Resolute Podcast

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible. Read more here: Project23 Our text today is Judges 4:6-10: She sent and summoned Barak the son of Abinoam from Kedesh-naphtali and said to him, “Has not the Lord, the God of Israel, commanded you, ‘Go, gather your men at Mount Tabor, taking 10,000 from the people of Naphtali and the people of Zebulun. And I will draw out Sisera, the general of Jabin's army, to meet you by the river Kishon with his chariots and his troops, and I will give him into your hand'?” Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, I will go, but if you will not go with me, I will not go.” And she said, “I will surely go with you. Nevertheless, the road on which you are going will not lead to your glory, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.” Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh. And Barak called out Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh, and 10,000 men went up at his heels, and Deborah went up with him. — Judges 4:6-10 What blessings slip through our fingers when we hesitate instead of acting in faith? God had already spoken: “Go, gather your men… I will give him into your hand.” The outcome was certain. Victory was promised. But Barak hesitated. Instead of trusting God's word, he leaned on Deborah: “If you go with me, I will go.” He wanted her presence more than God's promise. Deborah agreed—but warned him: the glory of victory wouldn't go to him. God would hand Sisera over to a woman instead. Barak went to battle, but the lesson was clear: hesitation comes at a cost. God still wins—but when we pause at the edge of obedience, we may miss the full blessing of leading boldly. This is where too many believers get stuck. God calls. The promise is sure. But instead of stepping out in full faith, we hesitate. We stall. We wait for more signs, more reassurance, more backup. Barak still fought, but his hesitation meant he lost the honor of leading with decisive courage. Deborah had to fill the gap. Here's the challenge: don't wait for someone else to carry the weight God put on your shoulders. God's victory doesn't depend on you—but your faithfulness does. Step up without hesitation. Don't miss the blessing because you lingered when God said, "Go." ASK THIS: Where am I hesitating when God has already spoken clearly? What fears keep me from taking the step God is calling me to take? Who might be carrying weight right now because I've delayed obedience? How can I step forward today in faith instead of waiting for more certainty? DO THIS: Pinpoint one area where you've been hesitating. Stop stalling—take one clear step of obedience today. PRAY THIS: Lord, forgive me for hesitating when you've already spoken. Give me the courage to step forward in faith, trusting your promise more than my fear. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Made For More."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible. Read more here: Project23 Our text today is Judges 4:4-5: Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the people of Israel came up to her for judgment. — Judges 4:4-5 What happens when men shrink back from the leadership God has called them to? In the middle of Israel's chaos, God raises an unexpected leader: Deborah. She wasn't a warrior swinging a sword or a king sitting on a throne. She was a prophetess who listened to God and spoke his truth. Her “office” was a palm tree in the hill country. People came to her not for military strategy but for judgment rooted in God's Word. Under that tree, she became a steady voice of wisdom in a time of compromise and fear. Here's what makes her story remarkable: Deborah is one of the only female civil leaders in the history of Israel. Why? Because no man stepped up. This wasn't God's usual design—it was a vacuum of male leadership. While Israel's men hesitated, God used Deborah's courage to call them forward. Deborah's leadership reminds us that spiritual authority isn't about position—it's about submission to God. But her story is also a warning: when men fail to lead, God will still accomplish his purposes—sometimes through those we least expect. This should wake us up. God doesn't call you to sit under the shade of someone else's palm tree forever. He calls you to plant your own, to lead your home, your workplace, your friendships with courage rooted in his Word. Don't wait for someone else to carry the spiritual weight God designed for you. The world doesn't need more men who abdicate leadership; it needs men who step up. Don't miss your moment. ASK THIS: Where in my life am I waiting for someone else to lead when God has called me to step up? Do I listen to God's voice enough that others would trust me for spiritual guidance? How has passivity hurt the people around me? What step of leadership can I take this week under the “palm tree” of God's Word? DO THIS: Choose one area where you've been passive—at home, at work, or in your friendships—and take the lead today by bringing God's Word into that space. PRAY THIS: Father, forgive me for the times I've shrunken back from leadership. Give me Deborah's courage and conviction to step up and lead under your Word. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Lead Me."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible. Read more here: Project23 Our text today is Judges 4:1-3: And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord after Ehud died. And the Lord sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. The commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-hagoyim. Then the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help, for he had 900 chariots of iron, and he oppressed the people of Israel cruelly for twenty years. — Judges 4:1-3 Why do we keep falling back into the same sins we swore we'd never touch again? The story opens with a phrase we've heard before: “The people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord.” Notice the timing—after Ehud died. With their leader gone, Israel slipped right back into rebellion. Same song, second verse. This time, God handed them over to Jabin, king of Canaan. And Sisera, his commander, rolled out 900 iron chariots—state-of-the-art war machines. For twenty years, Israel lived under cruel oppression. And finally—they cried out. The cycle repeats: sin → slavery → suffering → supplication → salvation. This is how sin works. Left unchecked, it always drags us back into bondage. Maybe your “Sisera” isn't a general with iron chariots—it's anger, lust, addiction, or pride. You beat it once, but without vigilance, it creeps back, stronger and more ruthless than before. And here's the dangerous part: we learn to live with it. We call it “normal.” We convince ourselves the chains aren't that heavy. But eventually, sin always shows its true colors—it becomes cruel, it takes more than it gives, and it leaves you emptier than before. Don't wait twenty years to cry out to God. Don't wait until the oppression becomes unbearable. Cry out today. The cycle doesn't have to define you, because God's mercy is greater than your failure, and his deliverance is stronger than the grip of your enemy. ASK THIS: What old sin cycle keeps trying to drag me back into bondage? Do I wait until life gets unbearable before I cry out to God? How does the absence of spiritual leadership in my life make me more vulnerable? What's one practical step I can take today to break the cycle? DO THIS: Name your “Sisera”—the sin that keeps coming back. Write it down. Pray over it. And share it with a trusted brother or sister in Christ for accountability. PRAY THIS: Lord, I don't want to repeat the same old sins. Help me cry out to you now, not later, and trust you to break the cycle. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Lord, I Need You."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible. Read more here: Project23 Our text today is Judges 3:31 After him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who killed 600 of the Philistines with an oxgoad, and he also saved Israel. — Judges 3:31 Can one person really make a difference? Shamgar barely gets a verse. No long backstory. No detailed battle plan. Just a man with an oxgoad—a farmer's tool, not a warrior's weapon. Yet with it, he struck down 600 Philistines and saved Israel. That's it. No fanfare. No epic speeches. Just simple faith, raw courage, and God's power behind an ordinary tool. Sometimes God writes his biggest stories with the smallest brushstrokes. Shamgar's life reminds us: impact isn't about having the best weapon, but about putting what's in your hand into God's hand. Stop waiting for perfect conditions or better tools. God's not asking for what you don't have. He's asking for what you do have. Your oxgoad might be a kind word, a simple prayer, a skill you think is too small to matter. But in God's hands, ordinary becomes extraordinary. Never underestimate the difference one willing man or woman can make when they give God their tool and their trust. ASK THIS: What's the “oxgoad” in my hand that I've overlooked as insignificant? Do I believe God can use my ordinary life for extraordinary impact? Where is God calling me to step up, even if I feel unprepared? How can I trust God today to multiply my small obedience into big impact? DO THIS: Take one small, practical step of obedience today using whatever “oxgoad” God has placed in your hand. PRAY THIS: Lord, take what I have—even if it feels small—and use it for your glory. Make me bold like Shamgar to step into the fight with what you've given me. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Available."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible. Read more here: Project23 Our text today is Judges 3:24-20 When he had gone, the servants came, and when they saw that the doors of the roof chamber were locked, they thought, “Surely he is relieving himself in the closet of the cool chamber.” And they waited till they were embarrassed. But when he still did not open the doors of the roof chamber, they took the key and opened them, and there lay their lord dead on the floor. Ehud escaped while they delayed, and he passed beyond the idols and escaped to Seirah. When he arrived, he sounded the trumpet in the hill country of Ephraim. Then the people of Israel went down with him from the hill country, and he was their leader. And he said to them, “Follow after me, for the Lord has given your enemies the Moabites into your hand.” So they went down after him and seized the fords of the Jordan against the Moabites and did not allow anyone to pass over. And they killed at that time about 10,000 of the Moabites, all strong, able-bodied men; not a man escaped. So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest for eighty years. — Judges 3:24-30 What could God do through your faith-filled courage if you actually stepped out today? Ehud's daring act in the palace wasn't the end—it was the beginning. Once the king fell, Ehud rallied Israel with a trumpet blast. Notice his words: “Follow after me, for the Lord has given your enemies into your hand.” This wasn't Ehud's victory—it was God's. But Ehud's faith lit the spark. Israel seized the fords, cut off Moab's retreat, and struck down 10,000 of their strongest soldiers. The result? Eighty years of peace. One man's courageous obedience unleashed a wave of victory for an entire nation. Your obedience today could be the turning point for more people than you realize. Ehud didn't just free himself—he freed his nation. Don't underestimate the ripple effect of your courage. When you lead your family in prayer, when you walk in integrity at work, when you take a stand for Christ, you create space for others to follow. Courage multiplies. Obedience inspires. Faith spreads. And the peace that comes isn't just for you—it blesses everyone around you. ASK THIS: Where do I need to blow the trumpet and step out in courage for God? Who might follow my lead if I lived boldly in faith? Do I believe my obedience can impact not just me, but generations? How does Ehud's story challenge my view of faith and courage? DO THIS: Take one bold step of faith today in an area you've been holding back. Trust God to use your obedience to influence more people than you can see. PRAY THIS: Lord, give me Ehud's courage to step out in faith. Use my obedience to bring victory and peace not just to me, but to those you've placed in my life. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Do It Again."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible. Read more here: Project23 Our text today is Judges 3:12-23 And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done what was evil in the sight of the Lord. He gathered to himself the Ammonites and the Amalekites, and went and defeated Israel. And they took possession of the city of palms. And the people of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years. Then the people of Israel cried out to the Lord, and the Lord raised up for them a deliverer, Ehud, the son of Gera, the Benjaminite, a left-handed man. The people of Israel sent tribute by him to Eglon the king of Moab. And Ehud made for himself a sword with two edges, a cubit in length, and he bound it on his right thigh under his clothes. And he presented the tribute to Eglon king of Moab. Now Eglon was a very fat man. And when Ehud had finished presenting the tribute, he sent away the people who carried the tribute. But he himself turned back at the idols near Gilgal and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” And he commanded, “Silence.” And all his attendants went out from his presence. And Ehud came to him as he was sitting alone in his cool roof chamber. And Ehud said, “I have a message from God for you.” And he arose from his seat. And Ehud reached with his left hand, took the sword from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly. And the hilt also went in after the blade, and the fat closed over the blade, for he did not pull the sword out of his belly; and the dung came out. Then Ehud went out into the porch and closed the doors of the roof chamber behind him and locked them. — Judges 3:12-23 Why would God choose a left-handed man with a hidden dagger to deliver his people? Israel fell again, this time under the heavy hand of King Eglon of Moab. Eighteen years of oppression. And then, once more, the cry for help. God's answer? Ehud—a left-handed man. In a tribe where warriors were expected to be right-handed, Ehud was an outsider. But that “weakness” became his advantage. Guards didn't suspect the dagger strapped to his right thigh. In the palace, standing before the bloated king, Ehud struck—and Israel's deliverance began. This story feels raw, almost shocking. But it's here to remind us: God doesn't save the way we expect. He uses unlikely people, in unlikely ways, to accomplish his purposes. Maybe you feel like Ehud—overlooked, underestimated, maybe even carrying what others see as a weakness. But with God, that very thing can become your weapon for his glory. God's not looking for polished people with perfect resumes. He's looking for willing hearts. He loves to flip weakness into strength, using the very things others count out to bring about victory. Stop disqualifying yourself. If God can use Ehud's left hand, he can use your story. ASK THIS: What's one area of my life where I feel disqualified or overlooked? How might God want to use that “weakness” as a strength? Do I believe God can deliver in ways I don't expect? Where do I need to step out in bold, Ehud-like faith this week? DO THIS: Write down one personal “weakness” you usually hide. Then ask God how he might want to use it for his glory. Take one step to offer it back to him today. PRAY THIS: Father, use what I see as weakness to show your strength. Help me trust that you can work through the parts of me I least expect. Amen. PLAY THIS: "God of the Impossible."