Perfect Sacrifice
“All is vain, unless it is done for the Lord (Psalm 127 and Psalm 146). Even when what we are asked to do seems difficult (Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17), we must be willing to sacrifice everything (Mark 12:38-44) for the One who gave us his only Son as a sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 9:24-28).”
-Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
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Serving God
“Praise the Lord! Blessed is the maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 146). Give us the faithfulness of Ruth (Ruth 1:1-18) and the strength to love you with all our hearts (Mark 12:28-34) so we may serve you, the living God (Hebrews 9:11-14).”
-Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
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God’s Mercy
“The Lord has delivered me from all my fears (Psalm 34:1-8, 19-22); there is nothing he cannot do (Job 42:1-6, 10-17). His mercy, grace and power (Mark 10:46-52) are shown through his sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 7:23-28).”
-Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
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Humble Yourself
“Praise the Lord, my soul (Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c), for God laid the foundations of the earth (Job 38:1-7, 34-41). Help us to serve rather than to strive for greatness (Mark 10:35-45), just as Christ humbled himself as a sacrifice for us (Hebrews 5:1-10).”
-Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
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Hear Our Cries
“Lord. hear our cries when we are in trouble (Psalm 22:1-15), for we know only you can deliver us (Job 23:1-9, 16-17). Help us to give up all we hold dear (Mark 10:17-31) and approach you for mercy and grace in our time of need (Hebrews 4:12-16).” -Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
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Faithfulness and Fidelity
Those who trust God are called to acknowledge their dependence and live blamelessly (Psalm 8 and Psalm 26). Job is an example of faithfulness, even in the midst of suffering (Job 1:1, 2:1-10). In all things we must follow Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12). This includes honoring faithful relationships between men and women (Genesis 2:18-24 and Mark 10:2-14). Jesus calls his followers to receive the ways of God’s kingdom like little children, in innocence and purity (Mark 10:14-16 and Psalm 8).
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Salt and Salvation
God is able to provide salvation and grace in the midst of insurmountable situations (Esther 7 and Numbers 11). God’s glory is evident, so seek righteousness and cry out to God (Psalm 19). He is able to save those who seem destined for destruction (Psalm 124). Those who pray and seek help from God (James 5:13-20) must be willing to help and protect the vulnerable in Jesus name. His followers are called to season the world around them and seek peace (Mark 9:38-50).
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The Heart of a Servant and Faith Like a Child
The active faith of a righteous person is precious and gives life to others (Psalm 1 and Proverbs 31:10-31). Others may try to hurt God’s beloved, but God upholds the lives of those who trust in him (Jeremiah 11:18-20 and Psalm 54). We must continue to live wisely, seek peace, and draw near to God (James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a). Jesus chose to be a servant for the weak and humble. He calls us to do the same as we walk with him towards the cross (Mark 9:30-37).
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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).
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Forgive Us and Feed Us With the Bread of Life
“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
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