Archive for the ‘Memorial Day’ Category

25 May

Memories

Posted by sandhillspastor in Faith, Freedom, Memorial Day, Witness.

Hello friends,

Now and then we have one of those holiday weeks when I have to put my mind in gear early to compose the devotional message. This month is the Memorial Day observance. It is a time set aside for us to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Over the years, the day has become a day to remember not only our deceased soldiers, but also family members who have gone on before us.

Our memories of loved ones have been given to us by our Creator. I can’t imagine not having the ability to bring up memories, good or bad. Obviously, we cherish the good memories, but the not-so-good have a purpose even if it is to recall lessons learned.

We have recalled memories that have us asking, “what was I thinking?” On a personal level, I have more of those than I care to list. The best memories are those that recall good times with family and friends as we grew up.

My lady and I took a road trip last week to visit the cemeteries where our family members are buried. Along the way, we stopped at our old home grounds where memories are somewhat fresh. A few tears were shed as we remembered good times and shared memories of hard times and good.

Later, as we visited graves there were more times of remembering those who have gone on before us. We cherish those memories, but we wouldn’t want to relive our lives. It is much better to look ahead in anticipation of things to come.

I am reminded of the words of the apostle Paul in Philippians 3:13: “Brothers and sisters, I do  not consider myself yet to haven 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.”

God has called us to be saved and to live for Him. That goal to which Paul refers is eternal life. Looking back is good to remember our old ways, but we are to concentrate on our eternal reward. Living in the past is of no benefit. I have said many times, the best memorial we can leave our families is that we have trusted Christ and are in His presence.

In Him,

Pastor Jerry

26 May

Memories

Posted by sandhillspastor in Blessings, Eternal Life, Families, Memorial Day.

Hello friends,
Since our last visit, we have been blessed with abundant rain. The rain bucket here showed over two and a half inches. God is good! In other news, we made our annual pre-Memorial Day cemetery run. The odometer in the car shows we drove 204 miles.

Memorial Day was intended to be a day to remember those who gave their lives in service to our country. It has since become a day to remember all who have gone on before us. Yesterday as we traveled and visited the graves of family members, I was reminded of many good times, and some that were not so good. Mostly though, they were the good kind of memories.

In the Bible God instructed His people to set up memorial stones to help them remember His guidance and protection through the years. An example of this is recorded in the Old Testament. After the Israelites had crossed the Jordan River on dry ground, twelve men were instructed to “Go over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever” (Joshua 4:5-7).

The memorial stones we see in our cemeteries are not memorials to God, but are there to remind us of our ancestors, both those who gave their lives for our country, but also as reminders of our heritage and family ties.

I have written in the past that the most important memorial Christians can leave to our descendants is that they know of our faith in the Lord Jesus, and they will know for sure that when we die, we have gone to be with Him in heaven. Stone memorials have their place, but our faith and trust in Christ is everlasting. Be bold to share that Good News with all your family and friends. Their salvation will outlast every stone monument.

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

29 May

Remembering

Posted by sandhillspastor in Eternal Life, Freedom, Memorial Day, Salvation, Service.

Dear friends,

I trust you have had a time of somber reflection this past weekend, remembering those who gave their lives in service to America. Without their sacrifice, I fear we would have none of the freedoms we have today. Therefore, we must be ever vigilant to preserve those liberties because there are those who would take many of them away.

There were many families who spent the weekend enjoying the activities at Lake Ericson. It may not be the biggest lake in our area, but in our eyes, it is the best. There were games, a food trailer, and a movie after dark at the carousel. In addition, there was fishing, boating, and just relaxing around the many campfires.

As I was contemplating the sacrifices made on behalf of America, I was reminded once again of the sacrifice of our Lord, who came to give His life to free us from the bondage of sin. God’s greatest gift to mankind was to give His only Son as payment for our sin debt. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).

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).

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so, He condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us… (Romans 8:1-4b).