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible. Read more here: Project23 Our text today is Judges 3:9-11 But when the people of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the people of Israel, who saved them, Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother. The Spirit of the Lord was upon him, and he judged Israel. He went out to war, and the Lord gave Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand. And his hand prevailed over Cushan-rishathaim. So the land had rest forty years. Then Othniel the son of Kenaz died. — Judges 3:9-11 What happens when God's Spirit fills an ordinary man? Israel cried out. And God answered—not with an army, but with a man. Othniel wasn't flashy. He wasn't famous. He was Caleb's younger brother, living in the shadow of a great warrior. Yet when the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, everything changed. Notice the shift: Israel cried. God raised. The Spirit empowered. Victory came. Peace followed. This is God's pattern. He takes an ordinary man, fills him with his Spirit, and uses him to deliver his people. Never underestimate what God can do through you when his Spirit fills you. You don't need the perfect résumé, the loudest voice, or the sharpest skills. What you need is surrender to God's Spirit. The battles you face aren't won by sheer grit but by God's Spirit working through you. Othniel's story reminds us: victory doesn't rest on the size of the man, but on the strength of the God in the man. ASK THIS: When was the last time I cried out to God for deliverance instead of trying to fix things myself? Do I believe God's Spirit can work powerfully through me right now? What keeps me from full surrender to God's Spirit? Where in my life do I need to step forward in faith like Othniel? DO THIS: Today, pray specifically for the Spirit of the Lord to empower you in one area where you feel weak—and then take one step of faith into that battle. PRAY THIS: Holy Spirit, fill me today. Use me, like you used Othniel, to bring your victory and your peace where I cannot on my own. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Same God."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible in Project23. Read more here: Project23 Our text today is Judges 3:7-8 And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. They forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and the Asheroth. Therefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia. And the people of Israel served Cushan-rishathaim eight years. — Judges 3:7-8 What happens when God lets you have the life you chose without him? Notice the sequence: They forgot the Lord. They served false gods. God's anger burned. They were sold into slavery. Israel's biggest problem wasn't its enemies. It was their memory. Forgetting God led them straight into idolatry, and idolatry led them straight into chains. God's judgment wasn't random—it was righteous. When Israel abandoned him, he gave them exactly what they wanted: life under the rule of another master. But the freedom they thought they'd find in Baal worship became bondage under Cushan-rishathaim. This is how sin still works. Forgetting God always opens the door to false gods. And false gods always enslave. Maybe for you it's not a wooden empty false-god like Baal—it's other false-gods like money, success, approval, lust. But the pattern is the same: what you serve ends up ruling you. Don't miss this: forgetting God is the first step into slavery. The enemy doesn't need you to deny God outright—just to forget him little by little, until you wake up chained. ASK THIS: Where have I grown forgetful of God's presence in my daily life? What “false gods” am I tempted to serve in place of him? Have I mistaken slavery to sin for freedom? What daily habit can I build to keep remembering God? DO THIS: Set one daily reminder (alarm, sticky note, verse card) to pause and remember God today—before the world makes you forget him. PRAY THIS: Lord, don't let me forget you. Keep me close, and protect me from the chains that come when I turn from you. Amen. PLAY THIS: "No Longer Slaves."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Andrew Nippert from Woodbury, MN. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. Your commitment is helping deliver God's Word with clarity and conviction. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 3:5–6. So the people of Israel lived among the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. And their daughters they took to themselves for wives, and their own daughters they gave to their sons, and they served their gods. — Judges 3:5-6 What happens when God's people start blending in instead of standing out? Israel didn't fall overnight. They didn't storm the temples of Baal in one reckless decision. They simply “lived among” the nations. They intermarried. They shared meals. They shared gods. Compromise always starts small. Like a leak in a dam, it seems harmless—until the whole wall bursts. Israel traded holiness for comfort, obedience for acceptance. And soon, what was unthinkable became normal: bowing to idols. God had called them to be set apart. But instead, they got cozy with the very people who were meant to be driven out. Compromise is rarely loud. It's quiet. It's slow. It's choosing to laugh at the joke you shouldn't, to flirt with the temptation you know is dangerous, to keep silent when God calls you to speak. Don't be fooled: small compromises never stay small. They grow. They spread. They enslave. The world doesn't need more Christians who blend in. It needs men and women who stand out—even if it costs them something. ASK THIS: Where in your life are you “living among” compromise? What small choice today could grow into big trouble tomorrow? Have you justified something that God clearly calls sin? How can you take a bold step toward holiness this week? DO THIS: Choose one area of compromise in your life today and cut it off before it cuts you down. PRAY THIS: Lord, reveal where I've allowed compromise to creep in. Give me the courage to stand apart, even when it costs me comfort. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Build My Life."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Stan Jackson from Farmington, MO. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. Your commitment is helping deliver God's Word with clarity and conviction. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 3:1–4. Now these are the nations that the Lord left, to test Israel by them, that is, all in Israel who had not experienced all the wars in Canaan. It was only in order that the generations of the people of Israel might know war, to teach war to those who had not known it before. These are the nations: the five lords of the Philistines and all the Canaanites and the Sidonians and the Hivites who lived on Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal-hermon as far as Lebo-hamath. They were for the testing of Israel, to know whether Israel would obey the commandments of the Lord, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses. — Judges 3:1-4 What if the struggle you're facing isn't punishment—but preparation? God didn't clear the land all at once. He left enemies in place. Why? To test Israel. Not to crush them—but to train them. Think about that. God could've snapped his fingers and wiped every enemy away. But he didn't. Instead, he left battles to fight, not because he was absent, but because he was present in a different way—training his people to lean on him, sharpening their obedience, and forging their faith in fire. Life's tests work the same way. They're proving grounds. The challenges you're staring down right now may be God's way of toughening your spiritual muscles. Like a trainer who won't lift the weights for you but won't leave your side either, God sets you under the bar to see if you'll trust him for the strength. Don't despise the battles God leaves in your life. That demanding boss, the marriage struggle, the nagging temptation—they might be the very tools God is using to test and teach you. Tests aren't about failure; they're about faith. The question isn't why is this happening to me? But how will I respond? Will you trust God when it's heavy? Will you obey when it's easier not to? Your test today might be the training ground for tomorrow's victory. ASK THIS: What's one battle in your life right now that feels like it should already be over? Do you tend to see trials as punishment or preparation? How can you reframe a current struggle as training from God? Who in your life needs encouragement to keep fighting their God-given battles? DO THIS: Identify one struggle you're facing today. Instead of asking God to remove it, ask him to use it to strengthen your faith and obedience. PRAY THIS: Father, help me see my battles not as punishments but as proving grounds. Give me the strength to trust you and obey, even when the struggle feels endless. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Battle Belongs."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23 Our text today is Judges 2:19-23: But whenever the judge died, they turned back and were more corrupt than their fathers, going after other gods, serving them and bowing down to them. They did not drop any of their practices or their stubborn ways. So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he said, 'Because this people have transgressed my covenant that I commanded their fathers and have not obeyed my voice, I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations that Joshua left when he died, in order to test Israel by them, whether they will take care to walk in the way of the Lord as their fathers did, or not.' So the Lord left those nations, not driving them out quickly, and he did not give them into the hand of Joshua. — Judges 2:19-23 Here's where the cycle begins. And it's not just disobedience—it's downward. After every judge died, Israel didn't just fall back—they went deeper into sin. More corrupt. More stubborn. More defiant. The pattern was clear: rescue… relapse… repeat. And God finally says, “I'm not removing the enemies anymore.” Not out of abandonment, but refinement. He leaves the nations in place, not to punish them, but to test them. God wanted to see: would Israel follow him without the pressure of a judge? Would obedience come from the heart, or only when someone was watching? That's a question every one of us has to answer. God's goal wasn't just external behavior. It was an internal transformation. However, without repentance, the people continued to cling to their old ways. They worshiped idols. They refused to drop their stubborn habits. And the consequences followed. Sometimes, God allows particular struggles to persist—not because he's absent, but because he's refining us. He wants your character, not just your compliance. He wants faithfulness that endures, not obedience driven by fear. So if you feel like you're facing the same battles again and again, don't just pray for escape. Pray for endurance. Ask God what he's trying to reveal—and what he wants you to release. ASK THIS: What old habits or stubborn ways do I keep returning to? Have I been relying on people more than God's presence? What might God be testing in me right now? Am I asking God to remove the battle—or to strengthen me in it? DO THIS: Identify one recurring battle in your life, and ask God what character trait he's developing through it. PRAY THIS: Lord, don't let me waste the tests You allow. Use them to refine me, deepen my faith, and reveal what needs to change. Amen PLAY THIS: "Refiner."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23 Our text today is Judges 2:16-18: Then the Lord raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who plundered them. Yet they did not listen to their judges, for they whored after other gods and bowed down to them. They soon turned aside from the way in which their fathers had walked, who had obeyed the commandments of the Lord, and they did not do so. Whenever the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge, and he saved them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge. For the Lord was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who afflicted and oppressed them. — Judges 2:16-18 God's anger burned in the last passage, but now his compassion rises. He raises up judges to deliver his people. Not because they deserved it, but because his mercy runs deeper than their rebellion. Even when Israel ignored the judges and spiraled back into sin, God kept showing up. He wasn't just keeping score—he was pursuing hearts. “The Lord was moved to pity by their groaning…” That's the heart of a Father. God is just. But he is also tender. He disciplines, but he also delivers. He doesn't abandon his people in their pain—even when that pain is their own doing. And here's the part that should stop us in our tracks: God saved them through the judge. But the people still didn't listen. The problem wasn't outside—it was inside. Their hearts were stubborn. Their worship wandered. Their loyalty fractured. But still… God intervened. Not once. Repeatedly. That's grace. That's our God. And that's your reminder: no matter how far you've drifted, God still has ways to pull you back. Maybe it's a person. A moment. A truth that hits you like a freight train. He hasn't stopped reaching even if you've stopped listening. So today, respond to the rescue. Don't repeat the cycle. ASK THIS: What has God used in my life to draw me back to him? Have I been ignoring his rescue efforts? Why do I keep returning to what he's already delivered me from? What would it look like to fully respond today? DO THIS: Write down one way God has shown you mercy, and tell someone else about it today as an act of obedience and praise. PRAY THIS: Father, thank you for rescuing me even when I didn't deserve it. Help me recognize your grace and respond to it with faith and obedience. Amen PLAY THIS: "Mercy."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23 Our text today is Judges 2:14-15: So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he gave them over to plunderers, who plundered them. And he sold them into the hand of their surrounding enemies, so that they could no longer withstand their enemies. Whenever they marched out, the hand of the Lord was against them for harm, as the Lord had warned, and as the Lord had sworn to them. And they were in terrible distress. — Judges 2:14-15 God's anger burned—not randomly, but righteously. Israel had abandoned him. Now, he lets them experience what life is like without his protection. He gives them over to their enemies. He lets them experience defeat. Not because he's cruel, but because he's faithful. He's a covenant-keeping God, even when keeping the covenant involves discipline. “Whenever they marched out, the hand of the Lord was against them for harm…” That's a terrifying scripture. But God warned them multiple times. He told them what would happen. They didn't believe him. They abused his grace, lived in blatant disobedience, and then worshipped other gods. Sometimes the pain we feel isn't an attack from the enemy—it's the correction of a loving Father. But God doesn't discipline us to destroy us. He does it to wake us up because he loves us. When we disobey and rebel, he'll often let us feel the weight of our choices. Not to shame but to shape us. Because the worst thing God could do is let us keep going casually and comfortably in the wrong direction. So if you're in distress right now, don't just ask, “How do I escape this?” Ask, “What is God trying to teach me in this?” His discipline is proof that he hasn't given up on you. It means he still wants you, your heart, and your full surrender to him. ASK THIS: Is there a hardship I'm facing that may be tied to disobedience? How have I misunderstood God's discipline in the past? What warning from God have I ignored for too long? What step of repentance is He inviting me into today? DO THIS: Reflect on one area of hardship and ask God if it's connected to something He's trying to correct—and then respond with surrender. PRAY THIS: Lord, if I'm under Your discipline, I don't want to waste it. Teach me what I need to learn and bring me back to You fully. Amen PLAY THIS: "Run to the Father."