Stormy Weather

 

Hello all,

Rain! We have had abundant rain in recent days. This has been accompanied at times with very strong winds and hail in some areas. I drove from Ord to Burwell in one of those storms. As I drove into the torrential rain and wind, I was wondering if I had made the right choice. It is interesting to think that last spring we wondered if it would ever rain, but God’s timing is always perfect.

 

As I ponder the storms we go through in this life, I am reminded that God has promised peace in those times. As believers in the Lord Jesus, we should have no fear of storms, knowing that He will bring us through to the other side. We are not promised there will be no storms, only that He is faithful to be with us as we experience them.

 

No matter what the situation, whether a financial trial, an illness or just a thunderstorm, the Lord is present. We need to trust Him with the outcome, believing that He is in control of the situation, even if we cannot see past the wind and the rain, so to speak.

 

When David was being pursued by Saul, he fled into a cave. His prayer was “Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take my refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed” (Psalm 57: 1). We know David was protected in that situation. David also wrote these words in Psalm 23. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (verse 4).

 

From Isaiah; “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

 

In Philippians 4:4-7 we read, “Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

 

Resting in Him,

Pastor Jerry

Know the Truth

 

Hello friends,

It has been an interesting week weatherwise. Since I last reported there have been some beneficial rains. No large amounts, but enough to stop the lawn watering for a while. The garden was spared from any major damage due to the hail last week. I fear we will be overrun with tomatoes soon, as they are loaded with green ones. Bacon and tomato sandwiches may be regular fare in the coming days.

It is my custom to write these missives Sunday afternoon, but I was distracted by other things, so here I sit at the keyboard past my bedtime.

 

As I read and observe what is taking place in churches around the country, I am seeing much discussion centering on “churches” that are spreading false teaching, and many well-meaning people are being taken in by those who are promoting these things. Scripture reminds us that these things have been going on since the beginning of the Church. We are also encouraged to be discerning in what we believe and to point out heretical teaching. If we are to be informed about these things, the very first action to take is to read the Bible for ourselves and not just take some person’s word for what it says.

 

The apostle Peter had much to say concerning those who misrepresent the Word of God. “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute” (2 Peter 2:1-2).

 

In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he also warns of these false teachers: “These are the things you are to teach and insist on. If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing” (1 Timothy 6:3-4).

 

Again, the words of Peter, “Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:17).

 

For Truth,

Pastor Jerry

On Aging

 

Hello friends,

It seems we were on the road more last week than we were at home. Who knew retirement would be so busy? The garden is beginning to give us those long-awaited home-grown tomatoes, cucumbers and even an eggplant. We had rain on Saturday morning, just over half an inch. The downside of that was the accompanying hail. Most of the garden will recover and we are thankful for that.

 

The county fairs are wrapping up, and schools will soon be starting. The state fair is just around the corner, and one wonders where the summer went!

 

Seasons change in the lives of people, just as they change on the calendar. Our lives have been characterized as Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter and I can’t argue with that reasoning. The Bible speaks to the topic of aging, perhaps Solomon’s writings in Ecclesiastes say it best.

 

To the young he wrote, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say,
“I find no pleasure in them.” Solomon goes on to describe the process of aging as different functions of the body begin to deteriorate. Ecclesiastes 12:1-7. Solomon’s final words sum it all up this way: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Verse 13).

 

The Christian, no matter their season of life, can depend on God to be faithful to His word. In Isaiah 46:4, God told His people Israel, “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will rescue you.”

 

Only God knows how many years he has ordained for each of us. “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be’ (Psalm 139:16).

 

I don’t know what season I am in, but I’m pretty sure spring and summer are behind me. This I know, if He gives me more days, I will continue to sing His praises. As the psalmist wrote, “This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles (Psalm 34:6).

 

In His grip,

Pastor Jerry

New Heaven and Earth

 

Dear friends,

Finally, we are seeing some moderation in the daytime temperatures. Along the way, I recorded a little over an inch of rain. This delayed watering the garden and lawn for a few days. These are exciting days for the Lake Ericson community. Some properties are getting new construction projects and others are being remodeled and/or updated. Weekends see lots of youngsters practicing newly learned driving skills with the family golf cart or atv. Kayaking is another popular pastime.

 

Every day there is more unsettling news from our country and around the world. Every day, I remember that in and through all that’s going on, God is still on His throne, and nothing is taking Him by surprise. His Word tells us of these trials and we are not overwhelmed by what we see and hear.

