Life This Side of Heaven

It's been joked, "Be nice to your children. After all, they’re going to choose your nursing home.” That’s funny and intimidating at the same time. Joseph was entrusted with the remarkable responsibility of being the guardian of Jesus, the stepfather of our Savior, and protector of His mother Mary. It was a high honor to say the least – but it must have also been very intimidating. However, the one thing that Joseph would not have been concerned about was that one day this Child would choose a home for him. No, in fact, he would have rejoiced knowing that this was the very reason He came.

Believe. Seeing this word on ornaments and Christmas decorations at this time of the year warms our hearts. This glad tiding appears each year on bobbles, mugs, and it even adorns large balloons at Christmas parades. But the question which follows is, “Believe what?”

Is this the one? That’s the struggle every family has when they’re looking for a Christmas tree – whether real or artificial. What do you look for when you go searching for that tree that’s going to hold all the family ornaments and sparkle in the corner of your living room? Everyone has their own idea in mind of what a Christmas tree should look. But then, that’s also often true when it comes to a Savior, the One on whom we hang all of our hopes. Episode artwork courtesy of MaxPixel

You have to have patience if you’re a farmer. You have to have a lot of patience if you’re a Christmas tree farmer. James makes use of this example, of the farmer and his crops, to remind us of what it’s like to count down the days until our Lord’s coming. As he points out, being patient is far different from being idle. And there’s plenty of activity to fill our days as we wait for the joyous coming of our Savior.

What brings Isaiah to marvel in this text, is neither how high a deer can jump or even whether reindeer can fly. Sure, one is remarkable and the other is fanciful, but what the prophet declares is beyond precedent. He points to the time coming when God will ensure that the lame will leap like a deer.

Do we set our hopes too high for Christmas? That depends. The reality is that your life and mine rarely resemble the ones we see in movies. However, as the Paul points out, the answer isn’t lower our expectation. The surprising reality is that we often don’t set our hope high enough.

If you’ve ever had a tree removed on your property you’ll know how annoying it can be to get rid of the stump. And there are a lot of solutions suggested in how you can get rid of them. In Isaiah’s day, the nation had been reduced to what could only be described a stump. One corrupt and idolatrous king after another had led the people astray and driven it into the dirt. But as Isaiah points out, instead of focusing on stump removal, God had something else in mind.

Have you straightened the branches on your Christmas tree? There are instructions, and even videos online, to show you how. But how do you make "straight paths" for the Lord? Episode artwork courtesy of freebibleimages.org

Just as we anxiously await the arrival of loved ones, for the holidays, we may wish we had a phone that we could pick up and ask Jesus when He’ll be here. However, instead of a phone, God has given us His Word and with it a wonderful reminder of what this Season of Advent, which focuses on our Savior's coming, is all about.

Can you think of a skill that you learned back in school that you thought you would never use? Did you go on to discover that it was useful knowledge after all? In Isaiah, the prophet describes an activity to which we can look forward on the day of our Lord's coming. But it's no surprise that He has also enabled us to begin putting some of those skills to good use right now.

Would you like a “Wake Up Call”? That friendly service offered to guests, when you check into a hotel, continues to be a valued service for travelers. As we begin this Advent Season, Paul gives us a useful “wake up call” here in Romans.

It's Black Friday. One news outlet, like many others, has come up with their "Top 10 Black Friday Shopping Tips for 2022." And if you’re among those bundling up and heading out the door today, they offer some pretty useful advice. Looking for peace? Thankfully, as Paul points out in Philippians, here’s something for which we need not shop.

“It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without …” How would you finish that sentence? Turkey, gravy, stuffing? Before you answer that question, consider all of the possibilities.

November is often a dark month. Following the summer and those seemingly endless days of sunshine, we’re now at that time of the year when the sun is rising a bit later in the morning and setting a little earlier in the evening. Chances are good that wherever your live, there may be more than a few drizzly days. And even the headlines add to the darkness. So, it's welcome news to hear Paul tell us in Colossians, “For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness." But the bright, Good News, that the apostle goes on to describe is so much better than we could have imagined.

As the disciples were leaving the Temple, Luke tells us that they marveled at its beauty. So what Jesus told them next must have made their jaws drop. But what followed was an announcement of what was even bigger and better come.

Here in 2 Thessalonians, Paul encourages you and me to pray for the ongoing proclamation of the Gospel. And the language he uses to describe its spread actually comes from the Greek word meaning, “to run.” Inspired by the Holy Spirit, it’s a great phrase he uses to describe what takes place.

