Archive for the ‘Faith’ Category
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
27
Mar
Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, Culture, Faith, God's Word, Gospel, Obedience, Persecution, Trials, Truth, Uncategorized, Witness. 1 comment
I am the eternal optimist, and I don’t want to be seen as a doomsday prophet, but the world is becoming more and more hostile to Christian beliefs and thinking. We are not to be surprised, because the Bible tells us this will happen. The world hates Christians, just as it hated Christ. It is happening today.
Every day, I am reminded of the words of Jesus in John, chapter 15, where Jesus speaks to his disciples, warning them of trials to come: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world…that is why the world hates you” (John 15:18-19).
The culture would suppress Christian thought and belief, and demand we not voice our views in public. Here is a recent quote from Dr. Albert Mohler: “These are days that will require courage, conviction, and clarity of vision. We are in a fight for the most basic liberties God has given humanity, every single one of us, made in his image. Religious liberty is being redefined as mere freedom of worship, but it will not long survive if it is reduced to a private sphere with no public voice. The very freedom to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ is at stake, and thus so is the liberty of every American. Human rights and human dignity are temporary abstractions if they are severed from their reality as gifts of the Creator. The eclipse of Christian truth will lead inevitably to a tragic loss of human dignity. If we lose religious liberty, all other liberties will be lost, one by one.”
The time has come to take a stand for Christ. Silence is not an option for the true believer.
Standing on the Word,
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
20
Feb
Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Bible, Christian Living, Culture, Death and Dying, Eternal Life, Faith, Gospel, Heaven, Peace, Salvation, The Good News, Truth, Uncategorized. Leave a comment
Wow! The last few days have been very spring-like, and the ice is gone from the lake. I hope you have been able to get out and enjoy the warmer temperatures. Large numbers of geese have been passing overhead, their v-shaped flight pointing to the north. However, my weather app is showing a change in the works, with a forecast of significant rain, snow and wind. Oh, well, it is still February in Nebraska. We should know it can’t actually be spring yet, although it is coming.
Someone posted this statement recently on Facebook: “Knowing me and knowing of me are two totally different things. Don’t confuse the two.” I believe he was posting from a personal viewpoint, but more importantly, this statement also has a spiritual application.
It is not enough to know of Jesus, it is of great eternal significance that we know him intimately and personally.
We may have knowledge of a person, but until we spend personal one-on-one time with them, we will never really know who they are. What husband or wife could possibly know anything about their spouse without spending much time together?
When Jesus called his 12 disciples, he didn’t call them to follow, and then say, “I’ll see you in a couple of years.” When He called them, they dropped what they were doing, and spent the next three years in constant fellowship with Him.
It is not enough to know about Jesus, the devil and his demons recognize Jesus as God’s Son, but they do not think they have to obey Him. Just believing is not enough. Faith is more than belief. By faith, you accept what Jesus has done for you, receive him as the only one who can save you from sin, and live your faith by obeying his commands. It is called having a personal relationship with Him.
There are lots of people today who talk about Jesus and assume they are going to heaven, but they have no intimate knowledge of him. No one goes to heaven because they know of Jesus. Scripture is quite clear that one must confess Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, in order to gain entrance to God’s heaven. There is no other name by which we can be saved. Period. Do not be confused. Every day someone dies without Jesus. Please don’t be one of them.
Sincerely,
Pastor Jerry
6
Feb
Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, End Times, Eternal Life, Faith, God's Word, Gospel, Heaven, Judgment, Obedience, Planning, Salvation, Second Coming, The Good News, Truth, Uncategorized. Leave a comment
The Super Bowl is over, and no matter which team you supported, you have to admit it was an exciting game. I can’t say I had a real favorite, none of my teams made it that far. Now, I must wait for baseball season.
Friday, I visited the dermatologist for my semi-annual checkup, and a strange thing happened. After I had filled out the mandatory paperwork, I sat down to wait (that’s why they are called waiting rooms). After while a lady appeared and called out “Jerry”. Three of us stood up. Apparently, we all had appointments at the same time. Now, I ask you, what are the odds of that happening? She had to go to last names to get the right Jerry.
This got me thinking about some scriptures that talk about the Lord calling his people. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them in also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd” (John 1:14-16).
Every person has an appointment with God, whether he believes in Him, or not. “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). “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
As the old song says; “When the Savior calls, I will answer. I’ll be somewhere listening for my name.” Will you be listening, too?
