Archive for the ‘Blessings’ Category

9 Oct

Why Do You Wait?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Blessings, Christian Living, Eternal Life, Gospel, On Aging, Salvation.

Dear friends,

We have had our first frost. As usual, there were preparations for the garden. Peppers, tomatoes, and some late planted cucumbers were covered. They survived the chill; however, I have my doubts for the next time. Most folks are welcoming the cooler temperatures after the hot summer, but I suspect it won’t be long before we want it to warm up. That’s just human nature, I guess.

I observed another birthday anniversary last week. As the old saying goes, if I had known I would live this long, I would have taken better care of myself. We know that aging is part of life, and no one is guaranteed a long life. It is important that we have a personal relationship with the Lord, so that when our life is over, we know we will be with him. The Bible says nothing about second chances. “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him” (Hebrews 9:27-28).

Salvation comes to all who believe. A favorite scripture of mine reads, “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Then this; “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, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved” (Romans 10: 9-10). Verse 13 says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

I suspect some who have read these devotional thoughts over the years have yet to place their faith in the Lord Jesus. My prayer is that you do not wait any longer. As I wrote earlier, no one is guaranteed a long life, in fact we are not even guaranteed tomorrow. As it is written in God’s Word, “today is the day of salvation.”

In the words of the old hymn, “Why do you wait dear brother, O why do you tarry so long?” Jesus is waiting.

For Him,

Pastor Jerry

2 Oct

God Speaks in Creation

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Best Life, Blessings, Creation, God's Word, Praise.

Dear friends,

We were able to get in a couple of days away with the camper. We didn’t go far, but it was enjoyable just to do something different. I wonder how long we will be able to do this, and I am not really looking forward to the time we can’t. I keep telling myself we live by a pretty little lake in a beautiful part of God’s creation, so what is the need for a camper?

More random thoughts as I looked out my window: Sunrise is special from the window of a camper. Any sunrise signals the beginning of a new day. We should be grateful for each sunrise and the promise it brings. The following Psalm reminds us that both creation and God’s Word testify to his existence and sovereignty, if anyone should doubt.

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of his hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge. There is no speech; there are no words; their voice is not heard. Their message has gone out to the whole earth, and their words to the ends of the world.

In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming from his home; it rejoices like an athlete running a course. It rises from one end of the heavens and circles to their outer end; nothing is hidden from its heat.”

The instruction of the Lord is perfect, renewing one’s life, the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. The precepts of the Lord are right, making the heart glad; the command of the Lord is radiant, making the eyes light up. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are reliable and altogether righteous. They are more desirable than gold—than an abundance of pure gold, and sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb. In addition, your servant is warned by them, and in keeping them there is an abundant reward” (Psalm 19:1-11).

One more random thought from my early morning meditations: Someday Jesus will return, not to get opinions, but to set up his kingdom. Jesus’ words, “Look I am coming soon, and my reward is with me to repay each person according to his work” (Revelation 22:12).

Blessings to you,

Pastor Jerry

5 Sep

Harvest Fields

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Evangelism, Family of God, Gospel.

Dear friends,

Once again I find that plans can change without warning. Now and then I write one of these from some hospital room, as is the case this week. I got up early Saturday morning feeling a little different, went to the ER in Ord and ended up in Kearney with some heart issues. Diagnosis; a-fib and a small pulmonary embolism (clot). Sunday I had a heart cath that showed my previous bypasses are still open. Sooo—going forward it will be blood thinners and beta blockers. I’m glad I listened to the “small, still voice”.

I had my sermon prepared early, but no one volunteered to deliver it. Not to worry though, it will still apply next week. God’s Word applies to all of life every day all the time. Christians are commanded to take gospel of Jesus Christ into all the world. Jesus told his disciples “the fields are ripe for harvest”.

When he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.”(Matthew 9:46-48). They were to pray for workers to harvest souls, but they had a responsibility to work the harvest, as well. We, also are called to pray for gospel witnesses as we work the ripening fields of our day.

