MONDAY

Reading for Today:
Mark 11:1-11
2 Corinthians 4
Psalm 99
1 Samuel 11–13

2 Corinthians 4
Our eyesight can dictate our attitudes. When our eyes see nothing but trouble, pain, and how unfair this world can be, our attitudes take a hit. On the other hand, when our eyes see the future Jesus promises to us, our attitudes improve. In 2 Corinthians 4:18 Paul challenged believers to fix their “eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” This world might be easier to see, but it’s not worth staring at when compared to what God has in store for us.

TUESDAY

Reading for Today:
Mark 11:12-26
2 Corinthians 5
Psalm 100
1 Samuel 14

Mark 11:12-26
What if your forgiveness depended on how well you forgave others? What if you could only be forgiven as well as you forgave those who sinned against you? Jesus’ warning in Mark 11:25 can be scary if forgiveness is something with which you struggle: “If you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins” (emphasis added). Thankfully, our forgiveness is rooted in God’s grace. I don’t know how God will respond on judgment day if we haven’t forgiven others, but I’d rather not risk it. 

WEDNESDAY

Reading for Today:
Mark 11:27-33
2 Corinthians 6
Psalm 101
1 Samuel 15–16

1 Samuel 15–16
We are quick to justify our actions, aren’t we? If we’re doing something that someone else says is wrong, we argue our case, making excuses to prove our innocence. We might even refuse to repent of clearly sinful behavior, having worked so hard to justify our actions that we no longer view them as sinful. That’s exactly what Saul did in this text. When he sinned by failing to completely destroy the Amalekites, he justified his actions to Samuel and to God. God didn’t buy it. God knows our hearts, so there’s no hiding from him.

THURSDAY

Reading for Today:
Mark 12:1-12
2 Corinthians 7
Psalm 102
1 Samuel 17–18

Psalm 102
What can you do today that will help a generation not yet born? In Psalm 102:18, the psalmist said, “Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord.” Few things in this world last. Clothes wear out. Food spoils. Even homes deteriorate as time passes. There are some things that can outlast us, though. One of those things is our written words. You don’t have to be an author to write words that will impact future generations. All you have to be is someone who has a pen, paper, and a story about God’s grace.

FRIDAY

Reading for Today:
Mark 12:13-27
2 Corinthians 8
Psalm 103
1 Samuel 19–20

1 Samuel 19–20
Jonathan could have been jealous of David. He was, after all, the king’s son and heir to the throne. It would have been understandable for Jonathan to battle jealousy toward David. But it doesn’t appear that he did. Jonathan recognized David as the rightful, God-appointed king who would reign after Saul. He saw God’s hand on David and chose to step back so David could shine. What an example he is for us today! When God is working in someone else’s life, don’t be jealous. Be supportive.

SATURDAY

Reading for Today:
Mark 12:28-34
2 Corinthians 9
Psalm 104
1 Samuel 21–23

2 Corinthians 9
What if God used what we give to determine how much he gives to us? What if he was only as generous with us as we are with other people? It’s a scary thought, isn’t it, especially when you realize there is truth to it? In 2 Corinthians 9:6, Paul told the church, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” It’s a principle we would be wise to note. When we give generously, whether it is of our time, money, or other resources, we reap generously.