Just thinking,
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
23
Jan
Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Change, Culture, Faith, God's Word, Gospel, Praise, Prayer, renewal, Salvation, The Good News, Uncategorized, Witness. Leave a comment
The first month of 2017 is almost over. I suppose it’s my age, but I’m already thinking of summer and spending time at some of our state parks. Maybe we’ll just hook up to the camper and have a summer adventure. Who knows, maybe I’ll find some new things to write about.
The inauguration of a new president was in the news this week. Whatever your thoughts might be on this, we know the country is headed in a new direction. I pray it is also a good direction. As I think about this, I’ll share a story about a man whose life took a new direction.
It is a true story. There was a young man, a rancher, who was living his life pretty much day to day. He had very little thought of where he was headed in life. He had taken over his family ranch upon the death of his father a few years before, and was more or less feeling his way along. Like a lot of self-sufficient rancher types, he had virtually no thought of spiritual matters, and he saw no need for Jesus.
This young man had a wife and two young sons. Eventually, at the suggestion of his mother, he started taking his family to the little country church down the road. He was doing this for his boys, because he thought it would be good for them. Then a funny thing happened.
After a time, he realized his own need for a Savior, and the necessity of turning his life over to Jesus Christ. After years of thinking he was in control of his life, it was clear he could do nothing without God’s help. In time, this man was led into ministry, eventually becoming the pastor of another little country church, which he served for over 15 years.
What was it that caused him to turn his life around? It was the preaching of God’s word in that little country church, specifically the following passages. First the words of Jesus: “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Then from the apostle Paul; “If you confess you’re 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 Lord will be saved” (Romans 10: 9-13).
Now you know my story,
Pastor Jerry
2
Jan
Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Bible, Faith, Freedom, God's Word, Gospel, Peace, Praise, Rest, The Good News, Uncategorized, Wisdom. 1 comment
Happy New Year!
A new year is upon us, and it seems for many people that 2016 was stressful and worrisome in many ways. There are worries about terrorism, drive-by shootings and random violence. Many are concerned about finances and other issues. Here are some thoughts and some biblical assurances for those who could use some encouragement.
The Bible is packed with uplifting and encouraging passages, both in the Old and New Testaments. During a recent cold spell, I notice the little birds at our feeder, and remembered that God takes care of them by providing their food. He doesn’t put it in their mouths, but he does provide. Their responsibility, it would seem, is only to partake of his goodness. If we have a bird feeder, we become part of his plan to provide for those little birds. I doubt they worry, because I believe God created them be worry free.
These are His words for us:
“Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
Matthew 6:25-27… “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”
Jesus spoke to his followers, telling them of persecution to come, and said this: “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear. Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Luke 12:4-7).
When we put our faith and trust in the Lord, we need not fear the future.
Have a worry-free 2017,
Pastor Jerry
26
Dec
Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Blessings, Christian Living, Faith, God's Word, New Year, Praise, thanksgiving, Trials, Uncategorized, Witness, Worship. Leave a comment
A week ago, it was 25 below zero. It has been some time since it was that cold. I remember, just before Christmas in 1983, we had a cold spell that stayed well into January. On top of that, we had a lot of snow that drifted almost every day. It was a test for men, machines and livestock. I’m glad I don’t have to face that again, and I pray for those who do.
This sticks in my mind, partly because of what happened on that Christmas eve. Our neighbors had gone Christmas shopping with their young kids, and made it back to the school house, which was about a half-mile west of our place. It was 20 below zero with a vicious wind-chill. I don’t remember exactly how, but I was able to get in touch by phone with them and offered to bring them to our house. I took the tractor and snow-blower and went to get them. The wind was filling our tracks with snow as fast as we made them, but we made it safely. Our two families then spent all night together.
At 1:00 AM, I woke to find the power had gone off, and went to the shop to get a tractor to power our generator, only to find the tractor’s alternator had a bad bearing. Neighbor Dave held the light and I changed that bearing in record time. Did I mention it was very cold that night? We did get the stand-by generator connected and stayed warm the rest of the night. It was definitely a Christmas to remember. Others have their own memories of that winter.
In those years on the ranch, as I look back, there were many times things worked for good in the middle of some really stressful times. Each one was a reminder of God’s faithfulness to his people, even when they don’t immediately recognize it.
The Psalms speak much of the faithfulness of God. Here are some verses:
“I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations (Psalm 89:1). The heavens praise your wonders, O Lord, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones (Psalm 89:5).
“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations (Psalm 100:5).
Happy New Year,
Pastor Jerry
sandhillspastor 