Life This Side of Heaven

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.

It’s all about who you know. At least, that's how the world operates. However, Jesus turns that on its head when it comes to salvation and eternal life.

Those who first heard the words recorded in Hebrews were living in a world in constant opposition to the Gospel and it was a taking a toll on them. Furthermore, they disheartened by the persecution they were experiencing as Christians. Fatigue was setting in. Their hope and endurance were beginning to fade. They were teetering on the point where they were wondering if they should thrown in the towel. Sound familiar?

Home renovation shows on TV are more popular than ever. And the best part is the "reveal" that comes at the end. But nothing can compare to the transformation that God describes when it comes to the restoration of the house of David. And here's the best part: Through faith, you and I more than just observers.

Is God near or far? It's actually a useful question. And the answer may surprise you.

In Jeremiah’s day, God condemned the false prophets who exchanged His Words for their own. Jeremiah records God as saying, “I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied.” But how were folks to discern who was actually speaking what God had sent them to say from those who were leading them astray? It’s the same question today. How can we tell which voices are those that speak for God –and which are the fakes? God Himself gives us the answer in verses that follow.

Oddly enough, when something like a fatal lightning strike takes place, it’s often referred to as “An Act of God.” However, Scripture describes a much different event, which could be given this name, with a much better outcome.

This week we’ve been taking a closer look at these well-loved words of our Savior in Luke 12:32. And the soothing image of our Good Shepherd, holding us in His arms and telling us “Fear not, little flock,” are comforting in any situation. But it’s the context for these words that make this encouragement leap right off the page.

This week, we're taking a closer look at our Savior's words in the beloved passage of Luke 12:32. However, we may squirm to hear Him refer to us as His “little flock.” In our culture, of ‘bigger is better,” we tend to bristle to be described as “little.” It doesn’t sound very mighty, does it? As a result, the temptation is to try and make ourselves appear larger in status and stature. We don’t wish to appear small or insignificant. The reality, though, is that this description is neither slight nor slander. In fact, it’s a truth that brings remarkable comfort and confidence.

Once in a while it's nice to take a closer look at a familiar and beloved verse. And that's what we're going to do this week with Jesus' words in Luke 12:32, "Fear not, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom." And it begins with the familiar words, "Don't be afraid." Here's a familiar phrase from Scripture, but it doesn't appear by in isolation by itself. It's not a command to simply stop shaking. The comfort always comes with the amazing words that follow – as it does here.

There are two well-known phrases that advertisers use to capture our attention when we’re pushing our cart down the aisle at the grocery store. They both begin with the word, “new," but, wow are they different. When Paul talks about our new life in Christ, the apostle wants you and me to know that it's more than cosmetic. What God has given us in our Savior is significant and substantial.

When the world looks at you and me it may have a hard time seeing what it’s all about. As Christians, you and face many of the ver same dilemmas in life that they do. So, they may look and say to themselves, “I don’t see it.” And there's a good reason for that. As Paul explains, “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”

Here in Colossians, Paul give us a heads up in this life, by providing a useful distinction between “things above” and “earthly things.” And he points out what makes for a firm footing as you and I make our way through this life.

In Luke we hear, “One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray.’” And the first thing our Savior did was to teach them how to address their prayer. It’s so familiar that it’s something we may take for granted without giving it much thought. However, today it may be more useful to hear it again than ever.

Chances are good that if you’ve just uttered those words this summer – maybe at a picnic, cookout or barbecue. You’ve just had your fill. You’re topped up. You’re filled to the brim. And without any doubt, you can smile, thank your host, and say, “I’m full!” Have you ever felt like saying that after hearing of God's forgiveness in worship?

It's been said that the new, clear images from the new James Web Space Telescope will help to "better understand the origin of life here on Earth." _ And as Christians, it’s tempted to get roped into thinking that we must go in the opposite direction and use these images to better understand _God. And while they certainly do show His power and handiwork, instead of looking into the darkness of space to better understand God, God Himself directs us to His Son and the love which led Him to the cross on our behalf.

Mary and Martha were delighted to have Jesus visit them at their home in Bethany. However, when Martha sound herself hurried and anxious about dinner time detail, Jesus encouraged her to follow her sisters lead, have a rest and enjoy an opportunity to hear His Word. And in the midst of our own harried and hurried lives, Jesus encourages to you and me to take a loaf off our feet .. and sit at His.

There are two dangers in sharing the Gospel. In telling others of this salvation that God has given to us in our Savior, you’re going to be on the receiving end of what follows – whether it’s gratitude or hostility. Knowing this, and having a second look at the apostle's own call to faith, may give insight into a challenging passage which he shared with the Colossians.

Here in Genesis, Moses describes the meal that Abram set before his guests. And wow, did he ever roll out the red carpet! On this day both he and his wife, Sarai received a welcome announcement. It was the fulfillment of the gracious promise He had made. As a result, God has set before us an amazing meal. It also comes with a blessed announcement and by it we are well fed.

In our jaded days of fraudulent phone scams, you can be sure it raises a few eyebrows to hear Paul announced that we’ve qualified to be a part of group that has received something that sounds too good to be true. Our first response may be, "What must I do?" But the apostle goes on to assure us that God the Father has qualified us for eternal life by what He sent His Son to accomplish for us.