MONDAY

Reading for Today:
Mark 1:1-8
1 Corinthians 1:1-17
Psalm 72
Joshua 1–2

Joshua 1–2
The Lord told Joshua to meditate on the law day and night so that he would do everything God commanded. He knew that Joshua’s thoughts would dictate his actions. If his thoughts were focused on God’s Word, his actions would be pure. Most of us have a variety of Bibles sitting on our bookshelves and maybe even a Bible on our phones. We have an abundance of resources. Even still, we often fail to meditate on the Word of the Lord. This week, take advantage of the resources you have. Don’t leave your Bible on the shelf to gather dust.

TUESDAY

Reading for Today:
Mark 1:9-20
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Psalm 73
Joshua 3–5

Psalm 73
What is something you really want? Maybe it’s a nicer home or newer car. Maybe it’s a better-paying job or a job you enjoy more. Maybe it’s healing from a disease or restoration of a broken relationship. Wanting these things isn’t bad, but sadly, we sometimes want these things more than we want Jesus. Ask yourself this question: If God never gave me what I’m praying for, but I still had Jesus, would I be okay? The psalmist was. In verse 25, he said, “Earth has nothing I desire besides you.” Can we say the same thing?

WEDNESDAY

Reading for Today:
Mark 1:21-34
1 Corinthians 2
Psalm 74
Joshua 6–7

1 Corinthians 2
Do we have the mind of Christ? According to 1 Corinthians 2:16, we are supposed to. But do we live like it? Do we think about the things Jesus thought about? Jesus thought about his purpose and why he was on this earth. He thought about his Father. He thought about how he could best minister to those around him. My guess is, most of us don’t spend nearly as much time thinking about these things as we do thinking about other things. How much would our world change if we thought about the things Jesus thought about?

THURSDAY

Reading for Today:
Mark 1:35-45
1 Corinthians 3
Psalm 75
Joshua 8–9

Joshua 8–9
When the Gibeonites came to the Israelites to make a peace treaty, the Israelites did not inquire of the Lord. Instead, they did what seemed best. We often do similar things in our lives. We make plans for our future without bringing them before the Lord. Or we tell him about our plans and ask him to bless them instead of asking him what he wants us to do. We look for his blessing but fail to ask for his instruction. This week, in both big and small decisions, seek his guidance first, then his blessings.

FRIDAY

Reading for Today:
Mark 2:1-12
1 Corinthians 4
Psalm 76
Joshua 10–12

1 Corinthians 4
Paul urged the Corinthians to imitate him (v. 16). He knew without a doubt he was living for Jesus and setting a good example for the believers to follow. Many of us might not be able to say the same thing. We may not want newer believers to imitate us. We may not want our children to think about the things we think about, do the things we do, or say the words we say. The truth is, whether we like it or not, we are all leading someone. The question is, are we leading them well?

SATURDAY

Reading for Today:
Mark 2:13-17
1 Corinthians 5
Psalm 77
Joshua 13–14

Mark 2:13-17
Sinners were drawn to Jesus. They loved being around him. They invited him to their dinners and parties. What’s amazing is that Jesus went. Unlike the religious leaders who were afraid of looking “sinful,” Jesus reached out to sinners by spending time with them. Many of us haven’t yet learned this. We surround ourselves with other believers, protecting our families from the influence of the world. Though it’s important to guard our hearts, it’s also important to make a difference. We can’t lead sinners to Jesus if we’re not around them.