Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

We are in a brand new book of the Bible. Go to the website and grab the Scripture Journal for this study so you can study along with us.

Shout out today to JT Sherrod on YouTube, who recently made a strong recommitment. He said he is renewing his commitment and is "Okay if this costs him everything." JT is awesome. Be like JT people. Live all in.

Today, we’re looking at Mark 1:4-8:

John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, 'After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. — Mark 1:4-8

John the Baptist is an unforgettable figure. His appearance alone was enough to make people take notice—dressed in camel’s hair and eating locusts! But John’s message wasn’t about his strange attire or his odd diet; it was about preparing the hearts of the people for the arrival of the Messiah. He called them to repentance, to turn away from their sin, and to seek forgiveness. It was a message of renewal, of returning to God’s design for their lives.

There’s something profound about the way John humbly points to Jesus. He doesn’t seek the spotlight; instead, he steps aside to make way for the true Savior. John recognizes his place—he is not worthy to untie the sandals of the one who is to come. This is a powerful reminder for us: It’s not about making ourselves famous but about pointing others to the One who is truly worthy. John knew his role, and it wasn’t to take center stage; it was to prepare the way for Jesus to be revealed.

John’s message of baptism is also a message of transformation. While he baptized with water, Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit, a deeper, more lasting change. This is the promise of a new life, one that is marked by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. The gospel isn’t just about an external cleansing; it’s about an internal, heart-deep change that only God can bring.

You’re invited into this transformation—not just to confess your sins but to be baptized with the Holy Spirit, receiving the power to live a new life in Christ.

John didn’t just preach a message of repentance; he preached a message of hope. He pointed to Jesus, who would not only forgive but empower. Just as John prepared the people for Jesus’ arrival, we, too, are called to prepare our hearts and lives to receive this transformative power. Don’t settle for an outward change when God wants to bring a deep, inner transformation.

Take time today to reflect on areas of your life where you need true transformation—not just an external change, but an internal one. What areas of sin or struggle do you need to turn away from and invite the Holy Spirit to renew?

#BaptismOfTheHolySpirit, #JohnTheBaptist, #TransformationInChrist

1. What areas of your life need true, heart-deep transformation?
2. How can you point others to Jesus without seeking the spotlight?
3. In what ways can you prepare your heart for Jesus’ transformative power?
4. How does John the Baptist's humility inspire your walk with Christ?

Reflect on areas of your life that need internal transformation and invite the Holy Spirit to renew you.

Lord, help me recognize the areas of my life that need transformation. Empower me through your Holy Spirit to live a life that points others to you, with humility and obedience. Amen.

Spirit of the Living God.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

We are in a brand new book of the Bible. Go to the website and grab the Scripture Journal for this study so you can study along with us.

Shout out today to Fred Jackson, from Elk Grove, CA, and his bride, who listen every day. I met Fred recently at the Men of Honor Conference at Creekside Church, and he came up and introduced himself, confessing that he had put together that the guy he had been listening to every day was standing on the stage! I love it.

Today, we’re looking at Mark 1:1-3:

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’” — Mark 1:1-3

Everything changes with the arrival of the gospel. It isn’t just news—it’s history in the making. Mark opens his account with a statement that turns everything upside down: "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God." These aren’t just the first words of a book—they are the first words of hope for the entire world. Jesus didn’t just arrive; He was sent with a purpose. The gospel has always been part of God’s plan.

Mark goes on to show us that this wasn’t a random event. It was the fulfillment of centuries-old prophecies. The messenger—John the Baptist—was sent to prepare the way. But preparation isn’t just about getting things ready on the outside; it’s about making our hearts ready for Jesus. John’s call to make straight paths for the Lord is a challenge for us today. Is your heart prepared? Are you ready to receive the gospel, or are there roadblocks and distractions in the way?

The gospel doesn’t just come to inform; it comes to transform. The question isn’t just whether we’ve heard the gospel—it’s whether we’ve allowed it to reshape our lives. The starting point for all of this is simple: Jesus is the Son of God, and he’s here to change everything.

This isn’t just a story about someone else’s faith. This is a call to action for us. The question is: How are you preparing the way for Jesus in your life? Maybe it’s time to clear out some clutter, repent of old habits, or make space for God to move in new ways. John the Baptist’s message wasn’t just for those in the wilderness—it’s for us, too. Prepare your heart for the Lord, and let the gospel change you.

#PrepareTheWay #GospelTransformation #HeartOfRepentance

1. What are the "roadblocks" in your life that prevent you from fully receiving the gospel?
2. How can you prepare your heart today for Jesus to transform your life?
3. Is there any area of your life that needs repentance to make room for God?
4. How does the message of John the Baptist challenge your current relationship with God?

Clear the clutter from your life and heart to make space for Jesus to move in new ways.

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.

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

1. What does it mean to “fear God” in your daily life?
2. Which of God’s commandments are you struggling to obey right now?
3. How would you live differently if you truly believed every secret thing will be judged?
4. What distractions are pulling you away from a God-centered life?

Write down one area where you need to realign your life with God's commands—and act on it today.

Lord, help me to live with reverent fear of You. Teach me to love and obey Your Word with all my heart. Amen.

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

1. What truth from Scripture have I learned but still struggle to apply?
2. In what areas of life am I chasing knowledge but missing obedience?
3. How can I better recognize the voice of the Shepherd in a noisy world?
4. What’s one way I can anchor wisdom more deeply in my heart this week?

Choose one piece of wisdom from Scripture today—and live it out. Don’t just read truth. Apply it.

Father, help me to value Your wisdom above the noise of the world. Anchor my heart in Your truth and lead me home. Amen.

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

1. What pursuit in your life feels like chasing smoke?
2. Why is it so easy to hope in things that won’t last?
3. How does the word hevel change your view of success?
4. What would it look like to build your life solely on God?

Identify one thing you’ve been chasing that won’t last—and surrender it to God today.

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.

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

1. What metaphor from Ecclesiastes 12:6 speaks most deeply to you—and why?
2. How often do you think about the eternal impact of your choices?
3. What would change in your life if you lived fully aware of your mortality?
4. Are you prepared to meet the One who gave you life?

Live today with the end in mind—honor your Creator in everything you do.

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.

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

1. What “desire” in your life has faded over time?
2. How do you respond to fears that come with aging?
3. Are you making eternal decisions while you still have strength?
4. What does it mean for you to choose joy before the mourners gather?

Reflect on one area of your life where you’ve lost desire—and ask God to reignite it with eternal purpose.

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.

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

1. What physical ability do you often take for granted?
2. How has age or time humbled your perspective?
3. What truth are you avoiding because you think you have time?
4. How can you use your current strength to honor God today?

Use your strength, clarity, and voice today for God’s purposes—don’t delay what you were meant to do now.

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.

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

1. What does it mean to remember God in your youth?
2. Have I been delaying spiritual growth for a more "convenient" time?
3. What habits am I forming that anchor me to God's truth?
4. How do I want to look back on my youth in light of eternity?

Build one spiritual habit today that reflects God's design for your life—don’t delay.

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.

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

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.