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23 Our text today is Judges 2:11-13: And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals. And they abandoned the Lord, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt. They went after other gods, from among the gods of the peoples who were around them, and bowed down to them. And they provoked the Lord to anger. They abandoned the Lord and served the Baals and the Ashtaroth. — Judges 2:11-13 The shift happens fast. From not knowing God… to abandoning him… to bowing before idols. This isn't just spiritual confusion. It's full-on rebellion. And here's the most dangerous part: the people didn't stop worshiping—they just redirected it. They served the Baals and Ashtaroth—the fertility gods of the surrounding cultures. These gods promised abundance, sexuality, strength, and protection. In other words, they offered the same things our culture still worships today—success, pleasure, control, and comfort. But abandoning God always begins with forgetting what He's done. “The God who brought them out of Egypt” became a distant memory. And when gratitude fades, idolatry grows. The human heart is never neutral. It will always worship something. The only question is—who or what? This is more than just history; this is what we see happening in our day and time. Our idols may not have names like Baal, but they have just as much power over us if we let them. The desire to fit in, the hunger for status, the comfort of distraction—these become the altars we kneel at if we stop remembering God's faithfulness. And what angers God most? Not just that they sinned, but that they traded him for a fraud. They bowed to what was around them instead of remembering the One who saved them. So ask yourself today: what's been stealing your worship? What “good thing” has become a godlike thing? The answer will show you what's competing for your heart. ASK THIS: What false gods am I most tempted to chase in this season? How does cultural influence subtly shape my priorities? Have I forgotten how God has rescued and provided for me? What would it look like to return my full loyalty to Him? DO THIS: Name one “idol” that's grown too important—and intentionally deny it today to reset your devotion. PRAY THIS: God, I confess that I've chased other things instead of You. Remind me of who you are—and help me return my worship where it belongs. Amen PLAY THIS: "Clear the Stage."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23 Our text today is Judges 2:6-10: When Joshua dismissed the people, the people of Israel went each to his inheritance to take possession of the land. And the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great work that the Lord had done for Israel. And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of 110 years. And they buried him within the boundaries of his inheritance in Timnath-heres, in the hill country of Ephraim, north of the mountain of Gaash. And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel. — Judges 2:6-10 Joshua's generation had seen the mighty works of God. They walked through the Jordan. Watched Jericho fall. Inherited a land they didn't deserve. They served God faithfully during Joshua's lifetime, and a little beyond. But then something terrifying happened. The next generation didn't know the Lord. Not just that they didn't follow him. They didn't even know him. That's not just spiritual drift. That's spiritual negligence. Somewhere along the line, the storytelling stopped. The personal testimonies faded. The discipleship broke down. The fathers assumed their faith would be passed on without intentionality. It didn't. This is one of the most sobering verses in all of Judges. It reminds us that spiritual inheritance is never automatic. It must be pursued, communicated, and modeled. Your kids won't inherit your faith through osmosis. They'll catch it when they see it lived, taught, and treasured. And the men around you? They're watching too. If you don't talk about God's faithfulness, who will? If you don't model repentance, courage, and trust, what will they imitate? We are always one generation away from forgetting God. But we're also one conversation, one moment of obedience, one act of spiritual leadership away from changing that. Don't assume. Disciple. ASK THIS: Am I being intentional about passing on my faith? Who in my life needs to hear what God has done for me? What spiritual habits am I modeling for the next generation? How can I turn assumptions into intentional action today? DO THIS: Tell one younger person in your life today about something God has done for you, and why it matters. PRAY THIS: Lord, don't let me waste my spiritual influence. Help me lead those behind me to know You deeply and love You faithfully. Amen PLAY THIS: "Faithful Now."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23 Our text today is Judges 2:4-5: "As soon as the angel of the Lord spoke these words to all the people of Israel, the people lifted up their voices and wept. And they called the name of that place Bochim. And they sacrificed there to the Lord." — Judges 2:4-5 God's message hit the people hard. The people wept. Loudly. Publicly. They even named the place "Bochim," which means "Weepers." It sounds like a moment of potential. But there's a problem. Nothing really changed. Just look ahead to verse 11. We're not told they tore down the altars. We're not told they returned to full obedience. We're just told they wept… and moved on. This is the difference between emotional conviction and real repentance. Tears aren't the goal—transformation is. God isn't looking for dramatic responses. He's looking for lasting obedience. And too often, we confuse the two. We hear a convicting message, feel deeply moved, and maybe even cry and feel remorseful. But then, shortly after the confession, we walk away unchanged. Emotion is good. It shows your heart is tender. But if it doesn't lead to action, it becomes a spiritual decoy. The people sacrificed at Bochim, but they didn't surrender at Bochim. They expressed regret, but not resolve. So what about you? Is there something you've cried about, prayed about, even confessed—but never truly repented of? Don't just feel something—do something. Don't just weep—walk in a new direction. God wants your heart, but he also wants habitual change. ASK THIS: Have I mistaken sorrow for repentance? What have I wept over but never changed? Is there a sin I've confessed repeatedly but never surrendered? What would actual repentance look like in my life right now? DO THIS: Write down one sin or compromise you've wept over—then take one bold action to walk away from it today. PRAY THIS: Father, I don't want to feel bad—I want to be changed. Lead me from sorrow into surrender and real obedience. Amen PLAY THIS: "Heart of God."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23 Our text today is Judges 2:1-3: "Now the angel of the Lord went up from Gilgal to Bochim. And he said, 'I brought you up from Egypt and brought you into the land that I swore to give to your fathers. I said, "I will never break my covenant with you, and you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall break down their altars." But you have not obeyed my voice. What is this you have done? So now I say, I will not drive them out before you, but they shall become thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you.'"— Judges 2:1-3 Before judgment falls, God speaks. Judges 2 opens with the angel of the Lord delivering a direct confrontation. It's not gentle. It's not subtle. It's the voice of God reminding His people what He's done—and what they've failed to do. “I brought you out… I gave you this land… I made a covenant…” But then: “You have not obeyed my voice.” This is what makes God's discipline just. He doesn't strike first—He speaks first to ensure we see the connection. He calls us back before the consequences come down. Israel had compromised. They'd made peace with pagan people and their altars instead of tearing them down. They tried to combine obedience with convenient opportunities. But God doesn't bless half-obedience. He confronts it. And now, He announces the result: “They shall become thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you.” Simply put: he gives them over to the gods they want and allows their consequences to teach. God is patient, but not passive. He won't force us to obey, but he will let us feel the cost of ignoring him. And sometimes, the thorns in our lives are the result of altars we refused to tear down. What compromise have you let linger? What altar have you left standing? The warning is abundant. The confrontation is just. The invitation still stands. Return. Obey. Tear down what doesn't belong. Do you need to tear something down? Do so, and avoid the consequences and the need to hear God's just voice. ASK THIS: What's one clear instruction from God I've delayed or avoided? Have I made peace with anything God told me to destroy? What “thorns” am I experiencing because of disobedience? What altar needs to be torn down in my life today? DO THIS: Identify one compromise you've tolerated—and take specific action today to remove it from your life. PRAY THIS: God, thank You for speaking before You discipline. Help me hear Your voice and respond with immediate obedience. Amen PLAY THIS: "Holy Spirit."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23 Our text today is Judges 1:34-36: The Amorites pressed the people of Dan back into the hill country, for they did not allow them to come down to the plain. The Amorites persisted in dwelling in Mount Heres, in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim, but the hand of the house of Joseph rested heavily on them, and they became subject to forced labor. And the border of the Amorites ran from the ascent of Akrabbim, from Sela and upward. — Judges 1:34-36 We've watched a slow unraveling through this chapter. One tribe compromises, then another, until Israel's momentum is gone—and by verse 34, the tide has turned. The Amorites are now pressing back. The people of Dan aren't advancing, they're retreating. They've been pushed into the hills, confined, controlled. The very enemies they were told to conquer are now conquering them. This is what happens when we stop obeying. We lose ground. Spiritually. Emotionally. Culturally. The authority we once carried gets handed over to the very things we were called to defeat. And while Joseph's house exerts some control—forcing the Amorites into labor—it's too little, too late. The enemy still has territory. The borders are redrawn. And God is silent. It's sobering. But it's not hopeless. God lets us feel the weight of disobedience. Not to punish us, but to draw us back. The pain of retreat is often the catalyst for repentance. Sometimes, God allows the enemy to press in and remind us what it feels like to live without him leading. He doesn't abandon us. He stops enabling our passivity. So, my friend, where have you given ground? Where have you stopped fighting, and the enemy's started pressing? It's not too late. But the time is now. Reclaim what you've surrendered. Step back into obedience. Let God lead again. ASK THIS: Where have I lost spiritual ground by compromising? What enemy have I allowed to reclaim territory in my life? How have I mistaken God's silence for absence? What step of obedience can help me reclaim that ground today? DO THIS: Name one area where you've let sin take the lead—and today, take one bold action to take it back. PRAY THIS: Father, I've given ground I was meant to guard. Give me the strength to stand again and reclaim what's Yours. Amen PLAY THIS: "The Stand."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23 Our text today is Judges 1:27-33: Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shean and its villages, or Taanach and its villages, or the inhabitants of Dor and its villages, or the inhabitants of Ibleam and its villages, or the inhabitants of Megiddo and its villages, for the Canaanites persisted in dwelling in that land. When Israel grew strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but did not drive them out completely. And Ephraim did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer, so the Canaanites lived in Gezer among them. Zebulun did not drive out the inhabitants of Kitron, or the inhabitants of Nahalol, so the Canaanites lived among them, but became subject to forced labor. Asher did not drive out the inhabitants of Acco, or the inhabitants of Sidon or of Ahlab or of Achzib or of Helbah or of Aphik or of Rehob, so the Asherites lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land, for they did not drive them out. Naphtali did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh, or the inhabitants of Beth-anath, so they lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land. Nevertheless, the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh and of Beth-anath became subject to forced labor for them. — Judges 1:27-33 It started small. One tribe didn't fully obey. Then another. Then another. Until compromise became the norm, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali—all of them— failed to drive out the people God had commanded them to remove. And the language is chilling: they did not drive out… they lived among… What began as a delay turned into disobedience. Disobedience evolved into a cultural shift. Before long, coexisting with sin replaced conquering it. Here's the danger: when one man compromises, others will follow. When one tribe accepts partial obedience, others begin to believe it's acceptable. Spiritual apathy is contagious. It numbs courage. It silences conviction. And it spreads through passivity. As Christians, our influence carries weight. Your kids, your friends, your brothers, your church—they're all watching. Not to see perfection, but to see consistency. To see surrender. To see obedience even when it's hard. You may think your compromise only affects you. But it doesn't. It affects your circle. And eventually, it reshapes a culture. Don't underestimate the influence of your obedience—or your passivity. This is your call to drive out what needs to be driven out. Don't coexist with what God has called you to confront. Stand up today, even if others sit down. ASK THIS: What area of my life have I let slide because others around me have? Who's watching my obedience and learning from it? What sin or habit have I tolerated that God has clearly addressed? What would courageous obedience look like today? DO THIS: Identify one spiritual compromise you've tolerated due to others' influence, and take a stand to reject it. PRAY THIS: God, I don't want to blend in with spiritual apathy. Give me the courage to confront what others have ignored and to live fully surrendered to You. Amen PLAY THIS: "Give Me Faith."