Where are these fields in which we are to be working? Someone has said we need to be looking at who is in front of us. These are those whom God has placed in our immediate path. This weekend, I have had several chances to share my witness and testimony with those who haveprovided for my care and treatment. What harvest field has the Lord placed you in? The supermarket? The school or playground? What about the livestock auction or a campground?

In doing this, I have found new Christian friends! The possibilities are endless. Who is in front of you? What is preventing you from joining the harvest? Just some thoughts from my crazy weekend.

Blessings to all,

Pastor Jerry

28 Aug

Adopted by God

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Blessings, Children, Families, Family of God, Praise.

Hello friends,

In the weather news, it was much cooler last week. There is speculation that the heat will return, but not quite to the level of past days. September can be hot, but fall weather is just around the proverbial corner. As usual a request for rain is at the top of our prayer list. Our immediate area could use a good soaking again.

I have joined the community of CPAP users. A recent sleep study indicated some issues with my nighttime breathing, and I now own one of those machines (or does it own me?). This is a learning experience I had hoped to avoid, but here we are. If I stop breathing for a short time, the machine will supply me with air. This is good but it requires some adjustment. I’m not comfortable enough with the mask and all, so I can’t tell if there is any benefit, but I suppose that will come.

News came to us this week that Alex (our grandson) will be able to adopt his wife’s little girl. She will be our great-granddaughter, Maria. This is something we have all been praying for and we are praising the Lord for working it all out. When it is finalized, we will all get together for a celebration. This is the inspiration for my devotional thought for this week.

The Bible tells us that we are all sinners. It also says that sin is the act of being disobedient to God. The penalty for that sin is death, or separation from God (Romans 6:23). As sinners, we were enemies of God. As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we become adopted sons and daughters of God, co-heirs with Christ of all the blessings of heaven. When the Holy Spirit comes to reside in us at the moment of salvation, we read; “For all those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back in fear. Instead, you received the spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out “Abba, Father!” The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ… (Romans 8:14-17).

When we all get to heaven what a day of rejoicing that will be! This upcoming adoption is but a glimpse of that day.

In Christ,

Pastor Jerry

21 Aug

Sweet Fellowship

Posted by sandhillspastor in Baptism, Blessings, Body of Believers, Faith, Family of God, Fellowship, Heaven.

Dear friends,
We are getting prepared for some very hot weather. We are very thankful the AC works. Back in the days of our youth, it wasn’t such a big deal. Summer involved a lot of outdoor time and for the most part we just kept working; especially when we were in the hayfield. I think it was partly a mental thing; we knew it was hot but we didn’t dwell on it. At home, we would stop in the middle of the afternoon for a break and sit in the shade of a haystack to get a cool drink and sometimes there would be watermelon that had been cooled in a stock tank fed by a flowing well. Watermelon has never tasted that good!

Sunday, we attended a special day in the life of a young man we know. He is just a youngster, but in recognition of his faith in the Lord Jesus, he followed the Lord’s example of water baptism. Morning worship was followed by a short drive to the river, where in the presence of many witnesses, this young man publicly proclaimed his faith in Christ, and was baptized in obedience to his Lord’s command. Congratulations, Paxton!

Following the baptism ceremony, everyone returned to the church for a delicious meal and sweet fellowship with the believers who make up that church. It was a snapshot of that day when all who believe will gather in the presence of our Lord and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

We read in Revelation these words: Then a voice came from the throne, saying:
“Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both small and great!”

Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:

Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.
Fine linen, bright and clean was given her to wear.”
(Fine linen stands for the righteousness of the saints.)

Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’” And he added, “These are the true words of God” (Revelation 19:5-9).

Will you be there? You will be if you know Jesus as your Savior.

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

14 Aug

Subject to Change

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Change, Obedience, Planning, Trust, Wisdom.

