Forward in Faith
Learn to do good and seek justice (Isaiah 1:1, 10-20). God calls the whole earth into account, so continue to seek God’s ways (Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23) and live in faith (Genesis 15:1-6). Those who seek God hope in him and wait for his salvation (Psalm 33:12-22). Like Abraham, we should trust God for the things we cannot see (Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16), and look forward to when Jesus will return (Lk. 12:32-40).
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Seeking Wisdom Over Treasure and Pleasure
“The pleasures and acquisitions we have on earth are fleeting (Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14: 2:18-23); wisdom and understanding are without price (Psalm 49:1-11). With this in mind, we put away our old natures and put on the new (Colossians 1:1-11), knowing that our time here is also fleeting and our worldly treasures empty of true meaning (Luke 12:13-21).”
– Thomas Oden in Ancient Christian Devotional
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Remaining Rooted in Our Faithful God
God is faithful to his people in spite of their failure to follow him faithfully (Hosea 1:2-10). He restores their fortunes (Psalm 85) and is gracious to both the righteous and unrighteous (Genesis 18:20-32). God’s people should give thanks for his steadfast love (Psalm 138) and are called to stay rooted in Jesus since they have been buried with Him in baptism (Colossians 2:6-19). Jesus calls his followers to pray continually to God the Father. Out of his love, he will provide for those who call upon him for provision (Lk. 11:1-13).
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Cry out to God to rescue the weak and deliver justice on behalf of the needy (Amos 7:7-17 and Psalm 82). God’s word is near to all who will recognize and follow his ways (Deuteronomy 30:9-14). He brings forgiveness and life to the humble who trust him and learn his ways (Psalm 25:1-9). We should strive to lead a life worthy of the Lord, bearing fruit in good works, and increasing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:1-14). Those who are walking in the path of life will show mercy to strangers and sacrifice comfort for those who are in need (Luke 10:25-37).
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Healed to Rejoice and Bear Witness
The Word of God can cleanse and heal (2 Kings 5:1-14). The prophets remind us that God promises to comfort us as a mother comforts her child (Is 66:10-14). He will turn our mourning into dancing (Psalm 30) and we will rejoice and sing his praises (Psalm 66:1-8). We boast in the cross of Jesus Christ, who makes new life possible (Galatians 6:1-16). The disciples of Jesus are sent to reveal the kingdom of God to those who will receive it (Luke 10:1-11,16-20).
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Following Jesus and Cultivating Virtue
“Just as Elisha was obedient and learned from Elijah (1 Kings 19: 15-16, 19-21), so we choose to follow God and bless him for his counsel (Psalm 16), even when times are dark (Psalm 77). We seek to live and walk by the Spirit and not by the flesh, cultivating the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:1,13-25) and putting Christ above all else (Luke 9:51-62).”
– Thomas Oden in Ancient Christian Devotional
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Grace, Faith, and New Life
God provides for the faithful who are at their wit’s end (1 Kings 19:1-15a). His covenant love rescues those who have proven to be obstinate and slow to honor his ways (Isaiah 65:1-9). Jesus Christ makes us children of God through faith. Those who are baptized into Christ are heirs of God’s covenant and members of his community (Galatians 3:23-29). Praise God! Jesus has the power to cast out evil and has come to rescue those who are far from God (Luke 8:26-39).
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Wisdom, Beauty, and the Life of God
“Wisdom, in the form of Jesus, has always been with the Father (Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31). When we see the beauty of creation, we are amazed that God has given us the chance to be his children (Psalm 8). We are grateful that we may be at peace with God through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1-5) and that we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit (John 16: 12-15).”
–Thomas Oden in Ancient Christian Devotional
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Come Holy Spirit
“It is not our achievements that matter (Genesis 11:1-9) but the breath-taking works of the Lord (Psalm 104:24-34,35b). Because we are his children and fellow heirs with Christ (Romans 8:14-17), empowered by God, we are able to achieve more than we could ever accomplish by ourselves. Christ has left his peace with us, so we need not be troubled or afraid (John 14:8-17,25-27).”
–Thomas Oden in Ancient Christian Devotional
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Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown in jail for casting out unclean spirits in the name of Jesus. In their suffering, they exhibited joy and trusted God. God saved them. As a result, the jailer and his household believed in Jesus and were baptized (Acts 16:16-34). We can rejoice because this same God, revealed through Jesus, is above all other gods (Psalm 97). He will come again in power and offers life to all that come to him (Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21). Until that time, Jesus desires his children to walk together in unity and love (John 17:20-26).
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