Sunday, May 31

Reading for today: Joshua 10:40-43 and Mark 7:31-37

“Then He commanded them that they should tell no one; but the more He commanded them, the more widely they proclaimed it.”  Mark 7:36

When our prayers are answered we are so excited to go and tell people what the Lord did in our lives; just like the blind, mute man did.  He was so excited at the healing that he had to go and spread it around.  I wonder how many people came to Christ after seeing this miracle.   How many people can we bring to Christ through our own testimonies?

Saturday, May 30

Reading for today: Joshua 10:28-39 and Mark 7:24-30

“And He entered a house and wanted no one to know it, but He could not be hidden.”  Mark 7:24b

What was it about Jesus that made Him unable to hide from people?  Was it a certain attitude, or the way He talked or looked?  Perhaps all the above and more in one package.  I once worked in an office with a Christian woman; even before I was saved I knew there was something different about her.

Friday, May 29

Reading for today: Joshua 10:16-27 and Mark 7:14-23

“When He entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable.”  Mark 7:17

If something doesn’t make sense, always ask questions.  Even though the disciples walked with Jesus, talked with Jesus, and knew His ways, they too had questions.

Thursday, May 28th

Reading for today: Joshua 10:12-15 and Mark 7:1-13

“…making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down.  And many such things you do.” Mark 7:13

When God speaks to you, what holds you back from walking in the direction He’s pointing?  It’s great to have family ties or a good job as long as it doesn’t hinder God’s leading.  If He calls you today to some faraway place or something completely foreign to you, would you hear His call or would you walk with the familiar?

Wednesday, May 27

Reading for today: Joshua 10:9-11 and Mark 6:53-56

“…the Lord cast down large hailstones from heaven, and they died. There were more who died from hailstones than the children of Israel killed with a sword.”  Joshua 10:11b

Look back at verse 8: “And the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Do not fear them for I have delivered them into your hand.’”  When you know God is talking to you, commanding you to do something, do it.  No matter how impossible the task appears to you, He is faithful.  He can use something as natural as hailstones to accomplish His task.

Tuesday, May 26

Reading for today: Joshua 10:6-8 and Mark 6:45-52

“And when He sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray.” Mark 6:46

Luke 5:16 says, “So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” The word “often” caught my attention; how He needed to first seek God’s plan. This makes me realize how important prayer is for all of us.

Monday, May 25

Reading for today: Joshua 10:1-5 and Mark 6:30-44

“And when He had taken the five loaves and the two fish, He looked up to heaven, blessed and broke the loaves.” Mark 6:41aGod wants what you have, not what you don’t have.  When you are stressed out because you’re short of time, money or clothing, STOP!  Get on your knees and tell the Lord what your need is.  Thank Him for what He’s given you and know that He will work whatever the shortage may be.  He will stop the clock for you, give you a new way of looking at your wardrobe or make you aware of which bills need to be paid and which can be put off.  Trust Him with what you have.

Sunday, May 24th

Reading for today:  Joshua 9:22-27 and Mark 6:14-29

“And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her.”  Mark 6:26

Other people in our lives can influence us, even to the point of compromise. Seeking to please people is a snare and a trap; if we are not careful we will find ourselves in a terrible place, doing the wrong things. Let us live to please our Heavenly Father.  When we find ourselves in compromising situations, we should pray and ask the Lord for His strength to do and say the right things.

Saturday, May 23rd

Reading for today:  Joshua 9:19-21 and Mark 6:7-13

“This we will do to them:  We will let them live, lest wrath be upon us because of the oath which we swore to them.” Joshua 9:20

Keeping our word is very important, especially in the sight of God.  Before we make a promise or decision to do something we should seek the Lord’s wisdom so that we can be sure we make the right choice according to the Lord’s will.

Friday, May 22nd

Reading for today:  Joshua 9:17-18 and Mark 6:1-6

“But Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.’”  Mark 6:4

It is comforting to realize that Jesus suffered the same kind of persecution we also face when we seek to tell our friends and family about God’s plan of salvation. As Jesus continued His ministry, so must we. We need to remember that when our loved ones reject us, they are really rejecting Christ. It’s important not to linger over our hurt feelings.  Our loved ones’ salvation is much more important.  We need to give those hurt feelings of rejection to the Lord and continue to love and pray for the people in our lives, tactfully sharing our faith whenever we can.