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

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 9:12:

For man does not know his time. Like fish that are taken in an evil net, and like birds that are caught in a snare, so the children of man are snared at an evil time, when it suddenly falls upon them. — Ecclesiastes 9:12

We live like we’ve got all the time in the world. Making plans. Setting goals. Acting like tomorrow’s guaranteed.

But then—life happens.

A diagnosis. A job loss. A phone call that changes everything.

This text reminds us of a hard truth: we don’t know our time. Just like a fish caught in a net or a bird trapped in a snare—life’s trials come suddenly. No warning. No time to prepare.

That’s a sobering thought. But it’s also an invitation.

An invitation to live ready. Not in fear—but in faith. Jesus said, “Be watchful” (Matthew 24:42) because none of us know when our final day will come. But being ready isn’t about paranoia—it’s about priorities.

Are you investing in things that truly matter? Are you living in obedience to God? If life changed right now, would you be found faithful?

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to live trapped in fear of the unknown. Jesus came to set us free. Not just from life’s uncertainty, but from the snare of sin and death itself.

Without Him, we’re all caught—bound by sin, unprepared for eternity. But through His death and resurrection, Jesus broke the trap wide open. He offers salvation, a new life, and the assurance that whenever our time comes, we’ll be ready.

So don’t wait. Surrender your life to Him today. Turn from sin. Trust in Jesus. Because when you’re in His hands, no snare can hold you. No trial can shake you.

Have you put your trust in Jesus? If not, what’s stopping you?

Just pray this with me:

Jesus, I don’t want to live unprepared. I put my faith in You as my Savior. Forgive my sins, change my heart, and lead me to live ready—today and forever. Amen.

If you just prayed that—let me know in the comments. Write, "I choose Jesus." I want to celebrate with you!

#BeReady, #FaithOverFear, #TrustJesus

1. What areas of your life do you assume you have time to change?
2. If life changed instantly, would your priorities reflect obedience to God?
3. How does trusting Jesus free you from fear of the unknown?
4. What’s stopping you from fully surrendering to Christ today?

Surrender your life to Jesus today—don’t wait until it’s too late.

Jesus, I surrender my life to You. Forgive my sins, change my heart, and help me to live ready—faithful to You every day. 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, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 9:11:

Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all. — Ecclesiastes 9:11

We like to think life is predictable. That hard work guarantees success. That wisdom leads to wealth. That strength always wins the battle.

But this verse? It flips that thinking upside down.

Solomon points out a frustrating reality—life doesn’t always go the way we expect. The fastest runner doesn’t always cross the finish line first. The strongest warrior can still lose the fight. The wisest man might struggle just to make ends meet.

Why? Because time and chance happen to them all.

Life is unpredictable. We can do everything right and still face setbacks. Plans fall apart. Opportunities slip through our fingers. Life isn’t a formula.

But here’s the good news—while the world runs on randomness, God does not. What looks like chance to us? It’s fully in His hands. He sees beyond our disappointments. He’s working everything—even the parts that don’t make sense—for His purpose.

So what do we do? We trust. We work hard, but we hold the results loosely. We stop trying to control everything and start walking by faith.

Because even when life doesn’t go as planned—God’s plan never fails.

#FaithOverFear, #TrustGodsPlan, #BibleWisdom

1. When have you experienced an unexpected setback despite doing everything right?
2. How does Ecclesiastes 9:11 challenge your views on success?
3. What area of your life do you struggle to surrender to God’s control?
4. How can you practice trusting God’s plan even when life seems unfair?

Surrender your plans to God today—work hard but hold the results loosely, trusting that His purpose will always prevail.

Father, I confess that I often try to control my life, expecting my efforts to guarantee success. Help me trust Your perfect plan, even when things don’t go as I expect. Amen.

I Will Fear No More.

If today was your last day, would you regret how you lived it?

Too many people sleepwalk through life—grinding through work, missing out on joy, and taking their relationships for granted. Solomon warns us—we don’t have endless time. So how do we make the most of today?

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

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 9:7-10:

Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head. Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going. — Ecclesiastes 9:7-10

So—how do we live each day with purpose?

God has already approved what we do. That means we should embrace the good things He provides—our work, our meals, our relationships. In biblical times, white garments and oil were signs of joy and celebration. That tells us something—godly living isn’t just about avoiding sin. It’s about embracing life with gratitude and joy.

Marriage isn’t just something to endure—it’s something to enjoy. Solomon tells men—love your wife, cherish her, and walk through life together. Too many men get caught up in work, stress, and distractions, missing what really matters. Your relationships are part of God’s portion for you. Invest in them.

Whatever is in front of you—give it your best. Why? Because life is fleeting. No second chances. Too many men go through the motions, half-hearted in their efforts. Solomon challenges us—don’t hold back. Whether it’s your work, your family, or your faith—give it everything you’ve got.

