The Daily Devotional by Vince Miller

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are approaching the end of Ecclesiastes, and the Gospel of Mark is next. Go to the website and grab the Scriptural Journal for this study so you can study along with us. If you are a donor who gives $35/month or more, you will receive one of these for free each time we begin a new study, as long as we have your current mailing address. You also get a few more benefits by becoming a monthly or annual donor, like video access to the website, and you can see all those benefits at the link in the description today. Either way, get your Scripture Journal now so you can take notes and follow along. Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 11:2: Give a portion to seven, or even to eight, for you know not what disaster may happen on earth. — Ecclesiastes 11:2 Solomon chases his advice about "casting bread on the waters" with another counterintuitive command: "Give to seven, or even to eight." In modern language, this would sound like: "Be generous… even unreasonably generous." And why? Because you don’t know what lies ahead. Life is unpredictable. He isn’t teaching us to be reckless—he’s calling us to prepare, but not in the way the world does. Instead of hoarding in fear, he encourages open-handed generosity and faithful investment in others. This is spiritual wisdom. Because in God’s economy, giving is strategic trust. Instead of stockpiling security, we spread strategically what we have—in time, in service, in generosity—knowing that ultimately, God is our provision and protection. Friends you can’t control tomorrow. But you can decide to live today with faith, releasing your grip on what you think keeps you safe and placing your confidence in the One who holds every outcome. #FaithOverFear, #RadicalGenerosity, #EcclesiastesWisdom ASK THIS: How does uncertainty about the future affect your generosity? What’s one area of your life where you’re stockpiling instead of trusting God? Who in your life needs your open-handed investment today? What does “strategic trust” look like in your daily decisions? DO THIS: Live generously today—find one person or place to give to without expecting anything in return. PRAY THIS: Father, help me release my grip on what I think keeps me safe. Teach me to trust You by giving generously and living faithfully today. Amen. PLAY THIS: Generous Giver.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are approaching the end of Ecclesiastes, and the Gospel of Mark is next. Go to the website and grab the Scriptural Journal for this study so you can study along with us. If you are a donor who gives $35/month or more, you will receive one of these for free each time we begin a new study, as long as we have your current mailing address. You also get a few more benefits by becoming a monthly or annual donor, like video access to the website, and you can see all those benefits at the link in the description today. Either way, get your Scripture Journal now so you can take notes and follow along. Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 11:1: Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. — Ecclesiastes 11:1 Have you ever taken a step—offered help, shared an idea, given generously—and then wondered if it would make any difference at all? That’s the tension Solomon speaks to in Ecclesiastes 11:1. He paints a picture of casting bread on the water—an act that seems uncertain, even pointless at first. You release something valuable. Then you wait, not knowing what will come of it. But this isn't just about risk. It's about faith. Solomon, a man who had everything—wealth, wisdom, power—spent much of this book wrestling with the fleeting nature of life. Again and again, he describes it as "vanity." Yet, here in chapter 11, his tone shifts. He invites us to take action. To invest. To live in such a way that trusts God with the unseen return. Because even when life feels unpredictable, obedience is never wasted. “Casting bread on water” might sound odd to us, but in Solomon’s day, it probably referred to shipping grain across the sea. You send it off not knowing when—or if—it’ll come back. But if it does? There’s a reward. It’s an act of faithful obedience in the face of uncertainty. This verse hits two modern nerves: We crave control—we want to manage the outcome. We demand results—and fast. Solomon reminds us that the outcome won’t be immediate. You may not see results for “many days.” In fact, they may not come in the way you imagined. But with God, no act of obedience is ever wasted. This is how the Kingdom of God works. We sow in faith—He brings the harvest. You might invest in someone who seems slow to grow. You might love your family faithfully without receiving much in return. You might give generously when it feels like there’s not much to spare. And yet, God sees it all. He honors every unseen sacrifice. And in His perfect timing, He produces fruit that lasts. But in God’s timing, the return comes. Galatians 6:9 says clearly: “In due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” What do you need to throw out there today? A conversation you’ve been avoiding? A step of faith that feels risky? A gift that costs something? A new habit of discipline or devotion? Stop waiting for perfection. Stop trying to predict the outcome. Throw it out there. If God’s calling you to it, do it. He’ll take care of the return. #FaithOverFear, #Ecclesiastes11, #ObedienceMatters ASK THIS: DO THIS: Take one act of obedient faith today, even if you don’t see immediate results. PRAY THIS: Father, help me to obey without needing to see the results right away. I trust You to bring the harvest in Your perfect time. Amen. PLAY THIS: Faithful.

