Thursday, January 31, 2002
Finances are a real point of concern for many people today. Although I recently addressed this issue I am reminded that there is a sense of urgency for many and we must not forget the needs of others around us. Yesterday I met with the local food shelf director and she told me that they distributed 34% more food in 2001 than they did in 2000 and the need was escalating. She also told me that many, many people were laid of from their jobs and unable to find employment and that two of the three local temporary employment agencies were closing. The picture of despair and heartache that she painted prompted me to remember how important it is in our churches to keep our hearts and minds in tune with the needs of others.
Give till’ it helps!
-James 1:26 NIV
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Wednesday, January 30, 2001
Yesterday I visited a church that is struggling to survive. They have a wonderfully decorated facility equipped with all the new bells and whistles including the computerized projection system, good sound, exceptional lighting system and a facility that is nearly new. Yet, they have not been able to find a way to establish a church body that is able to sustain the ministry numerically or financially. As I walked through the facility it was a solemn reminder that the building and equipment alone doesn’t guarantee a vibrant, fruitful ministry. Your church needs you!!!
I want to encourage you to place your spiritual gifts on the altar of your church to be used for the Glory of God. Our churches will never get over the fact that they need people to carry on the Lord’s work and that no church has enough money to purchase enough staff to do that. Your church needs you… NOW!!!
-Luke 10:2-3 NIV
2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
A smile does not occur because of what we have but rather who we are!
-Eccl 2:24-26 NIV
24 A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, 25 for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? 26 To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
Monday, January 28, 2002
The poverty of others is something that is easily forgotten by those who have wealth. It is hard for people to remember that because people have less does not mean they are less! The rich and poor are equal in the sight of the Lord.
-Prov 22:4 NIV
Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life.
Sunday, January 27, 2002
Sunday is a time for worship but it needs to start before you arrive at the church!
-Luke 4:8 NIV
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'”
Saturday, January 26, 2002
If one could purchase eternity in heaven, think of how hard people would work to earn enough money to get there. Only the rich would get in and the poor would be left behind. Greed would reach new levels.
Or would it? Could it be that even now the greediest people in the world are those who have faith in Christ and are unwilling to share the story of salvation with others?
Because salvation is free we take it for granted and the Lord’s work is not a priority for many. Someone cared enough about you to share Christ with you. Always share your faith freely with others.
-1 Peter 1:3-9 NIV
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Friday, January 25, 2002
One of our daughters and her husband has a Westie Terrier by the name of “Buster.” He is about 7 months old and a feisty little guy. In fact, he is so feisty that they enrolled Buster in obedience school. After several weeks of classes Buster was ready to graduate last night. However, he had to take the final behavior test to get his diploma. My daughter said he would pass but my son-in- law said that he would fail. The good news is that neither of them is the judge.
We all have those around us who would judge us in different ways. I am thankful that no human will judge me in eternity. Only God is good enough to judge and He has the ultimate and final say as we graduate from this life to eternity.
Those who have accepted Christ have an edge in this matter. God can’t see sin through the blood of Jesus.
Did Buster graduate? I don’t know. I didn’t dare ask!!!
-Rom 14:10-12 NIV
10 You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 11 It is written:
“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.'”
12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Thursday, January 24, 2002
I called someone’s house the other day and I got a recording that said, “If you are a solicitor hang up.” It then went on to tell me to punch in my phone number so that it would show up on the caller ID of the person I was calling. It dawned on me that never once when I have asked someone what he or she does for a living have I ever received the answer, “I am a solicitor!” There are some words that just don’t sit well with us or that we don’t like to use to describe certain things.
Perhaps that’s why nobody seems to sin any more and people just “mess up,” “make mistakes,” or are “misunderstood.”
-Prov 20:9-10 NIV
9 Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”? 10 Differing weights and differing measures– the LORD detests them both.