Dear friends,

We were blessed with more rain this week. This is a great help for the lawn and garden as it keeps the watering at a minimum. I mentioned last week that we had ordered a recliner for the camper; it has been put in its place and now we are anticipating another outing somewhere in the future. Looking at the weather forecast, we may wait for cooler weather.

Everyone has their hopes and dreams of how they see the future, and the things they expect will happen. It doesn’t take long to realize that dreams and plans are one thing, but reality many times takes some strange twists and turns.

The Bible book of James has something to say about our plans. From chapter 4 we read: Come now, you who say, “today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit.” Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring—what your life will be! For you are like vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes. Instead, you should say, “if the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:13-15).

Here is wisdom from the book of Proverbs; Commit your activities to the Lord, and your plans will be established (Proverbs 16:3). A person’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps (16:6).

God has a plan for each of us. He gives us a mind to plan for our days and years, but he wants us to seek his direction as we make those plans. And don’t be surprised when his plans turn out to be different than ours. I can testify that the plans I had for my own life did not go in the direction I had envisioned. But guess what? I am convinced that his plan was much better than mine.

When we come to faith in Christ, God begins to shape us into the person he has planned us to be. As Paul wrote in his letter to the church at Philippi, “I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).

So, go ahead and make those plans, but leave room for the Lord to make changes.

In Him,

Pastor Jerry

24 Jul

Meetings that Matter

Posted by sandhillspastor in Blessings, Family of God, Fellowship, Gospel, Great Commission, Worship.

Dear friends,

July is passing quickly it seems. We have had some decent rainfall but can always use more. If the forecast for the next week holds true, we are in for some very hot temperatures. We will be glad for air-conditioning for sure. Our plan for the first few days this week is to go camping at Victoria Springs. If I had checked the forecast before reserving our spot, I might have changed my mind.

Update: I saw the doctor last week for a follow-up visit and he told me to see him in a year. He is pleased with the result, and positive the aneurism is no longer a concern. Praise the Lord!

I had an interesting conversation with a lady while in the clinic waiting room. She said she would be 102 years old in August. We shared some experiences we each have had, and some of them were quite similar. She and her late husband had been farmers during the mid-eighties and went through tough economic times just as my family had. She and her husband came to faith in Jesus during that time, as did Milrae and I. Our conversation ended when I was called back to see the doctor. Before I left the lady said, “We’ll meet again.” To which I replied, “yes we will.”  It is great to have that common bond in the Lord Jesus, and to know that as believers in Him we will all meet again in heaven.

We never know when a conversation will turn to things of a spiritual nature. We who are believers in the Lord Jesus are told to be lights in our surroundings and in our culture. The old saying is we are just beggars telling other beggars where to find bread. We never get anyone saved, that is the Lord’s work, but we can show them the way. I was once told we only make the sales pitch; God seals the deal.

Jesus’ words: I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. I am the bread of life. Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever” (John 6:47-51).

Blessings,

Pastor Jerry

19 Jun

Justified

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Best Life, Blessings, Faith, Gospel, Hope, Peace, The Good News.

Dear readers,

We have received wonderful rain! Amounts vary, but most places near to us have seen some moisture. Friday and Saturday our gauge showed just over 1.5 inches. The garden is happy! The camper has been cleansed of the evidence left behind by some mice who lived there last winter. We are now ready for the next adventure. Several memories were made on the last journey, most of which centered around the absent mindedness of a certain elderly man.

The Bible tells us that when a person puts his or her faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, that person is declared righteous because God sees that person as being covered by the righteousness of Christ. The term used is justification. What follows are some results of the believer being justified in the eyes of God.

We have peace. “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1) There was a time we were God’s enemies because of unbelief, now in Christ we have peace with God (Romans 5:10). Peace with God means our problem with sin has been settled by the blood of Christ.

We have access to God. “Through whom we have gained access by faith into the grace in which we now stand” (Romans 5:2a) Before our salvation we were condemned; but now in Christ, we have perfect standing before God and can enter his presence (Hebrews 10:19-25).

