Life This Side of Heaven

Some opportunities are too good to miss. Paul wants you to know of one that's available for a limited time only.

In Isaiah the prophet describes a mountain top invitation from the Lord where we gather to hear Him "teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths." We are blessed that God gives us precious opportunities during this Advent season to hear His Word in our devotions and worship.

A flashlight isn't much good without batteries. Jesus even shared a parable with His disciples to reminds us. As you and I await our Savior's return, God Himself keeps our faith burning brightly for that day as we hear His Word at home in our devotions and together in worship.

Bad deal? That's what some Black Friday shoppers may feel if they discover the item they purchased today at an even cheaper price in the coming weeks. There were some in Malachi's day who felt that they got a bad deal following God's commands and repenting of their sins. They complained that those who did evil prospered. Have you ever been tempted to feel this way, too? Check out what took place for you on Good Friday.

Jesus healed ten lepers who cried out to Him for help. Only one returned to give thanks to God. You have to feel sorry for the other nine. They missed the best part.

When the Large Hadron Collider was built it was expected to reach collision energies of as much as seven trillion volts. The design for its replacement, the Future Circular Collider, may reach over ten times that amount. Our Savior's power for you is even greater. He is the One who created the universe - and holds it together. In faith, you can be sure that nothing can shatter the love that God has for you in His Son.

Have you ever wondered what difference it makes to be a child of God? As far as the world is concerned, they can't see any difference at all. At times, you and I may even be tempted to feel the same way. However, there is a difference. You can be sure of it.

Three years ago an amazing rescue took place in the winter darkness of Antartica. Paul couldn't help but marvel over the rescue mission that God Himself mounted to rescue you from the "dominion of darkness." God loves you and here is how precious you are to Him.

There has always been a desire for a means to spread rapidly matters of urgency and importance. And that was Paul's desire as well when it came to spreading the Gospel. Today, we have more means than ever to communicate matters of importance – radio, television, even spiffy little podcasts – but the best one for sharing remains unchanged to this day.

As God's redeemed children we look forward to the day of our Lord's return in glory. What may surprise us is hearing in God's Word that creation itself looks forward to this day as well.

Amen. It's such a familiar word that we may say it without really thinking about what it means. It's a little like saying "Gesundheit" when somebody sneezes. But it's a great word that is chock full of meaning. Here's why it's used throughout Scripture, when we confess our faith, and often in worship.

Have you looked up to watch the Leonid meteor shower this year? It's not exactly the end of the world. In fact, this year it hasn't been much at all. However, no matter what you and I may face in this life, and even if it's the day when the Son of Man returns, Jesus says, "Lift Up Your Heads." You and I can look up in faith.

The disciples marveled over the temple in Jerusalem. So it must have come as a shock to them when Jesus told them, "Not one stone will be left on another; ever one will be thrown down." Nevertheless, an even greater Temple was now standing before them!

A clear sign of what's around the corner is always appreciated if you're behind the wheel of a car. The day of Lord's return is coming. God's Word assures of what is just around the corner.

In 2 Timothy, Paul describes what will be a memorable day for all who have longed for our Savior's appearing.

Jesus tells us that in the resurrection they will "neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels.” It doesn't mean that we become angels. What does it mean?

In the Apostles’ Creed we confess, “I believe … in the life everlasting.” What will that look like? How do you describe something which is indescribable?

Did the folks living before Jesus know about eternal life? Did they know about the resurrection? The answer to both of these questions is a resounding, "Yes!"

God's name reveals who He is and it tells us a lot about His gracious activity. You and I have a loving and merciful God who is good at "Show and Tell."

When God wanted to speak to Moses, why did He choose that particular bush to appear to burst into flames? After all, it was just a bush like any other. Then again, why did God choose Moses to go to Pharaoh?

It's amazing how the Gospel has traveled throughout the world to peoples of all different nations, languages and cultures. And today, people of many different nations, languages and cultures have come to our doorstep. What an amazing opportunity we have been given to share the Gospel.

You're in good company! Have you found yourself being slandered, mocked or mistreated for being a Christian? Jesus tells you that you are blessed and even says, "Rejoice and be glad"! Find out why.

Sometimes we're so glad to know that when we die we will be with the Lord that we may overlook the best part that is yet to come. Take a closer look at our Lord's Easter victory for us, over sin and the death, and the incredible comfort which comes with His promise of the resurrection of the body.

