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

4 Dec

Herald Angels

Posted by sandhillspastor in Advent, Body of Believers, Christmas, Praise, Worship.

Dear readers,
The snow of last week has disappeared and moderate temperatures are forecast for the immediate future. I doubt there are any complaints over this news. The Lake Ericson Trail of Lights for this season was a success. Our family appreciates all the volunteers and their donated time and talent to bring this about. The weather conditions were near perfect both nights.

As the media coverage and fan support for Nebraska volleyball grows, one wonders what would happen if people got excited about Jesus in the same way? Think about it. Churches would be full; Christians would spill out into the streets proclaiming the name of Jesus. There would be an increase in sales of tee shirts and other advertising merchandise. The Good News would be the top story of the day every day.
Church service times would look like sports schedules complete with times and places those events would take place. All the focus would be on Jesus as the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time). Every word from every mouth would be praise for the Lord. Think about that! In fact, this sounds a lot like heaven as described in the book of Revelation.

Here is a part of that description from chapter 19: The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried: “Amen, Hallelujah!”
Then a voice came from the throne, saying:
Praise our God, all you his servants,
you who fear him, both small and great!’
Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready” (Revelation 19:4-7).

In this Advent season, let us proclaim the Good News of Jesus every day and in every way. Christmas is His season; the beginning of God’s plan to redeem the world from the debt of sin. Praise Him, Praise Him!
In the words of the old Christmas carol,
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king!”
He is the Lamb of God, the Lion of Judah, and the Greatest of all time! Praise Him, praise Him indeed!

For His glory,
Pastor Jerry

27 Nov

Watching

Posted by sandhillspastor in Advent, Assurance, Christmas, Gospel, Hope, Second Coming.

Dear friends,

Thanksgiving has come and gone. We hope to be able to say the same about the leftover turkey. Having cooked a turkey a few weeks back, our Thanksgiving meal was liver and onions. It was a quiet affair, with just the two of us. And I doubt anyone else would have enjoyed it as much.

Snow happened this week. The weather man guessed we would get less than an inch, but it turned out to be more like 2 to 3 inches here. We will now need to get the rest of the Christmas lights up and plugged in.

It is the advent season, when Christians focus on the first coming of the Lord Jesus. While there are differing opinions over the exact time of year He was born, there is no doubt in His followers’ minds that He was born in Bethlehem, just as the scripture says.

In today’s world, there is renewed interest in His second return, or second advent. Jesus plainly told His disciples to expect His return at some time in the future. As we read the New Testament, it seems they anticipated He would come back in their lifetime. He did not, however, give them a specific time for His return. He told them some things to look for and warned them not to get caught up in false prophecies.

These are His words: Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, “I am the Christ, and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed… As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man (Matthew 24:4-39).

Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him (Matthew 24:42-44).

“He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority” (Acts 1:7).

He will return. Are you ready?

In Him,

Pastor Jerry

20 Nov

Happy Thanksgiving

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Christian Living, Peace, thanksgiving, Worship.

Dear friends,

We have been enjoying some great fall weather, but there is a cool-down in the forecast. We have no room to complain about the weather to this point. With the Thanksgiving holiday coming this week, we have plenty to give thanks for.

In family news, the adoption of our great-granddaughter is complete. She takes great pleasure in telling everyone, “My name is Maria Schoenenberger.” We were excited to be able to attend the court proceeding finalizing this blessing. It was a great day, finished off with cake and ice cream. Also, I saw my cardiologist on Wednesday last week, and he said to come back in six months.

All of this reminds me to give thanks to the Lord daily. Every day holds some new or repeated blessing from Him. Continuing a thought from last week, how could anyone deny the existence of a loving and caring God, when there is so much evidence of his presence?

I understand that not everything that happens to us is something we would consider a blessing. Some things are far from being pleasant or pleasing, but if our faith is in God through a relationship with Jesus, those things are meant for our good. I’m reminded of a passage of scripture that speaks to this issue.

“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” (Romans 8:28). We should not stop with the first part of that verse, but understand the promise is not for everyone, only those who love God, and are called by God to be conformed to the likeness of His Son. That happens as a result of placing our faith in the resurrected Son of God.

We come now to verse 35: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? Paul says, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:35-39).

Life is filled with both blessings and hardships. Scripture reminds us that there will be suffering, but in good times and bad if we have placed our faith in the Lord, we can give thanks to Him in every situation.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (1 Corinthians 9:15)

Blessings,

Pastor Jerry

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