MONDAY

Reading for Today:
Mark 2:18-28
1 Corinthians 6:1-11
Psalm 78:1-39
Joshua 15–17

1 Corinthians 6:1-11
What were you before Jesus changed your life? Maybe you were a liar, a cheat, or an adulterer. Maybe you were a gossip, an addict, or a flirt. Maybe you were selfish, prideful, or angry. For sure, you were a sinner. All of us were. That’s why I love the small, three-letter word in the middle of 1 Corinthians 6:11. That small word is but. You might have been some of these things before, but you’re not anymore. Now, you are washed. Now, you are sanctified. Now, you are justified. (See verse 11). Now, you’re his.

TUESDAY

Reading for Today:
Mark 3:1-19
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Psalm 78:40-72
Joshua 18–19

Psalm 78:40-72
David’s past prepared him for his future. As a boy, he was a shepherd who protected, led, and cared for the sheep under his care. Then, as an adult, God called him to shepherd the people of Israel. (See Psalm 78:70-72). This week, you might feel stuck in a place you don’t really want to be, but don’t worry. God might be preparing you for your future. He might be using what you’re doing today to get you ready for what you’ll do tomorrow. Because the truth is, in God’s hands, there are no wasted moments. 

WEDNESDAY

Reading for Today:
Mark 3:20-35
1 Corinthians 7:1-16
Psalm 79
Joshua 20–21

Mark 3:20-35
“If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand” (Mark 3:24). Jesus used these words to prove he was not driving out demons by the power of Satan. Though in context he wasn’t teaching on unity in a marriage, the statement stands true in that respect. A marriage will not stand if it’s divided against itself. One common problem in marriages is that people begin to view their spouse as the enemy, when in reality, a husband and wife are on the same team. No matter what your feelings might be telling you, your spouse is not your enemy; Satan is. 

THURSDAY

Reading for Today:
Mark 4:1-20
1 Corinthians 7:17-40
Psalm 80
Joshua 22–23

Joshua 22–23
Imagine a teenage boy being picked on because he’s smaller than the rest of the boys. A crowd gathers, laughing at him as the taunting continues. Now imagine what would happen if the star quarterback came to his rescue and stood up for him. Imagine if he put his arm around the kid and made it clear he didn’t want to hear any more from the crowd. It’s a powerful thing when one person stands up for another. Joshua 23:10 tells us, “The Lord your God fights for you.” Our God doesn’t leave us to fight our battles alone.

FRIDAY

Reading for Today:
Mark 4:21-41
1 Corinthians 8
Psalm 81
Joshua 24

Mark 4:21-41
In Mark 4:35-41, the disciples made a mistake that many of us can likely relate to. They failed to apply what they knew about Jesus to their lives. They knew Jesus was powerful enough to help others(they had witnessed miracles, after all), but they didn’t know if he was powerful enough to help them. Have you ever thought something similar? I know God wants to help you, but I’m not so sure he wants to do the same for me. Let me assure you. God’s power isn’t meant only for others; it’s meant for you too.

SATURDAY

Reading for Today:
Mark 5:1-20
1 Corinthians 9:1-12
Psalm 82
Judges 1–3

1 Corinthians 9:1-12
For Paul, the believers in Corinth were the seal of his apostleship (verse 2). Worded another way, these believers were the evidence of his work in the Lord. Because their lives were transformed, we know Paul did his job well. When we are living for Jesus, there should be evidence. Our lives should show it, yes, but so should the lives of other people. Our faith in Jesus shouldn’t only impact ourselves. It should also impact others. This week look around and see what evidence you can find that shows you are living effectively for Jesus.