Man Talk

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 l

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 gr

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

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

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

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

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 even

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

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

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, t

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 Eccles

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are taking a short break from Ecclesiastes to celebrate Easter with some unique devotionals to prepare our hearts for this week in history. Our text today is Revelation 22:12 Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. — Revelation 22:12 Easter Was Just the Beginning The resurrection wasn’t the end of the story—it was the beginning of the greatest promise yet to be fulfilled. Jesus came once as a suffering servant, but He will return as a conquering King. The empty tomb wasn’t just proof of His victory over death—it was a guarantee that He is coming again to set all things right. The world is broken. Sin still corrupts. Injustice still thrives. But this is not how the story ends. Just as surely as Jesus walked out of the grave, He will return in glory. Living in Expectation Jesus doesn’t tell us exactly when He will return, but He does tell us how t

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are taking a short break from Ecclesiastes to celebrate Easter with some unique devotionals to prepare our hearts for this week in history. Our text today is John 21:15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” — John 21:15 More Than Just Belief The resurrection wasn’t the end of the story—it was the beginning of a movement. After Jesus rose, He didn’t just celebrate His victory over death—He commissioned His followers to carry His mission forward. He didn’t just say, “I’m alive!” He said, “Now go.” He appeared to His disciples, not just to prove He was real, but to call them to action. In John 21, Jesus has an intimate moment with Peter, the man who had denied Him three times. And instead of condemning Peter, Jesus restores him. But notice wha

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are taking a short break from Ecclesiastes to celebrate Easter with some unique devotionals to prepare our hearts for this week in history. Our text today is Luke 24:5-6 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. — Luke 24:5-6 The Moment Everything Changed The grave was sealed. The enemy thought he had won. The world had gone dark. But then—Sunday came. The impossible happened. Jesus walked out of the tomb, alive. Death lost its sting. Sin lost its grip. The enemy lost his claim. The resurrection changed everything. This wasn’t just a miraculous event—it was the centerpiece of our faith. Without the resurrection, Christianity crumbles. Paul put it plainly: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). But He did rise. And be

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are taking a short break from Ecclesiastes to celebrate Easter with some unique devotionals to prepare our hearts for this week in history. Our text today is Matthew 27:62-66 The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard. — Matthew 27:62-66 When Heaven Seems Silent Friday was filled with suffering. Sunday would bring victory. But Saturday? Saturday was silent. Jesu

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. We are taking a short break from Ecclesiastes to celebrate Easter with some unique devotionals to prepare our hearts for this week in history. Our text today is Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. — Isaiah 53:5 More Than Wood and Nails The cross is everywhere. We wear it on necklaces, see it in churches, and even use it as home décor. But in Jesus’ time, the cross was nothing to be admired. It was a brutal instrument of execution—reserved for the worst criminals. When Jesus carried His cross to Golgotha, it wasn’t just wood that weighed Him down. It was the weight of sin—yours and mine. Every betrayal, every lie, every lustful thought, every act of pride, selfishness, and hatred—all of it pressed upon His shoulders. We often speak of Jesus dying for us, but do we re

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 this week to celebrate Easter with some special devotionals aimed at preparing our hearts for this week in history. Our text today is Matthew 26:14-15 Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. — Matthew 26:14-15 The Price of a Savior Thirty pieces of silver. That was the cost of betraying the Son of God. The price of a slave. The value Judas placed on Jesus. Judas had walked with Jesus for three years. He had seen miracles, heard the teachings, and even broken bread with Him. Yet in the end, he sold the Savior for pocket change. It’s easy to condemn Judas. But before we do, we must ask ourselves—have we ever traded Jesus for less? When we compromise faith for comfort, are we not betraying Him? When we choose sin ove

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. Today, we are taking a short break this week to celebrate Easter with some special devotionals aimed at preparing our hearts for this week in history. Our text today is John 12:12-13 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” — John 12:12-13 The Moment Everything Changed Every great story has a moment where everything shifts—a decision, a revelation, or an event that changes the course of history. For all of humanity, that moment was the week Jesus entered Jerusalem. Imagine the scene. Crowds flood the streets, waving palm branches, shouting, “Hosanna!” They believe their long-awaited Messiah has come to overthrow Rome and establish His kingdom. They expect a warrior on a warhorse. But instead,

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 10:18-20. Let's take this verse by verse today: Lazy Living Leads to Leaky Lives Through sloth the roof sinks in, and through indolence the house leaks. — Ecclesiastes 10:18 Neglect never nurtures. A house ignored crumbles. A roof unrepaired drips. A heart left unchecked? It withers. Solomon warns us—sloth seeps into life like a slow leak, rotting our resolve and ruining our readiness. Work Wisely, Walk Worthy Bread is made for laughter, and wine gladdens life, and money answers everything. — Ecclesiastes 10:19 Bread brings joy. Wine lifts spirits. Money meets needs. But none of these sustain a man who refuses to work, to build, to prepare. The fool folds his hands, watching opportunities pass like clouds in the wind. The wise man labors, understanding that diligence today prevents disaster tomorrow. Words Will Wander Even in your thoughts, do not curse the king, nor i

Leadership builds—or it breaks. When wisdom leads, life thrives. When indulgence takes over, everything crumbles. 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 10:16-17: Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your princes feast in the morning! Happy are you, O land, when your king is the son of the nobility, and your princes feast at the proper time, for strength, and not for drunkenness! — Ecclesiastes 10:16-17 There’s a sharp contrast in these verses—two kinds of leadership, two kinds of outcomes. One brings ruin. The other brings blessing. The first? A land suffering under immature leadership. A childlike ruler lacks wisdom, discipline, and the ability to steward responsibility well. His officials indulge themselves at the wrong time—feasting in the morning when they should be working, pursuing pleasure instead of purpose. Sound familiar? Leadership that lacks maturity and self-control leads to diso