Wednesday, January 23, 2002
When the grass on the other side of the fence looks browner than yours, this is a good indicator that you have experienced spiritual growth!!
-1 John 2:16-17 NIV
16 For everything in the world-the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
Tuesday, January 22, 2002
Extramarital affairs are becoming so commonplace today that it causes few eyebrows to raise, even in the church. These affairs may become acceptable to man but it will never become acceptable to God. Faithfulness in marriage is not an option it is an absolute. However, having said all of that, I say this.
Marital unfaithfulness is perfectly understandable when we consider the state of the marriage relationship of many couples. They are both working, have little time for their families and intimacy becomes “task oriented.” Couples are tired, discouraged and just plain cranky. Then comes the “war of words!”
When couples try to destroy each other with what they say to each other it is not hard to understand why affairs take place, especially in the workplace, civic organizations or even the church. When one of the marriage partner spends time with someone else who constantly tells them what a good job they do, how kind they are and compliments their appearance it is pretty hard to enjoy going home and being told what a jerk they are by their spouse. If you want to improve or even save your marriage, positive encouraging words is a good place to start!
-Heb 13:4 NIV
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.
Monday, January 21, 2002
For many years divorce occurred outside the church but not so often in the church. Now we are finding that, even in our most conservative evangelical churches, that divorce seems to be leaving no congregation unaffected. Having dealt with many couples in traumatic relationships I find that, unless there is some gross behavioral or vow violations, most marriages fail because of the words that they speak to each other. For some strange reason the “war of words” is fought to it’s fullest and the emotional “blood-letting” has no end until one if not both of them says, “I can’t do this anymore.”
The problem in most marriages really is a problem of words. There are far too few “I love you,” “Thank you,” and “You’re terrific” and way too may “You’ll never change,” “Your just like your mother (father),” or “What kind of person are you?” And the derogatory comments get worse as time goes on until the only words that are ever spoke too each other are rooted in jealousy, bitterness and hostility.
There is never a marriage relationship that is so bad that degrading, hostile comments are acceptable.
-Eph 5:25-33 NIV
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church- 30 for we are members of his body. 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” 32 This is a profound mystery-but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
Sunday, January 20, 2002
When the Spirit of the Lord descends upon His church He does not recognize denominational titles!
-Ps 24:3-5 NIV
3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. 5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior.
Saturday, January 19, 2002
One of the great eye openers for me in my spiritual growth was to discover that there were believers in all denominations. In recent months I have spent time with people from mainline denominations and I am delighted to report I found wonderful Christians there. Don’t be fooled into putting everyone outside of your little organizational circle in a box marked “unsaved.” There are mighty Christians in our mainline churches if some of us more narrow types will just take the time to look for ourselves. Even if some may have forgotten their heritage, I am convinced that God has not.
-Ps 119:111-112 NIV
111 Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. 112 My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.
Friday, January 18, 2002
What kind of music will there be in heaven, “Bach” or Rock? It certainly is quite a contrast. So if you are a “hymns only” person, what would you think if you found out that the eternal choir “rocked?” Or if you were a “rocker” what would you think if you found out the heavenly choir was boring people to tears with that slow stuff? I don’t know what the music will be in eternity but I know that it won’t cause near the problems there as it has in the church here. One thing I do know, the music will be beautiful and it will be God’s way.
Considering the fact that nobody gets to pick the music and worship style in heaven, maybe we should play and sing music in our churches that is more acceptable to all and quit making such a big deal out of it!
-Ps 92:1-4 NIV
It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, 2 to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, 3 to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. 4 For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands.
Thursday, January 17, 2002
My little grandson was here this past weekend and I noticed every time he needed something he cried. At some point in our lives we quit crying, at least openly and visibly, when we need something. Therefore, most of us exist with private silent tears of need that no one sees or hears. Sad isn’t it? My grandson doesn’t care what anyone thinks. He has no restraining fear of criticism or behavioral standards placed on him. When he needs to eat, he cries. When he needs to burp he cries. When he needs his pants changed, he cries. When he wants to be held, he cries.
