His delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

Psalms 1:2-3, ESV

The best time to plant an oak tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now.

Old Proverb

On this fifth day of our quest to read through the New Testament in 30 days, we begin again with the inspired account of the life of Jesus our Savior. Mark is the second in line of the four Gospels, and each one gives us fresh insights into the life and teachings of Jesus. Much of the material found in each one of these four Gospels will be a repetition of the other three, so you may be tempted to just skim over some of the material. I would encourage you to resist this temptation, for as we go back over the life of Christ we are not somehow wasting our time with redundancies, rather, we are setting down roots.

For many of you taking this challenge these readings will be quite familiar, for you are among those who "planted your tree" years ago. Your roots are already well established, but it is this very experience that tells you that the process is well worth the effort. The wisdom you have gained from years of study is added to each time you go back over God's holy Word. You know that there will be not only reminders of things you already knew, but also the fresh insights that always seem to come when we revisit these important truths from our loving Father.

For others it will be your first time to really sit down and read the Bible. You may feel overwhelmed at the enormity of the task before you but, remember, you are setting down roots! It would have been nice to have started twenty years ago, but you are now doing something at the very earliest time that you can for the life that you have left. So, sink these roots deep. Do not worry that you may be somewhat late to the game. Instead, enjoy now the things that God has set down for you to help you in life's journey.

Either way, whether your roots are deep or just getting started, delight in God's Word. Once having accomplished your reading for the day, don't just put it aside - meditate on it. You will be amazed at how this type of deep thought will help your life in every aspect. Again, don't forget our goal: We are going to Heaven! This reading of the Word and putting down deep roots will help us to our desired destination.

Today's reading is from the first seven chapters of Mark. May God richly bless your studies as you set your roots firmly in His way!