Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

23 Nov

Being Thankful

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Blessings, Faith, Freedom, God's Word, Gospel, Praise, thanksgiving, Uncategorized.

Rain! Who would have guessed we would have received so much rain in late November? Since I had taken the rain gauges inside for the winter, I don’t have an accurate measurement. All I know, is, I am very glad we didn’t get that much precipitation in the form of snow.

As we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, let me share some things I am thankful for. First of all, I am thankful for still being here to write these columns. In relation to that, I thank the Lord for bringing me though my medical crisis back in August. I believe I am almost back to normal. I am reminded in writing this that we too often take good health for granted. It only takes a moment for that to change in a big way. I am now more aware of the need to thank God for each new day; another day to be with family, another day to serve Him.

The topic of thanksgiving, I believe, should always turn our thoughts toward God, who provides for our every need. After all, He is our Provider, the Giver of every good gift. “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 1:17).

“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving” (1 Timothy 4:4). Regarding our tendency to worry about the future: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).

The Psalms have much to say concerning being thankful to the Lord. Here are a few verses: “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving” (Psalm 69:30). “Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song” (Psalm 100:4). “Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp” (Psalm 147:7).

Finally, the one thing for which we are eternally thankful, the gift of salvation through faith in Christ. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). “Thanks be to God for His indescribable Gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15)!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone,
Pastor Jerry

7 Sep

The Offense of the Gospel

Posted by sandhillspastor in Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , .

Dear friends,
First, an update. I am regaining my strength daily. Of course, it is slower than I would like, but I’m okay with that. Yesterday (Sunday), I returned to the pulpit for the first time, and it was good to be there. My thanks to those in the church who have stepped up to help with the services. I appreciate you.
Today, I will share some thoughts from Sunday’s message: It is difficult in today’s culture to initiate a conversation about sin and its consequences. People are offended when we speak of sin, and more often than not, we will be accused of being judgmental. It seems, though that what is even more offensive to many, is the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
To most people outside the Christian worldview, the idea of a God who created everything, and who desires our total allegiance or face judgment is offensive. The gospel’s offense begins with the first words of the Bible. “In the beginning God…”
A few words about God. God is absolutely pure, and there is nothing wrong in Him. Everything God is and everything God does is right. God is good. His goodness is expressed in his justice. God is a perfect judge. His goodness shows in His grace. He is compassionate and patient, wanting all people everywhere to know and enjoy His kindness, mercy and love.
So, the most offensive claim in Christianity is that God is the Creator, Owner, and Judge of every person on the planet. Every one of us stands before Him guilty of sin, and the only way to be reconciled to Him is through faith in Jesus, the crucified Savior and risen King. All who trust in His love will experience everlasting life while all who turn from His lordship will suffer everlasting death.
In light of this, we who believe the gospel, should be moved to take a stand for the truth of the Bible. But, as we take our stand, let us do so with conviction, compassion, and courage.
It will not be easy. Jesus tells His followers not to be afraid of those who oppose them. “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).
In Him,
Pastor Jerry

31 Aug

On Making Plans

Posted by sandhillspastor in Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , .

Hello everyone,
It is good to be back writing again. I am feeling much better, and improving daily. It is definitely slower than I would like, but progress is evident.

A benefit, I suppose, of forced inactivity is that I have had a lot of time to think on important matters. As I reflect on our tendency as humans to plan our days, weeks, and years, I am drawn back to the Psalms. There, God reminds us who is really in charge of personal and world events. We think we are in control of our lives on a personal level, while governments and government officials carry on business as if they are the ones in charge of history. This morning, I want to give God’s perspective on all our plans and dreams for the future.

Psalm 2:1-11…”Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One. “Let us break their chains,” they say, “and throw off their fetters.” The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them….Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.”

To the leaders of nations, who deny Him, Psalm 33:10-11 gives a reminder: “The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” In light of this, it would be wise for the leaders of the nations to consult God’s Word before making their plans.

It is no different in the lives of individuals. Read with me these words from Proverbs: “To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue. All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed…In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:1-9).

As it was made very clear to me that Sunday night, our plans can change in an instant. Would it not be wise to have included God in those plans? I believe it is so.

In His unchanging love,
Pastor Jerry

17 Aug

Life Flight Thoughts

Posted by sandhillspastor in Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , , , , .

Hello all,
We all know life takes unexpected turns. At this time last week I found myself In the ICU at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. After a week of reflection, and I don’t think this will be the end of it, I have some new perspectives. And I feel the need to share some of those. For a little background, I had some symptoms that concerned me, we called the ambulance, and I was taken to the Ord Hospital. From there, I got a direct flight on a helicopter to Kearney, and was sent straight to the operating room. The doctor determined at that time, I didn’t need immediate surgery, and admitted me.

