Life This Side of Heaven

An enigma is someone, or something, that is mysterious or puzzling. That’s how Paul describes the way we sometimes see God’s work in our lives – although he uses a wonderful phrase to do it. He says, "For now we see in a mirror dimly." So while our vision is blurry, God gives us faith so that we can look forward in confidence to what our eyes can’t see right now.

Is it Valentine’s Day already? After all, Paul’s words, here in 1 Corinthians 13, are popular on Valentine’s Day cards. No, actually, today is Groundhog Day, February 2. However, consider for a moment what these two days might have in common.

Here in 1 Corinthians, the apostle notes how any service in Christ’s church, if it’s not done in love, then it’s just the kind of loud noise that makes you want to hold you ears. In fact, apart from love, it's hollow and pretend.

Have you ever felt that you were not equal to the task? Have you been asked to do something where you were concerned that you lacked the necessary qualifications?  You may have looked around and wondered if anyone else might be more suitable for the role you’ve been asked to fill, someone with more talent. Jeremiah felt that way. Actually, so did a lot of folks in the Scriptures. When it comes to...

Have you ever had a “hot mic” situation? That’s when a microphone has been left on, inadvertently, and continues broadcast live for all to hear. And it often captures comments or conversations that the speaker thought were private. Chances are good we would not want those around us to know the thoughts that cross our minds from time-to-time. But it’s not simply a matter of learning to button our l...

"A small part with a key role" is how one reporter described a tiny car part whose shortage is being felt around the world. Do you know what it is? Have you ever felt like the small part your play in Christ's church is insignificant or unimportant? You can be sure that the role you play in God's kingdom as His redeemed child, with the gifts He has given you, is neither insignificant or unnoticed....

When the people were pleased to hear Jesus at the synagogue in Nazareth, He recognized that there was more to it than cheering on the local boy made good. There was a sense of entitlement.  They were thrilled He was doing great things on the road. But now, what about something for the home fans?  In other words, he owes us. Do ever find yourself feeling that way too?

John tell us that when Jesus read the familiar words from Isaiah the prophet at the synagogue in Nazareth, “All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from His lips.”  And chances are good that when you and I have heard them read in church you may have smiled to hear these familiar words as well. However, it comes as a real joy to recognize who these people are to whom J...

When you sit in church, and hear the events and announcements that take place in the Scripture readings, do you ever find yourself not wanting to get your hopes up? God has announced His mercy, grace and forgiveness. But does it ever feel as if this may have been a one-time announcement for people in the past – but not for you?  When you hear Jesus announce the Good News, that your sins are forgiv...

Have you ever told yourself, "I don't deserve to be happy!" Of course, that's true when we consider our sins and transgressions. But here's what makes this all the more reason to be happy. God’s mercy, this wonderful, and undeserved gift that God has given to us by faith – is the very best reason to be filled with joy.

One of those songs that’s often taught in Sunday School, and is a real hit with the kids, is a catchy little one called, “His Banner Over Me Is Love.” It's based on a verse from the Old Testament book, Song of Solomon. In English it almost sounds like we’ve been invited to the elegant reception after a wedding and there’s a place card on the table with our name on it. But actually, the vivid langu...

John wants you and me to that Jesus' changing water into wine at the wedding in Cana was more than a miracle. In fact the word he uses to describe it is “a sign.” It points to something beyond itself. It calls for action.

At first, it may leave us scratching our heads and wondering why, for such a pivotal moment in our Savior's ministry, He did something that may sound unplanned, incidental or arbitrary. However, far from random, it’s more than fitting that the first miracle of our Savior was to provide an abundance of wine. The joyous news is that Christ has come and with Him the salvation God had promised.

On this day in Cana, a young couple came to be united in love with their whole life stretched out before them. And on this day, in their midst, was the One who had come to reunite us with God, so that through faith our eternal life now stretches out before us.

As Jerusalem lay in ruins it must have seemed, to those living exile, as the most desolate place on earth. There are times when you and I may wonder if God has deserted us and left us to face our struggles alone. There may be times, when in frustration, it feels as if God has turned His back on us and forsaken us. However, even though we certainly have deserved it, God assures His penitent people...

Isaiah has made an amazing announcement: “You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God.” However, as you look at your transgressions and sin, have you ever wondered if there has been a been a mix-up? Good News! God Himself assures you there's no mistake about it.

"Get busy living, or get busy dying.” It's the famous line from the blockbuster movie, "The Shawshank Redemption." However, because of our sins the best we could in this life is to get busy dying. In fact, the apostle reminds us that we were already dead in trespasses and sins. However, with the redemption that God has given to us in His Son, and poured upon us in our Baptism, death itself has bee...

It’s incredible what can be accomplished with water.  With water even the the largest rocks can be pushed around and moved, carved, shattered and broken. But water has also been used to shatter our shackles to sin.

In cemeteries across the country are also the burial places of well known celebrities, sports heroes, scientists and more, So, if your loved one is buried there, they’ve been buried with some famous and influential people. Of course, while that's interesting, it doesn't change the rest of the average and ordinary folks with whom they have been buried in any way. However, being buried with Christ,...

“ How did I not know this?” That’s one of the more popular "clickbait" headlines that often appears on social media and in magazine articles. Paul puts one of those intriguing statements before us here in Romans with the question, “Didn’t you know?”  It’s actually a clever way or reminding us of what we did know but may have forgotten about God's precious gift to us of our Baptism.

“Don’t shoot the messenger!” It’s a phrase that’s used whenever the person hearing bad news takes out their anger on the person who has been tasked with delivering it. Herod did that when John pointed out his sin. However, having heard the diagnosis he missed hearing the remedy God Himself has provided and that John had come to announce.

Baptisms are wonderful family affairs.  Relatives get together, from near and far, for the special day.   And at the end of the service, they usually remain to take group photos that become lasting memories of the happy event. No one was present with a camera or smart phone at the Baptism of Jesus, but all four of the evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, describe for us an amazing picture of...

It's been pointed out that one of the most important parts of memorable writing, for authors, is having characters with a rich backstories. If that's the case, then why did the Holy Spirit provide very little in the Bible which describe the childhood of Jesus? The reassuring answer rests with discovering whose backstory that Jesus came to address.

A few years ago a magazine asked it readers if they had received a baby gift when they were expecting that was "extra special or helpful."  They also listed some suggestions of their own. As you may have imagined, gold, frankincense, and myrrh weren't included in that list. And many have wondered if the wise men should have brought more practical gifts. But they are actually fitting gifts for the...

Have you ever wondered what might happen if you didn't bow to the Queen? Will you be put in stocks or thrown into a dungeon? Is it required under the law? The answer might surprise you. On this Festival of the Epiphany, Matthew records that the Wise Men bowed in the presence of our Savior. Have you ever wondered why they did this? Why do we?