peace

A Sheep’s Reason to Embrace Advent

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Embracing the Gift of Advent: A Time to Draw Near

Dear friend, as the days grow shorter and the world around us twinkles with holiday lights, I want to invite you into something truly special—observing Advent. It’s more than just a countdown to Christmas; it’s a gentle whisper from God, calling us to pause, reflect, and prepare our hearts for the miracle of Jesus’ birth. In my own life, Advent has become a cherished rhythm, a way to step out of the hustle and find that quiet space where God’s presence feels so close. Let me share with you why I believe we should embrace this season, not out of obligation, but out of love for the One who came to us as a baby in a manger.

First, Advent reminds us of the profound story of God’s love breaking into our world. Think about it: over 2,000 years ago, the prophets foretold a Savior, and in the fullness of time, Jesus arrived. As Isaiah 9:6 says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Observing Advent helps us relive that anticipation, much like Mary and Joseph did on their journey to Bethlehem. It’s a chance to meditate on Scripture, light candles each week, and let the wonder of the Incarnation sink deep into our souls. In a world that rushes straight to the festivities, Advent says, “Slow down, my child—savor the promise fulfilled.”

But it’s not just about looking back; Advent also turns our eyes forward to Christ’s return. Jesus promised He’d come again, and this season stirs that holy longing in us. It’s like waiting for a dear friend to arrive after a long absence—our hearts ache with hope. The four weeks of Advent, themed around hope, peace, joy, and love, guide us to cultivate these virtues in our daily lives. Maybe you’ve felt the weight of uncertainty this year; Advent offers a balm, reminding us that Jesus is the Light who pierces every darkness. As we light the Advent wreath or read devotional passages, we’re not just marking time—we’re aligning our spirits with God’s eternal plan, preparing room in our hearts for Him anew.

On a personal note, I did not grow up in a religious tradition that celebrated Advent. I found it here in my later years. The Christmas season my favorite season for preaching and teaching God’s Word, sometimes felt overwhelming. Work deadlines, family stresses, the usual chaos. But committing to using Advent with my family, lighting a candle each week as we looked at Bible verses together, both about Christ’s first Incarnation and His coming return brought such peace with it that I was hooked. It wasn’t about perfection; it was about presence. It helped us to center our lives, reflecting on the true reason for the season. Observing Advent helped me see Christmas not as an event, but as an encounter with the living God. And friend, that’s available to you too. Whether you’re new to this or returning after years away, it’s never too late to start. Perhaps begin with a small step: find an Advent calendar with Scriptures, or join an online community sharing reflections. Let it be a warm embrace from the Father, drawing you closer.

As we journey through these weeks, may your heart overflow with the joy of expectation. Let’s pray together: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Advent, a season to remember Your Son’s humble arrival and to yearn for His glorious return. Help us to observe it with open hearts, finding hope in Your promises, peace in Your presence, joy in Your salvation, and love in Your endless grace. Draw us nearer to You, Lord, and let this time transform us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

With warmth and blessings,
Your friend in Christ

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms -41

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Finding Blessing in Compassion: A Devotion on Psalm 41

Dear friend, as I sit with Psalm 41 today, I feel a deep stirring in my heart. This beautiful psalm, penned by David in a time of sickness and betrayal, speaks directly to our souls, reminding us of God’s unwavering faithfulness amid life’s trials. It’s a song of hope, a declaration that compassion toward the weak not only honors God but invites His divine protection into our lives. Let’s journey through it together, verse by verse, allowing its truths to inspire and transform us.

“Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies.” (Psalm 41:1-2, ESV) Oh, how these opening words lift my spirit! In a world that often overlooks the vulnerable, David proclaims a profound blessing for those who pause to truly consider the poor—not just with a fleeting glance, but with thoughtful action and empathy. I love how Charles Spurgeon, that great preacher of the 19th century, unpacked this: he saw it as a call to reflect Christ’s own compassion, who “considered our low estate” and became poor for our sake. Spurgeon reminded us that such kindness bears fruit, for “David delivered others, and God will deliver him.” Isn’t that encouraging? When we extend a hand to the needy—whether through a kind word, a shared meal, or standing with the marginalized—we align our hearts with God’s, and He promises to be our shield in stormy seasons. I’ve seen this in my own life; moments of giving have returned to me as unexpected strength in my weaknesses.

