Archive for the ‘Praise’ Category

4 Dec

Herald Angels

Posted by sandhillspastor in Advent, Body of Believers, Christmas, Praise, Worship.

Dear readers,
The snow of last week has disappeared and moderate temperatures are forecast for the immediate future. I doubt there are any complaints over this news. The Lake Ericson Trail of Lights for this season was a success. Our family appreciates all the volunteers and their donated time and talent to bring this about. The weather conditions were near perfect both nights.

As the media coverage and fan support for Nebraska volleyball grows, one wonders what would happen if people got excited about Jesus in the same way? Think about it. Churches would be full; Christians would spill out into the streets proclaiming the name of Jesus. There would be an increase in sales of tee shirts and other advertising merchandise. The Good News would be the top story of the day every day.
Church service times would look like sports schedules complete with times and places those events would take place. All the focus would be on Jesus as the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time). Every word from every mouth would be praise for the Lord. Think about that! In fact, this sounds a lot like heaven as described in the book of Revelation.

Here is a part of that description from chapter 19: The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried: “Amen, Hallelujah!”
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 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” (Revelation 19:4-7).

In this Advent season, let us proclaim the Good News of Jesus every day and in every way. Christmas is His season; the beginning of God’s plan to redeem the world from the debt of sin. Praise Him, Praise Him!
In the words of the old Christmas carol,
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king!”
He is the Lamb of God, the Lion of Judah, and the Greatest of all time! Praise Him, praise Him indeed!

For His glory,
Pastor Jerry

13 Nov

Thankful to Whom?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Attributes of God, Blessings, Praise, thanksgiving, Worship.

Dear readers,

To those who are accustomed to getting this early in the day, I apologize. We have an almost four-year old in the house, along with her puppy. The activity level has greatly increased. Tomorrow we will all go to Mitchell, SD, for an adoption celebration and return to our boring life.

The weather has been unexciting this week and that is a good thing. Sunny skies and mild temperatures this time of year are always welcome. I visited the cardiologist last Wednesday and he was successful in getting my heart back into rhythm. I think it’s been almost two months since this started. I’ll have another checkup this week, so we will see what is next.

The holiday focus shifts now to Thanksgiving, which happens next week. If you haven’t had the opportunity to pause and consider what you are thankful for, now is the time. Of first importance should be the focus of our thankfulness. To whom, or to what are we directing our thankfulness? If a person does not acknowledge the existence of God who created everything, what is the point of being thankful?

God’s Word tells us that he alone is worthy of our praise and honor, and yes, our thanksgiving. Several of the Psalms speak of thanking God. “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.” “Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise, give thanks to him and praise his name.” “Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving, make music to our God on the harp.” (Psalms 69, 95, 100, 147).

In Jeremiah, we read; “No one isA like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power. Who should not revere you, O King of the nations? This is your due. Among all the wise men of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is no one like you.” {Jeremiah 10:6-7).

In the book of Revelation, there is a scene where the twenty-four elders fall down before God’s throne. We read, They lay their crowns before the throne and say: “You are worthy our Lord and God to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being” (Revelation 4:10-11).

Keep looking up,

Pastor Jerry

2 Oct

God Speaks in Creation

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Best Life, Blessings, Creation, God's Word, Praise.

Dear friends,

We were able to get in a couple of days away with the camper. We didn’t go far, but it was enjoyable just to do something different. I wonder how long we will be able to do this, and I am not really looking forward to the time we can’t. I keep telling myself we live by a pretty little lake in a beautiful part of God’s creation, so what is the need for a camper?

More random thoughts as I looked out my window: Sunrise is special from the window of a camper. Any sunrise signals the beginning of a new day. We should be grateful for each sunrise and the promise it brings. The following Psalm reminds us that both creation and God’s Word testify to his existence and sovereignty, if anyone should doubt.

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of his hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge. There is no speech; there are no words; their voice is not heard. Their message has gone out to the whole earth, and their words to the ends of the world.

In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming from his home; it rejoices like an athlete running a course. It rises from one end of the heavens and circles to their outer end; nothing is hidden from its heat.”

The instruction of the Lord is perfect, renewing one’s life, the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. The precepts of the Lord are right, making the heart glad; the command of the Lord is radiant, making the eyes light up. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are reliable and altogether righteous. They are more desirable than gold—than an abundance of pure gold, and sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb. In addition, your servant is warned by them, and in keeping them there is an abundant reward” (Psalm 19:1-11).

One more random thought from my early morning meditations: Someday Jesus will return, not to get opinions, but to set up his kingdom. Jesus’ words, “Look I am coming soon, and my reward is with me to repay each person according to his work” (Revelation 22:12).

Blessings to you,

Pastor Jerry

28 Aug

Adopted by God

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Blessings, Children, Families, Family of God, Praise.

Hello friends,

In the weather news, it was much cooler last week. There is speculation that the heat will return, but not quite to the level of past days. September can be hot, but fall weather is just around the proverbial corner. As usual a request for rain is at the top of our prayer list. Our immediate area could use a good soaking again.

