Jesus

Joy That Cannot Be Shaken

The Curious PilgrimLeave a comment

A Third Sunday of Advent Devotional

The Third Sunday of Advent—often called Gaudete Sunday—invites us to rejoice. Yet the Scriptures appointed for today do not sound, at first glance, like what we expect from a “joyful” season. Isaiah speaks of cosmic upheaval. Hebrews warns of a shaking that will test everything. Even John the Baptist fades into the background, insisting, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Where, then, is the joy?

The joy of Advent is not shallow cheer or seasonal optimism. It is a deeper joy—one that survives upheaval, loss, and transition because it is rooted in God alone.

Joy That Springs From Desire for God (Psalm 63)

Psalm 63 begins in longing: “O God, you are my God; eagerly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you.” This is not the language of comfort but of hunger. Yet the psalmist’s joy emerges precisely from this desire. In the wilderness, without security or abundance, the psalmist discovers that God’s “steadfast love is better than life.”

Joy, here, is not dependent on circumstances. It flows from intimacy with God. Even in dryness, the soul rejoices because it has found its true source of life.

Joy That Trusts God Amid Upheaval (Isaiah 13:6–13)

Isaiah’s vision is unsettling: the Day of the Lord is described as darkness, trembling, and judgment. This text does not offer easy comfort—but Advent joy is honest about the world as it is. There are times when unjust systems collapse, when false securities are exposed, and when human pride is brought low.

Joy does not deny these realities. Instead, it trusts that God is at work even when the world shakes. Advent joy looks beyond chaos and believes that God’s justice and mercy will ultimately prevail.

Joy That Cannot Be Shaken (Hebrews 12:18–29)

Hebrews contrasts fear with hope, terror with promise. We are told we have not come to a mountain of fear but to “Mount Zion… the heavenly Jerusalem.” Even as everything that can be shaken will be shaken, one thing remains: “a kingdom that cannot be shaken.”

Here is Advent joy in its purest form. Our joy rests not in what is temporary—institutions, power, or even our own certainty—but in God’s unshakable reign. Because this kingdom endures, we can respond with gratitude, awe, and worship.

Joy That Is Complete in Christ (John 3:22–30)

John the Baptist offers one of the clearest expressions of spiritual joy: “The friend of the bridegroom… rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled.” John’s joy is not found in success, recognition, or control. It is found in stepping aside so that Christ may take center stage.

This is the paradox of Christian joy: it grows as our egos shrink. When we release the need to be the focus, we discover the freedom of pointing others to Jesus.

The Joy of Advent

Together, these Scriptures teach us that Advent joy is not naïve or fragile. It is forged in longing, sustained through upheaval, anchored in God’s unshakable kingdom, and fulfilled in Christ alone.

This joy does not ignore the darkness of the world or the uncertainty of our times. Instead, it proclaims that God is still God, Christ is still coming, and the kingdom is nearer than we dare to hope.

Advent Prayer

Gracious God,
In a world that trembles and a season that longs,
Teach us the joy that comes from seeking You alone.
When all that can be shaken falls away,
Root us in Your unshakable kingdom.
As we wait for Christ,
May our joy be made complete in Him.

Waiting in Silence in a Loud and Fearful Age

The Curious PilgrimLeave a comment

In today’s Daily Office, I listened to the song “Waiting in Silence” by Carey Landry and read Psalm 30, Isaiah 8:1-15, 1 Thessalonians 3:6-18, and Luke 22:31-38. Here is a reflection on today’s prayer time and meditation,

Carey Landry’s simple refrain, “Waiting in silence, waiting in hope,” feels almost countercultural in our day. We live in a world saturated with noise—breaking news, social media outrage, endless commentary, and a constant stream of warnings about hidden enemies and looming disasters. Silence feels risky. Waiting feels irresponsible. And hope often feels naïve.

Yet Scripture consistently invites God’s people to resist the pull of fear-driven narratives and instead root their lives in reverent trust.

