20 Oct

Stand Firm

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

Hello friends,
My trip to the annual meeting was the bright spot of the week. I came home refreshed, and renewed spiritually. It was good to listen to some great preaching.

If we think that the world isn’t in opposition to the message of God, we are sadly unaware of reality. One only has to watch a little bit of news to find out that Christians are in the bull’s-eye.

Take the news from Huston, Texas; 5 Christian pastors have been subpoenaed to hand over their sermons, their notes, and all communications concerning a Huston city ordinance allowing transgender people to use the public restroom of their choice.

In speaking out against this issue, the pastors are seen as criminals. This, I fear, is a harbinger of things to come. Christians are going to be challenged in many areas, and we need to be prepared to stand firm on our faith and convictions.

Is this persecution? Under the topic ‘Persecution’ in my Bible dictionary it says, “Persecution seeks to intimidate, silence, punish, or even to kill people.” How many of these describe what is going on with these pastors in Huston?

We are warned in scripture that if we stand on, and proclaim the word of God, we will be persecuted. “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name” (1 Peter 4:12-16).

Let us not forget the words of the Lord Jesus; “Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also” (John 15:20).

Let us pray for those five pastors, but also for those who oppose their message, so that they might know the truth of the gospel, the truth that sets people free (John 8:32).

In His love,
Pastor Jerry

13 Oct

Spot Free Rinse

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, Eternal Life, Faith, Forgiveness, God's Word, Holy Spirit, renewal, Salvation, Sin, The Good News.

We have the new cabinets installed in the house. This is the beginning of a complete kitchen remodel. Now that the house is only a mile or two away, I hope to actually finish some of these projects. What a blessing it is not to have to drive 75 miles to enjoy our little “cabin”.

I will be leaving Monday to travel to Hutchinson, Kansas for the annual meeting of our two-state Baptist Convention. I’m looking forward to some inspirational messages and fellowship with old and new Christian friends. It is also good to be part of the process of determining the direction our convention will be take in the future. I’ll be returning home Wednesday in time for our men’s Bible study.
It is interesting how little things can sometimes provide a theme for a devotional thought. We were in a car wash last week, and when the wash cycle neared the end, the sign came on that said, “Spot Free Rinse.” I’ve seen that little phrase before, but this time it seemed to mean something other that the fact that the car would dry spot-free.
It reminded me of the cleansing that takes place in the heart and soul of a person who comes to faith in Christ. Let’s take a look at some verses that I found.
This is from Paul’s instructions to husbands, “…Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing of the word” (Ephesians 5:25-26). Regarding salvation, Paul wrote to Titus, “When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).
As Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, he told Peter, “A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean” (John 13:10). When someone is saved, his sins are forgiven; but when the believer does sin, he does not need to start over, he only has to do what is taught in 1 John 1:9–“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
A “spot free rinse!” Something we all can use from time to time.
Just thinking,
Pastor Jerry

6 Oct

Birthdays

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Change, Eternal Life, Faith, God's Word, renewal, Salvation, The Good News.

Hello everyone,

Today marks another birthday anniversary for me. I would try to ignore it, but people keep sending birthday greetings by email and through Facebook. I appreciate the sentiments, and thank my Lord for allowing me these 70 years. I’m excited to see what else He has for me.

We’re still working to get the house ready for winter. We still need our furnace and AC to be connected, and for the contractor to finish up the concrete work. In the meantime, we have been hanging some new cabinets to replace the ones we took out after the move.

While reflecting on the past years, I find we have been ministering here in Ericson for just over 15 years. In addition, I’ve had the privilege of writing these articles and devotional thoughts for almost 12 years. Today, as it has been since the beginning my intention is to introduce people to the Lord Jesus, and to build up and challenge those who already know Him.

I was thinking about the remodeling of our lake house, and how it might relate to our walk with Christ. Here is the thought: When we come to faith in Christ, he doesn’t begin a remodeling project. He makes us a whole new creation. It is not an upgrade, it is a new beginning.

Although I’m now 70 in human years, I was spiritually reborn 32 years ago. Here is what the Bible says about that.

A man named Nicodemus came to Jesus with questions about eternal matters, and this was Jesus’ answer to him: “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” (John 3:3). Further, Jesus said, “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).

Romans 10:9. “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.” Then this: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

These are verses that are near and dear to my heart. I pray that you, also, will consider them for yourself.

Celebrating in Him,

Pastor Jerry

29 Sep

Rescue the Perishing

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, Eternal Life, Great Commission, Salvation, Service, The Good News, Truth.

It is a pretty morning here. I’m looking out at the lake, and it is just like a mirror—no wind, and the reflection of the trees in the water is perfect. The house move is slowly progressing. We now have running water, electricity, and the septic system is functional. Heating and air-conditioning are expected to be ready soon.

This thought came to me this morning: If we were as dedicated rescuing lost souls, as we are to rescuing every abandoned pet and endangered wild animal, the world would be changed. What if we were as concerned with seeing people saved from the fires of hell as we are with saving whales and snails?

The apostle Paul had that kind of heart for his fellow Jews. Listen to his words: “I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit—I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, the people of Israel” (Romans 9:3).

