God

The British theologian P. T. Forsythe wrote, “The first duty of every soul is to find not its freedom but its Master.”

Wiersbe, Warren W. 2004. Be Worshipful. 1st ed. “Be” Commentary Series. Colorado Springs, CO: Cook Communications Ministries.

Grace is getting what you don't deserve (an unwarranted gift while mercy is not getting what you do deserve (judgment and wrath).

We’re living in the “information age,” but we certainly aren’t living in the “age of wisdom.”

Wiersbe, Warren W. 1996. Be Skillful. “Be” Commentary Series. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

“Trust the past to the mercy of God, the present to His love, and the future to His providence.

Wiersbe, Warren W. 1996. Be Skillful. “Be” Commentary Series. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Compared to eternal glory, this trial is brief and light [Rom. 8:18; 2 Cor. 4:18]

Heaven will make a lifetime of suffering feel like one sleepless night in a Days Inn.

You are more sinful than you ever dared imagine. Yet you are more loved than you ever dared believe.

“The Lord is my shepherd…” That's relationship.

“I lack nothing…” That's supply.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures…” That's rest.

“He leads me beside quiet waters…” That's relief.

“He refreshes my soul…” That's restoration and healing.

“He guides me along the right paths…” That's guidance.

“For his name's sake…” That's purpose.

“Even though I walk

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Advent

Biblical hope is different. The Bible often pairs hope with waiting. The Hebrew words for “hope”—qavah and yakhal—are often translated as “wait,” describing a patient, forward-leaning trust. We attend to God’s promises, remember his track record, and let that memory strengthen our expectations.

Advent invites us to look at peace in a different