Archive for the ‘thanksgiving’ Category

24 Nov

Give Thanks

Posted by sandhillspastor in God's Word, Praise, thanksgiving.

Dear friends,

Our unseasonable weather continues, with much sunshine and mild temperatures. In family news, we have a new great-granddaughter. Alex and Breanna welcome Raela June to their little family. We thank the Lord for her, she is truly something to be thankful for.

It being the season of thanksgiving, what are you thankful for and to whom do you direct your thanks? I know this is a question that is raised at this time of the year. It is good to reflect on past blessings and give the Lord credit for what He has done.

A verse of scripture that comes to mind is 1 Chronicles 16:34; “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever.”

Also, this: Praise the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens. Praise Him for His acts of power; praise Him for His surpassing greatness. Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise Him with the harp and lyre, praise Him with timbrel and dancing, praise Him with the strings and pipe, praise Him with the clash of cymbals, praise Him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:1-6).

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His Name” (Psalm 100:4). “Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind” (Psalm 107: 8).

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Along this line of thinking, the day after Thanksgiving Day is Black Friday, when people rise early to stand in long lines, hoping to get the best deals on merchandise they might not ordinarily purchase. I wonder what it would look like if people were as excited to attend church on a Sunday morning? Would there be lines forming early in the morning in hopes of getting a front row seat?

Just thinking,

Pastor Jerry

23 Jun

God’s Protection

Posted by sandhillspastor in Blessings, Faith, Milestones, Miracles, Praise, thanksgiving.

Hello friends,
We had one of those weeks you remember for a long time. The weather has been very warm, but we also had some rain. My opening sentence has nothing to do with the weather but with a memorable happening. It started as a normal week, with a couple of doctor’s appointments.

On Wednesday, after our appointment, we decided to tour around and check out some local campgrounds. We had been talking about taking the camper out for a few days but wanted to look around first.

Our first stop was Davis Creek, south of North Loup. Then, we took some dicey back roads, courtesy of Google maps, to Sherman Reservoir. After lunch in Loup City, we went to Ravenna with the idea of visiting Buffalo County Park. We have been there before and wanted to check out the improvements since we last visited.

As I started to turn onto the road to the park, we collided with a pickup I had not seen. Airbags in the car deployed with a loud bang and we came to a sudden stop. I never want to have that experience again!

The car was totaled, but neither we or the other driver had life-threatening injuries, although we were bruised and sore. Over the next few days, we found more bruises, but we are slowly healing. Know this though,
airbags are great but work better if used with seatbelts also.

In all this we are thankful to God for His protection. This could have turned out much worse without it. As I reflected on this, scriptures came to mind that assured me of His guiding hand upon us.

Psalm 121:7-8 reads, “The Lord will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forever more.”
Isaiah 41:10, “So 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. And let us not forget Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…”

Our experience last Wednesday was not “luck”, but the Lord taking charge for his plan and purpose. He’s not done with us.

All praise to Him,
Pastor Jerry

2 Jun

Blessed

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Faith, Grace, Praise, thanksgiving.

Dear friends,
After the rains of the last week, there is a completely different look to our surroundings. The grass is growing, flowers are blooming, and people are smiling; smiling because there will be grass in the pastures and crops to be harvested. In this part of the world, a little rain makes a great difference in our outlook. For Christians, this is evidence that God answers our prayers. I might add, even if you don’t know the Lord it is proof of his presence.

I often hear someone say, “I was really lucky…” No Christian should ever say “I was really lucky today” or “Whatever will be will be.” Forget that. If you are a Christian, there is no such thing as dumb luck. God has a plan and a purpose. He has a strategy for your life. You may not see it now, but He sees it and always has seen it. God is paying attention to what you are facing right now. He is paying attention to what you really need—not necessarily what you want. The great thing to know is that God is thinking about you and that He cares for you.

“You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail” (Proverbs 19:21). So, we need to make His plan our priority. In Isaiah we read, “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts, says the Lord, ‘and my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heaven are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.” (NLT).

You can find God’s thoughts and ways in His Word. If you study and pray about them often enough, you start to align your decision making with them. You make choices that honor the Lord and pave the way for His plans to be accomplished in and through you

God doesn’t reveal His entire plan for your life at once. Instead, He reveals only what you need to know at a given moment, just enough for you to stay dependent on Him.