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

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

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are taking a short break from Ecclesiastes to celebrate Easter with some unique devotionals to prepare our hearts for this week in history. Our text today is Luke 24:5-6 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. — Luke 24:5-6 The Moment Everything Changed The grave was sealed. The enemy thought he had won. The world had gone dark. But then—Sunday came. The impossible happened. Jesus walked out of the tomb, alive. Death lost its sting. Sin lost its grip. The enemy lost his claim. The resurrection changed everything. This wasn’t just a miraculous event—it was the centerpiece of our faith. Without the resurrection, Christianity crumbles. Paul put it plainly: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). But He did rise. And because of that, we have hope that never dies. Victory Over Death Jesus didn’t cheat death—He defeated it. Every religion and philosophy must wrestle with one undeniable reality: death comes for us all. Kings, warriors, and wise men have all fallen before it. But Jesus? He conquered it. His resurrection was not just proof of His power—it was a promise. He told Martha before raising Lazarus: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). Because Jesus rose: Sin is defeated.Romans 6:6-7Death is conquered.1 Corinthians 15:54-55Hope is alive. Resurrection Power in Us Here’s the part we often miss: the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us today. Paul reminds us: “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies” (Romans 8:11). This means: The resurrection isn’t just something we celebrate—it’s something we live in. Are You Living Like He’s Alive? If Jesus truly defeated death, then why do we live like we’re still in the grave? Resurrection power is not just a past event—it’s a present reality. The question is, are we living in it? So today, step into the resurrection life. Walk in boldness. Live with joy. Stand in victory. Because He is not here—He is risen! #HeIsRisen, #ResurrectionPower, #EasterVictory ASK THIS: DO THIS: Walk today in the confidence that Jesus’ resurrection power is alive in you—choose faith over fear, victory over defeat. PRAY THIS: Lord, thank You for the victory of the resurrection and the hope it gives me today. Help me to live boldly in Your power, knowing that You have conquered sin and death forever. Amen. PLAY THIS: Resurrection Power.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are taking a short break from Ecclesiastes to celebrate Easter with some unique devotionals to prepare our hearts for this week in history. Our text today is Matthew 27:62-66 The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard. — Matthew 27:62-66 When Heaven Seems Silent Friday was filled with suffering. Sunday would bring victory. But Saturday? Saturday was silent. Jesus was dead. The disciples were scattered, confused, and afraid. The man they left everything to follow was gone—sealed behind a stone. Hope had been buried with Him. Where was God? We’ve all had a Saturday moment—a season where God seems distant, where prayers go unanswered, where hope feels lost. We know that God has worked in the past, and we believe He will move in the future—but what do we do when He’s silent right now? God Is Still Working Though it seemed like nothing was happening, the truth is, Saturday was not wasted. Even in the silence, God was setting the stage for the greatest victory the world had ever seen. God’s silence is never His absence. When we can’t see Him moving, it doesn’t mean He’s not at work. Sometimes, the greatest breakthroughs come after the longest silences. Trusting God in the Waiting Many of us are in a Saturday season—waiting for an answer, a breakthrough, a miracle. But just because we don’t see movement doesn’t mean God isn’t working. Saturday teaches us that faith isn’t just about trusting when God speaks—it’s about trusting when He doesn’t. trustbelievewait Because it is. The silence will break. The stone will roll away. And when it does, we will see that God was never absent—He was always at work. #EasterHope, #TrustGod, #FaithInTheWaiting ASK THIS: DO THIS: Reflect on a time when God felt silent—how did He reveal His faithfulness in the end? Write it down as a reminder of His work in the waiting. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me trust You in the waiting, even when I don’t see or feel You moving. Strengthen my faith to believe that Your silence is never Your absence. Amen. PLAY THIS: Rattle!

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are taking a short break from Ecclesiastes to celebrate Easter with some unique devotionals to prepare our hearts for this week in history. Our text today is Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. — Isaiah 53:5 More Than Wood and Nails The cross is everywhere. We wear it on necklaces, see it in churches, and even use it as home décor. But in Jesus’ time, the cross was nothing to be admired. It was a brutal instrument of execution—reserved for the worst criminals. When Jesus carried His cross to Golgotha, it wasn’t just wood that weighed Him down. It was the weight of sin—yours and mine. Every betrayal, every lie, every lustful thought, every act of pride, selfishness, and hatred—all of it pressed upon His shoulders. We often speak of Jesus dying for us, but do we really grasp what that means? mockedbeatenforsakenpierced This was not a symbolic act. It was real. It was gruesome. And it was necessary. The Cross Was Our Judgment Sin demands justice. A holy God cannot simply ignore it. If God were to shrug at sin, He would cease to be just. But instead of pouring out judgment on us, He placed it on His Son. This was the great exchange—the innocent for the guilty. Jesus took our punishment so we could receive His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). When He cried out, “It is finished” (John 19:30), He wasn’t just talking about His suffering. He was declaring that the debt of sin had been paid in full. Nothing left to add. Nothing left to prove. Carrying Our Own Cross Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). The cross wasn’t just His burden—it’s ours too. Not to pay for sin (only He could do that), but to die to ourselves. Salvation is free, but following Jesus will cost you everything. The question is, are you willing to carry your cross? This Easter, don’t just observe the cross—embrace it. Jesus didn’t suffer and die so we could remain the same. He calls us to follow Him, to surrender, and to live in the freedom He purchased with His blood. So, will you lay down your sin, your pride, your plans—and take up your cross? Will you step into the life He died to give you? If today is the day you choose to follow Jesus, or if you’re ready to renew your commitment, don’t keep it to yourself. Let us know in the comments, or reach out—we’d love to walk this journey with you. #TakeUpYourCross #ItIsFinished #EasterHope ASK THIS: Isaiah 53:5 DO THIS: Embrace the cross—not just as a symbol, but as a call to surrender your life fully to Jesus. PRAY THIS: Jesus, thank You for bearing the punishment I deserved and for offering me freedom through Your sacrifice. Help me to daily take up my cross, surrendering my will to Yours. Amen. PLAY THIS: The Power of the Cross.