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

Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23

Our text today is Judges 2:1-3:

"Now the angel of the Lord went up from Gilgal to Bochim. And he said, 'I brought you up from Egypt and brought you into the land that I swore to give to your fathers. I said, "I will never break my covenant with you, and you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall break down their altars." But you have not obeyed my voice. What is this you have done? So now I say, I will not drive them out before you, but they shall become thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you.'"— Judges 2:1-3

Before judgment falls, God speaks. Judges 2 opens with the angel of the Lord delivering a direct confrontation. It’s not gentle. It’s not subtle. It’s the voice of God reminding His people what He’s done—and what they’ve failed to do.

“I brought you out… I gave you this land… I made a covenant…” But then: “You have not obeyed my voice.”

This is what makes God’s discipline just. He doesn’t strike first—He speaks first to ensure we see the connection. He calls us back before the consequences come down. Israel had compromised. They’d made peace with pagan people and their altars instead of tearing them down. They tried to combine obedience with convenient opportunities. But God doesn’t bless half-obedience. He confronts it.

And now, He announces the result: “They shall become thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you.” Simply put: he gives them over to the gods they want and allows their consequences to teach.

God is patient, but not passive. He won’t force us to obey, but he will let us feel the cost of ignoring him. And sometimes, the thorns in our lives are the result of altars we refused to tear down. What compromise have you let linger? What altar have you left standing?

The warning is abundant. The confrontation is just. The invitation still stands. Return. Obey. Tear down what doesn’t belong. Do you need to tear something down? Do so, and avoid the consequences and the need to hear God's just voice.

ASK THIS:

1. What’s one clear instruction from God I’ve delayed or avoided?
2. Have I made peace with anything God told me to destroy?
3. What “thorns” am I experiencing because of disobedience?
4. What altar needs to be torn down in my life today?

DO THIS:

Identify one compromise you’ve tolerated—and take specific action today to remove it from your life.

God, thank You for speaking before You discipline. Help me hear Your voice and respond with immediate obedience. Amen

"Holy Spirit."

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

Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23

Our text today is Judges 1:34-36:

The Amorites pressed the people of Dan back into the hill country, for they did not allow them to come down to the plain. The Amorites persisted in dwelling in Mount Heres, in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim, but the hand of the house of Joseph rested heavily on them, and they became subject to forced labor. And the border of the Amorites ran from the ascent of Akrabbim, from Sela and upward. — Judges 1:34-36

We’ve watched a slow unraveling through this chapter. One tribe compromises, then another, until Israel’s momentum is gone—and by verse 34, the tide has turned. The Amorites are now pressing back. The people of Dan aren’t advancing, they’re retreating. They’ve been pushed into the hills, confined, controlled. The very enemies they were told to conquer are now conquering them.

This is what happens when we stop obeying. We lose ground. Spiritually. Emotionally. Culturally. The authority we once carried gets handed over to the very things we were called to defeat. And while Joseph’s house exerts some control—forcing the Amorites into labor—it’s too little, too late. The enemy still has territory. The borders are redrawn. And God is silent.

It’s sobering. But it’s not hopeless.

God lets us feel the weight of disobedience. Not to punish us, but to draw us back. The pain of retreat is often the catalyst for repentance. Sometimes, God allows the enemy to press in and remind us what it feels like to live without him leading. He doesn’t abandon us. He stops enabling our passivity.

So, my friend, where have you given ground? Where have you stopped fighting, and the enemy’s started pressing? It’s not too late. But the time is now. Reclaim what you’ve surrendered. Step back into obedience. Let God lead again.

ASK THIS:

1. Where have I lost spiritual ground by compromising?
2. What enemy have I allowed to reclaim territory in my life?
3. How have I mistaken God’s silence for absence?
4. What step of obedience can help me reclaim that ground today?

DO THIS:

Name one area where you’ve let sin take the lead—and today, take one bold action to take it back.

Father, I’ve given ground I was meant to guard. Give me the strength to stand again and reclaim what’s Yours. Amen

"The Stand."