“Do Not Call Conspiracy What This People Call Conspiracy” (Isaiah 8:12–13)

Isaiah speaks into a time of political instability, foreign threats, and anxious rumor. The people of Judah were surrounded by fear, speculation, and competing loyalties. God’s word through the prophet is strikingly relevant:

“Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. But the Lord of hosts, him you shall regard as holy.”

Isaiah does not deny the presence of real danger or corrupt leadership. Instead, he addresses the deeper spiritual temptation: allowing fear to redefine reality. Conspiracy thinking thrives on anxiety, suspicion, and the illusion of secret knowledge. It promises control but delivers bondage.

God redirects the faithful away from obsession with hidden plots and toward a holy fear—a reverent awe of the Lord. To “regard the Lord as holy” means He alone defines what is ultimate, what is real, and what deserves our deepest attention. When God is displaced from the center, fear rushes in to fill the vacuum.

“As for Me, I Said in My Prosperity…” (Psalm 30:6)

Psalm 30 exposes another danger of our time—not only fear, but false security:

“As for me, I said in my prosperity, ‘I shall never be moved.’”

This verse names the illusion that stability, wealth, power, or political dominance can make us invulnerable. Our age swings wildly between panic and pride: one moment convinced everything is collapsing, the next certain that the right leader, ideology, or system will save us.

The psalm reminds us how fragile these assurances are. Prosperity can lull us into self-reliance just as fear can drive us into despair. Both forget God.

Waiting in Silence as Faithful Resistance

This is where “Waiting in Silence” becomes deeply prophetic.

Silence is not passivity. It is resistance against manipulation, outrage cycles, and fear-based control. Waiting is not denial of evil; it is a refusal to let evil dictate our posture or identity.

In silence, we remember:

  • God is not anxious.
  • God is not surprised.
  • God is not absent.

Waiting in hope declares that God is still at work beyond headlines and hashtags. It trusts that truth does not need to shout to endure.

A Word for Our Day

In a time of conspiracy theories and morally compromised leaders, Scripture does not call us to withdrawal or ignorance—but to discernment shaped by reverence. We are invited to:

  • Fear God more than chaos.
  • Listen more than speculate.
  • Pray more than react.
  • Trust God’s sovereignty more than our ability to decode events.

Waiting in silence is how we re-center our lives on God’s holiness. It is how we resist becoming people driven by dread or drunk on certainty. It is how hope survives.

In the quiet, God steadies our hearts and reminds us: “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Finding Steadfast Hope When the World Shakes

The Curious PilgrimLeave a comment

A Devotional on Psalm 31, Isaiah 7:10–25, 2 Thessalonians 2:13–3:5, and Luke 22:14–30

We do not always receive Scripture in neat, tidy packages. Some days we read passages that feel scattered—lament, prophecy, exhortation, and Gospel—and we wonder what God wants us to see. But often God’s message becomes clearest when we step back and listen for the one thread binding all the passages together.

Today, that thread is steadfastness—God’s steadfastness toward us, and our call to remain steadfast in a world filled with fear, confusion, and competing loyalties.

1. Psalm 31 — Trusting God When You Feel Overwhelmed

Psalm 31 is David’s cry from a place of pressure, fear, and uncertainty. He feels surrounded by trouble and misunderstood by others, yet he clings to the bold declaration:

“My times are in your hand.”

The message is this:
When life feels unstable, God remains your safe place.
The world may swirl with threats, anxieties, and voices pulling you in different directions, but your life is not held by circumstances. Your life is held by God.

2. Isaiah 7:10–25 — A God Who Offers Signs of Hope Even in Our Doubt

King Ahaz is terrified—politically threatened, spiritually wavering, distrustful of God. God offers him a sign, an anchor for his faith: “The young woman will conceive and bear a son.” We know this as the foreshadowing of Christ, the ultimate sign of God’s faithful presence.

The message here is simple and comforting:
Even when our faith is shaky, God still offers assurance.
He gives signs, promises, and reminders—not because we are strong, but because we aren’t.

In a world anxious about wars, instability, and future outcomes, God still says:
“I will be with you. I will give you a sign of My faithfulness.”

