For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
~ Romans 15:4-7
Some Christians think only the New Testament applies to us today and ignore the Old Testament. However when Paul wrote these words, the only Scripture (whatever was written in former days) was the Old Testament. Everything in the Old Testament points to Christ, and if we read it with that in mind, we will be instructed by it, and we will be encouraged.
Gracious and holy God, thank You for Your Word—both Old and New Testaments. Thank You that You knew from the beginning that man would fall and need a Savior. You planned for Jesus to sacrifice His life for our sins, and You gave us the Old Testament to give hope that the Messiah would come. And we know He will come again in glory. Make me ready, Lord, to meet Jesus when He comes again. In His holy Name I pray. Amen.
These daily devotions are available in a book The Grace of God, with all profits donated to Love for the Least to share the compassion of Christ with an unreached world. L4L shares the Good News of the Gospel with the least and unreached by making disciples of Jesus who make disciples (2 Tim 2:2) and by helping to meet the physical needs of the poorest of the poor.