America’s military heroes died to preserve our way of life; Jesus Christ died on a cross to give us eternal life, if only we will believe.

God Bless America!

31 May

Remembering

Posted by sandhillspastor in Eternal Life, Faith, Families, Freedom, Memorial Day, Rest, Reward, Witness.

Hello all,
It’s been a busy Memorial Day weekend here at Lake Ericson, with camping, cooking outdoors, and families enjoying each other’s company. The boulevard was lined with U.S. flags as is the custom for important holidays. Thanks to those who helped with placing the flags this year.

I had the privilege of speaking at Grace Bible Church in Loup City on Sunday. I always enjoy my visits there. Here are some thoughts from my message Sunday morning concerning our need for times of remembering. Memorials were important to God as he addressed His people Israel. We think of the rainbow He set in the sky to remind them that he would never again send a devastating flood on the whole earth (Genesis 9:13). There were the twelve stones from the Jordan River that would remind Israel of the time they crossed on dry ground as they entered the Promised Land (Joshua 4:7).

In the New Testament the Lord’s Supper serves as a reminder of Christ’s sacrificial death and an encouragement of His future coming (1 Corinthians 11:25-26). All these memorials serve to proclaim the good news of what God has done.

Regarding our observance of Memorial Day, it is a day set aside to remember those who have died in service to their country. It is because of them that we have the freedoms we enjoy today. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorial services. Others spend the weekend at the lake or golf course, or partying with friends. However one spends the day, it is to be a somber recollection of the sacrifice of many to provide freedom for many others.

Over the years, I have stressed the need for Christian parents to leave a legacy of faith in God and faith in Jesus Christ for their salvation. No one should have to wonder if Mom or Dad knew the Lord at their passing. What comfort to know for sure that your parent is with the Lord!

One way to leave a memorial, or remembrance is to record our Christian witness. Share your salvation experience with your children. Teach them the way of salvation, and leave a written record of your journey to faith in God and in Jesus Christ. The best memorial you can leave your family is your testimony of God’s salvation and His work in your personal life.

in Him,
Pastor Jerry

25 May

Remembering

Posted by sandhillspastor in Eternity, Families, Freedom, God's Word, Hope, Memorial Day, Planning, Service.

Dear friends,
It is still spring; summer comes in June. Spring weather is my favorite season, followed by fall. Summer is okay, winter, not so much. We are enjoying getting out in the yard. Mowing isn’t a chore yet, and planting flowers and garden are good therapy. Speaking of therapy, I found out that pushing a lawn mower may be good cardiac exercise. Just a little of it increased my heart rate to 114 bpm. Update: We experienced wind and rain Saturday night, resulting in more than an inch of rain and some pretty impressive straight winds.

I’m writing this on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, meditating on the observation of Memorial Day. We remember those who have given their lives in defense of our country and our freedoms. For many of us, it is also a time to remember family and friends who have gone on before.

It can be a time to reflect on the kinds of memories we well leave for those who will survive us. What kind of life did we live? What values will we pass on to our children and grandchildren? The writer of Hebrews mentions a great cloud of witnesses, those who died believing on the Lord Jesus Christ. Will we be counted in that group of saints?

Here is the passage from Hebrews: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangle, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:1-3).

Our Lord left us an example to follow in the life he lived, and a memorial to his life in the Lord’s Supper, which we celebrate in our Christian fellowships. His words after breaking the bread were and are, “Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, do this… in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:24-25).

Lest we forget.

Blessings to all,
Pastor Jerry

27 May

Remembering

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Christian Living, Culture, Freedom, God's Word, Memorial Day, Obedience, renewal, Wisdom, Worship.

First a short update on my lip surgery. Healing is taking place, but I must admit, I am just a bit impatient with the progress. Unless there is a change, there will be no further updates on this. My commentary will be shorter this week, but I trust it will make a difference in some small way.