When we need to be fed, held, comforted or encouraged we say, “I’m okay!” Something has gone very awry since infant to adulthood. Perhaps we should be less concerned with the societal standards or criticisms of our peers to express and allow ourselves to have our needs met by others. What is even sadder, many of the “silent tear society” can’t muster up enough courage to tell God exactly how they feel.
Frankly, God doesn’t expect us to be okay! If He did there would have been no need for Him to send His Son to die on the cross for the forgiveness of sin. I am not okay. You’re not okay. But hallelujah, God’s okay!
Don’t ever get used to silence when you have needs. Share your tears and fears with friends and God.
-Ps 126:5 NIV
Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
Tuesday, January 15, 2002
It’s funny how the weather changes and how different one season is from the next. It is even more interesting that each season is not the same from year to year. One summer is dry while the next is wet. One winter is long, cold and filled with snow while the next is warmer, shorter and less snow. And I am convinced that we cannot not predict the weather. The Meteorologists only interpret what they see coming at us.
Life is not so much different. We make the best of plans only to find that something takes place that totally changes what we had in mind. Really, we are all more like “Lifeologists,” interpreting and reacting to what life is bringing our way.
Therefore, hold on lightly to your plans and hold on dearly to God’s because He really is in control!
-Ps 146:4 NIV
When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.
Monday, January 13, 2002
Poverty is something that is easily accepted as a way of life in the local church. When we concentrate on what we don’t have rather than what we do have, we risk the reality of missing our calling and mission as a local church. It is imperative that we focus on the financial, human and spiritual resources we do have and then rejoice in what God has given us to do the task before us. Churches that focus on what they don’t have become spiritually paralyzed and unable to do the task.
-Acts 20:23-24 NIV
24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.
Sunday, January 13, 2001
Everyday with Jesus, is sweeter than the day before.
Everyday with Jesus, I love Him more and more.
Jesus saves and keeps me, and He’s the one I’m waiting for.
Everyday with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.
This old hymn rings true of the way the Christian life is supposed to be. Unfortunately when asked, many Christians regretfully admit that they do not feel this way. I have always said, “Christians don’t tell lies, they sing them!” Too often Christians allow the weight and heartache of daily living to pull them away from God. The struggles of this world should draw us close to God. Practice the words of today’s scripture.
-James 4:8 NIV
Come near to God and he will come near to you.
Saturday, January 12, 2001
As I consider the road to Calvary, it reminds me of a road to a small mission church in a rural community Mexico I was at last November. It was the most rugged road I have ever traveled on. Some people traveled it everyday to get their jobs and buy food. I thought to myself, “Once is enough for me on this road!”
However, as God has begun to tug at my heartstrings I find myself compelled to go back and somehow raise the money and bring man power to help this faithful pastor finish his church. You see, when it comes to ministry the only road that only needed to be traveled one time was Jesus walking up to Calvary.
After all that God has done for me there is no road too rough, no mountain to high, no river too wide to bring the gospel to those whom live on the other end of the rough road. When Jesus faced the roughest road ever known to man or God, the road to Calvary, I believe that as he fell from the weight of carrying His cross he looked up and saw you and me. And when He got up to continue the journey to the cross I want to believe that He found strength to go on because of His great love for us and His Heavenly Father.
Now when I am on the rough road to the ministry to where God is called me I look up, remember Jesus road to Calvary and I get strength to continue the journey from that same love.
-Heb 12:2-3 NIV
2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Friday, January 11, 2002
It’s always hard to know what to say to people who are terminally ill. It generally brings tears to my eyes as I feel their pain and the pain of their loved ones. It is never easy.
From time to time God chooses to heal those who have been declared terminal by man. Sometimes he doesn’t. Why and how he chooses I do not know. I pray for the healing of the sick but I know that He is wiser than I and I accept the work of His hand.