God’s word doesn’t give us a calendar for Christ’s return. Until then, our job is to discover and embrace God’s plan for our life—and to align our will and our priorities with His. [Credit: Greg Laurie]

Remember, you are not lucky. You are blessed by God.

In Him,
Pastor Jerryr

25 Nov

Thanks to the Lord

Posted by sandhillspastor in Blessings, God's Word, Praise, thanksgiving, Worship.

Dear friends,
We have come to the time of the year when we focus on being thankful for the blessings we have received from the Lord. This brings early deadlines for those who write for local newspapers. My normal habit is to sit down on Sunday afternoon to compose this devotional, but I need to put my brain in gear a little sooner this week.

Since Thanksgiving is this week, we should be mindful of the many ways the Lord has blessed us. We can be thankful for the things we have, the people in our lives who bless us, our food, our home; the list goes on. However, ultimately all the things we have come from God. Whether you believe in Him or not, He is the provider of all things. The traditional doxology of the church begins, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below.”

The Psalms are filled with the idea of giving thanks to the Lord. Psalm 107 begins, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name” (Psalm 100:4). Several verses in Psalm 107 read; “Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men” (vs. 1, 8, 15, 21, 31).

There are references to giving thanks in the New Testament, as well. Paul encourages Christians to, “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:19-20).

More from Paul: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. “For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving” (1 Timothy 4:4).

Here are a few ways to be thankful: Every morning, thank God for a different provision he has given you. Focus on just one gift each morning.
Every night, answer this question: “What happened today that I’m most grateful for? Push yourself to see God’s goodness, even in the tough situations of life. Thank Him. And then thank Him again.

Thankful for His goodness,
Pastor Jerry

20 Nov

Happy Thanksgiving

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Christian Living, Peace, thanksgiving, Worship.

Dear friends,

We have been enjoying some great fall weather, but there is a cool-down in the forecast. We have no room to complain about the weather to this point. With the Thanksgiving holiday coming this week, we have plenty to give thanks for.

In family news, the adoption of our great-granddaughter is complete. She takes great pleasure in telling everyone, “My name is Maria Schoenenberger.” We were excited to be able to attend the court proceeding finalizing this blessing. It was a great day, finished off with cake and ice cream. Also, I saw my cardiologist on Wednesday last week, and he said to come back in six months.

All of this reminds me to give thanks to the Lord daily. Every day holds some new or repeated blessing from Him. Continuing a thought from last week, how could anyone deny the existence of a loving and caring God, when there is so much evidence of his presence?

I understand that not everything that happens to us is something we would consider a blessing. Some things are far from being pleasant or pleasing, but if our faith is in God through a relationship with Jesus, those things are meant for our good. I’m reminded of a passage of scripture that speaks to this issue.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). We should not stop with the first part of that verse, but understand the promise is not for everyone, only those who love God, and are called by God to be conformed to the likeness of His Son. That happens as a result of placing our faith in the resurrected Son of God.

We come now to verse 35: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? Paul says, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:35-39).

Life is filled with both blessings and hardships. Scripture reminds us that there will be suffering, but in good times and bad if we have placed our faith in the Lord, we can give thanks to Him in every situation.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (1 Corinthians 9:15)

Blessings,

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

21 Nov

Giving Thanks

Posted by sandhillspastor in Blessings, Creation, Faith, Grace, Possessions, thanksgiving, Worship.

Dear readers,
As I write this week’s article, it is sunny outside, but it certainly isn’t warm. We appear to be in for a cold spell, with little to no chance of moisture. The lake community continues to prepare for the second annual Trail of Lights. Reports are that the display will be bigger and better than last year. More info is available on the Lake Ericson Facebook page.

The Thanksgiving holiday is this Thursday. Some days it is hard to find things to be thankful for, but we can always be thankful for a good night’s sleep, and for a new day’s dawning. I sometimes wonder who do you thank if you don’t acknowledge God? If you don’t believe there is a God who is our provider, do you thank the government, or some good luck charm? Maybe you thank your lucky stars? How do you know which stars are lucky? Do four leafed clovers bring happiness or contentment to life?

From a biblical perspective, all we have comes from God Almighty. He is the creator and sustainer of the universe. Nothing exists that wasn’t put here by God, according to His perfect plan. It is He to whom we give thanks for every good and perfect gift. “Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like the shifting shadows” (James 1:16-17).

