Reading God’s Word: Mark 9:30–37; Psalm 89:19-37

Memorizing God’s Word: Mark 8:34, Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Meditating on God’s Word: Mark 9:30b-31a, Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were because he was teaching his disciples.

Praying God’s Word: “Lord, distractions – we all have them. Was Jesus trying to create an environment without distractions so He could tell his disciples something important? He would be betrayed and killed. Were they listening? They did not understand, but were they even listening? They had been arguing about who was the greatest, so perhaps focused on self? What are my distractions and when do they prevent me from listening and obeying you, Lord? Daily I need to create a personal environment, (without distractions), so my attention is focused on you, your word and what you want me to know. Thank you for making ‘known to me the path of life’ (Psalm 16:11) Amen.”