The Lord is our light, inspiring boldness in the midst of fear and darkness (Psalm 27). The promises he has made are sealed in blood and continue for untold generations (Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18). Like Jesus, we press on toward the cross because our citizenship in heaven is guaranteed (Philippians 3:17-41). In spite of adversity, Jesus stayed faithful until his mission was accomplished (Luke 4:1-13).
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Trust in the Lord and make him your dwelling place (Psalm 99:1-2, 9-16). God provides deliverance and salvation to his people. Therefore, we should offer God the first fruits of our labor to celebrate his provision. (Deuteronomy 26:1-11) All those who confess Jesus as Lord, and call on his name are counted among God’s beloved children and will be saved (Romans 10:8b-13). Jesus has done what we could not. He has fully rejected the temptations of the evil one in order to glorify God and secure our salvation (Luke 4:1-13).
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God strengthen me to bear myself;
That heaviest weight of all to bear,
Inalienable weight of care.
All others are outside myself;
I lock my door and bar them out
The turmoil, tedium, gad-about.
I lock my door upon myself,
And bar them out; but who shall wall
Self from myself, most loathed of all?
If I could once lay down myself,
And start self-purged upon the race
That all must run ! Death runs apace.
If I could set aside myself,
And start with lightened heart upon
The road by all men overgone!
God harden me against myself,
This coward with pathetic voice
Who craves for ease and rest and joys
Myself, arch-traitor to myself;
My hollowest friend, my deadliest foe,
My clog whatever road I go.
Yet One there is can curb myself,
Can roll the strangling load from me
Break off the yoke and set me free
He Gave His Son
Give thanks to the Lord (Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22), for the power of sin was broken on the cross (Numbers 21:4-9). For God so loved the world that he gave his Son (John 3:14-21); by his grace and mercy, we are saved (Ephesians 2:1-10).
-Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
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The Way of Obedience
Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in your sight (Psalm 19). Help us to follow your commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and fully believe and embrace the teachings of Jesus (John 2:13-22). Help us to remember that God makes foolish the wisdom of the world (1 Corinthians 1:18-25).
-Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
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