25 Jun

Random Thoughts and Quotes

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Culture, Faith, God's Word, Repentance, Salvation, Truth, Uncategorized.

It is once again time for our weekly visit. After being home for a week, we are contemplating another camping adventure. I don’t suppose we’ll go any great distance from home, since any trip that takes much over an hour seems to turn into an unforgettable experience. Maybe it is our age?

We were blessed with more rain in the past week. This is good for the flowers and lawn, and my wife’s little garden is doing great. We have been almost overrun with green onions, and beans and cucumbers are showing signs of a bumper crop. The tomatoes are blooming, and I suspect there will soon be BLT sandwiches, although we usually forego the lettuce and have just B&T sandwiches.

I will share some thoughts this week that I have had filed away for later use. Some are observations I have made; others will be from outside sources. My hope is that we will seriously consider some of the questions raised, and seek answers in God’s word.

Here we go: If I feel like doing something God does not approve, does that mean he made a mistake? His truth is not based on my feelings or preferences. To those who feel they want to be something other than the way he created them, God does not make mistakes!

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening and morning—the sixth day (Genesis 1:31).

Seen on Facebook: Worship is not a twenty-minute period during a church service, it is a lifestyle!

“Millions of Americans see no need to reject Christianity. They simply have no experience of it. (Dr. Albert Mohler).

Ephesians 2:8-10 “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. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Think about this: We cannot earn our salvation, but we should be able to prove it.

Are we placing limits on God’s power if we insist He needed more than 6 literal 24 hour days to complete creation?

One more thought: “It is a sad contentment to be content without Jesus” (Pastor Mark Dever).

Have a blessed week,
Pastor Jerry

18 Jun

Friends

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Family of God, Fellowship, Humor, Laughter, Rest, Uncategorized, Wisdom.

Last week we took a little trip. This was the first we’ve had the camper out this year, and it was the first we have tried out the remodeling that was done earlier in the year. The twin bed set-up is way better than the old queen size, and we now have a shower curtain in place of the glass wall and door, allowing a little more room in the shower. The only real trial came when we found out the shower head wasn’t properly drained last fall and its handle had split from freezing. A little black electricians tape made it work until we got a replacement.

Our trip took us first to Mitchell, SD, where Alex is working, and will be attending school this fall. He is living in an apartment in the country south of Alexandria, SD. We spent two nights in Mitchell at the local KOA.

After leaving there, we took the “scenic route” to Wagner, SD. This was caused by poking the screen on my phone without looking, and changing our route on Google Maps. We found some roads that were somewhat less than the road less traveled. After a late lunch in Wagner, our next stop was in Atkinson, NE. Atkinson was our town for several years right after we were married, so it is familiar territory. We overnighted there in a really nice little out of the way park.

The next leg of the journey took us to the ranch home of our very long time friends. I hesitate to use the phrase “old friends.” We spent the evening, and into the early morning hours reminiscing about old times, and catching up with them and another couple with whom we’ve spent countless hours. After leaving there, we headed home, reaching Lake Ericson and home in the early evening on Thursday.

If I came away with a thought for the week, it would be this: We should relish those friendships that God has allowed us to develop over the years. There is something special about friends that know us as well as we know ourselves.

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another (1 John 4:11).

And, one more thing, your wife’s advice is more to be heeded, than any direction finding app on your smart phone!

Have a blessed week,
Pastor Jerry

11 Jun

On Anger

Posted by sandhillspastor in Anger, Bible, Christian Living, Freedom, God's Word, Peace, Sin, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom.

This past Thursday, we celebrated our 54th wedding anniversary. There was a time, based on family history, when I didn’t think I would live 54 years, now we’ve been married that long! In other news, our community was blessed with another 1.30 inches of rain Wednesday night, into Thursday morning. Some lawns will wait awhile before being mowed again. It is easy to see that school is out and summer is upon us, as many individuals and families are coming to the lake. I’m sure it will be this way until after Labor Day, and it is great to see people enjoying Lake Ericson.

If you ever feel the need to be really frustrated, may I recommend trying to change a lawn mower tire. I mean, take the old one off the rim and put a new tire on. I will never understand why tire manufacturers wrap them up with the sidewalls touching, so that there is no way to get them to inflate! It just seems wrong to put an inner tube in a tubeless tire, but that is what I’m going to do.

After that little rant, I need to pause and reflect on God’s teaching about anger. Let’s take a look at some scripture that will do just that.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him… Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil (Psalm 37:7-8).
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth (Psalm 46:10).
In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent (Psalm 4:4).
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control (Proverbs 29:11).
Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools (Ecclesiastes 7:9).

Now some New Testament verses dealing with the topic of anger: In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are angry (Ephesians 4:26). Paul goes on: Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice (Ephesians 4:31).

Finally, “for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (James 1:20). Good words from God’s Word.

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

4 Jun

Weather Watcher

Posted by sandhillspastor in Blessings, Christian Living, Faith, Freedom, God's Word, Peace, Planning, Truth, Uncategorized, Work.

