28 Jan

Help for the Helpless

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Faith, Work.

Here is our thought for the week. Most people have heard the saying, “God helps those who help themselves.”  Almost everyone has the idea that it comes from the Bible, but it doesn’t. It is not in the Bible, and it is totally false.

I have seen no scripture that would indicate that God helps those who help themselves. As long as we’re helping ourselves, who needs God? It’s when we reach the end of our rope, and we’re dangling out in space, that we finally cry out, “God, help me!” We have nothing to offer God, and we are powerless to help ourselves. Only He can deliver us from ourselves and our sinful nature.

When I was convinced I was doing something for myself, and that God was blessing me because of my wit and wisdom, He showed me that I had nothing to offer in the way of self-sufficiency. It was then I learned what the Bible really says.

We find it in John 15:5. Jesus is speaking:”I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Here are just two more verses. “This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles”. Also, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:6, 18).

Jonah, who we visited recently, called out to God from inside the big fish and was rescued.

Perhaps the apostle Paul said it best. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

Does God help those who help themselves? No! It is quite the opposite. God helps the helpless.

In His grip,
Pastor Jerry Continue reading

21 Jan

An Unhappy Anniversary

Posted by sandhillspastor in Evil deeds, Forgiveness, Prayer, Sanctity of Human Life, Sin.

This week (Tuesday) marks the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in America. I want to say a few words concerning the sin of abortion. I believe we must call it sin, because God created humans in his image, and to destroy human life is murder. It is murder at any stage of life. Nowhere in scripture is the murder of a human being at any stage of life condoned, especially the lives of innocents.

Much is made in the news media of the murder of young people in a school, or the slaughter of people attending a movie, but there is no outcry, no sorrow over the millions of lives terminated by abortion in the last 40 years. In the most recent report from Planned Parenthood, we find the organization performed 333,964 abortions in 2011. This amounts to 915 abortions per day. Where is the media uproar over this?

There has been much talk recently from the president and others about stricter gun laws, but I have heard nothing about the clear and present danger to the unborn in the form of abortion. I believe the issue is not one of taking guns from law-abiding citizens. Instead it is about a country, a government that breaks God’s moral law by sponsoring abortion (murder).

God is not mocked. Whether as individuals or as a nation, we will reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). When the Israelites were sacrificing their children to pagan gods, God judged them (Leviticus 20:2-5).. Why would we think he will not do the same when our country is in effect sacrificing our unborn children to the “god of convenience”, or to the “god of choice?”

I believe that our country will be judged for this sin, if in fact we are not being judged already. Sin has consequence, and even if America would confess her sin and repent of it, she will surely suffer some consequence of her past actions.

The Bible is God’s Word, and if God’s Word says murder is a sin, who are we to try to tell Him He is wrong? In my mind and in my understanding of the Bible, there can be no justification for abortion for any reason.

Praying for America,
Pastor Jerry

14 Jan

WiFi from Heaven

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Prayer.

We are trying to get back into some sort of regular routine, but I wonder, how do you get into a routine when three days in succession you are at a variety of doctor’s appointments? Maybe next week!

The cold weather returned at the end of the week, but it brought some moisture with it, so we are thankful.

I don’t know how many of you would remember the old song “Turn Your Radio On.” Here are a few lines:
“Everybody has a radio receiver
All you got to do is listen for the call
Turn your radio on, turn your radio on
If you listen in you will be a believer
Leanin’ on the truths that’ll never fall
Get in touch with God, turn the radio on….
Turn your radio on and glory share
Turn your lights down low
And listen to the Master’s radio
Get in touch with God, turn your radio on.”

I saw the following post on Facebook this morning, and was suddenly taken with the thought that we’ve come quite a distance from “Turn Your Radio On.”

With a little editing, here is what I read: “Prayer is like WiFi. It’s invisible, but it has the power to connect to the One you need.”

I know about WiFi. I’m too frugal to pay for a data package for my cell phone, so I search out places with free WiFi, so I can check email and stay in touch with my Facebook friends.

Why do I think prayer might be like WiFi? Because we can communicate with Someone who is unseen, through an unseen power. It is in Jesus’ instructions concerning prayer: “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:6).

Prayer is not the same as WiFi, in that it is always available. There is no need to find a hotspot. You are always connected, anytime, anywhere… even in a whale. From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. He said: “In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me… when my life was ebbing away I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple” (Jonah 2:2….7).

Continually connected,
Pastor Jerry

7 Jan

New Day Dawning

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Eternal Life, Faith, Forgiveness, The Good News.