In times like these I am confronted with my own mortality. After a few moments of reflection I am usually reminded of the simple fact that we are all terminal in this life!
One of my favorite quotes, “The statistics on death are quite impressive. One out of one people die.”
In that light, I want to give you a new quote, “The statistics on eternal life are quite impressive. One out of one people who accept Christ as their Savior go to heaven!”
-1 Cor 15:50-57 NIV
50 I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed- 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thursday, January 10, 2002
If you had to choose one event in life that would be more meaningful to you than any other, what would it be? Some would say to get rich. Others would say to win the jackpot at the casino. Some would consider the lottery the big easy.
In the church world some would say to see our church grow. Others perhaps seeing the lost saved. And still others who would say to see their children saved. Or perhaps a spouse, sibling, parent family member or friend accepting Christ would be the event of a lifetime. All of which are great.
You may be wondering what one event in life I consider to be the greatest. Other than my own salvation, the greatest event in my life is seeing each of my children lead someone to Christ! The second greatest event will be seeing each of my grandchildren lead someone to Christ.
You see I am kind of a simple man. My grandmother taught me, and I have hung my life on the belief, that God is everything. I have tried to teach my children the same. I trust that they will do the same for their children.
My prayer today is that you will do the same for your children!
-1 Tim 6:17-19 NIV
17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
Wednesday, January 9, 2002
Bobbie went to school each day,
To learn the ways of man.
He went to church on Sundays,
To learn of God’s great plan.
He found that education,
Was good for what he knew.
But finding God’s great plan,
Brought fullness through and through.
So if your goals are based on books,
The ones they teach in school.
Remember the Book of books,
And God’s great plan for you.
-Lyn Sahr, 2002
Remember, the secret in life is not what you know but Who you know!
-John 14:6-7 NIV
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Tuesday, January 8, 2002
I love a good “rags to riches” story. It warms my heart to see people get blessed in special ways. I often wonder though, were they happier before they had the success or after? As hard as it is to believe, riches can often be a curse. It can become difficult to filter friendships. Are they my friends because they like me or because of what I can do for them? Most of us will never have this problem but many still seek to be rich.
If you seek God first in your life and then you become rich you will know what to do with it and the purpose of the blessing. Then the wealth will not take away your happiness but will enhance it through your ability to bless others.
-Matt 6:33 NIV
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Monday, January 7, 2002
The separation of church and state is not nearly as serious of a problem as the separation of church and man. Too many people today are finding solace in the misunderstood theology that they do not need to attend or be part of a church. “I don’t have to go to church to be a Christian” is a common quote from those who have bought into the idea that all they need is themselves and God. If you lived in a deserted island and you were the only one there, then perhaps that concept would be realistic. But most of us neither live on a deserted island nor are we the only one living where we live or close to where we live. Therefore, the theology of the churchless Christian just doesn’t fly.
God would have us worship together. Yes, even as imperfect as we are we must find a place to worship together with God’s people. Why? First, we need each other for encouragement and support in the faith. Secondly, the church has historically always gathered on the first day of the week to celebrate the Lord’s resurrection and worship together. And finally, the scripture teaches us to do so.
-Heb 10:25 NIV
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Sunday, January 6, 2002
Someone asked, “When does worship start?”
Someone answered, “When we enter the church.”
Another responded, “On the way to church.”
I asked, “When did it end?”
Worship has not start or finish but is rather a constant spiritual union with God.
-Phil 2:1-2 NIV
1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.
Saturday, January 5, 2002
In the church there is an expression about taking our cares, concerns and needs and bringing them to Jesus, laying them at His feet. Placing all at the feet of Jesus doesn’t seem like a very big task until we realize that we must lay things there that are important to us. Things that are not of value to us are easy to give up. Oh, I forgot to mention, when you bring the cares of this world to Jesus you must walk away from them and leave them there. We do not sit at His feet and guard the things that we gave to Him!
