Archive for the ‘Truth’ Category

8 Apr

Knowing God’s Word

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Culture, Faith, God's Word, Stewardship, Truth.

Hello friends,

Rain! We’ve been needing some rain and Saturday rain came. It was accompanied by some fierce winds, but with no apparent damage here at the lake. The gauge here at the cabin on the corner showed .70 inch. At this time of year, we usually need rain. As the old saying goes; “April showers…” Before you know it, we’ll be mowing the lawn again.

As I spend time in the company of Christians, the more I understand that many lack knowledge of what the Scriptures say. I would expect those who don’t know anything about the Bible or its message to be ignorant of what it says. I’m not involved with many social media platforms, but the things I read show a surprising level of illiteracy when it comes to God’s Word.

God’s Word is quite specific regarding the need for the Christian to be well-schooled in its message and purpose. Many years ago, I was challenged to read the Bible from beginning to end in a year. The result was that I did so several years in a row. I highly recommend it as a worthy endeavor. Now to those scriptures that relate to the subject.

First, it shows us the way to live: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Paul challenged Timothy to, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (1 Timothy 2:15). “All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correction and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (3:16-17).

The writer of Proverbs stresses the benefits of knowing God’s Word, which brings wisdom; “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity (Proverbs 3:1-2).

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16).

In closing, don’t depend solely on the preacher’s words, but get into the habit of reading the Bible for yourself. It will bring a greater knowledge of God’s Word.

Blessings,

Pastor Jerry

1 Apr

He has Risen Indeed

Posted by sandhillspastor in Eternal Life, Resurrection, The Good News, Truth.

Hello friends,

I trust you had a great celebration of Jesus’ resurrection on Sunday. Our day started with a sunrise service at Lake Ericson, then breakfast at our church. We finished with worship at the regular time. All in all, it was a blessed time of celebration.

We are reminded at this season of Easter that God provided the way to restore our relationship with Him through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Because of Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden, we are all sinners in need of a Savior.

“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6-8).

Lest we get the idea that we can work our way to heaven, the scripture tells us this: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given its proper time” (1 Timothy 2:5-6).

Jesus said this: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well” (John 14:6-7). To the Jews who questioned His claim of divinity, He said, “I and the Father are one.” (John 1:30). His answer enraged them to the point that they were ready to stone him, but His time had not come.

Some other scriptures that point to Him as the only way to heaven are these: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). 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, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved (Romans 10:9-10).

This is our message for today. He is risen, He is risen indeed. Hallelujah!

To God be the glory,

Pastor Jerry

11 Mar

For the Innocent

Posted by sandhillspastor in Children, Culture, Evil deeds, Judgment, Sanctity of Human Life, Truth.

We have been shut in at home for the last week with a nasty cold, or some other virus. We are on the mend now but wondered a few times if we would survive. Weatherwise, it has been a mixed bag as is common in the month of March. We were spared the heavy snow that fell to our south and west.

I did not listen to what was called the State of the Union address last Thursday. From what I did hear and have read I am both saddened and angered at the total disregard for the unborn shown by our ‘President’, as he told of his support for the culture of death. The so-called right to abortion, or reproductive health, or whatever name is given to it does not exist. It flies in the face of not only common sense, but totally opposite God’s good purpose as written in His Word. I will let the Bible speak:

Exodus 20:13; You shall not murder.

When you offer your gifts—the sacrifice of your sons in the fire—you continue to defile yourselves with all your idols to this day. (Ezekiel 20:31).

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (Genesis 1:27).

And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting from every animal. And from each man, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man. Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man (Genesis 9:5-6).

Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them (Psalm 127:3-5).

Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, “But we knew nothing about this”, does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done (Proverbs 34:11-12)?

When will people wake up to the horrible wrong that has been done in the name of women’s rights? Who is speaking up for the baby’s right to life?

In defense of the helpless,

Pastor Jerry

19 Feb

Finding Good News

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, God's Word, Obedience, The Good News, Truth.

Hello friends,

Winter appeared for a few days last week, but warmer weather is in the forecast. I’m sure no one is complaining. I am off to have cataract surgery on my other eye Thursday. Getting the first one done made me look forward to getting the other one fixed.

I read something this week that I thought worthy of sharing with you. It goes like this; “If you want good news, turn off the TV and open your Bible.” I might add turn off your phone, put down your game controller, etc. Now, I am as guilty of those things as the next person, but the Lord emphasizes the need for us to be in His Word. Scripture has much to say about reading and heeding the words in God’s Book.

God’s word lights our path, that is, it shows us the way to live. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105).

God’s word sets us free. Jesus said this: If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free John 8:31-32. In another place, He says, “It is written: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” He is quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, where God is teaching Israel a much-needed lesson.