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23 Our text today is Judges 1:22-26: "The house of Joseph also went up against Bethel, and the Lord was with them. And the house of Joseph scouted out Bethel. (Now the name of the city was formerly Luz.) And the spies saw a man coming out of the city, and they said to him, 'Please show us the way into the city, and we will deal kindly with you.' And he showed them the way into the city. And they struck the city with the edge of the sword, but they let the man and all his family go. And the man went to the land of the Hittites and built a city and called its name Luz. That is its name to this day." — Judges 1:22-26 The tribe of Joseph had momentum. God was with them. They were positioned for another victory, and Bethel was next. They scouted the city, found a local man, and made a deal: "Show us the way in, and we'll spare you." It worked. They took the city, but they also let compromise slip in through the side door. The man they spared? He went off and built another city. A city that carried the same old name—Luz—the one God intended to obliterate. Here's the tension: partial obedience appears to be success… for a while. They captured Bethel. But they preserved a piece of what God intended to destroy. They won the battle. But they left the roots of resistance intact. And don't we do the same? We address the major sins, but overlook the smaller ones. We say yes to God, mostly. But we keep one foot in comfort or pride or bitterness. That's not surrender. That's strategy. And your strategy isn't obedience. Sometimes it's a secret shortcut to get what you want, rather than what God wants. Let your strategy go; surrender your selfish strategies to the Lord. Joseph's tribe had the upper hand, and instead of walking in full trust, they chose a shortcut. And shortcuts in faith always leave doors open to the enemy. So here's the question(s): What deal have you made with sin? What obedience have you postponed because partial surrender felt "close enough"? Today is your chance to go all in. Don't let a Luz live on just because it made your life easier for a moment. ASK THIS: Where have I obeyed God only halfway? What deals have I made that compromise long-term faithfulness? How has a shortcut in my past led to struggle today? What does full obedience require of me now? DO THIS: Name one area where you've been cutting corners spiritually—and commit today to close the gap with full obedience. PRAY THIS: Lord, I don't want to win battles while losing trust. Show me where I've made deals with sin, and give me courage to obey You completely. Amen PLAY THIS: "Lord I Need You."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23 Our text today is Judges 1:16-21: “And the descendants of the Kenite, Moses' father-in-law, went up with the people of Judah from the city of palms into the wilderness of Judah, which lies in the Negeb near Arad, and they went and settled with the people. And Judah went with Simeon his brother, and they defeated the Canaanites who inhabited Zephath and devoted it to destruction. So the name of the city was called Hormah. Judah also captured Gaza with its territory, and Ashkelon with its territory, and Ekron with its territory. And the Lord was with Judah, and he took possession of the hill country, but he could not drive out the inhabitants of the plain because they had chariots of iron. And Hebron was given to Caleb, as Moses had said. And he drove out from it the three sons of Anak. But the people of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem, so the Jebusites have lived with the people of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.” — Judges 1:16-21 At first glance, things still seem to be moving forward. Judah fights. Victories are won. Cities are claimed. Hormah is renamed after a devastating defeat of the Canaanites. Caleb continues to drive out giants. However, the cracks soon begin to appear. Judah takes the hill country, but they stop short in the plains. Why? Iron chariots. A visible enemy with intimidating strength. And then there's Benjamin. They don't even drive the enemy out. They just let them live there. This is where the shift happens. The faith-filled obedience we saw earlier begins to give way to fear-based compromise. The Lord was with Judah, but that didn't mean it would be easy. Obedience never guarantees comfort. It guarantees conflict with our flesh, our fears, and our enemy. And here's the truth: any area we leave unconquered becomes a future foothold for the enemy. What we tolerate today may torment us tomorrow. Compromise is subtle. We tell ourselves, “I've done enough.” Or “This part isn't so bad.” Or “It's too hard to deal with now.” But unfinished obedience is still disobedience. And letting sin live beside us only weakens our walk. So what have you left unfinished? What stronghold are you ignoring? Where have you stopped short of full surrender? Today's the day to pick up the fight again. Don't settle where God has called you to conquer. ASK THIS: Where have I grown passive in my obedience? What's the “iron chariot” I've been afraid to face? Am I tolerating sin that should be driven out? What would full obedience look like in this season? DO THIS: Identify one area of compromise and take one bold step toward obedience today. PRAY THIS: God, expose the places I've compromised. Give me the courage to fight again and finish what you've asked me to do. Amen PLAY THIS: "Battle Belongs."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23 Our text today is Judges 1:8-15: “And the men of Judah fought against Jerusalem and captured it and struck it with the edge of the sword and set the city on fire. And afterward the men of Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites who lived in the hill country, in the Negeb, and in the lowland. And Judah went against the Canaanites who lived in Hebron (now the name of Hebron was formerly Kiriath-arba), and they defeated Sheshai and Ahiman and Talmai. From there they went against the inhabitants of Debir. The name of Debir was formerly Kiriath-sepher. And Caleb said, ‘He who attacks Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give him Achsah my daughter for a wife.' And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, captured it. And he gave him Achsah his daughter for a wife. When she came to him, she urged him to ask her father for a field. And she dismounted from her donkey, and Caleb said to her, ‘What do you want?' She said to him, ‘Give me a blessing. Since you have set me in the land of the Negeb, give me also springs of water.' And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.” — Judges 1:8-15 The conquest continues—and Judah isn't slowing down. City by city, they obey and advance. But embedded in this war-torn section is a beautiful picture of legacy. Caleb—the same man who stood faithful back in Numbers—is still moving forward with bold faith. And he's pulling others into the fight. He throws down a challenge: “Whoever captures Debir gets my daughter's hand in marriage.” It's not just a reward—it's a call to courage and a test of sorts of the type of man he hoped would carry his legacy on. Othniel steps up. And Achsah, Caleb's daughter, isn't passive either. She asks her father for more land, then asks boldly for water. She's not greedy. She's confident. Courage, boldness, and bravery run in the family. This moment isn't about a single conquest; it's a story of leadership character. Caleb isn't just taking territory; he's building a family legacy. His faith didn't start and die in the desert. It grew stronger, and now it lives on through his extended family. Your faith wasn't meant to die with you. It was meant to inspire the next generation. You might not be capturing cities, but are you cultivating courage? Are you raising up sons, daughters, disciples, or friends who trust God boldly? Do those closest to you see a legacy worth following? Caleb didn't retire. He led. He gave. He kept walking in faith until his last breath. Pass on a spiritual legacy to someone today. ASK THIS: Am I building a legacy of faith or just surviving spiritually? Who is watching and learning from my walk with God? What bold step of obedience can I take today? How can I encourage courage in someone else's life? DO THIS: Share one spiritual lesson with someone younger today—something that's shaped your faith. PRAY THIS: Father, let my faith be contagious. Help me build a legacy that honors you and strengthens others. Amen PLAY THIS: "Build My Life."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23 Our text today is Judges 1:3–7: "And Judah said to Simeon his brother, 'Come up with me into the territory allotted to me, that we may fight against the Canaanites. And I likewise will go with you into the territory allotted to you.' So Simeon went with him. Then Judah went up and the Lord gave the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand, and they defeated 10,000 of them at Bezek. They found Adoni-bezek at Bezek and fought against him and defeated the Canaanites and the Perizzites. Adoni-bezek fled, but they pursued him and caught him and cut off his thumbs and his big toes. And Adoni-bezek said, 'Seventy kings with their thumbs and their big toes cut off used to pick up scraps under my table. As I have done, so God has repaid me.' And they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died there."  — Judges 1:3–7 When Judah was chosen to go first, he didn't march into battle solo. He turned to Simeon—his brother—and asked him to come fight alongside him. That was humility. That was wisdom. And the result? Victory. God gave them the Canaanites and Perizzites. Ten thousand defeated. One wicked king was brought to justice. One battle won together. We weren't made to fight alone. Even though God had given Judah the land, he didn't try to earn a solo trophy. He invited his brother to share the mission and share the victory. In our culture, self-made individuals often receive the spotlight. But in God's kingdom, brotherhood and sisterhood are the power move. Real believers know they need backup—because pride isolates, but humility unites. And in this gritty passage, there's also a moment of brutal irony. Adoni-bezek—the cruel king who mutilated others—acknowledges God's justice. “As I have done, so God has repaid me.” Justice finds him. And that's not karma, that divine providence. Even evil kings understand God's justice when they see it. So what do we learn? Spiritual victory requires two things: dependence on God and interdependence with others. Who are you walking with? Who's fighting with you? Or have you been white-knuckling your battles in silence, hoping you can just push through? If so, it's time to humble yourself, link arms with a believer, and face the fight together. Because when we unite in obedience and courage, God always moves in power. ASK THIS: Who's fighting with me in my spiritual battles? Have I let pride keep me from asking for help? How does God use brotherhood to bring victory? What justice from God do I need to trust Him with? DO THIS: Reach out to one stronger believer today. Ask them to pray with you and fight with you spiritually. PRAY THIS: Father, thank you for believers in the battle. Keep me humble enough to ask for help and faithful enough to fight with others by my side. Amen PLAY THIS: "Brother."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23 Our text today is Judges 1:1-2: "After the death of Joshua, the people of Israel inquired of the Lord, 'Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?' The Lord said, 'Judah shall go up; behold, I have given the land into his hand.'" — Judges 1:1-2 The book opens in a moment of loss. Joshua is gone. The strong leader. The voice of God's direction. The man who filled Moses' sandals and led battles with divine clarity. Now? Silence. No commander. No plan. Just questions. But the people do something right—they ask God. And he answers. "Judah shall go up; behold, I have given the land into his hand." Notice that God doesn't give them a detailed strategy. He just tells them who goes first. And that was enough. Judah. The tribe whose name means praise. The tribe from which kings would come. And eventually—Jesus. Notice God's tense in the statement: "I have given." Not will give. He speaks with certainty. It's the assumptive sale! That's the language of divine sovereignty. Faith isn't based on circumstance—it's based on God's character. But here's the rub: Inquiring is easy. Hearing is easy. Obeying is hard. You've probably asked God for direction lately. Maybe about your job, your marriage, your next move. You've prayed, and maybe you've even sensed what God's telling you. But have you moved? God isn't asking for your full understanding. He's asking for your next step. Obedience doesn't require a detailed map—just faith in the One giving the directions. Take one small step forward today, even if it's just that—small. With God, the land and the territory have already been given. ASK THIS: Where do I feel unsure about my next step? Have I truly asked God, or just tried to figure it out on my own? What's something God has already spoken that I'm hesitating to obey? What would faith look like in motion today? DO THIS: Take one obedient step today in the direction God has already spoken. PRAY THIS: Father, thank you for leading even when I feel uncertain. Help me trust your voice and act on what you've already said. Amen PLAY THIS: "Same God."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23 Our text today is Mark 16:19-20: “So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and proclaimed the gospel everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.”— Mark 16:19-20 The curtain closes on Mark's gospel with an unforgettable moment. Jesus lifts off the ground, rising above the clouds, until heaven swallows him up. Gone from sight, he takes his seat of authority beside the Father. Yet his work is far from over. The eleven disciples pour into the streets, fueled by his final words. They preach, pray, and watch God back their message with miracles that turn heads and soften hearts. Jesus' ascension reveals two truths: He reigns in heaven and He empowers on earth. Sitting at God's right hand means his work is complete and perfect. Yet his mission continues through us. When we share the gospel, we aren't alone. The same Lord who conquered death stands with us, backing every word with his power. Too often, we tuck our faith behind closed doors. We think Jesus is distant, leaving us to figure out life on our own. But the ascended Christ rules at God's right hand and stands alongside you today. Your words matter. Your prayers matter. When you step out in obedience, Jesus goes with you. Faith in motion means joining heaven's King in his ongoing work. Let's live as if the Gospel is taking effect in our lives, so that Christ can affect others through us. ASK THIS: How does knowing Jesus reigns from heaven change your confidence in sharing the gospel? When have you felt God confirm your words with a “sign” or answer to prayer? What mission has Jesus given you in your family, workplace, or community? How can you lean more on Christ's power rather than your own efforts this week? DO THIS: Choose one person in your life who hasn't heard the full gospel—send them a message or invite them to coffee, then share the core truth of Christ's death, resurrection, and your own hope in him. PRAY THIS: Lord Jesus, exalted King, thank you for sitting at the Father's right hand and sending me out. Fill me with courage and power so your message changes lives wherever I go. Amen PLAY THIS: "O Worship the Risen Christ."