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

Today's shout-out goes to Michael Mitchell from Jacksonville, FL. Your partnership with us through Project23 helps keep God's Word at the center of lives around the world. This one's for you.

Our text today is Mark 9:9-13:

And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead might mean. And they asked him, "Why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?" And he said to them, "Elijah does come first to restore all things. And how is it written of the Son of Man that he should suffer many things and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him." — Mark 9:9-13

The mountaintop moment is over. And as Jesus, Peter, James, and John descend, Jesus gives them strict orders:

"Tell no one—until the Son of Man has risen from the dead."

What a strange instruction. You’ve just seen a divine vision—and now you’re told to stay silent? But Jesus isn’t hiding the truth. He’s timing it. Some revelations only make sense after the resurrection. The disciples obey—maybe because they just heard the audible voice of God. But they’re confused:

“Rising from the dead?” they whisper. “What does that even mean?”

Then comes the question that shows their hope and misunderstanding:

“Why do the scribes say Elijah must come first?”

They were still hoping for a victorious Messiah—one who would conquer, rule, and restore. They knew Malachi 4 said Elijah would come before the “great and awesome day of the Lord.” But they didn’t realize that day would come through suffering, not strength.

Jesus affirms that Elijah did come—John the Baptist filled that role. And how was he received? Rejected. Mocked. Killed. And Jesus makes it clear—the same will happen to him.

The road to glory runs through grief. The path to resurrection winds through rejection.

Rejection by the world doesn’t mean rejection by God. It may mean you’re right where you’re supposed to be.

Like the disciples, we want crowns without crosses. Glory without grief. But Jesus never promised that. He promised resurrection—and resurrection always follows death.

So trust him in the mystery. Even when it hurts. Even when it’s quiet. Even when it doesn’t make sense. Because when God says, “Not yet,” He’s not always saying, “Never.” He’s just saying, “Wait—it’s not time… yet.”

#NotYetDoesntMeanNever, #TrustHisTiming, #Project23

ASK THIS:

1. What “not yet” have you been hearing from God lately?
2. How do you typically respond when God’s plan confuses you?
3. Have you ever experienced rejection while doing God’s will?
4. How can remembering Jesus’ path through suffering change your perspective today?

DO THIS:

Write down one area in your life where God feels silent or slow. Pray over it today—and say aloud, “Not yet doesn’t mean never.”

PRAY THIS:

Father, I trust you—even when I don’t understand your timing. Help me follow Jesus through rejection and believe in the promise of resurrection. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"Though You Slay Me"

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

Today’s shout-out goes to Donald Daily from Stanwood, MI. Don, your partnership with us through Project23 is helping people see Jesus with new clarity and listen to him in the valleys. This one’s for you.

Our text today is Mark 9:1-8:

And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.”

And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only. — Mark 9:1-8

It’s a moment unlike any other in this Gospel. Jesus pulls back the veil—and his divine glory blazes through.

What the disciples had only suspected is confirmed in a flash of radiant light. Jesus isn’t just a miracle worker. Not just a teacher. He is the Son of God—radiant, majestic, holy.

And then—Elijah and Moses appear. Not random guests. These are the heavyweights of Jewish faith. The Law and the Prophets. Standing beside Jesus. Talking with him.

This isn’t a vision. It’s a moment of divine convergence. The past, the present, and the future collide—and Jesus stands at the center. The fulfillment of it all.

Then the Father speaks:
“This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”

Jesus isn’t just someone to admire. Or quote. Or keep around for inspiration.
He’s the One to obey. The One who defines truth. The One who has no equal.

And yet… Peter wants to stay. To build tents. To freeze the moment.

But glory isn’t meant to be captured—it’s meant to carry you. And soon, they’re walking back down the mountain. Into the crowd. Into the chaos. Into the cross.

Jesus gave them a glimpse of his glory to sustain them through the valley.

He still does that today.

Not every day is a mountaintop. Most days are messy. Full of struggle, grief, temptation, and doubt. But if you've seen his glory—through his Word, through worship, through answered prayer—cling to that.

Because…

Jesus gives us glimpses of his glory to remind us that he is faithful.
Not just on the mountain—but in the mess.
Not just in the light—but in the dark.
Not just in triumph—but in trouble.

So hold on to what he showed you on the mountain—because when you can’t see him in the valley, you’ll need to remember what you saw in the light.

Let what you saw up there sustain you down here.

