Archive for the ‘Faith’ Category

30 Mar

Holy Week

Posted by sandhillspastor in Cross, Easter, Faith, Good Friday, Gospel.

Dear friends,

Our warm weather continues and still no precipitation of any consequence. The large fires in western Nebraska have been extinguished, but smaller blazes continue to pop up here and there. The balmy weekends show an increase in activity here at Lake Ericson andzss4444 I’m sure people are looking forward to spring and summer activities.

This morning (Sunday) we observed Palm Sunday in our church. At this time of year, Christians are reminded of the sacrifice the Lord Jesus provided when He died for our sins. From His triumphal entry into Jerusalem on that Sunday, to Good Friday and the Resurrection three days later we follow those events with gratitude and respect.

In Jesus’ day, there were those who believed He was who He said He was, but there were many more who had no idea that He was God in the flesh. They thought he was some kind of nut job, not worthy of their time. This same thinking prevails among many in our world today.

Some say Jesus was a great teacher, or just a good man. Some deny His deity, insisting that He was just a man like you and me. If we believe the Bible, we understand that He has always existed, He is God in human flesh, who came to die on a cruel cross so that those who believe will have eternal life.

In John’s gospel we read, “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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son” (John 3:16-18).

In Acts 4:12 we read, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Everyone since Adam and Eve is born with a sin nature. We are naturally sinners from birth, separated from God. The only way to restore that relationship is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. Will you come to Him today, if you haven’t already?

In His grip,

Pastor Jerry

23 Mar

Facing Disaster

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

Dear friends,

Our temperature went from the mid-nineties Saturday to the mid-fifties on Sunday.  This is after we called off church last week because of cold and snow. Could this be called whiplash?

What do you do when things seem impossible to overcome? I’m thinking of those who were impacted by the wildfires in Nebraska last week. Having spent my life in ranching, I can’t imagine the thought of facing a loss of this magnitude. We lost our cows to financial troubles many years ago, but we still had our feed, fences, machinery and home.

This was just a few years after I had trusted Jesus with my life, and I’ve always said I don’t know how I would have handled this without Him. People who make their living off the land are subject to weather events and challenges that others just don’t understand, but this is nothing new.

If you read the Bible for any length of time, you soon find this is a part of life. The good news is that God knows what you are going through, and although He may not take you out of the situation, He will see you through it.

The psalmist Asaph wrote this when he was discouraged, “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:23-26).

Psalm 62 also became a source of encouragement to me in times of trouble. “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and salvation; He 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” (Psalm 62:5-8).

The Lord Jesus left His disciples with these words as he prepared to go to the cross. “I have told you these things, so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Trusting Him,

Pastor Jerry

9 Mar

Sleep Well

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Contentment, Faith, Peace, Rest, Trust.

Hello friends,

Our nice weather continues. It tried to give us some moisture at the end of the week, but a trace doesn’t go very far. It appears there is very little chance of precipitation for the next nine days. The nice days of the weekend brought about increased activity here at the lake. I have noticed in recent days that the spring migration of birds and waterfowl is well underway. Even more signs that spring is just around the corner.

If we spend much time watching or listening to the news these days, we can become very discouraged and want to turn off the television or disconnect from social media. There is much time spent on doom and gloom reporting. I have noticed that even Christian pastors and teachers have become somewhat obsessed with the topic of the end times, as the Bible calls it.

I will agree that it is a subject that we need to be aware of and to be reminded of, but it should not be the only thing we focus on. As long as the Lord tarries, we are to be about the business of sharing the Good News of the gospel with those who do not know Jesus.

In spite of the unrest and disheartening news, the world keeps on turning and God is still on His throne. If we forget that, we will be continually discouraged. When we are tempted to fall into despair over the events swirling around us, it is good to return to the Scriptures for encouragement.

In the Psalms we read the words of David: “Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, God will not deliver him. But you, Lord are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.

I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from His holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side. (Psalm 3;1-6).

Rest assured, Jesus will return in His time. He has promised but let us be more concerned with bringing people into the kingdom of God and less with when He is coming back for us. In His words, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27).

Trusting Him,

Pastor Jerry

16 Feb

Don’t Look Back

Posted by sandhillspastor in Calling, Discipleship, Faith, Obedience, Reward.

Hello friends,

We are still in a warm cycle with our weather. The downside is that we haven’t received any moisture. We must keep asking the Lord for some relief, and even snow would be a blessing at this point. I hesitate to ask for snow knowing what that might bring, but anything is better than nothing.

