Friday, October 31, 2003
“Halloween scared” is nothing to “hell scared” in eternity! Even the California fires do not compare to the pain, suffering and fear that is waiting for those who die without Christ. It isn’t a popular thought but none the less true.
-Lyn Sahr
-Matt 25:41-42 NIV
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Thursday, October 30, 2003
Did you know that on October 30,1997, seven years ago today, I emailed the first ChurchMouse Chronicles “Thought For The Day” to twelve people. The first Thought, which is still available on our website, was:
Thursday, October 30, 1997
“They had to literally nail Jesus to the cross to keep Him from doing more. How much restraint does it take to hold us back?”
Since that day there have been 2160 more Thoughts for the Day! It is hard to believe. It has been a great time for myself and the other writers. And it is our prayer that this ministry has truly encouraged and blessed you.
There are some things that you may not know about this ministry that I want to share with you and praise the Lord for.
Did you know that the “Thought For The Day” is emailed out to hundreds of people in dozens of countries each and every day?
Did you know that the “Thought For the Day” is forwarded to hundreds of people daily from those who receive it from us? Some churches have it emailed to their office and then forward it to their congregations.
Did you know that the “Thought For The Day” is an email encouragement to American armed forces members, exchange students, graduate students, missionaries and pastors in many countries around the world?
Did you know that the “Thought For The Day” is being used in the California Prison System by inmates for Bible Studies and daily devotions?
Did you know that on some months we have had over 30,000 hits on our website? http://www.churchmouse.net
Did you know that we have brought teams of people to Mexico for Short-term missions?
Did you know that we have seen lives changed among those who have taken these short-term mission trips to Mexico?
Did you know that we have seen God miraculously heal people on these trips to Mexico?
Did you know that this ministry funded the founding of Home and Away Ministries, Inc. including the costs of hiring a professional organization to set up the 501 C 3 IRS classification? http://www.homeandawayministies.org
Did you know that Home and Away Ministries, this daughter ministry of the ChurchMouse Chronicles, has recently moved Ardis Rivera to Monterey, Mexico to establish an office and a network of churches and pastors in Mexico?
Did you know that Home and Away Ministries is setting up a network of “sister churches” called the Great Commission Alliance between churches in the US and Mexico whereas a church in the United States and a church in Mexico team up and work together in both locations to minister and learn from the cross cultural relationship? Groups from the US church goes to the sister church in Mexico to minister and the Mexican church does the same in sending people to minister in the sister church in the US. There are presently somewhere between fifty and seventy-five churches in Monterrey who are either enrolled in the program or are contemplating it.
Did you know that Home and Away Ministries is receiving donated vehicles that are used in the ministry, donated to pastors and missionaries in need or sold and the money used for the Ministry.
Did you know that I will be going to Monterrey, Mexico in December and meeting with Mexican government officials to get permission to bring cars into Mexico to be given to Mexican pastors?
Did you know that I will be going back to Monterrey, Mexico in January with someone with much experience in Promise Keepers and Men’s ministry to meet with pastors to discuss setting up Men’s Ministry in Mexico?
Did you know that Home and Away Ministries is looking for person to lead Women’s, Youth, Couples, Singles and Children’s Ministry in Mexico?
Did you know that Home and Away Ministries is setting up a resource center for Mexican pastors to find information they need to help them in ministry?
Did you know that Home and Away Ministries is setting up a Bible Training school for pastors in Mexico taught by American pastors for a week at a time with interpreters?
Did you know that Home and Away Ministries needs fully supported staff people to introduce and coordinate the ministry to US churches in every state?
Did you know that the ChurchMouse is also emailed in Spanish and has a Spanish website?
Did you know that the ChurchMouse started a daily youth email called Truth For Youth that is sent in English and Spanish?
Did you know that I planted a new church in Pine City, MN last year and that we recently purchased an 8,000 square foot multipurpose church facility in a strip mall? http://www.pinecitychurch.org
Did you know that less than 10% of the population where I live is in church on any given Sunday?
Did you know that I am praying that God will send us six experienced Christian families to help lead and build this church to the honor and glory of God?
Did you know that all of these ministries are a miracle because it is only by the grace of God that we exist?
