Archive for the ‘Assurance’ Category

15 May

Stormy Weather

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Creation, Eternity, Faith, Heaven, Worship.

Dear friends,

There was some stormy weather in our area last Friday. As we were heading home from Kearney that day, we were behind the storm and in no danger. There were tornados in the vicinity of home, but no major damage was reported. Also, there were some nice rains through the week as evidenced by the speed at which the lawn has grown. I must face the fact that mowing season has arrived!

As we think of the storms that occur in life, we return to the pages of God’s word. As we read the Bible, we learn that this earth was created perfect. God called everything he had made very good. Then along came temptation. Adam and Eve sinned by disobeying God, and all of God’s good creation was broken. Here are the Lord’s words as he spoke to Adam: “Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘Do not eat from it’; The ground is cursed because of you. You will eat from it by means of painful labor all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. You will eat bread by the sweat of your brow until you return to the ground, since you were taken from it. For you are dust, and you will return to dust.

The apostle Paul mentions a broken creation in Romans 8: “For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to futility—not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it—in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now” (Romans 8:19-22).

However, eventually creation will be restored. We read these words: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband… Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new” (Revelation 21:1-5a). This is Great News!

Blessings,

Pastor Jerry

8 May

Pray On

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Blessings, Christian Living, Faith, Prayer, Reward, Trust.

Dear friends.

We have finally seen some rain! According to the “official” gauge on our deck, it totaled 1.40” of precious moisture. We did not get any hail, but some areas did. This doesn’t mean we stop praying for rain, but that we remain persistent in prayer. There is a story in the Bible about a woman who was persistent in asking for a favor.

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’

For some time, he refused. But finally, he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually wear me out with her coming.’”

And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for  his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly” (Luke 18:1-8).

At the end of the parable, Jesus asked his disciples this question: Wil not God bring justice to his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night? If an unjust judge who does not fear God will rule justly in a poor woman’s favor because of her persistence based on the law, won’t a holy God give justice to his people who pray to him with perseverance based on his word? The question isn’t about God’s willingness. It is about our willingness to persevere by faith in prayer based on God’s Word. (The Tony Evans Bible Commentary).

Elsewhere in Scripture we are told to pray without ceasing. That is, to be always in an attitude of prayer. So, don’t give up praying for rain during a drought. Keep on praying for that prodigal son or daughter. Don’t stop praying for the healing of a broken relationship. Don’t cease praying for physical healing. God answers prayers, and He will answer those heartfelt prayers. Keep in mind He will answer in one of three ways: Yes, No, or Not Right Now.

Pray on,

Pastor Jerry

10 Apr

Because He Lives

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Cross, Easter, Faith, Gospel, Grace, Salvation.

Dear readers, 

It was an interesting week. My old laptop went to the shop on Tuesday. It isn’t dead but is not going to live long. Short story is I purchased a replacement, brought it home and spent two days learning new things. There were moments when I considered going back to pencil and paper, the original word processor! 

As we observed Good Friday and Easter last weekend, it was a needed time of reflection on the meaning of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Every Sunday is a remembrance of His resurrection. The Easter tradition just amplifies the focus for one Sunday in the spring. For this week’s devotional thought, it seems good to review what we have in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus from the dead. 

First of all, the resurrection was part of God’s perfect plan for humanity. Because of sin, there had to be a sacrifice. For centuries, Israel had sacrificed animals that were designated by God for the atonement of the sins of the nation. These sacrifices did not remove the sins but covered them for a time. Each year the priest had to offer the sacrifices over again. 

In Jesus, we see the fulfillment of God’s plan to redeem for himself a people he would call his own. “For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. For rarely will someone die for a just person—though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die. But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:5-8. 

 “For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures… For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless, you are still in your sins. Those then, who have fallen asleep (or died) have also perished. If we have put our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 16-19). 

The resurrection proves the power of God in that he raised Jesus from the dead, so we might also live. 

Because He Lives! 

Pastor Jerry 

13 Mar

Sleep Well

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Christian Living, Faith, Peace, Rest, Trust.

Dear readers,
We have been experiencing typical March weather, in which conditions change day by day and sometimes in minutes. The next phase appears to be a return to cold temps for a few days, followed by a two day warmup, then a little snow thrown in for free by the end of the week!

On the home front, my sweet wife is recovering nicely from her knee replacement surgery, in spite of my best nursing attempts. She will see the doctor on Thursday and start therapy after that. Thank you for your prayers, they are much appreciated.

