4 Mar

Removing Sin

Posted by sandhillspastor in Uncategorized.

Dear readers,
The email version of this weekly blog is called “Lake City News”. There is a reason. I grew up in Rock County and Pony Lake was almost in our back yard. At one point in history, there was a town platted there, and it was called Lake City. In the “Remember When” column in our local newspaper this week from 100 years ago, there was this: “The poverty and wealth dance at Lake City was well attended and a good time was reported.” This would have been 1912. The dance hall, lumber yard, and post office at Lake City have long since disappeared, but it’s fun knowing I lived there.
I spent a day last week trying to remove some pesky beavers at Lake George (our other home by a lake). They have worn out their welcome. Actually, I don’t remember ever welcoming them, they just moved in without asking. I didn’t have any success with that project yet, but I’ll be spending some more time there this week.
Removing unwanted rodents could be compared to rooting out sin in our lives. Some of those things creep in, and one day we realize they are not as innocent as we thought, and it is much harder to kick them out after they become established.
In order to begin working on the beaver problem at our lake, I need to get authorization to use the means necessary to evict them. That came in the form of a permit from Game and Parks. I now have the authority to use physical force to remove the unwanted visitors.
As Christians, we have been authorized to deal with sin, and we also are given the necessary tools to get the job done. Our authority is granted by the Lord, and our helper is the Holy Spirit. In addition, we have the Word of God, which shows us the way to not only deal with present sin, but which also instructs us in the way to keep sin from taking over in our lives. The proper application of His Word is very effective in dealing with sin.
Of equal importance are prayer, confession, repentance and relying on the power of God’s Holy Spirit, not our own: “‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6).
“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).
The very best way to enjoy freedom from sin is to never let it take up residence in your life. Here are three commands concerning temptation to sin: Flee from sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18), flee from idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14), and flee the evil desires of youth (2 Timothy 2:22).

In His Truth,
Pastor Jerry

27 Feb

Leaving the Past Behind

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, The Good News. Tagged: .

Hello everyone,
When I first started this project, I was trying to get it out on Wednesday, but over time it has moved to Monday. I now have to make sure it is out before Monday noon in order to meet the newspaper column deadline. I wonder, does this mean procrastination must end at some point?
It was a good week. The weather was fair, our extra piano found a new home, Alex and I went to a Pheasants Forever banquet, and Sunday worship was very well attended.
Sometimes I notice things that get in my thoughts and won’t go away. When that happens, I feel the Lord may be prompting me to address the issue. One that has been bugging me this week is people who seem to continually live in the past. Sometimes it is yearning for the “good old days.” Others don’t seem to be able to get past a family tragedy, or some other kind of personal issue. We do mourn, and grief is a natural part of who we are, but I believe at some point a person must move on.
Living in the past–what does the Bible say? The apostle Paul said this: “This one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the prize…” (Philippians 3:13). I don’t believe Paul is saying we shouldn’t remember the past, but that we don’t live there, and we don’t let the past keep us from going forward with our lives. God has called us to a future.
In Jeremiah 29:11 God’s message to his people is this: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” This does not mean we will be spared pain, suffering or hardship, but that God will see us through to a glorious conclusion.
Finally, for the Christian who is experiencing grief, Paul indicates that we do not grieve as those who do not know Jesus Christ. He says, “Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep (die), or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). The rest of that passage (verses 14-17) offers words of great encouragement for those who know and love the Lord.
The past is behind us, and even with trials and struggles yet to come, we have a glorious hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. Let these words encourage you today.

In His Love,
Pastor Jerry

20 Feb

Life Saver

Posted by sandhillspastor in The Good News.

I started this earlier in the week, but in fact, it is Monday morning as I finish writing this. Since last we talked, our hay from last summer has been sold and shipped. We thank the Lord for this answer to prayer.
Alex spent the weekend with his dad, and Milrae and I spent part of Saturday in Grand Island doing some shopping. Sunday evening I attended the Rose Church annual pancake supper, while Milrae went to Neligh to bring Alex home.
We are getting some rain this morning. It may turn to snow later, but I would be happy if it stays in liquid form.
At our Friday Bible study, one of the ladies was sharing her Lifesaver candies with everyone, and as she gave me one, I thought, “Isn’t it good to know the true Life Saver?”
What a blessing it is, to know the One who came to save the world from the bondage of sin and hopelessness. In him there is not only freedom from sin and guilt today, but a life of eternal joy and blessing after our time one earth has ended.
I just want to share some scripture this week. I pray one or more of these will bless you in some way, or maybe even cause you to consider whether or not you have received his gift of salvation.
Matt 1:21-The angel speaking to Joseph, the husband of Mary: “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Hear Jesus’ own words in Luke 19: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”
Then there are these: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Acts 2:21). “…There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).
Finally, “He saved us, not by righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy” (Titus 3:5).
Do you know my Jesus? Can you say he is your true Life Saver?