I have joined the community of CPAP users. A recent sleep study indicated some issues with my nighttime breathing, and I now own one of those machines (or does it own me?). This is a learning experience I had hoped to avoid, but here we are. If I stop breathing for a short time, the machine will supply me with air. This is good but it requires some adjustment. I’m not comfortable enough with the mask and all, so I can’t tell if there is any benefit, but I suppose that will come.

News came to us this week that Alex (our grandson) will be able to adopt his wife’s little girl. She will be our great-granddaughter, Maria. This is something we have all been praying for and we are praising the Lord for working it all out. When it is finalized, we will all get together for a celebration. This is the inspiration for my devotional thought for this week.

The Bible tells us that we are all sinners. It also says that sin is the act of being disobedient to God. The penalty for that sin is death, or separation from God (Romans 6:23). As sinners, we were enemies of God. As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we become adopted sons and daughters of God, co-heirs with Christ of all the blessings of heaven. When the Holy Spirit comes to reside in us at the moment of salvation, we read; “For all those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back in fear. Instead, you received the spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out “Abba, Father!” The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ… (Romans 8:14-17).

When we all get to heaven what a day of rejoicing that will be! This upcoming adoption is but a glimpse of that day.

In Christ,

Pastor Jerry

3 Jul

Freedom

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Christian Living, Freedom, Praise.

Dear friends,

It’s another of those early copy weeks, so I will try to write something that makes sense on short notice. I am back to normal after my visit to the fine medical professionals in Omaha last week. I am continually impressed by the gifted doctors, nurses and others who have chosen to make medicine their career choice. I have nothing but highest regard for every one of them.

The Independence Day holiday will be celebrated in grand style here at Lake Ericson and in the village of Ericson. We have it all, from fireworks to food, from parades to a junior rodeo. There is an avenue of flags along the lake front that is nothing but inspiring. There are games at the lake and a street dance in town. A visit to our little community is well worth your time.

As we read and hear the negative news about what is going on in our country, it is easy to become disillusioned with the things that we see. I believe the USA has been, is today, and will be in the future the best country in the world. Who we are and how we came to be what we are as a country is why we can celebrate this thing called Independence Day.

As we celebrate, we must not become complacent, but be ever vigilant to defend our God-given rights and freedoms. Let us be informed about government and politics and raise our voices in support of the Constitution and the American way. As Christians, we cannot sit idly by while the enemies of morality and the truth of God’s Word trample them in the dust.

In Galatians we are told that through faith in Christ we have been set free from the bondage of sin. We are also reminded not to use that freedom to keep sinning, but to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:1, 13).

Also, we find this command: Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone; Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king (1 Peter 2:16-17).

So, on Independence Day and every day, stand tall and be proud of our country. Thank God for those who founded and defended her, and pray God bless America, again!

For God and for country,

Pastor Jerry

26 Jun

Security

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Peace, Praise, Trust.

Dear friends,

The last week was mostly spent preparing to be gone for a few days. The garden was covered with hail screen (in case of hail). Shade was provided for the cucumbers (in case of too much hot sun), and everything was given a last watering (in case it didn’t rain). The reason for all this was so I could go to Omaha and get a final repair to the aortic aneurysm we have been watching for the last several years. I can report the procedure was successful, so that concern is behind us.

N.M.C. is an interesting place (to say the least). How anyone can find their way around that place is beyond this old country boy. We stayed in what is called Nebraska House, what I think is a floor of patient rooms converted to sleeping quarters, like motel rooms. There is a shuttle service supplied by the Med Center. At 5 A.M. the shuttle vehicle is an SUV staffed by two security guards. We were picked up by them and dropped off at the entrance to Clarkson Hospital. As Milrae and I were entering the vehicle, those two men were on high alert, searching their surroundings until we were seated in the back. I had the feeling of being a K-9 officer in its barred cage. We were securely in the care of these two young men.

This got me thinking about where we are most secure. Is it at home or in our car? With family or friends? Or is it in an SUV escorted by two armed guards? Obviously, homes can be broken into and there is safety in numbers to a point. Security guards cannot stay on high alert indefinitely because they will need to sleep eventually. As a matter of fact, the only secure place in the universe is in the arms of our Lord.

“Lead me to a rock that is high above me, for you have been a refuge for me, a strong tower in the face of the enemy. I will dwell in your rent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings” (Psalm 61:2-4).

“He will not allow your foot to slip, your protector will not slumber. Indeed, the protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep” (Psalm 121:3-4).

Is your security in the Lord? He’s always awake and alert!

In His grip,

Pastor Jerry

12 Jun

Enjoying Life

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Contentment, Happiness, Praise, Reward.

Dear friends,

We had an enjoyable weekend with Alex, Breanna, and Maria. We were supposed to park the camper on a new concrete pad at their house, but Alex sent a message early Friday morning to inform me they had received heavy rains in the night. This resulted in making reservations at the local KOA, and when I saw Alex’s driveway, I was glad I did. I helped him add handrails on the outdoor stairs and a railing around the landing. It looked nice when we were done, not elegant but functional for sure.