Hello friends,
We have recovered from whatever it was that had us in its grip over Christmas. Last week Milrae and I were able to enjoy several days at the lake, as Alex was still with his dad. Along with getting a couple of little projects done, there was time for an afternoon of catching up with old friends, and a little ice fishing time. I did catch a couple of small pike, which are now in our freezer.

As I write this, it is early Monday morning, and the eastern sky is getting light. The clouds are varying shades of pink and blue, and I’m reminded again that each day is a gift from the Lord. There is a passage of scripture that comes to mind. It is in the Old Testament book of Lamentations. Now Lamentations is not often thought of as a book that gives a lot of hope, but these few verses stand out.

“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord” (Lamentations 3:21-26).

Isn’t it great to know that because of God’s love we are not destroyed on the spot? He continually gives us another opportunity, the dawning of a new day, to get right with him. It is because of his great compassion for humanity that he sent his Son to provide the way to salvation. We deserve nothing but condemnation because of our sin, but our compassionate and loving God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish. Is this the day you begin a new life with him? Or perhaps renew your fellowship with him?

Waiting for the Son,
Pastor Jerry

31 Dec

Looking Ahead

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Faith, The Good News.

Dear friends,
It’s the last day of 2012! Instead of looking back, I’d like to direct your attention to some Biblical perspective on the New Year.

For a devotional thought this week, let’s remember that no matter what happened in 2012, or what the new year will bring, God is still on His throne. Let us not live in the past, because it cannot be changed. Let us have the attitude of the apostle Paul: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).

For, as Peter writes in his first letter, God has “given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…and into an inheritance…kept in heaven for us…and we rejoice even in trials because we are receiving the goal of our faith, the salvation of our souls” (1 Peter 1:3-9).

In the words of a song from the past, “Yesterday’s gone, and tomorrow may never be mine…”, but I know this: If tomorrow never comes, what matters most is “what have I done with Jesus?

One more thought from scripture that would apply here, from Ephesians 5:15-17: “Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (hint: Read John 6:40).

May you have a Blessed and Happy New Year,
Pastor Jerry

24 Dec

2012 Christmas

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Christmas, Faith, The Good News.

It’s that Christmas time of year again. I’m thankful for the opportunity to share some of my thoughts with you each week. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Savior, may each one of us be aware of the purpose for his coming.

I have wondered all week what I might write in regard to the school shootings on the 14th. One wonders how we could celebrate Christmas in the wake of an event like this. Every one of us, I’m sure, had feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, anger, disbelief, among others. I came across an article written by Ravi Zacharias, a well-known Christian apologist, who had some very insightful comments. I would just like to share a few sentences with you.

After pointing out some things wrong with our society, he comes to the point of his article. It is that sin (disobedience to God) is the root cause of all our problems.

I quote: “The Bible only speaks of one remedy for this: the transformation of the heart by making Christ the center. Those who mock the simplicity of the remedy have made evil more complex and unexplainable. Every heart has the potential for murder. Every heart needs a redeemer. That is the message of Christmas. The world took that child and crucified Him. But by his triumph over death He brings life to our dead souls and begins the transformation within. Unto us a child is born and He shall save us from our sins.”

My prayer this Christmas season is that everyone who reads this will look to Jesus, and receive the free gift of salvation he offers. Your life will be changed, and you will never, ever regret making that decision. If the gift is already yours, praise the Lord! Live each day for Him, to the praise and glory of God the Father. Amen!

Christmas blessings to all,
Pastor Jerry

17 Dec

Some Thoughts on This Week

Posted by sandhillspastor in Evil deeds, Faith, Forgiveness, Sin, The Good News.

We have had some praiseworthy events this week. Alex has permission from the doctor to start leaving the crutches behind. It appears his surgery is having the desired effect. My knee is healing, although I now know there is a problem with some arthritis. And, probably the most encouraging event of the past week has been the rain we received here Friday night into Saturday morning. I suspect there has been a lot of happy dancing out there.

The annual Wheeler County Community Choir concert was held Sunday afternoon in two locations. It is a blessing to hear talented volunteers sing the songs of the season, proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Still another violent tragedy has happened in our country. What happened at that school in Connecticut is beyond our comprehension. Most people have an opinion of why these things happen, but I believe the only source for the answer is God’s word. If we don’t understand these things from a Biblical perspective, we basically are left with no hope, and no answers. I also believe that we will never have all the answers, because God doesn’t give them all to us. However, he does give us enough to carry us through.

It is unimaginable to us that these things happen, but at this season of the year I believe it is of the greatest importance for us to remember that Jesus Christ came to earth to be the specific remedy for sin in the world. It is sin, after all that is at the root of this horrible act. I don’t pretend to know why God did not prevent this from happening. There are so many things in life for which we have no answer. I do know that God tells us his thoughts and his ways are not the same as ours. (Isaiah 55:8-9). In that same chapter of Isaiah, there is an invitation to come to God, to call on him for the forgiveness our of sin, and to receive his salvation.

