19 Nov

Thanksgiving

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Prayer, thanksgiving.

Can you believe the Thanksgiving holiday is upon us? It will be Christmas before we know it. This week, we moved the lawn mower to the back of the shed, and brought the snowblower closer to the door. I suppose I will be criticized for wanting snow, but I’m just getting prepared for God’s answer to our prayers for moisture. At this point, I don’t care how it comes.

Thanksgiving is our topic for the week. As we contemplate giving thanks, I wonder if we give much thought to the idea. Are we truly thankful? A question I might ask some folks is this: Who are you thanking, anyway? It is God we thank. It is God who gives every good gift. (James 1:17)

Do we look back on our lives and thank God for what he’s done for us? In Psalm 138, we get a glimpse of King David’s heart as he gives thanks to his God. If you have a Bible, I’d like you to read Psalm 138. You might do this as your family gathers for the Thanksgiving meal. Just mute the ball game and read it aloud, as a reminder of God’s blessings..

In verses 1-3, he tells God that he will praise him with all his heart, he will do it publicly, with a proper attitude and posture, and with thanksgiving. In addition to the elements of his praise, he will give thanks for God’s love, for His faithfulness, for answers to past prayers and for the spiritual strength that God provides.

He then prays for all kings (leaders of nations) to acknowledge God’s favor to those who are humble and not arrogant or prideful (verses 4-6). David concludes by asking God to continue to work in his own life, bringing God’s plan for him to completion (verses 7-8).

As we offer praise to God and thank Him for material and spiritual blessings, let us not forget to thank him for answered prayer. Remember those times you asked him for protection, strength, comfort, patience, love or other special needs, and he supplied them. Beware of taking God’s provision and answered prayers for granted.

Scripture reminds us to “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Then we are to trust Him to complete the work he has begun in us (Philippians 1:6).

Giving thanks,
Pastor Jerry

12 Nov

Moving Forward

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

There was a taste of winter this week. The wind blew in some cold air, resulting in some light snow, but none of it lasted for long. Maybe it was just to remind us of things that need to be done before winter comes to stay.

On a personal note, I will be having surgery to repair some torn cartilage in my left knee. I’m not sure what caused it, but I’ve been told it’s a curse resulting from my lack of compassion for others suffering knee pain . 🙂

The election is over, the world did not end, the sun came up, and we go forward. Christians are given the command to be about the Lord’s business until he returns. I recently read this: “Our hope is not in the donkey, nor in the elephant. Our hope is in the Lamb of God!”

Our tendency at a time like this, is to want to sit down by the side of the road with our head in our hands, and give up. This is not what the Lord would have us to do. Though it seems the whole world is going directly away from God and the Bible, we Christians have been given the responsibility of proclaiming His truth to those who do not know Him.

The early Christians, beginning with Jesus’ disciples, proclaimed his gospel to the world in which they lived. They did so in the face of ridicule, persecution and even death. We are called to do the same.

Here are just a few verses that apply: Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus is speaking. “Therefore to and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them….and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

Acts 4:12…Peter preaching to the people and speaking of Jesus; “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Following this statement from Peter, he and John are brought before the authorities and commanded to stop preaching. Their answer? “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (4:20).

Finally, Peter writes in his first letter these words of instruction to believers: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15).

Judging from the results of this last election, there are probably millions of people who don’t know, or who misapply God’s word. It is high time for His people to proclaim the saving gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. And to do it boldly, but with love and compassion, gentleness and respect.

Proclaiming Him,
Pastor Jerry

5 Nov

Powerless

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Faith. Tagged: .

It is good to live in the middle of America. We’ve had a nice week in regard to the weather. We are still in need of some rain, but feel blessed that we haven’t had the wind and other nasty things that have occurred in other parts of the country. We need to pray for our northeast coast residents, as they recover from the storm.

A headline caught my attention this week. After all, that’s what headlines are supposed to do. It was just one word: “POWERLESS.” We are reminded when a storm like “Sandy” comes along, that puny humans are just that. Powerless.

When the storm comes, we are powerless to do anything except ride it out. We are powerless to control the wind and the water, and when the power lines blow down, we are literally powerless, having become so accustomed to having electric power at our fingertips.

