Archive for the ‘Faith’ Category
17
Jul
Posted by sandhillspastor in Baptism, Best Life, Blessings, Christian Living, Faith, Fellowship, Gospel, Obedience, Praise, Prayer, Salvation, Uncategorized, Witness, Worship. 1 comment
Dear friends,
The heat wave continues in our part of the world. Air conditioners are working full-time, and losing the battle most of the time. It would be a huge blessing to see some rain, and a cooling down of the daytime temperatures. We’ll just have to pray along those lines.
This week, I am going to just share some observations and some fun things that have happened lately. There might be something here that blesses someone in some way. It would be great if that happens.
A tradition here at Lake Ericson with many of the residents is an evening tour around the community with either a golf cart or some other small personal vehicle. Saturday evening, two young ladies from down the street rode with us. As we drove along listening to them chatter and laugh in the back of the golf cart, I thought, how much fun it would be to return to a time when we had such a carefree outlook on life. Not to start life over, but just to visit there for a short time. It is kind of sad that we get so jaded in our outlook as we age. I’m reminded of the words of Solomon: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).
Summer seems to be a time of celebration. Every town, both small and large, has a celebration of some kind. How many times have you seen one of those highway department signs alerting you to a “local celebration”, so you will be aware of traffic hazards?
There was a small celebration at the boat ramp across the street from our house Sunday afternoon. A young lady who had invited Jesus into her heart just a few years ago, allowed me the privilege of baptizing her in the lake. There were just a few friends present to celebrate with her, but I know the angels in heaven were celebrating, also. When Jesus taught the parable of the lost coin, he told of the woman rejoicing with her friends when she found it. He then said, “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10).
Rejoicing in these,
Pastor Jerry
10
Jul
Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Body of Believers, Christian Living, Faith, Family of God, God's Word, Gospel, Obedience, Peace, Repentance, Service, The Good News, Uncategorized, Witness, Work. 2 comments
As some of you know, we went “back home” yesterday, back to the neighborhood where we spent over 40 years of our married life. I had the blessing of sharing God’s word at our old church, and it was good to visit old friends. It was encouraging to see that the church is alive and well there, with young families making up a good part of the congregation.
My message concerned the call of God on the lives of individuals. I’d like to share a few highlights from that message for this week’s column.
There are at least two ways God calls people to himself. The first and most important is the call to salvation. This is a call to see our sinfulness, the need to confess that sin, to ask God’s forgiveness, and to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.
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 10:9-13).
The second call of God to the believer, is to serve Him. For some, it might be a call to pastoral ministry, or to some mission field. But for the vast majority, it is to serve in the local church or maybe to just share your story with a neighbor or with your friends. I don’t believe anyone who has chosen to follow Christ has the option of sitting on the sidelines waiting for others to do the work.
Paul wrote to the Ephesian believers: “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1). Jesus’ command to his disciples is, “Come, follow me.”
Oh, God won’t force you to do anything. He has given us free will, but he might make it uncomfortable to be disobedient. Jonah ended up inside a big fish until he agreed to obey God. I believe no one is completely satisfied in this life unless he has Jesus in his heart, and is willfully serving God in some way.
In His service,
Pastor Jerry
3
Jul
Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Bible, Blessings, Christian Living, Faith, Freedom, God's Word, Obedience, Praise, Service, Stewardship, Uncategorized, Work, Worship. 2 comments
Hello friends,
We are a couple of weeks into the official summer season. This means the days are getting shorter, but it will be awhile before we notice much difference. The Independence Day holiday is soon to be history, and we will get down to our summer routine. For some, it will be watering and mowing the lawn, or tending a garden. For others, it will be watering crops, and harvesting a hay crop.
God put us here to work and to make a living, in order to provide for our families, and in the end to bring Him glory through our stewardship of what He has given us.
It begins is Genesis 2. “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15).
“Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God” (Exodus 20:9-10).
“A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God” (Ecclesiastes 2:24).
“Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways;
You will eat the fruit of your labor;
blessings and prosperity will be yours” (Psalm 128:1-2).
To those who would take advantage of other’s work by stealing, Paul said, “He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his hands.” And more good advice from Paul: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23).
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17), and this includes our vocation, whatever it may be.
So, as you go about your daily work routine this summer, whatever it is, work as for the Lord, because after all, he is the provider of all good things, even the daily labor he has called you to do. In addition, here is a bit of advice from the apostle Paul: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Blessings,
Pastor Jerry
26
Jun
Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Blessings, Culture, Eternal Life, Faith, Forgiveness, Freedom, Gospel, Praise, renewal, Repentance, Salvation, Sin, The Good News, Truth, Uncategorized, Worship. Leave a comment
Dear friends,,
The busy 4th of July weekend is coming up. Perhaps we will have the pleasure of seeing some of you at the Lake.
Lately, I have been thinking about all the things going on in our world. It seems all the news is bad news, and people are asking what has gone wrong?