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23 Our text today is Mark 16:17-18: “And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” — Mark 16:17-18 The eleven had just heard the Great Commission. Their heads buzzed with the command to “go” and “believe.” Now Jesus adds a list of powerful signs. These weren't magic tricks—they were invitations to partner with heaven. Imagine a room where chains break, tongues speak, poisons lose their sting, and the sick stand up whole. That was the new normal for believers—if they dared to trust. God's kingdom drives back darkness. When we place our faith in Jesus, we discover his power. Casting out demons isn't about fearlessly facing reptiles; it's about rejecting evil. Tongues demonstrate that God can speak in some unexpected ways. Healing and protection demonstrate that life in Christ overcomes death and danger. Too often, we treat our faith like some defensive safety net—only there when we're desperate and under attack. But Jesus calls us into a lifestyle of supernatural offensive partnership. At work, that might mean praying and seeing a broken team find unity. In your neighborhood, it could look like praying over a sick friend and watching them recover. Obedience is faith in offensive motion: leaning into God's power rather than relying on our plans. Let's be more proactive today and be a force for God's work in this life. ASK THIS: Which of these signs—healing, deliverance, new speech—stretches your faith the most? How do you respond when you see someone step out in supernatural trust? Where in your life do you need to rely less on yourself and more on God's power? What small step of faith can you take today to lean into his kingdom work? DO THIS: Pray for someone who is struggling, then place your hand on them (even if it's through a screen or over the phone) and ask Jesus to bring healing. PRAY THIS: Jesus, show me how to trust your power instead of my doubts. Help me step out in faith, so others see your kingdom come. Amen PLAY THIS: "Do It Again."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23 Our text today is Mark 16:15-16: “And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.'” — Mark 16:15-16 Jesus gathered his friends one last time. The weight of the cross still hung in their minds. But now he stood alive, victorious over death. He gave them a mission: don't conceal, proclaim. Go into every town, every street, every heart, and tell the good news. Believe and be baptized. That simple call would launch the church and shock the world. God's love isn't supposed to be kept to ourselves. When we believe in Jesus, we get caught up in his story, and that story must be told. In addition, baptism is one of those acts that demonstrates our decision: we die to the old life and rise with Christ in a brand new life. Belief is personal but never private; it's powerful and public. Too often, we think the Great Commission is exclusively for pastors or missionaries. However, this command applies everywhere you go: your office, your neighborhood, and even your lunch table. Obedience is faith in motion: speaking truth in everyday moments. Your faith becomes real when you share it—when you invite someone to take that first step of belief and baptism. So, encourage belief in others today and do it yourself. ASK THIS: Who in your circle needs to hear the gospel this week? What fears keep you from starting spiritual conversations? How would your life look if you lived always “sent” instead of “sitting”? What next step can you take to show belief—either in baptism or in bold witness? DO THIS: Identify one person you can tell about Jesus by tomorrow—then send a text, make a call, or invite them for coffee and share the gospel in two sentences. PRAY THIS: Lord, give me boldness to obey your command and share the gospel without apology. Make my words clear and my heart fearless, so others can believe and be saved. Amen PLAY THIS: "Build My Life."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Mark Noftsinger from Roanoke, VA. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Project 23. This one's for you today. Our text today is Mark 16:12-14: After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. — Mark 16:12-14 Two disciples walk along a dusty road, their hearts heavy with grief. A stranger joins them, yet they fail to recognize Jesus. Later, their excitement spills out as they report the encounter to the others—only to be met with doubt. That evening, around a familiar table, Jesus stands among the eleven and gently rebukes their unbelief. God's power isn't limited to the sights we demand. He meets us in unexpected ways to stretch our faith. Yet our hardened hearts often cling to proof over promise. When Jesus rebukes our doubt, he invites us to trust the faithful witnesses share. In everyday life, we often wait for grand miracles before we step forward. At work, we ignore a colleague's sound advice because we need more evidence. In a family, we question a friend's good intentions, looking only for what we can prove. In our spiritual walk, we often dismiss the testimonies of those who have experienced God's power firsthand. But real faith is not passive; it's action on the word of trusted witnesses. Faith in motion means obeying before we have every detail—leaning into what we've heard, not just what we've seen. When we choose to trust the voices God uses, we open ourselves to deeper encounters with him. So live with more faith today. ASK THIS: Have you ever ignored someone's story of God's work because it didn't match your expectations? What doubts keep you from accepting what fellow believers share? How does Jesus' gentle rebuke challenge your need for constant proof? In what area of your life can you choose to trust what you've heard, even without seeing it yourself? DO THIS: Reach out today to a friend who has shared a testimony of God's faithfulness—listen carefully, thank them, and ask how you can pray for them. PRAY THIS: Lord, soften my heart to receive truth from those you use as your messengers. Help me to trust and obey, even when I haven't seen every proof. PLAY THIS: "Cornerstone."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Gregory Monday from Fairhope, Alabama. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Project 23. This one's for you today. Our text today is Mark 16:9-11: “Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, while they were mourning and weeping. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.” — Mark 16:9-11 Dawn still held a chill when Mary Magdalene trudged to the tomb. Her tears tainted the ground. Then the impossible—he speaks her name. Her sorrow shatters into wonder as she sees the risen Savior. She runs back to the others, heart pounding, voice trembling. But grief has anchored them so profoundly that her good news rings hollow. God often reveals his grace to those the world dismisses first. In sovereign mercy, he chose Mary—once demon-possessed—to be the first witness of resurrection. This reminds us that grace isn't earned by status or perfection but poured out on the humble. Grace uproots despair. Grace transforms mourners into messengers. When our testimony is ignored or scoffed at, it echoes Mary's experience. But God still speaks—first to the lowly, then through the bold. Your story matters, even if others doubt. In your home, workplace, or small group, share what Christ has done for you. Obedience isn't waiting for perfect reception; it's faith in motion despite rejection. So push through your concerns about rejection, because your story matters. It's the truth that shouts about his life. ASK THIS: Have you ever felt dismissed when sharing your faith? How does Jesus' choice of Mary Magdalene encourage you in your weakness? What keeps you from proclaiming the Gospel when people don't listen? How might God be calling you to step out in witness today, even if you expect pushback? DO THIS: Write down one way Jesus has transformed you, then share that brief testimony with a friend or family member by the end of today. PRAY THIS: Lord, give me boldness to speak your resurrection power, even when others doubt my words. Transform my weakness into a witness that points to your unstoppable grace. PLAY THIS: "Testimony."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Rob Kilgour from Ontario, Canada. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Project 23. This one's for you today. Our text today is Mark 16:5-8: And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. — Mark 16:5-8 Through the angel's gentle words—“Do not be alarmed” and “He is risen”—we catch a glimpse of a profound reality: God's peace and power dispel our deepest fears. In crushing sorrow, his presence transforms our despair into awe and gives birth to unshakeable hope. This isn't a distant miracle but a living promise that Christ's resurrection redefines our world, lifting us from grief into new life, anchored not in fleeting emotions but in the steadfast truth of his victory over death. Transform your daily routines into moments of faith: when anxiety rises—before a challenging meeting, a tense conversation, or the midday slump—pause and declare aloud, “He is risen, and I need not fear.” Place a sticky note by your mirror or schedule a daily phone reminder at 3 pm to speak, “Do not be alarmed,” as a mid-afternoon reset. Let each spoken truth redirect your focus from stress to scripture, turning every ordinary moment into an opportunity to worship and trust Christ's victory. I am going to do this. Try it with me. #EmptyTomb #Mark16 #NewBeginnings ASK THIS: Which fear or doubt do I need to surrender to the risen Christ today? How has God's past faithfulness strengthened my trust in his present work? Who in my life needs to hear the message “He is risen,” and how can I share it? What difference does it make to live each day under the reality of Christ's victory over death? DO THIS: Write out and speak aloud the phrases, “He is risen” and “Do not be alarmed” each morning to ground your day in Christ's victory. PRAY THIS: Lord Jesus, breathe your resurrection power into my fear and doubt, and remind me daily that you go before me. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Living Hope."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Jim from his wife, Christy Davis-Theis, from Chaska, MN. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Project 23. This one's for you. Our text today is Mark 16:1-4: And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. — Mark 16:1-4 Before dawn, grief still weighed heavily. Three women rose in the quiet hour to tend to a lifeless body. They carried spices—small jars of costly ointment—and hearts full of sorrow. But when they arrived at the tomb, they found the impossible: the stone, the heavy barrier, already moved. No guard, just an empty entrance waiting for them. At sunrise, the world seemed unchanged on the outside, yet everything was different. Death had been defeated and overcome. The women came expecting to mourn—but they encountered a mystery that would change history. Their courage to go early, their devotion to care for their Lord, set the stage for joy. And their questions—“Who will roll away the stone?”—became the first notes in the great song of resurrection. Before you rush into your day, pause this morning and thank Jesus for the new beginning His resurrection brings. Then, identify one “stone” in your life—a worry, a habit, or a fear—that needs rolling away. Write it down in your journal. Share it in the comments below. Pray and hand it to Jesus. Trust him to move it and remove it, just as he has removed your sin. And then consider the fact that God can do anything at any time—from defeating sin to moving large stones. What's to say he won't move the immovable stone you are thinking about today? #EmptyTomb #Mark16 #NewBeginnings ASK THIS: What burdens am I carrying into this new day? How can I invite Jesus to remove the stones blocking my hope? Who in my life needs to hear that the tomb is empty? What devotion will I offer Jesus today in response to His rising? DO THIS: Before you rush into your day, pause at sunrise and thank Jesus for the new beginning His resurrection brings. PRAY THIS: Lord, thank you that you roll away every obstacle that keeps me from you. Meet me at the break of dawn with your life and light. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Resurrection Power."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Matt Krapoviky from Auburn, ME. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Project 23. This one's for you. Our text today is Mark 15:47: Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid. — Mark 15:47 In a world that turned away, two women stayed: Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Joses. While others fled in sorrow or fear, these faithful hearts watched where Jesus' body was laid. Why does Mark single them out? First | Their Presence Speaks Faithfulness They weren't curious onlookers. They were devoted followers—present in grief, refusing to abandon their Lord. Second | They Precede the Resurrection Their careful observation set the stage for the empty tomb. They would be the first witnesses of new life. Third | They Model Courageous Love In a culture that marginalized women, Jesus honored their devotion by entrusting them with the first word of His victory. These two Marys remind us that hope often starts with those who stay when everyone else walks away. Their eyes saw the sealed stone, but their hearts believed a stone wouldn't keep him forever. Who are the “Marys” in your life? Who sits with you in grief, refuses to give up, and points you toward hope? Be there for someone in pain. Watch closely for where God is working, even when there's no visible sign. Trust that new life comes after the darkest hours. Just as these women held on, you can hold hope for yourself and others. #WitnessesOfHope, #Mark15, #FaithfulPresence ASK THIS: What does the faithful presence of these two women teach you about loyalty? How might you be called to watch and wait for God's work in someone's life? In what areas have you been tempted to walk away instead of standing by? How can you cultivate hope when circumstances look hopeless? DO THIS: Today, reach out to someone who's struggling. Send a simple message: “I'm here, and I'm not leaving.” PRAY THIS: Jesus, thank you for those who stay when all seems lost. Give me a heart like Mary's—to remain present, hopeful, and faithful—even in the shadow of the tomb. Amen. PLAY THIS: "II Will Wait For You (Psalm 130)."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Bill Rowekamp from Winona, MN. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Project 23. This one's for you. Our text today is Mark 15:42–47: And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid. — Mark 15:42–47 As the sun set on Preparation Day, most hurried home to observe the Sabbath. But Joseph of Arimathea paused. A respected council member and secret follower of Jesus, he summoned the courage to approach Pilate. He simply asked: “May I have the body of Jesus?” Pilate, surprised that Jesus was already dead, confirmed with the centurion before granting the request. Joseph then wrapped Jesus' body in fine linen and laid him in his own new tomb, carved from solid rock. Two women, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses, watched quietly, memorizing each detail. Grief often hides in the shadows of ordinary life. Yet Joseph's example reminds us that faith sometimes calls us out of our comfort zones. He treated Jesus' body with dignity, even when others averted their eyes. In moments of loss—whether a friend's pain, a broken dream, or personal suffering—we can step forward with acts of compassion. Here are three things everyone can do: Offer a listening ear. Bring a meal or a kind note. Sit in silence and presence. These small gestures honor the heartache of others and point them to hope beyond sorrow. I have watched these seemingly insignificant actions bear much fruit. So do not hesitate to make a simple, bold move today. #BurialOfHonor, #Mark15, #CompassionInAction ASK THIS: What might have kept Joseph from going to Pilate—and what gave him courage? How does honoring Jesus in death shape our view of His sacrifice? Who in your life needs your presence most right now? What simple act of compassion can you offer this week? DO THIS: Think of someone in your life who's grieving or struggling. Reach out today—send a text, make a call, or drop off a small gift—and simply say, “I'm here with you.” PRAY THIS: Jesus, thank you for your tender care even in death. Give me courage to step into others' pain and offer compassion that points them back to You. Amen. PLAY THIS: "In Christ Alone (My Hope Is Found)."