Archive for the ‘Faith’ Category

18 Mar

A Better Life

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Best Life, Christian Living, Faith, Peace.

Hello friends,

It is time again for another devotional thought from God’s Word. There is no lack of topics, it is just hard to decide which one to address. The weather is always a current event, but since we don’t control it there is not much we can do about it. Politics is an ever-present discussion point, or in some cases just another argument which no one wins.

Daily, we see proof of what happens when people turn their backs on God and expect life to get better. Little do they know that the answer to a better life is faith in God and in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Starting with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, people have disobeyed the commands of God and tried to live without Him. This leads not to an improved life, but to unnecessary hardships and a meaningless existence.

What we really need, I believe, is a return to Christian and Biblical values in every aspect of life. No human endeavor will solve the problems we face, only renewed faith in our Creator will bring the solutions we seek.

“But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way. (1 Corinthians 12:31).

Above all, fear the Lord and worship Him faithfully with all your heart; consider the great things He has done for you (1 Samuell 12:24).

“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning” Zechariah 1:3).

This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Return to me,” declares the Lord Almighty, “and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty (Malachi 3:7).

Jesus’ words: “So do not worry, saying, ‘what shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself” (Matthew 6:33).

God said to Jeremiah: “This is what the Lord says, He who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is His name: ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:2-3).

In Truth,

Pastor Jerry

26 Feb

In God We Trust

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Calling, Faith, God's Word, Persecution, Spiritual Warfare, Trials.

We are experiencing some unusual weather for this time of the year. Temperatures are above normal, and it makes me wonder what is coming. I have seen some nasty winter-like weather in March and early April, so don’t put away those snow shovels just yet! More than once we experienced below zero temps and snow during calving time, which was in the month of March. I’m chilled just thinking about it.

I notice As I read the news each day, that the opponents of Jesus Christ and His followers are becoming more vocal each day. We are threatened with censorship, with legal action and other kinds of persecution. I would encourage everyone who claims the name of Jesus to stand firm in the faith. It looks scary at times, but I am reminded that the same God who protected Daniel in the lion’s den, who kept Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from burning up in the fiery furnace and saved  David from lions and giants (think Goliath), is the same God who protects us from our enemies today.

When threatened by king Nebuchadnezzar with the fiery furnace, the three Hebrew children said, “If the God we serve exists, then he can rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire… but even if he does not rescue us… we will not serve your gods.” (Daniel 3:17-18).

Daniel’s testimony to king Darius after being freed from the lion’s den was this: ‘My God sent his angel and shut the lion’s mouths; and they have not harmed me, for I was found innocent before Him” (Daniel 6:21).

When David faced the giant Goliath, he said, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will hand you over to me…, all those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give all of you into our hands” (1 Samuel 17:45-47).

The battle is not ours to win; our part is to stand firm on the Word of the Lord and His promises. As we read the book of Revelation, we find that despite the devil’s attempts to destroy God’s people, in the end we win.

For Him,

Pastor Jerry

8 Jan

Taking a Stand

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Culture, End Times, Faith, Persecution, Second Coming, Trials, Witness.

Dear friends,

The new year has started off with some winter-type weather. The word snow has been popping up in the forecast, and we have had more foggy days than we’ve seen for a while. As I write this, there is a winter storm warning for our area. I guess after it’s over we’ll know what we got.

The persecution of Christians is increasing around the world. As we watch the events of the day, it is apparent that we in America are not immune to this. The headlines daily speak of some group trying to silence the message of Jesus Christ as Savior. We are not to be surprised, because the Lord often warned His followers of the persecution that would come. No one wants to think of such a time, but we must be prepared.

His words: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. This will result in your being witnesses to them. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. All men will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life” (Luke 21:10-19).

From the apostle Paul: “Whatever happens conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God” (Philippians 1:27-28).

“To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life” (Revelation 2:7).

Stand firm,

Pastor Jerry

1 Jan

Look Ahead

Posted by sandhillspastor in Change, Eternal Life, Faith, Judgment, Salvation, Second Coming.

