A Living Dog Is Better Than a Dead Lion | Ecclesiastes 9:4-6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#HopeInGod, #MakeItCount, #Ecclesiastes9

ASK THIS:
What does this passage teach you about the urgency of life?
What area of your life needs spiritual renewal today?
How can you shift your focus from past failures to present opportunities?
Who can you bless today with the time God has given you?
DO THIS:
Seize today as an opportunity to seek God, repent, and live with purpose.

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

PLAY THIS:
Seize The Day.