Archive for the ‘God’s Word’ Category

2 Sep

No Higher Power

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Faith, God, God's Word, Salvation, Truth.

I’m in the office at Lake George this morning. We drove up yesterday afternoon (Sunday), and mowed the lawn before a late supper. The view is prettier knowing I can enjoy it without first mowing for several hours. Looking out the window, I don’t know how far one would have to drive for better scenery. Tomorrow it’s back to reality, but for today we’ll just enjoy this place. God is so good!

Many of the things I see and read on my computer screen leave me wondering how some people make it through life. I see comments about a “higher power”, or some reference to “positive thoughts and energy” going out on behalf of a person or a situation, and I wonder, don’t these folks know about God or Jesus?

The only higher power I know is the Highest Power. He is God, there is no other. Positive thoughts and energy might help you get out of bed in the morning, but to get you through the day and through life, you need God.

Hear the word of the Living God: “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me” (Isaiah 46:9). “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45:22).

In the New Testament, it is Jesus Christ who is shown to be our Savior. He who was God in human flesh, coming to die for our sins so that by faith in him we would be saved. God raised him from the dead, how high a power is that?

It seems to be somehow easier to invoke the name of some mysterious “higher power”, or some sort of “positive energy, than to call on Jesus Christ, and the power of His Holy Spirit. It saddens me, to see well meaning people trying to encourage those in great sorrow and trial, with empty promises of some vague higher power.

Call on the Lord in times of trouble. There is no other. In Psalm 50:15, God says this; “Call upon me in the day of trouble; and I will deliver you, and you will honor me.

Simply His,
Pastor Jerry

26 Aug

Accept No Substitutes

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, God's Word, Truth.

Do you remember the ad claims for some of the “butter substitutes”?: “Tastes just like butter”; I can’t believe it’s not butter!”; “Everything’s better with __________ on it!” I have always wondered if the substitute claims to be “just like” the original, what is the reason for the substitute?

So, the margarine substitute tastes like butter? Then what is wrong with just using butter? If God gave us butter first instead of margarine, does it mean he made a mistake? Why didn’t he just create margarine? The same thought applies to the claim that some exotic meats taste “just like chicken.” Thanks, but no thanks, I’d just as soon have chicken as rattlesnake, or alligator. Substitutes just aren’t the same.

The same line of thought can apply to self-help literature. When God gave us his Word, I believe it was for a purpose. Listen to the psalmist as he writes in Psalm 119… “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word” (verse 9); “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (verse 11); “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (verse 105). “Direct my footsteps according to your word, let no sin rule over me” (verse 133).

Exchanging the Bible for any other publication may seem like a good deal, but His plan is for us to pattern our lives on His Word, and nothing else. I have nothing against good literature of every kind, but those all have to be held up to the mirror of scripture. Libraries and bookstores are full of books that claim to have the answer to life’s problems or that want to show us the right way to live, but compared to the Bible they fall far short of being really helpful.

Self-help books, or God’s help Book. Which one do you think is the most helpful? Accept no substitutes.

Just thinking,
Pastor Jerry

19 Aug

Still Standing

Posted by sandhillspastor in God, God's Word, Truth.

I am amused when people say they can pick and choose which parts of the Bible to believe. Some even refuse to believe any part of it, nor do they even believe in the God of the Bible.The Bible is not a book of feel-good information. It is God’s eternal and unchanging word. It is not a cafeteria, which we may browse through and choose which part to believe and obey, discarding the rest.

The Bible says “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him” (Proverbs 30:5). Jesus said, “It is written: ‘Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).

People have tried to destroy the Bible for centuries and it is still here , and it is still true. There is an old hymn I like to sing, called “The Bible Stands.” There is a line that says “The Bible stands like a mountain towering far above the works of men; Its truth by none ever was refuted, and destroy it they never can.”

God’s word says, “All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall but the word of the Lord stands forever.” (1 Peter 1:25).

In 2012, for it’s final print edition, Newsweek magazine ran an article that tried to refute the authenticity of the New Testament. How interesting; it is Newsweek that is out of print, not the New Testament.

How about you? As you read this, how do you see the Bible? Is it your road map for the journey of life, or is it just a collection of stories, not relevant for our time? I would hope it is an important part of your everyday life and that you read it every day, so that you can get to know its Author personally.

Standing on His Word,
Pastor Jerry

29 Jul

Come.Follow.Go.

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Faith, God's Word, The Good News.

I’ve been reading some good books this summer. More than one of them addresses the tendency of western Christians to downplay the importance of the lordship of Jesus Christ. Most want to claim Him as Savior, but few want to let him be Lord of their life. They may give lip service to His lordship, but are unwilling to let him have complete control.

