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

Today’s shout-out goes to Ken Dunwoody from Atlanta, GA. Thank you for partnering with us through Project23. You're helping us call hearts back to the Word. This one’s for you.

Our text today is Mark 7:6-8:

And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” — Mark 7:6-8

This is a mic-drop moment from Jesus. He’s not just correcting the Pharisees—he’s exposing them.

He quotes Isaiah, calling out their hypocrisy:

“This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.”

That’s a hardcore call-out. These religious leaders sounded godly. They looked godly. But their hearts weren’t close to God—they were far off, buried beneath the weight of practice, performance, and pride.

Their worship was hollow. Their obedience, performative. Their leadership, off course. And their doctrine? Built more on man-made rules than God’s revealed Word.

And here’s the warning for us: it’s easy to drift into lip-service faith. We say the right words, but our hearts are disengaged. We quote Scripture, but don’t surrender to it. We sing worship songs, but don’t live worshipful lives. We know all the Christian lingo, but we don’t love like Christ.

It’s possible to build a whole spiritual life that looks right—while being far from God.

So ask yourself:
— Am I more loyal to tradition than to truth?
— Am I teaching others to do things God never commanded?
— Do I sound faithful but live faithless?

God doesn’t want your performance—he wants your presence. He doesn’t need spiritual noise—he wants spiritual nearness. He’s after your heart. Not just your habits.

#HeartBeforeHabit, #JesusNotJustWords, #FaithThatFeels

ASK THIS:

1. What spiritual practices have I been doing out of routine, not relationship?
2. Have I substituted God’s Word with man-made rules or traditions?
3. Where is my heart far from God, even if my words sound close?
4. How can I move from lip-service to true-hearted obedience?

DO THIS:

Pause today and examine your heart. Pray Psalm 139:23–24—ask God to reveal where you’ve drifted into routine and return to genuine worship.

PRAY THIS:

God, I don’t want to honor you with words but deny you with my heart. Pull me close. Break down my traditions. Rekindle authentic worship. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

“Give Me Jesus” – Jeremy Camp

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

Today’s shout-out goes to Corey Dill from Auburn, ME. Thank you for partnering with us through Project23. Your faithfulness is helping others find truth in God's Word. This study is for you.

Our text today is Mark 7:1-5:

Now when the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the elders, and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches.) And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” — Mark 7:1-5

Jesus is about to challenge a deeply embedded cultural and religious practice—and the collision is unavoidable.

The Pharisees come down from Jerusalem, the religious epicenter. But instead of focusing on Jesus’ message or miracles, they fixate on something petty: his disciples didn’t wash their hands before eating.

Now, this wasn’t about hygiene—it was about ceremonial cleanliness. Over time, religious leaders added layer upon layer of rules—man-made rituals meant to “guard” God’s law. But in guarding it, they buried it. They replaced heartfelt obedience with outward performance.

That’s the danger. Religion becomes a show. Tradition becomes a substitute for transformation.

And here’s where it hits home. We do this, too.
— We go to church but don’t listen.
— We pray before meals but don’t pray from the heart.
— We read a verse a day but don’t seek to apply it.
— We volunteer, tithe, serve—but resist surrender.

Why? Because those things are easier to manage than dealing with our motives, bitterness, pride, or hidden sin. They’re visible. Comfortable. Controllable. But Jesus didn’t die to give us clean habits—he died to give us clean hearts.

So, what traditions are you clinging to while avoiding true obedience?
Are there places where you’ve mistaken the routine for the relationship?

God never asked for clean hands at the table—he asked for clean hearts before his throne.

#HeartOverHabit, #JesusOverTradition, #CleanHeartsNotJustHands

ASK THIS:

1. Where am I relying on tradition instead of real relationship with Jesus?
2. What habits have become heartless rituals in my life?
3. Do I obey God from the heart—or just to be seen?
4. When was the last time I confessed a hidden motive to God?

DO THIS:

Identify one spiritual routine this week you’ve been doing on autopilot—and ask God to reawaken your heart through it.

PRAY THIS:

Lord, I don’t want empty religion. Wake up my heart. Make my obedience real. Strip away what looks good but lacks love. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

“Heart of Worship” – Matt Redman.

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

Today’s shout-out goes to Bruce Bowler from Cedar Falls, IA. Thank you for partnering with us through Project23. Your support is helping others reach for Jesus—maybe for the first time. This one’s for you.

Our text today is Mark 6:53-56:

When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well. — Mark 6:53-56

Jesus steps out of the boat in Gennesaret—and the people move fast. They recognize him. They run through towns and villages. They gather the sick, the broken, the weary—laying them out in streets and marketplaces. But what they want is simple. Not a lesson. Not a meeting. Not even a touch from his hand.

“If we could just touch the fringe of his garment.”

That’s what they were after. Just the edge. The tassel. The outermost thread. Because they believed the power of Jesus extended even to the fringe. And it did.

“As many as touched it were made well.”

Faith doesn’t always walk in with swagger. Sometimes, it crawls in with desperation. Sometimes, it’s not bold enough to stand tall—
but just enough to stretch out an arm. Faith reaches for the fringe.