On to the devotional thought for the week. We all know people who dwell on the past, even calling the past the good old days. As I reflect on my past life I don’t really want to go back there. Sure there were good times, but much of it I wouldn’t want to live through again.

When Jesus was calling people to follow Him, there were some who wanted to go back home to say goodbye to family members, then obey His call. He replied with these words: “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).

I don’t know much about plowing, but back in the day before tractors came with guidance systems, we were told to drive straight when mowing hay. Dad wanted those lands to be straight and square. The instructions were to focus on a fence post or tree in the distance. What usually happened was that you would look somewhere else for a moment and lose sight of the marker. Looking back had consequences.

Looking back should serve to remind us how we got here, but we are not to focus on the past. The apostle Paul, writing of the things in his past that he had viewed as important, called them garbage. Instead, he said, “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14).

Looking to our past will only cause us to stray from the straight and narrow way. The world would have us living in the “good old days” rather than heeding the invitation to follow Jesus. He is our future, not our past. Don’t look back!

For Him,

Pastor Jerry

9 Feb

God’s Presence

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Creation, Faith, God's Word, Holy Spirit, Hope, Trials, Trust.

Dear readers,

You have to love 55 degrees in February; just remember we still have March ahead of us. It’s not too late for some deep snow and cold to appear on the scene. The recent warming has slowed the ice fishing activity here at the lake. I wonder how many of those enjoying the sport are not aware of the springs that lurk at the bottom of Lake Ericson?

Many people are dealing with trials these days. Christians are not exempt from trials and tribulation, whether they be financial, emotional or relational there are always difficult times. Some will tell you if you accept the Lord’s salvation, your life will be wonderful. Don’t believe them. I have heard it said that when we are undergoing those trying times God is waiting on the other side. kGod is not waiting on the other side of your storm; He is in it with you. He doesn’t part the waters or build a bridge over them but takes your hand and leads you through. Even when we cannot see Him, we can trust that he will not let us battle the storm alone. He tells us in His word that he is always present with us.

Psalm 73:23: Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory… My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

John 14:16; Jesus speaking, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever.” Also this, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Mt 28:20).

Isaiah 43:2-3 says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” 

In each of those passages of Scripture, we are promised that He is always with us, either as God, Jesus or Holy Spirit. We are never left alone as believers. Our God is an ever present reality in our lives.

Trusting in Him,

Pastor Jerry

2 Feb

Who is Behind the Chaos?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Culture, Evil deeds, Faith, Spiritual Warfare, Trials.

Hello all,

After a cold week, we see the promise of warmer temperatures. My old bones will be happy, as they don’t appreciate the cold. We definitely need moisture, but remember this, God will provide it in His perfect timing.

As we see the unrest in our country and around the world, we might feel that there is nothing we can do to make a difference. There is a spiritual battle going on behind the scenes, but we tend to forget that fact. Spiritual warfare describes the ongoing conflict between the church and Satan along with his angels. We need to remember that God is in control. We may not see Him at work, but His plan is going forward. Even so, the enemy, that is the devil, is working hard to keep people separated from God.

The apostle Paul reminds us of this in his letter the church at Ephesus: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the powers of the dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12-13).

Peter has this reminder, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Those who do not know Christ are easily controlled by the devil and his demons. God’s people on the other hand, will not be controlled by the enemy, but he will work very hard to damage their Christian witness.

Christians are called to be separate from the world. “Therefore, ‘Come out from them and be separate, ‘says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you’” (2 Corinthians 6:17).

Paul gives this advice: “Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to this, take up the shield of faith… Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:13-17).

For Him,

Pastor Jerry

19 Jan

It Will Be Worth it All

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Best Life, Eternal Life, Faith, Salvation, Trials, Trust.

Dear readers,

It is time for another edition of my attempts to encourage you in your spiritual journey. I have considered putting this project to an end, but after all these years, I wonder if that is possible. The Lord has been good to give me ideas of what to write, and I don’t expect Him to stop now. If He does, I am sure He will let me know when that time comes. As I have mentioned before, this project started in 1999 as a weekly newsletter charting my journey as a new Christian. It has become something far larger than I first envisioned. This week, I will share some thoughts that have encouraged me along the way.

There was a time I understood that I couldn’t make it without Jesus. Along came a word from the Lord that changed my life forever. Let’s look at some important things to remember from the Bible.

First, we have all sinned and need a Savior. (Romans 3:23). Second, there is a way to be saved. It is found in Romans chapter ten: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ an believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (‘Romans 10:9) Verse 13 sums it up nicely: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

It does not say life will be a bed of roses, only that we are saved by confessing Jesus as Lord. Difficulties still come but as the Scripture says, the righteous will live by faith.

