6 Jul

America’s Future

Posted by sandhillspastor in Calling, Christian Living, Culture, Faith, Milestones, Witness.

Hello friends,

Well, the 4th of July celebrations are over. Here at Lake Ericson the weekend featured food, families, fellowship and fireworks. The fireworks display was one to be remembered, and I must not forget to mention the golf cart parade. There were some very creative entries for that.

It is remarkable that our country has been in existence for 250 years. There were those who said it couldn’t last, but here we are. As I see some of the things that are going on in America today, I wonder if we can continue as a nation. One thing I do know, if we stray much further from the Biblical principles upon which our country was created, how can the Lord continue to bless us?

There is a passage of scripture that was intended for Israel in the time of Solomon that I believe we can apply to our current situation. It reads, “If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14),

There are many voices out there promoting anti-Christian ideas and belittling the faith that we have been entrusted with. There are those who deny God’s existence and that we are here by some chance happening thousands of years ago. The apostle Paul addressed this in his second letter to Timothy.

He wrote concerning the last days: “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness, but denying its power” (2 Timothy 2:2-5). All those things are taking the place of the one True God.

Many years ago, the question was asked, “Why is there no mention of the United States in prophecy?” The answer: “The United States will cease to exist.” This sounds harsh but considering the influx of false religions and ungodliness in our country today, it seems this is a distinct possibility.

“I felt compelled to write and encourage you to contend for the faith that was once and for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (Jude 3).

Keep the faith and preach Jesus.

In Him,

Pastor Jerry

29 Jun

Celebrate USA

Posted by sandhillspastor in Blessings, Creation, Freedom, Stewardship, Truth.

Hello friends,

We are apparently in the long-awaited rainy season. We have had rain in recent days and the summer heat and humidity have arrived also

I was reminded last week that it was almost exactly one year ago that we had the accident that wrecked our little car. We still praise God for protecting us, as we had only minor injuries.

We are preparing to celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary. Here at the lake patriotic decorations are appearing, and plans are in place for everything that makes up a memorable 4th of July. Fun and games, food and fireworks are on the menu.

As we celebrate our independence as a nation, let us remember to thank God for the blessing of calling ourselves Americans. There are few places on earth that have the freedom we have, and that millions of others wish they could experience. Give God the glory and praise for America!

The founding fathers certainly knew and acknowledged God’s provision as they wrote the documents we treasure today. The following is from the Declaration of Independence that was signed on July 4, 1766:

“The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…”

Some residents of our country would deny the fact that our nation was founded on principles found in the Bible, even to the point of denying the existence of a Creator God. This next week as we celebrate, let us remember what we have been given by God. Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness, and let us hold those in public office to the principles of our Constitution. God Bless America!

In Him,

Pastor Jerry

22 Jun

Power Interrupted

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Faith, God's Word, Humor, Trials, Trust.

Hello friends,

We were blessed with more rain Saturday night. My rain bucket registered almost three inches. There is a low spot on our property that catches the big rains. We have been just letting it soak away, but this time we brought out the sump pump I purchased when the crawl space under the house flooded a few years back. It appears this is going to be the answer to the excess water problem.

Along with the rain, when I woke up and looked for the clock, the red numbers weren’t there. The power had gone off around 4:30 AM and we were powerless, so to speak. Milrae has a CPAP machine while sleeping, and she woke up due to a lack of air. After some time waiting for the electricity to come back on, I decided to fire up the standby generator. This proved to be another adventure because we had stored it in the front of the garage behind some other things. I got it to the front door of the garage feeling pretty good about the situation, but wouldn’t you know, the battery on the generator was dead. I have a portable battery supply, but it didn’t work for some reason. After using jumper cables from the car battery, it started and as you might guess, soon the power came back on.

This reminds me of a truth that applies to the Christian life. The Lord Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

It is impossible to live the Christian life if we don’t remain connected to our source of strength. That strength comes from the indwelling Holy Spirit who comes into our heart at the moment of salvation. When we are unplugged from the power source, we are unable to live the life we are called to live.

When our electric lines are broken, we walk in darkness until that power is restored. It is the same with our connection to Almighty God. Without it, we are walking in darkness, but as we connect to Him the light returns.

The psalmist wrote: “You are my strength; I watch for you; you God are my fortress” (Psalm 59:9).

In His grip,

Pastor Jerry

15 Jun

The Race

Posted by sandhillspastor in Calling, Christian Living, Eternity, Faith, Obedience, Salvation.

