Archive for the ‘Best Life’ Category

27 Mar

A New Life

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Calling, Faith, Gospel, Praise, renewal, Salvation, The Good News, Witness.

Dear friends,
The days continue to pass quickly. When next we meet it will be April, the month of spring showers. At least we can hope winter is over by then. After those showers, we will be blessed with flowers and all the other good things that follow. Did you see a bit of poetry there?

At this time of the year, I am reminded of new life. As I see the new plant growth, new baby calves along the road, and later many other signs of new beginnings, I am drawn to consider the new life we are given through faith in Jesus Christ.

It was in the spring of the year, when on a Sunday morning in May, I first trusted Him with my life. It was at the closing of a sermon on Romans chapter 10, verses 8-13. Those verses read; But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: 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 it is with your heart that you believe and are justified (made right with God), and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Up to that point I thought I had my life pretty well ordered. As the pastor concluded his message, he invited those who had not done so to place their lives in God’s hands and confess Jesus as Savior and Lord. At that precise moment, I realized that I needed a Savior and prayed to receive his gift of salvation. That began a change in me that could only have been brought about by a Holy God. That is my testimony and I stand by it these 40 plus years later.

Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior? If not, may you surrender your life to the Lord Jesus today? It is not too late.

In His unfailing love,
Pastor Jerry

13 Feb

Like or Love?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Attributes of God, Best Life, Christian Living, Culture, Love, Salvation.

Dear readers,

We continue to enjoy warmer temperatures and melting snow. This may change however; it is still winter in Nebraska. Some of us remember large amounts of snow much later than February. That said, I read recently that we are still in the grip of a major drought. We should be praying for the Lord to keep sending moisture, even if it is in the form of snow.

Valentine’s Day is this week, and everyone is thinking of love. Perhaps this would be a good time to consider the meaning of love. Many times people speak of love in ways that are just expressions of liking something to a high degree. For instance, I might say I love ice cream. I really don’t actually ‘love’ ice cream, I just like it a lot!

The Bible describes love in an entirely different way. Many people know of John 3:16; 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. In light of this love of God, we read, “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his love for us in this: While we were sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6-8).

As a result of this, we who know and love the God who loves us are commanded to love our fellow believers. Jesus said to his followers, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35).

The result of this is found in John’s first letter. “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. (1 John 4:9-11).

I may have a strong liking for Ice cream, but I definitely would not die for it!

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

2 Jan

Read the Book

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

Dear friends,
We’ve been in survival mode this past week. Some nasty bug took hold of us, but after seeking medical counsel, it looks as if we’ll survive! The weather was nicer this week, at least it warmed up a bit. Ice fishing became a thing with the thicker ice, and skaters were enjoying the smooth ice, as well. Ah, to be young again. Our New Year’s Eve was spent at home, waiting for bed-time and the calendar turned a page without our help.

I have been noticing that people these days are confused about a lot of things in life. They are trying to redefine the most basic truths about our existence as a people, and our purpose for life. I want to offer some friendly advice: Just read the book!

The book I’m referring to is God’s Word, the Bible. God is truth, His book is true and no matter how people try to make it say something it does not, it will never change.

It is okay to bring our requests to the Lord, but let us not start to dictate to Him how we will interpret His Word. When Job, who had been attacked by Satan, came to God asking questions about God’s purpose in his situation, God began questioning Job.
“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! (Job 38:4-5). As God goes down the list of questions He has for Job, Job suddenly realizes how insignificant he is in front of God Almighty. Then Job answered the Lord: “I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. I spoke once, but I have no answer—twice, but I will say no more.” (Job 40:3-5)
Oh, that those who would reinterpret God’s word, would see Him as Job did. God has the answers; it is our duty to take them as truth.

Are there questions about the definition of marriage? Look in the Book. Are you wondering about how to get to heaven? It’s in the Book. Do you wonder how you can have real peace? Right again. What about racism? Same answer. Parenting and families? The role of government? You get the picture.

The truth can change your opinion, but your opinion will not change the truth.

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

26 Dec

Proper Planning

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Faith, New Year, Obedience, Planning, Trust, Wisdom.