God said to Joshua, as Israel was about to enter the promised land, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it” (Joshua 1:8).

We are told to meditate on the word of the Lord. The word meditate gives the idea of a cow chewing her cud, thereby reducing the grass to usable nutrients. Many of the psalms mention meditating on the Word. Here are a few: I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds (Psalm 77:12). May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord (Psalm 104:34). I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done (Psalm 143:5).

What might be keeping you from opening your Bible and reading and heeding God’s instruction book? There is Good News in it.

Blessings,

Pastor Jerry

18 Dec

Listening For His Voice

Posted by sandhillspastor in Calling, Obedience, Prayer, Trust, Truth, Worship.

Dear readers,

Merry Christmas to all. It was a quiet week at our house. We had a few appointments to keep but stayed home otherwise. We enjoy this thing called retirement, but in that we try to find things to do around home that keep us from growing stale, so to speak.

In this busy time of year, we can be overcome by the sounds that come at us from every direction. There is a lot of ‘noise’ in the world that distracts us from the important things. As I get older my memory sometimes brings up long-forgotten memories of situations and conversations. I’m not one to dwell on the past, but still there are those memories.

In a recent conversation, I was reminded of a time in the far distant past. Some folks, including myself, were engaged in small talk around the dinner table. One of the group, a professional truck driver was asked if he had a radio in his semi. His answer was, “No, I listen to the truck engine, that’s what is making the money!

In the Bible, we are told to listen for the voice of the Lord. For this to happen, we need to have a quiet time when we turn off the loud sounds of life to hear what is important. Psalm 37:7 says, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.”

Basically, it says turn off the distracting sounds and listen for God to speak. Psalm 46:10 reads, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations.”

The prophet Elijah was needing a word from God. As he stood on the mountain this happened:

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. (1 Kings 19:11-13).

Finally, some advice from the Lord Jesus: “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen.” (Matthew 6:6).

Just listening,

Pastor Jerry

16 Oct

Pray for Israel

Posted by sandhillspastor in Calling, God's Word, Judgment, Obedience, Truth.

Hello friends,

Rainfall total for last week at our address was 2.25 inches. Some places had more, others less, but it was well received. We moved the camper to Mitchell, SD last week in anticipation of the arrival of a new great-grandchild. It will serve as living quarters for great grandma as she helps with the new little one. I am sure there will be an update to this story soon.

Unless you have been hiding under a big rock, you know that Israel has been under attack from her enemies lately. There are those who wonder, what is the big deal with Israel? One has only to read the Bible record to see that God has a special relationship with the people he calls his own. Through Isaiah the prophet, God said this to Israel:

But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham, my friend—I brought you from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest corners. I said to you: You are my servant; I have chosen you; I haven’t rejected you (Isaiah 41:9).

I am the Lord. I have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will hold you by your hand. I will watch over you, and I will appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations (Isaiah 42:6).

Now this is what the Lord says—the one who created you, Jacob, and the one who formed you, Israel— “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name, you are mine (Isaiah 43:1).

God’s good plan was for Israel to be His shining light to the rest of the world. He would bring salvation through the Lord Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross. Israel rejected the Savior, however and God sent Jesus’ disciples into the Gentile world with the message of salvation through faith in the promised Messiah. This did not mean God was finished with Israel. In fact, God promised to keep a remnant of Jews who would acknowledge Christ as the Messiah.

Those who would destroy Israel will be judged by God eventually. God’s words to Abraham: “I will bless those who bless you, I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt, and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3).

For Him,

Pastor Jerry

18 Sep

The Winning Team

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, End Times, Faith, Gospel, Heaven, Second Coming, Truth.

Dear friends,

Weather-wise, it was an almost perfect week. Cooler temperatures were the highlight, along with some nice rain. It doesn’t get much better in September. I continue to adjust to a new medication schedule after my recent visit to the ER and what followed. I can see improvement every day.

I’m not as rabid a football fan as I once was, but congratulations to the Nebraska Cornhuskers on their win Saturday night. It was good to be on the winning side for a change. May they continue to show up in the win column. Go Big Red!

Speaking of a winning team… as the world seems to be spinning out of control, and the devil appears to be winning the battle between good and evil, we may get discouraged. There is good news. I have read God’s Word from beginning to end and it is encouraging to find that in the end, God’s people are on the winning team.

There is a spiritual battle going on between God and the devil. The Bible tells us Satan has been defeated, but he has not stopped attacking Christians for the purpose of damaging their testimony. The apostle Paul wrote these words to the believers in Ephesus: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens” (Ephesians 6:12).

Peter wrote, “Be sober minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

A final word for this week from Peter. “Dear friends, don’t overlook this one fact: With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to come to repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; … Because of that day, the heavens will be dissolved with fire and the elements will melt with heat. But based on his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:8-13).