It is Monday as I write this. It is Memorial Day on the calendar. I trust you had an enjoyable weekend, and that sometime in the midst of your celebrating the beginning of the summer season, you took some time to reflect on the true meaning of the day. In my corner of the world, it is a day of remembering those who have given their lives for our country. In some other areas of our great country, I suspect the meaning of Memorial Day has been put aside for scenes of partying, cookouts, camping, and many other pleasant diversions.

Along with many other reminders of our past, the somber truth of how we got to this place has been forgotten. Thousands of brave Americans have sacrificed their lives for the freedom we enjoy, but at some point, we have cheapened the value of that sacrifice. One thing that concerns me, is that as a people, we are traveling down some of the same paths that led to previous conflicts. Perhaps it is time to look around and see if we might want to change direction. A command from God to the people of Israel comes to mind. They had the command, but refused to obey it. Will we do the same thing?

This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16),

God bless you, and God bless America!
In Him,
Pastor Jerry

28 May

Remembering

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Christian Living, Freedom, God's Word, Memorial Day, renewal, Sin, Uncategorized.

I’m writing this in the middle of Memorial Weekend. One item prominently displayed everywhere, is the American flag. As we reflect on the meaning of this holiday, it is appropriate for us to fly the flag. It is by the sacrifice of many Americans, that we continue to have the freedoms we experience every day.

I hope you who are reading this were among those who honored the holiday by attending a Memorial service, where the focus was on the sacrifice made by some on behalf of us all. I know that many took the time to reflect on the meaning of the holiday, but many more spent the weekend in activities that had nothing to do with it. As pastor said yesterday, “Regardless of your opinion of war, thank God for those who have served, and those who are serving to protect freedom.”

On another, yet perhaps related theme, there was a bit of drama at our house this week. Well, maybe not drama, but a good illustration of the result of ignoring signs of impending problems. For a rather long time, I have been hearing our water pump running, even when no water was being used. Being a bit of a procrastinator, I kept putting off searching for the problem. Early last week, I took a quick glance through the crawlspace door, and saw a small lake under the house.

Suddenly, the issue wasn’t that there might be a problem. The problem was real. To shorten the story, there was a leak in the line going to our yard hydrant. After disconnecting the offending pipe, and using a sump pump to remove about six inches of water from the crawl space, we are waiting to the ground to dry out a bit. After that, there will be action taken to prevent this from happening again.

Whether forgetting the reason for a national holiday, failing to deal with personal sin, or even putting off repairing a leaky pipe, there will be a day when action needs to be taken. We can only pray it is not too late to repair the damage.

Let us return to the values of yesterday, and follow God’s plan for mankind as revealed in his Word. It is not too late. If we will confess those sins, nationally and personally, he will restore us to fellowship with himself.

Thinking again,
Pastor Jerry

29 May

Memorial Day

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Culture, Freedom, God's Word, Memorial Day, Peace, Politics, Praise, Prayer, Service, Uncategorized.

The Memorial Service held Sunday at Lake Ericson was well attended, and kudos go to those who helped in any way. I won’t give names, because you know who you are, and I would miss someone. The program was followed by root beer, or orange floats. Yummy!

Memorial Day is one of those holidays that for many people, has lost some of its meaning. In the beginning, it was to honor fallen soldiers. At some point, deceased family members began to be included in the tradition. These days, for lots of people, it has become just another long weekend to spend at the lake, or the campground. The time is spent drinking adult beverages, and eating barbeque, probably with little or no thought of how we acquired the freedoms we are enjoying.

Attending a service such as the one held Sunday afternoon here at the lake, reminds us once again, of the blessings we experience living in the United States of America. Regardless of your view of current politics, this is still the best country in the world, bar none!

Honoring those who have served, and are serving our country, should be a priority for everyone. After all, it is their sacrifice that secured and preserved our freedom. In addition, much of whatever peace exists in the world today, is the result of America’s military strength and presence around the globe.

