Through the Holy Spirit, God opens hearts to have faith in Jesus and be baptized into His name. Like Lydia, we should share God’s grace with our own households and offer our resources to those in need (Acts 16:9-15). Throughout history, God has blessed His people and made known His salvation to all the earth (Psalm 67). He has promised to completely restore all of Creation (Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5). Until that day, Jesus Christ has left us with the hope of his return and has promised the presence of the Holy Spirit (John 14:23-29). While on earth, Jesus demonstrated his power to heal and restore (John 5:1-9). We praise God for opening the way of salvation through Jesus and wait in the light of His resurrection.
God has opened the way of salvation for all. Through the Holy Spirit, life and freedom are given to all who believe in Jesus (Acts 11:1-18). Let the whole earth praise God for raising the horn of salvation through Jesus Christ (Psalm 148). He is the Alpha and Omega who promises to quench our thirst and make all things new (Rev 21:1-6). Life and resurrection have been promised by the one who is faithful. Because of this, we should love one another, as Christ loved us (John 13:31-35).
“Through Christ, we are able to do more than we could in our own strength, just as Peter worked a miracle in Joppa (Acts 9:36-43). The Lord is our shepherd (Revelation 7:9-17); he takes care of all our needs (Psalm 23) and offers us eternal life (John 10:22-30).”
“Just as Saul heard the voice of the Lord in the road to Damascus, was blinded and then regained his sight (Acts 9: 1-6), so we who turn from our sins and follow the Lord find joy and healing (Psalm 30). Because we love and trust God’s Son, who became man and dwelled among us (John 21:1-19), we offer him all praises and glory (Revelation 5:11-14).”
“He is risen (John 20:1-18)! In Christ’s resurrection is peace for the world and the promise of a new creation (Isaiah 65:17-25). The Lord is our strength and our salvation. This is the day the Lord has made – let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24). Death is destroyed. Christ is risen – he is risen indeed (1 Corinthians 15:19-26).”
“We bear witness to Jesus’ death and resurrection and tell everyone the good news (Acts 5:27-32). Like Thomas, we lay aside our doubts (Jn 20:19-31) and now anticipate his second coming (Rev 1:4-8). We will not die, but live and proclaim what the Lord has done (Ps. 118). Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” –Thomas Oden in Ancient Christian Devotional
“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
“If we love each other, God lives in us (1 John 4:7-21). We are called to share the good news (Acts 8:26-40) and be fruitful (John 15:1-8). Seek the Lord. Praise his name (Psalm 22:25-31).”
“Lord, we are the sheep (John 10:11-18) and you are our good shepherd (Psalm 23). The stone that has been rejected has become the chief cornerstone (Acts 4:5-12). Love one another; keep his commandments (1 John 3:16-24).” – Thomas Oden
“Why are we troubled? Christ suffered, Christ died, Christ is alive. Open our minds so we might understand (Luke 24:36b-48) and do right (1 John 3:1-7). Lord, please hear us when we cry out to you (Psalm 4); let us be your witnesses (Acts 3:12-19).”
– Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