#GloryOfJesus, #FaithInTheValley, #Mark9

ASK THIS:

When have you experienced a “mountaintop” moment with God?
What’s one truth from that moment you need to remember today?
Why do we often forget God's glory when we’re in the valley?
How can you hold onto what God has shown you?
DO THIS:
Reflect on a time when God revealed himself to you clearly. Write it down. Revisit it often.

PRAY THIS:
Jesus, remind me of your glory when I’m in the valley. Help me trust what I saw in the light when I walk through the dark. Amen.

PLAY THIS:
Highlands (Song Of Ascent).

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

Today's shout-out goes to Michael Money from Pasco, WA. Your partnership with us through Project 23 is helping people lay down the symbols and pick up a true sacrifice. This one's is for you.

Our text today is Mark 8:34-38:

And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." — Mark 8:34-38

We love the look of a cross—but often forget the weight of it.

We wear it around our neck. We ink it on our skin. It's carved into churches, printed on clothes, and etched into memorials. But the cross was never meant to be a fashion statement. It was a tool of execution. A symbol of self-denial. A calling to suffer—not just to be seen.

Too often, we wear the symbol but resist the sacrifice.

Jesus makes a bold offer and sets an even bolder cost: "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."

This is not a call to comfort. It's a call to surrender. He's not inviting us to admiration—but to imitation. He's saying: If you want to follow me, you can't bring anything else with you, including yourself.

We try. We want Jesus and our fame, fortune, and future. Jesus and our comfort, control, and career.

But Jesus says you can't have both.

If you try to save even one of these things, you'll lose the one thing you need. But if you lose them all—for him—you'll find everything and more. That's the paradox of faith. The path to life is through death. The only way to gain is to give. To go forward, you have to lay something down.

So ask yourself: what are you clinging to? Is it your reputation? Your comfort? Your status? Because you can wear a cross and still refuse to carry one.

Jesus ain't looking for admirers—he's calling devoted disciples.

The world may applaud your jewelry, your tattoos, and your "faith aesthetic,"—but Jesus is looking deeper. Are you denying yourself daily? Are you carrying a cross—or just wearing one?

You can't cling to the world and carry the cross.

Pick one. Follow one. Live all in for him who lived all in for you.

#YouCantHaveBoth, #CarryTheCross, #TrueDiscipleship

ASK THIS:

1. Are you wearing faith or living it?
2. What worldly thing are you most afraid to surrender?
3. Are you carrying a cross—or admiring it from a distance?
4. Where is Jesus asking you to deny yourself today?

DO THIS:

Look at one symbol of your faith today—a cross on your wall, shirt, or jewelry—and ask: Am I really living this out?

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, I don’t want to just wear a cross—I want to carry mine daily. Give me strength to surrender and follow you with my whole life. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.

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

Today's shout-out goes to Dean Eklund from Wichita, KS. Your partnership with us through Project 23 is helping people put the Cross before the Crown. This one's is for you.

Our text today is Mark 8:31-33:

And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man." — Mark 8:31-33

Peter had just confessed Jesus as the Christ—the long-awaited King. But then Jesus starts talking about suffering, rejection, death, and resurrection. It was not exactly the victory speech they expected of a King.

And we can tell Peter can't handle this part of the message. He pulls Jesus aside and rebukes him. Imagine that—rebuking the Lord.

Peter's fabrication of Christ at the conclusion couldn't include a cross. He wanted a Lord but did not imagine lashings. He wanted a Savior but did not imagine suffering. He wanted the Crown without the Cross.

And maybe that's not so different from us.

We want the power, the joy, the glory of the Christian life. But not the pain. Not the loss. Not the surrender.

But Jesus doesn't soften the message. He sharpens it. He rebukes Peter—"Get behind me, Satan!" Because in that moment, Peter unknowingly echoes the same temptation Satan offered in the wilderness: a Crown without the Cross. And Jesus won't have it.

You can't follow a crucified Savior without carrying your own Cross.

If your version of Jesus doesn't include suffering, surrender, and sacrifice, then you may not be following Jesus. You're following a version that's safer, easier, and ultimately self-serving. Faith isn't about avoiding suffering—it's about trusting the God who uses suffering for our good. Today, set your mind on God's ways, not on man's. Stop chasing comfort. Start embracing the calling—even when it's hard.

Because on the other side of the suffering… is salvation.

#TakeUpYourCross, #Mark8Devotional, #FollowJesus

ASK THIS:

1. Why do we resist a suffering Savior?
2. What’s one cross you’re avoiding in your faith walk?
3. How do you set your mind on the things of God?
4. Where have you prioritized comfort over calling?

