudden storm. Water crashing in. Panic is setting in. And where's Jesus? Peacefully asleep—on a cushion. That image alone speaks volumes: Jesus, undisturbed, while chaos rages. The disciples, frantic, ask the question many of us whisper when life gets hard: “Do you not care?” But Jesus does more than care—he commands. He stands up, rebukes the wind, and speaks peace over the storm: “Peace! Be still!” And just like that, the elements of life obey. The storm stops. Here's the kicker: the storm outside wasn't the biggest one. The real storm was inside them—fear, doubt, forgetfulness. And Jesus quiets that, too, with a question that echoes into our own lives: “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” The storms of life are inevitable. But panic is optional when Jesus is in your boat. Because the One who commands the sea also calms the soul. And the more we walk with him, the more we learn: Jesus may not always stop the storm before it hits—but he always brings peace in the middle of it. Lay the storm in your soul on the cushion of Jesus. You know you can't control your present storm. But he can. #FaithInTheStorm, #PeaceBeStill, #Mark43541 ASK THIS: What fears rise in you when life feels out of control? How have you seen Jesus bring peace in past storms? Why do you think Jesus asked, “Have you still no faith?” What does it mean for you to rest like Jesus—even in chaos? DO THIS: Speak the words “Peace, be still” over one area of your life today—and trust Jesus to meet you in it. PRAY THIS: Jesus, when fear fills my heart, remind me that you are present and powerful in every storm. Help me trust your peace more than I fear the waves. Amen. PLAY THIS: Still.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. And today's shout-out goes to Daniel Gifford from Marrietta, GA. Daniel, thank you for believing in the slow, steady work of God's Word. Because of your support of Project23, others are learning to walk by faith. This one's for you. Today, we're looking at Mark 4:30-34: And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything. — Mark 4:30-34 Jesus gives us yet another picture of the kingdom of God—and this one flips expectations. He says the kingdom is like a mustard seed. Small. Insignificant. Easy to miss. One of the tiniest seeds you could hold between your fingers. But when planted, it grows. And not just a little. It becomes the largest plant in the garden. Big enough for birds to land in and build their nests. Remember, Jesus isn't giving us a lesson in agriculture. He's describing spiritual hope. The kingdom doesn't always start loud or impressive. It often begins in hidden places. In quiet faithfulness. In small decisions. In the unseen crevices of our lives. God does massive things through small beginnings. This is how the kingdom grows in your heart. This is how it expands in a community. This is how it breaks into a home, a workplace, a school, a nation. Not with a splash—but with a seed. And when that seed takes root, it grows beyond expectation. It creates space for others. It becomes something only God could grow—out of something no one else noticed. So if your faith feels small today—good. That's exactly what God uses. Your "mustard seed" may not look like much, but when surrendered, it becomes a tree of grace. #MustardSeedFaith, #KingdomGrowth, #Project23 ASK THIS: Where in your life has God started something small that you're tempted to overlook? What “mustard seed” decision could you plant today? Are you expecting growth in a way that might miss how God actually works? How has God used your smallest act of faith to bless someone else? DO THIS: Plant one small, intentional act of faith today—something quiet, consistent, and surrendered to God. PRAY THIS: Father, thank you for using the small things I offer for your great purposes. Grow your kingdom in me, even when I can't see it. Amen. PLAY THIS: Do It Again.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. And today, we're thanking Michael Greiner from Dallas, TX. Your faithfulness in supporting Project23 is planting seeds in countless lives. This one's for you. Today, we're looking at Mark 4:26-29: And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” — Mark 4:26-29 In this short parable, Jesus gives us another window into the nature of the kingdom of God. He describes a farmer who scatters seeds and then continues his life. He scatters. He sleeps. He wakes. He repeats. Meanwhile, something unseen is happening within the soil. The seed grows—but the farmer doesn't fully comprehend how. Jesus puts it plainly, “The seed sprouts and grows—he knows not how.” Jesus is explaining how the kingdom works. God does something unseen long before we see visible results. The seed is scattered, but growth is gradual—first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain. It's not instant. It's not showy. But it's happening. When the time is right, there is a harvest to enjoy. This parable is a gentle reminder of the difference between our duty and God's duty. We scatter the seed, but only God gives the growth. Our job is to scatter the truth we've been given generously. We are called to sow the Word everywhere we go. We scatter it in how we act and what we say. At home. At work. At school. At play. And sometimes, you may feel like this is less than productive. Like you are wasting your time and wasting the seed. But don't forget—sometimes God is doing something below the surface you can't yet see. Something you might actually miss. He might be nourishing a seed in your friend, in your spouse, in your son, in your daughter, in a grandchild that might bear fruit down the road. It might bear a harvest you never get to witness. So don't give up. Keep scattering. Believe that God is doing something you merely cannot see. And anticipate the harvest. Because with God, no faithful seed is ever wasted. #KingdomGrowth, #ScatterSeedFaithfully, #Mark4Devotional ASK THIS: Where in your life do you feel tempted to give up sowing? What “seed” might God be growing below the surface right now? How can you be more intentional in scattering God's Word this week? Do you trust that God brings the harvest in His timing? DO THIS: Keep sowing God's Word—even when you see no results. PRAY THIS: Father, thank you for working in ways I cannot see. Help me to stay faithful in sowing your truth and trust you with the results. Amen. PLAY THIS: Seasons.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. And today, we're thanking Kim Sheffield from San Jose, CA. Kim, your support through Project23 helps others see the light of Christ in Scripture—day by day. This one's for you. Today, we're looking at Mark 4:21-25: And he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” — Mark 4:21-25 Jesus moves from seeds and soil to lamps and light. He asks the room a simple question: "Who lights a lamp and hides it under a basket or under a bed?" The question is rhetorical, and the answer is obvious—"Nobody does that!" That would defeat the purpose. But then Jesus connects that lamp to truth—to revelation, understanding, and obedience. God's truth isn't meant to be tucked away or kept in private. His truth is meant to shine. Jesus then says: “For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest.” In other words, God reveals truth so it can be shared. He uncovers things not to conceal—but to display. And when he illuminates your life, he expects you to live in the light of understanding and share that understanding. He expects you to use it. Then He presses in further: “Pay attention to what you hear.” With the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. That's both encouragement and warning. The more open you are to the Word, the more light you'll receive. But the more you ignore it, the easier it is to lose even what you had. Truth is a gift given—but it's also a responsibility to bear. We're not just called to hear it and consume it. We're called to live it and share it. So, what are you doing with the light you've been given? Are you hiding it in fear? Are you keeping it to yourself? Or are you projecting and proclaiming it for others to see? #LiveTheLight, #Mark4Devotional, #Project23 ASK THIS: What truth has God recently illuminated for you? How are you using what you've heard from Scripture? Are you guarding the light—or giving it away? What would it look like to “pay attention” to God's Word today? DO THIS: Take one truth God has revealed to you—and share it boldly with someone today. PRAY THIS: Father, thank you for revealing your truth to me through your Word. Help me not to hide it, but to live and share it boldly today. Amen. PLAY THIS: Shine On Us.