Further on in Romans, we read: “Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved” (Romans 10:1).

“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). Then, Paul asks the question—“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?  And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? (verses 14-15).

Jesus’ final words to his disciples (and to us) are these: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20).

I may have used this quote before, but it is still relevant: “If every person in the world had adequate food, housing, income; if all men were equal and every possible social evil and injustice were done away with, men would still need one thing: Jesus Christ!”  [J. W. Hyde]

People are dying daily without Christ. Does that bother us? It should.

Just thinking,
Pastor Jerry

22 Sep

It’s Not About Me

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, Faith, God, God's Word, Praise, Worship.

It was a good week for us. Now that the house has been moved, the sense of urgency has diminished. This is a very good thing. I was able to get some dirt work done (you could call it landscaping), and last evening, we planted four trees. The job was made easier with something I once heard called “mechanical muscle.”

I have heard comments over the years from some who in various ways have indicated that they think church is boring. This will be my topic for our time in the Word this week.

First of all, we must define church. We tend to think of church as a building where we “go to church.” Simply put, the church is a gathering of folks who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Where they meet is not important.

The purpose of meeting together, no matter the location, is to worship the Lord. When we feel bored in our worship gathering, I submit to you that we have a wrong idea about worship. Let me ask a few questions in regard to this.

When you come for worship, do you get excited to hear the Gospel preached? Do songs of worship and praise stir your heart to worship God? Do you look forward to fellowship with His people? Worship is about giving, not receiving.

Worship is when we come before God, giving him praise and glory and honor for who He is. Worship is focused on the Lord. It is never about how I feel, or what pleases me. That part of our Sunday worship gathering we call fellowship with other believers is also not about me, it is about encouraging and supporting others in the faith.

Forget the music, the preaching, or what everyone else is doing or not doing. If I am truly worshiping, it is me focused on God, not me focused on me. As we worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24), we also remember the words of Paul: “Therefore, I urge  you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer you bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship” (Romans 12:1).

You see, true worship is giving ourselves to the Lord for His purpose and will. So, we sing, “to God be the glory, great things He has done!”

For His glory,
Pastor Jerry

15 Sep

The Response to Persecution

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, End Times, Evil deeds, God's Word, Holy Spirit, Prayer, Second Coming, The Good News, Truth.

Hello friends,
We are experiencing some fall-like temperatures lately. If nothing else, folks are reminded that winter is not too far away. There is a sense that we need to get busy finishing up those summer projects.

You are all aware of the events taking place around the world. Christians in other places are facing persecution and even death for their faith. Other people who are not Christian are being killed just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. What are we to think of these things?

The Bible is clear that these things will be present in the world because of sin. Someday, the Lord will return and make everything right, but in the meantime, what are we to do?

I know there are those who think there is a political solution to everything that is going on, but the problems of the world will never be solved by political means. Politics cannot change the human heart, only God, working through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and His Holy Spirit can change the heart of man.

In Matthew, chapter 24, Jesus answered his disciples’ question concerning the end of time. Space does not allow me to quote it here, but you can read it in your Bible.

Persecution will come to the Christian. It is a fact. The apostle Peter wrote, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12). John wrote in his first letter, “Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you” (1 John 3:13).

What is our response? Pray first of all for the enemies of God and His people. Pray for their salvation and for God’s Holy Spirit to work in their hearts and bring them to faith in the One True God. In the words of Jesus, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

Then, pray for our leaders. Paul, writing to Timothy said this: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority…” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Praying for our enemies is not an easy thing to do, but I believe we must pray fervently and without ceasing for God to bring about the heart change they so desperately need.

Praying,
Pastor Jerry

8 Sep

Moving Day

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Change, End Times, Faith, God's Word, Salvation.

The move has been made. Our little house on the lake is now residing at a new location, by a different body of water. Another page has been turned in our life story.

Most of last week was spent moving the house. The phone rang at 3 PM Monday, and the man at the other end said, “We’ll be there tomorrow morning to load your house.” The rest of the week is somewhat of a blur, but by mid-afternoon Thursday, the house was in its new location.

We had been assured the house would be moved in September. We didn’t know it would be the second of the month, so we weren’t entirely ready when the call came. We hurried to Lake George and finished up by disconnecting the air-conditioner and the propane tank. There were still a few loose ends inside the house and the deck had to be moved back out of the way. We are thankful for neighbors with a tractor and loader, and the rain the night before that kept them out of the hayfield for a few hours.

We had been given plenty of time to make these preparations, but hadn’t developed a sense of urgency to get it done.

In the Bible we have been warned over and over that the Lord will someday return, and if we aren’t ready when He does, it will be too late to do anything about where we will spend eternity. When he does return for us, whether tomorrow or many years from now, it will happen. There will be a time when it will be too late. No one is guaranteed their next breath, or another sunrise.

Here is what the Bible says, and what we need to take to heart: “Now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2).”You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him” (Luke 12:40).

When we knew the moving of our house was at hand, a sense of urgency came over us. Decisions had to be made and soon. We had to take action, and we did.

