Archive for the ‘Trials’ Category

13 Jan

In all Things

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Creation, Faith, God's Word, Peace, Trials, Trust.

Hello friends,
The weather has taken a more winter-like turn. These temperatures remind us there are seasons. We don’t get to have just one kind of weather. That would get old after a while. We need to keep California in our prayers, along with the folks in Appalachia as they continue to recover from hurricane and fire disasters. There is much to be thankful for here in our little corner of the world.

As we see all the destruction from hurricanes and wildfires, earthquakes and other disasters, we wonder if God is really in control. However, we live in a fallen world. Because of sin, God’s creation is broken. To Adam, God said, “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field” (Genesis 3:17-18).

“For the creation was subjected to frustration, not be its own choice, but by the will of the One who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pain of childbirth right up to the present time” (Romans 8:20-22).

Hear this word of God through the prophet: “I am the Lord and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting men may know there is none besides me. I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and disaster; I the Lord, do all these things” (Isaiah 45:5-7).

In the middle of disaster, the Christian can be encouraged. “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… What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?… neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:28, 31, 39).

In His hands,
Pastor Jerry

14 Oct

Storms of Life

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Contentment, Faith, Rest, Trials.

Hello everyone,
Cooler weather is in the forecast again. Our first killing frost has happened, and the end of gardening season has come.

Parts of our country are still recovering from hurricanes and others are dealing with wildfires and drought. My problems seem trivial in comparison. You have heard it said there is always someone in a worse situation than you, and I believe it. In each situation, we need to remember God has a plan, even in hardship or good times.

In the Old Testament God told Moses, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8). Also, the Lord told Joshua, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

God, through the prophet, told his people Israel, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” (Isaiah 43:2).

As Jesus prepared to leave his disciples and return to heaven, he told them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).

As we live our lives in the present, and if we have placed our faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, we need not fear the storms of life or dread the cloudy days. I will close with the words of the apostle Peter.

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 spoil perish or fade—kept in heaven for you who through faith are shielded by God’s power” (1 Peter 1:3-5a).

For Him,
Pastor Jerry

22 Jul

The Calm in the Storm

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Christian Living, Faith, Gospel, Trials.

As promised, I have returned with another edition of this weekly devotional.

First, an update on my stay in Omaha last week. I was diagnosed with a dissection in my aorta (not a good thing). The first option for treatment is to lower heart rate and blood pressure. This is not an easy task, because lowering one raises the other. So, for well over a week, I’ve been the center of attention for a whole group of specialists. I have had plenty of time to reflect on the important things in life,

While here, I have been watching the life flight helicopter as it lands outside my window. As I witness these landings, I’m reminded that every day somewhere a real-life drama is being played out. As I was waiting to get a CT scan Tuesday morning, there was real drama in the imaging room; a code blue episode was playing out in front of me. It was like being in the middle of a TV program. It was a life changing episode for someone.

In all of this I am mindful of the reassuring words of Scripture. Perhaps the most familiar of these is Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Another passage that assures us of God’s care and protection is from Isaiah: Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10.

I know for certain that no matter what life brings, for anyone who knows Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior our final home is heaven. Do you have that assurance?

In His grip,

Pastor Jerry

3 Jun

Who is in Charge?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Blessings, God's Word, Obedience, Peace, Trials, Trust.

Dear friends,

The month of June has arrived, the month of weddings. Love is in the air as is cotton from the cottonwood trees, not to mention all kinds of pollen.

We continue to be in the rainy season. Some folks have had much more rain than is needed, yet others can’t buy a passing shower. Agricultural people don’t really need more stress, and we need to pray for them.

After all, the Lord is the one who provides the sun and rain. We can only ask for those things to be provided and rest in the knowledge that he will answer those prayers in His good timing.

I have shared in the past that I used to stress over the weather during the haying season. If there was a forecast of rain, I wouldn’t mow and when I expected dry weather and mowed the grass down it would surely rain. While doing my daily Bible reading one day, I read a passage of scripture that changed my whole outlook. I’ll share it with you here.

“If clouds are full of water, they pour rain upon the earth. Whether a tree falls to the south or the north, in the place where it falls, there will it lie.

Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.

As you do not know the path of the wind, or how a body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things” (Ecclesiastes 11:3-5).

After reading and absorbing the truth of this passage, I stopped looking at the clouds and experienced a lot less stress. Another stress reliever was Psalm 50. There was a point during an agricultural recession several years back, when our cows were sold by the bank. I thought those were my cows that I had worked to acquire. Suddenly I learned differently.

The Lord spoke to me through His word again: “I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine. If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it” (Psalm 50:9-12).

Simply His,

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

15 Jan

We’re Not in Charge

Posted by sandhillspastor in Attributes of God, Christian Living, Creation, God's Word, Trials.

Dear friends,

Happy winter! It has been forty years since I’ve seen this kind of weather. No two storms are exactly alike, so we all have different stories. Extreme cold and snow with those winds aren’t something anyone would have on their shopping list.

Now we know who is in charge of the weather. Much of what we experienced was predicted and proved once again that with all our heavy equipment and technology, everything can be basically shut down by a storm. Which leads me to some timely scripture from God’s Word.

In the Psalms we read this: He (God) sends his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. He spreads the snow like will and scatters the frost like ashes. He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast” (Psalm 147:16-17).

Job’s friend Elihu had these words, “God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, “Fall on the earth,” and to the rain shower, “Be a mighty downpour.”

            So that all men he has made may know his work, he stops every man from his labor. The animals take cover; they remain in their dens. The tempest comes out from its chamber, the cold from the driving winds.

            The breath of God produces ice, and the broad waters become frozen” (Job 37:5-10).

God had allowed Job to experience some harsh circumstances and Job questioned God’s reasoning. God answered in a way that caused Job to stop his questioning and listen to the Lord. This is God’s response to Job: “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.

            Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?” (Job 38:4-7).

After God gave his lengthy rebuke, Job answered the Lord: “I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. I spoke once, but I have no answer—twice, but I will say no more.” (Job 40:3-5). After more words from God, Job replied, “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know…” (Job 42:3).

He controls the weather, not you or me.

Trusting 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

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

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

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

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