Maybe you have seen or heard this next statement: If Jesus is the answer, what it the question. The question is this: What is the problem with the world? According to God, sin is the reason for all the dysfunction in the world. It started in the Garden of Eden. In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve disobeyed God, and His creation was broken.
Paul reminds his readers, “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” He goes on, “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know. There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Romans 3:10-18). This sounds like our present day and age.
Yesterday, as I sat in church before worship began, I noticed the scripture on the banner above the organ: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29)! Good News! The perfect, sinless Lamb of God came to be the once for all solution to a sin-sick world.
Did you get that? He is the One who came to take away all the sin of the world. He paid the penalty for every sinner. Don’t forget, however, that only those who receive the gift God offers, are saved. Sin demands payment. No one can save himself. Only Jesus Christ is qualified to be the Savior.
Again from Romans chapter 6, verse 23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
As it is written in the Book of Acts: “Salvation is found in no one else… there is no other name by which we must be saved.
Praising Him,
Pastor Jerry
19
Jun
Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Christian Living, Eternal Life, Eternity, Faith, God's Word, Gospel, Obedience, Peace, Persecution, Reward, Salvation, The Good News, Trials, Uncategorized. Leave a comment
I had a new experience this week. I made a short journey down the Cedar River by kayak. I’m pretty sure I won’t be repeating that journey for a while. I now know that mode of river travel is for the young, as it obviously takes a bit more conditioning than I have. I don’t plan to abandon the kayak altogether, but I will definitely stay on the calm, still water for now.
Thinking about this experience reminds me of life. It is much easier going when things are calm and still, than dealing with strong currents and storms. There is another lesson here, and it is this; It is the storms that help us find our weaknesses and give us insight into changes we need to make.
God uses those storms for his good purpose in our lives. Paul, as he wrote to the believers in Rome, said this: “And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering brings perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:2-4).
James wrote, “the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:3-4).
Here is a reminder; if anyone should tell you that placing your faith in Jesus Christ will end all your problems, don’t believe it! It is a lie from the devil. The believer will encounter trials. It is part of being a follower of Jesus. He said to his disciples, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
As we persevere through those storms, and finally finish the race He has marked out for us, we will hear these comforting words; “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Keep paddling, wear your life jacket, and don’t be afraid of a little rough water!
Pastor Jerry
12
Jun
Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Best Life, Blessings, Faith, God's Word, Heaven, Possessions, Reward, The Good News, Uncategorized, Worship. Leave a comment
Hello all,
We enjoyed spending three nights at Hall County Park last week. The doctor appointments went well, with good reports. We spent some time shopping, visiting cousins, and just relaxing. It was a good time.
I made a trip to the dentist recently. Earlier, I had a checkup, and discovered that I needed a crown. First came preparing the tooth, then the temporary crown was cemented in place. Two weeks later, I was back for my permanent crown. This started me thinking about crowns.
There are many types of crowns, from those worn by royalty, to figurative crowns, such as reaching the top of the corporate ladder, winning athletic contests, and so on. All of these crowns are temporary and fleeting.
The Bible speaks of various crowns that are given by the Lord to his faithful followers. There are several passages of scripture that describe and name these crowns.
The apostle Paul writes near the end of his life: “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Tim 4:8).
James, in his letter to persecuted believers: ‘’Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).
In the context of running a race, Paul says this: “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (1 Cor. 9:25). Also, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).
Peter also speaks of a crown that awaits the faithful Christian: “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” (1 Peter 5:4).
The Lord Jesus, speaking to the church at Smyrna: “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:12). Finally, to all who believe, Jesus says this: “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done” (Revelation 22:12).
Anticipating,
Pastor Jerry
22
May
Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, Culture, Faith, Families, God's Word, Obedience, renewal, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom. Leave a comment
After I posted the word monsoon on Facebook this week, one of my friends said they heard I was stockpiling pallets of gopher wood. There is no truth to that rumor. First of all, my name is not Noah, and second, the rainbow promises God will not send another flood (sorry). We did get a fair amount of rain, though, and I’m certain at some point, we will be wanting more. One thing is sure, God will provide for our needs.
Sunday, I was privileged to preach at a church up the road. The drive to and from there was quite enjoyable. It was good to see the hills turning green, and the valleys well-watered. I am always amazed at the way God works. The scripture text for my message this week was Proverbs 4:5; “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.” When I walked into the church, I picked up the bulletin and across the top were these words: Get Wisdom, Get Understanding. How cool is that?
I may as well share some highlights of that message with you. If you were there for it in person, you may skip this part.
There seems to be a lack of common sense in our world today. The Bible word would be wisdom. I believe one reason for this is that we are looking for wisdom in the wrong place. Secular thinking considers wisdom to be one of two things. One would be that wisdom is simply the art of learning how to succeed in life. The second, is that wisdom is a philosophical study of the essence of life.