The prophet Isaiah reminds us to “Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for He has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world (Isaiah 12:4-5).

Speaking of Jesus Christ, Paul writes, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him” (Colossians 1:15-16). Yes, even the government was created and put in place by the Creator God.

As the old familiar doxology says;
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him, all creatures here below.
Praise Him above the heavenly host.
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!

Have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!
Pastor Jerry

7 Nov

Be Grateful

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Christian Living, Contentment, Families, Humor, Marriage, Praise, thanksgiving.

Dear readers,
With the cooling of the weather pattern lately, I believe I can safely say that winter is coming closer. Not much exciting has happened at our place this week. We attended a party celebrating a 50th wedding anniversary Tuesday evening. There were just a few couples present, but it was a fun evening. There was much conversation and laughter, something we all need more of. An added bonus was the great variety of appetizers to sample. On the topic of lasting marriages, I heard this comment recently. A young man asked his father for some advice on marriage. Dad responded, “When you and your bride have an argument, and you are convinced beyond a shadow of doubt that you are right and she is wrong, just go ahead and be wrong.”

The next big holiday is Thanksgiving. I believe we are to be thankful on a daily basis for what we have. Each day is a gift, and we need to be aware of that fact. I was given a different perspective on this topic recently. It goes like this; What is your answer when people ask how you are? Most will say, “I’m doing okay”, or something similar. The answer as told to me is simply this; I am grateful!

Whether or not we understand it, everything we have is the result of God’s gracious provision. Here are some Bible verses that remind us to be both grateful and thankful for our blessings.

Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done… Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his love endures forever. (1 Chronicles 16:8, 34). The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. (Psalm 28:7).

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians 3:17). Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Praise is also a part of thankfulness; “Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens… Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord” (Psalm 150).

Blessings,
Pastor Jerry

2 May

Praising God

Posted by sandhillspastor in Blessings, Creation, Faith, Praise, Prayer, thanksgiving, Worship.

Dear readers,
Rain, wonderful rain! As of this writing, we had received 1.7 inches. It has been a long time since we have had meaningful moisture of any kind, and personally, I prefer rain to snow. This is an answer to many prayers over the last few months, especially in light of all the wildfires our state has experienced. I suspect there were many people out dancing in the rain. This blessing from God should be celebrated as such. May we break out in song like the psalmist.

Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared among all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary. Psalm 96:1-6.

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp.
He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes the grass grow on the hills.
He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call.
His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man;
the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. Psalm 147:7-11.

Praise the Lord, praise him in the heavens, praise him in the heights above.
Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars.
Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies.
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created.
He set them in place for ever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away.
Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding,
you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and cedars, wild animals and all cattle,
small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations. Psalm 148:1-11.

Praising Him,
Pastor Jerry

22 Nov

Thank God

Posted by sandhillspastor in Blessings, Faith, Praise, Prayer, thanksgiving, Worship.

Dear readers,

We are having one of those early copy deadlines again because of the Thursday holiday. I trust you all have/had a happy and blessed Thanksgiving. What blessings have you received in the past year? Were you quick to thank the Lord for each one? Remember, we are told many times in scripture to give thanks always, and in everything. The word thanksgiving occurs 27 times in the Christian Standard Bible, and 22 times in the New International Version

Thanksgiving can be described as gratitude directed toward God, generally in response to God’s acts in history. Thanksgiving is a natural element of Christian worship and is to characterize all of Christian life. Concerning thanksgiving in worship, the psalmist wrote, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise, give thanks to Him and praise His name” (Psalm 100:4).

In life, we are told, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). Paul, writing to Timothy said, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority…” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Why should we pray for those in government? He tells us in verses 3 and 4. “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” We pray for the salvation of our leaders, so that they will see the truth, and begin to govern God’s way.

Did you notice in the last paragraph, that thanksgiving and prayer are connected? It is by prayer that we return thanks for God’s blessings. Also, as we give thanks and present our prayers and petitions to Him, He will in turn bless us with more to be thankful for. As a side note, how many times have you thanked God for the gift of prayer?

Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done (Psalm 105:1). Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever. (Psalm 118:1)

In closing, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 16-18).

Happy Thanksgiving,

Pastor Jerry

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