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Randy Niemeyer from Burnsville, MN. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Project 23. This one's for you. Our text today is Mark 15:33-41: And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem. — Mark 15:33-41 At midday, an ominous darkness falls—three hours of suffocating blackness, a death-shroud over the land. Then, at the climax, Jesus raises his voice in the ancient Psalm:  “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”  In that moment, all sin's penalty crushes him. He bears your guilt, your shame, your exile from God. Yet this is not defeat. It is not the cry of the weak. It's the call of the prelude to the greatest dawn. When he breathes his last, the temple curtain rips—God's presence is unleashed. And a hardened centurion, face-to-face with divine love poured out, confesses:  “Truly this man was the Son of God!”  Darkness gives way to revelation. Death leads to faith. Your darkest seasons may feel like a time of God's absence. You may cry, “Why, Lord?”—and that's okay. Jesus did, too. But remember: your forsaken moment can become the gateway to deeper faith. When you hit your blackest pit, God's curtain tears. His presence rushes in. So when darkness comes—spiritual, emotional, relational—don't turn away. Stand at the foot of the cross. Remember his words. Watch for the tearing of the veil. And like the centurion, let your trial become the moment you say:  “Truly, Jesus is the Son of God.” #DarknessBeforeDawn, #Mark15, #SonOfGod ASK THIS: Why did darkness cover the land at midday? What does the tearing of the temple curtain signify for you today? When have you felt forsaken—and how did God meet you there? How can your darkest trial deepen your worship? DO THIS: In your next dark moment, sit quietly and whisper, “My God, my God.” Ask Him to reveal Himself through the shadows. PRAY THIS: Jesus, in my darkest hour, help me cling to your presence. Remind me that you bore my forsaken cry so I can know your nearness forever. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Tear The Veil."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Jim Kuhn from Sun City West, AZ. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Project 23. This one's for you. Our text today is Mark 15:21–32: And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. And it was the third hour when they crucified him. And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!” So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him. — Mark 15:21–32 Jesus is weak beneath the weight of the cross. He stumbles. The soldiers seize a bystander, Simon of Cyrene, and thrust the heavy wood onto his back. Simon carries a burden not his own—step by step—toward Golgotha. This is more than a historical detail. It's a vivid picture: God himself, bowed under sin's weight, and a stranger pressed into service to share that load. Then the mockery continues: The crowd taunts, “Save yourself!” The religious leaders scoff, “He can't even save himself.” The criminals beside him jeer in scorn. And yet, Simon, an unwilling participant, bears the cross so that Jesus can advance toward Calvary, where every sin would be nailed away. Simon's forced compassion begs a question for us: Whose burden should we willingly bear? The lonely neighbor? The struggling friend? The newcomer in church? The oppressed, the overlooked, the rejected? We're not called to carry Christ's cross—that's done. We're called to carry one another's burdens as he carried ours (Gal. 6:2). When you see someone bowed under life's weight, don't pass by. Step in. Accept the unexpected call. Shoulder their load—if only for a moment. Because in that act, you reflect the One who bore the world's sin. So, who will it be today? #CarryBurdens, #Mark15, #CompassionInAction ASK THIS: Why do you think Simon was compelled rather than volunteered? What keeps us from stepping in to share another's burden? Who in your life needs you to “carry their cross” today? How does bearing burdens reflect Christ's love? DO THIS: Reach out today to someone under pressure—send a text, make a call, offer a meal, or simply say, “I see your burden. How can I help carry it?” PRAY THIS: Jesus, you carried the cross for me. Show me who around me needs someone to bear their burden. Give me willing hands and a compassionate heart. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Burdens."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Pat & Lori Kinney from St. Paul, MN. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Project 23. This one's for you. Read more about it here: PROJECT23 Our text today is Mark 15:16-20: And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor's headquarters), and they called together the whole battalion. And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.— Mark 15:16-20 Imagine the governor's courtyard, a legion of soldiers gathered. They strip the King of his robes—only to dress him in a cruel mockery of royalty. They crown him with thorns—pain woven into every spike. They salute him with disdainful words: “Hail, King of the Jews!” They beat him, spit on him, and kneel in fraudulent tribute. And through it all, Jesus endures. He stands unmoved by mockery because he came to bear our shame and absorb our scorn. Every insult hurled at him echoes the sins he carried. Every strike echoes the curse we deserved. This is the cost of our redemption: mocked yet unmoved. When the world mocks your faith—when Jesus' name is taunted—remember he faced far worse for you. He was humbled, so you could be honored. He bore the blow so you could bear his name without fear. So when you face ridicule: Don't respond in anger. Don't hide your faith. Stand unmoved. Your confidence isn't in your strength—it's in his. His mockery turned to victory on the third day. And your scars of ridicule can become stamps of his grace. #MockedYetUnmoved, #Mark15, #ChristOurKing ASK THIS: Why did the soldiers mock Jesus as “King”? How does knowing Jesus endured scorn change your view of suffering? When have you felt mocked for your faith, and how did you respond? What would it look like to stand unmoved by the world's scorn? DO THIS: The next time you sense mocking or rejection because of Jesus, quietly pray: “Jesus, You endured more for me—help me stand unmoved.” PRAY THIS: Lord Jesus, you endured mockery and pain to save me. When I face ridicule, give me courage to stand firm in your name, trusting in your victory. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Man of Sorrows."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. And today's shout-out goes to Ken Lewis from Bluffton, SC. Ken, your support through Project23 helps others see the depth of Jesus' mercy. This one's for you. Our text today is Mark 15:6-15: Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. And he answered them, saying, "Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?" For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. And Pilate again said to them, "Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?" And they cried out again, "Crucify him." And Pilate said to them, "Why? What evil has he done?" But they shouted all the more, "Crucify him." So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.— Mark 15:6-15 Picture the scene: a festive crowd at Passover, power in Pilate's hands, two men before them. One—Barabbas—guilty of murder and insurrection. The other—Jesus—innocent of any crime. And they choose to release the criminal while crucifying the innocent. It's no mistake. It's the core of the gospel: The innocent suffers the judgment you deserve so the guilty can go free. Barabbas walks out with chains removed. Jesus enters bearing a crown of thorns and a heavy wooden beam. This is substitution. This is a scandalous act of grace, enough to shatter every expectation. We are Barabbas. We are guilty—rebels deserving punishment. Yet Jesus takes our place. Don't let this moment pass as just history. Let it break you and rebuild you. Ask yourself: Do I truly understand the freedom I've received? Am I living like someone set free, or still chained by shame and self-effort? You are the guilty set free. Free to worship, not work, for your acceptance from God. Right now, write down one area where you still try to earn God's approval by your effort. Then, pray: “Jesus, I accept that you took my place. I leave this striving at the cross and embrace your grace today.” #ScandalousGrace, #Mark15, #Substitution ASK THIS: What surprises you most about Barabbas going free? How does knowing Jesus took your punishment reshape your daily choices? Where do you still feel chained by guilt or self-effort? How can you live out your freedom in worship and humility this week? DO THIS: Right now, write down one area where you still try to earn God's approval by your effort. Then, pray: “Jesus, I accept that you took my place. I leave this striving at the cross and embrace your grace today.” PRAY THIS: Jesus, thank you for standing in my place. I was guilty; you were innocent. Today I leave my striving behind and rest in the freedom you won for me. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Jesus Paid It All."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to John Cray from Miramar Beach, FL. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Project 23. This one's for you. Read more about it here: PROJECT23 Our text today is Mark 15:1-5: And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. And Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" And he answered him, "You have said so." And the chief priests accused him of many things. And Pilate again asked him, "Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you." But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed. — Mark 15:1-5 Jesus stands accused. Dragged from an illegal trial at night to a Roman governor by morning, He's now bound and surrounded by religious leaders intent on His death. The question Pilate asks is critical: "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus doesn't plead, argue, or retaliate. He simply responds, "You have said so." It's an acknowledgment, not a defense. Then, as the religious leaders throw charge after charge, Jesus says nothing. Not a word. And Pilate is stunned. Jesus' silence is not weakness—it's strength under control. He knows he's innocent. He knows the accusations are false. But more than that, he knows the cross is his assignment. So he stays quiet, surrendering to the will of the Father. We live in a world where being misunderstood feels unbearable. Where clearing your name is a reflex. But Jesus shows us something higher—He trusted his Father more than he feared false accusations and negative tweets. Sometimes God calls us to speak. But other times, he calls us to stand in silence, not in defeat, but in trust. There will be moments when defending yourself isn't the point—displaying trust is. And in those moments, Christ's example gives you courage. When misunderstood or unfairly accused today or this week, pause and reflect. Before defending yourself, ask God if he's calling you to speak—or to trust him silently like Jesus did. #SilentStrength, #Mark15, #TrustGod ASK THIS: Why do you think Jesus chose silence instead of defense? When are you most tempted to justify yourself? How does Jesus' calmness before Pilate challenge your own reactions? In what current situation might God be calling you to trust, not react? DO THIS: When misunderstood or unfairly accused, pause. Before defending yourself, ask God if He's calling you to speak—or to trust Him silently like Jesus did. PRAY THIS: Jesus, help me to trust You more than I crave approval or defense. Teach me to walk in humility and strength, just as You did before Pilate. Amen. PLAY THIS: "I Will Trust My Savior Jesus."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23 Our text today is Mark 14:66-72: And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.” But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you mean.” And he went out into the gateway and the rooster crowed. And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept. — Mark 14:66-72 The rooster crowed, and suddenly Peter's confident claims were shattered. Only hours earlier, Peter boldly declared he would die rather than deny Jesus. Yet here he stands, confronted by a servant girl, denying the One he had promised to follow anywhere. “I don't know Him,” Peter insists. The rooster crows again—and it cuts deep. Peter remembers the Lord's words: “You will deny me three times.” He's overwhelmed by grief. He breaks down. He weeps bitterly. This is the painful intersection of pride and reality. Peter genuinely wanted to be faithful, but his courage melted under pressure. He failed when it mattered most. And the sound of that rooster was not merely a reminder of what he had done—it was a revelation of who he was. But here's the powerful truth: Jesus knew Peter would deny him—and still loved him, still called him, and would soon restore him. Peter's denial was not the end of his story; it became a critical moment of humility that prepared him for greater faithfulness. Maybe you've felt the sting of your own “rooster crow” moments. Times when you've denied Christ by your actions or words. Times you've compromised your convictions or hidden your faith. Peter's story tells you clearly: Your worst moment is not the final word. Your denial doesn't have to define you. Jesus stands ready to forgive, restore, and strengthen you again. Your failures aren't the end—they're invitations to grace. Jesus meets you precisely in these moments, calling you back to faithfulness, humility, and renewed purpose. #GraceAfterFailure #Mark14 #Restoration ASK THIS: Why do you think Peter was so certain he wouldn't deny Jesus? How have your own failures impacted your walk with Christ? How does Jesus' restoration of Peter give you hope? What specific step can you take today toward restoration and renewed faithfulness? DO THIS: Today, identify an area where you've struggled or failed spiritually. Admit it honestly to God. Let this moment become your new starting point for experiencing His grace. PRAY THIS: Jesus, thank You that my failures don't define me. Forgive me for the moments I've denied You in word or action. Restore me, renew me, and help me walk forward faithfully. Amen. PLAY THIS: "O Come to the Altar."