So today—slow down. Enjoy the good things God has given you. Show love to your wife. And whatever work is in front of you—give it your best.

Because this life? It’s the only shot you get.

#PurposefulLiving, #BiblicalWisdom, #LiveWithJoy

1. What simple joys has God given you today that you can embrace with gratitude?
2. How can you better cherish and invest in your closest relationships?
3. In what area of life have you been holding back instead of giving your best?
4. What would change if you lived today as if it were your last?

Live today with full engagement—enjoy God’s blessings, cherish relationships, and work with all your heart.

Lord, help me to embrace the gifts You have given—my work, my relationships, and the joy of today. May I live each moment with purpose, gratitude, and wholehearted effort for Your glory. Amen.

The Joy.

Today's shout-out goes to Mark DuVal and his recent battle with cancer. Mark, thanks for sharing this struggle with me, and I hope today's devotional captures the heart behind a lesson you learned.

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

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 9:4-6:

But he who is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished, and forever they have no more share in all that is done under the sun. — Ecclesiastes 9:4-6

This text draws a sharp contrast between the living and the dead. The dead are cut off from everything in this world—their emotions, ambitions, and opportunities come to an end. But the living? They still have time.

Solomon’s comparison is blunt. A living dog, a despised creature in ancient times, is better than a dead lion, who is the king of beasts. Why? Because the dog is still alive—it still has potential, still has purpose. No matter how great or strong a person was in life, once they’re gone, their influence is gone. The living, however, still have the chance to seek God, to change, to love, to make a difference.

Mark, every day is an opportunity, is an opportunity—isn't it? No matter your past, if you’re alive today, God isn’t finished with you. You still have time to repent, to grow, to forget the past, and to bless others. Don’t waste the time you have left. Use it wisely.

☑️ Do you need to repent? Come back to the Father.

☑️ Do you need to grow spiritually? Take spiritual action right now.

☑️ Do you need to forget the past? Let it go and make today different.

Thanks, Mark, for sharing your life and struggle with me, and with that renewed life, make every day count, dawg!

#HopeInGod, #MakeItCount, #Ecclesiastes9

1. What does this passage teach you about the urgency of life?
2. What area of your life needs spiritual renewal today?
3. How can you shift your focus from past failures to present opportunities?
4. Who can you bless today with the time God has given you?

Seize today as an opportunity to seek God, repent, and live with purpose.

Father, thank You for the gift of today and the chance to live for You. Help me to use my time wisely, seek You fully, and leave a legacy that honors You. Amen.

Seize The Day.

Today's shout-out goes to Nathan & Christine Beck, who hosted us at their home last week. Thanks for your friendship. It has been fun getting to know you.

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

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 9:1-3:

But all this I laid to heart, examining it all, how the righteous and the wise and their deeds are in the hand of God. Whether it is love or hate, man does not know; both are before him. It is the same for all, since the same event happens to the righteous and the wicked, to the good and the evil, to the clean and the unclean, to him who sacrifices and him who does not sacrifice. As the good one is, so is the sinner, and he who swears is as he who shuns an oath. This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that the same event happens to all. Also, the hearts of the children of man are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead. — Ecclesiastes 9:1-3

Life doesn’t play favorites. The righteous and the wicked, the faithful and the rebellious—we all face the same struggles, the same joys, and ultimately, the same end. Death is the great equalizer. That’s a hard pill to swallow, isn’t it? We’d like to believe that if we do what’s right, we’ll get a better outcome, but this text reminds us that life under the horizontal plane doesn’t work that way.

Solomon wrestles with this truth: no matter who we are, we don’t control our fate. Our lives are in God’s hands. We may try to measure our circumstances as proof of His favor or judgment, but human perception is limited. We don’t always know whether what we face is love or hate, blessing or trial.

So what do we do with this? Do we despair? No—this truth is meant to drive us toward faith, not toward fatalism. If we can’t control life’s outcomes, then the best thing we can do is trust the One who does. The madness of man is chasing certainty in an uncertain world. But wisdom is found in surrender—acknowledging that God alone is sovereign and walking in obedience no matter what comes.

If you are trying to control your outcomes instead of trusting God's plan, pray this prayer with me today:

Father, help me trust You when life doesn’t make sense. When I can’t see what You’re doing, remind me that my life is in Your hands. Give me faith to walk in obedience, knowing that You are good and Your plans are perfect. Amen.

#FaithOverFear, #TrustGod, #Ecclesiastes9

1. How does knowing that life is in God’s hands change your perspective on daily struggles?
2. What are some areas where you’re trying to control the outcome instead of trusting God?
3. How do you react when life feels unfair or uncertain?
4. What does true surrender to God’s sovereignty look like in your life?