As the psalm unfolds, David turns inward, confessing his frailty: “O Lord, be merciful to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you!” (Psalm 41:4). Here, in his vulnerability, David doesn’t hide his shortcomings but lays them before a merciful God. This resonates so deeply with me—how often do we carry hidden wounds of the soul, aching for healing? Matthew Henry, the insightful 17th-century commentator, urged us to apply this personally: “Is any afflicted with sickness? Let him sing the beginning of this psalm. Is any persecuted by enemies? Let him sing the latter end.” Henry emphasized that our liberality to the poor mirrors God’s mercy to us, ensuring “seasonable and effectual relief” when we cry out. What a comfort! In our confessions, God doesn’t turn away; instead, He strengthens us on our “bed of languishing” (v. 3), turning our pain into a pathway for grace.

Yet, Psalm 41 doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of betrayal. David laments, “Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9). These words pierce the heart, don’t they? They echo the sting of broken trust we’ve all felt at some point. But here’s where the psalm shines with prophetic light—Saint Augustine, the early Church father from the 4th century, saw this as pointing directly to Christ, betrayed by Judas at the Last Supper. Augustine wrote inspiringly of how Christ’s enemies mocked, “When He shall die, then shall His Name perish,” yet through His resurrection, “He died, but He was a grain, which dying, the grain immediately sprang up,” multiplying the Church across nations. What an insight! In our betrayals, we can find solidarity with Jesus, knowing that no enemy can ultimately triumph over us (v. 11). God upholds us in integrity, setting us before His face forever (v. 12), turning our sorrows into testimonies of His victory.

As the psalm crescendos to its close, David bursts into praise: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen” (Psalm 41:13). This eternal doxology reminds me that our stories, like David’s, are woven into God’s grand tapestry of redemption. No matter the trials—sickness, slander, or solitude—His favor endures, calling us to a life of gratitude and worship.

Reflection:

Beloved, let’s carry this psalm into our day. Consider the poor around you, confess your needs to a merciful God, and trust Him through betrayals. As Spurgeon encouraged, let pardoned sin lead to fruit for others. May we, like David, emerge stronger, singing praises to our eternal King.

A Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the truths of Psalm 41 that speak life into our weary hearts. Help us to consider the poor with Your compassion, heal our souls where we’ve sinned, and shield us from every foe. Uphold us in Your integrity, and let our lives echo eternal praise to You. Amen and Amen.

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms -37

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Trusting in the Midst of Turmoil: A Reflection on Psalm 37

Have you ever looked around and wondered why the wrong people seem to get ahead? I know I have. There have been times in my life when I’ve watched dishonest folks prosper—maybe a coworker who cuts corners or a public figure who bends the rules—and it’s left me feeling frustrated, even a little envious. But then I turn to Psalm 37, this beautiful acrostic poem by David, and it’s like a gentle whisper from God saying, “Hold on, my child. I’ve got this.” This psalm isn’t just ancient words; it’s a roadmap for living with hope when the world feels unfair. Let me share some thoughts on it, drawing from wiser voices than mine, and hopefully, it’ll inspire you as much as it does me.

Psalm 37 starts strong: “Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb” (verses 1-2, ESV). David repeats this “fret not” theme three times early on—it’s like he’s shaking us by the shoulders, urging us to stop stewing over injustice. Instead, he calls us to action: “Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act” (verses 3-5).

One insight that always grounds me comes from Charles Spurgeon. In his commentary, he describes how faith is the antidote to our fretting: “Faith cures fretting. Sight is cross-eyed, and views things only as they seem, hence her envy: faith has clearer optics to behold things as they really are, hence her peace.”

Isn’t that powerful? When I fix my eyes on God’s faithfulness rather than the temporary success of others, my anxiety melts away. Spurgeon reminds us that delighting in God aligns our hearts with His, so our desires become what He wants for us—true fulfillment, not fleeting gains.

John Piper echoes this in his teaching on why believing is better than unbelief. He pulls out six reasons from the psalm, but one that sticks with me is how God promises to act on our behalf: “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your vindication as the light” (verse 5-6). Piper explains that believers will possess the land and delight in abundant peace, while the wicked fade quickly.

In a world that screams “hustle harder,” Piper’s words inspire me to rest in God’s timing. It’s not about me forcing outcomes; it’s about trusting that He’ll bring justice “as the noonday sun.”