Simply His,
Pastor Jerry

13 Feb

First or Last?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living.

Hello everyone,
It’s been another reasonably mild week in the weather department. There were a couple of chilly days, but we’ve seen worse. Still, it’s not too bad for this time of the year. We’re all back to better health, after fighting colds for a couple of weeks.
I visited with my Mom this week. It had been a while since I had been there, because of those cold symptoms. Mom is doing pretty well, it seems. Her wit and humor are still intact, and is able to walk with some assistance.
By the time you read this, our church will have had its 6th annual Valentine’s banquet. Everyone had a good time, the food was excellent as usual, and the entertainment was special.
As I watched the people lined up to fill their plates at the banquet, I saw that all the people in line didn’t get their food at the same moment. Some are first, some are last, but all are fed. This brings to mind a story from the Bible.
In Matthew 20, Jesus tell a story about a man hiring workers for his vineyard. Some worked all day, some for half the day, and some for just an hour. At the end of the day, they were all paid the same amount. In simple terms, this is a picture of God’s grace, and his sovereignty. The vineyard represents the kingdom of heaven the landowner is God, the workers are believers, and their pay is eternal life.
God’s plan for salvation is that every person who believes in his Son receives the gift of salvation. There are no exceptions, and it matters not whether the person came to faith early in life, or on his deathbed. Everyone who comes on God’s terms receives the same eternal blessings (Matthew 20:1-16).
So, the next time you are standing in line at a banquet, I hope you will remember this illustration, and that it will make you think about your relationship with the heavenly Father.
It’s not about your position in line, what matters is that you have responded to his offer of salvation and its eternal reward.

Just thinking,
Pastor Jerry

6 Feb

Stand Up, Speak Up

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living.

Hi from our house,
Snow fell this week. We were in need of moisture, so it was a blessing in that respect. The snow was preceded by some rain, also. The good news here is we only got about 4 or 5 inches of the white stuff.
It was a rather uneventful week. I did make a trip north and bring back a few bales of hay that I had sold. We had planned on going to the other house and work on a project there, but decided to put it off for awhile.
We watched the Super Bowl game Sunday night, but weren’t really in to it, as none of our favorites made it that far. I don’t do the half-time show, and the commercials don’t seem to be as entertaining as they once were. I wonder if I’m becoming somewhat disinterested in the whole thing?
As I observe the actions of people who claim the name of Jesus, that is, those who call themselves Christians, I recall a devotional thought I had a few years ago. It came from being around livestock, and relates to the behavior of young bulls that I brought home from the sale. Before I would put them in with the older bulls, the new arrivals spent a little time in a separate pen, while they got accustomed to their new surroundings.
The newcomers would stand at the fence, bellowing and pawing dirt, trying to put on a show of strength and voicing their opinions. As soon as I would open the gate and let them in with the older bulls, they suddenly became quiet and tried to blend in with the others. When released into the larger pen, the young bulls seemed less inclined to make a show of their strength, and made every effort to be unnoticed.
I see this kind of behavior in Christians from time to time. Inside the friendly walls of our churches and Bible study groups, we voice our opinions and boast of our strength in the Lord, but when we get out into the real world, those things take a back seat to public opinion. We just try to blend in and keep quiet. The Lord had some things to say about this.
“I tell you whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God” (Luke 12:8-9). Also, “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:32-33).
Fellow believers, let us not just acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord in our safe Christian circles, but out in the world as well. We are to be in the world, but not of the world. We are called to be separate from the world, not to blend with it. Our message is even more important outside the walls of the church. It is a message for the salvation of the world!

Stand up, Stand up for Jesus,
Pastor Jerry

30 Jan

A Force for God

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living.

Now that football season is nearly over…only the Superbowl left… I probably won’t get much TV time until baseball season starts. I did see a commercial today that caught my attention. It was a plug for the “US Navy: A global force for good.” Backed by the U.S. government, all of our military might should be considered a force for good . However, most of us wouldn’t qualify for a position in the United States Navy or any other branch of military service. The requirements would be too great.
There is another force this ad brings to mind: “The Church: A global force for God.” It is empowered by the God of the universe. Now there is a force I’m proud to be a member of. No physical examination is required, there is no boot camp with extreme obstacles to overcome, and the requirements are few. In fact, the Commander-in-Chief tells us He will carry the load. Listen: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). There is only one requirement to join, and that is to believe on Jesus Christ the Son of God.
It is a powerful force. Hear the words of Jesus: “I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18). “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you” (Acts 1:8a).
The earliest members turned their world upside-down (Acts 17:6). Current members are still making a difference around the world.
A word of caution here… service in the Lord’s army is not easy by any measure. Its members are promised troubles and trials (John 16:33 and others).
In spite of this, the rewards are priceless and eternal. Faithful service for the Lord will result in heavens blessings and life everlasting. As has been said, the benefits of serving the Lord are out of this world!

