Archive for February, 2019

25 Feb

God, Our Refuge

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Blessings, God's Word, Peace, Rest, Truth, Uncategorized.

As I begin writing this, we’re in the middle of an old-fashioned blizzard! Snow is coming down, and the wind is picking up quickly. Update: Actually, the storm didn’t last long, but it was a reminder of what can happen this time of the year.

Every time one of these storms blows through, I am glad I don’t have to deal with them up close and personal anymore. At the same time, I can relate to what livestock men and women are experiencing. I have many memories of taking care of cows and calves in bad weather.

I have learned over the years, to appreciate the instincts that the Creator provided to the livestock. Given the opportunity, the cows seem to always find protection from the storm. One of the things I learned, was not to go out in the middle of a storm and try to “help” the cows. Experience taught me to wait until the storm passed, because moving them just caused more problems in the end.

We can apply this thought to our own lives, as we encounter the storms of life. When we are in a difficult place, instead of asking God to take us out of the storm, we could ask him to get us through the storm. It could be that he has allowed the storm to strengthen our faith. If we did not experience the storm, we would not learn to trust Him.

Isaiah, praising God said, “You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat…” (Isaiah 25:4).

Forty-three verses, just in the Psalms, speak of God as a refuge. Here are a few:
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (Psalm 9:9). Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge (16:1). Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him (34:8).

I’m reminded of the chorus of an old hymn entitled, Til the Storm Passes By;
“Til the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,
Til the clouds roll forever from the sky.
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand.
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.”

In His hands,
Pastor Jerry

18 Feb

One Way

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Best Life, Change, Eternal Life, Gospel, Salvation, The Good News, Uncategorized.

Well, here we go again with another round of snow and cold. Don’t get me wrong, I am a fan of the four seasons, but I’m ready for a change!

Nebraska, it’s not for everyone; so the new state slogan says. Some are born here and had no choice in the beginning, but sooner or later you make a choice to live in this place, or choose some other place to live.

In comparison, Christianity is available to all people, and at some point each one has to make a choice. One major difference is that no one is born a Christian. A choice has to be made. Christianity is for everyone. Jesus died for all humanity, but we all have to accept his sacrifice on a personal basis.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Did you get that? It is for whoever believes in him. Those who do not believe do not have eternal life.

For those who might say there are many paths to salvation, this is what Jesus says: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:40).

This does not seem to indicate more than one way. At the beginning of his gospel, John, speaking of Jesus Christ wrote this: “He (Jesus) was in the world, and though the world was made by him, the world did not recognize him. He came to his own, but his own did not recognize him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:10-12).

Every person is born with a sin nature, causing him or her to be separated from God. God has provided a way for that relationship to be restored. That way is Jesus Christ and his finished work on the cross. There is no middle ground, we must all choose to either accept him or reject him. God said it, that settles it for me. How about you?

In His love,
Pastor Jerry

11 Feb

Encouraging Words

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Culture, Faith, God's Word, Peace, Praise, The Good News, Uncategorized.

Who is ready for sunny, warm days, with grass and flowers? I know, we live in Nebraska where we have four seasons, and soon enough we will see spring. Never mind that, I still complain about the cold weather. When summer comes, it is sure I will complain about the heat. Human nature being what it is, I will not be surprised!

As controversy swirls around concerning the newsworthy things of the day, it is easy to get discouraged, and even depressed with the whole mess. At times like this, I am led to the scriptures for encouragement. There, I find God is in control no matter what the headlines say, and it is to Him I can turn for encouragement and comfort.

There are two of the psalms that come to mind. Psalm 62 was my go to scripture during a difficult time.
“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.
He alone is my rock and salvation: He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
How long will you assault a man?
Would all of you throw him down—this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
They fully intend to topple him from his lofty place; they take delight in lies
With their mouth they bless, but in their hearts they curse.
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:1-8)

Another is Psalm 34. Space doesn’t permit quoting the complete text here, so I will share the first verses, and you can read the complete Psalm in your Bibles.
“I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will be on my lips.
My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together.
I sought the Lord and He answered me; he delivered me from all my fears…
This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles” (Psalm 34:1-6).

Praise God. He is still on the throne!
In Him,
Pastor Jerry

4 Feb

Know Peace

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Blessings, Christian Living, Culture, Eternal Life, Peace, Salvation, Truth, Uncategorized.

This winter has certainly shown us some variation. The temperature graph is looking like a roller coaster track. In addition, we have had rain, snow, and at times abundant sunshine. Partly due to rampant illness in the area, we have not been going out in public, except for going to church on Sunday. I did make a trip early last week, to do some business and get a few groceries.

Listening to, or reading the news can be discouraging, disheartening, maddening, or frustrating, or some combination of these. What are we to do in response? For the person who doesn’t know Jesus as Savior, it must look hopeless, and certainly not conducive to personal peace. For the Christian, however, even in the present circumstances, there can be both hope and peace.

Jesus, in describing the days leading up to the end, pretty accurately describes the world today. Yet, he gives encouragement, by promising peace in the midst of it. Speaking to his disciples, in the first part of John, chapter 16, he describes the world as his second coming draws near. It is not a pretty picture, nor is it encouraging, but he could have been talking about America in 2019. Read Matthew 24:1-14.

Then we read his words in John 14:27… “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.”
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world” (John 16:33).
“You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
“Because everyone who has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith. Who is the one who conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 5:4-5)?

Peace, for the Christian, is being settled in the knowledge that his sins are forgiven and he has been made right with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, he will have peace in his heart no matter what his circumstances are. Praise God!

As the saying goes: “No Jesus, no peace; know Jesus, know peace!”

In Him,
Pastor Jerry