Archive for the ‘Truth’ Category

20 Mar

Be Wise

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Christian Living, Culture, God's Word, Obedience, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom, Witness.

The calendar tells us the spring season is here. The last few days would tell us that, also. Time will prove the truth of this evidence. I suspect there may be some more weather that will remind us of winter for a while.

As I observe the behavior of people these days, it seems that common courtesy and truth have been thrown out the window and there is an attitude that anything goes, as far as the treatment of others. Where has decent behavior gone?

It is no wonder we as a people have lost our moral compass. Hardly anyone reads the Bible, much less studies it. People speak lies, say all kinds of nasty things about other human beings, and disregard God’s Word concerning wisdom and how to attain it. The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful” (Proverbs 12:23).

I believe much of this happens, first of all, because there is a wide-spread lack of belief in God. Secondly, those who have some idea of God, have little or no respect for him or for his Word. Why should this matter? Let’s look at some Bible passages that speak to this issue. A verse that caught my attention this week is Proverbs 12:15… “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.”

So how do we become wise, according to Scripture?
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10).
“The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom” (Proverbs 15:33).
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).
“Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding” (Proverbs 3:13).
“Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands” (Psalm 112:1). “Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord” (Psalm 119:1).

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17).

Be wise, not foolish. Get to know God and his commandments. Allow him to guide your thoughts and your speech. Speak truth, not lies. You will be blessed.

In His Truth,
Pastor Jerry

13 Mar

It’s About Time

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Blessings, Change, Eternal Life, Eternity, Faith, God's Word, Gospel, Obedience, Planning, renewal, Salvation, Second Coming, The Good News, Truth, Uncategorized, Worship.

I’m looking forward to warmer days, so that I can begin bringing some fishing reports again. Some of you have seen photos of Game and Parks releasing some northern pike into Lake Ericson. Some of those fish were very nice, and I hope to catch one or two for the dinner table.

Here are some thoughts on daylight saving time, which began this week. In reality, there is no saving of time. There are still 24 hours in a day. No one gets any more or any less. The old saying is ‘time waits for no man.’ Time is marching on, regardless of man’s attempts to buy more of it.

“Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises. The wind blows to the south and returns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning to its course” (Ecclesiastes 1:4-6).
In Ecclesiastes chapter 3, we are reminded, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” As Paul emphasized, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now it the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

The Bible speaks of time as a line beginning with creation, continuing through history directed by God, and ending in the Day of the Lord. The Christian lives in time, but looks forward to the day when time shall be no more. This present age is the time of decision and service in the kingdom of God; the age to come is the full realization of God’s provision of eternal life. “Let us not become wearing in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9). “As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me.” (John 9:4).

As we consider the return of the Lord, and our salvation, Paul reminds us to “do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The Lord’s salvation waits for no man. Our God is patient, but salvation is a one-time deal. There is no second chance when our time on earth is done. Do not wait

It’s about time,
Pastor Jerry

27 Feb

Seeing the Details

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Bible, Blessings, God, Praise, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom, Worship.

I have taken up an old hobby—photography. When I was younger, I had wanted a nice camera. I had a desire to take the kind of photos you see in magazines; pictures of nature, wildlife and scenery. Eventually I was able to purchase a nice SLR camera, and spent time (and money) photographing those things. In time, other things got in my way, and my picture taking stopped. Recently, I have acquired a digital camera, and actually have the time to renew this interest There is something about viewing life through the lens of a camera that makes me more aware of God’s creation, and causes me to want to share those views with others.

Bible study is a little like photography. We can look at the Bible and get an overview of it, but only when we examine it through careful study can we see the little nuggets we might otherwise miss. The following passage may say it best regarding study of the scriptures. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does” James 1:22-25.

As a photo preserves the details of the moment for closer examination, so careful study of God’s word shows us details we miss when we first read it. Very many people today have little or no knowledge of the Bible. We have become biblically illiterate, and the sad thing is, Bibles are more available than ever before. Let’s commit to the reading and study of God’s inspired Word, and let it begin to change our lives as it was intended. And, as you see those details of scripture, share them with others, so that they may receive a blessing, also.

Sharing the details,
Pastor Jerry

20 Feb

On Knowing Jesus

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Bible, Christian Living, Culture, Death and Dying, Eternal Life, Faith, Gospel, Heaven, Peace, Salvation, The Good News, Truth, Uncategorized.

Wow! The last few days have been very spring-like, and the ice is gone from the lake. I hope you have been able to get out and enjoy the warmer temperatures. Large numbers of geese have been passing overhead, their v-shaped flight pointing to the north. However, my weather app is showing a change in the works, with a forecast of significant rain, snow and wind. Oh, well, it is still February in Nebraska. We should know it can’t actually be spring yet, although it is coming.

Someone posted this statement recently on Facebook: “Knowing me and knowing of me are two totally different things. Don’t confuse the two.” I believe he was posting from a personal viewpoint, but more importantly, this statement also has a spiritual application.