Hello friends,

The promised Christmas storm has come and gone. I have seen worse storms, and this one was less intense than forecast. I am alright with that. As we contemplate the new year before us, our thoughts at this time are filled with a sense of nostalgia, followed by the anticipation of what the new year will bring.

Even though we cannot predict the events of the future with any accuracy, we know changes will probably come. An old song tells us, “The sun comes up and the sun goes down, the hands on the clock keep going around… Life gets tedious, don’t it?” Some days it seems everything goes on without change, but for those who are aware of the larger world, things are always changing.

The Bible tells us that the Lord will return at some point. We are not told the time, but we are told to be ready. His plan is moving toward the day he returns. Concerning the signs of his coming, Jesus speaking to his disciples said, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven” (Luke 21:10-11).

I understand that these things have been taking place for many years, but as God’s promises are true, the end will come in His time. As far as looking to the past and anticipating the future, here are words from the prophet Isaiah: “Do not remember the past events; pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:18-19).

Peter in his second letter said this: “First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say where is this ‘coming’ he promised?” Peter goes on to say ‘The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise…l He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:3-8).

He will return in His time and according to His plan. Those who resist God’s call to come to faith are in danger of eternal punishment. Come to Jesus today.

In His love,

Pastor Jerry

30 Oct

Contentment

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Best Life, Blessings, Contentment, Faith, Peace, Possessions.

Dear friends,

In weather news, as predicted earlier in the week winter has arrived. Cold and snow were the words of the week. We had a small amount here at the lake, but others had more. Another arrival happened this week, also. Our new great-grandson made his appearance on Friday. Mom, Dad, and baby are doing well as of last report. He weighed nine pounds and is named Maverick Wayne Schoenenberger. Quite a handle for one so small, but I’m sure he will grow into it.

I have been holding down the fort here at home while Milrae has been with Alex’s family in South Dakota. His work takes him out of town for a couple of days a week, and Breanna wanted someone to stay with her. I expect she will be coming home soon. Our camper is up there, but it has been winterized and may stay there for a while.

As I age, I find it easier to see good things around me that I probably overlooked when I was younger. There is a tendency to be more content, I suppose because I don’t feel like I must be chasing some dream. I’m not fast enough to catch one and wouldn’t know what to do if I did. It has gotten to the point where I can’t even find anything in the farm supply catalog I want or “need”.

I am just content with what I have and where I am. Part of this comes from understanding that God will supply my needs. Even when I didn’t know it, he always provided. Sometimes by not giving me what I thought I couldn’t live without, and other times giving me things I didn’t know I needed.

Here are some verses of scripture I have come to love. “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal” (Isaiah 26:3-4). “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken” (Psalm 62:1-2). “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself” (Matthew 6:33-34).

Blessings to all,

Pastor Jerry

23 Oct

God is Still on His Throne

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, End Times, Eternal Life, Faith, God's Word, Peace, The Good News, Trials.

Dear readers,

Our weather has been a bit average this week. Just three words dry, mild, and sunny would cover it well. We are still waiting for the arrival of the new great-grandson; perhaps there will be something to report next week.

The cold bug found me early in the week, and I do not wear it well. I’m somewhat of a wimp when it comes to sneezing, coughing and all that goes with it. The thing that keeps me going is the knowledge that it only lasts for about a week. I was once told by my doctor that a cold lasts for a week if you treat it, and seven days if you don’t. So here we are.

The world news doesn’t get better. Every day there is new evidence of a world that seems to be spiraling down to destruction. Are we living in the end times as described in the Bible? The only answer I have, is that scripture tells us that the earth will be destroyed at a point that only God knows. We cannot know when the end will come, only that it will. Jesus told his disciples, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it you are not alarmed. Such things must happen , but the end is yet to come. Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains” (Matthew 24:6-7).

The apostle Peter wrote this to the believers: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith a shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials” (1 Peter 1:3-6).

Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33.)