 

In Genesis, we find that with Adam’s disobedience sin entered the world and God’s perfect creation was broken. God promised a Savior, but He also said mankind would experience hard times until at some point in the future He would return and set up a new kingdom with a new heavens and a new earth. In doing so, He would restore his perfect plan.

 

All the way through the Bible, there are prophecies pointing to the coming of the Lord Jesus, first as His coming as a baby and His earthly ministry Then, His death, burial and resurrection as the means of paying the sin debt of all who would believe.

 

John 3:16 says, “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.”

 

It is important to remember that God loved the whole world, but only those who trust Christ as Savior will receive eternal life. There is promised to believers a new heaven and earth.

 

“But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).

 

“Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. (Revelation 21:1).

 

It is a promise, and God doesn’t break His promises. When the world seems out of control, those who believe have nothing to fear. He is still on His throne.

 

All for Him,

Pastor Jerry

The Truth of the Gospel

 

Hello all,

At the risk of sounding like a broken record (you do remember records?) the heat this weekend was almost too much. The outlook for the week ahead is a slight cooling. I doubt if a few degrees change will be all that noticeable. The garden is coming along nicely if we can keep it watered. I have been using soaker hoses this summer and they are working well. I’m anticipating some home-raised tomatoes soon.

 

Sunday as we gathered for worship, we learned that Pastor John was unable to be at church as planned. Our options were to go back home or enlist some volunteers to go ahead with church. One of our men took care of the announcements and the praise and prayer time. And one of the young ladies familiar with technology took care of the music. Yours truly volunteered to bring a message from the Bible. When I became a Christian, I was told to always be ready to preach, pray or die. Those words come back to me now and then.

 

Sometimes, when it comes time to sit down at the keyboard and compose a devotional thought, there is nothing there. So, this week I will share some of what I spoke about this morning.

 

It is from Romans chapters 9 and 10. Paul was writing to the Christians in Rome and sharing his burden for his people, the Jews. Paul was a Jew’s Jew, but after becoming a Christian, he was concerned with Israel’s salvation.

 

“But the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone” (Romans 9:31-32). The stone, or rock Paul speaks of is the Lord Jesus. He was right there in front of them, but they did not recognize Him as the Messiah they were expecting.

 

Scripture plainly says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your heart that you believe and are justified” (Romans 10:9-10). You can never be good enough or do enough good deeds. You are saved by faith, not by works!

 

For Him,

Pastor Jerry

He Will Return

 

Hello friends,

The weather this past week has been sunny and hot! As predicted, it was a good week to stay close to the AC and thank the Lord for it. I’m old enough to remember the days before air conditioning, and I would never want to go back there.

 

Some days, it seems there is no good news. With all the political rhetoric, unrest, conflict in the world, earthquakes and other disasters one wonders what next? However, as the old saying goes, there is nothing new under the sun. This was written by Solomon centuries ago. Ecclesiastes 1:9 reads, “What has been done will be again; there is nothing new under the sun.” My late mother-in-law insisted that some of the things we are seeing today weren’t done in her day. Perhaps they weren’t front page news, but as Solomon said, “there is nothing new.”

 

The Bible tells us these things will be increasing as time goes on, and at some point, it will all come to an end with the return of the Lord Jesus. That time has not come, and only God knows when that will be, but it will happen, we have His word on it.

 

The apostle Peter wrote in his second epistle, “Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, ‘Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation’. But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly… The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:3-9).

 

Many years ago, I heard a man say, “Someday the Lord will come back and straighten out this mess,” That day is closer than ever. If you do not know Him, now is the time to seek Him and accept His salvation. He will return, count on it.

 

In Truth,

Pastor Jerry

A Note From God

 

Dear readers,

Our days can be described in one word. Hot! The forecast for the next week and beyond is for hot and dry conditions. This will be great for making hay and growing corn. As for me, I will spend most of my time in the presence of air conditioning.

Have you ever wished God would drop down a sticky note letting you know His plan for your life? Or maybe you would like to see it written in a fluffy cloud? Those plans and instructions on how to achieve them are already available for everyone. They can be found in His written word, the Bible.

The first thing He wants you to know is this: “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” (The words of Jesus in John 6:40).

Believing in Jesus is the first step. The second is understanding and confessing that you are a sinner. Third, you must repent or turn from sinful ways. You will not do this on your own, but through the power of the Holy Spirit.

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved… For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

Jesus promised his disciples they would not be alone. He said this as He prepared to return to heaven, “If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with your forever—the Spirit of truth”…But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:15-17a; 26).

Obedience to His commands is the proof of our salvation. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:8-10).

In Him,

Pastor Jerry