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. And a big shout-out to James Walker from Laredo, TX. James, thank you for being a vital part of Project23. Because of you, we're helping people across the world receive and respond to the Word of God. This one's for you. Today, we're looking at Mark 4:13-20: And he said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? The sower sows the word. And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” — Mark 4:13-20 The disciples asked Jesus to explain the parable—and he did. No mystery. No guessing. Just clarity to those who ask, seek, and knock. He told them that the seed is the Word of God. And the soil? That's our hearts. What makes this parable so powerful is that it doesn't just explain how to grow—but why so many don't. Some hear the Word and Satan snatches it away before it can even sink in. Some hear and respond quickly—but without roots, they wither under pressure. Some let the Word grow—but it gets choked out by anxiety, money, distractions, and desires. Some—only some—receive the Word deeply, producing a harvest far beyond their own ability. The prevalence and prominence of the Word is never the problem. The condition of our hearts is always the problem. And this parable isn't about four different kinds of people. It's about four different kinds of hearts and their responses. And if we're honest, we've probably been all four in our lives. Sometimes we're hard. Sometimes we're shallow. Sometimes we're distracted. Sometimes—we're finally open, and the Word bears fruit. So the personal and probing question is: What kind of soil is my heart today? And here's the good news: soil can change. The Spirit can till, soften, clear, and prepare your heart again. You just have to ask. Are your ready to ask? Spirit, soften my calloused heart to the seed of truth. Multiply your Word and truth through me. May I bear a bountiful harvest. Amen. #HeartCheck, #GoodSoil, #FruitfulFaith ASK THIS: Which soil type best describes your heart right now—and why? What tends to choke out the Word in your life the most? How can you build stronger spiritual roots? What fruit have you seen when the Word takes deep root in your life? DO THIS: Write down one thing that's currently choking or distracting you from fully receiving God's Word. Then pray and ask God to help you clear it out. PRAY THIS: God, I want to be good soil. Help me uproot what's shallow, hardened, or distracting. Let your Word go deep—and bear lasting fruit in my life. Amen. PLAY THIS: Clear the Stage.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. And here is a shout-out today to Steve & Susan Webb from Apple Valley, MN. Thank you for your partnership in Project23. You're helping others hear the Word and respond to it. This one's for you. Today, we're looking at Mark 4:10-12: And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, so that “‘they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.'” — Mark 4:10-12 After teaching the Parable of the Sower, Jesus has a moment alone with the Twelve and a few close followers and they proceed to ask him about the meaning of the parables. And what Jesus says next stops us in our tracks: “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God… but for those outside, everything is in parables.” It sounds almost backward. Shouldn't Jesus be trying to help people understand the truth? Yes—but he is also revealing a deeper reality. Parables don't just teach truth—they test the heart. To those who are spiritually hungry, they invite. To those who are spiritually calloused, they conceal. Then Jesus, quotes from Isaiah the prophet. An ancient text where God tells the prophet that many will hear and not understand, see and not perceive. Not because God is ever unclear—but because people's hearts are closed to God's message. This is a sobering reminder that spiritual understanding isn't merely intellectual—it's formational. Notice the disciples didn't understand everything either. You will see their confusion about Jesus and the things he did and said all the way through the story. But they did something others didn't do—they asked. They leaned in. They stayed close to Jesus. And because they drew near, Jesus drew them deeper. Jesus wasn't hiding the truth from people. He was inviting those who wanted the truth to come closer. And he still is. If you feel confused about things God says in his Word—don't walk away. Lean in. Ask questions. Listen again. Keep listening to me every day. Take notes. Dig deeper. The difference between seeing and perceiving… hearing and understanding… is the willingness to stay close to Jesus even when we are confused and seeking clarity. So, in your life today, is there a place you feel a little confused about what Jesus is doing? Don't lean out. Lean in. #LeanInToJesus, #SpiritualHunger, #Mark4Devotional ASK THIS: What do Jesus' words reveal about spiritual hunger? When have you felt confused about God but kept listening? Why do some understand God's Word and others don't? How are you currently leaning in to stay close to Jesus? DO THIS: Stay close to Jesus by asking one honest question in prayer today about something you don't understand in his Word. PRAY THIS: Jesus, I don't always understand what you're doing, but I choose to lean in rather than walk away. Open my heart to see and hear your truth. Amen. PLAY THIS: Speak To Me.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. And here is a shout-out today to Ben Gandy from Hugo, MN. Ben, thank you for being part of Project23. Because of your faithfulness, we get to plant the Word of God in more lives every day. This one's for you. Today, we're looking at Mark 4:1-9: Again he began to teach beside the sea. And a very large crowd gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat in it on the sea, and the whole crowd was beside the sea on the land. And he was teaching them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them: “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil. And when the sun rose, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. And other seeds fell into good soil and produced grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” And he said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”— Mark 4:1-9 Jesus sits in a boat, teaching a crowd so large He has to back away from shore to be seen and heard. He launches into a story—a parable—that has echoed across history: A sower went out to sow. Some seeds land on the path. Some seeds hit the rocky ground. Some seeds fall among thorns. Some seeds land on good soil—and multiply. It's simple imagery, but Jesus isn't giving a farming lesson. He's giving a heart lesson. And this isn't a story merely about the Sower—or even the Seed. It's a story about the soil. Jesus is spading the soil of the heart of all mankind, asking: What kind of soil is your heart? Is it hard and unreceptive, like the path? Shallow and emotionally reactive, like the rocky ground? Distracted and overgrown with worry, like the thorns? Or soft and ready—like the good soil that produces lasting fruit? You see, the Seed is always good. The Word of God never fails. But the condition of the heart determines the harvest. And here's the good news of this parable: the soil of your heart doesn't have to be fixed in the hardened state. It can be plowed. Broken up. Prepared again. So if your heart's been hardened by disappointment… Or shallow from busyness… Or choked by distraction… Let Jesus work your soil. Let his pick axe, plow, and grader work on your heart. Soften it to him and let him produce results in and through you. Today—don't just hear the Word. Listen to it by changing your heart to him. #HeartCheck, #GoodSoil, #ParableOfTheSower ASK THIS: Which type of soil best describes your heart right now? What has hardened, distracted, or shallowly rooted your spiritual growth? Are you actively allowing God to break up and prepare your heart? What fruit have you seen when you've responded with a soft heart? DO THIS: Ask God to reveal one area of your heart that needs softening—and surrender it to him today. PRAY THIS: Father, break up the hard places in my heart and prepare me to receive your Word. Help me listen with surrender and grow lasting fruit through your Spirit. Amen. PLAY THIS: Word of God Speak.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. And a big shout-out today to Jared Gatti from Prinsburg, MN. Jared, thank you for being a part of our family through Project23. You are making a difference for the Gospel. This one's for you. Today, we're looking at Mark 3:31-25: And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.” — Mark 3:31-35 Jesus was teaching inside a packed house. People are all tuned in. Then word came that his mother and brothers were outside looking for him. But, remember—his family had just tried to stop him earlier in the chapter. Some of his family even said he was out of his mind. It seems here they were trying to intervene again. So someone interrupts the moment and says his family's outside. But Jesus doesn't rush out. Instead, using good Socratic method, he interjects a question that reframes spiritual family: “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And then he looks at the crowd sitting at his feet—the learners, the listeners, the faithful—and says: “Here are my mother and my brothers. Whoever does the will of God is my family.” When Jesus says this, he isn't rejecting his earthly family. He's expanding the definition of family altogether. He is declaring that the deepest connection in the kingdom isn't physical family—it's spiritual family. It's not shared DNA—it's shared devotion. Thus he reframes family around the Father and thus reframes family. The ones closest to Jesus aren't always the ones with blood ties—but those who listen to God and do his will. In the kingdom of God, Christ's blood is thicker than biological blood. His blood paid the price for our sins and brought us into a spiritual family that takes precedence over our biological family. And here's the beauty of it—Jesus isn't just stating a fact. He's offering an invitation to you. You don't have to be born into the right family, earn the right status, or carry the perfect spiritual record. Jesus invites you into his family. Right now. Through faith in him—his life, death, and resurrection—you can be forgiven, adopted, and called his own. If you've never said "yes" to that invitation, say it today. Just write the words "I choose Jesus" in the comments below. Trust in Jesus. Follow him. Be called brother... sister... family. And if you already belong to him—live like it. Keep walking in obedience to your Father. Because family doesn't just hear his Word—we do his will. #FamilyInChrist, #KingdomConnections, #Mark335 ASK THIS:

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. And a big shout-out today to Michael Forte from Astoria, OR. Michael, thank you for being a part of this movement through Project23. You are making a difference for the Gospel. This one's for you. Today, we're looking at Mark 3:28-30: “Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”—for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.” — Mark 3:28-30 This text contains one of the most sobering statements Jesus ever made. He begins with an incredible promise: “All sins will be forgiven… even blasphemies.” There's real hope in that. No sin is too big for God to redeem. No past is too messy. But it's followed by a serious warning: “Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness.” So, what is this unforgivable sin? Understanding the context is key. The religious leaders were witnessing Jesus perform undeniable works of God—and claiming they came from Satan. They weren't confused. They were willfully rejecting the truth. They were crediting the Spirit's power to the enemy himself. That's not simple disbelief—it's deliberate rejection. Persistent hardness. A refusal to acknowledge the Spirit's witness about Jesus. This warning isn't for the tender believer who fears they've lost salvation. It's a line drawn for those whose hearts have completely closed themselves off to the truth—after seeing it clearly. The unforgivable sin isn't a moment of doubt—it's a life of denial. It's not a stumble—it's a hardened stand. So if you're worried you've committed the unforgivable sin—you haven't. That concern is evidence the Spirit is still working on your heart. But this is a warning worth heeding. We need to stay soft to the Spirit at all times. When He convicts—listen. When He draws—respond. Because the longer we resist, the easier it is to grow calloused. We all have the tendency to slide into judgmentalism and legalism—attitudes that resist the Spirit and reject the grace of the Father and the Son. So listen when the Spirit calls today. Don't harden your heart. Keep saying "yes" to the voice of God. ASK THIS: When has conviction prompted you to respond or resist? What attitudes or beliefs tend to harden your heart against the Spirit? How do you recognize the Spirit's gentle voice in your daily life? In what areas do you need to say yes to the Spirit's prompting? DO THIS: When the Spirit convicts you today, repent immediately to keep your heart soft. PRAY THIS: Father, thank you for forgiving every sin through Jesus. Keep my heart soft to the Spirit and help me say yes when he convicts me. Amen. PLAY THIS: Softly and Tenderly.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. And a big shout-out today to Jon David from Evansville, IN. Jon, thank you for being a part of this movement through Project23. You are making a difference for the Gospel. This one's for you. Today, we're looking at Mark 3:27: But no one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house. — Mark 3:27 Today's verse comes right in the middle of a tense moment. Jesus is facing false accusations from the scribes that he's casting out demons by the power of Satan. And Jesus, in calm authority, responds with a short parable—a one-sentence story packed with power: “No one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man.” Jesus isn't just defending himself with a theoretical example. He's describing what he came to do. What he is going to do—on the Cross. In the imagery, the “strong man” represents Satan. The “house” represents this broken, sin-stained world. And the “plunder”? That's people—souls held captive under the weight of sin and spiritual darkness. What we discover in this bit of cryptic text is that Jesus didn't just come to teach, inspire, or heal. He came to invade enemy territory. To bind the "strong man." To rescue the "plunder" that had been stolen. That is a bold declaration and a prophetic statement about his mission in one sentence. You see, Jesus doesn't negotiate with darkness as the scribes suggested—he overpowers it. And he still does. We don't fight for victory—we fight from it. Why? Because the strong man has been bound. Jesus tied him up at the cross and walked out of the tomb three days later with the keys in hand. So why do you still live like you're a prisoner to sin? So many believers are still walking around like they're stuck in the strong man's house—afraid, anxious, ashamed—when the one who broke in is already leading them out. You are not bound anymore. Sin doesn't own you. Fear doesn't rule you. The accuser has been silenced. So, walk free today. The Stronger Man has come. Live in victory and fight from his victory. ASK THIS: What does the image of the “strong man” reveal about spiritual conflict? How has Jesus already overcome this enemy? Are there areas where you still feel bound by something Jesus already defeated? What would it look like to walk in freedom this week? DO THIS: Name one area where you've been living like a prisoner. Declare today that Jesus has already broken that chain—and ask Him for the faith to walk free. PRAY THIS: Jesus, you are the Stronger One. Thank you for rescuing me from the enemy's grip. Help me live today like someone who's truly free. Amen. PLAY THIS: Rescue Story.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. And a big shout-out today to Jon Carr from Richmond, VA. Jon, thank you for being a part of this movement through Project23. You are making a difference for the Gospel. This one's for you. Today, we're looking at Mark 3:20-26: Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat. And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.” And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “by the prince of demons he casts out the demons.” And he called them to him and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is coming to an end. But no one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house. — Mark 3:20-26 Jesus couldn't even sit down to eat. I bet he feels like a mother of three at home without a husband who wants to lock herself in the bathroom to get five minutes of peace. I bet he felt like a manager who skips lunch to survive back-to-back Zoom calls. I bet he felt like a dad in the carpool line, answering work emails while refereeing a sibling war in the backseat. The house was full. The crowds wouldn't stop pressing in. But as the ministry was growing, so was the resistance. Even his own family thought he'd lost his mind. And the religious elite? They were now making accusations that went far beyond criticism. They said he was "possessed." Let that settle in for a moment. Jesus wasn't just misunderstood—he was accused of being aligned with Satan himself. Then Jesus speaks. But instead of defending himself with anger or argument, he pronounces a simple truth—one that cuts through both confusion and conspiracy: “If a house is divided against itself, it cannot stand.” It's a familiar phrase. One we quote often in politics. An adage we reference frequently in leadership. But Jesus wasn't talking about politics or corporate leadership. It was a reference to spiritual authorities. The claim itself was a logical fallacy—suggesting that a fallen creature like Satan could empower the One who casts him out. That demonic spirits serve the One who casts them out. The point Jesus was making was: You can't belong to two kingdoms. You can't walk in two directions. You can't claim spiritual power and ignore spiritual alignment. Because division doesn't just weaken things. It destroys them. That's true for nations. That's true for families. That's true for churches. That's true for hearts. When we live with divided loyalties—when we try to follow Jesus while clinging to sin, pride, or worldly thinking—we slowly collapse from within. Divided hearts drift. Whole hearts stand. Jesus calls us to wholeness—unity of heart, mind, and life. He invites us to live fully surrendered. To live all in for him. He's not asking for perfection. But he doesn't want your half-hearted allegiance. He wants all of you. A heart divided won't stand. But a life fully surrendered? That's where the kingdom of God breaks in with power. #DividedHouseCannotStand, #BindTheStrongMan, #WholeHeart ASK THIS: Where in my life have I allowed divided loyalties to weaken my faith? What “strong man” am I letting control my actions and decisions? How can I take practical steps today to bind that stronghold? What would wholehearted surrender to Jesus look like in my daily life? DO THIS: Examine one area of your life where you're divided and take steps today to surrender it fully to Jesus. PRAY THIS: Lord, I confess the divisions in my heart and ask you to bind every stronghold that opposes you. Fill me with undivided devotion to follow you fully each day. Amen. PLAY THIS: Undivided.