“God is great and worthy of our praise (Psalm 48). Lifting our eyes to Him (Psalm 123), we can accomplish things we could never do on our own through God’s power (2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10) and through Jesus Christ (Mark 6:1-13). We also accept our weaknesses, acknowledging that everything we accomplish is done with the help of the Lord (2 Corinthians 12:2-10).”
The Strongest May Fall, but Christ Brings Life in the Midst of Death
Life is full of pain and loss (Psalm 130). Even the strongest can suddenly be taken away (2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27). In the midst of sadness and loss, we must wait for the Lord and trust in His faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-33). Our God is the God of the living. He has the power to renew life, even in those who have died (Mark 5:21-43). This hope gives us the strength to live lives of giving, grace, and gratitude (2 Corinthians 8:7-15). We praise God for His healing and deliverance (Psalm 30).
A Calm Heart in Troubled Waters
“The Lord is our refuge and help in times of trouble (Psalm 9:9-20). With God, the impossible becomes possible (1 Samuel 17:1a, 4-11, 19-23, 32-49). What have we to fear, knowing God has power even over the wind and waves (Mark 4:35-41)? Let us open our hearts to the Lord, trusting him for all things (2 Corinthians 6:1-13).” -Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
“Trust in God, who supports and helps us when we call on his name (Psalm 20). Leaders may fail (1 Samuel 15:34-16:13), but God never fails (Mark 4:26-34). Live by faith, making it your goal to please the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-17).”
-Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
From the beginning, humans have wandered away from God’s rule and life-giving presence. In our desire to rule ourselves, we have destroyed our solidarity with God and each other (Genesis 3:8-15 and 1 Samuel 8). Enmity and brokeness pervade our relationships and trouble our hearts. But, God has promised forgiveness and steadfast love to those who cry out to Him in humility and praise (Psalm 130 and Psalm 138). Through Jesus, God has provided grace and hope in the midst of decay (2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1). His kingdom and rule extend to all those who follow him. They are adopted into His family. Through Him, fellowship with God is restored in spite of humanity’s ongoing rebellion against the Creator (Mark 3:20-35).
God our Creator (Psalm 139) knows our need for healing and rest. He has given us His Word and raises up messengers, even when it seems hard to hear His voice (1 Samuel 3:1-20). God’s people are commanded to rest in His providence (Deuteronomy 5:12-15) and trust in His provision while giving thanks (Psalm 81). We are weak and subject to death, but through Jesus, the life at work within us is stronger than death (2 Corinthians 4:5-12). In Jesus, life and rest are made possible through the mercy of God (Mark 2:23-3:6). God’s commands were given to us so that we may receive all of these things.
Jesus tells us that we need to be born again into the dynamic life of our Creator. In faith, we are baptized and receive the Holy Spirit (John 3:1-17). This same Spirit leads us to new life and adopts us as God’s children (Romans 8:12-17). The ruler of the universe promises to save His children, giving them strength and peace (Psalm 29). Our response of gratitude is to cry, “Here am I, Lord! Send me (Isaiah 6:1-8)! Click on the link above to read the newsletter…
God raises the dead and offers us the promise of resurrection (Ezekiel 37:1-14). The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness, interceding for us (Romans 8:22-27). He is our counselor, our comforter (John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15). May the glory of the Lord, who made all things, endure forever (Psalm 104:24-34, 35b!)”
Before ascending into heaven, Jesus appeared to his disciples and promised to send the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:1-11). We rejoice in the majesty of the ascended Christ who sits at the right hand of the Father (Psalm 47 and Psalm 93). His rule transcends time and earthly kingdoms. The Church has inherited the hope manifested in the resurrection and ascension of Christ (Ephesians 1-15-23). We are to praise God until Christ returns again, proclaiming repentance and the forgiveness of sins to all nations (Luke 24).
“Let us sing for joy! God is faithful (Psalm 98) and sends us the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44-48). Keep God’s commandments; overcome the world (1 John 5:1-6); love one another (John 15:9-17).” – Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
