12 Feb

Giving/Receiving

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Blessings, Contentment, Hope, Miracles, Possessions.

Hello friends,

After a busy week, it is good to spend Sunday afternoon relaxing and reviewing the past few days. Maria has gone back to her mom, dad, and baby brother. We enjoyed her visit, but we are not as young as we once were. I had my first cataract surgery on Thursday. I’m surprised by the improvement in my sight and looking forward to getting the other one done in two weeks. As the song writer has said, “I can see clearly now” (at least in one eye)!

Last week, I wrote about giving to God and quoted Jesus’ words on giving. “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33):

The apostle Paul wrote, “And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 CSB).

Notice Paul said that God would supply all your needs—not all your greed, or even all your wants or desires.

The writer of Proverbs 30 prayed, “Give me neither poverty nor wealth! Feed me with the food I need. Otherwise, I might have too much and deny you, saying, ‘Who is the Lord?” or I might have nothing and steal, profaning the name of my God” (verses 8–9 CSB).

You see, God is not some celestial Santa Claus giving us all the things on our wish list. Contrary to the idea that we do not get the things we want because our faith is weak, faith allows us to wait upon the Lord and depend on His goodness and grace to provide the things we really need. I have found the things we think we cannot live without are things that would do us harm if we were allowed to get them.

From Hebrews we read, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 10:11).

“So, we fix our eyes on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal “(2 Corinthians 4:18).

The bottom line is, believe in God, He is faithful and true. Trust in Him and see how He supplies your needs. There is a big difference between what we want and what we need. God knows which is best for us.

For Him,

Pastor Jerry

5 Feb

Giving to God

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Giving, God's Word, Possessions, Stewardship.

Our week is off to a busy start. Our great-granddaughter is spending a few days with us. The level of activity at our house has reached a level not seen in a long time, or is it just our age? In weather news, our January thaw came in February this year. It has been above freezing in the daytime, most of our snow is gone, and we received approximately a half-inch of rain. It appears ice fishing season has come to an end, at least here at Lake Ericson.

Here are some thoughts on our attitude toward giving to the Lord from Pastor J.D. Greear entitled First Things First: “God calls us to give him our first and best, so when instead we give him our second and the rest, we set God himself against us.

This is one of the most important financial principles in the Bible, stated most clearly by Jesus in Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (ESV).

In context, “all these things” are all the other things we worry about, like provision, companionship, marriage, and financial stability. Seek God first, and he will add all these other things to you. But, seek first the kingdom of self, and all these things will be taken from you.

C.S. Lewis famously said that when you put “first” things first, God will throw in “second” things. But put second things first, and you’ll lose not only first things but eventually the second things also.

 Scripture tells us that sometimes we are faithful to God and hard times still come. That’s part of living in a fallen world, and it is often how God tests and grows and shapes our faith. Verses like Matthew 6:33 are not a spiritual rebate guarantee, where you write God a check and he promises every time to send a bigger one back to you.

But there are enough passages in Scripture like Matthew 6:33 that we should be sure to understand: We put God first, and he multiplies it, and if we don’t do that, he may frustrate our efforts,”

A lesson learned in forty years of following the Lord is that you cannot out-give God. Give Him what you can and be ready to receive blessings according to His will for you.

In Him,

Pastor Jerry

29 Jan

Apology is Important

Posted by sandhillspastor in Forgiveness, God's Word, Grace, Relationships.

Dear friends,

The good news of the week has been the warmer weather. There were several consecutive days of fog and some icy roads, but the extreme cold temps are gone for the foreseeable future.

I don’t know who needs to hear what follows, but I feel there may be many. This is from a devotional by Pastor J.D. Greear.

He writes: Don’t underestimate the power to heal broken relationships in these two words: “I’m sorry.”

“Through the men’s ministry at our church, I heard of a guy named Ken who, when he was a teenager, was discussing his future plans with his father. There was some conflict: His dad wanted him to take a particular academic course, and he didn’t want to. In a moment of anger, Ken said, “What do you know, Dad? You’re just a dumb factory worker.” His dad had been a great father and always provided for his family, but he had never been to college, and those words crushed his spirit.

More than 20 years later, after hearing a message at church on the power of words to heal or destroy, Ken remembered what he said to his father. So, he called his dad and asked if he remembered what he had said to him 20 years earlier. To his shock, his dad began to cry. Ken told him, “I’m so sorry, Dad. I’m so grateful for you and so proud of you. All the things that matter in life, you excel at all of them.”

It was a turning point for their relationship and the beginning of healing, spurred by the simple act of acknowledging a hurt and apologizing.

Many of us need to apologize to someone, maybe for a hurt from last week or five, 10, or even 20 years ago. Start by saying you’re sorry. Then, speak blessing and encouragement and love into someone’s life, and watch the difference it makes in their life—and yours.

Another aspect of this is forgiveness. If we have been wronged and the other party apologizes, it is important for us to accept the apology and respond in love. I believe we are to forgive those who wronged us. Even if that person is no longer with us, we need to forgive their actions. It is for our good, and peace of mind. We are commanded by the Lord to forgive others.

In His grip,

Pastor Jerry

22 Jan

Undeserved Blessing

Posted by sandhillspastor in Blessings, Eternal Life, Gospel, Grace, Salvation.