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. And a big shout-out today to Jeffrey Brewer from Festus, MO. William, thank you for being a part of this movement through Project23. You are making a difference. This one's for you. Today, we're looking at Mark 3:13-19: And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. — Mark 3:13-19 Jesus went up a mountain, away from the crowds, and called a group of disciples to himself. Not to witness his miracles—but to be with him. That's where all true Christian mission begins: with presence, not performance. After all, Christian mission has Christ in the name. Jesus calls them in before he sends them out. Don't miss that basis. Before they ever preached a sermon or cast out a demon. Before they healed. Before they traveled. Before they led. Before they were sent. Jesus called them in to be with him. It's easy to miss that in a world that celebrates productivity. We often think God is most pleased when we're doing something for him. But Jesus modeled that relationship with him always comes before responsibility for him. We must experience his transformation from within to accomplish his duty without. Jesus's mission always starts with this: sit with him—then step out for him. Our mission is rooted in presence, not performance. It's about being formed by the one we follow—not just doing ministry in his name, or worse, doing it in our own strength and slapping his name on top. For example, consider the men mentioned in this text today. They were ordinary disciples, like you and me. There was nothing extraordinary about them. Except for the fact that they had been with Jesus and he empowered them to extraordinary things because of him. They were not impressive men. Not one of them. But they did extraordinary things. Take John Mark, for example. There was nothing extraordinary about him. He bailed on Paul, and then Paul refused to take him on another mission trip. In this Gospel, he writes down the story of Jesus told by Peter, who was very impulsive and even denied Jesus. Today, we hold an extraordinary book in our hands because men like the ones listed here have been with Jesus. Today, focus more on being with Jesus than doing for him. Let that time fuel the work he wants to do with you—and through you—tomorrow. ASK THIS: How has your busyness overshadowed your time with Jesus? What keeps you from simply being with Jesus before serving? In what ways do you rely on your strength instead of his? Who are you seeking to impress—Jesus or others—and why? DO THIS: Sit quietly with Jesus for ten minutes today before doing any task for him. PRAY THIS: Lord Jesus, thank you for calling me into your presence before sending me out. Help me rest in your nearness so I can serve from your strength. Amen. PLAY THIS: Abide.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. And a big shout-out today to William Beaumont from Hampton, FL. William, thank you for being a part of this movement through Project23. You are making a difference. This one's for you. Today, we're looking at Mark 3:7-12: Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon. When the great crowd heard all that he was doing, they came to him. And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him, for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed around him to touch him. And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” And he strictly ordered them not to make him known. — Mark 3:7-12 Jesus withdraws from the synagogue in our last text, but he doesn't withdraw from the growing mission. Word has spread. People are coming from every direction. Not just from one region (Galilee) but from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, Tyre, and Sidon. These were regions far and wide, Jewish and Gentile alike. And the scene gets chaotic. Mark describes it as "crushing." It was "mob-like." The crowd is so massive and enthusiastic that Jesus tells his disciples to keep water transport ready—just in case things they need to make a quick escape. Thus, Mark reveals that following Jesus wasn't always safe at times. It wasn't always peaceful. But it was always revealing. Why were they coming? Well, one part of the crowd came because they had heard what Jesus was doing. The healings. The power. The miracles. And they came—not necessarily because they understood who Jesus was—but because they wanted something from Jesus. They wanted relief, not necessarily repentance. They wanted his power but not necessarily his presence. But notice how those possessed by unclean spirits respond. The demons in them recognized Jesus. They fell before him and declared, “You are the Son of God.” They, unlike others, understood his identity, power, and authority, and they submitted to him. One group of people seeks what Jesus can do. The other group of people surrenders to who Jesus is. So today, ask yourself: Do you only come to Jesus when you seek something or to fully surrender to the King? ASK THIS: Why do I approach Jesus—seeking relief or fully surrendering to his lordship? Have I valued what Jesus does more than who he is? In which areas of my life am I holding back submission to Jesus? How can I shift from using Jesus to genuinely following him? DO THIS: Do this: Before you reach for Jesus' help again, pause and offer him not just your needs but your full submission. PRAY THIS: Lord Jesus, I come to you both for healing and for heart‑change. Teach me to lay down my agenda and fully submit to your authority. Amen. PLAY THIS: Need A Favor.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are working our way through the entire Bible in what we call Project23. If you want to read more about this or get behind it, you can read about Project23 at the link in the description today. I would love to give a shout-out today to David Weiss from Stillwell, KS. Thanks for being a partner with the ministry. We cannot do what we do without the faithful support of families like yours. This is for you today! Today, we're looking at Mark 3:1-6: Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.” And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him. — Mark 3:1-6 Jesus walked into the synagogue, but not everyone came to worship. Imagine that worshippers came to test the teacher. They weren't there to be taught—but to trap the teacher. They also weren't concerned with the disabled man standing nearby. They were there looking for a reason to accuse Jesus. But Jesus didn't back down, and he did not change course. In fact, it did not seem to affect his presence or approach. Jesus calls the disabled man forward—right through the cold stares of the religious elite. And what could've been a moment of confrontation becomes a moment of clarity and compassion. Calling the man to him, Jesus asks one probing question: “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm?” Then silence. No one said a word. And that silence broke Jesus's heart. Jesus looked at them—not with fear (as we might) but with disappointment and grief because their hearts had grown so hard. They had become so obsessed with rules they'd forgotten how to be merciful, compassionate, and loving. Then Jesus turned to the man and said, “Stretch out your hand.” And the man did. He didn't argue or hide. He simply obeyed. And in that moment, what was physically broken was made whole. Jesus didn't just heal a hand—He exposed every heart. You see, Jesus didn't just restore one man's hand. He revealed the hearts of every man in the room. One man was open to healing—and let himself be changed. The others, especially the religious elite, resisted any change at all. Their minds and hearts were darkened. Therefore, one man was left healed. The others left plotting a scandalous murder. But here's the issue: It is easy to spot legalism in others, and it's harder to see where that legalism lives in us until we are "plotting" to murder others with our attitude and actions. So here's my question to you today: Do you have a hard heart to the healing that Jesus wants to provide? Jesus is here, and he's inviting you to lay down your hard heart and receive deep healing. He's still saying: “Stretch out your hand and be made new.” ASK THIS: What stands out most to you in Jesus' question to the crowd? Why do you think silence grieved Him more than words? Where do you see the difference between a hard heart and a humble one? What's one thing Jesus may be asking you to stretch out in trust today? DO THIS: Bring one part of your life that feels weak or hidden into the light. Name it. And offer it to Jesus today in prayer. PRAY THIS: Jesus, I don't want to live with a hard heart. Soften me. Heal what's broken. Give me the courage to stretch out my weakness in faith. Amen. PLAY THIS: Healer.