Wisdom from the Bible’s perspective involves observation and instruction, but it really begins with God and one’s faith in Him as Lord and Savior. Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” There is no lack of knowledge these days, but precious little wisdom, it seems.
From Proverbs 2:6, we read, “For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” And our opening text: “Get wisdom, get understanding… Wisdom is supreme; therefore, get wisdom” (Proverbs 4:5-7).
Finally, a New Testament reference to wisdom: “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).
Be wise,
Pastor Jerry
15
May
Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Bible, Blessings, Eternal Life, Faith, God's Word, Heaven, Praise, Salvation, The Good News, Truth, Uncategorized, Witness, Worship. Leave a comment
The 4th annual fishing derby was held at Lake Ericson on Saturday. Except for some windy conditions, it was a good day, with some nice fish being caught.
Last week, we were thinking about having limited eyesight. I want to continue that thought today, but from a different perspective. Let’s think about that moment when we see Jesus in person for the first time.
The Bible teaches me the following truths.
Believers will see Him in his beauty. “One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple” (Psalm 27:4).
Isaiah tells the believing person, “Your eyes will see the king in his beauty and view a land that stretches afar” (Isaiah 33:17).
I will see Him in person. Job said this concerning God: “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me” (Job 19:25-27)!
When we who believe see Him, we will be like Him.
“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2).
Everyone will see Him
From Revelation 1:7; Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.
Glory and praise will be His
Psalm 72:19… Praise be to His glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen.
Psalm 86:9… All the nations You have made will come and worship before You, O Lord; they will bring glory to Your name.
Psalm 97:6… The heavens proclaim His righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory.
Psalm 102: 15… The nations will fear the name of the Lord; all the kings of the earth will revere Your glory.
Proclaiming Him,
Pastor Jerry
8
May
Posted by sandhillspastor in Blessings, Change, Faith, Freedom, God's Word, Gospel, Praise, renewal, Salvation, The Good News, Truth, Uncategorized, Witness. Leave a comment
It is sunny, windy and warm as I write this. This is a drastic turnaround from last week. The snow is gone; the flowers have mostly recovered. The new grass seedlings in our back yard have responded well to all the moisture and the cool temperatures. As of this time, it seems spring is here for real.
Due to some corrective surgery on my eyelids this week, I have a renewed appreciation for sight and good vision. Having spent two-and- a-half days being unable to see, I have a tiny hint of the challenges of not being able to see. First, there is a sudden and complete dependency on others. Someone needs to take your hand and lead you to wherever you are going. And, it is soon discovered that your sense of direction and distance are completely gone.
Try getting up in the middle of the night blind-folded, and find the bathroom on your own. Now there is an eye-opener, so to speak. I was sure I was headed to the bathroom I normally use. As I was feeling my way along the wall, my lovely wife said, “What are you doing?”
“Going to the bathroom”, I answered, somewhat offended. “Well, you are headed into my bathroom,” she said. Sure enough. It turns out I cannot even find the bathroom without sight. I am happy to report that I now have the blinders off, and I can find my own way just fine, thank you!
Spiritual blindness is something that affects many people. The result of this is a loss of direction. The person is stuck in sin, with no sense of the right direction, or even where to turn for help. We are prone to take wrong turns, end up in places we had no intention of being, and our life is just confusion, helplessness, and hopelessness.
There is a story in the Bible of a man born blind and healed by Jesus. We read about it in John 9. The religious leaders did not believe his story. They called him in and asked how he was healed. He said Jesus did it. Disbelieving, they brought him in again, and tried to get him to deny that it was Jesus. His answer was classic. “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”
To that I can only add, AMEN!
Pastor Jerry
1
May
Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Bible, Blessings, Christian Living, Faith, God's Word, Gospel, Grace, Peace, Praise, Prayer, renewal, Sin, The Good News, Trials, Uncategorized, Worship. Leave a comment
My mom used to recite this little ditty. “Spring has sprung; the grass has riz; I wonder where the flowers is?” The answer to the question this weekend was pretty obvious; they were buried under the snow. On a positive note, if April showers bring May flowers, we should be in for a treat in the coming days.
Here in our area, we have had to deal with some inclement weather over the last few day, but it is in no way as serious or destructive as what the south and southeast has experienced. Those torrential rains and tornadic activity are much more destructive than our rain and snow. Please pray for those who suffered the loss of family members and property.
In times like this, people will question whether God knows or cares what happened. The answer is, yes He knows and cares. The harder question to answer is, why does He allow these things to occur? To answer that question, one has to go all the way back to Genesis Three.
When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, God’s perfect world was broken. Romans 8:22 tells us, “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” This is because of the Fall.
The Lord Jesus to expect these things: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 12:33).
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible…, all things were created by Him and for Him, and in Him all things hold together (Colossians 1:15).
Let’s remember, even in times of trial and suffering, that He has made all good things. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).
Storms come, but He also makes the sunshine and flowers. A good thing to remember this week. Give thanks for His goodness.
In His love,
Pastor Jerry
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