Dear friends,

I recently made a coffee stop at a convenience store. The clerk was manning two registers and there were several people waiting. When I got to the counter he said, “Just the coffee?” I answered yes, and he said, “this one’s on me.” I did nothing to deserve this courtesy, but I didn’t argue, just counted it a blessing.

This recalls another undeserved blessing. Jesus came to bring salvation to the world. We do not deserve it, but He offers it out of His love for us.

2 Corinthians 5:21- God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 9:15 –Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

John 3:16 — For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Salvation is a gift. No one can earn it. We cannot pay for it. We aren’t asked to jump through a series of hoops. Here’s the deal, not everyone is a child of God. A popular saying is, “we are all God’s children”, but this is not true. God’s children are those who believe Jesus is the Son of God, and in so doing, they are adopted into the family of God. Galatians 4:4-7.

“In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves” (Ephesians 1:5-6). God says, “this one is on me.”

“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God” (John 1:12-13).

 You see, it’s not on us to pay for our salvation. God says, this one is on me. We only have to accept the gift. Make sure you don’t reject his offer. Receive the gift, for to refuse it is to spend eternity separated from God. Salvation is free, the price was paid on Calvary. An old hymn contains these words, “The Savior is waiting to enter your heart. Why don’t you let Him come in?

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

1 Jan

Look Ahead

Posted by sandhillspastor in Change, Eternal Life, Faith, Judgment, Salvation, Second Coming.

Hello friends,

The promised Christmas storm has come and gone. I have seen worse storms, and this one was less intense than forecast. I am alright with that. As we contemplate the new year before us, our thoughts at this time are filled with a sense of nostalgia, followed by the anticipation of what the new year will bring.

Even though we cannot predict the events of the future with any accuracy, we know changes will probably come. An old song tells us, “The sun comes up and the sun goes down, the hands on the clock keep going around… Life gets tedious, don’t it?” Some days it seems everything goes on without change, but for those who are aware of the larger world, things are always changing.

The Bible tells us that the Lord will return at some point. We are not told the time, but we are told to be ready. His plan is moving toward the day he returns. Concerning the signs of his coming, Jesus speaking to his disciples said, “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” (Luke 21:10-11).

I understand that these things have been taking place for many years, but as God’s promises are true, the end will come in His time. As far as looking to the past and anticipating the future, here are words from the prophet Isaiah: “Do not remember the past events; pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:18-19).

Peter in his second letter said this: “First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say where is this ‘coming’ he promised?” Peter goes on to say ‘The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise…l He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:3-8).

He will return in His time and according to His plan. Those who resist God’s call to come to faith are in danger of eternal punishment. Come to Jesus today.

In His love,

Pastor Jerry

25 Dec

Why Worry?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Peace, Trust.

Dear friends,

Merry Christmas! New Year’s Eve is just around the corner and no matter what the New Year brings, God is still on His throne. With that assurance we can have peace in our hearts, knowing His plan for the ages is still on track.

What will happen in the new year is unknown. We look at the events of the previous year and wonder what next? I do not doubt that question has been asked down through the ages. There are those who would claim to know the future, but over time they are shown to be only guessing what will happen.

We can worry about what we see happening in the world, but the remedy for worry is to trust in the God who created everything, and who holds the world in His hands.

Jesus told His disciples that they were not to worry about the future, but to live for today. Let’s look at some of his instructions regarding this thing called worry. We try to call worry other names so that it doesn’t seem we are worrying. Christians like to use words like concern, anxious, or bothered. Those are all synonyms for worry.

Now, back to the scriptures. Read with me the words of Jesus; “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?  So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’” (Matthew 6:25-34).

Have a happy, blessed, and worry-free New Year,

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

11 Dec

Giving and Receiving

Posted by sandhillspastor in Advent, Blessings, Christmas, Giving, Gospel, Salvation.

Dear friends,

            Fair weather was the word of the week. It is always a good feeling to have moderate temperatures in December. Many times there is deep snow and cold this time of year. My point is this; let’s enjoy mild weather while we can, and count every nice day as being one day closer to spring!

            Christmas is a time of giving. People everywhere are shopping for that perfect gift for family and friends. Well, except for the ones who are organized and have had their shopping done for months already. Christmas is also a time for receiving. Every gift given needs a recipient, and the transaction is not complete until the one receiving has accepted or taken the gift.

            Many years ago, our family had fallen on hard times. There were no funds to purchase Christmas gifts for our kids. I had shared this information with a friend in a conversation and a few days before Christmas, I got a phone call from him asking us to their house as they had something to tell us.

            We went to their place and after some small talk, he told us he and his wife had decided to give us a cash gift so that we could get some Christmas gifts for our boys. He handed me a check saying he and his wife had a little savings account and they were giving to us out of their savings. I have never forgotten that evening. We were in tears over their kindness and generosity.

            The gift was given, but only by receiving the gift would the blessing be complete. I could have said that’s nice, but only by reaching out and taking that check would we benefit from their generosity.

            John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” In John 1:12 we read, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

            Did you get that? The gift was given, but only by receiving, or taking it will it be of any use to us. The gift from our friends was a picture of the message of Christmas. Salvation comes as a gift from God, but we must accept that gift.

In His love,

Pastor Jerry

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