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. Don't forget today we drop a chapter review of Mark 2 on The Weekly Vince Miller Show; check that out. It will add some perspective on Jesus by looking at Chapter 2 from a slightly higher level. I would love to give a shout-out today to Joseph Myall from Klamath Falls, OR. Thanks for being a partner with the ministry. We cannot do what we do without the faithful support of families like yours. This is for you, Joseph! Today, we're looking at Mark 2:23-28: One Sabbath he was going through the grainfields, and as they made their way, his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. And the Pharisees were saying to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” And he said to them, “Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God, in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?” And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.” — Mark 2:23-28 Jesus and his disciples were walking through a field on the Sabbath, and they casually picked grain to eat. It was a simple, innocent act. An everyday moment. However, the religious leaders turned it into a legal trap and dispute. To them, the issue was not their present physical hunger but religious rebellion. The religious leaders had built layers of tradition over centuries around God's commands—so many that they'd lost sight of the heart behind the law. Jesus answers with an account they'd all remember: David, while running for his life, was also hungry and desperate and ate not merely grain in a field but the sacred bread from within the Temple. It wasn't sanctioned, yet God didn't condemn him. Because sometimes, mercy takes precedence. Then Jesus offers a correction they didn't expect: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” In other words, the Sabbath isn't a burden—it's a blessing. A time for rest, renewal, and remembering who provides everything we need. Then, Jesus takes his point to a whole new level. He claims authority not just to interpret the Sabbath but to own it: “The Son of Man [Jesus] is Lord even of the Sabbath.” This wasn't about rules—it was about who rules. Jesus was declaring that true spiritual rest isn't found in rules. Rest is found in Him. and of course, they missed the point he was making. Just like they did, we miss the point: We still fall into the same trap. We turn faith into performance. We hustle for approval. We keep spiritual scorecards. But Jesus invites us to something entirely different—not a religion to prove, rules to follow, but a relationship to enjoy. Spiritual rest isn't earned. It's received. And real rest begins when we trust that his work—not ours—is what makes us right with God. #LordOfTheSabbath, #SabbathRest, #MercyNotRules ASK THIS: Why do you think the Pharisees had such a hard time letting go of their rules? In what ways do you find your worth in performance instead of God's presence? What would it look like for you to receive Sabbath as a gift, not a burden? Where is Jesus inviting you to stop striving and simply rest? DO THIS: Set aside 10 minutes today to stop and rest in God's presence. No agenda, no noise. Just be still and let Jesus remind you that you're not defined by what you do—but by who He is. PRAY THIS: Jesus, thank you for being my rest. Teach me to slow down, to trust your provision, and to find peace in your presence—not my performance. Amen. PLAY THIS: Run To The Father.

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 would love to give a shout-out today to Shawn Ryan from Currituck, NC. Thanks for being a partner with the ministry. We cannot do what we do without the support of faithful individuals like you. This is for you, Shawn! Today, we're looking at Mark 2:21-22: No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. If he does, the patch tears away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins—and the wine is destroyed, and so are the skins. But new wine is for fresh wineskins.” — Mark 2:21-22 Today, Jesus continues teaching about the new life that he brings with him using two pictures that would've been familiar to everyone listening: cloth and wineskins. He makes two points: You can't sew new cloth onto old cloth without creating a larger tear. You can't pour new wine into brittle old wineskins without making a bigger mess. The reasoning and application won't work in natural life, and it especially won't work in the spiritual life. This is because a little bit of something new in your spiritual life will not improve your old spiritual life. It may worsen the situation. What you need is not a spiritual touch-up. You need a whole new Spirit. This is what Jesus came to reveal. And that is what he is teasing out here, which eventually will be revealed after his death, resurrection, and ascension. You can't fit the life Jesus offers into any of the old frameworks you used to live by. If you try to do this, it will tear and burst. What you need is a whole new way of life. You need a new mind. A new heart. A new spirit. Which will change how you think, feel, and act. If you've been trying to squeeze a little bit of Jesus into an old way of thinking, feeling, and acting, you need to know it's not going to work. Eventually, your spiritual life will tear and burst. You cannot treat Jesus like an accessory or add-on. You must let him build something new in you from the ground up. Because Jesus is not interested in patch jobs. Jesus offers total transformations. So, what "old wineskin" (hurt, habit, hangup) are you still trying to use in Jesus' "new wine" life? #newwinenewlife, #spiritualtransformation, #mark2 ASK THIS: What old patterns in your life don't fit with the new life Jesus offers? Why do you think it's so tempting to cling to "old wineskins"? Where do you need fresh vision, fresh trust, or fresh obedience today? How can you live more fully in the new life Jesus offers? DO THIS: Identify one old habit, mindset, or attitude you know Jesus is calling you to leave behind. Write it down—and pray for the courage to release it today. PRAY THIS: Jesus, you came to make me new, not just better. Give me the courage to release the old ways that can't contain the life you want to pour into me. Amen. PLAY THIS: New Wine.

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. Today, we're looking at Mark 2:18-20: Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. And people came and said to him, “Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day. — Mark 2:18-20 People didn't know what to do with Jesus. He wasn't following their religious routines. He wasn't fasting like the Pharisees or even like John's disciples. To the watching crowd, it seemed like Jesus was breaking the rules. But Jesus wasn't breaking rules or ignoring tradition—he was living by God's rule while fulfilling God's plan. In a way, this appeared new to many onlookers. But it wasn't new. It was just lived out completely and perfectly, and not in the way people expected. Then he answered their question using an image they would understand: a wedding feast. No one fasts when the groom is standing in the room. You celebrate. You feast. You enjoy the moment. Jesus was showing them something revolutionary: The Bridegroom was here. The celebration had started. The feast had begun. There would be a time for fasting again, but that time wasn't now. Right now, they were standing in the presence of God made flesh—and that demanded a response of joy. Jesus showed us a better way. No rituals. No checklists. Just joy. Because the bridegroom was here and rose again. Feast. Laugh. Worship. Live every moment in the celebration of his presence. Let that joy fuel your day—and everything you share with others. #BridegroomHere, #FeastNotFast, #Mark2 ASK THIS: How might I shift from religious routine to genuine joy in Jesus today? What “feast” can I create to celebrate Christ's presence in my life? When have I mistaken rituals for relationship in my faith journey? How will I prepare my heart to fast when the bridegroom is away? DO THIS: Today, choose joy over obligation—celebrate Jesus' presence with a smile, song, or shared meal. PRAY THIS: Jesus, I rejoice in your presence as my bridegroom and find freedom in celebrating you. Help me feast on your grace today. Amen PLAY THIS: House of the Lord.

