Reading for today:  Joshua 24:1-14 and Mark 15:16-20

“And when they had mocked Him, they took the purple off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him.”  Mark 15:20

The King of glory, the Creator of all heaven and earth, Almighty God, allowed Himself to be mocked.  He allowed His sovereignty to be ridiculed.  How could He?  Why would He allow this unthinkable suffering and humiliation to be inflicted on His Son?  It was part of God’s redeeming plan for our salvation.  He proved His love for us in the sacrificing of His only Son for the forgiveness of our sins.

Reading for today:  Joshua 23:1-16 and Mark 15:1-15

“…the LORD your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you.”  Joshua 23:10b

Our God promised to fight our enemies for us.  Your enemy may be the situation, the attitude or condition of your heart, or your weakness that threatens to destroy your well-being.  Go to the Lord, lay your dilemma at His feet, and ask Him to defeat your enemy.  Then trust Him with your burden; praise Him, give Him thanks, cling to His Word and persist in your trusting Him.  Trust in Him and you will not be disappointed.

Reading for today: Joshua 22:32-34, Mark 14:66-72

“A second time the rooster crowed. Then Peter called to mind the word that Jesus had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.’  And when he thought about it, he wept.” Mark 14:72

Will we ever deny Christ?  Will we compromise our faith?  As the times grow increasingly difficult, are we ready to face the challenges that are before us?  May we draw closer to our Lord and not to the things of this world.

Reading for today: Joshua 22:30-31, Mark 14:56

“For many bore false witness against Him, but their testimonies did not agree.” 
Mark 14:56-59

False witnesses who don’t believe in Jesus come with their lies.  In this world of lies and deceit, we as believers have the truth and that truth in Jesus will set us free.  And those He set free are free indeed!  AMEN.

Readings for today: Joshua 22:21-29, Mark 14:32-52

“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:38

How many times have you put aside time to pray and when that time comes, everything goes wrong?  Remember, prayer is the answer to everything!  We must persevere and fight the battle and remember that we have total victory in Christ.

Readings for today: Joshua 22:13-20, Mark 14:12-31

“Now as they sat and ate, Jesus said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, one of you who eats with Me will betray Me.’ And they began to be sorrowful, and to say to Him one by one, ‘Is it I?’ And another said, ‘Is it I?’”  Mark 14:18-19 a
Jesus said to the apostles that one would betray Him.  This opened up their hearts to do some self examination of their own.  As believers this is something we need to do often…is it I Lord?  Do I need to change some things?  Do I recognize that I need your help to change them?  When we do this it is cleansing and we are set free from things hidden in our hearts.

Readings for today: Joshua 22:10-12, Mark 14:1-11

Focus on: Joshua 22:10-12

How often is it that a rumor gets started because of the way something appears and someone reaches an incorrect conclusion and tells another?  Remember to find out all the facts before coming to any conclusion — and always bring it to the Lord in prayer for his direction.  He knows best.

Readings for today: Joshua 22:6-9, Mark 13:24-37

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Mark 13:32

If no one knows the day or the hour then we should be ready at all times.  The question to all of us is: are we ready?  Are we closer to the Lord today then we were yesterday?  How is our prayer life and where is Jesus on our priority list?  As the song says: People get ready, Jesus IS coming!

Readings for today: Joshua 22:1-5, Mark 13:1-23

Focus on: Mark 13:21-23

We are not to seek signs in these last days for many will come looking to deceive, even those in Christ, and say they are the Christ or a prophet.  The Lord has given us His Word to live by and in it we find the answers to every question.  Jesus clearly warns us to be aware of the deceit which is to come.  Only Jesus saves — no other — don’t be fooled!

Reading for today: Joshua 21:43-45, Mark 12:35-44

“Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites….” Mark 12:42

God seeks a pure heart.  It is not how much we have or how much we give, but what is motivating the heart to do so.  “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21