Some time ago I prayed and told God that I wanted to and would follow Him with reckless abandon, throwing reason to the wind if He would give me a vision for a ministry and if He would just guide me, protect me and be with me at all times in all circumstances. I also told Him that I didn’t need to be given the credit and that I would build the ministry for the next generation, according to His will.
I believe that the combination of these ministries and the people involved are laying the foundation for a ministry that truly will fan the revival fires of North and South America in the next generation. And I am anxious to see whom God sends to come along side of us to be co-laborers in this work.
Financially, this has happened with very, very little support for the magnitude of what is being done. As we face the year-end it is important that we receive additional funding. The cost of travel and everything else that we are doing is very real. I am dependent upon many one-time gifts right now to meet the needs of this ministry and out personal needs. Please keep this in mind as you consider year-end giving. I am praying for 50 individuals or churches that will give a one-time gift of $200 or more between now and the end of the year. I am also praying for 100 individuals or churches that will give a one-time gift of $100 or more between now and the end of the year. These year-end gifts are essential in meeting the needs of this ministry.
Now you know what we have been doing and what are needs are. Frankly, I think we have been so busy we just forgot to tell you all that God is doing among us. I feel that you are a partner in this ministry and I want to do a better job in the future to keep you informed. Please remember us in your year-end giving.
Until Jesus comes, as He most certainly will,
Lyn Sahr
P.S. Did you know I am going to be grandpa again in the next couple of days?
YEAR END GIVING
Make out checks to: ChurchMouse Chronicles
Mail Checks to:
ChurchMouse Chronicles
18854 Island Resort Road
Pine City, MN 55063
Questions: Email me directly at lyn.sahr@churchmouse.net
Phone: 320-629-4777
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
If we worship to please ourselves, we don’t worship.
-Lyn Sahr
-Rom 12:1-2 NIV
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
If we lose the reverence of God in our worship, we lose the reverence of God.
-Lyn Sahr
-Ps 5:7-8 NIV
But I, by your great mercy,
will come into your house;
in reverence will I bow down
toward your holy temple.
8 Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness
Monday, October 27, 2003
We have our first day of extremely overcast weather today. When I went to the grocery store it seemed that every person I met looked tired and worn out. Then I went back to my office and looked in the mirror to see how I looked. I thought I looked fine when I got ready this morning but I thought I’d better take another look!
When I looked in the mirror I didn’t see anything that would cause me to think I was any more tired than usual for a dreary afternoon. Then someone walked into the office and said, “Boy, do you look tired!” So much for self-evaluation!
Often that’s the way it is for us spiritually. We look at others and make judgments about their spiritual condition but when we look at ourselves we see a more positive picture. That’s why we can’t judge our spiritual condition by the spiritual condition of others. We must see our spirituality in the light of the scriptures. Then you will get the clear picture!
-Lyn Sahr
-Gal 3:22 NIV
But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.
Sunday, October 26, 2003
The other day, I was considering what message I should bring to a church where I am to speak. God had given me a translation of a chorus that speaks of worshipping God simply because He is God, not for anything He will do for us. I began to think of why we worship God. There are those who worship out of habit—every Sunday they go to church to “worship”. There are those that feel that somehow, because they worship God, that God owes them (and some expect major blessings from God in exchange for their worship.) I thought of a song that I heard many years ago, and I don’t remember the title or exactly how the words go, but one part said that if God gave us nothing and didn’t offer us the assurance of heaven, He is still worthy of our praise and worship. He is worthy because of Who He is.
A few weeks ago, I heard a pastor talking about a state here in Mexico where people are dying for their faith. I realized how easy it is to become very selfish in our faith. But God is God, and we are to serve Him no matter what. If he blesses us, great. If He places us in a hard place, we are still to worship and adore Him because He is God. I don’t want to be like a selfish child who pouts when the father doesn’t give him or her what s/he wants. I want to truly love and worship my God for Who He is. The key is to worship Him when He chooses to pour out His blessings and also when He chooses to withhold what we could call blessings—money, things. I believe that at that point, we are at the point where God can really use us. I think of the apostles who gave their lives for the Gospel and counted it a privilege to be beaten for the sake of the Gospel. How many would say that today?
-Ardis Rivera
-Revelation 4:11
You are worthy, our Lord and God to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being.
