Archive for the ‘Christian Living’ Category

4 Jun

A Cautious Walk

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living.

Hello everyone,
We have had another busy week, with lots of miles and many blessings. There were some moments that were less than wonderful, but that is normal.
I had the privilege of conducting a wedding ceremony in the beautiful outdoors of Nebraska (and the wind was not blowing). Also, Sunday was the monthly worship at the historic Rose church.
I’m sure you remember me saying a couple of weeks ago that I had participated in a graveside service for my mom’s friend. A former pastor reminded me that this lady, after she officially “retired”, lived by herself on her family ranch on the north side of the Niobrara River, where there were a good number of rattlesnakes. Pastor Dan could not remember her name, but he remembered her “cautious walk.”
At that comment, I thought, “we could all benefit from a cautious walk.” A cautious walk would keep us from all kinds of danger, and help us avoid falling into sin when tempted to be careless in our daily walk. Although the word cautious isn’t used much in the bible, I believe we could substitute the word “careful”. I found a number of verses using the word careful. I’ll give just a few of those here.
“Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today” (Deuteronomy 8:1). “Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God…” (Deut. 8:11). “Be careful to love the Lord your God” (Joshua 23:11).
In other places we are reminded to be careful with our thoughts and with our words.
Some New Testament passages remind us to be careful to do what is right, and to be careful how we live.
Having a cautious, or careful walk will keep us from getting bitten by rattlesnakes, but will also keep us from being bitten by the devil, who in scripture, is called “that ancient serpent” (Revelation 12:9).
I pray our cautious walk will be something people will remember about each of us, as well.

Blessings,
Pastor Jerry

28 May

Remembering

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Memorial Day.

Dear friends,
I am writing from our Rock county property this morning. I can see the sun on the water, and it is a pretty sight. I sometimes wonder why people travel far and wide to see beautiful scenery, when many times it is right outside the front door?
Last week was pretty hectic, so I’m glad for a day to take a few minutes to enjoy this place.
As we celebrated the Memorial Day holiday, I thought about those of my family, friends, and acquaintances who have died this past year. Most have been well up in years, some not so old. The holiday was originally to remember those who had fallen in battle while serving our country. It has lost some of its meaning over the years, in that many now see it as another day to head for the lake, or wherever else they get their recreation.
Last week, I was privileged to participate in a graveside service honoring a friend of my mom’s. This lady was 91, and had been an army nurse during WWII. As I watched and listened to the American Legion part of the service, I was touched, and reminded once again of those many who have served, and those who continue to do so.
In the “Our Daily Bread” devotional for Memorial Day, there was a diary entry from Oswald Chambers mentioning the battlefield death of a young solder. It read as follows: ” And so Ted Strack has ‘gone to be with Jesus.’ That is just how he would have put it . . . . [He] was a rough beauty of nature and of grace, a fearless, loveable little saint. Thank God for every remembrance of him . . . . So they are gathering one by one.”
So they are gathering one by one. As I read this sentence, I rejoiced that Christians from all ages, be they soldiers or citizens, are being gathered one by one, as they are taken home to heaven, where we all will gather some day.
Will you be there? There is a way to know for sure. Scripture says, “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… everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 9:10, 13).

Remembering and rejoicing,
Pastor Jerry

21 May

In The Spirit’s Power

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Holy Spirit.

