Life This Side of Heaven

In Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, the prophet talks about the day when the Lord will return in judgment.  On that day He will restore this fallen world broken by sin.  But until then, you can be sure that it’s going to get pretty chilly out there. But listen to the incredible news he announces in this passage.

When it comes to end of the world, and the day of our Lord’s return, the signs of His coming are unmistakable.  And they sound terrifying.  Nevertheless, as you listen to our Savior, you’ll notice that instead of panic He encouraged the disciples to take note – and prepare. They're actually quite useful.

What is pure?  It won’t be long before snow begins to fall.  One of the great activities among children, and even adults, is to try and catch a snowflake on your tongue.  After all, what could be purer than fresh, falling snow?  You might be surprised by the answer. In Christ ... it's you!

Have you ever marveled over that faithful person who sits next to you at church? That's something for which you and I can really kick up our heels.  In fact, as Paul goes on to say, “We ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord.”  And here’s why.

God announces that because of His Son’s life and death for us on the cross, we now stand before Him holy and forgiven through faith.  And now He even sends us out to share this very same Good News with others –  with our family and loved ones, friends and everyone.  You may be thinking, this can’t be right.  God must have someone else in mind.  But remarkably, God invites you, and me, to be the on...

That rumbling in your stomach?  That’s actually pretty handy.  So is that parched tongue.  Hunger and thirst are actually useful.  And so is our hunger and thirst for God's righteousness. They're the rumbling and groaning acknowledgement that apart from God’s righteousness you and I would perish.  They lead us to look to God for rescue.  And God doesn’t disappoint.

Imitators and imposters. An impersonator is usually someone who pretends to be some one to bring joy to others An imposter, on the other hand, is someone who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others. And there are plenty of both. When John says that we're children of God it's not a role we play. It's who we are!

Have you ever tried to take a portrait of a sunset, or the Northern lights, and then felt disappointed that it doesn’t seem to display the full beauty you witnessed?  Yesterday, the Church celebrated the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed.  It falls this time every year on November 2.  It reminds us that the day is coming when we, and all who have trusted in the salvation given to us in Jesus,...

Have you ever wondered why Reformation Day and Halloween happen on the same day?  It’s not a coincidence. On the surface, they seem to have nothing in common. But take a closer look.  The events of the Reformation are actually all about a trick and and a treat. 

Today you and I get to ask Paul about righteousness!  And more precisely, "Where did you get that?" On the surface, this may not seem like a very difficult question, but as Paul points out, the answer isn’t always obvious.

Not a paper crown, or a crown of ashes, but a crown of righteousness awaits all who long for our Savior's appearing. Paul looked forward to it. And through faith, so can you and I!

Here in Luke we hear that “Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”  But it’s the context, what comes before and after these words, that explains why we can do this with real joy and confidence.

When Paul describes Scripture it’s useful to recognize how remarkable it is to have God’s Word and what it enables us to discover. In the first place, it’s not like any other book that’s come before it or after. As He points out, it's "God-breathed." What does that mean?

Up until this point, Jacob had relied on himself, his strength and his cunning, to claw and grasp for everything. Now God wanted to show him that real strength, comes from clinging to Him through faith. And that’s especially true during times of pain and opposition. This object lesson wasn’t wasted on Jacob. Instead of crushing Jacob, God gave him the victory. And through faith God has also given...

Here in the Old Testament Book of Ruth we’ve been given a sepia-toned snapshot from the past. Chances are good you've kept some wonderful picture albums over the years of your loved ones. While some photos fade and disintegrate God ensured that this portrait was preserved for us in Scripture. The Book of Ruth hasn’t been lost in the dust of time and neither has Ruth herself. In fact, Jesus has giv...

Have you ever wondered what would happen if the earth’s gravity disappeared for say … a minute.  It might surprise you to know that there are those who have set out to answer that question. Have you ever wondered what would happen if the Lord withdrew His love, care and blessings? Then you'll want to hear what the apostle Paul says about it.

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!  You may be thinking to yourself, "Well, that's nice for our Canadian listeners, but what about the rest of us around the world? Actually today, this very day, turns out to be a great one for all of us to give thanks.  And here's why!

In baseball, when fans see what they believe was an unjust call, they will often cry out at the umpire, “Hey ump, are you blind?” It almost sounds like the complaint that the prophet Habakkuk makes here in the Old Testament. He looks at the injustice all around him and wonders why it seems to go unnoticed by God. And chances are good that you may be as perplexed as the prophet as you see what’s go...

When the disciples cried, “Increase our faith,” it seemed reasonable.  After all, if a cup of faith is good, wouldn’t a whole pail full be better?  But faith isn’t something that finds its strength in quantity.

Not once, but twice in one verse, Paul told Timothy to guard what we’ve been given.  He was talking about guarding the truth of the Gospel.  And while it may sound funny to hear, what the apostle was warning about is a form of “identity theft.”  He was talking about protecting the identity you and I have given as a redeemed children of God.

How should you and I react when a friend, or someone you know, claims to have died, seen what’s waiting on the other side, come back and brought a message? Would this help to bring others to faith? Jesus says it won't. However, He does make it clear who and what does.

It’s sad to think that so many Christians mistakenly go through this life waiting, and wondering, if they have eternal life.  Thankfully, faith doesn’t mean holding our breath and crossing our fingers.  Instead, we can breathe a sigh of relief and use those fingers and point to what Jesus has done for us on the cross.  Faith is the joy of hearing and trusting God’s promise that because of what Jes...

Where is the best gain to be found in 2026? You may be thinking, “Wait, we’re not even finished with 2025! But analysts are already making predictions of where the greatest gains are be found for the coming calendar year. But Paul points out the two areas that often fall under the radar. They’re not actually stocks, but wow, do they ever brings dividends!

Is life a game? It may feel that way depending on how we approach our leaders and our finances. It may even resemble one game in particular when it comes to how we approach our relationships with one another. But once again, take a look at how God's Word reveals where the victory is to be found. Artwork by Sebastián Espinoza, Sketchfab, Creative Commons 4.0

Is life a game? On Monday we noted how it can almost seem that way when it comes to how we approach politics and relate to our leaders. And yet, Paul tells us to pray for our leaders and all those in authority. (Be sure to check out Monday's devotion.) It can also seem this way when it comes to how we approach our finances. And it can cause a lot of fights. But have a listen to the caring words th...