Dear friends,

We had rain this weekend. I measured 3.27 inches here at our place. The 5k fun run was held Saturday morning after a one-hour rain delay. The streets were a bit muddy, but it didn’t dampen the spirits of the participants. Reports were that 75 runners were entered. Good times.

Did you know that Christians are called to enter a race? It is true, when a person trusts Jesus Christ as his or her Savior, that person is not called to sit on the sidelines and cheer others as they run by. We are called to do the work that God has planned for us.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:8-10).

The apostle Paul wrote of the race God had called him to run. In the book of Acts he wrote to the church, “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24). To Timothy he wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

Paul’s goal was always to run a good race, and he encouraged his readers to do the same: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24). I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:9-10).

Above all, we as believers are tasked with proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, and the salvation He has provided. Let us not grow weary in that to which we are called.

In Christ,

Pastor Jerry

8 Jun

Keeping Our Vows

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Christian Living, Love, Marriage, Relationships.

Hello friends,

We are enjoying some summer-like weather. There have been storms around, but nothing severe in our area. There have been heavy rains, but many parts of our state are still suffering a critical shortage of moisture. Prayers are in order every day.

Our great-granddaughter celebrated her January birthday on Saturday. It is nicer outdoors in June. I told her she was six and a half, but she let me know she is six! On the topic of special days, my wonderful wife and I celebrated our 62nd anniversary on the seventh.

In our throw-away culture it is becoming rare for marriages to last for any length of time. It is a sad fact, but true, God intended for a man and woman to be joined together until death, but it seems these days those vows taken mean little in the long run. I’m sure we didn’t know what would follow as we shared those vows many years ago, but we persevered through our blessings and trials. We agreed to stay together through feast and famine, difficulties and blessings. Through arguments and agreements. There were hard times and fun times, and we didn’t bail on our promises to each other. In jest, we have sometimes said we stayed together because no one else would have us, but with God’s help here we are.

Here’s a reminder from God’s word concerning marriage: He created Adam and all other living creatures, but among them there was found no suitable helper for him. So, God created a woman to be his helper. That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. (Genesis 2:18-24). Notice she is to be his helper, not a doormat or servant.

My wife and I repaired many fences, fed cattle, made hay and all other kinds of ranch work She was a dependable helper, and sometimes even a constructive critic, when needed, but it was always done in love.

Those vows we shared were also vows to God that we would be true to Him and to each other. Concerning vows, the scriptures say, “This is what the Lord commands: When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but do everything he said” (Numbers 30:2).

In His grip,

Pastor Jerry

1 Jun

What Is The Matter?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Evil deeds, Sin.

Hello all,

We’ve been praying for rain, and our prayers have been answered. There were varying amounts around the country. Here at our place, I think we have had around two inches over the last week. It is appreciated and we pray it doesn’t stop. The garden is mostly planted, and the rain was just what it needed to get off to a good start. The downside of this is the lawn needs mowed twice a week.

As I read what passes for news in the media these days, I find myself asking, “what is the matter with people?” Every day there is something that prompts the question.

The one-word answer to that question is “sin”. God’s word tells us that His perfect creation was damaged by Adam and Eve’s disobedience. They were placed in a perfect environment, but in a moment of time went against God’s plan and were expelled from a perfect place into a broken world.

God told Adam, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘Your must not eat from it, Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life.” So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. (Genesis 3:17; 23).

The sin of Adam and Eve caused every person to be born with a sin nature. The Good News is that God sent His Son to pay the debt for our sin. Sin came through Adam, salvation from sin comes through the sacrifice of Christ in the cross.

The apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way, death came to all people, because all sinned.” (Romans 5:12).

“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship” (Romans 8:22-23).

 Now we have the answer to the question. What is the matter with people? In a nutshell, this thing is called sin. And the answer to sin is Jesus Christ, our Lord!

For Him,

Pastor Jerry

25 May

Memories

Posted by sandhillspastor in Faith, Freedom, Memorial Day, Witness.

Hello friends,

Now and then we have one of those holiday weeks when I have to put my mind in gear early to compose the devotional message. This month is the Memorial Day observance. It is a time set aside for us to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Over the years, the day has become a day to remember not only our deceased soldiers, but also family members who have gone on before us.

Our memories of loved ones have been given to us by our Creator. I can’t imagine not having the ability to bring up memories, good or bad. Obviously, we cherish the good memories, but the not-so-good have a purpose even if it is to recall lessons learned.