At the risk of sounding overly simplistic, I must say I believe that unless and until all people acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, events similar to last Friday can and will occasionally happen. Until that time, God is still sovereign, He is still on His throne, and He is still in control of times and events. Praise His Name forever!

Leaning on the everlasting arms,
Pastor Jerry

10 Dec

The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown

Posted by sandhillspastor in Advent, Christian Living, Christmas, The Good News.

I’m writing from the shores of frozen Lake George this morning. All through the night I could hear geese out my window. As the sun came up, there were literally thousands of Canada geese sitting on the ice waiting to head for the cornfields. What a sight and what a sound!

Last night (Sunday) Christmas candlelight services were held at the “historic” Rose Church. It was a great celebration of the birth of the Lord Jesus, and everyone enjoyed a soup and sandwich supper following the worship time.

In my message last night, I made these three points concerning Christmas taken in the Christian context:

1. We have the cradle. This is God relating to us. He came to experience life among the people he created. He experienced humanity at its level. “The Word (that is, Jesus) became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

2. We have the cross. God redeeming us. Mankind was under the death sentence of sin and in need of a Savior. Man was set free by Christ’s suffering. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24).

3. Finally, we have the crown. God reigning over us. Jesus did not come to remain in a cradle or on a cross. He must be more than your Savior, He must be Lord of your life. “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:9-11).

The Bible says “today is the day of salvation.” Is Jesus your Savior, your Lord and your King? Wouldn’t the Christmas season be a great time to give yourself to Him?

Celebrating the Gift,
Pastor Jerry

3 Dec

Advent

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Eternal Life, Second Coming, The Good News.

The warm weather continues. The comment was made today in church, that with the shortage of livestock feed, we can be thankful that the cattle are consuming less on these mild days. I can report that my knee surgery is done, and the pain of the injury is gone. The pain I have now is much less severe, and hopefully healing follows. It appears I will soon be able to resume taking care of business.

Yesterday (Sunday), marked the beginning of the Advent Season. For most, it is a countdown to Christmas, and a reminder of the incarnation, or the first coming of the Lord Jesus. As I look at the things going on in the world today, I am convinced that we need to be looking for the second coming of our Lord. It is well and good to anticipate the Christmas season, but also to look forward to the promise of a time he will come for his people.

God promised that he would send a Savior, which he did when Jesus became a human baby. And while Jesus did everything necessary to save us when he came the first time, he also promised to come again. Then all God’s promises will be completely fulfilled. So again we are waiting. Waiting patiently for God to fulfill his promises is what it means to have faith.

I’m not one to dwell on the subject of the second coming, but it really is something to think about. For the Christian, it will be a time of rejoicing as we see the Savior face to face. For all who do not believe, it will be a time of dread and sorrow.

Jesus has promised to return and judge the world: “When the Son of Man comes n his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left” (Matthew 25:31-33). The rest of the chapter tells us the sheep will be rewarded with heaven and the goats will be judged and sent to eternal punishment.

Jesus is coming again! Are you ready?

Watching and waiting,
Pastor Jerry

26 Nov

The Problem of Profanity

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living.

It’s a winter wonderland out there this morning. There is snow! Not a lot of snow, but enough to make the ground white, and not enough to warrant shoveling.

This is the week I finally get to have my knee surgery. I didn’t ever think I’d look forward to any kind of surgery, but this pain in my knee is getting very annoying. I suppose there is a lesson here for me, I just need to “get it”.

I have been bothered by something recently, so I thought maybe the Lord would want you to be bothered by it as well. It has to do with a trend in our culture that cannot be pleasing to him. It affects women as well as men. I’ll call it the problem of profanity.

More and more, I see and hear our conversations filled with profane words and statements. It is as prevalent among Christians, as it is in the world at large. I have to ask myself, “what makes Christians feel they have to post profanity on facebook and in other conversations. Have they not read the Lord’s command to let no unwholesome speech come from your mouth?

These are some verses that speak to this issue: Ephesians 4:29..”Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths..”; Colossians 3:8..”But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from your lips.”

More: “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless” (James 1:26). “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers (and sisters), this should not be” (James 3:10).

And finally, “Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips” (Proverbs 4:24).

Let’s begin by speaking and writing nice things, using nice words. Examine the things you post or repost to social media, such as facebook. If it contains profanity or filthy language, don’t pass it along. You will gain respect and maybe someone else will be encouraged to do the same.

In Truth and Love,
Pastor Jerry

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