Hi again,
It’s time for another weekly update. I’m trying to take a little time to “smell the roses”, but other important things keep popping up. I suppose I’ll catch a glimpse of the roses now and then. There may be some material from the archives in this letter over the next few weeks. I’ll try to keep from repeating myself too much.
Last week, I managed to get some of our noxious weeds sprayed. The wind blew hard enough to keep us from putting the boat on the lake, but we were able to get some fishing done from shore with some success. I also noticed the wood ticks are active. They keep trying to hitch a ride with me.
During those windy days at the lake, I spent a little time watching the birds fly around the place. It’s a pretty common sight in most places, but how often do we think about what is going on as they sail through the sky?
It’s not just the bird up there making its way in its own strength, there is an unseen force that allows that bird to fly. That force is air, or wind.
In somewhat the same way, God’s Holy Spirit, although unseen, lifts up the Christian and allows him or her to rise to spiritual heights that would be impossible otherwise.
Jesus compared the work of the Holy Spirit to the wind: “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 3:8). We read in the Bible of the Holy Spirit moving people, and guiding them. The scriptures were written by men who were inspired by the Spirit to record the very words of God.
In the book of Acts, we read of the Spirit’s empowering of the apostles, allowing them to speak in other languages, in order to spread the Word among the people.
Although unseen, the Holy Spirit convicts people of their sin (John 16:8), and convinces them to seek God’s forgiveness, leading them to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit controls the believer and enables him to understand the words of the Bible. Paul writes, “We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us” (1 Corinthians 2:12).
So, the next time you see an eagle or a hawk soaring above the earth, remember the invisible force that keeps them suspended in space, and may it remind you of the unseen power of the Holy Spirit, who enables Christian to “soar on wings like eagles” (Isaiah 40:31).

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

14 May

Temporary Blessings

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living.

Dear friends and family,
It’s looking like a great spring day here. I wonder if we might be past the danger of frost? Everyone seems to be outside, getting the things done we looked forward to all winter. I’m pretty sure that by fall, we’ll be ready to put away those lawn mowers and other tools for another season.
Yesterday was Mother’s Day. I trust you took the time to honor your mothers properly, and to honor the memories of those moms who are no longer with us. I remember my own mother saying “every day is Mother’s day.” I’m not sure that was a positive statement…
Also, congratulations to all those who graduated from high school and college these last few weekends. May you look to the Lord for his guidance, as you travel down the path of life.
Here is a thought that came to me a few days ago: After my mom’s funeral service, there were several arrangement of flowers left at the church. I really do like flowers, and Milrae spent quite a bit of time taking out the wilted ones, and rearranging the rest, so they might look nice as long as possible. However, as I watched them wilt and fade, I couldn’t help thinking of the words of scripture.
From Isaiah 40:8… “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” As we try to keep these things looking nice, we know that at the end they are temporary, at best. That is why Jesus instructed his followers to store up treasure in heaven. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20).
It is good to remember that the things of this earth are temporary, but the things of heaven are eternal. Let’s be about storing up treasures in heaven, while we enjoy the temporary blessings here.

Just thinking,
Pastor Jerry
lakecitynews@nctc.net

7 May

Flee From Danger

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Temptation.

Hello everyone,
It’s a beautiful spring morning. As I write this from Lake George, there is a family of Canada geese outside my window. There are six goslings, and of course, their parents. I’ll be here today for some personal renewal, along with some mowing and other chores. Tomorrow I’ll be on the road, starting the process of finishing up Mom’s affairs. Then back to Ericson to pick up the regular schedule.
Thanks to all for your prayers and support this last week. Thanks to all our church family and other friends for helping make the memorial service go smoothly. May God bless each of you in a special way.
As I sit at watching these geese, I have noticed that every now and then, one of the parents will give an alarm, and they all race toward the water and safety. The parents are teaching the young ones to flee from danger. I don’t know what danger they sense, but obviously they are teaching their young the proper response to any threat to their safety.
I’m reminded by this of scriptures that warn Christians to stay away from temptation: “Flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:16); “Flee from idolatry” (1 Corinthians 10:14).
In regard to making the love of money rule our lives, Paul wrote this, “But you, man of God, flee from all this…” (1 Timothy 6:11). In his second letter to Timothy, Paul says, “Flee the evil desires of youth..” (2 Timothy 2:22).
As Christians, we need to be aware of our enemy, the devil. The apostle Peter describes him as a “roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” What are we to do? “Be self-controlled and alert” (1 Peter 5:8).
We will be tempted. Flight is the best response. Waiting around to see if there is really any danger can be deadly.