We have recalled memories that have us asking, “what was I thinking?” On a personal level, I have more of those than I care to list. The best memories are those that recall good times with family and friends as we grew up.

My lady and I took a road trip last week to visit the cemeteries where our family members are buried. Along the way, we stopped at our old home grounds where memories are somewhat fresh. A few tears were shed as we remembered good times and shared memories of hard times and good.

Later, as we visited graves there were more times of remembering those who have gone on before us. We cherish those memories, but we wouldn’t want to relive our lives. It is much better to look ahead in anticipation of things to come.

I am reminded of the words of the apostle Paul in Philippians 3:13: “Brothers and sisters, I do  not consider myself yet to haven taken hold of it But one thing I do; Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

God has called us to be saved and to live for Him. That goal to which Paul refers is eternal life. Looking back is good to remember our old ways, but we are to concentrate on our eternal reward. Living in the past is of no benefit. I have said many times, the best memorial we can leave our families is that we have trusted Christ and are in His presence.

In Him,

Pastor Jerry

18 May

Live Holy Lives

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, End Times, Faith, Planning, Second Coming.

Hello everyone,

Sunday is here again and it’s time for another devotional thought. Locally, we received a mere 27 hundredths of rain last night, but there is a possibility of more today. Hopefully the rough stuff stays away, and we just get beneficial moisture. Not much is happening locally. Volunteers have been busy here at the lake, getting ready for summer activities. If you’ve never been to Lake Ericson in summer, check us out at lakeericson.com.

All the things happening in the world remind me Jesus told His disciples to be aware of things that would precede his return for his church. They had asked Him what would be the sign of His coming.

Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains” (Matthew 24:4-8).

He went on to say, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:30).

The apostle Peter writes in his second letter, “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promises, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief… and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming… But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth… So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him” (2 Peter 3:11-14).

Blessings,

Pastor Jerry

11 May

New Things

Posted by sandhillspastor in Change, Relationships, renewal.

Dear friends,

The garden beds are finally ready, and plants are being placed in them. Now if we can get them watered when they need it, we’ll have a harvest at the right time. My newest project is to tidy up my office. This could be a major undertaking. I have taken out the oversized desk and replaced it with a smaller version. Now, I must find places for all the ‘stuff’ that was taking up space.

This reminds me of a comment heard often when sharing the gospel with people. They say things like, “But my friends will go away.” Or they will say, “I will have to give up some of my enjoyable habits”!

The truth is, when we come to the Lord in faith and let Him take over our life, He will replace those friends that left with new friends that share in Christian fellowship. Those old habits will disappear, and new and better ones will replace them.

Another perceived hurdle to becoming a follower of Christ is this: “I have to get my life cleaned up before I can be accepted by the Lord”. This is far from the truth, He says come, nothing is said about getting your act together ahead of time. There is no person capable of getting his life in order to be acceptable to Jesus by his own strength. The truth is when we come to Him in faith, he makes us into the person He wants us to be.

2 Corinthians 5:16–18a: “So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God…”

If we could save ourselves, then Jesus died for nothing. We cannot save ourselves, nor can we do anything to make ourselves worthy of His salvation. We must come by faith and by faith alone.

“For it is by grace you have been saved through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Saved by grace,

Pastor Jerry

4 May

Seasons of Life

Posted by sandhillspastor in Faith, Grace, Milestones, On Aging, renewal, Trust.

Dear friends,

May has arrived. After last week’s rain, it is beginning to show signs of spring, and we are anticipating the appearance of May flowers. We are a little slow with the gardening this spring, due to the threat of frost still hanging on. The other limiting factor is the fact that we are older and slower.

Spring reminds me of the seasons of life. In the spring, we are newborns with our whole life ahead of us.

Summer reflects growth, both physical and mental. This is the time of life when we are most productive.

Then the fall season appears, when we begin to decline in strength and look forward to retirement. The Scriptures do not speak of retirement except in the context of relinquishing some of our responsibilities to younger workers. We are not in management anymore but continue assisting them in their work.

The last season is probably the hardest. Our usefulness is diminished and we understand that we are nearing the end of our earthly journey. Our bodies seem to have abandoned us to every kind of ailment and we spend much time at doctors’ appointments. Most of our social life is built around meeting our friends at the pharmacy.

Solomon wrote the following in Ecclesiastes. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2).

The apostle Paul had this observation: “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14).

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

In all the seasons of life let us keep heaven in mind. It is God’s will that we be saved for eternity through faith in Christ. (John 6:40).

In Christ

Pastor Jerry

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