Reading for today: Joshua 21:1-42, Mark 12:18-34

“Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Are you not therefore mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God?’” Mark 12:24

It is important that we know and take heed to God’s Word. He leads us in truth and guides us in His infinite wisdom. If you don’t have the answer, seek His Word and speak HIS truth only.

Reading for today: Joshua 20:1-9, Mark 12:13-17

“…for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth.”                Mark 12:14b  

Charles Spurgeon gave this piece of advice to pastors: “It is always best not to know, nor wish to know, what is being said about you, either by friends or foes. Those who praise us are probably as much mistaken as those who abuse us.” Benjamin Franklin said, “The Devil sweetens poison with honey.”

Reading for today: Joshua 19:32-51, Mark 12:1-12

“The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.” Mark 12:10b

Praise God!  It is in the light of Christ which we stand and are able to hold on to our hope of eternal salvation for HE IS OUR Living Cornerstone!  May we never take His precious gift for granted.  Thank You Jesus!

Reading for today: Joshua 19:1-31, Mark 11:25-33

“So they answered and said to Jesus, ‘We do not know.’ And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.’” Mark 11:33

Jesus did not come for the self righteous and proud.  Jesus reveals Himself to those who will humble themselves before Him.  “And when HE brings out HIS own sheep, HE goes before them; and the sheep follow HIM, for they know HIS voice.” John 10:4

Reading for today: Joshua 18:11-28, Mark 11:12-24

“And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs.” Mark 11:13

If this was the only miracle of its kind, we must see there is a great and important lesson in it.  David Guzik said, “God doesn’t approve when there is profession without reality, talk without walk.”  Search me, oh God, and know my heart.  
Psalm139:23

Reading for today: Joshua 18:1-10, Mark 11:1-11

“How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers has given you?” Joshua 18:3b

There are times in our lives that the Lord calls us to something that He specifically has planned for us to do.  When Jesus calls you He will always prepare your heart and your way.  Don’t be afraid to step out in faith.  Joshua’s question challenged their faith.  Are you challenged today? 

Reading for today: Joshua 17:14-18 and Mark 10:46-52

“But the children of Joseph said, ‘The mountain country is not enough for us; and all the
Canaanites who dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both those who are of Beth Shean and its towns and those who are of the Valley of Jezreel.’” Joshua 17:16

In Joshua 16, Caleb acknowledges God’s greatness and acts on His promises.  Here, the tribe of Ephraim and a half-tribe of Manasseh proclaim their own greatness and demonstrate a lack of faith.  Where Caleb saw giants and fortified cities and knew God was greater, Joseph’s descendants see many Canaanites and iron chariots and knew they were not able to conquer the land in spite of their boasting.  Joshua has to remind them that they have great power – God’s power and His promises.

Reading for today: Joshua 17:1-13 and Mark 10:32-45

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”  Mark 10:45

Too often we come to church expecting to be served.  We expect that someone will greet us at the door, watch our children, play us music, serve us communion, and teach us the Word.  We expect that food will be served during special occasions, and that the facilities will be clean and comfortable.  We give little thought to the fact that all these tasks are accomplished because people have chosen to serve.

Reading for today: Joshua 16:1-10 and Mark 10:17-31

“Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him…” Mark 10:21a

Wow.  The rich young ruler had just misunderstood Jesus and Mark tells us that, “Jesus, looking at him, loved him.”  Jesus also knew that the rich young ruler might reject Him  because he didn’t want to relinquish his wealth, and still He loved him.  Before we were saved, Jesus looked at us and our sin and He loved us, too.  He sees us as we are, in spite of our sin and circumstances, and loves us.  Think about it: Jesus, the Son of God - God Himself - loves us.
 

Reading for today: Joshua 15:20-63 and Mark 10:13-16

“Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” Mark 10:15
 
Children have an amazing capacity to place their complete trust in a parent. In most cases they are completely dependent upon their parents to feed, clothe, protect, and love them, and know of no other way of life.  This is the circumstance Jesus describes.  We must come to God not hoping, but fully expecting him to give us His grace and forgiveness and to supply our needs in accordance to His will.  Without faith it is impossible to please God.