Hello friends,
I trust you had a blessed Christmas. After a week of extremely cold weather, it will be good to see the thermometer reading above freezing for a change. Hopefully we won’t see those wind chill readings again for a long time. We had a minor freeze-up at our house. Someone forgot to close the vents in the crawl space, but it turned out okay. The lesson here is don’t trust your memory, check it out!

As we approach the beginning of a new year, and make plans as we are prone to do, let’s first remember these words from God’s Word.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed (Proverbs 16:3).
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps (Proverbs 16:9).
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails (Proverbs 19:21).

In my own life, I have seen a man’s plans take unexpected turns, but at the end of the journey you can look back and see God’s purpose and direction in every twist and turn. As we make our plans for where we think we are going in life, let us not forget to include the Lord in those plans. Here is wise counsel from the book of James: “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’’ “Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

As a young man, I could not have imagined the many paths I would take in life, but in retrospect it is clear to me the Lord was working out his plan for me.

There is nothing wrong with making plans for the future, but always remember man’s plans are subject to God bending them to His will for His purpose. Instead of telling God our plans for our future, it would make much more sense to pray that He would give us godly advisors to help guide us through this journey called life. Have a Happy and Blessed New Year!

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

19 Dec

Real Peace

Posted by sandhillspastor in Advent, Best Life, Blessings, Christmas, Salvation.

Dear friends,

We are settling in for a spell of cold weather. Last week was cold and windy here, but with very little snow. Further to the west and north, it was a much different story. Sunday night was the first of what we hope will be an annual event at our church. Called Soup and Song, there were several pots of delicious soup and trays of cookies and bars. This was followed by readings, special music, and the singing of Christmas carols. We look forward to seeing you there next year.

As 2022 winds down, and we approach a new year, I pray we not forget the message of Christmas. The future is uncertain, but we can enter it with confidence if we remember that God sent His Son to provide salvation for all who would believe in Him. The angels announced His coming, saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” (ESV).

When we trust God’s promise of peace on earth, we aren’t speaking of the absence of war, but real peace within ourselves. This is because we know whatever happens in our future, we can be sure God has a plan. Please understand this peace comes only to those who know the Lord Jesus as Savior. Those with whom He is pleased are those who are His children. “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Scripture tells us this, “He (Jesus) came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him. But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor the will of the flesh nor the will of man, but of God” (John 1:11-12).

This Christmas season, may we see beyond the shopping, the bright lights and all the other activity. May we focus on the Reason for the season; Jesus, God with us, come to save the world from sin. Have you accepted His Gift? In the words of the apostle Paul, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Have a Blessed Christmas,

Pastor Jerry

7 Nov

Be Grateful

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Christian Living, Contentment, Families, Humor, Marriage, Praise, thanksgiving.

Dear readers,
With the cooling of the weather pattern lately, I believe I can safely say that winter is coming closer. Not much exciting has happened at our place this week. We attended a party celebrating a 50th wedding anniversary Tuesday evening. There were just a few couples present, but it was a fun evening. There was much conversation and laughter, something we all need more of. An added bonus was the great variety of appetizers to sample. On the topic of lasting marriages, I heard this comment recently. A young man asked his father for some advice on marriage. Dad responded, “When you and your bride have an argument, and you are convinced beyond a shadow of doubt that you are right and she is wrong, just go ahead and be wrong.”

The next big holiday is Thanksgiving. I believe we are to be thankful on a daily basis for what we have. Each day is a gift, and we need to be aware of that fact. I was given a different perspective on this topic recently. It goes like this; What is your answer when people ask how you are? Most will say, “I’m doing okay”, or something similar. The answer as told to me is simply this; I am grateful!

Whether or not we understand it, everything we have is the result of God’s gracious provision. Here are some Bible verses that remind us to be both grateful and thankful for our blessings.

Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done… Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his love endures forever. (1 Chronicles 16:8, 34). The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. (Psalm 28:7).

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians 3:17). Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Praise is also a part of thankfulness; “Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens… Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord” (Psalm 150).

Blessings,
Pastor Jerry

3 Oct

It’s God’s Plan

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Eternal Life, Planning, Salvation, The Good News.