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

Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23

Our text today is Judges 1:27-33:

Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shean and its villages, or Taanach and its villages, or the inhabitants of Dor and its villages, or the inhabitants of Ibleam and its villages, or the inhabitants of Megiddo and its villages, for the Canaanites persisted in dwelling in that land. When Israel grew strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but did not drive them out completely. And Ephraim did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer, so the Canaanites lived in Gezer among them. Zebulun did not drive out the inhabitants of Kitron, or the inhabitants of Nahalol, so the Canaanites lived among them, but became subject to forced labor. Asher did not drive out the inhabitants of Acco, or the inhabitants of Sidon or of Ahlab or of Achzib or of Helbah or of Aphik or of Rehob, so the Asherites lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land, for they did not drive them out. Naphtali did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh, or the inhabitants of Beth-anath, so they lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land. Nevertheless, the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh and of Beth-anath became subject to forced labor for them. — Judges 1:27-33

It started small. One tribe didn’t fully obey. Then another. Then another. Until compromise became the norm, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali—all of them— failed to drive out the people God had commanded them to remove. And the language is chilling: they did not drive out… they lived among…

What began as a delay turned into disobedience. Disobedience evolved into a cultural shift. Before long, coexisting with sin replaced conquering it.

Here’s the danger: when one man compromises, others will follow. When one tribe accepts partial obedience, others begin to believe it’s acceptable. Spiritual apathy is contagious. It numbs courage. It silences conviction. And it spreads through passivity.

As Christians, our influence carries weight. Your kids, your friends, your brothers, your church—they’re all watching. Not to see perfection, but to see consistency. To see surrender. To see obedience even when it’s hard. You may think your compromise only affects you. But it doesn’t. It affects your circle. And eventually, it reshapes a culture. Don’t underestimate the influence of your obedience—or your passivity.

This is your call to drive out what needs to be driven out. Don’t coexist with what God has called you to confront. Stand up today, even if others sit down.

ASK THIS:

1. What area of my life have I let slide because others around me have?
2. Who’s watching my obedience and learning from it?
3. What sin or habit have I tolerated that God has clearly addressed?
4. What would courageous obedience look like today?

DO THIS:

Identify one spiritual compromise you’ve tolerated due to others’ influence, and take a stand to reject it.

God, I don’t want to blend in with spiritual apathy. Give me the courage to confront what others have ignored and to live fully surrendered to You. Amen

"Give Me Faith."

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

Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23

Our text today is Judges 1:22-26:

"The house of Joseph also went up against Bethel, and the Lord was with them. And the house of Joseph scouted out Bethel. (Now the name of the city was formerly Luz.) And the spies saw a man coming out of the city, and they said to him, 'Please show us the way into the city, and we will deal kindly with you.' And he showed them the way into the city. And they struck the city with the edge of the sword, but they let the man and all his family go. And the man went to the land of the Hittites and built a city and called its name Luz. That is its name to this day." — Judges 1:22-26

The tribe of Joseph had momentum. God was with them. They were positioned for another victory, and Bethel was next. They scouted the city, found a local man, and made a deal:

"Show us the way in, and we’ll spare you."

It worked. They took the city, but they also let compromise slip in through the side door. The man they spared? He went off and built another city. A city that carried the same old name—Luz—the one God intended to obliterate.

Here’s the tension: partial obedience appears to be success… for a while.

They captured Bethel. But they preserved a piece of what God intended to destroy. They won the battle. But they left the roots of resistance intact. And don’t we do the same? We address the major sins, but overlook the smaller ones. We say yes to God, mostly. But we keep one foot in comfort or pride or bitterness.

That’s not surrender. That’s strategy. And your strategy isn’t obedience. Sometimes it's a secret shortcut to get what you want, rather than what God wants. Let your strategy go; surrender your selfish strategies to the Lord. Joseph’s tribe had the upper hand, and instead of walking in full trust, they chose a shortcut. And shortcuts in faith always leave doors open to the enemy.

So here’s the question(s): What deal have you made with sin? What obedience have you postponed because partial surrender felt "close enough"?

Today is your chance to go all in. Don’t let a Luz live on just because it made your life easier for a moment.

ASK THIS:

1. Where have I obeyed God only halfway?
2. What deals have I made that compromise long-term faithfulness?
3. How has a shortcut in my past led to struggle today?
4. What does full obedience require of me now?

DO THIS:

Name one area where you've been cutting corners spiritually—and commit today to close the gap with full obedience.