DO THIS:

Write down one area of resistance in your walk with Christ—and surrender it to him in prayer today.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, help me embrace the cross—not run from it. I want to follow you fully, even when the path leads through suffering. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

“Lead Me to the Cross.”

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

Today's shout-out goes to Mark Maple from Kokomo, IN. Your partnership with us through Project 23 is helping people find the answer to the most important question that still demands an answer. This study is for you.

Our text today is Mark 8:27-30:

And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" And they told him, "John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets." And he asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Christ." And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him. — Mark 8:27-30

Jesus comes with his disciples to Caesarea Philippi—a place known for temples, idols, and false gods. And in the shadow of this spiritual confusion, he asks the most defining question of all time:

"Who do people say that I am?"

They answer with the popular responses. It's what all the headlines proclaim: "John the Baptist. Elijah. A prophet." Opinions swirled then, just like now.

But then Jesus turns to the more personal question:

"But who do you say that I am?"

This isn't a theology test. It's a heart check. It's not about reciting what others believe. It's about declaring their beliefs.

And Peter, with clarity and courage, answers: "You are the Christ." The Anointed One. The Messiah. The fulfillment of every promise.

Peter was right to answer this way because this is the most important question he would ever answer. But it's also the most important question we could ever be asked and respond to: "Who do you say Jesus is?"

And when asked, you can't hide behind a parent's faith. Or echo your pastor's voice. Or repeat what Christian culture says. Eventually, you must give your answer. Not just with words—but with your life.

If Jesus is truly the Messiah, then he must be the Lord of all. Not just a one-time Savior. Not just a once-in-a-while helper. Not just there to rescue you from your mistakes. But Lord of all you life. Lord of your time. Lord of your thoughts. Lord of your decisions. And you must serve him.

This confession would alter the rest of Peter's life. And it will change yours, too. But Jesus cannot just be a one-time Savior. He must be a Lord who has complete leadership of your life. If you question the answer to the question—surrender it all to him today.

#JesusIsLord, #Mark8Devotional, #ChristConfession

ASK THIS:

1. How would you answer Jesus' question today?
2. Why do people hesitate to call Jesus the Christ?
3. In what areas of your life is Jesus not yet King?
4. What does it look like to confess Christ with action, not just words?

DO THIS:

Write your answer to Jesus’ question: “Who do you say that I am?” Then, pray it out loud.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, You are the Christ—my Savior and King. Help me live today in a way that reflects that confession with boldness and faith. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

“Christ Is Enough.”

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

Today’s shout-out goes to Troy Albertson from Altoona, IA. Your partnership with us through Project 23 is completing God's work and word in the lives of others. This study is for you.

Our text today is Mark 8:22-26:

And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”— Mark 8:22-26

Jesus arrives in Bethsaida, and a blind man is brought to him. But rather than heal immediately, Jesus does something unexpected. He leads the man away from the village. Then comes the moment: spit, touch, and a question—“Do you see anything?”

The man answers honestly, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.”

He’s been touched… but not fully healed. His vision is still blurry. So Jesus touches him again. And this time, everything becomes clear.

If you’ve ever felt like Jesus started something in your life but hasn’t finished it—this moment is for you.

This healing wasn’t evidence of Jesus' lack of power. It was intentional. It was a visual parable for the disciples—and us today. You see, sometimes, God’s work in us unfolds in stages. It's not always instant. Sometimes, our spiritual sight improves gradually. Sometimes, the spiritual healing we need takes time. But Jesus never leaves it unfinished.

When the answers are partial in your life, remember that he’s not done. When your spiritual sight is blurry, remember he’s still working. When his touch feels incomplete, remember he’s coming back with more. You may be in between touches today—don’t panic. He hasn’t forgotten you. His grace is not half-measured. His power is not limited. His plan is not on pause.

Wait. Trust. Let Jesus finish what he started in you. He won't fail.

#GodIsStillWorking, #FaithInProcess, #Mark8

ASK THIS:

1. Have you ever felt like God started something but didn’t finish it?
2. Why do you think Jesus healed this man in stages?
3. What area of your life feels “blurry” right now?
4. How can you stay faithful while waiting for clarity?

DO THIS:

Pray today for endurance in the in-between—trusting God to finish the work Jesus began in you.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, even when I can’t see clearly, I trust that You’re still working. Complete the work You’ve started in me—Your timing, not mine. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"Firm Foundation (He Won’t)."