3. 2 Thessalonians 2:13–3:5 — Stand Firm in a Confusing World

Paul’s words remind believers that not every spirit, voice, or movement in the world is from God. There are false hopes, false teachings, and false alarms. Yet Paul doesn’t call us to panic—he calls us to stand firm in the love of God and the truth we have been given.

He reminds believers:

  • You are loved by God.
  • You were chosen by God.
  • You are being strengthened by God.
  • The Lord is faithful, and He will guard your heart.

The message for today’s world—where misinformation, fear, and spiritual confusion abound—is this:
Stay rooted in the truth of Christ. Hold steady when everything else is shaking.

4. Luke 22:14–30 — Jesus Shows True Greatness Through Sacrifice

At the Last Supper, Jesus reveals His path forward: suffering, surrender, self-giving love. While the disciples argue over who is the greatest, Jesus shows them what greatness actually looks like:

“I am among you as one who serves.”

The message for us today is powerful:
In an age obsessed with status, influence, and recognition, Jesus calls us to humble, faithful service.
He invites us not into fear or competition but into a kingdom shaped by love.

Putting It All Together — What Is God Saying to You Today?

Across all four passages, a single message emerges:

When the world feels unstable, confusing, or overwhelming, God calls you to trust deeply, stand firmly, and follow Jesus in the way of humble, steady love.

  • Psalm 31 tells you that God holds your life securely.
  • Isaiah 7 reminds you that God gives signs of hope even when your faith feels weak.
  • 2 Thessalonians calls you to spiritual steadiness amid confusion.
  • Luke 22 invites you to the way of Jesus—self-giving, faithful service.

The lesson for today’s world—filled with anxiety, division, uncertainty, and rapid change—is that followers of Jesus are not meant to be swept away by fear or noise. We are called to be anchored, grounded, and ready to serve.

Closing Prayer

Lord, my times are in Your hands. When my heart trembles, strengthen me.
When the world confuses me, steady me in Your truth.
When fear rises, remind me of Your signs of faithfulness.
Teach me the way of Jesus—the way of quiet trust, steady hope, and humble service.
Make me a light in this unstable world, and keep me rooted in Your unchanging love.
Amen.

Refrain from Anger: A Psalm 37 Word for Our Day

The Curious PilgrimLeave a comment

A Reflection on Psalm 37

Refrain from anger, leave rage alone;
do not fret yourself; it only leads to evil.
For evildoers shall be cut off,
but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.”
— Psalm 37:8–9

Life has a way of stirring our emotions—especially when injustice seems to flourish, when wrongdoers prosper, or when people mistreat us. Psalm 37 speaks directly into this spiritual tension and gives us gentle, but firm, wisdom from God.

1. Step Away From the Fire Before It Burns You

“Refrain from anger” is more than a moral instruction; it is an invitation to freedom.
The anger David describes here is not righteous anger against sin. It is the inward agitation that grows when we compare ourselves to others, when life feels unfair, or when God seems slow to act.

This kind of anger does not purify—it corrodes. It turns our attention away from God’s presence and centers our hearts on our wounds, fears, and frustrations.

God simply says: Let it go.

2. “Leave Rage Alone” — Don’t Feed Destructive Emotions

Rage is anger that has been fed. It is anger that has had time to boil and harden. Psalm 37 tells us not just to step back from anger, but to completely abandon the path that leads to rage.

Don’t rehearse the injury.
Don’t nurse the resentment.
Don’t stoke the fire.

Rage poisons the soul, and it always moves us away from the peace God desires for us.

3. Fretting Is Slow Spiritual Erosion

“Do not fret yourself” literally means don’t heat yourself up.
It is the internal simmering we do when we replay a wrong, fixate on evil around us, or let our minds spiral.

Fretting is not harmless.
It drains energy, distorts perspective, and slowly replaces trust with anxiety.

Psalm 37 reminds us: fretting never leads to peace—only weariness.

4. Why Does God Warn Us? Because Anger Leads Us Down the Wrong Path

“It only leads to evil,” David writes.