Lord, I don’t want to win battles while losing trust. Show me where I’ve made deals with sin, and give me courage to obey You completely. Amen

"Lord I Need You."

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

Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23

Our text today is Judges 1:16-21:

“And the descendants of the Kenite, Moses' father-in-law, went up with the people of Judah from the city of palms into the wilderness of Judah, which lies in the Negeb near Arad, and they went and settled with the people. And Judah went with Simeon his brother, and they defeated the Canaanites who inhabited Zephath and devoted it to destruction. So the name of the city was called Hormah. Judah also captured Gaza with its territory, and Ashkelon with its territory, and Ekron with its territory. And the Lord was with Judah, and he took possession of the hill country, but he could not drive out the inhabitants of the plain because they had chariots of iron. And Hebron was given to Caleb, as Moses had said. And he drove out from it the three sons of Anak. But the people of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem, so the Jebusites have lived with the people of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.” — Judges 1:16-21

At first glance, things still seem to be moving forward. Judah fights. Victories are won. Cities are claimed. Hormah is renamed after a devastating defeat of the Canaanites. Caleb continues to drive out giants.

However, the cracks soon begin to appear.

Judah takes the hill country, but they stop short in the plains. Why? Iron chariots. A visible enemy with intimidating strength. And then there’s Benjamin. They don’t even drive the enemy out. They just let them live there.

This is where the shift happens. The faith-filled obedience we saw earlier begins to give way to fear-based compromise.

The Lord was with Judah, but that didn’t mean it would be easy. Obedience never guarantees comfort. It guarantees conflict with our flesh, our fears, and our enemy.

And here’s the truth: any area we leave unconquered becomes a future foothold for the enemy. What we tolerate today may torment us tomorrow. Compromise is subtle. We tell ourselves, “I’ve done enough.” Or “This part isn’t so bad.” Or “It’s too hard to deal with now.” But unfinished obedience is still disobedience. And letting sin live beside us only weakens our walk.

So what have you left unfinished? What stronghold are you ignoring? Where have you stopped short of full surrender?

Today’s the day to pick up the fight again. Don’t settle where God has called you to conquer.

ASK THIS:

1. Where have I grown passive in my obedience?
2. What’s the “iron chariot” I’ve been afraid to face?
3. Am I tolerating sin that should be driven out?
4. What would full obedience look like in this season?

DO THIS:

Identify one area of compromise and take one bold step toward obedience today.

God, expose the places I’ve compromised. Give me the courage to fight again and finish what you’ve asked me to do. Amen

"Battle Belongs."

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

Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23

Our text today is Judges 1:8-15:

“And the men of Judah fought against Jerusalem and captured it and struck it with the edge of the sword and set the city on fire. And afterward the men of Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites who lived in the hill country, in the Negeb, and in the lowland. And Judah went against the Canaanites who lived in Hebron (now the name of Hebron was formerly Kiriath-arba), and they defeated Sheshai and Ahiman and Talmai. From there they went against the inhabitants of Debir. The name of Debir was formerly Kiriath-sepher. And Caleb said, ‘He who attacks Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give him Achsah my daughter for a wife.’ And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, captured it. And he gave him Achsah his daughter for a wife. When she came to him, she urged him to ask her father for a field. And she dismounted from her donkey, and Caleb said to her, ‘What do you want?’ She said to him, ‘Give me a blessing. Since you have set me in the land of the Negeb, give me also springs of water.’ And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.” — Judges 1:8-15

The conquest continues—and Judah isn’t slowing down. City by city, they obey and advance. But embedded in this war-torn section is a beautiful picture of legacy.

Caleb—the same man who stood faithful back in Numbers—is still moving forward with bold faith. And he’s pulling others into the fight. He throws down a challenge: “Whoever captures Debir gets my daughter’s hand in marriage.” It’s not just a reward—it’s a call to courage and a test of sorts of the type of man he hoped would carry his legacy on.

Othniel steps up. And Achsah, Caleb’s daughter, isn’t passive either. She asks her father for more land, then asks boldly for water. She’s not greedy. She’s confident. Courage, boldness, and bravery run in the family.

This moment isn’t about a single conquest; it’s a story of leadership character. Caleb isn’t just taking territory; he’s building a family legacy. His faith didn’t start and die in the desert. It grew stronger, and now it lives on through his extended family.