Blessings,
Pastor Jerry

30 Apr

The Last Shall Be First

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, The Good News.

Dear friends
I’m starting on a somber note this week. Some who read this are personally acquainted with my mom. Others have read of her in this newsletter down through the years. Mom passed away Saturday, about six weeks short of her 91st birthday. We are glad she is with the Lord, but we will also miss her here.
We received a high school graduation card last week. At the top was inscribed the class motto, and I quote: “If you’re not first, you’re last!”
Now, I know that every class tries to come up with a meaningful motto that no one else has ever used, but I wondered how this one ever got approval from a class sponsor. One of the first things I thought of was, the Bible says “But many who are first will be last, and the last first” (Matthew 19:30; 20:16). To his disciples, Jesus said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all” (Mark 9:35).
Obviously these statements from the Lord contradict the class motto. The idea of being first comes from the value system of the world that says getting to the top of the heap is what is matters most. Jesus indicates here and elsewhere that in His view, our status is measured in completely different terms.
As I spent time with Mom during her last hours on this earth, I was acutely aware that at the end, our position in the world means absolutely nothing. At that point the only thing that matters is our relationship with Jesus Christ. All the “stuff” we strive for is meaningless when we stand at eternity’s threshold. At the end of our lives, the only question left to answer is “what did you do with Jesus?”
I know the choice Mom made. What about you? What will you do with Jesus?

Held in His everlasting love,
Pastor Jerry

23 Apr

God’s View of Marriage

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Marriage.

Dear friends,
Spring time brings out a lot of things. Flowers and leaves on the trees, dandelions, colts, calves, kittens, and others.
Love blossoms in spring, also. Wedding plans are being made as couples, young and not so young, prepare for life together.
The culture of today seems intent on downplaying marriage, and those who chose to marry seem committed to the vows they make only as long as things are going well. I may be a voice “crying in the wilderness”, but at some point I believe we need to return to taking those vows seriously once again. Many of us are too familiar with the tragedy of divorce and broken homes. Children bounce back and forth between parents, and have nothing that could be called stability in their lives.
I believe some of this relates to the fact that young men are not taught to respect the ladies the way they once were. More and more we hear stories of verbal, emotional and physical abuse leading to divorce. Granted, these occurred in the past, but I believe it is much more prevalent in our day. If young men were taught the biblical standard for husbands, wives would receive much better treatment.
I also believe that if husbands behaved as they should, their wives would be much more apt to respect them and their position as head of the household.
I’ll close with some scriptures that speak to this topic: Speaking of marriage… “Therefore, what God has joined together, let man not separate” (Matthew 19:6).
Of husbands… “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25). “Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them” (Colossians 3:19).
This one for wives isn’t popular with some, but it is in the Book: “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord” (Colossians 3:18).
I believe it begins with the husband having a right relationship with the Lord. This then will affect his relationship with his wife, and in turn he will receive her respect.
If God’s plan is allowed to take precedence in the marriage, everyone benefits.

Just thinking,
Pastor Jerry

15 Apr

Think Before You Click

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living.

Hello everyone,
I was reminded this week that in spite of our well-laid plans, it only takes a moment to erase them all. It wasn’t a major incident, just a gentle reminder. It happened while I was working on my message for this week.
About 10:30 Saturday morning, I was putting the finishing touches on my sermon. It was on my computer screen, and I was going to open a different window to check a reference. As I did this, I was asked if I wanted to save what I was doing. Without taking the time to consider my options, I clicked on the “No” button. Instantly, the results of hours of work disappeared!
This time the hasty mouse click only affected me. There have been times, when I sent emails that I should have proof read first, providing someone with misinformation. Other times, I have sent things that I might not have, had I taken the time to think about what I was about to do, because someone was offended.
I’m reminded of some very good advice from the scriptures. These have more to do with the way we handle our words than with making wrong judgments concerning computer functions, but I think they apply to the use of words and how we may wish to be able to take them back at times.
“He who answers before listening–that is his folly and shame” (Proverbs 18:13). I might paraphrase that one in this way: He who clicks without thinking–that may be to his embarrassment and shame!
“The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways” (Proverbs 14:8). Finally, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak…” (James 1:19). Pastor Jerry’s paraphrase: Be quick to consider the result of your click.”
This isn’t very deep, nor is it profound, but it may provide food for thought.

