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 mor...

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 Zechar...

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....

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 nam...

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 forgivev...

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...

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.