Your faith wasn’t meant to die with you. It was meant to inspire the next generation.

You might not be capturing cities, but are you cultivating courage? Are you raising up sons, daughters, disciples, or friends who trust God boldly? Do those closest to you see a legacy worth following?

Caleb didn’t retire. He led. He gave. He kept walking in faith until his last breath. Pass on a spiritual legacy to someone today.

ASK THIS:

1. Am I building a legacy of faith or just surviving spiritually?
2. Who is watching and learning from my walk with God?
3. What bold step of obedience can I take today?
4. How can I encourage courage in someone else’s life?

DO THIS:

Share one spiritual lesson with someone younger today—something that’s shaped your faith.

Father, let my faith be contagious. Help me build a legacy that honors you and strengthens others. Amen

"Build My Life."

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

Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23

Our text today is Judges 1:3–7:

"And Judah said to Simeon his brother, 'Come up with me into the territory allotted to me, that we may fight against the Canaanites. And I likewise will go with you into the territory allotted to you.' So Simeon went with him. Then Judah went up and the Lord gave the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand, and they defeated 10,000 of them at Bezek. They found Adoni-bezek at Bezek and fought against him and defeated the Canaanites and the Perizzites. Adoni-bezek fled, but they pursued him and caught him and cut off his thumbs and his big toes. And Adoni-bezek said, 'Seventy kings with their thumbs and their big toes cut off used to pick up scraps under my table. As I have done, so God has repaid me.' And they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died there."  — Judges 1:3–7

When Judah was chosen to go first, he didn’t march into battle solo. He turned to Simeon—his brother—and asked him to come fight alongside him. That was humility. That was wisdom.

And the result? Victory. God gave them the Canaanites and Perizzites. Ten thousand defeated. One wicked king was brought to justice. One battle won together.

We weren’t made to fight alone. Even though God had given Judah the land, he didn’t try to earn a solo trophy. He invited his brother to share the mission and share the victory. In our culture, self-made individuals often receive the spotlight. But in God’s kingdom, brotherhood and sisterhood are the power move. Real believers know they need backup—because pride isolates, but humility unites.

And in this gritty passage, there’s also a moment of brutal irony. Adoni-bezek—the cruel king who mutilated others—acknowledges God’s justice.

“As I have done, so God has repaid me.”

Justice finds him. And that's not karma, that divine providence. Even evil kings understand God's justice when they see it.

So what do we learn? Spiritual victory requires two things: dependence on God and interdependence with others. Who are you walking with? Who’s fighting with you? Or have you been white-knuckling your battles in silence, hoping you can just push through?

If so, it’s time to humble yourself, link arms with a believer, and face the fight together. Because when we unite in obedience and courage, God always moves in power.

ASK THIS:

1. Who’s fighting with me in my spiritual battles?
2. Have I let pride keep me from asking for help?
3. How does God use brotherhood to bring victory?
4. What justice from God do I need to trust Him with?

DO THIS:

Reach out to one stronger believer today. Ask them to pray with you and fight with you spiritually.

Father, thank you for believers in the battle. Keep me humble enough to ask for help and faithful enough to fight with others by my side. Amen

"Brother."

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

Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23

Our text today is Judges 1:1-2:

"After the death of Joshua, the people of Israel inquired of the Lord, 'Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?' The Lord said, 'Judah shall go up; behold, I have given the land into his hand.'" — Judges 1:1-2

The book opens in a moment of loss. Joshua is gone. The strong leader. The voice of God’s direction. The man who filled Moses’ sandals and led battles with divine clarity. Now? Silence. No commander. No plan. Just questions.

But the people do something right—they ask God. And he answers.

"Judah shall go up; behold, I have given the land into his hand."

Notice that God doesn’t give them a detailed strategy. He just tells them who goes first. And that was enough. Judah. The tribe whose name means praise. The tribe from which kings would come. And eventually—Jesus.

Notice God’s tense in the statement: "I have given." Not will give. He speaks with certainty. It's the assumptive sale! That’s the language of divine sovereignty. Faith isn’t based on circumstance—it’s based on God’s character.

But here’s the rub: Inquiring is easy. Hearing is easy. Obeying is hard.