Saturday, October 25, 2003
I love lighthouses. They stand so quiet on outcroppings and rocky ledges close to the waters edge. During the day there isn’t much activity, but when it is getting dark, that’s when things begin to happen. The beacon begins to spin and a shaft of light shoots out from its lenses and reaches miles out into the open waters, warning craft of danger.
That’s how it is with Jesus. During those dark times in our life, if we turn to him, he will be the light shining in the darkness, showing us the way to safety.
Are you in a dark time right now? Turn to the “lighthouse” that is found in Christ Jesus.
-Garrett Novak
-John 8:12 NIV
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Friday, October 24, 2003
It’s amazing what carpet can do for a house. The old floor is covered with a beautiful rug that makes everything look great. But underneath that glamorous carpet is still the old rough, dirty floor.
So it is with many people who make a spiritual decision for Christ. Everything looks good on the outside but underneath there is often too much of the same person who was there before their spiritual commitment. Therefore, it is important that salvation is not a “cover-up” but rather a “cover-off” experience!
-Lyn Sahr
-Ps 24:3-5 NIV
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.
Thursday, October 23, 2003
Yesterday afternoon we took a little ride and went to visit our grandson. When we arrived he was standing by the door jumping up and down he was so excited to see us. After we had a time of playing basketball on his min-hoop in the living room we decided to go to McDonalds for an Ice Cream Sundae.
As we walked outside I pointed out to him how pretty my car was after I had a dent fixed and cleaned it up. He glanced at it for a moment with little emotion and then quickly smiled at a balloon blowing freely down the street. It captured his full attention. I watched him for a few moments and thought, “Isn’t it interesting that in his innocence he is much more interested in a twenty five cent balloon than my beautiful clean car!” Then I thought, “Well, he is only two years old!”
Interestingly enough I always learn simple truths from my grandson. You see, he isn’t impressed with pretty, clean cars but rather appreciates the simple things in life, a twenty-five cent balloon blowing in the fall breeze. It’s quite a lesson for parents to realize that kids aren’t interested in “plush and pretty” but rather “plain and simple” as long as it is attached to someone’s hand who loves them and takes the time for them.
As I held his hand we stood together for a few minutes and watched that twenty-five cent balloon in what was a million dollar moment!
-Lyn Sahr
-Matt 19:14-15 NIV
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15 When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
As the sun rose this morning it formed a red orange color that inflamed the skies with majestic ripples through the clouds. It was almost as if the mountains had been inverted and were coming down from the heavens. The view was beautiful beyond any painting of a human artist.
As I pondered the beauty of it all I was reminded that God is able to paint our lives beautiful but we have to give him the brush!
-Lyn Sahr
-Ps 19:1 NIV
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
If the time one spends in studying the scriptures and prayer were the measuring stick of our faith, how would you measure up? In recent weeks I have come to realize more than ever that the calling on my life and the task before me is far greater than I can do alone. Therefore, my soul needs to be nurtured and my faith built up daily to be up to the ministry at hand and life in general. But many Christians spend little if any time with God through the Word or prayer except in church. One would think that Sunday is the only day they need God!
-Lyn Sahr
-Rom 12:12-13 NIV
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Monday, October 20, 2003
Today I was exiting the interstate highway when I came upon a stopped flat bed tow truck with a car on it. The driver was getting out of his truck when suddenly the car began to roll of the back end of the truck and smashed onto the ground. The bumper shattered and it looked as if the entire front of the car was bowed upward. The driver was in disbelief! As I too watched in disbelief I immediately began to make a spiritual application.
The truck driver had obviously either forgot to fasten the car to the truck bed or he did not fasten it securely enough. In the midst of his busy schedule he made a critical mistake that destroyed his whole purpose. Life can be a rough ride for all of us and it is important that our faith is securely fastened to our Lord Jesus Christ. In our own busyness we can easily overlook the importance of properly securing our faith through daily scripture readying and prayer. Without securing our faith in this manner we set ourselves up for a spiritual crash and destroy our whole purpose in life!
-Lyn Sahr
-Ps 112:1-8 NIV
Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
who finds great delight in his commands.
2 His children will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in his house,
and his righteousness endures forever.
4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.
5 Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely,
who conducts his affairs with justice.
6 Surely he will never be shaken;
a righteous man will be remembered forever.
