God is the true shepherd who gathers his flock under the righteousness of Jesus (Jeremiah 23:1-6). He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46). Jesus provides light in the darkness and rescues his people from their enemies (Luke 1:68-79). The King of the Universe has reconciled all things to himself through the blood of his cross (Colossians 1:11-20). Like the criminal that was crucified beside him, he remembers those who humble themselves, acknowledges his holiness, and call upon him in faith (Luke 23:33-43). In him, we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Jeremiah 23:1-6 Luke 1:68-79 Psalm 46 Colossians 1:11-20 Luke 23:33-43
We look forward to Christ’s second coming (Mal 4:1-2a) and the promise of new heavens and earth (Isaiah 65:17-25). God is our salvation (Isaiah 12) during times of judgment (Malachi 4:-12a) and has done marvelous things worthy of praise (Psalm 98). In anticipation of future glory, we should continue working hard and doing what is right (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13). Stay alert during times of persecution and confusion. Stand firm in the confidence that God will protect and care for his people (Luke 21:5-19).
Eternity and Resurrection “We know that our Redeemer lives (Job 19:23-27a)! We walk in the paths of righteousness, always kept close by the Lord in “the shadow of his wings” (Psalm 17:1-9). We give thanks to him (2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17) and look forward to being resurrected and living with him (Luke 20:27-38).” – Thomas Oden, in Ancient Christian Devotional
Walking the Talk We should do good, seek justice, defend the fatherless and care for the widow (Isaiah 1:10-18). We confess our sins and give thanks that God fogives us (Psalm 32:1-7), pray that we will be worthy of God’s calling (2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12) and are thankful that Christ came to save the lost (Luke 19:1-10). – Thomas Oden in Ancient Christian Devotional
Pursue God with Humility and Faith God promises to restore and save his people (Joel 2:23-32 and Psalm 65). We are prone to wander from God (Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22), but through Jesus Christ, he saves us and gives us the strength to walk in faith (2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18). Humble yourself before the Lord (Luke 18:9-14) and long for his presence (Psalm 84:1-7).
Persistence The Lord’s covenant love will follow his people, even as they experience judgment and brokenness (Jeremiah 31:27-34). They are called to persistently meditate on the law of God (Psalm 119:97-104) and courageously seek his blessing (Genesis 32:22-31). Look to God for help and protection (Psalm 121). Continue to pursue God’s truth in times of apostasy, struggle, and suffering (2 Timothy 3:14-4:5). Cry out to God for justice day and night (Luke 18:1-8).
Trust and Obey Seek the welfare of the place where you live (Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7). Trust in God’s power to heal in unexpected ways (2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c). Give thanks to the Lord for his power, love, and grace (Psalm 111/Psalm 66). He is faithful, even when we are faithless (2 Timothy 2:8-15). Just as the leper returned to thank God, so also we should thank God for his undeserved salvation (Luke 17:11-19).
Faith, Hope, and Love … in the Midst of Struggle When times are tough (Lamentations 1:1-6) we are encouraged to remember God’s faithfulness (Lamentations 3:19-26) and to live by faith (Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4). Don’t fret over evil people who prosper (Psalm 37:1-10). God’s people have been through seasons of exile (Psalm 137) but must not lose sight of their holy calling (2 Timothy 1:1-14). Demonstrate love and self-control while carrying out Jesus’ commandments with gratitude (Luke 17:5-10).
Christ Our Treasure “We should not put our confidence in earthly wealth (Amos 6:1a, 4-7); rather, we should put our trust in the Lord who made heaven and earth (Psalm 146). Desiring to be rich often causes us to fall into temptation; contentment comes when we realize we have brought nothing into the world and can take nothing out of it (1 Timothy 6:6-19). In Jesus’ parable of the poor man Lazarus, we see that in light of eternity, wealth means nothing (Luke 16: 19-31).” – Thomas Oden in Ancient Christian Devotional
Generous Faithfulness Jeremiah cried out to God during times of grief and desperation (Jeremiah 8:18-9:1). The prophets teach us that humans are prone to trample the needy and ignore God’s law (Amos 8:4-7). God hears the cry of his people and promises to lift up the needy and bring life to those who suffer (Psalm 113). We are called to embrace the redemption offered through Jesus Christ, pray for everyone, and aspire to live quiet and peaceable lives (1 Timothy 2:1-17). Jesus teaches us to serve God faithfully by keeping our lives free from the love of money — pursuing honesty, generosity, and gratitude (Luke 16:1-13).