Just thinking,
Pastor Jerry

9 Apr

Stand Up For Jesus

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living.

It was a great week. It is a blessing to me when I see people come out for the special church days. Our Good Friday service was attended by 30 people. There were 20 for brunch on Easter morning, followed by 48 for Resurrection Day services. God is up to something in our community, and it is exciting to be a part of it.
It seems the culture and our society is bent upon silencing Christians and our message. Every day I hear of more pressure on believers to abandon their faith and beliefs. I can only think it is going to get worse. If you read a newspaper or magazine, watch any news on television or listen to it on the radio, you know this already We should not be surprised at all this, we only have to read the words of the Lord to understand this is the way it is going to be as his return draws near.
Jesus said, “When (not if) you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say” (Luke 12:11). He is saying that opposition will come even from “religious” groups, along with government and other authorities. He says even families will be divided on these issues (Luke 12:51-53).
The apostle Peter wrote this to Christians: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though some strange thing were happening to you…If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you” (1 Peter 4:12-14).
This is not the time to be silent. We who claim the name of Jesus need to be ever watchful, remembering that we are called to be faithful to God and to His truth. We must be willing to defend our faith, even when it is unpopular with those around us. The Resurrection of our Lord, which we celebrated yesterday, gives us hope. It tell us we have a home in heaven someday. That hope allows us to persevere in the face of difficulty and even persecution.
Sometimes we need to be reminded of the beginning words of the old hymn– “Stand up, stand up for Jesus!”

Standing on His Word,
Pastor Jerry

2 Apr

What Did Jesus Do?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, The Good News.

Dear friends,
Another week has gone by. It’s April already, and from all appearances we have moved directly into early summer. I think we might want to start praying for a few April showers before too long.
Yesterday, a worship service was held at the Rose Church. It’s been awhile since the church met there, and we pray this is the first of many such gatherings and ministry in that part of our world. Although just 13 folks were present, you knew the Lord was in that place. The next worship service will be held there on May 6, at 4 pm. Mark your calendars now.
Now, on to some thoughts concerning this week leading up to the Easter celebration. I have a t-shirt that has the slogan WWJD on the back. It means, What Would Jesus Do?” It is a fine saying, and helps us to live out Jesus teachings. However, I think we need to answer another question first.
The more important question for this week is, “WDJD?” What Did Jesus Do? This is where the rubber meets the road, so to speak. I have compiled a list that answers this important question.
For claiming to be God, Jesus was tried, convicted and sentenced to death. This was part of God’s plan to redeem humanity from the bondage of sin. Jesus then went willingly to Calvary, where he died on a cross for my sins and yours. You already know John 3:16…For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son…
He was buried in a borrowed tomb. Three days later, He rose from the dead to prove he has power over death. Speaking of Jesus, Paul says he was “declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead…” (Romans 1:4).
Because of what he did, and because I have placed my faith in Him, I have eternal life. Again, John 3:16…”That whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Through faith in Him, I am a child of God with all the rights and privileges and responsibilities of an adopted son. Read John 1:12. “to those who believed in his name he gave the right to become children of God.”
We are adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will..(Ephesians 1:5).
Finally, “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19).
That is what Jesus did!
After we act upon the truth of what Jesus did, we then can answer the question, What Would Jesus Do?

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

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