When we got the camper set up, we discovered that some furry rodents had been living in the kitchen drawers over winter. This is not something you wish to find when looking forward to a relaxing evening. There will be some serious cleaning done now that we are home again. There were some other incidents that resulted from my not paying attention, but more on those in another column.

In our recent travels, we have noticed an abundance of yucca plants. They are blooming profusely this year. It is just my thinking, but I wonder if it is because of the drought conditions? Some plants thrive in those situations, including most cactus plants. In areas where there has been rain, the pastures and meadows are doing well also. Rain always improves a lot of things, including the attitudes of farmers and ranchers.

As we travel and observe creation, I am taken to the words of David in Psalm 145: I exalt you, my God the King, and bless your name forever and ever.

I will bless you every day; I will praise your name forever and ever.

The Lord is great and is highly praised, his greatness is highly praised,

His greatness is unsearchable.

One generation will declare your works the next and will proclaim your   mighty acts.

I will speak of your splendor and glorious majesty and you and your wondrous works.

They will give testimony of your great goodness and will joyfully sing of   your righteousness.

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in faithful love.

The Lord is good to everyone; his compassion rests on all he has made.

All you have made will thank you, Lord; the faithful will bless you.

Psalm 145:1-10).

For more blessings, read the rest of the psalm.

Be blessed,

Pastor Jerry

27 Mar

A New Life

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Calling, Faith, Gospel, Praise, renewal, Salvation, The Good News, Witness.

Dear friends,
The days continue to pass quickly. When next we meet it will be April, the month of spring showers. At least we can hope winter is over by then. After those showers, we will be blessed with flowers and all the other good things that follow. Did you see a bit of poetry there?

At this time of the year, I am reminded of new life. As I see the new plant growth, new baby calves along the road, and later many other signs of new beginnings, I am drawn to consider the new life we are given through faith in Jesus Christ.

It was in the spring of the year, when on a Sunday morning in May, I first trusted Him with my life. It was at the closing of a sermon on Romans chapter 10, verses 8-13. Those verses read; But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That 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. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified (made right with God), and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Up to that point I thought I had my life pretty well ordered. As the pastor concluded his message, he invited those who had not done so to place their lives in God’s hands and confess Jesus as Savior and Lord. At that precise moment, I realized that I needed a Savior and prayed to receive his gift of salvation. That began a change in me that could only have been brought about by a Holy God. That is my testimony and I stand by it these 40 plus years later.

Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior? If not, may you surrender your life to the Lord Jesus today? It is not too late.

In His unfailing love,
Pastor Jerry

27 Feb

God’s Faithfulness

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Attributes of God, Contentment, God's Word, Praise, Trials, Witness.

Dear readers,
As the days lengthen, we are glad for the melting snow and warm temperatures. Every day we look forward to springtime. It has certainly been a challenging winter, and I have much sympathy for livestock producers as I have been there and done that, as they say.

I had the opportunity to share God’s word at another church Sunday. I enjoy meeting other Christians and learning bits of their stories. I find that everyone has a story to tell, if we are willing to take the time to listen. There are stories of trials and of triumphs. Most of all, I love the stories of God’s faithfulness to His children in every circumstance. Just as a reminder that God is truly faithful, let’s look at some scriptures that reinforce this truth.

Whether in trials or successes, remember these good words:
“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands” (Deuteronomy 7:9).

Psalm 25:10 “All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful to those who keep the demands of His covenant.”
Psalm 37:28 “For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake His faithful ones. They will be protected forever,”

In the New Testament we find these assurances of His faithfulness:
“God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful” (1 Corinthians 1:9). “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted (tested) beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

“But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

Finally, this from another of Paul’s letters: “May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful, and he will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).

For Him,
Pastor Jerry

28 Nov

Songs of the Season

Posted by sandhillspastor in Advent, Blessings, Christmas, Praise, Worship.

Hello friends,
We got a break from the cold weather this week. This gave holiday travelers something else to be thankful for. Part of my week was taken up with installing a garage door opener. It was something of a challenge, due to some sketchy instructions and my inability to read between the lines of said instructions. After an email to customer service, and some good guess work, we can now open the door without getting out of the vehicle.

The radio stations have begun playing Christmas music, and oh how we need to hear the message of Christmas today! As we remember the coming of Jesus to earth, the season of advent, we are reminded anew of the promises of God regarding a Savior.

When I speak of Christmas music, I’m not thinking of Frosty, Rudolph, or Baby It’s Cold Outside. I am instead thinking of Hark the Herald Angels, O, Come All Ye Faithful and Silent Night; songs with the real message of Christmas. Songs of hope and of the One who came to die for us, in order that we might be saved from the penalty of sin. This is Christmas.

How could we ever tire of hearing and singing of the advent of our Savior? How could we tire of the message of salvation through faith in His finished work on the cross? Read with me a part of the Christmas story.

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:18-21).

Finally, in John 3:17 we read this: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”

Simply His,
Pastor Jerry

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