My condition is called an “aortic dissection”, which means there is a separation between the walls of the aorta. It is a serious condition, and can be fatal. The good news is it can be treated with medication. For once, I noticed something about myself that wasn’t quite right and acted upon it.

During the short flight (23 minutes) to Kearney, I had time for some conversation with God. Was I concerned? Yes, but in the midst of that was a peace. I told the Lord if this is going to be the end of my earthly journey, I was okay with it. I was ready to go to glory if that was his will. This, I believe is what Paul speaks of in Philippians 4. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present you requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7). I experienced that peace there on that Life Flight helicopter in the darkness last Sunday night.

I pray each one who reads this already knows the peace that faith in Jesus Christ gives. I believe He took me to the edge, to show me I need not fear the unknown when I know Him as my Savior and Lord.

If you are unsure of your salvation, if you cannot confidently call heaven your home, I pray you will trust Jesus today. Because, as I was so clearly shown in the events of last Sunday, we are not guaranteed tomorrow. Today is the day of salvation. If you have questions email me at lakecitynews@gmail.com.

Blessings to all,
Pastor Jerry

31 Mar

Reasons or Excuses?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , .

Okay, here are the answers to some of the questions regarding our plans for the future, the change I’ve been talking about. No, we are not retiring from ministry or leaving Ericson. The Lord has not indicated to me that we are to stop doing what we are doing. What it does mean is that we are insuring that we have a place to live and call our own. We can live at Lake George as long as we want, but wisdom tells us to find a place a little less remote, and closer to the services we may need in the future. Lake Ericson is not exactly big city, but it is a lot closer to one. After living here for almost 14 years, this is home. You might pray for us, because all this is a bit overwhelming at times.

For a long time, I’ve noticed that when I talk to people, and they learn that I’m a pastor, they begin to make excuses for not being faithful in going to church. I want to say “tell those to the Lord, he’s the one to whom you will have to answer.” I’m not saying there are not legitimate reasons for missing a worship service, or a weekly Bible study. Many times circumstances just won’t let us be where we want to be. I do, however, have questions when the first response is some shallow excuse. Jesus told a story about a man who invited people to a banquet, and we read, “But they all alike began to make excuses.” (Luke 14:18). It is a picture of people excusing themselves from an invitation to follow Jesus.

Concerning those who refused to believe in Him, Jesus said this, “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin, Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin” (John 15:22).

The devil prompts us to make excuses for our disobedience, while Scripture tells us to give the reason for our hope. “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15).

It would seem to make sense that we should give legitimate reasons for our behavior, instead of just manufacturing excuses.

Just thinking,

Pastor Jerry

 

24 Mar

Life Demands Change

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

After last week’s little mystery statement, I suppose I should enlighten you a bit. As you may know, I am fond of saying “change happens”, and we can adapt or resist, but it happens. Several months ago, we decided to sell our Lake George property. As a by-product of that decision, we now own a small property at Ericson Lake, just outside of Ericson Village. I think that is all we can tell you at this point. More will follow at the proper time.

Over the last two weekends, I have attended a meeting of our two-state Baptist Convention’s Mission Board, and, what is called a “Normative Church Leadership Conference.” Both of these events had a measure of focus on the need for change. Churches face change as the culture changes. Church leaders see the need for change in means and methods of ministry, as long as the message stays true to the scriptures.

In our businesses, we must change to meet the demands of customers, and the requirements of governmental regulations. In our personal lives, change comes with the different stages of life: High school to college, newlyweds to parents, parenting to being grand-parents. The list goes on.

In our spiritual lives, we are to expect change, as well. When a person believes that Jesus paid for our sins through his death on the cross, and is spiritually reborn, we are told that person becomes a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). As we grow spiritually, we are encouraged to leave the “milk” stage and move on to the “solid food” of the gospel, this, too, involves change (Hebrews 5:12-14). Also, the Word says we are to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). This would involve changes in our attitudes and actions based on our deepening relationship with Him. “You were taught…, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24). As we grow up in the Lord, change is not only good, it is necessary.

Changed and changing,

Pastor Jerry

10 Mar

Spilled Coffee

Posted by sandhillspastor in Uncategorized.

We’ve all done things we’d like to do over. Well, maybe you haven’t, but it is true for me. Here is a recent example: One morning, I filled my favorite coffee cup and brought it to my desk. Since it was early, I didn’t want to turn on the lights and wake everyone up. My cup is black, and the desk has a black top. As I reached for my tablet in the dark, I upset the coffee all over the desk.As I tried to keep the coffee from getting on my books, I really would have liked to start over. Sadly, the only thing to do was clean up the mess and move on.

