text: Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Christian Living, Culture, Freedom, God's Word, Memorial Day, Obedience, renewal, Wisdom, Worship. Leave a comment
  First a short update on my lip surgery. Healing is taking place, but I must admit, I am just a bit impatient with the progress. Unless there is a change, there will be no further updates on this. My commentary will be shorter this week, but I trust it will make a difference in some small way.
  It is Monday as I write this. It is Memorial Day on the calendar. I trust you had an enjoyable weekend, and that sometime in the midst of your celebrating the beginning of the summer season, you took some time to reflect on the true meaning of the day. In my corner of the world, it is a day of remembering those who have given their lives for our country. In some other areas of our great country, I suspect the meaning of Memorial Day has been put aside for scenes of partying, cookouts, camping, and many other pleasant diversions.
  Along with many other reminders of our past, the somber truth of how we got to this place has been forgotten. Thousands of brave Americans have sacrificed their lives for the freedom we enjoy, but at some point, we have cheapened the value of that sacrifice. One thing that concerns me, is that as a people, we are traveling down some of the same paths that led to previous conflicts. Perhaps it is time to look around and see if we might want to change direction. A command from God to the people of Israel comes to mind. They had the command, but refused to obey it. Will we do the same thing?
  This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16),
  God bless you, and God bless America!
  In Him,
  Pastor Jerry
  20 May
  Small Blessings
  Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Best Life, Blessings, Faith, Peace, Praise, Worship. Leave a comment
  Up and down go the daily temperatures. Now the weather-guessers are saying cool and rainy for several days. Through all kinds of weather; What if the sky should fall? Just as long as we’re together it doesn’t matter at all. Wait, I think that’s a song lyric from an earlier time! Can you name the song?
  In other news, we made the trip to Omaha and back safely. Of course, there was the expected trip down a self-imposed detour, also known as the ‘scenic’ route. If I didn’t miss a turn and use some less traveled road, it wouldn’t be normal. The dermatologist assured me she removed all the cancer cells in my lip, so all in all, it was a good trip and a successful surgery. Thanks to everyone for the prayers and encouragement.
  When I get away from our little corner of the world, and people ask where we are from, my answer is always, Ericson. They invariably ask, where is that? I think this is a good thing. After being in the big city for just a few hours, I appreciate even more the solitude we have out here in the “hills.” It is a good thing that only a few know the answer to “where is Ericson?”
  In light of the blessings of the past week, here are some appropriate passages from God’s Word:
  I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?
  My help comes from the Lord, The maker of heaven and earth.
  He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
  The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night (Psalm 121:1-6).
  Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.
  Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.
  Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,
  Praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute,
  Praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.
  Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD (Psalm 150:1-6).
  He is worthy of praise,
  Pastor Jerry
  13 May
  On Respect
  Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, Culture, Families, God's Word, Obedience, Ten Commandments, Truth. Leave a comment
  Dear friends,
  We are enjoying some spring-like weather for a welcome change. There were a couple of nights the plants needed covered for protection from frost, but it appears there was no damage. Much warmer temperatures are forecast, so I will say we are past the danger of frost.
  The biopsy on my lip came back with a report of some cancer cells, so I am scheduled for a procedure this Thursday in Omaha. To be honest, my biggest concern is driving into Omaha, the surgery will be a piece of cake. It’s not that I can’t do the driving, it has been a long time since I’ve been there. Prayers are appreciated.
  I had the privilege of preaching at a sister church this weekend. It was Mother’s Day, as you must know by now, but I didn’t preach to the moms. Someone once said on Mother’s Day, you build up the ladies, then on Father’s Day you beat up on the men. I just don’t care to go there.
  This week, I will share some thoughts from my message that apply to all people. Scripture, beginning with the Ten Commandments, teaches us to give all people honor and respect. This is something sadly lacking in the culture of the day. I believe the last six of those commandments deal with our relationships with other people. Here they are, with a positive spin. Instead of ‘thou shalt not’, I want to start each commandment with the word RESPECT.
  Respect your parents. Respect life. Respect the marriage vows. Respect others’ property. Respect truth. Respect the possessions of others. If everyone would put these into practice, our world would be a much better place.
  If children were taught from an early age to respect their parents first of all, then by extension to respect others, we would not have the disrespect for authority that is so prevalent today. The apostle Paul, in Ephesians chapter 6, reminds fathers they are responsible for bringing up their children with training and instruction from God’s Word. Note, it is parents who are responsible for this, not the education system or the judicial system. Only when parents have failed, does this become a concern of others.
  Let’s remember to show respect to all people. After all, we are all made in God’s image, and we bring him glory when we respect his created ones.
  Blessings,
  Pastor Jerry
  6 May
  Thoughts of Spring and Other Things
  Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Christian Living, Faith, Peace, Persecution, Truth, Wisdom, Worship. Leave a comment
  Dear friends,
  It was a good week weather-wise, for a change. Pleasant temperatures with some sunshine and a few showers, should be bringing all the things we look forward to at this time of the year. The flowering trees and wild plums are in bloom, along with tulips and other spring flowers. The sounds of lawn mowers are heard now and then, and the aroma of steaks and burgers on the grill, occasionally fills the air. Ah spring!
  In other news, I made the semi-annual trip to my dermatologist last Monday. She found a couple of suspicious areas, so now I’m waiting on biopsy results. The best report would be the samples are benign, but experience tells me there may be a little more surgery required. Years of sun exposure exacts a price, so take care of yourselves this summer when out in the sun.
  It seems the world is becoming more anti-Christian, although this is nothing new. We are not promised an easy time in life as a result of our faith in God and Jesus Christ. Jesus said we would have trouble in this life. From John’s gospel, we read, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
  These words of Psalm 92 can encourage us in these times. I have left out a few verses due to space limitations, but you can look up the complete text.
  It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, for you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD;
  I sing for joy at the works of your hands.
  How great are your works, O LORD, how profound your thoughts!
  The senseless man does not know, fools do not understand,
  But you, O LORD, are exalted forever.
  The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
  planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God.
  They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green,
  proclaiming, “The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.” (Psalm 92:1-15).