7 He will have no fear of bad news;
his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
8 His heart is secure, he will have no fear;
in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.
Sunday, October 19, 2003
Last Sunday, I was to speak in a church. I didn’t know where it was, but another pastor said he would come and get me, and I could attend the service in his church and then he would go with me and help me find the other church. All Saturday night, I lay awake listening to the rain. It wasn’t just sprinkling—it was raining really hard. I have been here long here enough to know that the streets of Monterrey flood quickly, even with a light rain. So I could only imagine what the streets would be like Sunday morning. When Pastor Cruz came, he said he would drive, but we should take my car. I felt we were driving through a river, but the car kept going. I started praying that God would part the waters like He did at the Red Sea. Then when we went to the church where I was to speak, I realized that the roads were dirt, or should I say mud. A part of me wanted to go back home and hibernate until the rain stopped. But, God never promised an easy road. He just promised to be with me. And if I had backed out, I would have missed a wonderful day. God truly blessed me that day.
I have asked if all this rain is normal, and I am told that it is not rainy (usually) in October. I think God is testing my willingness to go out in nasty conditions in obedience to Him.
Each of us goes through rough times. There may be problems with finances, relationships or illnesses. Whatever they are, remember that God has promised to never leave you. You can choose to hide and wait until things get better and then start serving God wholeheartedly again, or you can decide to be faithful even when the floodwaters are rising. I could have said I felt uncomfortable with the weather, but I would have missed out on so much. And God wants each of us to know that He is in complete control. He could have given me a sunny day, but He chose to give me a wet and miserable day, and He proved His faithfulness and blessed me abundantly. Don’t miss out on a blessing that might be waiting behind the rain clouds. Risk getting wet and step out.
-Ardis Rivera
-Psalm 29:10
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever.
Saturday October 18, 2003
My wife and I took our children to a local nature trail area this week and hiked, and hiked, and hiked some more. This is one of our yearly family traditions, to take a hike as a family over the rolling hills as God’s colorful fall handiwork is peaking.
This is one of those times of year in Northwestern Wisconsin that it’s awfully hard to doubt the existence of a divine creator. As we walked (and ran some) I shared messages about leaves, and the milkweed seed pods as we watched them float around a meadow, and made an incredible family memory to etch in my “memory-bank,” and hopefully theirs too.
Don’t miss the lessons of God’s creation, they are all around—just take a walk through the gold, red, and burgundy leaves of fall if you don’t believe me.
-Garrett Novak
-Gen 1:11-13 NIV
Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. 12 The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening, and there was morning–the third day.
Friday, October 17, 2003
God rarely moves when people are stuck in the “yuk“ of their life! The old saying, “God helps those who helps themselves” may very well hold true under these conditions. I recognize that there are times that people need help from others to get out of the “yuk“ in their lives but even then they must graciously accept that help. God rarely pulls people out of the “yuk“ who are content to live there. And I learned a long time ago that God won’t live in “yuk!“
-Lyn Sahr
-Ps 20:6-7 NIV
Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
he answers him from his holy heaven
with the saving power of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
Thursday, October 16, 2003
The security of life is not whether you have a good job, a great retirement or a family inheritance. Security in this life is knowing that when you die, through faith in Christ, you will spend eternity in heaven. It doesn’t get more secure than eternal life, spending eternity in the presence of God.
-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.
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
The riches of life is not the paycheck received, retirement investments or possessions obtained. The riches of life is the love of God that fills the empty soul giving it peace and rest!
-Col 2:2 NIV
My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
The beauty of life is not what color of the sunset is, the mountain peaks or the grassy fields. The beauty of life is the color of ones heart!
-Ps 50:1-2 NIV
The Mighty One, God, the LORD,
speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets.
2 From Zion, perfect in beauty,
God shines forth.
Monday, October 13, 2003
Spiritual growth is not dependant upon the weather for a great crop. Rather, it depends the whether, whether you want grow close to God or whether you don’t!
-Lyn Sahr
-James 1:4-5 NIV
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Sunday, October 12, 2003
Sacrifice is a word that many people don’t like. Some people think of sacrifice as what the Hebrews did in the Old Testament, when they killed an animal as a sacrifice for their sins. Therefore, these people think that sacrifice is no longer necessary.