Here we are in the sixth month of 2018, already. Can you believe the year is almost half over? The Lord has provided more rain this week, meaning we will have lawns to mow later. There were some weather advisories up for a time Friday evening, prompting the placing of some hail screen over Mama’s tomato plants and cucumbers, and some potted posies were put indoors. I have heard reports, or at least rumors of some severe weather in the area, but none here. The plants are safe, at least for the time being.

While thinking about weather related subjects, I’m reminded of that period in time, when I was starting out running the ranch on my own. In haying season, I was forever trying to outguess the weather. Was it going to rain, or would it be dry for a few days, so we could mow and bale the hay? What did the forecast say? Could I depend on those meteorologists to know what would happen? It seemed I was always on the fence about what to do.

This was about the time I started paying more attention to the Lord, and what he had to say about living life. Once, during my Bible reading time, I came across a few verses that changed my whole outlook on this matter of weather, and it affected what I was doing. Let me share those words with you.

“Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.
As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.
Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well” (Ecclesiastes 11:4-6).

What a wakeup call! Instead of worrying about the weather, I was to plant the seed, mow the hay, put the bulls with the cows on schedule, and trust God with the results. Suddenly, I was free from worrying about things over which I had no control.

I will leave you with this: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

Blessings,
Pastor Jerry

28 May

Remembering

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Christian Living, Freedom, God's Word, Memorial Day, renewal, Sin, Uncategorized.

I’m writing this in the middle of Memorial Weekend. One item prominently displayed everywhere, is the American flag. As we reflect on the meaning of this holiday, it is appropriate for us to fly the flag. It is by the sacrifice of many Americans, that we continue to have the freedoms we experience every day.

I hope you who are reading this were among those who honored the holiday by attending a Memorial service, where the focus was on the sacrifice made by some on behalf of us all. I know that many took the time to reflect on the meaning of the holiday, but many more spent the weekend in activities that had nothing to do with it. As pastor said yesterday, “Regardless of your opinion of war, thank God for those who have served, and those who are serving to protect freedom.”

On another, yet perhaps related theme, there was a bit of drama at our house this week. Well, maybe not drama, but a good illustration of the result of ignoring signs of impending problems. For a rather long time, I have been hearing our water pump running, even when no water was being used. Being a bit of a procrastinator, I kept putting off searching for the problem. Early last week, I took a quick glance through the crawlspace door, and saw a small lake under the house.

Suddenly, the issue wasn’t that there might be a problem. The problem was real. To shorten the story, there was a leak in the line going to our yard hydrant. After disconnecting the offending pipe, and using a sump pump to remove about six inches of water from the crawl space, we are waiting to the ground to dry out a bit. After that, there will be action taken to prevent this from happening again.

Whether forgetting the reason for a national holiday, failing to deal with personal sin, or even putting off repairing a leaky pipe, there will be a day when action needs to be taken. We can only pray it is not too late to repair the damage.

Let us return to the values of yesterday, and follow God’s plan for mankind as revealed in his Word. It is not too late. If we will confess those sins, nationally and personally, he will restore us to fellowship with himself.

Thinking again,
Pastor Jerry

21 May

Read the Book

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

I guess it is monsoon season again. I’m not sure how many days it has rained lately, but it has been several. Taken together, it amounts to something over three inches. Looking out my window, the scene is almost tropical. There will be no lack of grass to mow when the rain stops, and the sun comes out. An appropriate scripture would be Psalm 147:8; “He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes the grass grow on the hills.”

“I didn’t know that was in the Bible.” I have heard this statement from various people over the years, and I wonder how much time the person has actually spent reading it? In our current culture, there is an almost total lack of knowledge of scripture. I am reminded of an Old Testament passage from the book of Amos. Israel had rejected God’s words to the point they would hear his words no more. These are the words of the prophet, speaking for the Lord: “The days are coming,” declares the Sovereign Lord, “when I will send a famine through the land—not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord. Men will stagger from sea to sea and wander from north to east, searching for the word of the Lord, but they will not find it” (Amos 8:11-12).

I wonder if this is could happen today, or has it already begun? More and more, it seems we are seeing what is described in Paul’s second letter to Timothy: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season… For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead to suit their own desires, the will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths (2 Timothy 4:2-5).

Without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him (Hebrews 11:66).

I believe it is time to wake up, and get back in touch with God. It’s not too late, but I wonder how much longer he will allow this to continue?

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

14 May

Contentment

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Christian Living, Creation, Faith, Peace, Praise, Uncategorized, Witness, Worship.

It seems we are trapped in an endless winter. There have been a few days when the temperatures resembled spring, and then we have a week of unseasonable coolness. Actually, as I remember, there have been spring seasons like this in the past. In the “old days”, we drove cattle across country for 20 or so miles to summer pasture. I recollect some of those trips, when we were sure we would either freeze, or come down with pneumonia because of the cold rain. There are few things that make you appreciate a warm, dry place like riding horseback all day in those conditions. On second thought, I have it pretty easy these days, so I’ll quit complaining about the weather.