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23 Our text today is Mark 14:53-65: And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.'” Yet even about this their testimony did not agree. And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows. — Mark 14:53-65 It's hard to stay silent when lies surround you. It's even harder when those lies threaten your reputation, your future, even your life. Yet, before a corrupt court and false witnesses, Jesus stands silent, composed, and strong. The council gathers, determined to condemn him. Witness after witness comes forward, each lying and contradicting one another. In the face of these falsehoods, Jesus remains remarkably silent. His silence is powerful—a profound strength in quiet trust. He doesn't retaliate. He doesn't argue. He doesn't defend himself. But when asked directly about his identity, Jesus speaks clearly and courageously: "I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power." At this statement, the courtroom explodes in outrage. They call it blasphemy. They condemn him to death. They strike him, mock him, and humiliate him. Yet Jesus doesn't shrink back or compromise the truth. He stands firm, even though it costs him dearly. Jesus' strength wasn't in loud self-defense or arguments. His strength was quiet, confident trust in the Father's plan. We often want to defend ourselves and speak up when falsely accused. But there are moments when strength is best expressed in quiet trust. There are times when our strongest testimony is silent faithfulness, confident that God sees and knows the truth. Perhaps you're in a season of unjust criticism, unfair accusations, or even false rumors. You might be tempted to retaliate or to loudly defend yourself. But look to Jesus. Remember, God is your defender. Your strength is in quiet trust and integrity, knowing he sees your truth clearly. Your strongest witness might not be your arguments, but rather your unwavering, Christ-like character in moments of injustice. Jesus, help us to stand with courage and in silent obedience when the moment is right. Amen. #SilentStrength #Mark14 #TrustGod ASK THIS: Why do you think Jesus chose silence over self-defense? How do you usually respond when unfairly criticized or accused? What area of your life requires silent trust rather than vocal defense? How does Jesus' response inspire you in your current challenges? DO THIS: Today, choose quiet trust over retaliation. In moments when you're tempted to defend yourself harshly, pause and entrust your situation to God. PRAY THIS: Jesus, help me stand strong when falsely accused or misunderstood. Teach me to trust You deeply, relying not on my own defense but on Your justice. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Defender."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Jody Jones and Chuck Gantz from Millwood Inc. Thank you for inviting me to speak with your staff at your place of business. You're helping others find strength. This one's for you. Our text today is Mark 14:43-52: And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard." And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, "Rabbi!" And he kissed him. And they laid hands on him and seized him. But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. And Jesus said to them, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled." And they all left him and fled. And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him, but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked. — Mark 14:43-52 This moment stings with betrayal. Jesus has just prayed with deep anguish in Gethsemane, surrendering his will to the Father's. And now, immediately, Judas arrives—not alone, but leading an armed mob. Judas approaches and betrays Jesus with a kiss, a gesture usually reserved for friends. This intimate sign of affection becomes the painful mark of betrayal. Chaos erupts. Swords are drawn. A disciple lashes out. Fear grips the air. And amid the panic, Jesus remains remarkably composed, reminding them that he had always been accessible. He had taught openly, day after day. Yet, they come for him under the cover of darkness. At this moment, every follower flees. Those who promised unwavering loyalty scatter in fear. Even a young man, who followed briefly, escapes so hastily that he leaves his clothes behind, fleeing in shame and humiliation. But Jesus stands firm—betrayed, abandoned, yet unshaken. He doesn't run, retaliate, or collapse. He calmly faces the mob, resolved to fulfill Scripture and His divine purpose. We know the sting of betrayal and abandonment. Friends fail us. People we trusted leave us isolated. We've even been let down by those who were supposed to protect and support us. Yet, Jesus understands this pain intimately. He experienced betrayal at the deepest level, yet he remained faithful. His example shows us that when everyone else abandons us, He does not. He remains unshaken, steady, and true. Perhaps you're currently facing betrayal, loneliness, or disappointment. Don't retaliate. Don't let bitterness consume you. Instead, turn your eyes toward Jesus—the One who remained faithful when everyone else fled. Let that bitterness go. Right now. Jesus endured betrayal so you would never have to face yours alone. Even if others forsake you, He never will. #Betrayal #Faithfulness #Mark14 ASK THIS: Why does betrayal by someone close to you hurt so deeply? How does Jesus' composure in betrayal encourage you? In what situation do you currently need Christ's strength to forgive? How can reflecting on Christ's betrayal and faithfulness shape your response to disappointments? DO THIS: Today, choose forgiveness over bitterness. Release your pain to Jesus, knowing He understands your hurt deeply and will never abandon you. PRAY THIS: Jesus, thank you for enduring betrayal and abandonment for my sake. Help me to respond like you—unshaken, forgiving, and faithful—especially when others let me down. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Another in the Fire."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Mark Thompson from Lakeland, FL. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Project 23. You're helping others find strength to obey—even when it's hard. This one's for you. Our text today is Mark 14:32-42: And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” — Mark 14:32-42 Gethsemane is a painful place. Here, in this garden, we find Jesus wrestling deeply with his humanity. He is troubled, sorrowful, distressed—He fully feels the weight of what lies ahead. He knows obedience to his Father means unimaginable suffering. He prays earnestly, honestly: “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me.” But then, with unmatched humility and surrender, He adds, “Yet not what I will, but what you will.” His obedience is not casual. It's costly. His submission is not reluctant. It's fully surrendered. Obedience, for Jesus, was agony, and yet, he willingly embraced it. The disciples slept nearby, oblivious to the battle their Lord was fighting. They couldn't stay awake, not realizing the spiritual weight of that moment. Jesus wakes them, warning, “Watch and pray...the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He wasn't just describing their struggle. He was modeling the solution: total dependence on the Father, even when it hurts. Real obedience is often difficult. It can feel like loss, struggle, or even suffering. Obeying God when it's comfortable and convenient is easy—but true obedience comes in our Gethsemane moments, when we choose God's will over our comfort. Perhaps today, you face a decision where obedience feels like loss, pain, or struggle. Jesus shows you how to respond. Bring your honest fears and struggles to God. Admit the pain. But don't stop there—choose surrender. Say it out loud like Jesus did, “Not my will, but yours.” This kind of obedience might be costly, but it's also transforming. Your greatest growth often comes through your greatest surrender. #Obedience #Gethsemane #Mark14 ASK THIS: Why do you think obedience often comes with a sense of loss or pain? What can you learn from Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane? In what area of your life is God calling you to surrender? How can you practically “watch and pray” in your moments of struggle? DO THIS: Reflect on one area where obedience feels difficult right now. Pray honestly, express your struggle, then deliberately say to God, “Not my will, but yours.” PRAY THIS: Jesus, thank you for modeling obedience—even in the midst of agony. Teach me to pray, trust, and obey like you did, especially when it's hardest. I choose Your will over mine. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Surrender.”

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Lee Hover from Kirland, WA. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Project 23. You're helping equip many to live faithfully. This one's for you. Our text today is Mark 14:26-31: And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.' But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same. — Mark 14:26-31 Jesus sees clearly what Peter cannot yet see—danger ahead. In response to Jesus' sobering warning, Peter declares with great confidence: “Even if everyone else fails, I won't.” His intentions are good, but his self-assessment is dangerously flawed. Peter is overestimating his spiritual strength and underestimating the trial he's about to face. Jesus gently warns him: “Tonight, you will deny me three times.” But Peter insists emphatically, relying on his own courage, loyalty, and determination rather than leaning humbly into Jesus' warning. Peter's overconfidence blinds him. He doesn't recognize that good intentions are insufficient when pressure and temptation arise. His bold words may seem brave in the moment, but his self-confidence ultimately sets him up for a painful fall. We are often more like Peter than we realize. We confidently promise God things based on our determination, willpower, or emotions. We often imagine ourselves to be stronger, wiser, and more faithful than we are. This misplaced confidence makes us vulnerable, unprepared for temptation, trials, and spiritual setbacks. Overconfidence in ourselves leaves little room for dependence on God. The truth is, spiritual strength isn't found in making big promises to God—it's found in humble, daily dependence on Christ. Don't let your confidence rest on your strength. Don't let pride blind you to your weaknesses. Let your confidence be in Christ alone—His strength, His grace, His sustaining power. Surrender any overconfidence to the Lord today! Like right now. Before you do something stupid later today. #Overconfidence #Mark14 #HumbleFaith ASK THIS: When have you been overly confident spiritually, and what was the result? How does Peter's failure encourage humility in your own life? What practical steps can you take to depend more on Christ's strength? Why is it dangerous to rely primarily on your good intentions? DO THIS: Today, humbly ask God to reveal any areas where you might be overly confident in yourself. Surrender those areas to Him and acknowledge your need for His strength. PRAY THIS: Jesus, forgive me when I trust more in myself than in You. Reveal the pride hidden in my heart. Help me to depend fully on Your strength, not mine. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me.”

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to J. Merc Albertson from Macon, GA. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Project 23. Your faithfulness is helping many see Jesus as their greatest treasure. This one's for you. Our text today is Mark 14:12-25: And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, “Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?” And he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us.” And the disciples set out and went to the city and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. And when it was evening, he came with the twelve. And as they were reclining at table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” They began to be sorrowful and to say to him one after another, “Is it I?” He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” — Mark 14:12-25 It was the holiest moment of their lives. Passover night. The room is prepared. The meal set. The Lamb of God is sitting at the table. And right in the middle of that sacred space, unholiness was hiding. Jesus doesn't name names at first. He simply says, “One of you will betray me.” And the room shifts. The disciples look around, unsure. They don't point fingers. They ask a question: “Is it I?” Because something in them knows: There's sin in the room. And they're not immune to it. Jesus knew. He knew who would betray. But he still served. Still reclined at the table. Still broke the bread. Still passed the cup. The tension is thick—this holy moment being invaded by quiet rebellion. And yet, grace is always greater. Jesus doesn't clear the room. He offers himself anyway. He redefines the bread as his body. He lifts the cup as a symbol of his blood. Poured out for many, even the undeserving and unholy, sitting in the room. Even the ones hiding their sin. There are times when holiness is happening around us, but sometimes unholiness is hiding inside us. And instead of recognizing our issues and sins, we sit at the table, dumbfounded or altogether disinterested. But Jesus never shied away. He didn't cancel sacred moments when sin was near. He brought people closer. Not to dismiss sin, but to expose it, deal with it, and redeem it. This holy event wasn't just about a ritual meal. It was about the man who would become the Lamb and his desire to redeem even the unholiness in Judas, who sat in the room. That's grace. Today, Jesus invites us to receive his grace. He knows your unholiness. He calls it out, but he also comes to the table and resolves your known and unknown unholiness. Are you ready to confess it? Jesus, thank you for your grace. I don't deserve it. But I receive it. For both my known unholiness and my unknown unholiness. That for inviting me to the table and giving me life through your body and blood. Amen. #GraceOverSin, #Mark14, #ComeToTheTable ASK THIS: Why do you think Jesus let Judas stay at the table? What do the disciples' responses teach us about spiritual humility? Are there ways you bring hidden sin into holy moments? How does Jesus' body and blood speak to the depth of His mercy? DO THIS: Before you take communion again, ask: Is there hidden unholiness in me? Confess it. Don't miss the holy because you ignored the hidden. PRAY THIS: Jesus, thank you for your grace. I don't deserve it. But I receive it. For both my known unholiness and my unknown holiness. That for inviting me to the table and giving me life through your body and blood. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Gracefully Broken”

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Charles Thompson from Marshallville, GA. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Project 23. Your faithfulness is helping many see Jesus as their greatest treasure. This one's for you. Our text today is Mark 14:1-11: It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him, for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.” And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.” Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him. — Mark 14:1-11 This passage presents a stark contrast—two people standing on opposite sides of the same moment. Both are close to Jesus. Both witness His power. But one sees a treasure. The other sees a transaction. The woman walks in quietly. Breaks the jar. Pours out a year's wages in perfume on Jesus' head. No explanation. No hesitation. Just worship. And what does Jesus say? “She has done a beautiful thing to me.” She saw Jesus as worthy of everything. And then Judas walks out, looking for a price tag. Looking for a way to make Jesus useful, not worshipped. Looking to gain something, not give something. The woman gave everything to honor Jesus. Judas gave Jesus up for a handful of silver. Same setting. Same Savior. Two radically different responses. We all have to wrestle with this question: Do I truly treasure Jesus, or do I just transact with Him? Do I give Him what's costly, or do I manage my faith to keep things convenient? Do I bring Him my heart, or look for what He can do for me? Let's not be too quick to assume we're the woman. Sometimes, we come with motives that resemble Judas. We attend church, say the right words, maybe even give a little, but deep down, we're asking: What do I get out of this? And Jesus sees through it all. He always has. So ask yourself honestly: Do I see a Savior to love—or a Lord to leverage? #TreasureOrTransaction, #Mark14, #CostlyWorship ASK THIS: What did the woman's actions say about how she valued Jesus? Why did Judas's response to Jesus take such a dark turn? Are there ways you've treated Jesus more like a transaction than a treasure? What's one costly act of devotion you've been resisting? DO THIS: Write down what you're most tempted to pursue instead of Jesus. Lay it before Him today. Choose to treasure Him over everything else. PRAY THIS: Jesus, I don't want to treat you like a transaction. You're not a means to an end. You're the treasure. Help me worship like you're worth everything—because you are. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Alabaster Heart”