I do believe that God has called us to a life of sacrifice. It is something that is not pleasant. If it were, it wouldn’t be called sacrifice. There are probably few people who truly desire sacrifice.
The other day, I was discussing with a pastor the number of people in his churches. He was telling that every morning at 5:00 A.M., the men in the church get together for an hour of prayer. He made a remark that I won’t ever forget. He said that they realize that souls aren’t won to the kingdom without sacrifice and that the people are willing to sacrifice to see souls come into the kingdom.
I began to wonder how many people think like that and am seeking God as to the sacrifices He is asking of me in order to see souls come to Him. I am sure that God is calling His people to a deeper level of sacrifice than they have ever had before. The question is: How much are we willing to sacrifice for our Lord? He gave His all. Are we willing to give up comfort, finances, time, talents, or whatever, to see His kingdom prosper? Are we willing to give up our pride and allow God to use us as He sees fit? I know that I was truly convicted by the faithfulness of these people. I can only pray that I will be obedient to whatever sacrifice I am called to give.
-Ardis Rivera
-Romans 12:1-2
Therefore I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Saturday, October 11, 2003
Do you have to be a “brain-surgeon” to be able to figure out Christianity? Do you need to be a “PHD” to decipher his holy word, the bible?
The answer is……NO!
“Jesus loves me this I know
For the bible tells me so
Little ones to him belong
They are weak but he is strong”
“Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes Jesus loves me
The bible tells me so”
-Garrett Novak
-Rom 5:6-8 NIV
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Friday, October 10, 2003
When I hear people say they are looking for a church that is “deeper” I pause for a moment to consider what that really means, especially if I know that the church they are attending is a good Bible believing church. So what does deeper mean?
For some it means deeper into the scriptures through Bible studies and to be challenged more from the pulpit, which some churches don’t do.
For others it means deeper into lifestyle, social functions and current events, which some churches have to offer.
When someone thinks about changing churches they should ask two questions:
Will changing churches lead me (and my family) closer to God?
Is this new church the place God wants me to be?
If they can answer both of those yes, they should attend the new church. If not, they should stay where they are at and help to make their present church better.
Changing churches for a lot of people is like changing shoes. Eventually they have to be replaced.
Staying in a church for others is like a marriage. It’s a spiritual commitment!
-Lyn Sahr
-Eccl 5:1 NIV
Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.
Thursday, October 9, 2003
Never underestimate the power of God when things are not going well. God calls us to a life of faithfulness day in and day out regardless of the circumstances. The forgotten element of “tough times” is spiritual warfare and the devil doesn’t want God’s glory to shine through a cloudy day. Therefore, let the light Jesus has placed within you shine, shine shine for the entire world to see.
-Lyn Sahr
-Ps 4:6-8 NIV
Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?”
Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.
7 You have filled my heart with greater joy
than when their grain and new wine abound.
8 I will lie down and sleep in peace,
for you alone, O LORD,
make me dwell in safety.
Wednesday, October 8, 2003
When it comes to looking at cars, I love them. When it comes to fixing cars, I hate them. I guess that is a common reaction for many people. But the similarity to our personal lives is startling. When our lives are looking good and running good, we love them. But when it comes to fixing our lives, we hate it. Therefore, many lives go “unfixed” or broken. Strange, isn’t it?
But when I take my car to the garage and the mechanic tunes it up or fixes it, it runs so smooth and I think, “This car isn’t so bad after all.” So it is with our lives. When we take our lives to God and get a “spiritual tuneup” we realize things aren’t so bad after all.
But then there is the bill. When I take the car to the garage the bill is usually staggering and it hurts me to pull out a pocket full of cash to pay it. But when people bring their lives before God, although Jesus paid the ultimate price, they still must pay. For most they must pull out a “pocketful of pride” and lay it at the feet of Jesus.
Where can you get a “spiritual tuneup?” Often at a good church, isn’t that one of the important reasons people attend?
When was the last time that you had a “spiritual tuneup?”
-Jer 31:23-25 NIV
This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “When I bring them back from captivity, the people in the land of Judah and in its towns will once again use these words: ‘The LORD bless you, O righteous dwelling, O sacred mountain.’ 24 People will live together in Judah and all its towns–farmers and those who move about with their flocks. 25 I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”
Tuesday, October 7, 2003
Each morning I have been driving toward the office about the same time each day and there is this guy who is out walking his two Golden Labs every day at that time. Interestingly it has become part of his daily routine. That’s kind of the same way it is with devotions, we devote a certain period of time each day to scripture reading and prayer and soon it becomes part of our daily routine.
