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

1. Am I enjoying life or simply surviving it?
2. How does the thought of God's judgment shape my daily decisions?
3. What desires in my heart need more wisdom and accountability?
4. What "vexation" or pain do I need to release to live freely?

Enjoy your life today in a way that honors the God who gave it to you.

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.

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

1. What simple joys has God placed in your life recently?
2. How do you respond when the dark days come?
3. In what ways can you practice grounded gratitude today?
4. Are you living with a healthy balance of rejoicing and remembering?

Today, pause and savor one good gift from God—a sunrise, a smile, or a moment of stillness.

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.

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

1. Where in life are you tempted to stop sowing seeds?
2. Are you more focused on the outcome than the obedience?
3. How do you respond when your efforts seem fruitless?
4. What’s one area God is calling you to stay faithful in today?

Show up today and do one faithful act—whether it’s seen, celebrated, or not.

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.

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

1. Where do I feel confused about what God is doing right now?
2. Why do I crave control more than trust at times?
3. What’s one situation I can release to God today?
4. How can I grow in confidence when I don’t have clarity?

Release your need to understand everything and choose to trust God's unseen work today.

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.

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

1. What step of faith have you been delaying out of fear or overthinking?
2. How have you confused caution with spiritual wisdom?
3. What natural “conditions” are you waiting on that might never change?
4. What truth from God’s Word do you already know, but haven't acted on?

Take one bold, faithful step today in the direction God’s already revealed—don’t wait for perfect conditions.

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.

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

1. How does uncertainty about the future affect your generosity?

2. What’s one area of your life where you’re stockpiling instead of trusting God?

3. Who in your life needs your open-handed investment today?

4. What does “strategic trust” look like in your daily decisions?

Live generously today—find one person or place to give to without expecting anything in return.

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.

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

1. What have you been hesitant to release to God?
2. Where are you demanding fast results instead of trusting God's timing?
3. What step of faith feels risky but necessary?
4. How can you practice obedience even when outcomes are unseen?

Take one act of obedient faith today, even if you don’t see immediate results.

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.

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

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.

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.

If we truly believe Jesus is coming back, it should change how we live right now.

• Are we watching for Him, or are we distracted by the world?
• Are we living for eternity, or are we chasing temporary things?
• Are we sharing the gospel, knowing time is short?

Many people spend their lives preparing for retirement but spend little time preparing for eternity. Which one matters more?

The return of Christ isn’t something to fear—it’s our greatest hope. The King is coming, and He will make all things new (Revelation 21:5).

#JesusIsComing, #EasterHope, #LiveForEternity

1. How does Jesus’ return shape the way you live today?
2. What distractions keep you from living in expectation of His coming?
3. In what ways are you actively preparing for eternity?
4. Who needs to hear the gospel from you before time runs out?

Live each day with expectation and urgency, knowing Jesus could return at any moment.

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.

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

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.

Too many people want a Savior but not a Lord. They want the blessings of Jesus without the burden of obedience.

But Jesus never said, “Believe in me and live comfortably.” He said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

Following Jesus means:

• Surrendering our will to His.
• Living with boldness in a world that rejects Him.
• Loving others radically even when it’s inconvenient.
• Carrying the cross of sacrifice and obedience.

If the resurrection is real, then our lives should reflect it. We cannot claim to follow a risen King and live like He’s still in the grave.

The call to follow Christ isn’t just for pastors or missionaries—it’s for every believer. You don’t need a pulpit to preach; your life is the sermon.

So ask yourself:

• Is my faith just a belief, or does it shape how I live?
• Am I willing to surrender comfort, reputation, or even relationships for Jesus?
• Am I making disciples, helping others follow Him too?

Because faith without action isn’t real faith (James 2:17). If Jesus is truly Lord, then following Him isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Jesus didn’t restore Peter just to make him feel better—He called him to something greater. And He does the same with us.

The resurrection isn’t just an event to celebrate; it’s a reality that should transform how we live. If Jesus conquered death, then He is worthy of our complete surrender. If He is truly Lord, then obedience isn’t a burden—it’s our joy.

So today, don’t just believe—follow. Feed His sheep. Live boldly. Love sacrificially. And carry your cross, knowing that the One who rose from the grave walks with you every step of the way.

#RisenKing #FaithInAction #FollowJesus

1. How does Jesus' question to Peter challenge your understanding of love and obedience?
2. What areas of your life show that you are truly following Jesus, not just believing in Him?
3. What sacrifices are you willing to make to follow Christ daily?
4. How can you "feed His sheep" in your own sphere of influence?

Live out your faith daily by serving, discipling, and boldly proclaiming Christ.

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.

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 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.

Jesus didn’t cheat death—He defeated it.

Every religion and philosophy must wrestle with one undeniable reality: death comes for us all. Kings, warriors, and wise men have all fallen before it. But Jesus? He conquered it.

His resurrection was not just proof of His power—it was a promise. He told Martha before raising Lazarus: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25).

Because Jesus rose:

• Sin is defeated. We are no longer slaves to it (Romans 6:6-7).
• Death is conquered. It is no longer the end, but the beginning (1 Corinthians 15:54-55).
• Hope is alive. Our faith is not in a dead prophet, but in a risen King!

Here’s the part we often miss: the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us today.

Paul reminds us: “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies” (Romans 8:11).

This means:

• You don’t have to stay stuck in sin. His power is in you to walk in freedom.
• You don’t have to fear the future. Death is no longer a threat; it’s a doorway to eternity.
• You don’t have to live defeated. The same God who rolled away the stone is alive in you!

The resurrection isn’t just something we celebrate—it’s something we live in.

Are You Living Like He’s Alive?

If Jesus truly defeated death, then why do we live like we’re still in the grave?

• Why do we walk in fear when we serve a risen King?
• Why do we let sin hold us back when it was nailed to the cross?
• Why do we live like Friday when we know Sunday has come?

Resurrection power is not just a past event—it’s a present reality. The question is, are we living in it?

So today, step into the resurrection life. Walk in boldness. Live with joy. Stand in victory. Because He is not here—He is risen!

#HeIsRisen, #ResurrectionPower, #EasterVictory

1. How does the resurrection impact the way you live daily?
2. What fears or sins do you need to surrender to Christ’s resurrection power?
3. Are you living like Jesus is truly alive? Why or why not?
4. How can you share the hope of the resurrection with others this week?

Walk today in the confidence that Jesus’ resurrection power is alive in you—choose faith over fear, victory over defeat.

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.

Resurrection Power.