In a similar fashion, in our own strength, we have no power over sin, we have no power to save ourselves from sin’s penalty, and we have no power to work our way to heaven. In spite of our human wit and wisdom we can do nothing but throw ourselves on God’s mercy. It is only by the grace of God and his power that we can overcome sin and it is only by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and his finished work on the cross, that we are saved from the penalty of sin.

Very few of the people in the path of Hurricane Sandy thought they could withstand her fury in their own strength. Those who had that idea most certainly realized their weakness when the storm struck.

In Jeremiah 27:5, God says, “With my great power and outstretched arm I made the earth and its people and the animals that are on it…” And who controls the weather? “He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth; he sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses” (Psalm 135:7).

Yet, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah 40:29). The Lord told the apostle Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” In other words, our weakness only magnifies God’s power. We are reminded in Ephesians 6:10 to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”

Finally, this benediction from Jude: “To the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forever more! Amen.

If you are in situation you are powerless to change, call on the Lord. He cares, and he will give you strength to make it through the storm.

In His strength,
Pastor Jerry

29 Oct

Whose Prayers are Answered?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Faith, Prayer. Tagged: .

We have had our first snow of the season. There were only 3 or 4 inches, but it was wet and melted away fairly quickly. Thank you, Lord! Much more moisture is needed to return the land to normal. Please keep praying for rain.

Several days this week were spent cleaning out excess “stuff” from the ranch buildings. With the projected closing date nearing, we hope to be able to bring that part of our lives to a conclusion and move on. As mentioned in a previous column, change isn’t always easy, but change will come. It is up to us to make the best of it.

As I ask you to pray for rain, and as I believe we need also to pray for our country in this election year, there is a thought that I must share. We must understand that only God can answer prayer, and also, that he only answers the prayers of his children.

I realize I may be getting into controversial territory with this, but I believe the Bible confirms it.

In the Old Testament we read this: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Notice the requirements for God’s hearing their prayers: humility, confession of sin, repentance and seeking Him. Other conditions for answered prayer include obedience to God’s word, faith in the Lord and obedience to his word, among others.

There was a point in Israel’s history when they became so far removed from God, that he would not hear prayers on their behalf. (Jeremiah 7:16).

In John’s gospel, there is the story of a man whose blindness was healed by Jesus. To the Pharisees who disbelieved his story, the man said, “We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will” (John 9:31).

So, when we offer to pray for someone, or for a certain situation, we need to understand that God answers the prayers of his people. I’m not sure he answers the prayers of others, except the prayers of the one who prays to receive Jesus as his or her Savior.

God hears and answers the prayers of his children. Are you one of his?

Just thinking,
Pastor Jerry

22 Oct

The Body of Christ

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Faith.

My trip to Kansas last week was nice. I was privileged to hear some great preaching and teaching, along with some very good singing. I came home encouraged and excited to hear what the Lord is doing in our two-state convention. The only down side was that I was a bit lame from what appears to have been touch of gout in my left foot.

With the pain in the toe experience, I was once again reminded of the passage of Scripture in which the apostle Paul describes God’s family as a body. Each of the parts is dependent on the others, and expanding on that thought, when any part hurts, the whole body is affected.

“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though its parts are many, they form one body…. Now the body is not made up of one part but of many…If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it” (1 Corinthians 12:12, 14-26).

At the local church level, we feel the pain or share in the joy each member experiences in their daily lives.

We are also members of a larger body, which is God’s global church, made up of believers everywhere in this world. So, when we hear of Christians being persecuted for their faith in other parts of the world, it should cause us to feel their pain.

Likewise, when we hear of other Christians being blessed by God, we should rejoice with them, instead of being envious of their blessing. This week, when I heard testimonies of lives being changed in far places because of the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ, I rejoiced with those who were seeing these things first-hand. So, also, news of Christians being killed for their faith, brings feelings of sorrow and pain.

A Christian is not an end unto himself. We are all a part of the body of Jesus Christ. I know of no place in the Bible that says we are called to God’s Secret Service, and I read of no Lone Ranger Christians. We may not all be in high-visibility positions, but we are all parts of the same body.

Ephesians 4:15-16 says, “Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

Are you part of His body?

