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

10 Sep

Good Times

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living.

Yesterday (Sunday) was the annual the Rose Church Reunion and Old Settler’s picnic. I preached, played music with old and new friends, and enjoyed a lot of great country cooking; three of my favorite things. Thanks to everyone who helped with the day! You are a blessing.

In the years since I became a Christian, and as I view life from the perspective of the Bible, one of the things I have noticed is that there are very many people, who when thinking of having a party, immediately think of alcoholic beverages. That was a part of my life at one time, but the Lord changed my mind.

Contrary to all the advertising, it is quite possible to gather a group of people for an afternoon, or a weekend celebration, and have a thoroughly enjoyable experience without consuming alcohol. The Bible really does not condone drinking, as some are led to believe. The apostle Paul advised a young pastor named Timothy to drink a little diluted wine for his stomach ailment, but that is about all the evidence I see for any use of alcohol (1 Timothy 5:23).

Other verses speak very differently of the subject. Proverbs 20:1 says, “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.”
Another passage reads: “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine…in the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper” (Proverbs 23:29-32).

Ephesians 5:18 gives this instruction: “Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery, Instead be filled with the Spirit.”

Approximately 50 people gathered Sunday for an afternoon for a good time, not one drop of alcoholic drink was consumed, and we all woke up this morning feeling fine.

This is not a rant on the evils of drink, but something that I believe deserves some thought.

In His everlasting love,
Pastor Jerry

3 Sep

Labor Day

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Work.

It has been another busy week. I find that busyness is not a bad thing. The idea of just sitting, watching the world rolling along without being involved just does not appeal to me. What would be the purpose for getting up in the morning if there was nothing waiting for our participation?

After a busy week, it might be good to think back and see if we have made a difference in someone’s life. If we were to do that, would we find out we were only thinking of ourselves? I wonder if it might cause us to make some changes in the way we relate to others?

Since we have been observing the Labor Day “holiday” for the last few days, it might be good to check in with God’s word for some wisdom on the subject of work.

I would venture a guess that many of us don’t realize that our job is a gift from God. Most people probably see their vocation, or work, as more of a burden than a gift, but I believe in the case of the Christian, He meant for our work to be our ministry.

Ephesians 6:5-8 speaks of the slave/master relationship, but we would apply it in the employee/employer context. “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on your, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.”

In addition, we are commanded to work, as a means to provide for ourselves, and for our families. Here are Paul’s instructions from 1 Thessalonians: “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands…so that your daily life will win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody” (1 Thes 4:11-12). Also, “‘We gave you this rule: ‘If a man will not work, he shall not eat.’ We hear that some among you are idle…Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat'” (2 Thes 3:10-12).

Finally, “Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless man goes hungry” (Proverbs 19:15). “Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth” (Proverbs 10:4).

Points to ponder,
Pastor Jerry

27 Aug

Loving God?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Holy Spirit.

We are seeing signs of the changing seasons. Maybe the heat of summer is subsiding. After I had this thought, I noticed the five day forecast is for temperatures in the mid-nineties, and zero chances of rain. I must have read the signs wrong. Oh well, there have been a few cooler days lately, for which we are thankful.

In my message this week, based on Matthew 22:34-40, I asked this question: What does it mean to love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind? From the very beginning of God’s relationship with His people Israel, he commanded them to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Deuteronomy 6:5). In the Matthew passage, Jesus calls this the “greatest commandment.”

The answer to “what does it mean to love God in this way”, has a far deeper meaning than I suspect most people realize. I found the following in Adam Clarke’s Commentary, written around 1800. I will shorten his comments due to space limitations.

“The person who loves the Lord in this way is ready to give up, do, or suffer anything in order to please and glorify Him. He is ready to give up life, endure all sorts of torments, and to be deprived of all kinds of comforts rather than dishonor God. That person exerts all the powers of his body and soul in the service of God. He sacrifices his time, his body, and uses all his possessions for the honor of God. He applies himself to only know God and His holy will–having his mind continually fixed upon God.”

As I read Adam Clarke’s comments, I realized how far I am from this kind of love for God and for the Lord Jesus. I also realized that the only way we are to attain any measure of this kind of love, is by the power of God’s Holy Spirit within us. Will we let the Spirit begin to influence us to this extent?

I wonder,
Pastor Jerry

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