How should you and I wait and get ready for the day of our Lord’s return? Well, it all depends on what we’re awaiting. The One who shall come on the clouds that day is no less that Christ our Savior.

What are the odds of your home being hit by a meteor? What are the odds that you'll win the grand prize in the lottery? What were the odds that you would become a redeemed child of God? Actually, much better than you might expect.

A study was conducted recently in which researchers sought to determine "the most beautiful baby names of 2022 based on how they sound to the human ear." When Moses asked God for His name, he was also concerned about how it would sound when He went to the tell the Israelites about God’s plan to “rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians.” The beauty of God's name is what it reveals to us about Him and His love for you and me.

Hungry for that Thanksgiving Dinner coming up later this month? You might want to look at your wallet. With the increase in prices and, depending on your tastes, you may want to swap out some of your favorites or curb your appetite. But here’s Good News. And it's not just for one meal on one day. To you, me, and to all who hunger for righteousness, Jesus promised, “You will be filled.”

In Romans, Paul rejoices to remind us of the incredible source of our righteousness, that comes completely from outside of ourselves, and which enables us to stand before God with great joy and without fear.

Each year, November 2 marks the annual festival in the church known as “The Commemoration of the Faithful Departed.” Now, you might imagine that this would be a day filled with grief and only a further reminder of those we’ve lost. But quite the opposite is true. It’s day filled with great joy, a reminder of the grace which is ours and theirs in Jesus, a growing sense of anticipation, and overwhelming thanks to our Savior. Here's why.

In an effort to protest environmental damage, activists have been spattering works of art across Europe and obstructing people's view of the paintings they came to see. By contrast, Martin Luther's nailing of the 95 Theses to the door of the castle church in Wittenberg, on this day in 1517, had the opposite effect. It set into motion events which would wipe away false teachings, revealing the masterpiece of God’s Word and the clear message of salvation it proclaims.

Have you ever run into someone who could be mistaken for your twin? When two people aren’t related, but appear very similar, they’re often referred to as doppelgängers. Well, I want you to know that I have folks who are the same as me. And here’s the shocking part – so do you. And it’s more than just a superficial similarity.

Despite all the attacks on our faith, and the afflictions our bodies endure from sickness, age and disease in this fallen world, the day will come when God, who has called us by faith into His Kingdom of Grace will will bring us into His Kingdom of Glory. Here's why Paul could say, and we also can say, with confidence, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.”

When God confronted Cain, after he murdered his brother, God announced, “Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.” Nothing Cain did could hide it. Nothing he did could get out the guilt. That's true for our guilt and the stain of our sins as well. However, God promised One who would.

It’s tempting to grow weary in the face of evil. The result is that you and I may become listless in prayer. Instead of raising hands in prayer we may find ourselves throwing them up in defeat. So, for this reason, Luke tells us, “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” But it’s more than the simple encouragement to “Hang in there.” Much more.

It’s fun and games to get lost in a corn maze, but not when it comes to eternal life. In faith, Jesus has plowed everything out of our path.

It’s tempting for you and me to fall into the trap of assuming that there’s nothing we can’t handle. We try to convince ourselves that nothing can get the best of us – until it does.

Have you ever found yourself saying, "Thank God"? It's something we may mutter under our breath when a disaster has been averted. But did you actually do it? Did you thank God? It’s easy to confuse gratitude with relief.

Paul realized that, just like you and me, Timothy would take in a wealth of information over the course of a lifetime. It’s also true that we will forget a great deal of what we’ve learned. So, the things we deem most important are those that we’ll review to remember. So, Paul puts Timothy - and you and me - in mind of something that’s too good to forget: "Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David.”

This is not where I expected to be in life. Have you ever felt that way? It’s that disconnect, and confusion you experience when circumstances seem to yank life’s steering wheel in a different direction than the one you thought it would take. If you’ve ever struggled with these feelings, you’re not alone. Ruth, and her mother-in-law, would have experienced many of these same emotions. However, God's response to her plight also brings the answer to ours.

Jesus said, “If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.” At this point, the incredulous disciples marveled over the what it would take to accomplish this. So they prayed, “Increase our faith!” However, Jesus points out, the answer is not greater faith, but faith in the great mercy of God.

It’s hard not to laugh at all those things that were once considered to be modern, trendsetting and stylish – everything from fashion to furniture. All those items that today are considered to be trendsetting and chic will soon be considered cringeworthy, laughable and embarrassing a few short years later. So, you can imagine the pressure that young Timothy faced when Paul wrote this letter. It wasn’t fashionable to be a Christian.

Is God blind? How can He not see all evil that surrounds us? And if He does see it, why doesn’t He do something about it? You may surprised to know that the prophet Habakkuk had some of these very same questions.

In our Savior's parable in Luke 16, the condemned man has a suggestion to convince others not perish in their sin. At first, it may even sound like it would work. However, Jesus directs our focus to what actually will, and does, work – God's Word.

When one fellow was asked why he took what he knew to be a deadly sport, he responded that it was a way to “grab life.” And today's race to riches may seem like that as well. But Paul describes how the obsession with wealth can lead to a perilous plunge. Instead, he encouraged Timothy, and he encourages you and me, to “take hold of the life that is truly life.”

It's a tremendous gift when we have good leaders and government. It’s a blessing when the economy is rolling along. And these are all things that are included when you and pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” But like the people in Amos’ day, it’s easy to lose sight of the much bigger picture, the eternal one.

In one of the most unusual parables in the Bible, it sounds like Jesus is sharing life lessons from a crook! And that’s exactly what He’s doing. Here, in these jarring words from Luke 16, Jesus is speaking to believers – folks like you and me. And what he’s saying is, “Take a look at how unbelievers deal with one another.” There's something important that you and I can learn something from them.

Pray for all those in authority? What, everyone? In our increasingly polarized political climate you may hesitate when you hear Paul’s words in this text. However, Paul has good reason for requesting these prayers.

Having a selective memory usually means remembering the good things while trying as hard as you can to forget the rest. And it’s not always perfect. But God has a selective memory. And it is perfect. In His case, it’s not a shortcoming – it’s our salvation!

Here in 1 Timothy, Paul says something in a way that may often go overlooked. He doesn’t say, “I used to be a sinner.” He doesn’t say that at one time, in the past, a long time ago, before I became a believer … I was a sinner.” No, the language he uses is present tense. The apostle’s saying it’s true, right now. And not only does he declare himself to be a sinner – he even says, “I am the worst.” So, it’s tempting to wonder, “But how can he say that since he’s a Christian?”

A celebration in heaven.Imagine what that must look like! And there's a big one, that takes place each day, right now, and yet may go totally unnoticed by the world around us. But make no mistake about it, this celebration is immense ... and one which is also too good for us to overlook.

The phrase, “on a day of clouds and darkness,” certainly sounds foreboding. However, God's Words, recorded here in Ezekiel, don't simply describe the bleak situation facing His wayward people in exile, or even the judgement that awaited the false shepherds who lead they away from God. It also points to the incredible rescue that God goes on to describe.

Wait .. what? Hate your father and mother, your wife, children, siblings and self? How can these words make sense when we’re told to “Honor our father and mother” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” In fact, in 1 John, we’re even told that “Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.” So why would Jesus use such strong language with folks who were following Him and who truly desired only what was best for the ones they love?

You and I have good reason to forgive each other, when we’ve been hurt or wronged. We're commanded to do so. However, the strength, and encouragement to do, this comes not from the command, but from the Holy Spirit and the mercy with which God He has blessed us. And Paul describes a unique activity, one which you and I also take part in, that reminds us of this.

“God is a big part of my life.” There’s a pleasing phrase that probably perks our ears whenever we hear it. It’s uplifting to hear a famous actor, singer or television personality share these words during an interview. We may even say it ourself. However, as a confession of faith, it begs the follow-up question, “Can you describe the other parts of your life, you know, the ones which don’t include God?” If God is the biggest slice of the pie, what about the rest of it?

While the Pharisees were well-known for jockeying for the best seats at the table, you and I have a Savior who focused His attention instead on those who were, so to speak, at the other end of the table – the very folks with whom the Pharisees didn’t wish even to be seen – people like you and me.

"Nostalgia ain't what it used to be." Our memories tend to sift out the strains and difficulties of the past while we retain and embellish the happiness and contentedness of days gone by. So, when writer to the Hebrews invites us to "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you," it may sound like he's appealing to our sense of nostalgia. But it's more than that. In fact, it's much more.

Is God playing “hide and seek?” It may seem that way at first. Consider how much effort is expended searching for answers to the question of life, the meaning of the universe, and God Himself. But it’s God who has decided how He has wished to reveal Himself - and tells us in His Word.