When anger rules, we:

  • Say things we regret
  • Seek our own revenge
  • Lose our peace
  • Become harsh and reactive
  • Stop trusting God’s timing
  • Try to control what only God can fix

Anger bends the heart away from the Lord. It pulls us into self-reliance instead of resting in the God who sees all, judges all, and ultimately vindicates His people.

5. The Hope of Psalm 37: God Will Set Things Right

The psalm does not deny the reality of evil; it simply puts evil in its proper place:

“Evildoers shall be cut off.”

In other words—evil will not have the last word.
God’s justice will not fail.

Meanwhile, those who choose trust over anger, patience over panic, and peace over fretting are given a promise:

“Those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.”

Their future is secure.
Their peace is protected.
Their hope is anchored in God, not circumstances.

A Word for Today

Psalm 37 is a needed word for our time—an age of outrage, instant reaction, and relentless anxiety. God invites us to a different way:

  • Release anger
  • Abandon rage
  • Refuse to fret
  • Trust His timing
  • Rest in His justice

When we let go of anger and wait on the Lord, we find that peace is not the absence of conflict—it is the presence of God.

Closing Prayer

Lord,
You know the places in my heart where anger rises and where fretful thoughts take root.
Teach me to release what I cannot control and to trust You with what I cannot fix.
Fill me with Your peace in a world that stirs anxiety.
Help me wait on You with confidence, knowing that You are just, faithful, and true.
Root out bitterness, calm my spirit, and lead me into the quiet pasture of Your presence.
May Your Spirit guard my mind and guide my steps,
so that my life reflects Your peace and not the chaos of the world.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

When the Kingdom Speaks Louder Than the Noise

The Curious PilgrimLeave a comment

A Reflection on Luke 21:29-38 The Kingdom of God is Near

Jesus did not whisper when He warned us:

“Be on guard… do not let your hearts be weighed down.” (Luke 21:34)

He wasn’t trying to scare us. He was trying to wake us up.

And if we are honest, we are living in a time when hearts are heavy everywhere.

We carry our phones like lifelines, but they have become fear machines. Twenty-four-hour news cycles flood us with crisis after crisis. Social media trains us to stay angry, stay anxious, stay divided. We scroll, we react, we argue — and slowly, quietly, our spiritual vision gets blurry.

Jesus saw this coming.

The Subtle Tyranny of Everyday Survival

Let’s be plain:
It is hard to focus on God’s kingdom when the grocery bill keeps climbing.
It is hard to feel peace when medical costs threaten security.
It is hard to rest when rent rises faster than our income.
It is hard not to feel forgotten when inequality keeps widening and the system feels stacked.

Jesus does not shame us for feeling this. He names it.
“The worries of this life…”
He knew they would be real.

But here’s the prophetic edge of His words:
These pressures are not allowed to be our master.

The Kingdom Is Not Distant — It’s Breaking In

Jesus didn’t say, “Someday the kingdom might come.”
He said, “The kingdom of God is near.”

That means:
God is not wringing His hands over inflation.
He is not intimidated by broken systems.
He is not surprised by injustice.

His kingdom is not fragile. It is not weak. And it is not lost in the noise.

The world teaches us to live clenched — clenched fists, clenched jaws, clenched spirits.
The kingdom calls us to live open — open hands, open hearts, open trust.

A Gentle but Firm Wake-Up Call

Let’s say this honestly, like friends around a table:

Some of us know more breaking news stories than we know Scripture.
Some of us check social media more often than we check in with God.
Some of us scroll for reassurance but end up more restless than before.

Jesus is not condemning — He is calling.

Calling us back to:
Stillness instead of constant noise
Trust instead of endless fear
Prayer instead of panic

What This Means Right Now

To live in the kingdom today is not about escaping the world.
It’s about refusing to let the world disciple your heart.

It means:
We don’t let prices determine our peace.
We don’t let headlines shape our hope.
We don’t let algorithms define our identity.

We belong to a different kingdom.

A Prophetic Word for Our Moment

Here is the truth, spoken plainly:

The world grows louder, but God is not silent.
The pressures grow heavier, but the kingdom grows nearer.
The chaos grows stronger, but Christ still reigns.