We seem to say, “it’s alright to ask Jesus to save me, but I want to retain control of my life.” It’s the idea that, “I’ve got my ‘fire insurance” to keep me out of hell, but as far as actually following Jesus, no, thank you.”

When will we finally quit playing games, and get down to living out the commands of Jesus?

At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, he tells his disciples, “Come, follow me”. For three years, then he taught them how to live as his followers, and as he is about to be taken up to heaven, he says, “Go, and make disciples….” (Matthew 28:19). The biblical text could read, “Go, and while you are going, make disciples of all nations.”

Everyone who claims Jesus as Savior, has not only the responsibility to respond to His invitation to “come, follow”, but also to obey the command to “go and make disciples.” What did He say about how people would know those who are his disciples? If we obey his commands (1 John 2:3). It follows then, that the Christian will be sharing the gospel, making disciples and teaching those who come to faith in the Lord because of their obedience to His Word.

It has been said we are to “preach the gospel, and use words if necessary.” I don’t believe very many people have ever placed their faith in Jesus because of the actions of a Christian. Scripture says “faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).

Let’s be about the business of telling folks about the Lord Jesus. It is a command, not an option.

In His Love,
Pastor Jerry

22 Jul

Believe the Book

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, God's Word, Truth.

We’ll be taking a couple of days off to try out the camper. This is a trial run, the first since we acquired it last fall. It’s been awhile since we have gone camping, so we’ll see how it goes. I can tell you we aren’t going far, just in case it doesn’t work out.

As I was learning the ins and outs of getting the camper ready, I found the owners manual to be almost useless. There are references to procedures that do not apply to that particular piece of equipment. And, nowhere does it give specific instructions on how to connect the supply hose to either use city water, or to fill the supply tank. Even more important, there is no label identifying the connection to flush the “black water” tank. In a few days, I’m sure I’ll be able to rewrite the manual with more than general information.

I’m glad God’s instruction book gives us clear instructions about how to live, and about the way we are to maintain our relationship with Him. The ten commandments leave no doubt about His will for us. Read through them. They are quite specific, and notice–they are not called the “ten suggestions.”

Commands given by Jesus, and in the writings of the apostles leave no doubt about Christian living, though many people today claim the Bible is not clear on many issues. I don’t think the Bible could be any more clear when it speaks of how a Christian is to conduct themselves. Here are just a few examples:

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). “We should not be idolaters…We should not commit sexual immorality…and do not grumble…” (1 Corinthians 10:7-10). “Carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5).

I could give a more complete listing, but our space here is limited.

Using the reasoning, “the Bible isn’t relevant to our times”, some folks are even “rewriting” the Bible, but I can tell you they are going to be in trouble someday. God has specifically addressed this issue in Revelation 22:18-19… “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book…”

Unlike the owners manual for our camper, you can believe the Bible, it is God’s inspired, unchanging Word.

Trusting His Word,
Pastor Jerry

15 Jul

Where Is God?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Eternal Life, Faith, God's Word.

In the dark times of trial, we cry out to God for him to intervene. We plead for His help and assurance, or even for a miracle. We may reach the point when we echo Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane; “Please, take this cup from me.”

In the face of an impossible trial, we might wonder if God is there, or does he even see or care about our situation? Someone wrote the following during an extreme trial in their life: “In the pain of the situation, when I closed my eyes to pray, I envisioned an empty throne. There was no answer, only a cold silence. Years afterward, I had the thought that the throne was empty because the one who fills it had stepped down to sit beside us as we cried.”

If you are in that dark place today, may you find encouragement in the following:

When in rough waters, He is in the boat with you. (Luke 8:22-24). His is the gentle whisper in the stormy night (1 Kings 19:11-15). God is everywhere you are (Psalm 139:7). He shields you with his everlasting arms (Deuteronomy 33:27). He will never leave you, or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). He has prepared a place for us and will take us there for eternity (John 14:1-4).

Keep in mind here, that these promises are for His children; for those who believe in the name of Jesus, and confess him as Lord and Savior, will receive eternal life (Romans 10:9-10).

Child of God, he is not absent in your time of trial. He is very much in it with you, and he will bring you through. Depend on it.

Held in His everlasting arms,
Pastor Jerry

24 Jun

Weed Control

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, God's Word, Holy Spirit, Sin, Temptation.

I was able to get back to finish spraying last week. The good news is the cost of repairs for the Arctic Cat were minimal. A guy needs a break once in awhile, and I thank the Lord for that blessing.

The weed spraying thing always brings to mind what the scriptures say concerning our battle with sin. In the case of this weed called Leafy Spurge, we probably will never see it eliminated, but with the properly applied herbicides, we can keep in under control.