Surrender your need for control today by praying and acknowledging that your life is in God's hands.

Father, when I feel the need to control everything, remind me that my life is safely in Your hands. Help me trust Your plans even when I don’t understand them. Amen.

Control.

We chase understanding. We study, analyze, and even lose sleep trying to make sense of everything. But no matter how much we seek, we will never fully grasp God's work.

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

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 8:16-17:

When I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done on earth, how neither day nor night do one's eyes see sleep, then I saw all the work of God, that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. However much man may toil in seeking, he will not find it out. Even though a wise man claims to know, he cannot find it out. — Ecclesiastes 8:16-17

That’s frustrating, isn’t it? We want answers. We want clarity. We want to connect all the dots. But wisdom has its limits. Even the greatest minds can’t unravel all of God’s mysteries.

And maybe that’s the point.

If we could fully grasp everything, we wouldn’t need faith. If we could explain every detail, we wouldn’t need trust. The fact that we can’t see the whole picture reminds us that God is God—and we are not.

So what should we do?

Stop striving for control. Surrender the need to know everything. Then live with confidence—not in our understanding, but in the One who holds all things together.

If you're struggling to let go today, pray this with me:

Father, I surrender my need to understand everything. Help me trust You even when I can’t see the full picture. Strengthen my faith in Your wisdom, not my own. Amen.

#FaithOverUnderstanding, #TrustGodsPlan, #DailyWisdom

1. What’s one situation in your life where you struggle to trust God’s plan?
2. How does Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 challenge your view of wisdom and control?
3. Why do you think God allows mysteries to remain unsolved in our lives?
4. What practical steps can you take today to surrender your need for answers to God?

Release the need for control and trust God with what you don’t understand.

Father, I surrender my need to understand everything. Help me trust You even when I can’t see the full picture. Strengthen my faith in Your wisdom, not my own. Amen.

I Surrender All.

Life is hard. Work piles up. Responsibilities never end. And if we’re not careful, we slip into survival mode—just grinding through, waiting for the next break.

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

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 8:15:

And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun. — Ecclesiastes 8:15

He says, “I commend joy.” That’s strong language. He’s not just suggesting joy as a nice option—he’s urging it. Why? Because in this broken world, we don’t control much. Work will always be work. Life will have struggles. But joy? That’s something we can choose.

Solomon reminds us that eating, drinking, and enjoying life aren’t just distractions—they’re gifts from God. They fuel us through the toil. They remind us that even in the hard grind of life, God has given us good things.

So today, stop waiting for the perfect moment to enjoy life. Laugh a little. Eat with gratitude. Find joy in the little things. Because God is present in them.

#ChooseJoy, #BiblicalWisdom, #DailyFaith

1. What small joys has God placed in your life today?
2. How can you shift your mindset from survival mode to joy?
3. Why do you think Solomon commands joy rather than just suggests it?
4. What’s one way you can incorporate gratitude into your daily routine?

Be intentional about finding joy today—whether it’s a meal, a conversation, or a moment of laughter. Acknowledge it as God’s gift.

Lord, help me to see and embrace the joy You have placed in my life. Even in the busyness and struggles, remind me to rejoice in Your gifts. Amen.

Joy In The Morning.

We’ve all looked around and thought, This just isn’t fair. Good men suffer while corrupt men thrive. The hardworking get passed over, while the dishonest get promoted.

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

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 8:14:

There is a vanity that takes place on earth, that there are righteous people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked, and there are wicked people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity. — Ecclesiastes 8:14

Here’s the truth: This world is broken. Sin has corrupted everything—twisting justice, flipping right and wrong upside down. And no matter how hard we try to fix it, we can’t—because the problem isn’t just out there. It’s in us.

We’re all sinners. And that sin separates us from a just and holy God.

But if we jump forward from Solomon’s time to Jesus’s time, we see that God, in His mercy, made a way. He sent His Son, Jesus—the only truly righteous man—to be treated like the worst of sinners. He suffered. He died. And He rose again, securing justice once and for all.

Through Him, we’re offered forgiveness and eternal life—not by earning it, but by trusting in Him.

So, when life feels unfair, don’t lose heart. God sees. He is just. Eternal justice is already secured. Temporal justice? That will come in His time.

And if you’ve already put your faith in Jesus, you can rest in that hope. But if you haven’t yet, today is the day.

Maybe you’ve felt the weight of injustice in this world. Maybe you’ve felt the weight of your own sin. But here’s the good news: Jesus took that weight upon Himself. He died for you. He rose again. And right now, He offers you forgiveness, freedom, and eternal life.

