Archive for the ‘Blessings’ Category
24
Apr
Posted by sandhillspastor in Baptism, Bible, Blessings, Christian Living, Eternal Life, Faith, God's Word, Gospel, Holy Spirit, Obedience, renewal, Salvation, The Good News, Truth, Uncategorized, Witness, Work. 1 comment
There is no fishing report this week. I hope to remedy that situation soon. Saturday, the lake community held its annual spring cleanup day. The weather was perfect for the projects that were planned, and if you were paying attention, you could see the Lord’s blessing on the day. I want to personally thank all who were involved. It takes a lot of cooperation and effort from everyone to keep everything nice for residents and visitors.
Sunday afternoon, I took a trip to northeast Holt County for a meeting of our local church association. This is an area with a recently installed wind farm. The approximately 200 wind turbines can be seen from a great distance, and were a reminder to me again, of the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian.
In the Bible, the Lord Jesus speaks of the Spirit as unseen, like the wind, but working His power in the life of a believer. That power shows up in the changed life of a person who has given his life to Christ as his Savior and Lord. Let’s see what the Bible actually says about this.
First, in relation to salvation, and eternal life. A man named Nicodemus asked about miracles Jesus had been doing. Jesus said to him, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again!”
Nicodemus has another question. “How can a man be born again when he is old?”
Jesus continues; “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit… The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit” (John 3:1-8).
Jesus, as he was about to ascend into heaven, promised to send the Holy Spirit. These are His instructions to his disciples: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised… In a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit… You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:4-8).
This same Holy Spirit is given to every believer. His power is our strength, much as the wind powers those wind turbines.
Amen!
Pastor Jerry
17
Apr
Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Bible, Blessings, Cross, Easter, Eternal Life, Faith, Fellowship, Freedom, Gospel, Grace, Obedience, Prayer, Repentance, Resurrection, Salvation, The Good News, Uncategorized, Worship. 1 comment
For those who have been asking about fishing reports, I finally have something to report. I have been seeing fishermen on the lake recently, so I decided it was time for me to get serious. Thursday afternoon, I spent a couple of hours fishing from the lake shore. Having had no success, I was about to give it up as wasted effort, and decided to make just ‘one more cast.’ As soon as my lure hit the water, I thought I must have gotten snagged on a tree limb. As I reeled in the line it felt like dragging dead weight. About ten feet from shore, the “log” started trying to escape. It turned out to be a 31 inch, 7 ½ pound northern pike. After some deliberation, I put it back in the lake. Now you know there is at least one nice fish in Ericson Lake.
Sunday, we celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord. It was a great time of fellowship and worship, and I trust your Easter was the same. I really believe, that many times we fail to adequately understand the significance of this most important event in Christian history.
Have you ever considered, of all the religions in the world, Christianity is the only one with a living Savior? Every other religion’s founder is dead, and his followers can name the place he is buried. God raised Jesus from the dead, and He resides in heaven today.
In dying, Jesus paid the penalty for all the sins of all people. Yours and mine. Past, present and future. In doing so, He gave us the opportunity to spend all eternity with Him. Salvation from sin and its penalty, is available to all who believe this, and who by faith will accept the gift offered.
“For God so loved the world, He sent his only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him” (John 3:16-17).
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21).
“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).
He Lives! Praise be to God for His indescribable gift!
In Him,
Pastor Jerry
10
Apr
Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Blessings, Christian Living, Easter, Eternal Life, Faith, God's Word, Obedience, Persecution, Praise, Trials, Uncategorized, Witness. 4 comments
Sunday, I had the pleasure of preaching at two small rural churches. I was helping out a fellow pastor, who recently had surgery. The churches are about a 40-minute drive from each other. It is good to see small congregations in out-of-the-way places contending for the faith (Jude 3).
This week, as we contemplate the events leading up to the death, burial, resurrection of our Lord, here are some thoughts related to our time.
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” (1 Timothy 4:1). “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great numbers of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” (2 Timothy 4:3).
In our day, it seems anytime Christians speak or act in a way that reflects Jesus Christ, they are criticized by many. Such as, when the Vice President of the U.S. makes a commitment to never be alone with any woman other than his wife, and is verbally attacked by the liberal media. Anyone who points out that God calls sexual immorality sin, is labeled intolerant, or judgmental. If anyone holds to biblical values and morality, they are shouted down or persecuted in some way. If we say Jesus is the only way to a relationship with God, we are called narrow minded and intolerant.
These are the words of Jesus. “All men will hate you because of me” (Matthew 10:22; Mark 13:13). “Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets” (Luke 6:23).
There is good news! Godless men may accuse and abuse us, but victory is ours through the power of God, who raised Jesus from the dead! Recall the words of Peter and John, when commanded not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus: “Judge for yourself whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20).
Truth,
Pastor Jerry
3
Apr
Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Bible, Blessings, Change, Christian Living, Easter, Eternal Life, Faith, Family of God, God's Word, Gospel, Praise, renewal, Salvation, The Good News, Truth, Uncategorized, Worship. 1 comment
Dear friends
Here we are in the month of April. One fourth of 2017 is history. Now that is a sobering thought. I wonder if I used that time wisely? I’m not sure I want to know the answer.
