Life This Side of Heaven

Whenever there is an important case that’s about to make its way through the court, news outlets may promise to cover the entire proceeding from “gavel-to- gavel.” It’s a phrase used to describe everything that takes place between the first strike of the gavel, when the trial is begins, to the last strike of the gavel, when the judge announces the verdict and proceedings are closed. Here in Romans...

Whenever you hear the word “if” it usually means whatever follows is conditional. Whatever comes next is usually up to you. “If,” is the kind of word that makes you raise your eyebrow to see and hear what comes next. However, in Romans 8 Paul uses this same tiny word, in a very different way, to announce something truly amazing!

Why do you love me? Typically, when one person asks that question of another, they’re hoping to discover what special qualities it is that they possess. What is it that caught their beloved’s attention and, ultimately, won their affection? When it comes to God we may find ourselves asking that same question, “Why does God love me?”

“You know, I’m a babysitter for junk.” Now, that’s not something you don't hear every day. Chances are good that, to some degree or another, you and I are probably baby sitters for junk as well. However, no matter what you and I have sought up to this point in life, it can't begin compare with the priceless value of what Jesus describes for us in this one short parable.

Weeds. They’re the bane of every backyard gardener. But Jesus’ “Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds” isn’t advice on how you and I are to rid His field of weeds. Instead it points to the patient love and unique ability of this Sower.

“I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!” Remember that familiar little jingle? Here in Romans, chapter 8, Paul gives voice to what sounds like a similar refrain. However, what he’s referring to is a lot more than ice cream!

"But wait, there’s more!" Practically every infomercial on television includes these words at some point. Here in Romans, Paul has just announced, “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” As amazing as that day will be, Paul now assures us, in effect saying, “But wait, there’s more!”

Paul uses picturesque language to describe creation itself as longing for the day when it will emerge from under the weight and shame that sin has brought into the world. And won’t that be an amazing sight when it all comes together according to God’s perfect design?

“Would you rather?” Here’s an interesting game that you may have played. It’s a conversation game where you’re faced with a dilemma. You’re given two options. The only rule to the game is that your answer can’t be “both.” Here in Romans, Paul compares our suffering in Christ with the glory that you and I will have with our Savior in heaven. But in this case, it’s not a game of “Would you rather?”...

Heading out on the road this summer? Check your mirrors to see what’s behind you, be aware of what’s around you, and look ahead. This is also a great reminder for us as life, with all of the circumstances we face and concerns that come with them, come hurtling toward us.

As the people listened to Jesus tell the “Parable of the Sower,” they must have been amazed at how the farmer spread the seed generously in all directions. Who farms this way? The farmer continues to spread the seed generously. In love, God broadcasts the Gospel in every direction. It’s a reminder of the incredible love of God, who as Paul describes in 1 Timothy, “wants all men to be saved and to...

Weeds may be pesky for petunias but it’s a killer when it comes to crops. In the "Parable of the Sower," Jesus compares the cares of the this world, and the deceitfulness of wealth, to weeds when it comes to hearing the Gospel and growing in faith. He describes how, if we're not careful, worship and hearing God's Word can lose their priority and struggle to find room in our busy lives.

If our faith is grounded in nothing more than an emotional high, entertaining worship, or the hope for material blessings, then it will soon wilt in the face of the hardships that come with following our Savior. By contrast, God invites us to be rooted in Him and His word.

If you have a broadcast spreader, for your seed and fertilizer, it may have come with an "edge guard" to prevent the seed from going where you don't want it. But our Savior sows the seed of the Gospel everywhere – even knowing full well that some may tread it under foot and treat it like bird food. But there's a good reason that He sows it lavishly and unsparingly!

Parables are some of the most amazing parts of the New Testament. About one third of Jesus’ recorded teaching in the Bible was in parables. And Jesus’ first parable, recorded in the Scriptures, is the one that we’re going to look at today and over the course of the rest of this week. It’s the "Parable of the Sower."

"Rain, rain, go away ..." That little rhyme is the last things that farmers might be singing right now. Farmers this July are looking at long-range weather reports which seem to indicate that it may in for a dry stretch. In Isaiah, God compares His Word with the beneficial effects of the rain on crops.

Have you ever taken note of all of the greetings that are recorded in the New Testament? For example, take a look at Romans 16. Clearly, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit God Himself made sure that these greetings were recorded for us to read. So, what are we to make of all of these different salutations and hellos, well-wishes and kind regards?

“Keep Calm and Carry On.” That slogan became famous on a motivational poster to raise the morale of the British citizens in preparation for World War II. In Psalm 91, the writer encourages you and me to “Keep Calm” in the face of all of the physical and spiritual attacks the enemy. But then he actually goes on to give us the basis for these wonderful words of assurance.

When it comes to what you and I know about God, we wouldn’t know anything about Him if God Himself hadn’t revealed it to us. Jesus tells us, “All things have been committed to me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son.” However, what Jesus has revealed is nothing short of breath-taking. It’s the kind of announcement that should have us on t...

In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus had just come from an area which rejected God and His salvation. And they considered themselves too “wise and learned” to accept such a thing. Perhaps you’ve experienced that yourself. Has there ever been a time in which you’ve shared your faith, or let it be known that you’re a Christian, only to met with a condescending response? Consider yourself in good company. Howe...

In Romans, Paul describes a situation to which we can easily relate. And it sounds a little like that young girl riding the bicycle. He writes, “For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do — this I keep on doing.” Do you find yourself sharing the same struggle as the apostle?

It’s Monday! Did you get the most out of your three-day weekend? That may depend on what you were hoping to get out of it. Were you hoping for some rest?

“Buy one, get four free.” Today is the Fourth of July and I’m pretty sure we’re going to see and hear a lot of fireworks going off tonight. There are tents selling fireworks up and and down the roads and in mall parking lots. One of the tents, in the parking lot of the story where I go grocery shopping, it had a sign which read, “But one, get four free.” Or course, in that case, what does it mean...

In 1 Peter 5:6, Peter reminds us to “Humble ourselves.” This word gets used in Scripture a number of different ways. When it’s used to speak to you and me it’s usually to address our pride. In this case, we like to think that we’ve got things covered and we don’t need any help or assistance. Peter, speaking both by inspiration of God and from experience, reminds us of what a blessing it is to reco...

In Micah, the prophet is amazed and asks, "Who is a God like you?" And then he describes what God has done that has left him astonished. Hearing it reminds us of what a Friend we have in Jesus!