You don’t have to carry the burden of sin or the frustration of this broken world alone. Jesus invites you to come to Him, to trust Him, and to receive His gift of salvation.

If you’re ready, pray this with me:

Jesus, I know this world is broken, and I know I am broken too. I have sinned, and I need Your forgiveness. Thank You for dying on the cross for me and rising again to give me new life. Today, I put my trust in You as my Lord and Savior. Help me to follow You from this day forward. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, let me know in the comments by saying, I choose Jesus. I’d love to celebrate with you and encourage you in your next steps.

And I’ll see you right back here tomorrow.

#JusticeInChrist, #BrokenWorldHope, #IChooseJesus

1. When have you struggled with the unfairness of life?
2. How does Ecclesiastes 8:14 challenge your perspective on justice?
3. In what ways has Jesus secured justice for you personally?
4. What’s one step you can take today to trust God’s timing?

If life feels unfair, turn to Jesus and trust in His eternal justice.

Jesus, I know this world is broken, and I feel the weight of injustice. Thank You for securing justice through Your sacrifice—help me trust in You. Amen.

Trust In God.

Ever look around and wonder—why do wicked people seem to get away with everything?

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

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 8:10-13:

Then I saw the wicked buried. They used to go in and out of the holy place and were praised in the city where they had done such things. This also is vanity. Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil. Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God, because they fear before him. But it will not be well with the wicked, neither will he prolong his days like a shadow, because he does not fear before God. — Ecclesiastes 8:10-13

Why does injustice seem to thrive? Because judgment doesn’t come instantly. When consequences are delayed, people double down on sin. They assume there’s no reckoning.

But here’s the truth—just because judgment is slow doesn’t mean it’s not coming.

Solomon lays it out. The wicked might stretch their days, but their success is a fading shadow. Their time runs out. But those who fear God? In the end—it will be well with them.

So what do we do?

Stop obsessing over the wicked—it’s fool’s gold. Their wins are short-lived. Their legacy? Dust. Instead, lock your eyes on God. Fear Him. Obey Him. Stay steady.

God’s justice isn’t on our clock, but it’s never off schedule.

Your job? Walk in righteousness. Trust His timing. Because in the end, it won’t just be okay—it’ll be well with you.

#GodsJustice, #TrustHisTiming, #FearTheLord

1. How do you respond when it seems like injustice goes unpunished?
2. What does it mean to truly fear God in your daily life?
3. How can you trust God’s timing when evil appears to thrive?
4. Where do you need to shift your focus from frustration to faith?

Fix your focus on fearing God and obeying Him rather than obsessing over the temporary success of the wicked.

Lord, help me to trust in Your perfect justice and not be discouraged by the temporary success of the wicked. Keep my heart steady in obedience, knowing that in the end, it will be well with those who fear You. Amen.

Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly.

No matter how much you schedule, stress, or strive, you're still at the mercy of forces beyond your control.

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

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 8:6-9:

For there is a time and a way for everything, although man's trouble lies heavy on him. For he does not know what is to be, for who can tell him how it will be? No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. There is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it. All this I observed while applying my heart to all that is done under the sun, when man had power over man to his hurt. — Ecclesiastes 8:6-9

Three reminders when life feels out of control

Verse 6 reminds us that there’s a time and a way for everything, yet we struggle under the burden of not knowing what’s ahead. We worry about the big things—our careers, families, health—but no man knows what tomorrow holds (v. 7). The burden of the unknown can be bewildering. But what if instead of trying to control everything, we bowed before the One who already holds the future?

No man has power to preserve the spirit or prolong his own life (v. 8). We can prepare, plan, and protect ourselves, but ultimately, our days are in God's hands. We can’t postpone life's battles either—there’s no pass from war. Whether it’s spiritual warfare, personal struggles, or suffering, we all must face them. And pursuing wickedness won’t provide an escape—sin only tightens its prison.

Solomon saw how people pursued power to prey on others (v. 9), but true strength doesn’t come from pressing for control—it comes from placing our trust in God. When we prioritize His authority, we find peace in what we cannot control. Instead of pushing, we pause. Instead of pulling, we place it in His hands.

☑️ Where are you pressing for control in areas that belong to God?

☑️ What would it look like to place your trust in Him instead of worrying about the unknown?

☑️ How can you practice living today knowing your future is already secure in Christ?

#TrustGod, #FaithOverFear, #DailyDevotional

1. What fears keep you from fully trusting God with the unknown?
2. How have you seen God’s timing work out better than your own plans?
3. What battles are you trying to avoid that God wants you to face?
4. How can you remind yourself daily that your future is secure in Christ?

Surrender one thing to God today that you’ve been trying to control.

Father, I release my need for control and place my trust in You. Help me rest in the security of Your perfect plan. Amen.

Control