You’ve probably asked God for direction lately. Maybe about your job, your marriage, your next move. You’ve prayed, and maybe you’ve even sensed what God's telling you. But have you moved?

God isn’t asking for your full understanding. He’s asking for your next step. Obedience doesn’t require a detailed map—just faith in the One giving the directions.

Take one small step forward today, even if it’s just that—small. With God, the land and the territory have already been given.

ASK THIS:

1. Where do I feel unsure about my next step?
2. Have I truly asked God, or just tried to figure it out on my own?
3. What’s something God has already spoken that I’m hesitating to obey?
4. What would faith look like in motion today?

DO THIS:

Take one obedient step today in the direction God has already spoken.

Father, thank you for leading even when I feel uncertain. Help me trust your voice and act on what you’ve already said. Amen

"Same God."

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

Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23

Our text today is Mark 16:19-20:

“So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and proclaimed the gospel everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.”— Mark 16:19-20

The curtain closes on Mark’s gospel with an unforgettable moment. Jesus lifts off the ground, rising above the clouds, until heaven swallows him up. Gone from sight, he takes his seat of authority beside the Father. Yet his work is far from over. The eleven disciples pour into the streets, fueled by his final words. They preach, pray, and watch God back their message with miracles that turn heads and soften hearts.

Jesus’ ascension reveals two truths: He reigns in heaven and He empowers on earth. Sitting at God’s right hand means his work is complete and perfect. Yet his mission continues through us. When we share the gospel, we aren’t alone. The same Lord who conquered death stands with us, backing every word with his power.

Too often, we tuck our faith behind closed doors. We think Jesus is distant, leaving us to figure out life on our own. But the ascended Christ rules at God’s right hand and stands alongside you today. Your words matter. Your prayers matter. When you step out in obedience, Jesus goes with you. Faith in motion means joining heaven’s King in his ongoing work.

Let's live as if the Gospel is taking effect in our lives, so that Christ can affect others through us.

ASK THIS:

1. How does knowing Jesus reigns from heaven change your confidence in sharing the gospel?
2. When have you felt God confirm your words with a “sign” or answer to prayer?
3. What mission has Jesus given you in your family, workplace, or community?
4. How can you lean more on Christ’s power rather than your own efforts this week?

DO THIS:

Choose one person in your life who hasn’t heard the full gospel—send them a message or invite them to coffee, then share the core truth of Christ’s death, resurrection, and your own hope in him.

Lord Jesus, exalted King, thank you for sitting at the Father’s right hand and sending me out. Fill me with courage and power so your message changes lives wherever I go. Amen

"O Worship the Risen Christ."

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

Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video over the next 23 years. Read more about it here: PROJECT23

Our text today is Mark 16:17-18:

“And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” — Mark 16:17-18

The eleven had just heard the Great Commission. Their heads buzzed with the command to “go” and “believe.” Now Jesus adds a list of powerful signs. These weren’t magic tricks—they were invitations to partner with heaven. Imagine a room where chains break, tongues speak, poisons lose their sting, and the sick stand up whole. That was the new normal for believers—if they dared to trust.

God’s kingdom drives back darkness. When we place our faith in Jesus, we discover his power. Casting out demons isn’t about fearlessly facing reptiles; it’s about rejecting evil. Tongues demonstrate that God can speak in some unexpected ways. Healing and protection demonstrate that life in Christ overcomes death and danger.

Too often, we treat our faith like some defensive safety net—only there when we’re desperate and under attack. But Jesus calls us into a lifestyle of supernatural offensive partnership. At work, that might mean praying and seeing a broken team find unity. In your neighborhood, it could look like praying over a sick friend and watching them recover. Obedience is faith in offensive motion: leaning into God’s power rather than relying on our plans. Let's be more proactive today and be a force for God's work in this life.

ASK THIS:

1. Which of these signs—healing, deliverance, new speech—stretches your faith the most?
2. How do you respond when you see someone step out in supernatural trust?
3. Where in your life do you need to rely less on yourself and more on God’s power?
4. What small step of faith can you take today to lean into his kingdom work?

DO THIS:

Pray for someone who is struggling, then place your hand on them (even if it's through a screen or over the phone) and ask Jesus to bring healing.

Jesus, show me how to trust your power instead of my doubts. Help me step out in faith, so others see your kingdom come. Amen

"Do It Again."