Dear readers,
We have been enjoying the cooler weather, but the drought lingers on. The forecast is for possible precipitation mid-week. We’ll see if that prediction is true. The garden seems to be on its last leg. For whatever reason, the tomatoes just didn’t produce this year. Lately, the deer have been pruning the tomato and pepper plants. As with all agriculture endeavors–maybe next year!

I was able to attend our local church association meeting Sunday evening. It is exciting to hear what the Lord is doing through His churches in our part of the world. Small churches are making a difference in the lives of many in rural Nebraska.

I have been building a dog house, and no, it’s not for me as someone asked. This project has reminded me of the importance of having a plan with clear instructions. Making it up as you go along is harder than being prepared. The old adage is true; When all else fails read the directions. It is the same when planning for eternity. Getting to heaven on your own isn’t just hard, it’s impossible! You might build a dog house by your own effort and ability, but you can’t save yourself.

Regarding our salvation, there is no self-help guide. There is a plan, though. God has provided a way to eternal life and it has nothing to do with me doing it on my own. Salvation comes only by placing my faith in Jesus Christ and his death, burial and resurrection. There is no plan B, no other way to God except through Christ our Lord. His instructions are plainly stated in the Bible.

The Bible says this, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Jesus, when speaking to Nicodemus, said, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born again” (John 3:3). “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to be children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God” (John 1:12-13).

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8).

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

8 Aug

The Better Way

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Christian Living, Culture, Faith, God's Word, Obedience, Ten Commandments, Trust.

Dear friends,
We have received almost .30” of rain early Sunday morning. The forecast is for the possibility of more, but we are thankful for what we have. After a warm week, we are having a couple of cooler days. This, too, is a blessing.

It saddens me to see that some Christians are following those who claim to predict the future. I do not believe this is what the Lord would want for His people. In His word, he warns against these practices.

“When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable practices of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord, and because of these detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you. You must be blameless before the Lord your God… The nations you will dispossess listen to those who practice sorcery or divination. But as for you, the Lord your God has not permitted you to do so” The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to Him… I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command Him. (Deuteronomy 18:9-15).

God’s people are to depend upon Him for their every need, and rely on His promises to care for them in every situation. There are those who would say “but that was Old Testament teaching.” True, but much of God’s law remains in effect in the New Testament. The Ten Commandments have not been revoked; they are for all time. What is called God’s moral law is also just as true as when it was given.

To be involved in occult practices is to be unfaithful to the Lord. We are encouraged to listen to God’s prophets instead. The ultimate prophet of God is Jesus Christ—the One who spoke God’s words and who provides deliverance for His people. He is the better way; “Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8).

In His love,
Pastor Jerry

1 Aug

Contentment

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Best Life, Contentment, Faith, God's Word, Peace, Trust.

Dear readers,
August has arrived, the month of fairs and students preparing to head back to school. Are you ready for another round of hot weather? Neither am I, but it seems we are about to experience that very thing. The garden continues to show promise of bounty to come. Cucumbers remain a steady part of our diet, but I’m looking forward to a change to tomatoes!

We live in uncertain times. I doubt that anyone would dispute this statement. I recall another time when uncertainty was the theme of our existence. It was shortly after I began my Christian life. During that time and in the years that followed, I learned to depend on God to provide for our daily provisions. I had begun to think I was pretty self-reliant, but He showed me I wasn’t the one in charge. It was a hard lesson, but a necessary one.

“Hebrews 13:5–6 reads, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’” (ESV). The author gives us a command to be content. And the power to do so comes from two things from Jesus.
First, the author says that Jesus has said that he will never leave nor forsake us. If we have God, there is nothing else we could be deprived of that would devastate us. But a lack of contentment reveals that we aren’t giving Jesus his proper weight.

Second, the author quotes a Psalm saying, “The Lord is our helper.” God loved us so much that he wouldn’t let death and hell or a cross keep him from rescuing us. And that same God promises to help us in all things. God has proven once and for all his willingness to help us.

Understanding these two things leads us to contentment. Are you content? Do you understand that in Christ, you can be satisfied with what you have because in him you have all you need?” [Devotional from J.D. Grear]

The apostle Paul, regarding his own situation said, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.… I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12-13).

In His grip,
Pastor Jerry

« Older Entries