It is not enough to know of Jesus, it is of great eternal significance that we know him intimately and personally.

We may have knowledge of a person, but until we spend personal one-on-one time with them, we will never really know who they are. What husband or wife could possibly know anything about their spouse without spending much time together?

When Jesus called his 12 disciples, he didn’t call them to follow, and then say, “I’ll see you in a couple of years.” When He called them, they dropped what they were doing, and spent the next three years in constant fellowship with Him.

It is not enough to know about Jesus, the devil and his demons recognize Jesus as God’s Son, but they do not think they have to obey Him. Just believing is not enough. Faith is more than belief. By faith, you accept what Jesus has done for you, receive him as the only one who can save you from sin, and live your faith by obeying his commands. It is called having a personal relationship with Him.

There are lots of people today who talk about Jesus and assume they are going to heaven, but they have no intimate knowledge of him. No one goes to heaven because they know of Jesus. Scripture is quite clear that one must confess Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, in order to gain entrance to God’s heaven. There is no other name by which we can be saved. Period. Do not be confused. Every day someone dies without Jesus. Please don’t be one of them.

Sincerely,
Pastor Jerry

13 Feb

On Civility

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, Culture, Family of God, Fellowship, Grace, Obedience, Peace, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom, Witness.

Snow, wind, cold, and warm. All of these in one week. The snow turned out to be about 6 inches in our immediate area, but it was pretty fluffy and didn’t blow around, at least for the first day or so. The one breezy day, the temperature was near 30 degrees, so there was minimal drifting. Friday’s warm temperatures eliminated a lot of the snow.

Ice fishermen keep coming to the lake, but I feel that season may be nearing an end. As for me, I will
wait until ice out to do any fishing.

I will be returning to the dermatologist for removal of a bit more of my tissue. It turns out a biopsy taken last week returned a diagnosis of basal cell skin cancer, so more is required to be sure the cancer cells are all gone. Having gone through some of this before, it is a matter of trusting the Lord and my doctor. No worries for me.

The Bible instructs Christians to give proper respect to leaders, both secular and spiritual; in the family, in school, and in the workplace. These days there is almost a complete lack of respect for those in authority, and especially for those with whom we disagree.

There is a word we don’t hear much anymore. It is called civility. Here is an excerpt from an article found in The Complete Book of Everyday Christianity.

“Civility is not a biblical term, as such, but the idea is certainly present in the Scriptures. Indeed, taken as a way of describing respect for strangers, civility is a rather prominent biblical motif. In the Old Testament God regularly encouraged the people of Israel to show courtesy to those who were different from themselves. The theme is repeated in the New Testament. Christians are to “speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle and to show courtesy to everyone” (Titus 3:2).”

Here are some instructions: A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered (Proverbs 17:27). Honor one another above yourselves. Live in harmony with one another. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:10-18).

In other words, be nice!

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

6 Feb

Appointment With God

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, End Times, Eternal Life, Faith, God's Word, Gospel, Heaven, Judgment, Obedience, Planning, Salvation, Second Coming, The Good News, Truth, Uncategorized.

The Super Bowl is over, and no matter which team you supported, you have to admit it was an exciting game. I can’t say I had a real favorite, none of my teams made it that far. Now, I must wait for baseball season.

Friday, I visited the dermatologist for my semi-annual checkup, and a strange thing happened. After I had filled out the mandatory paperwork, I sat down to wait (that’s why they are called waiting rooms). After while a lady appeared and called out “Jerry”. Three of us stood up. Apparently, we all had appointments at the same time. Now, I ask you, what are the odds of that happening? She had to go to last names to get the right Jerry.

This got me thinking about some scriptures that talk about the Lord calling his people. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them in also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd” (John 1:14-16).

Every person has an appointment with God, whether he believes in Him, or not. “Just as man is destined to die once and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him” (Hebrews 9:27-28). “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

As the old song says; “When the Savior calls, I will answer. I’ll be somewhere listening for my name.” Will you be listening, too?

Just thinking,
Pastor Jerry

30 Jan

Restoration

Posted by sandhillspastor in Blessings, Change, Christian Living, Eternal Life, Eternity, Faith, God's Word, Gospel, Praise, renewal, Second Coming, The Good News, Truth, Uncategorized.

Dear readers,
We’ve had our second major weather event for this winter season. I’m sure others received more snow than we did, but that’s okay. I know we complain about the weather, but without some winter-time moisture, it would be a bleak picture when spring comes. And, we cannot ignore the beauty of the new-fallen snow. The snow seems to restore the beauty of creation, giving a picture of the purity and holiness of our Lord.

On the topic of restoration, there are many people today who are involved in various types of restoration. We restore old cars, old tractors, old houses, and even old landmarks. There are products to restore hair color and any number of other “restorations”. Some would like to restore our culture to an earlier, simpler time, but sadly, this is an impossibility.

