In today's devotional from Mark 12, Roger Duncan provides the setting and background to the story that contains a very solemn conversation between Jesus and a scribe. This story serves as a reminder to us of how close some people can get to accepting Christ; yet for various reasons, they chose not to do so. It also serves as a warning for us to remember that knowledge of the Scriptures and having an interest in Jesus are not enough to save a person's soul.

In this final episode on the Life of Nicodemus, Roger Duncan focuses on the third stage or phase in Nicodemus' life, as it related to Jesus. In John 19, we find Nicodemus boldly declaring his allegiance to Christ through his actions surrounding the Lord's burial. Nicodemus had come to the point in his life that he no longer cared who knew or what it might cost him, to follow Jesus. May the same be said of you and me!

In today's episode, Roger Duncan discusses the second phase in the life of Nicodemus and his faith journey. In John 7, we find Nicodemus speaking up for Jesus. It was done subtly, but at least, he did it. At some point and time in our lives, each of us, as believers, are going to find ourselves in a position where we need to speak up for the Lord and our faith. May we be found faithful and unashamed in this situation.

In today's episode, Roger Duncan begins a series on the life of Nicodemus. There were three phases, or stages, that Nicodemus went through in his relationship with the Lord Jesus. In this first stage, we find Nicodemus being drawn to Christ, and his meeting with Jesus in John 3 reminds us of the wonderful truth that the gospel is for every one and is available on a personal level.

In our last episode in this series, Roger Duncan provides several practical principles we can live by, in order to protect our joy. Satan longs to hinder and steal our joy, so we must be vigilant in guarding and defending it. We are also reminded that, ultimately, having joy in our lives comes down to a choice. We must be determined that we are going to experience all the joy that the Lord has for us.

In part 3 of our study, Roger Duncan provides the final 3 parts to Paul's formula for joy. They are found in Philippians chapters 2-4, and they consist of having a selfless mindset, a spiritual mindset, and a secure mindset. The key to maintaining our joy involves putting others first, focusing on heavenly things as opposed to earthly things, and allowing God's peace and His strength to help us guard our minds and have victory in our thought life.

In part 2 of our series on "The Quest For Joy," Roger Duncan looks at the life of the Apostle Paul and his letter to the Philippians as a formula for maintaining our joy. Paul teaches us that, for the Christian, the key to experiencing joy is having the proper mindset and perspective. Paul was a master at viewing his suffering, trials, or circumstances through the lens of Christ and the blessings in his life. This is a principle we need to integrate into our lives, as we endeavor to have the type of joy God desires for us.

Roger Duncan begins the first of a four-part series on "The Quest For Joy." As believers, joy has been provided to us by the Lord Jesus, but many of us struggle to experience it like we were intended to. Jesus longs for us to continually have His joy and that there would be fullness of joy in our lives (John 15:11).

In this episode, Roger Duncan looks at an intriguing story of an event that transpired in II Kings 13:14-19 between King Jehoash and Elisha, the prophet. Sadly, it is a story about a king who forfeited God's best for him and his people because of his lack of faith, half-heartedness, and lack of spiritual discernment. We find some very practical lessons and warnings in this story that can help us as we endeavor to enjoy and receive all that God has for us.

As we head into Mother's Day weekend, Roger Duncan leads us in a study about Jochabed, the mother of Moses. What a godly woman of impact, determination, dedication, and prayer! She was able to still godly principles and character into her son that would result in Moses refusing the riches and pleasures of Egypt and remaining true to his Israelite brethren. To all of the ladies, wives, mothers, and grandmothers in our lives, we love and appreciate you!