The people in this story knew they weren’t worthy to ask for much. But they believed Jesus was more than enough. So they reached. And Jesus healed.

It’s the same today. You may not feel like your faith is strong. You may not feel like you have the words. You may not even feel worthy of asking. But Jesus still honors those who reach out to him. Even if all you can manage today is a whisper. A prayer through tears. A step toward the church. A breath of surrender. A call of repentance. That’s faith. And Jesus sees it and responds to it.

So wherever you are, however far off you feel—reach. The fringe of his robe still holds the fullness of his power.

ASK THIS:

1. When have you felt unworthy to approach Jesus?
2. What does “reaching for the fringe” look like in your life today?
3. How can desperation lead to deeper faith?
4. Why do you think Jesus honors even small acts of faith?

DO THIS:

Take one small action today that symbolizes reaching for Jesus—pray, read one verse, confess, or ask for help.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, I don’t always feel strong or worthy, but I’m reaching for you anyway. Meet me in my weakness with your healing power. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

Touch the Hem of His Garment.

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

Today’s shout-out goes to Henry Kunkel from West Islip, NY. Thank you for partnering with us through Project23. You’re helping others find peace in the middle of their storms. This one’s for you.

Our text today is Mark 6:45-52:

Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened. — Mark 6:45-52

After feeding thousands, Jesus sends the disciples ahead in a boat while he goes up the mountain to pray. They head out across the water, probably expecting a simple trip to the other side. But as night falls, things get difficult. The wind picks up. The boat stalls. And the disciples are stuck—rowing with everything they’ve got but making little progress.

It’s late, probably around 3:00 a.m. They’re exhausted, confused, and afraid.

And Jesus sees them stuck in the middle. But he doesn’t shout from the shoreline or send instructions from the mountain.
He walks out to them—on the water.

But when they see him, they don’t recognize him. They think he’s a ghost. Fear takes over. And they cry out. But Jesus responds with calm assurance:

“Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

Right in the middle of the storm, he shows up. He gets into the boat with them. The wind dies down. Peace returns. It’s a miracle and an important one. Jesus doesn’t meet them at the beginning of the storm or the end of the storm. He meets them in the middle of it. When they are the most exhausted. When they are about to give up hope.

And he still does that. Jesus doesn’t always wait for the waves to settle or the skies to clear. Sometimes, he steps right into your chaos—right in the middle of your confusion and fear. Then he comes close. Not to condemn your fear but to calm your heart. And often, his presence is the peace you’ve been looking for all along.

If you're weary, stuck, or straining against the wind—know this: He meets you in the middle. Not when it’s over. Not when you’ve figured it out. But right in the thick of it. Are you in the storm today? Stop fearing, call out to him.

Jesus, we call out for you in our storm. Come to us. Give us peace. Command our storm. Call it calm. Amen

ASK THIS:

1. Why did Jesus let the disciples struggle before coming to them?
2. What does this moment teach you about how Jesus shows up in your life?
3. Where do you feel like you’re “rowing against the wind”?
4. What would it look like to trust Jesus in the middle of it—not just when it’s over

DO THIS:

Write down one area of your life that feels stuck or stormy. Take a few minutes today to sit quietly and ask Jesus to meet you in that space.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, I’m tired of trying to row through this on my own. Thank you for coming close. Help me feel your presence and trust your peace, even in the middle of the storm. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

Peace be Still.

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

Today’s shout-out goes to Bob & Shannon Maxiner from Lake Elmo, MN. Thank you for partnering with us through Project23. Your support reminds us that Jesus is always more than enough. This one’s for you.

Our text today is Mark 6:35-44:

And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men. — Mark 6:35-44

The sun was setting. The crowd was huge. And the disciples were doing the math. After a few quick calculations, they concluded that there was not enough. Enough time. Enough money. Enough food.

It’s a rational thought about the necessary rations. Five thousand men, not counting women and children. In a remote location.

But Jesus challenges their rational logic with a divine line:

“You give them something to eat.”

And their scarcity mentality kicks in.

“Are we supposed to spend two hundred denarii on bread?”
“We only have five loaves and two fish.”

The disciples only perceived natural impossibilities.
Jesus perceived spiritual possibilities.

Scarcity sees lack—but faith sees the Lord.

Jesus tells them to organize the crowd. He blesses the bread. He breaks the fish. What wasn’t enough in their hands becomes more than enough in his.

“And they all ate and were satisfied.”

Every need was met. No one went hungry. It cost nothing. They traveled nowhere. And there were twelve baskets of leftovers. This is what happens when we surrender scarcity to the Savior. Too many believers live day-by-day with a scarcity mentality.

Not enough time.
Not enough talent.
Not enough experience.
Not enough influence.
Not enough faith.

And so we play it safe. We hold back. We tell Jesus to “send them/it away.” However, Jesus never operates from a place of scarcity or lack. He’s not concerned about how much you have—he's asking if you’ll have faith, bring what you have, and give it to him. Because what feels insufficient to us becomes sufficient in Jesus's hands.