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Thank you for joining me today and following us throughout Project 23. If you would like to learn more about this project, click the link to discover more and partner with us. Our text today is Mark 13:32-37: “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.” — Mark 13:32-37 The final words of Jesus in this chapter are gentle. But not casual. They aren't loud commands. They're more like a whisper in the dark: “Stay awake.” He doesn't say this once—He says it three times. Not because you need more information, but because you need more awareness. Jesus doesn't tell us the day or the hour. Not because he's hiding it. But the posture of readiness is better than a countdown clock. A master has gone away. Servants have been entrusted with a task. Each one has a role. And no one knows the exact hour of return. But he is returning. And Jesus doesn't want his people found sleeping, not distracted, disinterested, or disengaged. Not lulled to sleep by comfort, busyness, or pride. He wants us awake. Alert. Tuned in. Working, watching, and ready. What does it mean to stay awake? Here are five actions: It means tending your soul. It means choosing holiness over habit. It means letting the Word sharpen you and the Spirit soften you. It means living today like it matters, because it does. It means living tomorrow like it could be your last, because it might be. Jesus isn't trying to stir anxiety. He's stirring urgency. Because when He returns—and He will return—you won't be able to hit snooze. So wake up. Get in the Word. Cut out the compromise. Live like He's near. Because He is. #StayAwake, #Mark13, #JesusIsComing ASK THIS: Why do you think Jesus repeats “stay awake” three times? What areas of your spiritual life are growing dull? What daily rhythms can help you stay alert to Jesus' return? If Jesus returned today, what would He find you doing? DO THIS: Choose one habit today that's been putting your soul to sleep—and cut it off. Replace it with something that stirs spiritual alertness. PRAY THIS: Jesus, wake me up. If I've grown numb, shake me. If I've grown lazy, correct me. I don't want to be found asleep—I want to be found faithful. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Keep Me Burning."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Thank you for joining me today and following us throughout Project 23. If you would like to learn more about this project, click the link to discover more and partner with us. Our text today is Mark 13:28-31: “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. — Mark 13:28-31 Jesus tells His disciples to look at a fig tree. Not to predict the future, but to prepare for it. Just like you can recognize the signs of changing seasons, you should recognize the signs of spiritual urgency. When the branches soften. When the leaves start budding. When the shift in the air says, “summer is near.” Jesus says: That's how close I am. At the gates. Nearer than you realize. But then He anchors them all with this line: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” This world is temporary. His Word is not. Everything else will shake. But his truth will stand. It's unshakable. We spend so much useless energy trying to guess the timeline. When will the end come? Who's the antichrist? What about this global event? What does this sign mean? But Jesus isn't asking you to decode the calendar. He's asking you to remain spiritually alert, awake, and ready. To recognize the season and stop worrying about the date. Because the truth is—Jesus may return in your lifetime. Or not. But either way, you will stand before King Jesus. And that's not meant to cause panic. It's meant to produce urgency, holiness, and hope. So are you ready? I not, trust in King Jesus today. Jesus, I believe your Word is true and eternal. While this world fades, you remain. Today, I surrender my life to you. I place my faith not in signs, success, or security—but in your saving grace. Forgive my sin. Fill me with your Spirit. Make me ready for your return. From this day forward, I choose to follow you as my Savior, my King, and my only hope. Amen. #StayReady, #Mark13, #UnshakableWord ASK THIS: Why do you think Jesus uses the fig tree as an example? What “season signs” do you see in the world today? How do you guard against spiritual apathy while waiting? What does it mean to trust Jesus' words more than headlines? DO THIS: Write this down and post it somewhere visible: “Everything else will pass—but His Word never will.” And ask yourself daily: Am I ready? PRAY THIS: Jesus, I believe your Word is true and eternal. While this world fades, you remain. Today, I surrender my life to you. I place my faith not in signs, success, or security—but in your saving grace. Forgive my sin. Fill me with your Spirit. Make me ready for your return. From this day forward, I choose to follow you as my Savior, my King, and my only hope. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Come, Lord Jesus, Come."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Thank you for joining me today and following us throughout Project 23. If you would like to learn more about this project, click the link to discover more and partner with us. Our text today is Mark 13:24-27: "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. — Mark 13:24-27 The world will shake. The sky will go dark. The celestial order will collapse. And then, the Son comes. Not calmly in a manger. Not humbly on an ass. But in the clouds, through the sky, with power and in glory. Jesus gives his disciples a vision of the end, but not to frighten them. To focus them. Because at the end of the chaos, there is a Conquering King. He's not coming to suffer. He's coming to reign for all time. In the ancient world, clouds were often seen as symbols of divine authority and power from heaven. So when Jesus says He's coming "in the clouds," He's declaring exactly what Daniel saw centuries earlier (Daniel 7): The Son of Man receiving dominion, glory, and an eternal kingdom. When all you see is tribulation, your heart will be filled with fear. But if you, like me, fix your eyes on Jesus breaking through the clouds, you'll be filled with hope and live free from all fear. This is where the story is headed. Not endless darkness. Not endless division. Not endless waiting. The Son of God is coming again. And he's not coming to negotiate. He's not coming to debate, persuade, or die. He is coming to gather. To collect His people. To finish what He started. To make all things right. So lift your eyes. Stop getting lost in headlines. Don't be shaken by the shaking. Because one day, what you believe in faith, you'll see with your own eyes. Faith will become sight. Hope will become reality. Long live King Jesus. #ReturnOfChrist, #Mark13, #SonOfMan ASK THIS: Why do you think Jesus gives such dramatic cosmic imagery? How does this promise bring you comfort today? In what ways do you live like Jesus could return at any moment? What would you do differently if you knew He was returning tomorrow? DO THIS: When you're tempted to fear the future, speak this out loud: “Jesus is coming back—and He's bringing glory with Him.” PRAY THIS: Jesus, I place my hope in your return. When the world feels dark, remind me that your light will break through. You are coming again in power. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Even So Come."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Thank you for joining me today and following us throughout Project 23. If you would like to learn more about this project, click the link to discover more and partner with us. Our text today is Mark 13:14-23: “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that it may not happen in winter. For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!' or ‘Look, there he is!' do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand. — Mark 13:14-23 Jesus gives his disciples another sharp warning. He speaks of an event called the “abomination of desolation”—a moment of ultimate defilement and destruction, spoken of by the prophet Daniel. Historically, this has many layers: it looked ahead to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, and it likely foreshadows an even greater future moment of spiritual deception and tribulation. But either way, the tone is the same. When it happens. Don't delay. Don't linger. Run for your lives. There's no time to grab things. No room for hesitation. No room for divided loyalties. This is ultimate urgency. And Jesus doesn't give these details to stir up fear in his followers but to prompt readiness. God gives warnings like this not to frighten us, but to prepare us. And if Jesus takes time to say, “I have told you all these things beforehand,” then we should take him seriously at his spoken word. The truth is, spiritual deception won't always look demonic. It may look persuasive, polished, even powerful. That's why Jesus says: “Don't be swayed.” “Be on guard.” “Stay alert.” God is not the author of confusion. He's the author of clarity. And while we don't know every detail of the end times, we do know this: God protects His people, even in and through tribulation. So instead of wasting time trying to decode every sign ask yourself: Am I grounded in God's truth? Am I guarded from untruth?  Am I alert and ready for the end?  #SpiritualDiscernment, #Mark13, #BeOnGuard ASK THIS: Why does Jesus speak so urgently in this passage? How should we respond to spiritual deception today? What's the difference between spiritual curiosity and spiritual readiness? Where do you need to grow in discernment? DO THIS: Set aside 10 minutes to read Daniel 9 and Daniel 11 this week. Ask God to grow your spiritual discernment—not to predict dates, but to guard your devotion. PRAY THIS: Father, thank you for being a God who warns and prepares. Help me stay rooted in your Word and unshaken when the world unravels. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Christ Our Hope in Life and Death.”

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Thank you for joining me today and following us throughout Project 23. If you would like to learn more about this project, click the link to discover more and partner with us. Our text today is Mark 13:9-13: “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. — Mark 13:9-13 I love Jesus. He never sugarcoats the future. He's just warned of false teachers, wars, famines, and earthquakes. Now it gets even more personal. He tells his disciples, You will be handed over. Beaten. Betrayed. Hated. Not for doing wrong, but for following him. And that's the sobering truth. Persecution isn't a sign the plan is failing. It's an integral part of the plan. But notice how Jesus frames it. Yes, they'll suffer. But they will also stand before kings and councils to bear witness. Their trials become testimonies. Their pain becomes a platform. And Jesus promises something else. When you're called to speak, don't panic. The Holy Spirit will give you the words. You don't have to be polished. You have to be present and obedient. We often associate following Jesus with peace and blessing. And it is—sometimes. But it also comes with tension. Misunderstanding. Conflict. Sometimes even suffering. And when it comes, don't be surprised, my friend. Be faithful. This isn't failure. It's faithful obedience in a hostile world. Jesus never promised popularity or peace in this world. He promised his presence. He promised the Holy Spirit would show up. And he promised endurance would be rewarded. So, whether you're facing resistance at work, tension at home, or isolation due to your beliefs, stay faithful. The gospel must advance through your life in the persecution, even when it costs you something. #EndureInFaith, #Mark13, #PersecutionAndPurpose ASK THIS: Why does Jesus say “be on your guard”? How has your faith ever brought friction with others? What's the difference between panic and Spirit-led boldness? What does it look like for you to endure to the end? DO THIS: Pray for boldness today. Then look for a simple opportunity to speak truth, show love, or represent Christ—especially when it's uncomfortable. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me be faithful when it's costly. Speak through me when I feel weak. Use my life—even in trial—to proclaim your gospel. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Holy Spirit.”

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Thank you for joining me today and following us throughout Project 23. If you would like to learn more about this project, click the link to discover more and partner with us. Our text today is Mark 13:3-8: And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!' and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains. — Mark 13:3-8 The disciples are still thinking about the temple, and understandably so. Jesus just said it would be destroyed. So they ask a natural question: When? What signs should we watch for? Jesus begins to answer. But not in the way they expected. He doesn't give a date. He gives a warning: “Don't be led astray.” Because before destruction comes deception. Before the end comes confusion. Jesus tells them false messiahs will rise. Nations will rage. Nature itself will unravel. But then he says something strange: “Do not be alarmed.” Why? Because we will be alarmed but deception, confusion, false teachers, and rage must take place. But the chaos isn't the conclusion. It's the contraction. Jesus calls it “the beginning of the birth pains.” In other words, this isn't death, it's labor. Something is being born. And like all births, there's discomfort before joy. Most of us don't like uncertainty. But Jesus prepares us for it. He says there will be tension. Wars. Natural disasters. Fear. False teaching. And every one of those things will make you feel like the world is ending. But it's not. It's the beginning of something better. Jesus doesn't want us to worry about the timing. He's calling us to remain spiritually steady when everything else feels unstable. So don't panic. Don't drift. Don't follow every voice that claims to speak for God. Stay rooted. Stay alert. Stay calm. The contractions mean something is coming. And what's coming is very good and worth the pain. #StayRooted, #Mark13, #BirthPains ASK THIS: Why does Jesus begin his answer with “See that no one leads you astray”? How can wars and disasters tempt us into spiritual confusion? What does “birth pains” teach you about God's redemptive plan? How are you learning to trust rather than panic? DO THIS: Write down three things that are shaking your confidence right now—and ask God to help you see them not as endings, but as birth pains. PRAY THIS: Jesus, help me stay grounded in you when the world is shaking. I choose faith over fear—because I trust the One writing the story. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Be Still.”