In His grip.

Pastor Jerry

24 Apr

Decisions, Decisions

Posted by sandhillspastor in Change, Eternity, God's Word, Gospel, Salvation, Truth.

Dear friends, 

I promise there will be spring this year. I know it doesn’t seem to be a possibility when our overnight temperatures are setting records. As I remember, there is precedent for freezing temps in early May. One year I witnessed a beautiful stand of alfalfa suffer a hard freeze on about the tenth of May. It was a Sunday, and after church I mowed the whole forty acres down. It turned out to be a good decision because I saved that crop. Do not despair, warmer weather will come.  

Speaking of decisions, we make them every day. In some situations, it can happen moment by moment. We rise in the morning and decide what to wear, what we are going to have for breakfast, and so on. When planning a journey to a particular city, we decide what road we will take and the time of our departure. In our family there have been wrong turns resulting in what we laughingly call the ‘scenic route’ to our destination. 

We also make choices or decisions that affect our future. Some examples would be education, vocation, or even where we will put down our roots and raise our family. Some decisions are just a result of day-to-day existence, but others have much longer lasting consequences. 

From a biblical perspective, we are instructed to make right choices, or decisions. In giving the children of Israel the Law, God said through Moses, “Look, today I set before you a blessing and a curse: there will be a blessing, if you obey the commands of the Lord your God I am giving you today, and a curse, if you do not obey the commands of the Lord your God and you turn aside from the path I command you today…” (Deuteronomy 11:26-28). 

Joshus challenged the Israelites with these words: “Which will you worship—the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living? As for me and my family, we will worship the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). 

The gospel question of the New Testament is this, what will you do with Jesus? How you answer this question will determine your eternal destination. It is your decision. Will you trust in the Lord Jesus for your eternal salvation? “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). 

In Him, 

Pastor Jerry 

9 Jan

Carry On

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Christian Living, Culture, Faith, Gospel, Hope, Politics, Truth.

Dear readers,
January has been interesting in the weather department. So far, we’ve had rain, sleet, snow, lightning and thunder, all in the same night! We had no issues with power outages here, but some were off for a short time. The volunteers here at the lake were out cleaning off the streets early after the storm, and did a great job. Thanks for your effort, guys.

As we prepare for this year of 2023, I’m prompted to go to God’s Word for some encouragement. Sometimes, the thought of what lies ahead is a bit scary…especially in our current situation and culture. A favorite Bible passage of mine is Psalm 62:1-8.

Psalm 62:1–8… My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
How long will you assault a man?
Would all of you throw him down—
this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
They fully intend to topple him
from his lofty place;
they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
but in their hearts they curse. Selah
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.

These are encouraging words in uncertain times, and they have helped me many times in the past. A lot of attention has been focused on congress in recent days, and we pray our leaders will get back to the task of governing. Romans 13:1-. We are to pray for our government officials, that they would come to Jesus, and that they would govern justly. God has placed those in government because he wants them there, but make no mistake, government is not the answer to the mess we are in. God is the only one who can heal our land.

There will come a time when Jesus will set up His kingdom on earth and the prophecy of Isaiah 6:9 will be fulfilled. “For to us a child is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.” Until then, we carry on.

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

2 Jan

Read the Book

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Christian Living, God's Word, Truth.

Dear friends,
We’ve been in survival mode this past week. Some nasty bug took hold of us, but after seeking medical counsel, it looks as if we’ll survive! The weather was nicer this week, at least it warmed up a bit. Ice fishing became a thing with the thicker ice, and skaters were enjoying the smooth ice, as well. Ah, to be young again. Our New Year’s Eve was spent at home, waiting for bed-time and the calendar turned a page without our help.

I have been noticing that people these days are confused about a lot of things in life. They are trying to redefine the most basic truths about our existence as a people, and our purpose for life. I want to offer some friendly advice: Just read the book!

The book I’m referring to is God’s Word, the Bible. God is truth, His book is true and no matter how people try to make it say something it does not, it will never change.

It is okay to bring our requests to the Lord, but let us not start to dictate to Him how we will interpret His Word. When Job, who had been attacked by Satan, came to God asking questions about God’s purpose in his situation, God began questioning Job.
“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! (Job 38:4-5). As God goes down the list of questions He has for Job, Job suddenly realizes how insignificant he is in front of God Almighty. Then 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)
Oh, that those who would reinterpret God’s word, would see Him as Job did. God has the answers; it is our duty to take them as truth.

Are there questions about the definition of marriage? Look in the Book. Are you wondering about how to get to heaven? It’s in the Book. Do you wonder how you can have real peace? Right again. What about racism? Same answer. Parenting and families? The role of government? You get the picture.

The truth can change your opinion, but your opinion will not change the truth.

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

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