Life This Side of Heaven

“There’s a fox in the henhouse!” If you hear that phrase you know that it’s describing a situation that’s ominous. Despite the treachery of the Pharisees, and their feigned warning to Jesus to avoid Jerusalem for His safety, Jesus did not let anything deter Him from His appointment with the cross. Wait until you hear the reason why!

It’s "Fish Friday" here at Life This Side of Heaven. No, we're not sizzling fish but we are taking a look at the prophet who felt like he had been dropped into a deep fryer. Consider the fearful prospect of what he was facing.

Last June the police department in Alhambra, California, just outside of Los Angelos, alerted residents to a potential danger lurking in their midst. It's a method now being used by thieves to discover "an opportune time" to burglarize homes and steal. Luke also uses this phrase to describe how the devil operates. In John, our Savior describes the adversary as a thief who comes only to steal and destroy. So it’s worth recognizing the subtle ways that he operates –and the remarkable resource God has given us to thwart the thief.

It’s only three words but what a confession they make! Jesus is Lord! It’s been said that this phrase is seen as being bold, aggressive and even “in your face.” And in many ways, it is. However, as Paul points out, it’s even better when it’s in our hearts in our confessed with our mouth.

Welcome! It’s “Fish Friday” here at Life This Side of Heaven. No, we’re not frying up battered fish but we are going to take a look at the life of a battered prophet – Jonah. What God serves up for us in this book is more that we might imagine.

Today is Ash Wednesday. It marks the first day of the season of Lent leading up to the celebration of Easter. It’s that unusual annual observance which includes lining up to receive a smudge of ashes on your forehead. If someone asks you what it's all about, you could tell them that having ashes smudged on your forehead this day, in the shape of a cross, is a spiritual version of the popular game, “Who am I?”

Whenever a sports star retires writers often insist that there will never another one like them. That almost sounds like what we hear about Moses here in Deuteronomy. It would certainly have seemed unlikely that one would ever eclipse what God accomplished through him. But even Moses knew that One would come who was far greater. In fact, through faith, His victories have become ours.

Have you ever read something on social media, or watched a video online, that makes your blood boil with anger? It may have been a controversial opinion, a polarizing political statement, an offensive situation, or even a question that leaves you so incensed that you feel it necessitates a heated response. What would you say if you discovered that this story, or video, was designed intentionally to fill you with fury? Now, wait until you hear what Jesus says!

Everyone dies. However, that doesn’t mean great effort has not been expended to change that. Ongoing medical advances have led to a proliferation of "biohackers," or longevity optimists, and some who even believe that death is an option. Other experts would debate that conclusion. However, what Paul reveals here in 1 Corinthians, really blows the top off this whole discussion and turns it in entirely different direction!

It’s remarkable to think that you can see the mummy of Pharaoh Thutmoses II whose burial chamber was discovered just this past week. But on the day of the resurrection you will see something far more amazing – the smiling face of your living Savior.

Would you describe yourself as “blessed”? It’s tempting to equate being blessed with with being wealthy ... or even happy. But listen instead to how our Savior turns these misunderstandings on their head.

"Breaking News" is the term that even cable news outlets admit has been overused in an effort to get our attention. However, when Paul described the news he was about to announce "as of first importance," he used this pivotal phrase to indicate that what came next has changed everything going forward. Here's news that does not simply impact our life. It's news that brings life!

"I pity the fool!" Do you recognize that line? It was made famous in a boxing movie and became a familiar catchphrase. Here in Jeremiah, the prophet says something similar. However, the one Jeremiah is describing, may surprise you. It’s a great wake up call for you and me to check and see if our trust has been displaced from trust in God to trust in others – or even ourself.

“Remember, I want him alive!” Chances are good that if you’ve ever watched a police drama on television, a classic western movie, then you’ve heard this familiar line. And, as Peter discovered, this is also true of our Savior who has come to bring us life and share this good news with others.

“There’s nothing worse than …” How would you finish that sentence? It might depend on your level of affluence, your money, wealth and resources. And the more familiar we are with the folks around us, the easier it is to complain about God's blessings and the people in our lives. But the apostle encourages to step back and take in the big picture.

“You’ve got something on your lip.” There’s that awkward phrase you might hear when someone points out that you've got a bit of food stuck to your lip. It's especially embarrassing if you make this discovery in the presence of someone important, like your date! But listen to what our loving God did for Isaiah when confronted with the much more terrifying reality of what was on his lips.

Luke's description of events that took place when Jesus was in Capernaum sound like random symptoms of life in this fallen world. However, there's one thread that ties each of these episodes together. Our Savior has come, the cure for this broken world and our sin-infected lives has arrived!

Wait a minute! Love never fails? What’s Paul talking about? If you’ve ever experienced a broken heart, or suffered through a divorce, it may be difficult to hear this portion of Scripture. With Valentine’s Day coming up next week, just seeing all those roses in the stores may also be a painful reminder of unmet hopes and dreams. However, if that’s the case, then you’ll want to take another a look at this passage.

Here in Jeremiah, we hear what took place when God called Him to be a prophet. He says, “The LORD, then, reached out His hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now, I have put My words in your mouth.” Now, at first, wouldn’t it seem to make more sense if God had said, “I have put My words in your _ear”? _ But there’s a reason God said it in this way and it becomes more apparent as we read on.

Jesus had some tough news to deliver in the synagogue in Nazareth. Just as in medicine, though, there’s no getting help for a condition we refuse acknowledge. However, we we do, He also has overwhelmingly Good News for us to hear.

Here in 1 Corinthians, Paul describes the great diversity of people the Holy Spirit gathers into our Savior’s church and the range of gifts He gives to each of them. However, this amazing variety isn’t always fully appreciated or understood. What the apostle says next changes how we see one another and put these gifts to good use.

Worship is joyful! And I mean really joyful. If it’s not, then something’s missing. And there are any number of reasons for why that might be. In some cases, there seems to be a tug-of-war between those who think of joy and reverence as being mutually exclusive. But take look at this passage from Nehemiah for a better example of why reverence and joy are both a part of real worship.

This was a truly momentous occasion. Three big things took place at a small wedding. John describes the circumstances under which Jesus gifted a young couple with about 150 gallons of fine wine. And then we hear “This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples put their faith in Him.” But why a wedding? Why did He do all this in a tiny village? And why wine for His first miracle?

Are you gifted? Yes, absolutely! The Holy Spirit has given an amazing, and abundant, array of gifts to His Church - to you, me and to all Christians. In Paul's day, the Christians at Corinth found themselves debating which gift was the most important. God's Word answers that question but perhaps not in the way that you imagine. In fact, it's this important answer which leads us to use the gift we've been given humbly, thankfully, and in keeping with the exciting purpose for which He gave it.

When you and I look at the struggles in our lives, our sins and mistakes, and all those things that have led us away from God, it’s tempting to wonder if He’s forsaken us. It’s easy to assume that God has simply thrown up His hands and walked away. We would certainly have it coming. So, have you ever found yourself wondering if you’ve been abandoned? If you have, then take a look at the ancient city, God's amazing promise for it, and what He accomplished there for you.

Here in Luke, the evangelist says something in passing that makes you back up and read it again. It’s so easy to gloss over that it almost feels like part of the small print. But the result of this is amazing! He notes, “When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too.”

How do you introduce a speaker to an audience? There are organizations that provide tips for just such important occasions. John the Baptizer knew many of them already when it came to introducing our Savior to the people. He knew how important it was make Jesus the focus and not himself. It was John’s joy to direct the crowds attention to the Savior and then step out of the spotlight. And this continues to be a useful reminder for you and me and for all who preach and proclaim Jesus and our salvation in Him.

When John stood in the Jordan River, baptizing with water for the forgiveness of sins, the water never ran out. And the mercy which God has poured out upon You your Baptism will also never run out. In fact, you can count on it.

It’s not often that you and I may think about the importance of a seal. Seals often contained a coat of arms. They’re used to stamp an impression onto a document to show verify authenticity, show ownership, or indicate approval. And God wants you to know what wonderful assurance comes with having His upon us!

Here in Ephesians, Paul reminds us of the incredible blessing that is ours, to discover that God has not only found us and forgiven us, He has made us His family!

Today marks the Festival of the Epiphany of our Lord. It marks that day in history when the Wisemen, Magi from the East, who came in search of Jesus arrived. It also marks the beginning of the Season of Epiphany which will take us now all the way through these dark winter days to the start of Lent leading up to Easter. And, from the tiny light of a star in the night sky which led the wise men to the breathtaking light of our Savior at the Transfiguration and the salvation He has accomplished for us at the cross, each day now grows brighter!

Why would he go and say something like that? Chances are good that over the holidays, as you got together with family, someone may have said something awkward. You know the kind – the crazy uncle who would said something like, “Cute kid you have there! Too bad he’s got his mom’s big ears." So, on this happy occasion at the temple, why would Simeon tell Mary that "a sword will pierce your own soul too"?

Travel with me for a moment, back in time to the year 2021, when the world was still in the thick of the global pandemic. At that time the Pew Research Center asked leaders from a variety of backgrounds, from business to research, to consider what they felt life would be like in 2025. They described what they though would be the "new normal" for this new year that begins today. It sounded bleak. However, it may surprise you to know that in Scripture, God also describes events that have brought about a "new normal." And for you and me and all who trust in our Savior this year ahead, and our entire future, couldn't be any brighter.

Sometimes, it’s hard to recognize our Savior who came to give His life for us on the cross, from the childhood picture we have of Him from His nativity. But by faith, Simeon recognized that this is the One who would grow up bring about his salvation, ours and the salvation of all. Cradled in His arms, was the One who would one day stretch His arms own for us on the cross and be the sacrifice for our sins.

The shepherds in Luke’s account of our Savior's nativity were real people, people just like you and me. They play a small part in the events of our Savior’s nativity, but not an insignificant one. Luke goes to tell us, “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” And the wonderful things is that, since we’re hearing it again this Christmas, that grateful praise must have also included telling others what it was that what they saw and heard. Like the shepherds, here's a wonderful and ongoing part of our praise as well.

A few years ago, a musicologist and a couple of songwriters set out to determine what elements go in to making the ultimate Christmas song. Did they come up with a new song? They sure did. Is it the ultimate Christmas song? Probably not. Is it what the psalmist had in mind when he said, “Sing to the Lord a new song?” Ha, not exactly. It may surprise you to know that it's the joyful song of faith that God's people have been singing for quite some time.

Elizabeth could scarcely contain her joy as told Mary, “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” As we hear this happy exchange, you and I are also blessed. Far from simply being observers, we’re also blessed to believe that what the Lord has said to us is accomplished!

Did you watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this year? A crowd favorite each year are the many large balloons which fly overhead. But did you notice how windy it was? The handlers had to really hold tight so as not to lose them. As you and I hold firmly to Scripture Paul reminds us that you and I will not be "blown here and there by every wind of teaching.” The wonderful announcement of forgiveness, that comes with our Savior’s birth, is too good to let blow away with indifference to God's Word.

Do you have the Christmas spirit? If you’re not sure, there’s probably a good reason for it. It’s not easy to find a consensus on what that phrase actually means. In fact, in many quarters, there’s no longer a consensus on what it’s even called. In an effort to be more inclusive, even the phrase “Christmas spirit,” has been replaced with “holiday spirit.” But there's no need to wring our hands or be concerned about that. Hearing that actually helps us to put a finger on the dilemma.

Did you know that it brings God great joy to have brought you salvation and eternal life? At Christmas, with joyful hearts we sing. But guess who else also sings with joy when it comes to your redemption? The answer may surprise you.

Besides stringing together a long list of people, whose names are not easy to pronounce, have you ever wondered why Luke includes so many of them? All of the people he has listed were real people living at the time when John the Baptizer came preaching in the desert, preparing the way for our Savior. And all of this took place when God Himself in the flesh stepped into history to rescue you from your sins and for eternal life with Him. Episode photo from the Musée Saint-Raymond, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A lot of toys and gifts come and go. Some are based on passing fads. While popular for short while, they soon fade from the store shelves and rarely get touched at home. But have you noticed that there are some that never change? It’s worth knowing that this is also true of God and His gift to you of a Savior. God assures us in Malachi, “I the LORD do not change.” That’s incredibly reassuring. Here's why!

Nothing beats a well-plowed road! That’s especially true if you’re planning to travel at Christmas. As you and I travel through this Advent season, John reminds us how true that is, but in a very special way.

As Christmas approaches, you may be facing medical difficulties. You may not be thinking so much about the baby lying in the manger as your loved one lying in the hospital. This may be the first Christmas when someone you love has died and won’t be at the table. You may not be looking forward to Christmas this year. Let’s admit it, it’s hard to look up when your eyes are filled with tears. But that’s exactly why God invites you and me to lift our heads. And it’s why these words from our Savior are specifically for you. Take a look at what’s on the horizon.

What do you want for Christmas? Has anyone asked you that question this year? In these days of shopping and sales, have you found yourself racking your brain and trying to figure out what to give your loved ones? In most cases, it comes down to discovering what that other person needs. Well, if that’s the case, then you’re going to want to take another look at this passage from Paul in 1 Thessalonians. And here’s one tangible way you can do it.

Did you know that retailers are already bracing themselves for a blizzard of returns after Christmas again this year? The reality, though, is that they don't want those returns. All this, then, makes the words recorded by the prophet Joel, leap right off the page. As you and I begin this season of Advent, leading up to Christmas, it’s important to know that we have a God who welcomes returns. And not just any returns. God wants you!

Today is Black Friday! It’s often assumed that the name “Black Friday,” originated with the profit that stores make as a result of all the shopping which takes place annually on this date. The thought is that businesses, working with tight margins throughout the year and operating at financial loss, or “in the red,” now begin to see things turn around. With massive sales on the day after Thanksgiving, stores finally begin to show a profit which puts them “in the black.” As nice as that sounds, it’s not true. However, when it comes to debts and credits, we're reminded that this describes well another important Friday in history which we celebrate each year.

Notes go hereHappy Thanksgiving tomorrow! I want to get that greeting in before the holiday itself vanishes. In recent years, Thanksgiving has become somewhat of a speed bump on the way to Christmas. However, speed bumps can be quite handy.

Have you ever looked up and noticed a pair of worn-out running shoes, with laces tied together, an hanging on the telephone wire or the power line above? Have you ever wondered why they’re there? When it comes to answering that question there doesn't appear to be a consensus. In Isaiah, the prophet tells us to "Lift your eyes to the heavens." And he reminds us that "the earth will wear out like a garment." When it comes to the pairs of shabby sneakers and flung footwear here's a way that they can serve as a handy reminder.

It's football season. It’s that time of the year that we tend to wring our hands and wish there were more people in worship. But take a listen to the writer of Hebrews. Instead of wringing our hands, he points out something that the sports industry remembered and that Christians seemed to have forgotten.