Unfortunately, too many people have more time for the pets than they do for God!
-Lyn Sahr
-Col 4:2 NIV
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Monday, October 6, 2003
Last night I sat by a bon fire on Seekers Bay, roasted a hot dog and made some smoores. The mood was out and the stars glistened in the sky. As I pondered the greatness of God I began to feel quite small and, I was glad. I am glad the God of the universe watches over and passionately loves someone as little as myself. Strangely enough, many Christians are still running around trying to fill God’s shoes only to trip and fall.
-Phil 2:14-16 NIV
Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.
Sunday, October 5, 2003
Recently I saw bumper sticker that kind of stuck in my mind:
We let kids run wild and we send dogs to obedience school!
Unfortunately, even though most people recognize there is something wrong with this picture they are looking at someone else’s photo album.
-Lyn Sahr
-Prov 10:1 NIV
A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish son grief to his mother.
Saturday October 4, 2003
I took this past Wednesday morning off to take my five year-old son to an eye doctor appointment that was with a specialist a couple hours away.
Now like a lot of dads out there, I feel I don’t always get to spend quality one-on-one time with each of my children, but this morning I was going to make count. We talked and shared, and sang our favorite “Veggie Tales” bible songs together all the way there.
After the appointment we went to his favorite “fast food” restaurant and headed for home.
Now the Holy Spirit was working in his heart and mine, because on that return trip I had the opportunity to pray with him to accept Jesus as his Lord and savior. What a great moment in this dad’s life, as my son made the most important decision of his young life.
Don’t let the “moment” the holy spirit has given you to lead your children to the Lord, take his lead and be the “dad” that God wants you to be. Even if you are in full-time vocational ministry, your first priority dad is to minister to your wife and children.
By the way, I’ve had the privilege know to pray with four of my children to accept Christ, what a great thing!
-Garrett Novak
-John 3:16-19 NIV
“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. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
Friday, October 3, 2003
I always enjoy paying tribute to my grandmother who would have been 93 today. God called her home at the age of 89 after a glorious life of faithfulness. Being faithful is something that is overlooked in the “experience driven” church today. You see, for many people if the Sunday worship service doesn’t do something for them they either quit and stay home or go find the “Greatest Sunday Morning Show on Earth” down the street. My grandmother stayed in the same little country church for around 60 years. She didn’t go to church because it was always entertaining or uplifting. She went because she was faithful, to God and the church.
Being faithful has nothing to do with being entertained!
-Lyn Sahr
-Ps 37:28 NIV
For the LORD loves the just
and will not forsake his faithful ones.
Thursday, October 2, 2003
When I see hatred in people, I see the devil. When I see love in people, I see God! When I see people who have love and hate, I see immature Christians who have not committed to give their all to Christ.
Love is what hate isn’t!
-Lyn Sahr
-Rom 12:9 NIV
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Wednesday, October 1, 2003
When I look out on Seekers Bay this morning I see the signs of stress on nature as the change of seasons takes place. On September 5th I turned 55 and it seems like it is also the sign of the changing of the seasons. At least at McDonalds they think so as I now qualify for a 39-cent Senior Citizen drink! Yes, things are changing in this season in my life. I am now an experienced grandfather of two years and I have two more grandchildren on the way, one in the middle of November and another at the end of February.
I am experiencing the most exciting time of my life in Ministry as our church is doing well and just purchased our first building, an 8000 square foot former hardware store located in a strip mall. Home and Away Ministries has just opened an office in Monterrey, Mexico ad has moved Ardis Rivera there to coordinate the work with the Mexican pastors and churches.
So haven’t I had great ministry experiences before? Yes, wonderful ministry experiences with wonderful people whom I dearly loved. So what is the difference? Two things.
Today I am building ministry for the future generations knowing that I will not see the fruit of my labor nor do I care. Secondly, I see the glory of the Lord in my work and not the glory of myself.
Life is good because God is good!
-Ps 104:31 NIV
May the glory of the LORD endure forever;
may the LORD rejoice in his works–