Whatever is causing you to be apprehensive about the future, remember this; God is still in control of every circumstance.

In His grip,

Pastor Jerry

25 Sep

Staying the Course

Posted by sandhillspastor in Calling, Christian Living, Faith, Obedience, On Aging, Reward.

Dear readers,

Cool temps and an inch and a half of rain sums up the weather report here at beautiful Lake Ericson. I have noticed the leaves of the trees are beginning to show their fall colors. I renewed my driver’s license this past week, so I will have a new mug shot to carry with me. As a young man, I looked forward to this time of the year. I could always depend on getting shotgun shells for my birthday in preparation for the upcoming waterfowl season. Those days are past, but the memories remain.

I have had a few Sundays off from preaching while dealing with health issues, but plan to be back in the pulpit next Sunday. Retirement seems busier than what I envisioned a few years ago, but I have learned that when you commit to serving the Lord, He will continue to use you.

As followers of Jesus Christ, I don’t believe we have the option of sitting down to wait for His return. We are called to run the race set out before us until we reach heaven. Paul had these words for Timothy that we should take to heart.

“I solemnly charge you before God and Jesus Christ… Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and teaching. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear what they want to hear. They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths. But as for you, exercise self-control in everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. There is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:1-8).

Word has come this week of the passing of a lady whose life reflected Paul’s words to Timothy. May we all live our lives for Christ in this way.

For Him,

Pastor Jerry

18 Sep

The Winning Team

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, End Times, Faith, Gospel, Heaven, Second Coming, Truth.

Dear friends,

Weather-wise, it was an almost perfect week. Cooler temperatures were the highlight, along with some nice rain. It doesn’t get much better in September. I continue to adjust to a new medication schedule after my recent visit to the ER and what followed. I can see improvement every day.

I’m not as rabid a football fan as I once was, but congratulations to the Nebraska Cornhuskers on their win Saturday night. It was good to be on the winning side for a change. May they continue to show up in the win column. Go Big Red!

Speaking of a winning team… as the world seems to be spinning out of control, and the devil appears to be winning the battle between good and evil, we may get discouraged. There is good news. I have read God’s Word from beginning to end and it is encouraging to find that in the end, God’s people are on the winning team.

There is a spiritual battle going on between God and the devil. The Bible tells us Satan has been defeated, but he has not stopped attacking Christians for the purpose of damaging their testimony. The apostle Paul wrote these words to the believers in Ephesus: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens” (Ephesians 6:12).

Peter wrote, “Be sober minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

A final word for this week from Peter. “Dear friends, don’t overlook this one fact: With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to come to repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; … Because of that day, the heavens will be dissolved with fire and the elements will melt with heat. But based on his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:8-13).

In His grip.

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

31 Jul

Be Encouraged

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Faith, Holy Spirit, Hope, Peace, Trials.

Dear friends,

Our camping trip last week was interesting as usual. My best laid plans usually go awry somewhere along the way, and this was no exception. The first and most important lesson learned; find out about water availability before leveling and unhooking the camper, especially when it is 95 degrees out and there is no breeze! After solving that issue, things went reasonably well. We’ll wait for cooler weather before venturing out again.

On a more serious note, it has again been brought to my attention through various conversations this week, that there are many people dealing with the difficulties of life. Health issues, relational issues, economic trials, and nasty weather are just a few I could name. The passage of scripture referenced in church this morning seems appropriate for a devotional lesson.

I have used these verses before but am drawn back to them this week. “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. Not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits—we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. Now in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? Now if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience. In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings (Romans 8:22-26).

When the cares of the world begin to weigh heavily on us, we feel weak and defeated. We cannot even find the words we want to say to God and this scripture tells us that God’s Holy Spirit will help us. He will bring our prayer requests to the Lord with the clarity we are unable to put into words. God knows our needs, even if all we can make are groaning sounds as we pray.

The next verse encourages us in those times of groaning under our burdens in this way, “And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God (verse 27).

Take heart in your trials, God hears and understands your groanings.

In His grip,

Pastor Jerry

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