Life This Side of Heaven

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 to see or you can send it to that specific person you have in mind by text or email. You can find them here: https://www.lifethissideofheaven.org/christmas-cards

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 older. It gets better! And here's why.

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, their meaning becomes lost and fuzzy. Thankfully, Paul points us back to what peace and joy are all about and where they're found.

"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 free resources for you and your family as you count down the days to the celebration of our Savior's birth. Episode artwork courtesy of Gospleimages.com

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. Today's a great day to hear what our loving God has to say instead in His Word.

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 ones to share this Good News. 

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, shall see the smiling face of our Savior. But how do you describe such an amazing sight?

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 us the prize of forgiveness and everlasting life.

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 given us a new way to look at those loved ones who have died in the faith.

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 going on in the world around you, and especially when injustice hits close to home.  Why does God tolerate wrong? 

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 Jesus has accomplished for us at the cross, we have forgiveness of sins this very day.

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 that our Savior shares with us. Artwork courtesy of Unsplash

Is life a game? It may feel that way sometimes. And it can't denied that there are some similarities. This week we're going to take a look at three different passages that may have been read in church last Sunday. And with a little imagination, it's not hard see correlations to some well-known toys and games – whether it comes to our view of politics, how we approach our finances, and even how we get along with others.  But in all of them, take a look at how God reveals where the true victory is to be found. This week, let's take a look at Paul's call us to pray for our leaders ... and its similarity to a deck of playing cards.

Is it possible for something, or someone, to be so lost that there is no hope?  There are times when it may seem that way.  When it comes to the rescue that is ours through faith in Christ, Paul assures you that's never the case. Photo credit: Google Maps

There are some people whom others might considered a lost cause. Certainly that was the case when the Pharisees sneered at some in the crowd who had come to hear Jesus preach. In many cases, it continues today. Jesus knew that those listening to His words could easily relate to the joy and relief that comes when someone finds a lost coin.  So Jesus went on to share another “lost” story, but this one involving a person.

This week we're going to look at three passages from Scripture which all have to do with location and being lost.  Here's the very nature of the Gospel.  As Jesus puts it clearly in Luke, “The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.” And in Holy Scripture, God's remarkable Word, He reveals this rescue.

If you're tempted to skip Paul's opening greeting in Philemon, to the heart of the matter, you're actually going to skip the heart-to-heart nature of what this letter is all about.  Listen to the heart-healthy blessings that come when you and I share God's forgiveness with each other.  

On Monday, we took note of how Paul rejoiced and told Philemon, “I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints.”  And now, he goes on to share with him this prayer.  He says, “I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith." There's a remarkable blessing that comes when you and I share God's mercy in Christ.

Have you ever watched a movie in which one of the characters is reading something out loud for everyone else to hear.  It might have been an important letter, a story, or the reading of a will?  Inevitably, as the characters grow impatient, someone blurts out, “Skip the pleasantries and get to the good part.” And it may be tempting for us to do that when we're reading Paul's letter to Philemon. However, what may seem like little more than pleasantries are actually what this letter is all about.

Thank God for influencers! The writer to the Hebrews reminds us, “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you.”  And the word he uses puts us in mind of those who have a real influence in our lives. 

God surrounds us each day with opportunities for sharing His love … and for letting others see it.  Now, the last part of the sentence may sound at first like “virtue signaling.”  The Pharisees were famous for this. They were good at showing how much they ... loved themselves. On the other hand, living in a world which seldom sees love, you and I are blessed with opportunities of letting our love for God be seen in our love for others. 

We live in a world where folks often try to move up to a better place at the table or a more comfortable seat on the plane. It's tempting to follow that lead. However, You and I are blessed to have a Savior who was swapped places with us so that we can a seat at His heavenly banquet. And this reshapes how we live right now.