And then there’s Chuck Swindoll, who zooms in on verses 7-11: “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him… But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.” Swindoll points out that even when the wicked seem to win through schemes and unfairness, it’s not forever. “The ultimate victory will not be won by the wicked. The ‘gentle’ will win,” he says. This hits home for me because I’ve often felt like the “gentle” one gets stepped on. But Swindoll encourages us to trust our heavenly Father—our inheritance is secure, whether in this life or the next.

So, what does this mean for us today? Friend, if you’re fretting over a situation that feels unjust—a lost opportunity, a betrayal, or just the state of the world—lean into Psalm 37. Trust God by doing good right where you are. Delight in Him through prayer, worship, and His Word; let that reshape your heart’s desires. Commit your path to Him, even when it’s unclear, and wait patiently. I’ve found that when I do this, peace floods in, and I see glimpses of His faithfulness—like unexpected provision or a restored relationship.

Let me close with a simple prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the wisdom in Psalm 37 that calms our restless hearts. Help us not to fret over evildoers but to trust, delight, and commit our ways to You. As Spurgeon, Piper, and Swindoll have reminded us, may we find our peace in Your promises, knowing the meek will inherit abundant life in You. Strengthen us to live righteously today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Hymn Devotions Day 32 – Master, The Tempest Is Raging

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DAY 32 – MASTER, THE TEMPEST IS RAGING

 

Straight out of the gospels comes this stirring hymn. One can feel the terror of the disciples on their boat at night, being swamped by a massive storm that threatened their lives. They are incredulous that Jesus is sleeping through it all and in fright accuse Him of not caring. How they quaked with fear when He commanded the storm to cease. They were far more afraid of Him than the storm at the conclusion of the story.

The writer then moves us from physical storms to emotional storms in verse two. There are times when grief threatens to overwhelm our life like waves over a boat. We feel helpless to stop the pain. We have no answers. We spiral downward, into despair, disillusionment and depression. How we even accuse God of not caring for us in those moments. Like Job’s wife, we sometimes want to curse God and die to escape the pain. How wonderful that Jesus can still those storms too. How marvelous that He can bring peace even in the middle of horrible circumstances.

Then, when the storm passes, as they always do, we see just how awesome He is. We realize what we have learned of Him, that He does care. We learn that we need Him always, that He is mighty to save. It doesn’t matter whether the threat is natural or supernatural. It doesn’t matter if we are battling the elements or ourselves, God is in control and powerful to save. All we need to do is cry out in faith to Him, trusting in His inherent goodness.

 

Lord, thank You for being a good God. A God who cares. A God who can and does save. Help us to trust in You no matter the circumstances we find ourselves in. You alone are powerful and mighty to save.

MASTER, THE TEMPEST IS RAGING – Mary Baker

 

Master, the tempest is raging, the billows are tossing high

The sky is overshadowed with blackness

No shelter of haven is nigh

Carest Thou not that we perish?

How canst Thou lie asleep

When each moment so madly is threatening

A grave in the angry deep?

 

Master, with anguish of spirit, I bow in my grief today

The depths of my sad heart are troubled

O waken and save, I pray!

Torrents of sin and of anguish

Sweep o’er my sinking soul

And I perish! I perish dear Master

O hasten and take control

 

Master, the terror is over, the elements sweetly rest

Earth’s sun in the calm lake is mirrored

And heaven’s within my breast

Linger, O blessed Redeemer

Leave me alone no more

And with joy I shall make the blest harbor

And rest on the blissful shore

 

REFRAIN:

 

The winds and the waves shall obey Thy will, Peace be still!

Whether the wrath of the storm tossed sea

Or demons or men, or whatever it be

No water can swallow the ship where lies

The Master of ocean and earth and skies

They all shall sweetly obey Thy will

Peace be still! Peace be still!

They all shall sweetly obey Thy will

Peace, peace be still!

 

 

 

Great Quotes From Ages Past – #2

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Completely agree with this quotes:

“Sometimes we are inclined to think that a very great portion of modern revivalism has been more a curse than a blessing, because it has led thousands to a kind of peace before they have know their misery; restoring the prodigal to the Father’s house, and never making him say, “Father, I have sinned”

C.H. Spurgeon