The message of the gospel, that salvation comes through faith in Jesus, carries a sense of urgency. Again, to quote scripture; “Now is the day of salvation.” Will you take action now?

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

1 Sep

Lake Meditations

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, Faith, God, God's Word, Holy Spirit, Praise, renewal, Rest, Work, Worship.

The past week was busy, as usual. We started getting the house ready for its move, and I met with the house mover. He assured me the move would happen sometime this month. The weekend activities were many and varied, and we’re glad to start a new month and a new week.

I spent some quiet time out at the lake one morning last week, and here are some thoughts from my time there.

The view of creation reminded me that there is a Creator. The variety of colors and sizes of the trees around the lake reminded me that when we are rooted in the Lord, we are like trees planted by the water. (Jeremiah 17:7-8).

As I looked across at the carousel, I thought about how the old things remind us of our past,Then my gaze shifted to the new house foundation and was reminded of the future. There is nothing wrong with being aware of our past, and we make plans for the future here on earth, but it is more important to plan for where we will spend eternity.

The smooth water of the lake reflected the glory of God and his creation. “The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens” (Psalm 113:4).

The signs placed around the area warn of hazards and set boundaries for our protection, much as God’s word and his Law give warnings and limits for us.

The abundance of birds remind me of scripture that says He cares for the birds of the air, and He will most certainly care for me. “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 birds” (Matthew 6:26)?

The cool breeze over the lake reminds me of the presence of the Holy Spirit. As the wind moves the water, so the Spirit moves the hearts of men.

The benches under the trees remind me of Jesus’ invitation to come to Him and find rest. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

On this day when we honor those who labor, I invite you to take some time to reflect on God and His Word. In Him we find true rest.

Resting in Him,
Pastor Jerry

25 Aug

On the Tenth Commandment

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, Eternal Life, Faith, God, Law, Salvation, Sin, Worship.

More progress was made last week on the preparations for moving the house. Monday, the footings and stem walls were poured. Tuesday the forms were removed, and now we wait for the interior footings. This week I hope to get the old house ready for its move.

The area was blessed with more rain this week. The timely rains have helped keep lawn and garden watering to a minimum. We harvested our first cantaloupe this week, and more are ripening. There are signs that the garden is nearing the end of production for this year.

Our message this week was built on the Tenth Commandment: “Do not covet…anything that belongs to your neighbor” (Deuteronomy 5:21). Covetousness isn’t a word we use much these days, but it is alive and well. The advertising people understand the idea that we all want what our neighbor has. We probably don’t get to the point of taking our neighbor’s stuff, but we want to have the latest model of smart phone, car, or computer. Maybe it is the desire to move to a better neighborhood, or buy a bigger house. There is nothing inherently wrong with any of these things. It is when they become the over-riding focus of our lives that there is a problem

The truth of the matter is this. When we are dissatisfied with what God has given us, we are saying to Him, “I don’t appreciate what you have given me, I want more.”

When we covet someone else’s belongings, we are focused on our immediate circumstances and prevented from looking ahead. We need to make sure we live our lives with the proper perspective. What we experience now is temporary, and eternity is in our future.

Only the gospel can give contentment to the human heart. Everyone has the desire to search for satisfaction, and the road to satisfaction eventually leads back to God. Paul found his joy in the Lord continually. His happiness was not dependent on his circumstances. In Philippians 4:13, Paul described his ability to be content whether in good times or bad… “I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Is God good enough for you? If you are in Christ, you do not need to define yourself by your possessions. You already have the greatest gift of all.

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

18 Aug

What About the Children?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Marriage, Prayer, Sin, Truth.

Dear friends,
We have new developments in moving our house. The plan is to get the concrete runners and the perimeter walls poured this week. The house mover has told me he can move the house in September. What fun! It also means I had better get busy getting the house ready for the move.
School starts in Wheeler county this week. Alex is a freshman this year, and his height has been officially measured at 6′ 3/4″. Needless to say, he has left grandpa and grandma in the dust…
I have no profound wisdom to share this week. I will just share an experience from our last visit to the grocery store. I hope what I am about to share will be food for thought.
You are probably aware of the new Coca Cola sales campaign that encourages you to share a Coke with a person named on the label. I admit to looking for my name on a bottle of Coke. So far, I’ve only found Alex’s name in our family, not that I send all my time looking at Coke bottles…
Back to the story: As we came down the soft drink aisle, there was a little girl sorting through the bottles on display. We asked if she was looking for a particular name. Her reply after some serious thinking was this: “How can I say this? I’m looking for one for Mommy’s friend, and one for Daddy’s  friend.”
This conversation made me very sad, but it is certainly a sign of the times in which we live. What is sad is the fact that we have all these children having to deal with things they shouldn’t be experiencing, because Mom and Dad are more concerned with their own “happiness”, than that of their kids.
Two verses of scripture come to mind here: 1) “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged” (Colossians 3:21). 2) “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
I’m not just picking on fathers, there is plenty of blame to go around. However, as head of the household, fathers should make every effort to keep the family together.
I pray this little story will cause someone to stop and consider the effect that their actions will have on their children in the days and years to come.
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Jerry

 

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