Life This Side of Heaven

When it comes to nostalgia, our memories are like a sieve. It’s like sifting the lumps out of the powdered sugar sprinkled over cookies or flour for Christmas baking. However, what Jesus came to do for us is even better.

"We need a little Christmas, right this very minute!" Chances are good you may have heard the familiar lyrics and found yourself singing along with the popular Christmas hit. You could almost imagine the folks in Malachi’s day singing something similar to this. But anticipation was giving way to impatience with God. Have you found yourself feeling impatient with God and wanting to see a little more of His action in your life?

In Psalm 98, the psalmist says, “Sing to the Lord a new song.” It’s a phrase that’s heard there times in the Psalms. And it’s also included in Isaiah. And chances are good we’re going to sing these words in worship on Christmas. However, is this God’s way of telling us we need some fresh music in the Christian hit parade? Is the psalmist saying we should ditch the familiar old hymns and carols?

On April 3, England’s Daily Mail ran an editorial about COVID vaccines with the headline, “Easter’s greatest gift: The real hope that our ordeal is almost over.” The editorial itself wasn’t especially memorable, but the headline sure raised an eyebrow. The “hope that our ordeal is almost over” turned out to be premature. But does it sound that way as well when we hear God's announcement to Zechariah? With all that's going on in your life, and as Christmas approaches, does it seem premature to celebrate, "rejoice greatly" and "shout aloud"?

Have you ever caught you’re thumb in a mouse trap? When Jesus reminded the disciples to be alert and ready for that day when He comes again in glory, He used the language of a trap. And He described two forms of bait the world uses to entice us.

Hearing of the signs and circumstances surrounding our Savior's return may leave us feeling shaken. However with the full confidence of faith, knowing that the day of His return is coming and our redemption is drawing near, we are stirred to action. We are blessed to share the Christmas message of His first coming to bring us forgiveness, life and salvation.

While sounding strange to us, these images Jesus described would take place at His coming would have been familiar to the disciples. It’s the language of judgement from the Old Testament. Yet, because of what Jesus has accomplished for us, through faith we need have no fear of condemnation.

In Jeremiah, God spoke a remarkable promise through the prophet. If you've ever found yourself feeling as if all is lost, here's a promise you will want to hear!

In Philippians, the apostle Paul gives us a list and says, "Think about such things." However, like a song in a musical, it may just sound like the happy lyrics of a life detached from reality. Far from it. In fact, with Advent beginning tomorrow, and the readings about the coming of our Savior, "these things" are not as hard to imagine as we might think.

At twilight, when you and I may be feeling sleepy, is the time to watch. Jesus tells us there's also another time – in fact right now – when, instead of falling asleep, you and I will want to be alert.

Worry doesn’t change anything. That’s why, here in Philippians the apostle Paul points us to the One that does. And here's why he says you and I can do all this with real thanksgiving in our hearts on this festive celebration.

At Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia, the beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean is also accompanied with warnings not to walk on the rocks, fall into the water, and be swept out to sea. Nevertheless, people continue to do just that. Many have suggested that more warnings are the answer. When it comes to God's Law, some have thought that perhaps more laws and warnings would help to keep people from falling. However, Jude points us in a different direction – to the One who keeps us from falling.

One of the more uplifting and enduring images that comes to mind when folks hear of an oil spill are the commercials on TV showing ducklings being carefully washed clean. And the means used to clean them remains them same. When it comes to cleaning you and me, God directs us to the same means that has endured for centuries. It still works.

"Build yourselves up!" Sounds like a good slogan for a gym or fitness club, doesn’t it? However, when we look in the mirror of God’s Law what we see staring back at us is our sins and shortcomings instead of the strong and sanctified superhero we long to be. But Jude is peddling some false message of self-reliance. He's got good news that's worth hearing – and handing on to.

Did you know that tomorrow is known as “Stir Up Sunday”? It's a tradition that dates back to Victorian times. It involves a special recipe and a family activity. But it points beyond tasty baking to all of the special ingredients that God has bought together to bring us salvation and savor the opportunities to share His mercy and love with those in our midst.

Sometimes, it's tempting to find our security in the size of our church building instead of our Savior. But Scripture reminds us that whether you find yourself worshipping in a beautiful, ornate church, or a modest cabin in the woods, we can rejoice that where the Gospel is proclaimed in truth, and His sacraments administered according to His Word, there is God in our midst as we gather in His name.

Have you ever wondered, “What can I do in church that I can’t do at home?” After all, I can sing hymns in the garage and I can pray at the cottage. It’s true. But gathering in worship has more to do with what Christ does for us that it is about what you and I do for him.

Here in Mark, Jesus says something that you probably won’t find cross-stitched onto a pillow. He says, “All men will hate you because of Me.” That may not be pleasant to hear but it’s the truth. For many, Jesus leaves a bitter taste in their mouth. However, we have good reason to be neither surprised nor discouraged.

A tattoo, popular, among sailors was the phrase “Hold Fast,” with each letter of the two four letter words written on the knuckles. It was meant to remind the sailors to have a good grip on the rigging. Here in Hebrews, the writer encourages us to hold fast to our confession of faith.

“Stop: Authorized Personnel Only Beyond This Point.” Have you ever seen signs like this? Controlled access is often put in place to safeguard the health and welfare of someone who might otherwise put themselves in peril. However, because of what Jesus has accomplished for you and me on the cross, God Himself has authorized you to come before His throne in full assurance of His mercy and forgivevness.

While folks often like to imagine what heaven is like, Scripture often describes it by telling us what’s not there.

Sometimes, as Christians we seemed surprised by trouble. It’s ironic, really, since Jesus Himself assures us in John, “In the world you will have trouble.” Nevertheless, in Revelation, God points us forward and assures us of the time when that will no longer be the case.

If you’re hearing this devotion today in the United States, it’s Veteran’s Day. If you’re living in Canada or countries in the Commonwealth member nations, today’s Remembrance Day. And, if you are living in England, the observance of Remembrance Sunday will take place later this weekend. Each of these days are marked with solemnity, profound gratitude and a moment of silence. However, each of them is slightly different and distinct. This month, the Church also celebrates All Saints’ Day. So, it’s reasonable to wonder, is this a day set aside for those who have died in the faith or those today who are still living? And the answer to that question is, “It’s both!”

The celebration of the saints, and in particular All Saints’ Day in November and the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed, remind us how blessed we are with the encouraging example of those who have gone on before us in the faith and are now with God. It's comfort too good to leave it muddled in misunderstanding. Here in Revelation God shows us its joyous focus.

It’s ironic that cartoons and movies often portray the redeemed in heaven as angels with wings, halos and harps. The reality is that what God has promised is so much better. In the glimpse of what is to come, God gave John a glimpse which includes white robes and palm branches. And it actually describes an apparel and activity that's ours even now through faith.

“Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!” If someone comes up, and wants to talk all about the ending a book that you’re both reading, it might spoil it for you if they give it away. So, you may interrupt them and say, “Wait, wait … Don’t tell me.” However, what God had John record for us at the end of the Scriptures is so good it will have you saying, "No, Don't Wait .. Please Tell Me!"

As the red hot molten lava shot up into the sky and flowed down the mountainside, rocks and ash began to rain down along with it. A couple were among those who had to flee and leave everything behind. They lost everything … well, almost everything.

Is it possible to be familiar with the truth but still not understand it? Can you be aware of the facts but still not fully grasp what they mean? Surprisingly, yes! Want a handy way to understand the Scriptures and a handy distinction which brings clarity? Try using the letters SOS.

In Mark, one of the teachers of the law came to Jesus with a question. He asked Jesus, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” Essentially, he asked Jesus to boil it down for him into something short and sweet. Jesus gave Him a useful, and eye-opening answer and went on to bring us the sweet, perfect and eternal forgiveness we have with Him now through faith.

It's inspiring to hear when someone in the grocery store is surprised to learn that someone else has paid their bill. But it's absolutely jaw-dropping to hear what Paul describe for us here in Romans.

In many cases, famous companies have important trade secrets. And a great deal of care goes into keeping it that way. But here in Jeremiah, God announces the New Covenant of our salvation. It's not a secret and He wants everyone to know it. And He points out how the details of this precious good news are open and available for everyone here in His Word.

It's a sobering reality to be watching a favorite TV show, or a movie, and discovered that you're older than the actor playing the part of character you once thought was "old"? Paul describes a similar sobering experience when it comes to looking at God's Law. However, in this case, reality leads us to also discover something that's better than our imagination.

Last week, it was announced that amateur diver Shlomi Katzin, who was exploring the shallow waters off the coast of northern Israel, discovered something amazing – a 900 year-old sword. This weekend we celebrate the events of the Reformation which took in Europe over 500 years ago. And the discovery that was made then also has to do with a sword – the sword of the Spirit to be precise, God’s Word.

Here in Psalm 130, David prays words for a situation that’s not hard to imagine. He says, “Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD.” Chances are good you know what that experience feels like as well.

Cleaning, tidying, and organizing shows have really caught on in recent years. But there's a debate about whether such a process can ever be called "once and done." As our high priest, Jesus has not only cleansed us of our sins, but His sacrifice for us is truly "once for all."

In Hebrews, the writer describes for us how Jesus pleads on our behalf before the throne of God. His priesthood is perpetual! He uses a legal term to describe it as permanent. How does that work? And what does it mean for you and me and all who confess their sins and cling to Him by faith?

Here in Jeremiah, the prophet records God’s promise to return a remnant of His faithful people from their exile in Babylon. But it wouldn’t be a matter of simply welcoming them when they arrived. He would be the active agent in bringing them, gathering them up, and making sure they all entered the Promised Land. And this is also God's amazing promise for you and for me.

Sing … shout … let your praises be heard! These were the comforting, and exciting, words that Jeremiah was given to share with God’s people. And they should almost like the words of a cheerleader. But they're more than wishful thinking. It's an invitation to confident joy even now!

When David uses these Hebrew words “broken” and “crushed” to describe broken hearts and crushed spirits, here in Psalm 34 he’s using words that describe when something has been pulverized into powder. How can it ever be whole again?

“Thank God I’m not rich!” Have you ever included this in your prayers? I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that most of us are shaking our heads right now and saying, “No.” But it may not have escaped our thoughts. When it comes to our salvation, the only thing we can say is, "Thank God!"

Here in Hebrews, the writer cheers us along. However, along with encouragement he also shares a useful reminder. He urges us to to trust in God’s promise of eternal rest and to hold on to it in faith. He warns us not to fall short of the finish.

In Hebrews, the writer describes the importance of encouraging one another in the faith. And then he explains that the reason for doing it is “so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” What sin entices us to do is a little like the trick Tom Sawyer pulled on his friends.

Mark records the occasion of a fellow who came to Jesus looking for tips on how to inherit eternal life. And he complimented Jesus and addressed Him as “Good Teacher.” But instead of answering his question, Jesus first addressed the compliment by asking him, “Why do you call Me good?”

In many cases, instead of money being a symbol of wealth, it becomes a symbol of worth. God's Word points us to something for more substantial and satisfying.

Have you ever taken a panoramic picture with your camera or smartphone? Following Paul's introduction, the opening twelve verses of Ephesians provide us with a panoramic view of our salvation accomplished for us by our God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It stretches across eternity and provides a view which is both breathtaking and reassuring.

How can you and I make daily use of our Baptism? Wait, what? Yes, you heard right – daily use of your baptism.

Do remember getting into trouble when you were a kid? Were you called in for a scolding? The best thing you could do was to look down at your shoes. God's blessing in Numbers assures us that, through faith, we can look up from our shoes and see the forgiving face that is looking upon us.

How bright is your flashlight? Probably not all that bright. You may also feel that's true of your witness to your family, friends and acquaintances. Take heart, it may be brighter than you imagine.

I haven’t got any trophies and you’ll never see my face on a box of Wheaties. I am … common. Nevertheless, I’ve got something to boast about!

In John’s Gospel we hear that Jesus told the disciples, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” John then tells us, “Jesus had been speaking of his death, but His disciples thought He meant natural sleep. So then He told them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead.’” So why would Jesus use this picture of Lazarus 'sleeping' when in fact He knew that His friend had died?