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 Rock Woods from Roseburg, OR. 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 2:15-17: And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” — Mark 2:15-17 Jesus didn't come for the perfect. He came for the broken. While the religious elite judged from a distance, Jesus pulled up a chair—shared a meal with people everyone else wrote off. He didn't dodge messy lives. He walked straight into them. When the Pharisees complained, Jesus shut it down with one bold line: “Those who are well don't need a physician—only the sick do. I didn't come to call the righteous, but sinners.” He wasn't excusing a sinner's sin. He was calling them out of it. But first, he met them where they were—over a table, in real conversation, starting with grace and leading to a challenge. Jesus' table was—and still is—a place of invitation and transformation. And it's wide open for you. Will you come to the table and eat? And if you know Jesus, act like him. Carefully consider with whom you are meeting with and eating with today. Who needs to see Jesus' love through the way you live and love? #graceatthetable, #dailydevotional, #callofsinners ASK THIS: Who in your life feels unwelcome at your table? When have you judged rather than joined someone in their struggle? How can you extend grace before pointing out faults today? What's one small way you can meet someone “where they are”? DO THIS: Invite someone you'd normally avoid to lunch or coffee this week and offer them compassion and direction, not only correction. PRAY THIS: Lord Jesus, thank you for meeting me in my mess and offering to heal before I ever had it together. Give me the courage to pull up a chair for others and love them with your grace. Amen PLAY THIS: Come As You Are.

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: What old identity have you been clinging to that Jesus is calling you to leave behind? How would you respond if Jesus said "Follow me" to you right now? What fears keep you seated instead of standing up to follow? Who in your life needs to hear that Jesus calls outsiders like Levi? 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: What secret doubt or sin have you been hiding from others—and from God? How does Jesus' ability to read your heart change how you approach him in prayer? In what area of your life do you need both forgiveness and tangible healing? What step of faith can you take today to trust Jesus' authority over your soul? 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: What's one "crowd" standing in the way of you getting closer to Jesus? How does the boldness of these four men challenge your view of faith? Where have you been waiting for perfect conditions instead of taking action? Are you seeking Jesus for surface needs—or for soul-deep healing? 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 something. When Jesus shows up, things change. People don't stay the same. So, here's the question: Have you allowed his authority to change you? Not just inspire you—but actually disrupt, heal, and transform you? #JesusHeals, #SpiritualAuthority, #FaithOverFear ASK THIS: What do you notice about the way Jesus uses His authority? How does His power give you comfort instead of fear? Where do you need healing or freedom today? What's stopping you from bringing that to Jesus right now? DO THIS: Surrender an area of your life where you've been resisting Jesus' authority—ask Him to transform it today. PRAY THIS: Jesus, I don't just want to admire your power—I want to be changed by it. Heal what's broken in me, and lead me in freedom. Amen. PLAY THIS: Same Power.

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: Why do you think Jesus chose to be baptized? How does the Father's voice shape your view of God? Do you live from approval or for approval? What does it mean to you to be called God's beloved child? 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: What areas of your life need true, heart-deep transformation? How can you point others to Jesus without seeking the spotlight? In what ways can you prepare your heart for Jesus' transformative power? How does John the Baptist's humility inspire your walk with Christ? 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: What are the "roadblocks" in your life that prevent you from fully receiving the gospel? How can you prepare your heart today for Jesus to transform your life? Is there any area of your life that needs repentance to make room for God? How does the message of John the Baptist challenge your current relationship with God? 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: What does it mean to “fear God” in your daily life? Which of God's commandments are you struggling to obey right now? How would you live differently if you truly believed every secret thing will be judged? What distractions are pulling you away from a God-centered life? 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: What truth from Scripture have I learned but still struggle to apply? In what areas of life am I chasing knowledge but missing obedience? How can I better recognize the voice of the Shepherd in a noisy world? What's one way I can anchor wisdom more deeply in my heart this week? 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: What pursuit in your life feels like chasing smoke? Why is it so easy to hope in things that won't last? How does the word hevel change your view of success? What would it look like to build your life solely on God? 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: What metaphor from Ecclesiastes 12:6 speaks most deeply to you—and why? How often do you think about the eternal impact of your choices? What would change in your life if you lived fully aware of your mortality? Are you prepared to meet the One who gave you life? 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: What “desire” in your life has faded over time? How do you respond to fears that come with aging? Are you making eternal decisions while you still have strength? What does it mean for you to choose joy before the mourners gather? 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: What physical ability do you often take for granted? How has age or time humbled your perspective? What truth are you avoiding because you think you have time? How can you use your current strength to honor God today? 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: What does it mean to remember God in your youth? Have I been delaying spiritual growth for a more "convenient" time? What habits am I forming that anchor me to God's truth? How do I want to look back on my youth in light of eternity? 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: Am I enjoying life or simply surviving it? How does the thought of God's judgment shape my daily decisions? What desires in my heart need more wisdom and accountability? What "vexation" or pain do I need to release to live freely? 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: What simple joys has God placed in your life recently? How do you respond when the dark days come? In what ways can you practice grounded gratitude today? Are you living with a healthy balance of rejoicing and remembering? 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: Where in life are you tempted to stop sowing seeds? Are you more focused on the outcome than the obedience? How do you respond when your efforts seem fruitless? What's one area God is calling you to stay faithful in today? 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.