We are not called to be panic-driven people.
We are called to be kingdom-anchored people.

A Closing Prayer

Lord, wake us up without hardening us. Stir us without frightening us. Teach us to live alert but not afraid. Let Your kingdom be louder in us than the noise around us. We choose trust over fear. Presence over panic. Hope over despair. Amen.

Living Awake in a Confused World

The Curious PilgrimLeave a comment

Today’s scriptures speak powerfully to our time — a world marked by anxiety, moral confusion, and spiritual forgetfulness. These passages call us back to humility, vigilance, and hope in God.

Psalm 25 – A Prayer for Guidance in Uncertain Times

Psalm 25 is the prayer of a person who knows they cannot navigate life alone. The psalmist asks God to teach, lead, forgive, and protect. This is not a prayer of the proud, but of the humble.

Meaning:
God guides those who are teachable. He shows His ways to people who admit they need help.

Application for Today:
We live in a culture that values self-reliance and personal truth. Psalm 25 reminds us that wisdom comes not from within ourselves, but from God. In an age of confusion and noise, we are called to slow down, pray, and ask the Lord to direct our paths.

Isaiah 5:8-12, 18-23 – When a Society Loses Its Moral Compass

Isaiah warns about a people who:

  • Accumulate wealth at the expense of others
  • Chase pleasure without thinking of God
  • Call evil “good” and good “evil”
  • Mock God’s truth

Meaning:
When people abandon God’s ways, injustice and confusion grow. Sin is no longer recognized as sin.

Application for Today:
We see this all around us. Modern culture often celebrates what God warns against and mocks what God blesses. These verses call believers not to blend into moral confusion but to stand firmly, kindly, and courageously in God’s truth.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 – Awake, Not Asleep

Paul teaches that the “Day of the Lord” will come suddenly. Because of this, believers should live as children of the light — alert, sober, and faithful.

Meaning:
Christians are not meant to live in fear, but in readiness. We belong to the day, not the darkness.

Application for Today:
It is easy to become spiritually drowsy — distracted by entertainment, worry, politics, or comfort. This passage urges us to stay spiritually awake through prayer, self-control, encouraging one another, and living with eternal purpose.

Luke 21:20-28 – Fearful Times and a Hopeful Promise

Jesus speaks of difficult days: conflict, fear, upheaval, and distress. Yet instead of despair, He gives a powerful instruction:

“When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Meaning:
Hard times are not the end of the story. God remains in control, and Christ’s return is certain.

Application for Today:
We live in anxious times — war, disaster, social tension, and uncertainty. These verses do not call us to panic but to hope. While the world trembles, believers lift their heads in trust, knowing that Christ is faithful and His promises are sure.

A Word for Our Time

These scriptures together give us a clear message:

  • Seek God’s guidance (Psalm 25)
  • Do not twist right and wrong (Isaiah 5)
  • Stay spiritually awake (1 Thessalonians 5)
  • Live with hope, not fear (Luke 21)

For today, this means:
We live humbly, stand firmly in truth, walk awake in faith, and shine with hope in a worried world.

Living Faithfully in a Disordered World

The Curious PilgrimLeave a comment

Reflections on Psalm 16, Isaiah 3:8–15, 1 Thessalonians 4:1–12, and Luke 20:41–21:4

Every generation of believers has faced the same essential question: How do we honor God in the midst of a world that feels disordered, unjust, distracted, or self-absorbed?
Today’s readings offer a unified answer—trust God fully, live with integrity, love one another, and give yourself wholly to the Lord.

Psalm 16 — A Life Rooted in God Alone

Psalm 16 is a declaration of joyful dependence upon God:

  • “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”
  • “The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup.”
  • “In your presence there is fullness of joy.”

In a world overflowing with anxiety, fractured identity, and endless striving, the psalm gently reminds us that our security comes not from circumstances but from God’s faithful presence.
The psalmist models contentment, trust, and quiet confidence in God’s care.