We have hope. “And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:2b). The unsaved person is “without hope” (Ephesians 2:11-12). Through faith in Christ, we have the sure knowledge of eternity with him.

We have confidence in the trials of life. “Not only so, but we also rejoiced in our sufferings” (Romans 5:3). We know for certain that in those trials God is with us, because of our relationship with Christ (Romans 5:3-4).

We experience the love of God. “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). God showed us his love at the cross when Christ died for those who were without strength, who were ungodly, sinners, and enemies, thus proving His great love.

This is the gospel of Jesus Christ, who came as the only one who could save us from our sin. Hallelujah! What a Savior!

In Him,

Pastor Jerry

12 Jun

Enjoying Life

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Contentment, Happiness, Praise, Reward.

Dear friends,

We had an enjoyable weekend with Alex, Breanna, and Maria. We were supposed to park the camper on a new concrete pad at their house, but Alex sent a message early Friday morning to inform me they had received heavy rains in the night. This resulted in making reservations at the local KOA, and when I saw Alex’s driveway, I was glad I did. I helped him add handrails on the outdoor stairs and a railing around the landing. It looked nice when we were done, not elegant but functional for sure.

When we got the camper set up, we discovered that some furry rodents had been living in the kitchen drawers over winter. This is not something you wish to find when looking forward to a relaxing evening. There will be some serious cleaning done now that we are home again. There were some other incidents that resulted from my not paying attention, but more on those in another column.

In our recent travels, we have noticed an abundance of yucca plants. They are blooming profusely this year. It is just my thinking, but I wonder if it is because of the drought conditions? Some plants thrive in those situations, including most cactus plants. In areas where there has been rain, the pastures and meadows are doing well also. Rain always improves a lot of things, including the attitudes of farmers and ranchers.

As we travel and observe creation, I am taken to the words of David in Psalm 145: I exalt you, my God the King, and bless your name forever and ever.

I will bless you every day; I will praise your name forever and ever.

The Lord is great and is highly praised, his greatness is highly praised,

His greatness is unsearchable.

One generation will declare your works the next and will proclaim your   mighty acts.

I will speak of your splendor and glorious majesty and you and your wondrous works.

They will give testimony of your great goodness and will joyfully sing of   your righteousness.

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in faithful love.

The Lord is good to everyone; his compassion rests on all he has made.

All you have made will thank you, Lord; the faithful will bless you.

Psalm 145:1-10).

For more blessings, read the rest of the psalm.

Be blessed,

Pastor Jerry

22 May

Life’s Purpose

Posted by sandhillspastor in Blessings, Calling, Christian Living, Discipleship, Gospel, Great Commission, Work.

Hello friends,

It is time once again for another visit. We have been taking advantage of the nicer weather to get outdoors as much as possible. There are those trips to town for appointments and to get groceries and other supplies, but there has been time for some yard work and the planting of the garden beds. After the rain of last week, mowing will take some of my attention for the rest of the growing season.

I do enjoy putting my thoughts in writing, and I pray they make a difference in someone’s life. I believe each person has been placed on this earth for a purpose, and God’s purpose for everyone is given in Scripture. Jesus said this concerning his reason for coming to earth, and the will of God: “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, bur the will of him who sent me. This is the will of him who sent me: that I should lose none of those he has given me but should raise them up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him will have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day” (John 6:38-40).

Did you get that? It is God’s will that everyone be saved. The one who is saved then has been given a divine purpose in life. This does not give the indication that everyone will be saved, but that everyone who believes in Jesus will have the gift of eternal life. Other scriptures tell us that we are saved. not to sit on the sidelines and wait for him to come for us. Quite the opposite is true.

We, as Jesus was, are to be about the Father’s business, not that we can save anyone, but that we spread the good news of Jesus to all those around us. To the church at Ephesus, Paul wrote, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

What are these good works? I believe they start with Jesus’ command in Matthew 28. His command to us is this: Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations…, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. (Verses 19-20).

For Him,

Pastor Jerry

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