Serving in the Lord’s army,
Pastor Jerry

23 Jan

Pray Continually

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living.

Good morning,
A high profile NFL quarterback has been criticized in the secular media this season for praying in public, especially during football games. Let’s look as some prayer related scriptures from the Bible.
Colossians 4:2 tells us to “be devoted to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Understand that being devoted to something implies being faithful and loyal. It also means to give our time, attention or self, entirely to a particular activity.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:16, we are told to “pray continually.” Philippians 4:6 says we are to take all our requests to God in prayer. Ephesians 6:18 tells us to “always keep on praying for all the saints.”
When reading these verses, we wonder how we would get anything done if we spend all our time praying? The meaning is not so much that we always go around praying with our eyes closed; you could get hurt or cause a major accident by doing that. Instead, we are to be continually in an attitude of prayer. That is, to be alert for people and situations that need immediate prayer. That is what it means to be devoted to prayer.
Individually, we need also to be in constant prayer for ourselves. If you are like me, there are too many times the devil causes our thoughts and our words, even our actions, to be less than glorifying to God.
A good verse to memorize as a personal prayer would be Psalm 19:14. “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be glorifying to you, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Remember, while praying for others, don’t neglect to ask God to protect you as well.

In His care,
Pastor Jerry

16 Jan

Anti-Virus For The Christian

Posted by sandhillspastor in Uncategorized.

Hello again,
After some really nice weather early in the week, there was a drastic change in the temperature, along with some very windy conditions. It’s hard to remember if I’ve seen these kinds of contrasts before. Usually, after a cold early winter, we get a “January thaw”. I don’t think there has been anything to thaw so far this winter. Even with the cold of the last two days, I can’t think there is much frost in the ground.
I’ve been setting up a new computer this week. Very early in the process, I was encouraged to install an anti-virus program. I started thinking about what an anti-virus program does. In effect, it keeps unwanted people from getting in and messing up your computer.
Applied to the Christian, an anti-virus program would keep wrong thoughts and actions out of our minds and our hearts. Guess what? God has an anti-virus program. It includes his word, and his Spirit. At the moment of salvation, God permanently installs his Holy Spirit into the heart of the believer, and by faithfully and consistently reading the Bible, the “program” is regularly updated.
Many Christians, however, fall short in the Bible reading part, so their adversary, Satan, is able to corrupt their thinking, and it shows up in their actions.
Many of the anti-virus programs I’ve seen, use a shield as part of their logo. In Ephesians chapter 6, we read these words: “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:13-18).
We Christians have God’s “anti-virus program” installed, it is up to us to keep it updated. With all the attacks coming upon Christians today, it would be wise for us to keep our defenses current, by being continually in prayer and in the reading and study of His word.

In His power,
Pastor Jerry

7 Jan

Born Again?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living.

Later this year, I will celebrate 30 years of being a Christian. This basically means I spent the first 38 years of my life without Jesus. It was in a little country church, out in the middle of the Nebraska Sandhills, that I knew I needed the new birth Jesus talked about.

Sometime back, I was asked what it means to be “born again”. The question made me think. After some time, I realized that there are very many people who have either never heard the phrase in their churches, or have not had the opportunity to read it in a Bible. And, the possibility exists, that those who have heard it haven’t had it explained. So in the short space available to me here, I will attempt a brief explanation of the term “born again”.

Jesus used the term when speaking to Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader, who had asked Him how he could get to heaven (John 3:1-7).

I found a very helpful definition of this “new birth” in the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary: The new birth is caused by the gracious and sovereign act of God apart from man’s cooperation (John 1:13). God brings about the new birth through the preaching of the word of God (1 Peter 1:23). The result of the new birth is a changed life (2 Corinthians 5:17) which included saving faith and repentance (Ephesians 2:8), and obedience to God’s law (1 John 3:9).

Dead in our sins. Alive in Christ. Reborn spiritually. It only comes about through faith in Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).

Blessings,
Pastor Jerry

7 Jan

You Say You’re a Christian?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living.

I came across this quote on Facebook: “I know you’re a Christian. You keep saying so. But otherwise, I wouldn’t know.”

What would happen if everyone who says he or she is a Christian actually lived in such a way that no one would have to be told? They would just see it in the life change of the person! I think we would find that many who see themselves as Christian would be so in name only.

Just thinking,
Pastor Jerry

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