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. I want to give a shout-out to Mike Olson from Mexico, Florida, and Minnesota. Some of you don't know this, but Mike is one of those guys who pushed me over the edge about 12 years ago to start doing what I am doing today. We met for breakfast, and he said, "There is no better time than the present to take the leap." This devotional is for you today Mike. Today, we're looking at Ecclesiastes 11:5: As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything. — Ecclesiastes 11:5 There are things we just can't explain. The mystery of life forming in the womb is one of them. Even with modern science, some things remain hidden—sacred, intricate, and beyond full comprehension—like the impartation of the soul and spirit. That's the example Solomon gives. If we can't even grasp how life begins inside the body, how much less can we expect to grasp the work of God in the world around us? This verse reminds us: we're limited. God is not. And yet, we still try to figure him out. We analyze, we predict, we try to map out what He's doing and when. But the God who makes everything doesn't always give explanations. He calls us to trust. Faith means walking forward without all the answers. It's releasing control. It's obeying even when you don't see the full picture. This can be frustrating for those of us who crave clarity, but it's also freeing—because it puts the weight of the outcome on Him, not us. There's nothing wrong with asking questions or seeking wisdom. But we have to be okay with mystery. We need to live with quiet confidence in the One who understands what we never will. God is always working. Even when we can't see it. Even when we don't get it. Even when it feels like nothing's happening. So the question isn't, “Do I understand what God is doing?” The question is, “Will I trust Him anyway?” Thanks, Mike, for thrusting me to trust God anyway. #TrustGodAnyway, #FaithOverUnderstanding, #Ecclesiastes115 ASK THIS: Where do I feel confused about what God is doing right now? Why do I crave control more than trust at times? What's one situation I can release to God today? How can I grow in confidence when I don't have clarity? DO THIS: Release your need to understand everything and choose to trust God's unseen work today. PRAY THIS: God, I confess that I often want answers more than I want You. Help me rest in the mystery and trust Your unseen work. Amen. PLAY THIS: Trust In God.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. I want to give a shout-out to Don and Jami Mahr from Minnesota. Thanks for listening as a couple to these daily devotionals, and thanks for sharing them with others, too. Today, we're looking at Ecclesiastes 11:3-4: If the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves on the earth, and if a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it will lie. He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. — Ecclesiastes 11:3-4 Some people spend their lives watching the skies—waiting for the wind to settle, waiting for the perfect moment. And you know what happens? Nothing. They never plant. They never build. They never lead. They just watch. Not because they lack passion—but because they're stuck in their heads. Solomon presents two earthy illustrations. When clouds are full, they pour rain. It's what clouds do. When a tree falls, that's where it stays. You can't change it. You just accept it. These are natural, inevitable events—beyond our control. Then he turns to the farmer—the one who fixates on the wind, the one who hesitates to sow seed because they're waiting for the perfect conditions. But life doesn't work that way. The world is broken. The wind blows. Trees fall. Rain comes and goes. If you're always waiting for perfection, you'll never act. This is a warning for the overthinker. The perfectionist. The one who masks fear with analysis and delay. There's a difference between wisdom and paralysis. And too often, we hide behind the excuse of "waiting on God." But sometimes, we're not waiting on Him—we're just afraid to obey. Solomon isn't saying we shouldn't use wisdom. He's saying: stop using caution as a cover for fear. Don't let your craving for control keep you from faith-filled action. When Jesus called Peter out of the boat, Peter stepped. He didn't wait for the waves to settle. Stop trying to read the wind. Stop waiting for the skies to clear. Start doing what you already know is right. Share the gospel. Have the hard conversation. Launch the thing. Say yes to the calling. The perfect moment rarely comes. But obedience belongs to this moment—right now. So what do you need to do? #FaithOverFear #ObedienceNow #Don'tWaitJustGo ASK THIS: What step of faith have you been delaying out of fear or overthinking? How have you confused caution with spiritual wisdom? What natural “conditions” are you waiting on that might never change? What truth from God's Word do you already know, but haven't acted on? DO THIS: Take one bold, faithful step today in the direction God's already revealed—don't wait for perfect conditions. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me stop waiting for ideal conditions and start obeying You with faith and courage. I trust that You've already gone ahead of me. Amen. PLAY THIS: Obey.

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 11:2: Give a portion to seven, or even to eight, for you know not what disaster may happen on earth. — Ecclesiastes 11:2 Solomon chases his advice about "casting bread on the waters" with another counterintuitive command: "Give to seven, or even to eight." In modern language, this would sound like: "Be generous… even unreasonably generous." And why? Because you don't know what lies ahead. Life is unpredictable. He isn't teaching us to be reckless—he's calling us to prepare, but not in the way the world does. Instead of hoarding in fear, he encourages open-handed generosity and faithful investment in others. This is spiritual wisdom. Because in God's economy, giving is strategic trust. Instead of stockpiling security, we spread strategically what we have—in time, in service, in generosity—knowing that ultimately, God is our provision and protection. Friends you can't control tomorrow. But you can decide to live today with faith, releasing your grip on what you think keeps you safe and placing your confidence in the One who holds every outcome. #FaithOverFear, #RadicalGenerosity, #EcclesiastesWisdom ASK THIS: How does uncertainty about the future affect your generosity? What's one area of your life where you're stockpiling instead of trusting God? Who in your life needs your open-handed investment today? What does “strategic trust” look like in your daily decisions? DO THIS: Live generously today—find one person or place to give to without expecting anything in return. PRAY THIS: Father, help me release my grip on what I think keeps me safe. Teach me to trust You by giving generously and living faithfully today. Amen. PLAY THIS: Generous Giver.

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 11:1: Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. — Ecclesiastes 11:1 Have you ever taken a step—offered help, shared an idea, given generously—and then wondered if it would make any difference at all? That's the tension Solomon speaks to in Ecclesiastes 11:1. He paints a picture of casting bread on the water—an act that seems uncertain, even pointless at first. You release something valuable. Then you wait, not knowing what will come of it. But this isn't just about risk. It's about faith. Solomon, a man who had everything—wealth, wisdom, power—spent much of this book wrestling with the fleeting nature of life. Again and again, he describes it as "vanity." Yet, here in chapter 11, his tone shifts. He invites us to take action. To invest. To live in such a way that trusts God with the unseen return. Because even when life feels unpredictable, obedience is never wasted. “Casting bread on water” might sound odd to us, but in Solomon's day, it probably referred to shipping grain across the sea. You send it off not knowing when—or if—it'll come back. But if it does? There's a reward. It's an act of faithful obedience in the face of uncertainty. This verse hits two modern nerves: We crave control—we want to manage the outcome. We demand results—and fast. Solomon reminds us that the outcome won't be immediate. You may not see results for “many days.” In fact, they may not come in the way you imagined. But with God, no act of obedience is ever wasted. This is how the Kingdom of God works. We sow in faith—He brings the harvest. You might invest in someone who seems slow to grow. You might love your family faithfully without receiving much in return. You might give generously when it feels like there's not much to spare. And yet, God sees it all. He honors every unseen sacrifice. And in His perfect timing, He produces fruit that lasts. But in God's timing, the return comes. Galatians 6:9 says clearly: “In due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” What do you need to throw out there today? A conversation you've been avoiding? A step of faith that feels risky? A gift that costs something? A new habit of discipline or devotion? Stop waiting for perfection. Stop trying to predict the outcome. Throw it out there. If God's calling you to it, do it. He'll take care of the return. #FaithOverFear, #Ecclesiastes11, #ObedienceMatters ASK THIS: What have you been hesitant to release to God? Where are you demanding fast results instead of trusting God's timing? What step of faith feels risky but necessary? How can you practice obedience even when outcomes are unseen? DO THIS: Take one act of obedient faith today, even if you don't see immediate results. PRAY THIS: Father, help me to obey without needing to see the results right away. I trust You to bring the harvest in Your perfect time. Amen. PLAY THIS: Faithful.  