Simply His,
Pastor Jerry

15 Oct

Winds of Change

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

I have noticed a change in the air. Our winds have taken a northerly direction in the last few weeks. It is something that happens this time of the year. Along with the winds come other changes. The leaves turn from green to yellow and orange, some are even bright red. It is a signal of a larger change, one that is moving us from summer, through fall, and into winter.

Those who miss the changing of the season will be mighty uncomfortable when those winter winds come with their freezing temperatures, along with snow and ice.

The seasons of our lives change, also. This is not a new subject, but one we might need to consider again.

I believe, whether we want it or not, change comes into our lives regularly. Many times, we are forced to change because of circumstances. Occasionally, the Lord sends change our way to mold us into the person he wants us to be. I have found in my own life, that the best way to deal with change is to think of it in terms of a book that is being written. As one chapter closes, another opens for us.

The Bible deals very much with the subject of change. Abraham was called by God to pack up and move all his belongings to a place he had never heard of, much less visited. Daniel and his friends were taken into captivity. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, and spent time in prison for a something he did not do.

In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, the writer tells us there is a time for everything, and most of it involves change.

And, the person who sincerely accepts Jesus Christ as his Savior will undergo real change. The Bible says if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17). Talk about change!

Finally, at the last day, we will all be changed ( 1 Corinthians 15:51-52). John tells us that we who believe will all be like Jesus. (1 John 3:2).

Change is inevitable. Don’t miss it. Let us be sure we are making and accepting those changes with eternity in view.

One more thing–God does not change, nor does his Word.

Changed because of Him,
Pastor Jerry

8 Oct

Visiting Hours in Heaven?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Eternal Life, Faith, Heaven, The Good News.

Dear friends,
I experienced another birthday anniversary last week. There was no major celebration, but Alex took me to the cafe for breakfast, and my beautiful wife prepared a tasty lunch. Then, of course, there were a few cards in the mail, along with many Facebook greetings from friends. All in all, it was a good day.

Some time ago, I saw a comment that said something like this: It’s too bad there aren’t visiting hours in heaven. This brings several images to my mind, but really, how could this possibly be true? It is a nice sentiment, but “it ain’t gonna’ happen”. I know there are times we would like to visit those who have gone on before us, but let’s face it, there can be no such thing.

First, the only way anyone gets to heaven is through faith in Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ own words, “No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

Second, for anyone to enter heaven, they have to die. In the words of the old song, “I’ll never get out of this world alive.” The Bible says, “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that to face judgment. The judgment determines a person’s eternal destination. For the believer, that destination is heaven. For the unbeliever, the one who rejects God’s salvation, the destination is hell.

Thirdly, even if there were visiting hours in heaven, who would want to come back to this old fallen, sin sick world? You would want to stay there, because that is where Jesus is.

Last, but not least, if our reason to visit heaven is to see our loved ones, we are wanting to go there for the wrong reason. God gave us memories for a purpose. It’s because there are no visiting hours in heaven. Those memories are how we visit our loved ones.

When we enter heaven’s gates, it is forever.

Waiting to see Jesus,
Pastor Jerry

1 Oct

Forgiven

Posted by sandhillspastor in Forgiveness. Tagged: .

Last week, I mentioned briefly that we had purchased a used camper. As with many things I have acquired over the years, it needs a bit of repair. One little place on the top corner was apparently damaged, and never repaired. This has allowed water inside the walls, causing a lot of unseen damage. When this happens, it eventually leads to the need for some major repair work.

This is much the same way sin affects a person. Just allowing one little sin to enter a life can lead to much damage, most of which cannot be seen from the outside. The Bible says the wages of sin is death. The good news is that Jesus Christ paid the price for our sin. He brings spiritual healing to those who place their faith in Him. The Bible says this: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). Confession of our sins results in a restored relationship with the Lord.

Here is one more thought dealing with the topic of forgiveness. When others sin against us, we can forgive them, as Jesus also forgave us, or we can let anger and bitterness take up residence inside us. However, anger and resentment are like the water that entered into our camper walls. It eats away from the inside and will eventually destroy us. The remedy for anger and resentment toward another person is total forgiveness of the offending one. It does not matter if we ask that person’s forgiveness face-to-face, it is not always possible to do that. However it is very possible for us to forgive that person in our heart.