Blessed. Did I just hear that right? Yes, blessed. When Jesus spoke these words in the Sermon on the Mount He was speaking to folks just like you and me.

Have you ever wondered what you might look like in a few decades? There's an app for that. Have you ever wondered what you will look like at Christ's return? There's a promise in God's Word for that.

Imagine one day that you woke up to discover that you were royalty? Here's the best part – you don't have to imagine. You are a child and heir of God. And the One to assure you is the King Himself.

Treaties, pacts, covenants, and accords come and go. Here is one, though, that still stands this day and will last forever.

You're a saint! Does hearing that make you feel bashful? Don't feel shy. It's a gift from God.

It's Theme Thursday but we're going to take time this special opportunity to celebrate Reformation Day, October 31.

In the Scriptures God describes sin, and the work of the devil, using much the same language as the alerts which come with mountain lion activity.

"How can I thank the Lord for all His benefits to me?" The Psalmist's answer may surprise you.

Sometimes wonderful Bible verses get shortened in order to fit them onto a decorative plaque or pillow. However, sometimes they leave off the best part.

"Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake." No, that's not an advertisement for the latest zombie movie. That's the exiting good news of the resurrection in Daniel.

"I'm going to let my child grow up and when they are older they can decide for themselves if they want to be a Christian." On the surface that may sound modern and reasonable. But actually, it's a very old mistake and actually robs your child of a precious opportunity.

In the Apostles' Creed we confess, "I believe ... in the forgiveness of sins." Even though our God is omniscient He also possesses and amazing ability. He can truly forgive ... and forget!

Have you ever been told, "The only person you can depend on is yourself"? That may not serve us well when it comes to trusting God's promises. And it can rob us of blessings if it contends with our faith.

Today it's easier than ever to find a place to worship that will say what we our ears want to hear. But if that message leads us away from God's Word it will ultimately lead us away from God. Paul's caution to Timothy resonates today just as it did then.

It's Fall and you can't miss the car and truck commercials telling you about the latest features available on every new vehicle. They are "well-equipped." Now listen to Paul tell you about the nature and features of God's Word. It leaves the believer "thoroughly equipped."

It's not surprising that we are impressed by those people who are the greatest - the very best at what they do. But it is surprising to hear Jesus tell us what is necessary to be greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Being a Christian isn't frightening. However, being persecuted for being a Christian is frightening. As a result, there may have been times when, like Peter, we have been tempted to shrink back, or even deny our Savior. In light of this, Paul has a wonderful axiom that is worth hearing.

In the Apostles' Creed we confess, "I believe ... in the holy Christian Church." It's become fashionable these days to say, "I love Jesus, but I hate the church." However, in Ephesians, Paul says Christ loves it. So what does this term mean?

You are not unimportant. And you are never alone. Ruth, in the Old Testament, had no idea what the future held – but God did.

"Be strong." Here's a phrase that's popular on coffee mugs and on motivational plaques and posters. But sometimes it's easy to mistake a motivational message with a shortened version of God's Word.

"I'll take your word for it." Have you ever used that expression? Ten lepers who met Jesus certainly reacted that way when He heard their plea.

In the current climate of barbed and unbridled talk it's tempting to shrink back in timidity from sharing the Gospel. But here's why the wonderful news of the Gospel so needed. And the apostle tells us how, and why, we can move from apprehensive to assured.

Would you like to know what took place before the beginning of time? God tells us in His Word. In fact, it's amazing news that will leave you feeling humbled, confident and grateful.

The work of the Holy Spirit is often confused with feelings. But, in reality, they're not similar at all. A faith based on our feelings would be like riding a roller coaster. The Holy Spirit directs us away from the uncertainty of our feelings and points us to Jesus – and the certainty of the salvation He has accomplished for us on the cross.

"Why do You tolerate wrong?" The prophet Habakkuk asked God that important question. You and I may find ourselves asking the same question today. But Habakkuk didn't throw up his hands in despair. He did two things that are very useful for us as well.

The disciples exclaimed, "Increase our faith!" And that seems like a reasonable request. But Jesus' answer may surprise you.

It's easier than we think to be tempted into looking at our relationship with God, and our service to him, as a matter of Quid Pro Quo. The apostle Paul reminds us, instead, of what an honor it is to serve the Savior who has served us with salvation.