In my experience troubles do come. From financial hardships, health issues, family tragedies and the trials of old age we must trust that the Lord is there. Along with the trials of life, He also blesses us in many ways and through it all, His plan for us is being worked out in our lives.

Jonah, as we read in the Bible, suffered great loss because God had allowed Satan to test Him. Jonah couldn’t see what brought on his trials, but he knew God was there with him. There is an old hymn that says it well.

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!

Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ.

One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase.

So bravely run the race till we see Christ.

Simply His,

Pastor Jerry

5 Jan

Road Conditions

Posted by sandhillspastor in Culture, Discipleship, Evangelism, Faith, Salvation, Witness.

Hello friends,

The New Year is here! Now, for the next few weeks we will have to relearn how to date our checks and other documents. Not to worry, though, it happens every year and we learn quickly. Winter weather returned for a short time, and now we are in a warming trend again.

Winter brings the need for up-to-date road conditions. Most people have apps on their phone to get the needed information. Weather reports are helpful, but first-hand experience provides the most complete picture of the road ahead. Those already on the road will warn you of white-outs, cross winds, icy spots and other hazards.

This makes me think of our spiritual journey, and how do we get to the desired destination? There seems to be a plentiful supply of ideas about how one gets to heaven. Many of those put forth the idea that there are many roads to get there, others will point to human leaders who claim they have the answer. None of these provides a suitable answer to the one who seriously seeks the truth.

The best way to find the path is to follow someone who has already traveled the road, so to speak. If someone wants to know how to make the trip safely, they should seek out a Christian who can tell of his or her personal experience in seeking the Lord. The truth of salvation is found in the pages of Scripture and points the person reading it to the Savior. However, the testimony of someone who has personally made the journey can provide valuable advice. This is called discipling and will be much the same as eyewitness advice during winter travel conditions.

We must be careful to seek wise counsel because there are many who would steer you wrong. Here are some helpful scriptures to guide you.

“But there will also be false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you” (1 Peter 2:1). “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction” (Matthew 7:13).

One path, one Savior. Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:5-6).

In Truth,

Pastor Jerry

8 Dec

Why Christmas?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Advent, Christmas, Faith, Salvation, The Good News.

Dear friends,

It has been a cool week weather-wise. This is okay, sometimes we have lots of snow by now. As we enter the second week of December, our thoughts turn to the celebration of our Lord’s birth. Christmas reminds us once again of God’s love for us.

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 (John 3:16). 0ld Testament prophecy had predicted the birth of a Savior centuries before.

Isaiah wrote, “For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6).

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons (Galatians 4:4-5).

Most of Bethlehem did not know who He was. When Jesus was born, there was no big celebration. The only people who knew He had come were shepherds watching their sheep. John tells us, “He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. He came to that which was his own, but His own did not receive Him. Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:10-12d.

In the world today, millions do not know who Jesus is. If they know of Him, He is a good man or a great teacher. To them He is not God, nor is He the One who can save them from their sins. When they read or hear that God so loved the world He gave His only Son, they leave out the part about believing in Him. They think we are all God’s children, but they are wrong. Only those who place their faith in Christ are called children of God.

Romans 10:12 tells us we are saved by calling on the Lord. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Here is something to think about this Christmas season. Do you know who Jesus is? Is He your Savior?

For Him,

Pastor Jerry

1 Dec

True Peace

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

Hello friends,

It is December first and we have had our first snowfall of the season. I’m not a real fan of cold, but the snow makes the world look fresh and new. They say time flies when you are having fun, but having fun or not time marches on. Before you know it Christmas will be here, and we will start a new year. The new year may bring blessings or trials. No matter, if you are a child of God, you can rest assured that He is with you through it all.

With all the unrest and confusion in the world today, it is important to remember that God is still on His throne, and He is still in control. His plan for mankind and the rest of His creation continues. Nothing surprises Him because He knows all things. Those who do not know the Lord will never have real peace until they learn to trust Him in every situation.

Cast all your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken (Psalm 55:22).

 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7).

Remember, God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

Jesus, as he prepared to go to the cross, said to His disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

Real peace comes from placing your faith and trust in the Savior. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Again, as we face uncertain times, we can have peace through it all by trusting the Lord Jesus. As the saying goes, “No Christ, no peace. Know Christ, know peace.”

In Him,

Pastor Jerry

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