If we are willing to forgive, we will find that a heavy burden has been lifted from us. Forgiveness is wonderful medicine for the wounded soul. In the scripture that is known as the Lord’s Prayer, we are told to pray that God would forgive us our trespasses (sins), as we forgive those who trespass (sin) against us. I would say we are commanded to practice forgiveness, much as God has forgiven us.

Forgiving the person who caused the damage won’t fix our camper, but it will let us enjoy it, and forgiveness won’t fix the hurt you may have experienced, but it will bring you freedom.

Forgiven,
Pastor Jerry

24 Sep

Connected?

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

Hello friends,

Cooler weather is here at last. We have had our first frost, and I’m sure the folks with allergies will be more comfortable. Our biggest need is for some significant rainfall, but at this point, I think we’d even settle for a wet snowfall.

Alex is getting along well with his crutches, but is frustrated occasionally by his inability to get where he’s going quickly. We will check in with the doctor on Friday to get his stitches out and further instructions on his rehab.

In other news, we have become owners of a fifth wheel camper trailer. What remains is, will we ever take the time to use it for its intended purpose?

A few week ago, as I sat waiting for someone in Walmart, I noticed a fair number of people walking around with their smart-phones and other electronic devices in their hands. I wondered, is it so important to stay connected that you are reduced to having only one hand with which to get your work done, while the other is checking your messages?

I admit to behaving like this sometimes, but not at the extreme level. No yet, anyway. The question arises, “How often do we check the Bible for a message from the Lord?” Some of you will answer, “I have the Bible app installed in my device.” Next question: Are you seen checking that “app” as often as you check email or instant messaging? Most of the “important” messages we receive by way of social media are in reality not so important that we need to be “connected” in all our waking and sleeping hours. The messages I would like us to be focused on are those contained in God’s word. Now, there is communication that matters for eternity!

Consider these verses: “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long” (Psalm 119:97). “My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises”) Psalm 119:148.

The most important message ever received from God is 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.” Continuing with the idea of messaging, we read this: “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17.)

With whom are you connected most?

Connected through His Word,
Pastor Jerry

17 Sep

Spiritual Heart Surgery

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living. Tagged: , .

Here is a snapshot of last week: Tuesday morning, I made a run to Ord, taking some folks to a doctor’s appointment, Tuesday afternoon, I took Alex to a dental appointment in Burwell. Wednesday, I had an eye appointment in Ord, Thursday we went to Cairo, Nebraska to look at a camper trailer, and Friday Alex had surgery on his knee in Grand Island. It makes me tired just remembering!

For a rather long time, Alex has occasionally complained of knee pain. After a season of dismissing it as “growing pains”, we took him to see an orthopedic surgeon. He gave us a diagnosis, and suggested surgery to fix the problem. Part of the procedure involved some trimming of damaged cartilage. Alex is now using crutches to get around, and will be for 12 weeks. He is to apply no pressure to his knee joint for those weeks. There is not space to explain it all, but if you want more information, just Google “Osteochondritis dissecans.”

Corrective surgery such as Alex had on his knee involves a certain amount of pain and discomfort, leading to restoration and healing of the joint. Seeing the pictures of the inside of his knee joint, reminded me that sometimes God has to trim up some rough edges in the hearts of his children. It may not be visible on the outside, but we just might need the special touch of the Great Physician.

It may be caused by some sin we’ve committed, or maybe it is just the result of drifting out of fellowship with him by neglecting our quiet time, or skipping Sunday worship for a few weeks.

Many times the restoration of our relationship with the Lord calls for some internal repair. It usually involves some level of discomfort, maybe even pain, but it always leads to a restored fellowship with our Lord.

I’m reminded of the following scriptures: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). “Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind” (Psalm 26:2).

After his sin with Bathsheba, David prayed, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). In Hebrews 4:12, we read “The Word of God is living and active…, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Are you needing some “heart repair” from the one who knows the condition of your heart? Submit to His healing hand, and let him restore you to perfect spiritual health.

In His tender care,
Pastor Jerry

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