As we get older and those doctor’s appointments become more frequent, we may begin to worry about the future. This is not much different from the worries and concerns we can have at any age. We worry about feeding our families, or if our job is secure. If we are involved in agriculture there are concerns about the weather or the price of grain, the price of cattle and whether we will be able to make expenses. Many parents believe that if they don’t stay up late, get up early, and stay on top of every detail, then not only will things fall through the cracks; the whole physical, emotional, and spiritual health of their family might be in peril.

If you are sleeping, who is watching over the city? If you’re not up at the wee hours, who is making the crops grow?

God is.

You can place your trust in God, who cares more about your children’s well-being than even you do. You can work hard and then go to sleep, entrusting God with your “city,” knowing that, even while you sleep, he is at work. The Bible says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).

When we were commuting between the ranch and the church, people would ask who was caring for the cattle, my answer was always the same; the Lord is, even when I’m home!

Just knowing and trusting that the Lord is involved in our lives will free us from unnecessary worry. Jesus himself tells us not to worry. As someone once said, why should I lie awake all night, God never sleeps. He’s got this!

Sweet dreams,
Pastor Jerry

27 Feb

God’s Faithfulness

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Attributes of God, Contentment, God's Word, Praise, Trials, Witness.

Dear readers,
As the days lengthen, we are glad for the melting snow and warm temperatures. Every day we look forward to springtime. It has certainly been a challenging winter, and I have much sympathy for livestock producers as I have been there and done that, as they say.

I had the opportunity to share God’s word at another church Sunday. I enjoy meeting other Christians and learning bits of their stories. I find that everyone has a story to tell, if we are willing to take the time to listen. There are stories of trials and of triumphs. Most of all, I love the stories of God’s faithfulness to His children in every circumstance. Just as a reminder that God is truly faithful, let’s look at some scriptures that reinforce this truth.

Whether in trials or successes, remember these good words:
“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands” (Deuteronomy 7:9).

Psalm 25:10 “All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful to those who keep the demands of His covenant.”
Psalm 37:28 “For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake His faithful ones. They will be protected forever,”

In the New Testament we find these assurances of His faithfulness:
“God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful” (1 Corinthians 1:9). “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted (tested) beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

“But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

Finally, this from another of Paul’s letters: “May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful, and he will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).

For Him,
Pastor Jerry

6 Feb

Peace Amid Chaos

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Faith, God's Word, Gospel, Hope, Peace, Trust.

Dear friends.

Warmer weather is finally here. If you are not happy with this, we need to talk! I noticed the annual frenzy over Ground Hog day. I don’t believe the shadow of a woodchuck has anything to do with the weather in six weeks. Truth is, spring comes when it comes. In any case, we will be ready when it gets here.

The news seems to get stranger every day. People are doing things to other humans that are outright insanity. There are ideas floating around that have us asking, whatever happened to common sense, morality, and decency? Then there was the Chinese balloon that floated over North America last week. People are concerned about where the world is headed, and how are we to respond to these things?

I do know from the study of God’s word that there will be times of uncertainty and unrest in the world. Jesus spoke of things that will precede his return. He warned of storms, earthquakes and the like. I am not going to say we are close to his returning, because no one knows the answer to that except God the Father. Suffice it to say Jesus said he would return at some point, and the world has been moving in that direction for over two thousand years.

“As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ 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 24:3-9).

The Bible is clear, if we are to have peace in the midst of all that we are seeing and experiencing, we would be wise to place our faith in the risen Lord Jesus Christ. He is the only one who can give you peace in a chaotic world. Trust in him today, and know true peace.

In Him,

Pastor Jerry

30 Jan

Keep Looking Up

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Best Life, Blessings, Contentment, Peace, Trials, Trust.

Dear friends,
Winter has us in its grip and seems unwilling to loosen up. We get a few days of moderating temperatures, and then the cold returns. I know in time this will be a memory, but for now we will look forward to spring and all that follows. Bring on the green grass and flowers!

The dark days of winter, and seemingly unending bad news from around the world tends to give us a negative outlook on life. As winter wears on, we seem to develop a pessimistic outlook and everything begins to appear dark. In contrast, the Bible would have us focus on the positive view.