There is good news, however. God is in the restoration business, too. Hear the word of God: “In that day I will restore David’s fallen tent. I will repair its broken places, restore its ruins, and build it as it used to be, so that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations that bear my name, declares the Lord, who will do these things” (Amos 9:11-12).
“He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” (Revelation 21:5).
Psalm 23:1-3… “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…”
In Acts 3:21, Peter speaks concerning Jesus: “He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.

1 Peter 5:10… “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong and steadfast.”
Again, Peter writes, “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13).

There is more good news; God also does not merely restore people to a former state, he makes them into new creations. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

In Truth,
Pastor Jerry

9 Jan

Purity of Speech

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Bible, Christian Living, God's Word, Gospel, Holy Spirit, Obedience, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom, Witness.

Dear readers,
Christmas is over, a new year is before us, and we can look ahead to 2017. My prayer is that 2017 will be a good year for all who read this. My other prayer is that you who do not know Jesus Christ as Savior, will choose to do so soon. Also, that we who believe, would more than ever live the life to which He has called us. What follows relates to this thought.

I am somewhat of a Facebook junky. I enjoy seeing photos and inspirational posts, and even some of the news items. It puzzles me, though, when I see profane posts shared by those who call themselves Christians. In the ‘old’ days, we would excuse our profanity by saying “pardon my French”, but it wasn’t French. Now, we apologize in advance by saying something like, “this is a good message, but beware of an occasional “f” bomb.”

My question is this. If, as a Christian, you have to apologize for language in something you post on Facebook, why post it?

What does the Bible say about our speech? I’m glad you asked. “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be” (James 3:9-10).

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children… but among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving” (Ephesians 5:1-4).

If I may paraphrase Philippians 4:8; “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–post, share, and tweet such things.”

Here is another thought: If you must repost or share those things that contain those words, why not take the time to edit out the inappropriate content? I think you will find the information is the same without the profanity, if it isn’t, it probably isn’t worth putting out there in the first place. “The things that come out of the mouth come from the heart” (Jesus, in Matthew 15:18).

Think about it,
Pastor Jerry

28 Nov

Truth Lives

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Blessings, Christian Living, Culture, Faith, God's Word, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom.

We had a good Thanksgiving. Family, feasting, and football, combined with nice weather made it a special time.

According to the Oxford Dictionary folks, we are living in a “post-truth” time. What does it mean? In short, it means that feelings and opinions are now more important than truth.

The world may see “post-truth”, the Bible presents a different view. At the trial of Jesus, Pilate asked Him, “what is Truth?” Country singer Johnny Cash recorded a song in 1970 entitled “What Is Truth?” It seems to be question that has echoed through the ages.

God is truth. Jesus Christ is the Truth. The truth is found in the Word of God. The lost people of the world are imprisoned by a great lie. The truth will free them from the darkness, and bring them into the light of God’s truth. To restate; the Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the Truth. God’s Word is true.

Bishop J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) said, “It (the Bible) has left lasting marks wherever it has been received. From the Bible are drawn many of the best laws by which society is kept in order. From the Bible has been obtained the standard of morality about truth, honesty, and the relations of man and wife, which prevails among Christian nation, and which—however feebly respected in many cases—makes so great a difference between Christians and heathen.”

Speaking of the Lord Jesus, John wrote, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

John 18:37-38: “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
“What is truth?” Pilate asked.” The truth was standing right in front of him. Jesus had said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

The Truth is still there. It has not become obsolete. We have not seen the end of truth. We are far from it. “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8).

In Truth,
Pastor Jerry

21 Nov

On the Right Path

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, Culture, Families, God's Word, Obedience, renewal, Repentance, Truth, Uncategorized.

We have had our first real taste of winter. The snow was wet and was welcome moisture. It’s been awhile since we had measurable rain, so this is good. My enthusiasm for the cooler temperatures is somewhat less than for the moisture. It is a bit of a shock to the system to go from 70 plus degrees to below freezing in less than 48 hours!

In other news, the rifle deer season has ended, and from reports I see, the deer population has rebounded from the disease losses of a few years back. What this means is that there is a better chance of hitting one with your vehicle.

As I watch and read the news lately, I see young people acting like very small children who do not get their way. I believe much of the behavior exhibited by these “protesters” is a direct result of allowing them to make their own choices from an early age. When I was a child (a long time ago), children didn’t order their own food at the restaurant, they ate the food ordered by the parents. Little kids didn’t choose what to wear, they dressed in the clothes laid out by Mom. There were two choices at mealtime, take it or leave it. There was no discussion

Another reason, I believe, we have come to this point, is that more and more people know less and less of what the Bible teaches regarding family structure and respect for parental authority. Here are a few helpful scriptures to make my point.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise” (Ephesians 6:1-2). Fathers, do not exasperate your children, instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).

Colossians 3:20-21… Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

The book of Proverbs is filled with instruction concerning the raising of children. “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him” (Proverbs 13:24). “Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death (Prov. 19:18).

Discipline is correcting a path, and the right path is clearly marked.

Just thinking,
Pastor Jerry

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