Archive for July, 2020

27 Jul

Peaceful Sleep

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Christian Living, God's Word, Peace, Planning, Rest.

Dear readers,
Here we have another camping fiasco, complete with AC that doesn’t, plans gone awry, and tense moments between the ‘happy’ campers! Oh, this too, shall pass. In the future, the planner will probably plan ahead, that is until the memory of this trip fades in the affected minds. Given the frailty of the aging memory, it will probably happen again somewhere down the road. Every outing becomes a new adventure!

I was scheduled to provide pulpit supply on Sunday, but when we arrived at our intended campsite, we were informed that it wasn’t available, due to a county fair being held there (and, of course, the virus being an issue). We did get to park at friends from the church there, so it worked out for good. As I write this Sunday evening, we are in an RV park near Kearney. I have a doctor’s appointment scheduled for Monday at 1 pm. This is a follow up from my last procedure, and I hope the last for a while.

Sunday’s message was built on the idea that, no matter how crazy the world gets we can depend on God to always be there for us. We are not to worry or to be anxious about anything. Neither are we to be (to use the Christian term for worry), “concerned” with the things we cannot control.

Do you lie awake at night because the wheels of your mind won’t stop turning? Listen to these words from Psalm 16:7-9; “I will bless the Lord who counsels me—even at night when my thoughts trouble me. I will always let the Lord guide me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my body also rests securely.” [CSB (Christian Standard Bible)].

As we rest in God’s protecting arms, we can say as the psalmist, “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence (think virus) that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday” (Psalm 91:4-6).

Final thought; Worry is like riding a stationary bicycle, it gives you something to do, but you never get anywhere!

Trust in God,
Pastor Jerry

20 Jul

On Marriage

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Christian Living, Families, God's Word, Marriage, Obedience, Truth.

Hello friends,
It is a little cooler as I write this week, but it was rather warm earlier in the week. A little rain would be appreciated at this point. As my old dad said many years ago; It always rains when we need it worst!

This week, I feel I need to write on the topic of marriage. God planned for marriage to be a blessed union between a man and a woman. The man was to be the head of the household, with his wife to be a helper, one who made him complete. The two were to become a complete unit, not two separate parties in daily conflict. Sadly, the current sentiment in many relationships is, “it’s all about me”, but that is not what God intended.

Husbands and prospective husbands, I believe, need to hear these words more than the ladies, but they each have responsibilities in the relationship that aren’t talked about much these days. The Bible is quite clear in its description of marriage and the responsibilities that go with it. I will share some verses pertaining to marriage and God’s plan for it.

We begin with Genesis 1:27-31; “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them… And God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.”
Sadly, Adam and Eve disobeyed God, and brought sin into the world. Even though, God’s perfect plan was disrupted, it is still his plan.

When the Pharisees questioned Jesus about divorce, he answered, “For this reason a man will be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one” (Matthew 19:4-6). In Ephesians, chapter five, the apostle Paul gave specific instructions to husbands and wives. To wives, he said, “submit to your husbands as to the Lord.” He goes on to speak to the man; “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her (verse 25). He continues, “In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who love his wife loves himself” (verse 28).

Finally; “However, each one of you must also love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband” (Ephesians 5:33). Submission follows respect.

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

13 Jul

Where Are You Headed?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Bible, Change, Eternal Life, Eternity, Faith, Judgment, Righteousness, Salvation, Witness.

Hello faithful readers,
Last week, I told you I was going to have a procedure to repair a weak spot in my aorta. That has been done, and from all reports, it was successful. I thank you for each and every prayer said on my behalf. God is good, all the time.

It was another busy weekend here at the lake. It is encouraging to see so many families enjoying all that the area has to offer. We did receive nearly two inches of rain this week, some got more, some less, in any event it was very much appreciated.

These are uncertain times for most people. What with the covid19 virus, political unrest, economic worries, or whatever might be on your mind, many are concerned about the future.

As a young man, I didn’t spend a lot of time contemplating the future, well maybe as far ahead as my next meal, or the weekend. Thoughts of spiritual matters were very far from my mind even into my thirties. I tried to be just enough better than others I knew, so that if there was judgment at some point, I would surely be good enough to make it through.

Imagine my surprise to find out that none of my preconceived notions of self-righteousness were going to impress a righteous and just God! As I started attending the little church down the road, I began to learn what the Bible really said about sin and my standing with God. Starting with Adam and Eve, every person is born with a sin nature. We have been separated from God by our sin, and we can do nothing on our own to restore that relationship.

Hear the word of the Lord; As It is written, “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one” (Romans 3: 10-12).
“There is no difference, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
The answer is Jesus; “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved… for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:9-13).

Forever His,
Pastor Jerry

6 Jul

Standing on the Rock of Ages

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Christian Living, Freedom, God's Word, Hope, Praise.

Hello friends,
Summer is officially here. Independence Day has been celebrated, and we look forward to what the future holds. On a personal note, I will be having a procedure on Tuesday (the 7th), to repair an aneurysm on my aorta. I have known about it for almost five years, and the doctor says it is time to get it done. I should be back home on Wednesday, if all goes well. Prayers will be appreciated.

The residents of Lake Ericson and all its visitors were treated to a grand fireworks display July 3rd. Some of the family displays were impressive, as well. Thanks to all who contributed.

As I think of the ways in which people are responding to the Covid-19 pandemic, I am reminded of 1999, when all the news was about Y2K. There were all kinds of rumors about computers shutting down, expected shortages of all kinds of services, due to predicted issues with communications and utility interruptions. People were stockpiling all kinds of goods (toilet paper was one). Many of you still remember those days.

At one point in discussing the situation with the leaders of our little church at home, I made this observation; It is okay to be aware of the situation, but doesn’t the Bible indicate that the Lord will provide for His people? Over and over, He tells us not to worry, to cast our cares on Him, and most importantly, that his people will live by faith.

Here are some words of encouragement from the Lord:
“I life up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).
“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart” (Psalm 91:4).
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the rock eternal” (Isaiah 26:3-4).

In this time of uncertainty, let’s not throw caution to the wind, but be sensible, trusting in the Lord and His promises. And, wouldn’t this be a great time to share Jesus with friends and family? Be encouraged. He lives!

Blessings,
Pastor Jerry