Saturday, we traveled to Kearney to a barbershop music concert. It was maybe the most entertaining 2 hours I have spent recently. There was some good clean comedy mixed in with the music, also. This is something of a rarity these days, and it was good to experience this once again, also.
Signs of spring are becoming more and more obvious. The flower bulbs we planted last fall are pushing up leaves, and the promise of blossoms is seen in little buds among those leaves. I have found that deer like tulip and daffodil leaves, so preventive measures have been taken.
Driving down the road, we see little calves in pastures and in calving lots. It is a busy time of the year for livestock producers, as I well remember. I do have to say, I appreciate them more now, from the window as we pass by.
Spring also brings thoughts of resurrection and new life, as portrayed in the biblical account of the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Let’s remember the words of the apostle. “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: 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” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). This is the heart of the Easter message.
Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” The early Christians took those words seriously, as we read in Acts 5:42… “Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
By faith in Him, we are born again spiritually, we become a new creation, with a new life and a new identity. And in this season of new beginnings, we can celebrate our own new beginning and the promise of resurrection from the dead when our Savior returns for us on a day that seems to be fast approaching.
May we never get tired of telling, or of hearing, the old, old story!
In Him,
Pastor Jerry
20
Mar
Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Christian Living, Culture, God's Word, Obedience, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom, Witness. Leave a comment
The calendar tells us the spring season is here. The last few days would tell us that, also. Time will prove the truth of this evidence. I suspect there may be some more weather that will remind us of winter for a while.
As I observe the behavior of people these days, it seems that common courtesy and truth have been thrown out the window and there is an attitude that anything goes, as far as the treatment of others. Where has decent behavior gone?
It is no wonder we as a people have lost our moral compass. Hardly anyone reads the Bible, much less studies it. People speak lies, say all kinds of nasty things about other human beings, and disregard God’s Word concerning wisdom and how to attain it. The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful” (Proverbs 12:23).
I believe much of this happens, first of all, because there is a wide-spread lack of belief in God. Secondly, those who have some idea of God, have little or no respect for him or for his Word. Why should this matter? Let’s look at some Bible passages that speak to this issue. A verse that caught my attention this week is Proverbs 12:15… “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.”
So how do we become wise, according to Scripture?
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10).
“The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom” (Proverbs 15:33).
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).
“Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding” (Proverbs 3:13).
“Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands” (Psalm 112:1). “Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord” (Psalm 119:1).
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17).
Be wise, not foolish. Get to know God and his commandments. Allow him to guide your thoughts and your speech. Speak truth, not lies. You will be blessed.
In His Truth,
Pastor Jerry
13
Mar
Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Blessings, Change, Eternal Life, Eternity, Faith, God's Word, Gospel, Obedience, Planning, renewal, Salvation, Second Coming, The Good News, Truth, Uncategorized, Worship. 1 comment
I’m looking forward to warmer days, so that I can begin bringing some fishing reports again. Some of you have seen photos of Game and Parks releasing some northern pike into Lake Ericson. Some of those fish were very nice, and I hope to catch one or two for the dinner table.
Here are some thoughts on daylight saving time, which began this week. In reality, there is no saving of time. There are still 24 hours in a day. No one gets any more or any less. The old saying is ‘time waits for no man.’ Time is marching on, regardless of man’s attempts to buy more of it.
“Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises. The wind blows to the south and returns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning to its course” (Ecclesiastes 1:4-6).
In Ecclesiastes chapter 3, we are reminded, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” As Paul emphasized, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now it the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).
The Bible speaks of time as a line beginning with creation, continuing through history directed by God, and ending in the Day of the Lord. The Christian lives in time, but looks forward to the day when time shall be no more. This present age is the time of decision and service in the kingdom of God; the age to come is the full realization of God’s provision of eternal life. “Let us not become wearing in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9). “As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me.” (John 9:4).
As we consider the return of the Lord, and our salvation, Paul reminds us to “do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The Lord’s salvation waits for no man. Our God is patient, but salvation is a one-time deal. There is no second chance when our time on earth is done. Do not wait
It’s about time,
Pastor Jerry
6
Mar
Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Bible, Blessings, Christian Living, Faith, God's Word, Praise, renewal, Uncategorized, Worship. Leave a comment
It’s sunny, but cool as we start the month of March. I do suppose this would be called a lamb-like start to the month. This is a month that is known for weather extremes. As we were living the ranch life, Mid-March was when spring calving began. What a time to expose newborn calves to every nasty kind of weather known to man and animal. From rain and snow, then windy and warm, and all the frozen ground from winter becomes mud and muck. I wonder how many miles I carried little calves through nearly knee deep mud on the way to the barn? Some of you know exactly what I’m talking about.