So stop living with a scarcity mentality. Live by faith. Bring what you have. Let Jesus multiply and make it more than enough.

ASK THIS:

1. Why do you think the disciples focused on what they didn’t have?
2. What does this story teach us about God's provision?
3. Where are you tempted to say, “It’s not enough”?
4. What would it look like to trust Jesus with that area today?

DO THIS:

Identify one area where you’ve been operating from a scarcity mindset. Write it down, bring it to Jesus in prayer, and trust Him to do more than you can see.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, I confess I’ve been focused on what I lack. Today I choose to bring what I have to you. Help me trust that your hands are better than mine. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"More Than Able" 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 Terry White from Dodge City, KS. Thank you for partnering with us through Project23. You’re helping others find rest in Christ and strength in His Word. This one’s for you.

Our text today is Mark 6:30-34:

The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. — Mark 6:30-34

The disciples return from their first mission trip—tired, drained, and hungry. They’ve been pouring themselves out in ministry. And Jesus sees it.

“Come away by yourselves… and rest a while.”

This is the heart of Jesus. He doesn’t just care about the mission—he realizes they are the mission. He invites them to recover, to respire, to rest.

But before they get to their quiet place, the crowd shows up. Not a few people—thousands. Uninvited. Unexpected. Undeterred.

And Jesus? He sees the crowd. He knows what it’ll cost. But he doesn’t send them away. Looking past the obligation, he sees who they are: "sheep without a shepherd." Therefore, he teaches them. He puts down his plan and picks up their burden.

Because with Jesus, compassion always overrides convenience.

Recognize that Jesus and the disciples were tired. But compassion made space for the crowd.

That’s not soft leadership—it’s spiritual maturity. And it’s the kind of heart Jesus is forming in us.

Let’s be honest—most of us guard our convenience with everything we’ve got. We guard our calendars, our boundaries, our margin, and our entertainment. But sometimes the Spirit brings the “crowd” to the shore of your day. And the question is—will you see them as a problem or a person? Will you protect your comfort, or extend compassion?

Compassion will cost you something. It always does. But it’s how we love like Jesus. It’s how we lead like Jesus. It’s how we point people to Jesus.

So today—who’s the crowd in front of you? Stop seeing your colleagues, children, and spouse as an inconvenience. See them as an opportunity to soften your heart and have a heart of compassion like Jesus.

ASK THIS:

1. Why do you think Jesus invited the disciples to rest but still made room for the crowd?
2. How did He balance compassion with leadership?
3. Where are you tempted to protect convenience over showing compassion?
4. What would it look like to allow compassion to override your plans this week?

DO THIS:

Think of one time recently when convenience won over compassion. Ask Jesus for the grace to make space—and love like He does next time.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, give me your eyes to see people—especially when it’s inconvenient. Teach me to love like you, even when I’m tired, interrupted, or busy. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"God of Justice" by Tim Hughes.

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

Today’s shout-out goes to Darrin Baker from Manhattan, KS. Thank you for partnering with us through Project23. Your faith and generosity are helping send the Word to those who need it most. This one’s for you.

Our text today is Mark 6:7-13:

And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them. — Mark 6:7-13

Jesus had just been rejected in his hometown. He could have pulled back from his mission due to this shame and embarrassment. He could have tightened the circle. Instead, he does the opposite. He expands it.

He calls the Twelve and sends them out two by two. He gives them mission and authority but tells them to bring almost nothing with them.

“Take no bread. No bag. No money.”

No food. No clothes. No cash. That's not a preparation. That's complete trust. There are no extra supplies. There's no backup plan.
This is just straight-up trust in Jesus.

That’s not how most of us operate. We want a safety net. We want to know the whole strategy. We want a sustainable five-year plan. But Jesus gives them something different. Something better:

His mission. His message. His authority. His power. His presence.

They weren’t sent because they were ready. They were ready because they were sent.

Because when Jesus sends, he sustains.

That’s the point of the moment. Jesus is not trying to deprive them—but trying to teach them dependence. He does not want them to depend on themselves but him. He is not going to make them influencers but use them for his influence and show even them that he is all the influence the world will ever need.

And the result?

They go. They preach repentance. They cast out demons. They anoint. They heal.

Ordinary men do extraordinary things because they trust the one who sent them.

The mission hasn’t changed. Jesus still sends. And when He sends, He still sustains. This means you don’t have to feel fully equipped to be effective. You just have to be willing to go and trust that Jesus will provide what you need along the way.

ASK THIS:

1. Why did Jesus tell the disciples not to take extra provisions?
2. How does dependence shape our faith?
3. Where might Jesus be sending you right now?
4. What’s one thing you need to trust Him to sustain in that area?

DO THIS:

Write down one area in your life where Jesus may be sending you—into a conversation, a relationship, a role, a moment. Step into it, trusting that where He sends, He sustains.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, I often feel unprepared—but I know you are faithful. Help me take the next step with confidence, believing you will provide all I need. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

Same God.