It is very much the same when it comes to the temptation to sin. Temptation will always be with us, because our enemy, the devil, will not give up trying to ruin our witness for the Lord. However, properly applied, the Word of God will help us to keep him and sin under control.

Our weapons against the tempter are a working knowledge of the Bible, backed up by the work of the Holy Spirit, who not only gives us strength to resist the devils schemes, but he also defends us in the courts of heaven. “…the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express” (Romans 8:26).

Finally, I direct you to the following; It begins with this… “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes…” (read Ephesians 6:10-18 for the full armor list).

The temptation to sin will always be with us, but God’s word tells us we have the tools to resist. The secret to control is to put these tools to use.

In His care,
Pastor Jerry

17 Jun

Sowing Seeds

Posted by sandhillspastor in God's Word, The Good News.

I spent a couple of hours Sunday afternoon fishing at Ericson Lake. It was a very nice day, and as I sat watching the cottonwood seeds floating in the air and on the water, I thought if those all sprouted and grew to maturity, we would soon be engulfed in cottonwood trees.

The truth is, only a few of the millions of cottonwood seeds ever make it to full-grown trees. Some fall on the rocks around the lake, or on the road, and never sprout or grow. I suppose some are eaten by fish or birds. Others may sprout and become seedlings, only to die from lack of water or nutrients. A few will actually fall in a good location with good soil, and grow to maturity.

I’m reminded of a parable Jesus told to his disciples. He talks of a farmer sowing seed. Some of the seed falls on hard or rocky soil and never sprouts or grows, due to the hardness of the soil, or by being eaten by the birds. Some seed, however, falls on good soil and grows to return an abundant harvest for the farmer. He likened it to the proclaiming of God’s word. As Christians share the gospel with those who don’t know Jesus, it is much like planting seeds.

As Jesus explained the parable, he said, “the seed is the word of God’ (Luke 8:11). The farmer represents anyone who is sowing, or planting, the seed of the gospel. If that seed falls on prepared soil, it will sprout, take root and grow, returning a harvest at the proper time.

Is your heart prepared to receive the seed of the Word? Has that seed been planted it your heart? Has it taken root? Is it growing as it should?

I pray it is so.

Love in Christ,
Pastor Jerry

10 Jun

Weed Control

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Evil deeds, God's Word, Sin, Temptation.

It is time once again for the semi-annual leafy spurge tour at Lake George. It is different this year in that I will be driving a different spray rig. We’ve moved from riding an ATV horseback style, to one with side-by-side seating for two. I hope this will prove to be a more comfortable ride. Time will tell if this is true.

I don’t know how many years we’ve been dealing with leafy spurge here on our place, but I doubt we’ll ever completely eliminate it. It will look like we’ve gotten rid of it for awhile, but one day you ride past a spot, and there it is again. I’m reminded then of the characteristics of sin.

Sin, as described in the Bible, is the result of our willful disobedience to God’s commands. It is a little like a noxious weed. It infiltrates our lives, and causes all kinds of trouble. We may confess it to Him, and turn from it, but somewhere, somehow, it will reappear and we have to deal with it again.

There are chemicals for spraying noxious weeds that are effective, but they must be applied to the problem.

To deal with sin, we must use proper procedures. Know first of all, that once we put sin away from us, the devil will not be satisfied to leave us alone. We will be tempted again. To be prepared is a large part of the battle. We need to be able to recognize temptation and stay away from it. How is that done?

Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8). The Bible also tells us this: “But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

The way we deal with noxious weeds, is to know what chemicals are effective, and how to use them. The way out of temptation is knowing God’s word and how to apply it in each situation.

The tools are available. It is up to us to choose whether or not to put them to use.
Just thinking,
Pastor Jerry

3 Jun

What’s In Your Mind?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, God's Word, Sin, Temptation.

Some time ago, I made the decision to join Facebook. I sometimes wonder why I ever did such a thing? Some of the things posted there make me want to leave and never return. On the plus side, I often find material for these weekly articles.

Recently, I’ve notice two trends. One, there are a lot of really interesting recipes being posted, and two, it seems a number of people are concerned about healthy eating, and what they may or may not be putting into their bodies.

The question then arises, “how many people are as concerned about what they are putting into their minds”? From a pastor’s perspective, I suppose it is only natural to wonder about that. The scripture says “man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Deuteronomy 8:3). Jesus rebuked the devil with this verse when he being tempted in the desert (Luke 4:1-4).

The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things” (Philippians 4:8). By doing these things we will be following Paul’s instructions to the Romans: “Do not conform any longer to the patter of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).

What’s in your mind?
Feeding on His Word,
Pastor Jerry

—
“Christianity isn’t all that complicated, it’s Jesus.” — Joni Eareckson Tada

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