For our day:
We are invited to reorder our desires. Instead of chasing the next possession, the next achievement, the next affirmation, Psalm 16 calls us to make God our portion. Joy and stability return when God is our center.

Isaiah 3:8–15 — The Collapse of Justice and the Call to Responsibility

Isaiah confronts a society where:

  • Justice has fallen in the streets.
  • Leaders oppress the vulnerable.
  • The “faces” of the people accuse them—their deeds reveal their rebellion.
  • God indicts those who “grind the faces of the poor.”

This is not merely ancient history—it is a mirror held up to every generation. When a community abandons righteousness and truth, social decay follows. Isaiah reminds us that God takes injustice personally.

For our time:
Isaiah teaches that faith is not private only—it shapes how we treat others, especially the vulnerable.
We cannot worship God with our lips and ignore exploitation, inequality, or the suffering of our neighbors. God’s people must be the conscience of society, lifting up the poor rather than stepping on their backs.

1 Thessalonians 4:1–12 — A Quiet and Holy Life

Paul moves from theology to practical holiness:

  • “Live in a way that pleases God.”
  • Pursue sexual purity.
  • Deepen brotherly love.
  • Aspire to live quietly, mind your own affairs, and work with your hands.
  • Walk in such a way that outsiders respect your life.

Paul isn’t urging withdrawal from the world—he’s calling for a steady, honorable life that reflects Christ in everyday actions. Holiness, love, disciplined living, and respectability are all part of living the gospel.

For our day:
In a culture of chaos, noise, outrage, and spectacle, Paul’s words are almost countercultural.
Christians today witness most powerfully not through shouting, but by:

  • Practicing fidelity in relationships
  • Showing kindness in community
  • Working diligently
  • Refusing the drama of gossip and division
  • Living with a peace the world cannot manufacture

The quiet Christian life—steady, faithful, loving—is a testimony all its own.

Luke 20:41–21:4 — The Lordship of Christ and the True Nature of Giving

Jesus first reveals His identity—David’s Lord, not merely David’s son. He then contrasts the religious showmanship of the scribes with the hidden beauty of the widow who gives two small coins.

The widow’s offering teaches us:

  • God sees what others overlook.
  • The value of a gift isn’t measured by size but by sacrifice.
  • True devotion flows from the heart, not from public display.

For our time:
This challenges the culture of performance, even within the church. God is not impressed with the size of our platform, our wealth, or our reputation. What He treasures is humility, sincerity, and generosity that costs us something—time, attention, compassion, material support.

In an age obsessed with image and visibility, God calls us back to hidden faithfulness.

A Unified Message for Today

Across these readings, a single thread emerges:

**Root your life in God.

Reject injustice.
Live with integrity and love.
Give yourself to the Lord with a sincere heart.**

  • Psalm 16 calls us to anchor our joy in God alone.
  • Isaiah calls us to uphold justice and protect the vulnerable.
  • Paul urges us to live quiet, holy, loving lives.
  • Jesus reveals that true devotion is humble and wholehearted.

This is the kind of life that shines in our generation—a life centered on Christ, lived faithfully even when the world around us becomes confused or unjust.

May these readings remind us that God is our portion, holiness is our calling, justice is our responsibility, and sacrificial love is our offering to the Lord.

Strength, Humility, Holiness, and Hope: A Devotional on Today’s Readings

The Curious PilgrimLeave a comment

A reflection by Roy Pearson

Psalm 18 • Isaiah 2:12–22 • 1 Thessalonians 3:1–13 • Luke 20:27–40

Today’s readings draw us into a sweeping vision—from God’s mighty deliverance to His purifying judgment, from the tenderness of Christian love to the promise of the resurrection. Together they remind us who God is, who we are called to be, and where our hope ultimately rests.

Psalm 18 — The God Who Saves and Strengthens

Psalm 18 is David’s long, triumphant song of deliverance. God is portrayed as rock, fortress, shield, stronghold—the One who hears our cries and comes to our rescue with power that shakes the earth.

But David also emphasizes a life aligned with God’s ways:

“He rewarded me according to my righteousness.”