We have been enjoying life at the lake. The flowering trees and shrubs are in full bloom. The grass is green, and our back yard is populated with all kinds of birds. Some are just passing through, and others will be summer residents. We have several varieties of orioles and finches, and have enjoyed the presence of a pair of ruby-throated hummingbirds. All this brings a renewed appreciation, and sense of thankfulness for God’s creation. On that note, I’ll just share some thoughts from God’s word.

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? (Matthew 6:26).

The apostle Paul had this to say about contentment in life: “For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength… And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 11-13, 19).

In other words, God is able to provide for our needs, just as he cares for the birds, if we will only trust him. His storehouse of riches is inexhaustible, but he is not bound to give us everything we want. There is a great difference between want and need, and his promise is to meet our needs.

In His caring hands,
Pastor Jerry

7 May

Milestones

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Change, Faith, Families, God's Word, Planning, renewal, Uncategorized.

It’s a beautiful Sunday morning as I write this. Across the street, the carousel sits empty, showing no signs of the graduation party held last evening for our grandson Alex, as we celebrated with friends and family from near and far. Thanks to all who helped with set-up and clean-up. Those who brought food, and those who came to partake. It was a fitting end to a wonderful day. The Lord gets the credit for providing a perfect day. Our congratulations to Alex, and to all his classmates on a job well done, with best wishes for the future.

Thus ends another chapter in our lives. It wasn’t a chapter I would have written if I was writing the book, but still, I wouldn’t want it to be any different. That is the neat thing about letting God write your life story. As we look back, we understand he always has the best plan. I’ve always said if you think following God will be boring, you are mistaken. The Christian life lived in obedience to God is nothing less than an exciting adventure. Boring? Not!

Proverbs are wise sayings, not necessarily promises, but here are a few: Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed (Proverbs 16:3); In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps (Prov. 16:9); Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails (Prov. 19:21).

There is also this promise to the those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, and have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). Notice this is for those who love him, it is not a blanket promise to all people.

We will wait to see what the Lord has in store for us, but in the meantime, the camper is waiting, and we plan to spend a little time enjoying some of our state’s attractions. But, as noted, our plans are subject to God’s will and purpose. As it says in James’ little epistle, “You do not even know what will happen tomorrow… Instead you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will do live and do this or that” (James 4:13-15).

Be blessed in all you do,
Pastor Jerry

30 Apr

Changes

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Change, Eternal Life, Eternity, Faith, Gospel, renewal, Salvation, Uncategorized, Witness.

On the topic of weather, it seems spring is finally here. I awoke this morning to flashes of light that turned out to be lightning in the east. We received no moisture from this, but even the thought of a spring shower was an improvement from what we experienced just a couple of weeks ago.

On a somber note, we had our little dog put down this week. It was sad for us, but it was a necessary thing. In the years she was part of our life, she taught me much about being faithful and trusting, as she just seemed to enjoy life in spite of her so-called handicaps.

This week will be spent preparing for a reception honoring our grandson as he graduates from high school. At times like this, one wonders where the years have gone. Alex will be moving soon to a summer job and will attend welding school in the fall. It has been an interesting period in our lives, and we’ll miss having him in our house.

As I was speaking of the spring season earlier, one more indicator of the season is the appearance of baby geese here at the lake. I so enjoy seeing them in their downy cuteness, even knowing as they get older they become somewhat of a nuisance. From a spiritual point of view, springtime brings many signs of new life and new beginnings. It always reminds me of the new life we can have as a result of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As the grass, trees and flowers return from dormancy, we are reminded that through faith in Him, we have new life.

From God’s Word: I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again… I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit (John 3:3, 5). 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. (John 3:16).

Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life… Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him (Romans 6:5, 8).

Counting our blessings,
Pastor Jerry

23 Apr

Laughter

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Humor, Laughter, Praise, Uncategorized.

Hello friends,
As I write this Sunday evening, we have experienced the first real spring-like day of the year. This is the one we’ve been waiting for all winter. Someone said they hoped summer would come on the weekend this year. It seems spring did just that, but rest assured, someone will soon complain about the excessive heat.

Sometimes it is good to laugh at ourselves. One recent day, I got up early, put my pocket tee-shirt on, and went about my routine. Later on, after I had been out and about for a while, I came to the realization that the pocket that should have been on my left front was behind my right shoulder. My comment was, “I dressed all by myself today.” Milrae, who is no real fan of tee-shirts, said, “at least the neck wasn’t sagging!” The humor of that situation was good for most of the day.

Remember, the Bible indicates that laughter is good for us. “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). Solomon wrote “There is a time to weep and a time to laugh. A time to mourn and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:4). Also, “I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live” (Eccl. 3:12).

So, let’s all find something to laugh at this week, even if it is to laugh at yourself and bring some humor into someone else’s life. I will admit, some days it is hard to find anything to smile about, but it is worth the effort to find something.

Keep smiling,
Pastor Jerry

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »