Life This Side of Heaven

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...

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'...

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 ancien...

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 con...

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 t...

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 you...

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 sound...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 o...

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 y...

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.  He...

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 tha...