Not one of us could say life has always been a bed of roses. Because we live in a fallen world, bad things happen. It is good to learn from the negative experiences in our lives, but it is better when we remember the positive things we have experienced, along with the blessings of life. As the scripture says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice in the Lord always. do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus…. whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:6-9).

The apostle Peter, writing to Christians who were enduring persecution said this: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials” (1 Peter 1:1-6).

It is obvious we have not endured persecution like those to whom Peter wrote, but be encouraged in this; there are better times to come. Keep a positive outlook and keep looking up!

In His grip,
Pastor Jerry

9 Jan

Carry On

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Christian Living, Culture, Faith, Gospel, Hope, Politics, Truth.

Dear readers,
January has been interesting in the weather department. So far, we’ve had rain, sleet, snow, lightning and thunder, all in the same night! We had no issues with power outages here, but some were off for a short time. The volunteers here at the lake were out cleaning off the streets early after the storm, and did a great job. Thanks for your effort, guys.

As we prepare for this year of 2023, I’m prompted to go to God’s Word for some encouragement. Sometimes, the thought of what lies ahead is a bit scary…especially in our current situation and culture. A favorite Bible passage of mine is Psalm 62:1-8.

Psalm 62:1–8… My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my 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 mouths they bless,
but in their hearts they curse. Selah
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.

These are encouraging words in uncertain times, and they have helped me many times in the past. A lot of attention has been focused on congress in recent days, and we pray our leaders will get back to the task of governing. Romans 13:1-. We are to pray for our government officials, that they would come to Jesus, and that they would govern justly. God has placed those in government because he wants them there, but make no mistake, government is not the answer to the mess we are in. God is the only one who can heal our land.

There will come a time when Jesus will set up His kingdom on earth and the prophecy of Isaiah 6:9 will be fulfilled. “For to us a child is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.” Until then, we carry on.

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

12 Dec

A Savior was Born

Posted by sandhillspastor in Advent, Assurance, Christmas, Eternal Life, Gospel, Salvation, Worship.

Dear friends,

We finally received a bit of moisture. It was not much, but much more than we have had recently. As we continue to observe that first Christmas, I’ve been reflecting on different parts of the story.

As I thought about the Christmas story this week, I remembered those crisp clear nights out checking cows when stars were shining in a black sky. There was total silence, except for cow sounds. I then remembered the story of the angels appearing to the shepherds. Suddenly, the sky was full of angels praising God. What a mind blowing experience that must have been!

Terrified might have been a bit of an understatement, but the angel assured them it was all good. They went and saw the baby, and began to tell everyone about the experience.

In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be the sign for you. You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly, there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:

                Glory to God in the highest heaven,

                and peace on earth to people he favors.

When the angels had left them and returned to heaven…, the shepherds hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger. After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. (Luke 2:8-20).

Many years ago, the message of salvation through faith in Jesus came to me; not in the stillness of a dark night, but in the preaching of the gospel from our pastor at the time. Like those shepherds of old, this news changed my life. Do you know the Savior? Have you understood the message of the angel? Do you tell others what He has done for you?

In Him,

Pastor Jerry

17 Oct

Missing Link

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Faith, Obedience, Prayer, renewal.

Dear friends,
The wind has been the big weather topic this week. Everyone seems to be talking about the excess of wind and the absence of any meaningful rain event. At this time of year, any moisture may very well be of the frozen variety. I hesitate to use the ‘s’ word. At this point it doesn’t really matter what form it takes, it will be welcome. A recent issue of a daily newspaper had a page titled “Weather and Religion”. I was amused by those two topics being on the same page. It reminded me of the fact that there are weather forecasts, but God is the one who is in control of the weather.

Sunday, I was away from home in a neighboring church, filling in for their vacationing pastor. Before the service began, the following words appeared on the wall: No Signal (Help). It was telling the person at the keyboard that something was missing. What was missing? A connection between the computer and the projector.
Isn’t that a picture of our own lives? Occasionally, we feel disconnected from the Lord. There is a missing connection and we have lost the signal, so to speak. How do we reconnect to God? The answer; prayer and study of the Word. Consider the following passages of Scripture.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path (Psalm 119:105). Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near (Isaiah 55:6). Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him (James 1:5).

Even when we don’t know what to pray, God’s Holy Spirit will take up our case. “In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will” (Romans 8:26-27).

Time spent in intentional Bible study, along with a consistent prayer life brings the Christian into a deeper and more meaningful relationship with the Lord. This will result in the knowledge that our connection to Him has been restored.

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

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