 
There is a biblical truth in this story. The Bible says we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We’ve made a mess of our lives, and there is no way to go back. Here is the good news: Jesus Christ came to save us from our sin. When we make a mess of our lives by committing some sin, He will not only clean us up, but he gives us a new start. And he promises to do it every time. There is only one condition, and that is that we place our faith and trust in Him. Scripture tells us Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness. Then we are told, the words “it was credited to him” were written for “us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.”( Romans 4:18-25).

I had to clean up the coffee spill by myself, but when we sin, we are powerless to “clean up the mess.” Jesus has already taken care of that on the cross. By believing and trusting in that fact, God sees us as pure and unstained by our past sins .”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).

Did I mention I drink my coffee black?

In Him
Pastor Jerry

8 Jul

Coffeehouse Worship

Posted by sandhillspastor in Uncategorized. Tagged: , , .

Sometimes I see things posted on social media that just stop me in my tracks, so to speak. Here is an example: A person visiting a certain city for the weekend asked help locating a church to attend. This recommendation for one church appeared… “they make great lattes (and you can drink them in church).”

What? I thought we were talking about finding a church, not Starbucks. I believe the Lord would have us choose a church based upon the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the proper worship of a holy God.

The object of our worship is Almighty God, Creator of the universe. This is worship: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5). “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name. Bring an offering and come before him; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness” (1 Chronicles 16:29).

Who may worship the Lord? “Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false” (Psalm 24:3-4).

Jesus, speaking to the woman at the well, had this to say concerning worship of the Father… “A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit and his worshipers must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24).

Paul, in Romans 12:1, had this to say: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship.”

For true worship,

Pastor Jerry

20 May

Wait Upon The Lord

Posted by sandhillspastor in Uncategorized. Tagged: , .

We are at our “cabin” in Rock county this morning. I guess we will call it a mini-vacation. School is out for the summer, so we took a few days away from church duties. We are still going to be working around here, but it is with a different view. I need to include a short fishing report. We haven’t spent much time at it, but Alex and I have managed to catch a couple of fish. Nothing big, but at least we’ve had some action.

I know the next report may tempt some to the sin of envy, but we have recorded just over three and a half inches of rain since our arrival Saturday afternoon. I can’t remember the last time that happened! Maybe I should have taken time off sooner…

Rain reports indicate a wide discrepancy in amounts received in a given area. This might prompt someone to ask why did some people get inches of rain, and others only a few hundredths? I can’t answer that, except to say I believe God answers prayers, but in his way and in his time. Part of prayer is waiting for answers. The Psalmist wrote: “I wait for you, O Lord; you will answer, O Lord my God.” Isaiah said, “Blessed are all who wait for Him.” Jeremiah, also wrote in Lamentations: “I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.”

So, if your part of the world hasn’t received as much rain as is needed, keep praying and waiting. As someone once said, we can’t control the weather, but we know the One who does. A verse of scripture I committed to memory many years ago, says this: “In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation” (Psalm 5:3).

Blessings to all,

Pastor Jerry

13 May

The Cure

Posted by sandhillspastor in Uncategorized.

Hello all,
 It was beautiful for Mother’s Day here where we live. This was another of those little blessings for which we are thankful. If the weather guessers are right, it looks like we’ll go directly from winter to summer. Our forecast for the next few days looks for very warm temperatures at this time of the year.

As we in this part of the world seem to be focusing on whether or not we will receive necessary rainfall and the resulting growth of crops and pasture, we need also to look beyond our corner of the world. There are a number of issues in our larger culture that are going to affect us more and more as time passes. We are being told over and over that things we believe about morality and right living do not apply to “modern” thinking and that we need to embrace all the “new” ideas that the world is putting forth.

Years ago, I remember the thought being promoted was of a “new morality.” I believe I would be accurate in saying there is no “new morality”, it is still the old immorality. The very kind of thing the Bible calls SIN. Contrary to “new thinking”, nothing has changed in the years since the Garden of Eden, God will  judge those those who refuse to be obedient to his moral law.

I believe the time is near, although I would not venture to guess how near, when the Lord will return and judge the world. I also believe that the way things are headed, we may be picking up speed in that direction. There is a remedy. Here is how it works: Admit you are a sinner; Believe Jesus Christ died for your sin; Confess your sin and ask for forgiveness.

“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.

Your life and your way of thinking will be changed forever, and you will be assured of an eternity in the presence of the Lord.

Praying for all who will believe,

Pastor Jerry

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