David is not claiming perfection; he is affirming faithfulness. God strengthens those who walk in His light.

Application Today:
We live in a world filled with anxiety, violence, and uncertainty. Psalm 18 invites us to remember that God is our stability. The path forward is not through self-reliance but by trusting God as our fortress and shaping our lives around His ways. Strength comes from surrender.

Isaiah 2:12–22 — When Human Pride Falls

Isaiah warns that “the day of the Lord” will expose and bring low all human pride, all the idols and false securities people cling to. The imagery is striking: lofty mountains, tall cedars, and fortified towers—all symbols of human self-confidence—are humbled before the glory of God.

Application Today:
We are tempted to think our systems, wealth, technology, or personal achievements make us secure. Isaiah reminds us that anything we elevate above God becomes an idol. In our age of self-promotion and constant digital mirrors, Isaiah calls us to humility. God alone is worthy of trust, honor, and reverence.

1 Thessalonians 3:1–13 — Love That Strengthens and Sustains

Paul writes with tender concern for the Thessalonian believers. He longs to see them, prays for their protection, and asks God to make their love “increase and abound for one another.” Paul sees love not as a soft sentiment but as the very thing that strengthens hearts in holiness.

Application Today:
Christian community is not built on convenience or casual association—it is built on prayer, sacrifice, encouragement, and love. In a time when loneliness is widespread and relationships often fragile, Paul calls the church to deep, persistent love that builds one another up and makes holiness possible. We grow strong when we grow together.

Luke 20:27–40 — God of the Living

The Sadducees question Jesus about the resurrection, trying to trap Him with a hypothetical puzzle. Jesus responds by revealing that the resurrection life is not merely an extension of earthly life—it is a new reality where death has no power. God is “not God of the dead, but of the living.”

Application Today:
Many people today live as though this world is all there is. Jesus teaches us to see life through the lens of eternity. Resurrection hope reshapes our priorities, our ethics, and our courage. When we know death does not have the final word, we are free to live faithfully without fear.

Bringing It All Together

These four passages weave a unified message:

  • God is our strength and salvation (Psalm 18).
  • Human pride collapses before God’s holiness (Isaiah 2).
  • Love and holiness sustain the Christian life (1 Thessalonians 3).
  • The hope of resurrection gives us perspective and peace (Luke 20).

In a world shaken by conflict, division, and uncertainty, the Word calls us to:

Stand in God’s strength.
Walk in humility.
Love one another deeply.
Live with resurrection hope.

May these truths shape us today as we seek to follow the Lord who is our rock, our joy, and our life.

Many Ways to Worship the One God

The Curious PilgrimLeave a comment

A Reflection by Roy Pearson

One of the gifts of the Christian faith is its beautiful variety. Across centuries and cultures, believers have found countless ways to worship the God who created us, redeems us, and sustains us. Some traditions offer written prayers, icons, and a rich liturgy; others prefer spontaneous praise, simple gatherings, and a focus on preaching. Some view the Lord’s Supper as a memorial, while others receive it as the Eucharist—the Holy Mystery of Christ’s presence. All of these streams seek the same Source.

I have worshiped in both liturgical and non-liturgical settings, and over the years I have come to treasure the depth and discipline that liturgical worship brings into my life. The Daily Office guides me into the presence of God through the Psalms, the Old and New Testament readings, and the Gospel. It invites me to sit with Scripture long enough for it to seep into my heart and challenge my understanding. The rhythm of prayer shapes my days and anchors my spirit.

Each Sunday, the Eucharist draws me to Christ in a profound way. There is a mystery at that table—an encounter with the living Christ who dwells in me through the Holy Spirit. I cannot fully explain it, but I know that in bread and wine I meet grace, nourishment, and renewal.

I also love the beauty of the liturgical year: the colors, the symbols, the intentional shifts in focus. In Advent, I remember the Christ who came as a baby in Bethlehem, the Christ who comes to us daily, and the Christ who will come again as King. The seasons invite me to walk with Jesus through His story so that His story shapes mine.