To repeat scripture shared at the service this afternoon, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Many are those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and their countrymen.

Ultimately, peace will come to the earth when Christ returns as conquering King. For now, we are indebted to the peacekeepers in our military. May God bless and protect them, as they serve.

Some of you will read this after Memorial Day has passed; even so, would you say a prayer for our military personnel everywhere in the world? Thank you.

God bless America!
Pastor Jerry

30 May

Reflections

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, Culture, Evil deeds, Forgiveness, Freedom, Giving, Gospel, Holy Spirit, Memorial Day, Obedience, Service, Sin, Uncategorized.

As I write this morning, it is Memorial Day. Yesterday (Sunday), here at the lake, there was a program honoring our veterans and those who gave all for our country. It was interesting to hear some of the veterans tell their stories of service, and I was reminded again of the sacrifices made to keep our country free. At the same time, I was reading on social media of the vandalism of patriot displays and cemeteries around the country. It makes one ask, “what is wrong with people today who have no respect for these things? Actually, the answer is found in the Bible. It starts in the hearts of people. “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it” (Jeremiah 17:10)?

As I look out my window, I see the lake. Its surface is completely still this morning, and reflects the trees along the edge, and the sky above. It is much like a mirror. Many years ago, somewhere I remember reading that the color of the water on a given day, is a reflection of the sky. Sunny days, it appears to be blue. On gray cloudy days, the water is seen as dark and gray. I think this relates to my opening comment concerning the behavior of people. What we see in their words and actions are a reflection of their heart.

“The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart, his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).

Christians are to reflect the character and actions of the Lord Jesus. We are to be a mirror image of the One whose name we bear. “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son…” (Romans 8:29).

“And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven” (1 Corinthians 15:49). “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness…” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

It is not possible for any person to consistently exhibit right behavior without Christ in his or her heart. It is hard enough sometimes for the Christian to do so.

Just thinking,
Pastor Jerry

26 May

Free to Obey

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Faith, Freedom, God, God's Word, Law, Memorial Day, Service, The Good News, Truth, Worship.

We are still in need of beneficial rains. I know there are some folks who would share if they could, because of their over-supply. I also know that God will provide in his good and perfect timing.

 

I trust you have taken time this long weekend to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great country. Did you also take time to pray for our current leaders and military personnel? Did you thank God for the privilege of living here and enjoying the many freedoms we have?

 

Our sermon this week asked the question, “Do we have too small a view of God?” I believe we do. How many of us contemplate the thought of meeting God in a personal way? What if we could get a glimpse of his majesty, his power and his holiness?

 

Let’s consider Israel’s response to the Lord’s appearance on Mount Sinai. Smoke, fire and earthquakes accompanied God’s coming to the mountain. The people were so afraid they asked Moses to intercede on their behalf. Here is their request: “Go near and listen to all that the Lord our God says. Then tell us whatever the Lord our God tells you. We will listen and obey.” (Deuteronomy 5:27).

 

The majesty of God showed in the thunder, earthquakes and lightning as He came down to the mountain. His power showed in delivering His people from Egyptian slavery. His holiness exposed the sins of Israel, and it does the same for us.

 

God is the same as He has always been. He has not changed, and he demands and deserves our obedience. This is not for salvation. Remember, the law follows salvation. Once saved, God wants us to be obedient to his commands. His law is not the ten suggestions, but the Ten Commandments. It is not there for our salvation, but as a guide to living a Christ-like life.

 

The real lesson here is this: We need to see God in all His glory, infinite in size, power, and holiness. We also need to see God in Jesus Christ humbling Himself on a cross for our salvation.

 

The redeeming work of a holy God redeemed Israel from Egyptian slavery, and led them to desire to obey Him, and it is the redeeming work of Christ on the cross that empowers us to obey God today.

 

Free in Him,

Pastor Jerry

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