Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus
God’s people are called to righteousness and wise living (Proverbs 1:20-33 and James 3:1-12). Like Jesus, we may suffer, but our vindication comes from God (Isaiah 50:4-9a and Psalm 116). He is the maker of heaven and earth who is sovereign over creation (Psalm 19). God’s people are called to deny themselves and confess that Jesus is the Messiah (Mark 8:27-38).
“Wash away our sins (Psalm 51:1-12) and forgive us for our transgressions (2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a). Give us the bread of life (John 6:24-35 and Psalm 78:23-29) and help us to build up the body of Christ in love (Ephesians 4:1-16).”
-Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
Strengthening Our Faith
“Only fools say there is no God (Psalm 14), but even those nearest to God’s heart are capable of great sin (2 Samuel 11:1-15). Let us not doubt the One who works great miracles (John 6:1-21 and Psalm 145:10-18). Strengthen us, Lord, with power through the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:14-21).”
-Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
“God is our Rock (Psalm 89:20-37). He keeps his promises (2 Samuel 7:1-14a) and cares for us, as a shepherd cares for his sheep (Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 and Psalm 23). Christ is our peace and our chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:11-22)”
-Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
“Give me a clean heart, Lord (Psalm 24); let me sing praises to you for your goodness (2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19). Even in the face of suffering and injustice (Mark 6:14-29) we give God glory and honor, for we know in him all things will be reconciled, and we have our inheritance (Ephesians 1:3-14).”
-Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
“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).