Liturgical worship may not be for everyone, and that is perfectly alright. God meets His people in many ways. What matters most is not the form but the transformation. For me, liturgy has cultivated a hunger and thirst for righteousness. Studying the saints across two thousand years has reminded me that we walk a well-trodden path, supported by the witness of those who faithfully followed Christ before us.

Whatever our tradition—formal or informal, ancient or contemporary—may we remember the greatest commandments: to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. May we honor one another’s worship rather than condemn it, celebrating the diverse ways God draws His people into communion with Him.

In the end, all our worship—however different—rises to the same God. And in that unity, we find grace.

Longing, Light, Integrity, and Allegiance: A Reflection on Today’s Readings

The Curious PilgrimLeave a comment

A Reflection by Roy Pearson

Psalm 63:1–8 — A Thirst Only God Can Satisfy

The psalmist cries, “My soul thirsts for you… my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” This is the language of someone who knows that nothing—not success, not comfort, not human affirmation—can quench the deepest hungers of the soul except the living God.

Meaning:
David expresses a profound desire for God’s presence. His trust is so deep that he clings to God even in wilderness seasons, confident that God’s “right hand upholds” him.

Application today:
We live in a “dry and weary land” of distraction, overwork, political anxiety, and spiritual fatigue. Psalm 63 reminds us that our deepest need is not more control, more certainty, or more noise—but more of God. Cultivating desire for God, even when life feels barren, becomes an act of faith that reorders our priorities and brings peace.

Isaiah 2:1–11 — God’s Mountain and Human Pride

Isaiah offers a breathtaking vision: all nations streaming to the mountain of the Lord, where swords become plowshares and people learn war no more. Yet the passage quickly turns into a rebuke against human pride: “The haughty looks of people shall be brought low.”

Meaning:
Isaiah contrasts God’s coming reign of peace with humanity’s inflated trust in its own strength, wealth, and idols. The way of peace is God’s; the way of pride leads only to collapse.

Application today:
We too live in a world convinced that technology, nationalism, wealth, or political power can save us. Isaiah calls us back to God’s mountain—back to humility, justice, and a peace that cannot be engineered by force. It challenges us personally: What idols do we trust more than God? What forms of pride keep us from the way of peace?

This is a call to repentance and a return to God’s path.

1 Thessalonians 2:13–20 — The Power of God’s Word and the Joy of Community

Paul rejoices that the Thessalonians received the gospel “not as a human word but as what it really is, God’s word,” at work within believers. He speaks of them as his hope, joy, and crown.

Meaning:
Paul reminds the church that Scripture and the message of Christ are living, active, and transformative. He also shows that Christian leadership and community are rooted in love—not in hierarchy or control.

Application today:
In an age of cynicism and information overload, we may forget that God’s Word is alive. When we read Scripture, we are not engaging an artifact—we are welcoming God’s voice. Paul also reminds us that faith is lived in community. We need one another to grow, endure hardship, and experience joy. The church is not a building but a people God holds close.

Luke 20:19–26 — Giving to Caesar and Giving to God

The religious leaders try to trap Jesus with a political question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus’ response—“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s”—confounds them.

Meaning:
Jesus refuses political manipulation. Instead, He makes a profound claim: Caesar’s image is on the coin, so give the coin to Caesar—but God’s image is on you, so give yourself to God.

Application today:
In a time of intense political polarization, Jesus’ words remind us that our allegiance to God transcends every political identity. We fulfill our civic responsibilities, but we do not give our hearts, our hope, or our identity to earthly powers. Our ultimate loyalty belongs to the One whose image we bear.

This is a call to integrity, discernment, and spiritual clarity in confusing times.

Conclusion: A Path for Today

Today’s readings create a powerful sequence:

  • Psalm 63 teaches us longing.
  • Isaiah 2 teaches us humility and repentance.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2 teaches us encouragement and the life of community.
  • Luke 20 teaches us allegiance to God above all else.

Together they invite us to be a people who thirst for God, walk humbly, listen faithfully, and live with undivided hearts.

May these Scriptures steady us, challenge us, and draw us deeper into the way of Christ in our own complicated age.