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

Today’s shout-out goes to Jim Travato from Brentwood, CA. Jim, your partnership with us through Project 23 is helping us and others remember what God has done in the past and will do in the future. This study is for you.

Our text today is Mark 8:14-21:

Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread. And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They said to him, “Twelve.” “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” And they said to him, “Seven.” And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?” — Mark 8:14-21

The disciples forget bread. Again.

And as they’re grumbling about lunch, Jesus gives them a deeper warning:

“Beware the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod.”

But they miss the point. They think Jesus is mad because they forgot the food. Jesus isn’t talking about carbs. He’s talking about corruption. Leaven was a metaphor. Just a pinch of it affects the whole loaf. And just a pinch of pride, hypocrisy, and unbelief—like that of the Pharisees and Herod—can corrupt the soul.

But the disciples are stuck in their heads on bread. So Jesus hits them with a list of questions:

Don’t you understand?
Are your hearts hardened?
Didn’t you see the miracles?
Don’t you remember what I did with five loaves? With seven?

They had seen the power of Jesus multiply what little they had. But somehow—they still worried there wouldn’t be enough.

The danger wasn’t the lack of bread—it was the lack of belief. And that’s the same danger we face today. You’ve seen Jesus provide—but you still stress about tomorrow. You’ve seen Jesus' power—but still act like it’s all up to you. You’ve watched Jesus move—but forget by the time the next challenge hits.

That’s spiritual amnesia. And Jesus calls it out in the lives of his disciples and ours.

But Jesus is not frustrated by your questions. He’s grieved by your forgetfulness. Because when you forget what God has done, you start depending on yourself again.

So, pause today. Remember the baskets in your life. Remember the miracles he has done in the past. Remember what he did with your “not enough.” And let that memory build your trust today. Then, keep believing and moving forward.

#RememberGod, #FaithNotFear, #Mark8

ASK THIS:

1. What “basket moments” have you forgotten?
2. How does forgetting God’s past provision affect today’s faith?
3. What does “leaven” look like in your life today?
4. How can you train your heart to remember?

DO THIS:

Write down three things God has provided for you this year—and thank him for each one.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, forgive me for forgetting Your past faithfulness. Help me remember who You are—and trust You with what’s next. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

“Do It Again” by Elevation Worship.

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

Today’s shout-out goes to Mark Blumenthal from Charlotte, NC. Mark, your partnership with us through Project 23 is a testament to your faith and a blessing to us. This study is for you.

Our text today is Mark 8:11-13:

The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side.— Mark 8:11-13

The Pharisees show up again—not to listen, but to argue. They demand a sign. Not because they’re curious—but because they’re testing Jesus. And Jesus responds with a deep sigh—not the frustrated kind, but the disappointed kind. The sigh you make when someone just doesn’t get it.

He says: “Why does this generation seek a sign?”

The irony is Jesus has given them plenty of signs. Healing. Exorcism. Bread. Fish. Hearing. Sight. Storms calmed. But these religious elite are not looking for evidence—they’re looking for control over a situation that is scaling beyond their control. And Jesus doesn’t play their game. He doesn’t cave to pressure. He doesn’t bend to cynicism. He walks away.

This is a sobering moment. Jesus doesn’t chase them. He doesn’t argue back. He gets in the boat and moves on.

Some people don’t want to believe and surrender—they want to control and stay in charge. And that’s the Pharisees. They have not come to inquire of Jesus or have any desire to follow him. They merely want Jesus to play by their rules.

And we can all fall into the same trap. We think:

“God, show me something and then I’ll believe.”
“Fix this first, and then I’ll trust you.”
“Give me a sign, and then I’ll surrender.”

But that’s not how belief and faith work.

Faith moves before the sign. It steps out without a guarantee. It trusts in Jesus—without forcing his hand. There’s a huge difference between asking by faith and demanding with pride. One walks toward Jesus. The other makes Jesus sigh and walk away.

Jesus, I don’t want to test you—I want to trust You. Help my faith walk ahead of the sign I think I need. Amen.

#FaithNotSigns, #TrustJesus, #Mark8

ASK THIS:

1. Have you ever asked God for a sign to prove Himself?
2. How do you respond when God seems silent?
3. What’s the difference between testing God and trusting Him?
4. How does pride keep us from surrender?

DO THIS:

Choose to trust Jesus today in one area where you've been waiting for proof.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, I don’t want to test you—I want to trust You. Help my faith walk ahead of the sign I think I need. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

“Trust in You” by Lauren Daigle.