On a nicer note, Saturday morning was still and quiet. It was so still, I could hear the water rushing down the spillway at the dam, from our front yard. It reminded me that God calls us to be still and know that he is God. There is nothing like the stillness of the early morning to hear his sweet voice. We hear it not only in the rushing water, but in the songs of the birds and the call of the wild geese flying overhead.
The Psalms remind us of our need to hear God’s still, small voice, and the fact that the creation speaks of his glory. But, I wonder if we really make the effort to listen for and to Him?
“The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory. (Psalm 97:6).
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands… Their voice goes out into all the earth.” (Psalm 19:1-4).
I know not everyone who reads this is an early riser, but I would encourage you to get up early occasionally, and experience the peace and quiet of a morning outdoors.
I will sing to the Lord all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
May my meditation be pleasing to Him,
as I rejoice in the Lord. (Psalm 104:33-34)
Remember, what we call nature didn’t happen by chance. There is a Creator—to Him be glory and honor and praise forever and ever. AMEN!
In Him,
Pastor Jerry
27
Feb
Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Bible, Blessings, God, Praise, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom, Worship. 2 comments
I have taken up an old hobby—photography. When I was younger, I had wanted a nice camera. I had a desire to take the kind of photos you see in magazines; pictures of nature, wildlife and scenery. Eventually I was able to purchase a nice SLR camera, and spent time (and money) photographing those things. In time, other things got in my way, and my picture taking stopped. Recently, I have acquired a digital camera, and actually have the time to renew this interest There is something about viewing life through the lens of a camera that makes me more aware of God’s creation, and causes me to want to share those views with others.
Bible study is a little like photography. We can look at the Bible and get an overview of it, but only when we examine it through careful study can we see the little nuggets we might otherwise miss. The following passage may say it best regarding study of the scriptures. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does” James 1:22-25.
As a photo preserves the details of the moment for closer examination, so careful study of God’s word shows us details we miss when we first read it. Very many people today have little or no knowledge of the Bible. We have become biblically illiterate, and the sad thing is, Bibles are more available than ever before. Let’s commit to the reading and study of God’s inspired Word, and let it begin to change our lives as it was intended. And, as you see those details of scripture, share them with others, so that they may receive a blessing, also.
Sharing the details,
Pastor Jerry
30
Jan
Posted by sandhillspastor in Blessings, Change, Christian Living, Eternal Life, Eternity, Faith, God's Word, Gospel, Praise, renewal, Second Coming, The Good News, Truth, Uncategorized. 1 comment
Dear readers,
We’ve had our second major weather event for this winter season. I’m sure others received more snow than we did, but that’s okay. I know we complain about the weather, but without some winter-time moisture, it would be a bleak picture when spring comes. And, we cannot ignore the beauty of the new-fallen snow. The snow seems to restore the beauty of creation, giving a picture of the purity and holiness of our Lord.
On the topic of restoration, there are many people today who are involved in various types of restoration. We restore old cars, old tractors, old houses, and even old landmarks. There are products to restore hair color and any number of other “restorations”. Some would like to restore our culture to an earlier, simpler time, but sadly, this is an impossibility.
There is good news, however. God is in the restoration business, too. Hear the word of God: “In that day I will restore David’s fallen tent. I will repair its broken places, restore its ruins, and build it as it used to be, so that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations that bear my name, declares the Lord, who will do these things” (Amos 9:11-12).
“He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” (Revelation 21:5).
Psalm 23:1-3… “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul…”
In Acts 3:21, Peter speaks concerning Jesus: “He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.
1 Peter 5:10… “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong and steadfast.”
Again, Peter writes, “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13).
There is more good news; God also does not merely restore people to a former state, he makes them into new creations. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
In Truth,
Pastor Jerry
16
Jan
Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Bible, Blessings, Christian Living, Praise, Service, Uncategorized, Worship. Leave a comment
Dear friends,
Here is a lighter thought for the week. I like music. More specifically, I like good music. I prefer the old songs, although there is occasionally some good new music. However, to me, it seems no matter what the genre, the old music is much more comforting than the newer stuff. Maybe it is just a sentimentality issue from my perspective.
I took a trip into the past recently, via satellite radio, to listen to some of the songs that were popular when I was young. What I heard were songs reminiscent of what passes for music in many circles today. Apparently, songs with indistinguishable lyrics and non-melodic tunes, have been around longer than I thought. I found that some of the old-time stuff wasn’t all that good, musically speaking. I can understand my parents’ reaction to some of the ‘music’ I was listening to in the late 50’s and early 60’s.
God gave us music, I believe, and through it we have the blessing of using that music to worship Him. Scripture encourages us to use music in our worship, and because our worship is to bring God praise and glory, we would be wise to give our best. I’m not going to start a discussion of worship styles, or music preferences, but to draw attention to the praise aspect our music. Let’s look at some affirming scriptures.
Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy (Psalm 33:1—3).
My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music (Psalm 57:7).
It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. For you make me glad by your deeds, O Lord; I sing for joy at the works of your hands (Psalm 92:1-4).
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19).
And, remember, even if you can’t sing, you can still have a song in your heart.
Musically yours,
Pastor Jerry