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are taking a short break from Ecclesiastes to celebrate Easter with some unique devotionals to prepare our hearts for this week in history. Our text today is Revelation 22:12 Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. — Revelation 22:12 Easter Was Just the Beginning The resurrection wasn't the end of the story—it was the beginning of the greatest promise yet to be fulfilled. Jesus came once as a suffering servant, but He will return as a conquering King. The empty tomb wasn't just proof of His victory over death—it was a guarantee that He is coming again to set all things right. The world is broken. Sin still corrupts. Injustice still thrives. But this is not how the story ends. Just as surely as Jesus walked out of the grave, He will return in glory. Living in Expectation Jesus doesn't tell us exactly when He will return, but He does tell us how to live while we wait. “Stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:42). “Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44). “Blessed is the servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes” (Matthew 24:46). His return isn't just a distant hope—it's a daily call to action. We are not meant to sit idly by, waiting. We are called to live faithfully, serve boldly, and proclaim the gospel until He comes. Am I Living for His Return? If we truly believe Jesus is coming back, it should change how we live right now. Are we watching for Him, or are we distracted by the world? Are we living for eternity, or are we chasing temporary things? Are we sharing the gospel, knowing time is short? Many people spend their lives preparing for retirement but spend little time preparing for eternity. Which one matters more? The return of Christ isn't something to fear—it's our greatest hope. The King is coming, and He will make all things new (Revelation 21:5). #JesusIsComing, #EasterHope, #LiveForEternity ASK THIS: How does Jesus' return shape the way you live today? What distractions keep you from living in expectation of His coming? In what ways are you actively preparing for eternity? Who needs to hear the gospel from you before time runs out? DO THIS: Live each day with expectation and urgency, knowing Jesus could return at any moment. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to live with my eyes fixed on eternity, never distracted by the temporary things of this world. May I stay faithful, bold, and ready for Your return. Amen. PLAY THIS: He Who Is To Come.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are taking a short break from Ecclesiastes to celebrate Easter with some unique devotionals to prepare our hearts for this week in history. Our text today is John 21:15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” — John 21:15 More Than Just Belief The resurrection wasn't the end of the story—it was the beginning of a movement. After Jesus rose, He didn't just celebrate His victory over death—He commissioned His followers to carry His mission forward. He didn't just say, “I'm alive!” He said, “Now go.” He appeared to His disciples, not just to prove He was real, but to call them to action. In John 21, Jesus has an intimate moment with Peter, the man who had denied Him three times. And instead of condemning Peter, Jesus restores him. But notice what He asks: “Do you love me?” Not, “Will you try harder?” Not, “Will you be better next time?” Jesus ties love to action. If Peter truly loves Him, he must feed His sheep—live out his faith, lead others, and spread the message of Christ. The resurrection calls for more than just belief—it calls for discipleship. Following Jesus Comes With a Cost Too many people want a Savior but not a Lord. They want the blessings of Jesus without the burden of obedience. But Jesus never said, “Believe in me and live comfortably.” He said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Following Jesus means: Surrendering our will to His. Living with boldness in a world that rejects Him. Loving others radically even when it's inconvenient. Carrying the cross of sacrifice and obedience. If the resurrection is real, then our lives should reflect it. We cannot claim to follow a risen King and live like He's still in the grave. Are You Truly Following? The call to follow Christ isn't just for pastors or missionaries—it's for every believer. You don't need a pulpit to preach; your life is the sermon. So ask yourself: Is my faith just a belief, or does it shape how I live? Am I willing to surrender comfort, reputation, or even relationships for Jesus? Am I making disciples, helping others follow Him too? Because faith without action isn't real faith (James 2:17). If Jesus is truly Lord, then following Him isn't optional—it's essential. Jesus didn't restore Peter just to make him feel better—He called him to something greater. And He does the same with us. The resurrection isn't just an event to celebrate; it's a reality that should transform how we live. If Jesus conquered death, then He is worthy of our complete surrender. If He is truly Lord, then obedience isn't a burden—it's our joy. So today, don't just believe—follow. Feed His sheep. Live boldly. Love sacrificially. And carry your cross, knowing that the One who rose from the grave walks with you every step of the way. #RisenKing #FaithInAction #FollowJesus ASK THIS: How does Jesus' question to Peter challenge your understanding of love and obedience? What areas of your life show that you are truly following Jesus, not just believing in Him? What sacrifices are you willing to make to follow Christ daily? How can you "feed His sheep" in your own sphere of influence? DO THIS: Live out your faith daily by serving, discipling, and boldly proclaiming Christ. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to love You not just in words, but in action. Give me the courage to follow You boldly, surrender completely, and serve faithfully. Amen. PLAY THIS: The Jesus Way.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are taking a short break from Ecclesiastes to celebrate Easter with some unique devotionals to prepare our hearts for this week in history. Our text today is Luke 24:5-6 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. — Luke 24:5-6 The Moment Everything Changed The grave was sealed. The enemy thought he had won. The world had gone dark. But then—Sunday came. The impossible happened. Jesus walked out of the tomb, alive. Death lost its sting. Sin lost its grip. The enemy lost his claim. The resurrection changed everything. This wasn't just a miraculous event—it was the centerpiece of our faith. Without the resurrection, Christianity crumbles. Paul put it plainly: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). But He did rise. And because of that, we have hope that never dies. Victory Over Death Jesus didn't cheat death—He defeated it. Every religion and philosophy must wrestle with one undeniable reality: death comes for us all. Kings, warriors, and wise men have all fallen before it. But Jesus? He conquered it. His resurrection was not just proof of His power—it was a promise. He told Martha before raising Lazarus: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). Because Jesus rose: Sin is defeated. We are no longer slaves to it (Romans 6:6-7). Death is conquered. It is no longer the end, but the beginning (1 Corinthians 15:54-55). Hope is alive. Our faith is not in a dead prophet, but in a risen King! Resurrection Power in Us Here's the part we often miss: the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us today. Paul reminds us: “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies” (Romans 8:11). This means: You don't have to stay stuck in sin. His power is in you to walk in freedom. You don't have to fear the future. Death is no longer a threat; it's a doorway to eternity. You don't have to live defeated. The same God who rolled away the stone is alive in you! The resurrection isn't just something we celebrate—it's something we live in. Are You Living Like He's Alive? If Jesus truly defeated death, then why do we live like we're still in the grave? Why do we walk in fear when we serve a risen King? Why do we let sin hold us back when it was nailed to the cross? Why do we live like Friday when we know Sunday has come? Resurrection power is not just a past event—it's a present reality. The question is, are we living in it? So today, step into the resurrection life. Walk in boldness. Live with joy. Stand in victory. Because He is not here—He is risen! #HeIsRisen, #ResurrectionPower, #EasterVictory ASK THIS: How does the resurrection impact the way you live daily? What fears or sins do you need to surrender to Christ's resurrection power? Are you living like Jesus is truly alive? Why or why not? How can you share the hope of the resurrection with others this week? DO THIS: Walk today in the confidence that Jesus' resurrection power is alive in you—choose faith over fear, victory over defeat. PRAY THIS: Lord, thank You for the victory of the resurrection and the hope it gives me today. Help me to live boldly in Your power, knowing that You have conquered sin and death forever. Amen. PLAY THIS: Resurrection Power.