So, before you bring the things that you need to leave at Jesus feet remember that you can’t take them back with you. If you are going to trust Him to take care of it for you, then trust Him. Oh, one more thing. It will go a lot better if you gently kneel and place the things there with a humble attitude of reverence and submission rather than just dropping them of! Oh, yes, and one final thing. I think Jesus likes it a little better when we spend a little time with Him while we are at it rather than “drop and run.”
-Ps 55:22 NIV
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
-1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Friday, January 4, 2002
Have you ever gotten up one morning and everything seemed great only to have a phone call that would potentially ruin your whole day? I had that happen to me recently. The most challenging thing is how we respond to the situation. For me, I try to take a moment to let my mind and emotions settle down and then I ask God to give me the grace and wisdom to handle the situation in a manner pleasing to him. Does it work? Yes, if I let it.
However, sometimes that does not relinquish the negative situation because we can only control our side of things. But our attitude does usually make difference. And when it is Christ-like it puts the burden of kindness squarely on the other person. Even then it can be difficult. God would have us trust Him for the results of the most negative situations. Our responsibility is to be Christ-like and responsible if we have been at fault.
Remember to bring Christ with you to the “negotiating table of kindness!”
-Jer 9:23-24 NIV
23 This is what the LORD says:
“Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD.
Thursday, January 3, 2002
As I drove by the lake today I noticed there was an increasing number of fish houses out on the ice. Although I haven’t done it for quite some time, I have always enjoyed ice fishing. We used to have a fish house and we would sit out there for hours with a pot of coffee cooking on a little stove and a few sandwiches to munch on. Even if we didn’t catch many fish, just fishing was half the fun. We always had a great time and looked forward to doing it again.
Jesus said we should be “fishers of men.” Using this analogy, it causes me to think that one of our main problems today is not enough people are fishin’! People have lots of excuses for not sharing their faith. Bur even if you don’t lead a lot of people to Christ, the fishin’ is half the fun!
So many Christians struggle with their enthusiasm for the Lord. I have always believed that when people share their faith it generates enthusiasm for the Lord in their own lives. This also holds true for the church. Show me a church that “fishin’ for men” and I’ll show you an enthusiastic congregation!
By the way, it can get pretty cold out on that ice when it is snowing, windy and 30 degrees below zero. But once you start fishin’, you never think about the cold. So it is with sharing your faith. It can be pretty cold out there but once you start fishin’ you won’t even notice it!
-Matt 4:19-20 NIV
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.
Wednesday, January 2, 2002
There are a variety of countries in this world but only one God.
There are a variety of climates in this world but only one God.
There are a variety of languages but only one God.
There are a variety of religions in the world but only one God.
There are a variety of churches in the world but only one God.
There are a variety of people in this world but only one God.
There are a variety of sins in the world but only one God to forgive them!
-John 14:6-7 NIV
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Tuesday, January 1, 2002
Something New in 2002!
Because we are constantly going through change it is significant that we do not fight change that God is bringing into our lives and our understanding. That does not mean that we should be moved by every “whim” that takes place around us or by others in our churches. But what it does mean is that we must become open to the winds of change that God brings our way. When God is ushering in the winds of change they are for everyone’s good! These changes bring people closer to God.
-Mal 3:6 NIV
“I the LORD do not change…”
NOTE: THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS GIFTS IN 2001.
We are now in our 5th year of the “Thought For The Day.” Without your writing contributions, encouragement, prayers and financial support this could never have happened. Your continued involvement is essential to the effectiveness of this ministry. May God richly bless you for your generosity and kindness.
Lyn Sahr
Make Checks Payable to: Church Mouse Chronicles
Snail Mail Address:
Church Mouse Chronicles
Lyn Sahr
Island Resort Road
Rt 4, Box 60
Pine City, MN 55063
