Life This Side of Heaven

Why did Jesus step into the Jordan River?  Why did the sinless Son of God come to be baptized?  John asked that question.  And, like John, it may have left you wondering why as well.

You and I have been united with our Savior.  When did this take place?  It took place in our Baptism.  And now, through faith, where He goes, you and I go also.  And just look at where He takes us!

Being a child of God through faith isn’t simply a lifestyle or a concept – it’s a relationship.  The One who gave you life looks down to you, as a father looks at the child He loves, and says, “I have called you in righteousness.”  In other words, “I’ve got you.”

Have you ever taken a long trip, listened to the GPS on your car, and then asked, “Where am I?”  Modern global positioning systems are pretty good.  But have you ever wondered why you’re told to turn off the highway and take what seems like some goat path along the way?  Your life may feel this way sometimes.  But what took place in Joseph's life reminds us it's God who leads and, in faith, we are...

“Do what you love.  Love what you do.” Have you ever head that phrase?  It’s a great piece of motivational advice but it may seem more aspirational than practical. However, as Paul explains, taking another look at what you do begins with re-examining who you are – the person that God has now made us through faith in what Jesus has done for us!

“Have Astronomers Found the True ‘Star of Bethlehem’?”  That provocative question was the title of an article that came out last month in Scientific American. It’s an interesting inquiry – and one that receives a lot of attention at this time of year.  Tomorrow is the Festival of the Epiphany.  It’s that day in the Church Year when we hear about the arrival of the Wisemen, the Magi from the East....

As the New Year stretches out before us just take a look at what’s to come.  This year will mark the launch of the Artemis space flight, the first crewed mission taking us to the moon since Apollo 17 back in 1972. I'm looking forward to watching it. Talk about a big deal! And like you, I’m looking forward to being in worship and hearing God’s Word. Now, you may be thinking to yourself, well, that’...

Inclement weather. Traffic snarls. Detours. Flights canceled. Roads closed. As the song goes, "Gee, the traffic is terrific".  But it’s always been that way.  Just ask Joseph.  And check with the Wise Men. There will be changes to our plans and detours in the year ahead.  However, one thing is certain through it all.  With the birth of Jesus, Immanuel, we can take heart and look ahead wi...

You’re going to laugh but in our house, opening gifts on Christmas Day can go on for hours.  It’s not that there are that many packages under the tree – our gift exchange is actually quite modest compared to most families today.  But there are at least three reasons for it.  And if you look carefully, you’ll notice that this true with God’s gift to us of a Savior, and why the celebration of Christ...

Some gifts that get unwrapped on Christmas Day can’t be used right away. You’ll have to wait until the appropriate time and season arrives. But, here’s the great thing about God’s gift to us of a Savior.  There’s no waiting.  It’s a gift for every season of your life – in fact, every day!

You may well find yourself singing these words in worship today day and asking this same question asked in the hymn, "What Child is This?"  It's based on a poem that written back in 1871. And in it we are confronted the astonishing good news that the Savior has come for us and has brought us His gift of salvation.

Good News is something we always want to shout from the rooftop. But, when it comes to the Good News of our salvation, we’re talking mountaintops! We invite you to check out the selection of free Christmas eCards on our website. There, you will also find invitations to Christmas worship this week which you can share with friends and family members. You can place them on social media for everyone t...

One of the best things about this season is the surprises. There are all sorts of situations that may leave you thinking, “Well, I didn’t expect that!”  For many, the arrival of John the Baptizer, and the message he proclaimed, is another one of those surprises.

Imagine being hired to photograph a wedding and then finding out that you were waiting for the wrong groom. When John languished in Herod's prison, he sent his disciples to ask Him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” And as we draw nearer to the celebration of Christmas again this year, we may want to ask ourselves if the picture we have of Jesus the right one?

An article came out about this time last year which asked, “Is Christmas No Longer the Same, or Have We Just Grown Older?” It's author lamented that happiness fades as life become more complicated and we're faced with loses, struggles and challenges. So, why does Paul invite us to "Rejoice?" The truth is that with God's gift to us of a Savior, Christmas really isn't the same as we get ol...

Joy, peace, hope!  Like all those treats that tantalize our taste buds at this time of year these words ring in our ears during the season of Advent. So, it shouldn’t surprise us that the holiday culture also makes good use of them as well.  They show up everywhere from seasonal movies to cards and decorations.  But if you listen carefully, as these words are become detached from their source, the...

"The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat ..." What is Isaiah talking about? The world you and I live in doesn't look anything like that. It may surprise you to know that this, too, is a part of God's Christmas gift to us of a Savior!

Have you ever wondered what Christmas tree farmers do with all of the stumps that are left over after the trees are cut, bundled and sent out for sale? It's impressive. Using the imagery of a stump and a shoot, Isaiah describes how God's love, and His gift to us of a Savior, is more than remarkable. It's a miracle!

It’s hard to imagine, as Micah tells us, that the time will come when nations will no longer to war, and nor will they train for battle.  But what God has described is certain. The peace Micah describes moves beyond a mere possibility. It's found in a Person.

Even though it's only the beginning of December you may have found yourself already singing the familiar words, “We wish you a Merry Christmas." But there's actually a bit of Advent in the verse that follows. In fact, there's a unique tie between Christmas pudding and the words of a prayer you may have heard spoken in church this past Sunday.

The season of Advent is now underway.  And what a precious time it is!  Advent is that season leading up the celebration of Christmas. Listen to the advice that Paul gives to anxious children of God, like you and me, as we await His coming.  He shouts, “Wake up!” But, why does Paul want us awaken?  And what should we do with this time available to us?

In the days leading up to His crucifixion, Jesus shared a parable of what it will be like when He returns in glory on the Last Day.  He likens that day to the arrival of a bridegroom and the joy of a wedding feast. And by His grace, here's how He keeps our faith burning brightly as we await His coming. The Season of Advent begins next Sunday. Stay tuned to the end of the devotion and discover two...

Remember the Alamo!  Have you heard that famous phrase but wondered what it is about the Alamo that we’re supposed to remember?  Here in 2 Timothy, Paul gives a similar encouragement.  However, he’s very clear why.  And it's a great passage to hear as you and I get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving!

What's the difference between a complaint and a question?  On the surface, they may sound the same.  However, unlike a complaint which arises from contempt and dissatisfaction, a question seeks an answer.  It’s a sincere and honest inquiry that seeks to better understand the situation. In worship, we're blessed to hear God's answer to those questions and to receive the assurance He provides.

Why bother?  Nobody seems to notice or care.  What’s the point? Have you reached that point where you’ve folded your arms and said to yourself, “Fine!  Let somebody else do the work.”  Trust me, you’re not alone. You can be sure the others feel the same way.  And they may invite you to join in talking about the rest. But there’s someone else who has joined the conversation that you may not realize...