Sunday, April 30, 2006
I have lived in a foreign country for over two years now. I represent a ministry here and am well aware that as a foreigner, I represent my country, the ministry and most importantly, my Savior to all I meet. And no matter how hard I try to be like the people here, there are a couple of things that set me apart: the color of my skin and my accent.
As Christians, we live in a foreign land no matter where we live. We are citizens of heaven and are just passing through this land. But many forget that we are just passing through this world. They forget that this is not home—it is just a place we spend a certain time. They get pulled in to the things the prince of this world offers forgetting that the prince of this world is our Father’s enemy and he hates us and only wants to destroy us. But many try to become just like the people who belong in this foreign country.
We need to remember that this world offers many things that we really don’t need and others that are downright dangerous. We need to remember who our Father is and turn away from everything that would bring dishonor Him. We need to always view things with our Father’s perspective. How does He view this thing I want to buy? How does He view my choice of dress or entertainment? Will Father be pleased?
We are basically ambassadors here on earth of a heavenly kingdom. Are we showing the world what our real home is like, or are we showing it that we love this foreign land more than our home? Are we so in love with this foreign land that we have no desire to go home to our Father?
“They say that heavens pretty, and living here is too.
But if they said that I would have to choose between the two.
I’d go home, going home, where I belong.”
From Home Where I Belong (Pat Terry)
-Ardis Rivera
-1 Peter 2:11-12
Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Saturday April 29, 2006
My family and I are on vacation this week in Orlando , Florida . We have been visiting one theme park daily, getting in as much we can. Even our teenagers are “wiped out” and saying…..”Hey, let’s just take a day to relax!” My wife and I knew that we needed some down time as well, and had planned a couple days like this. So today is our beach and relaxation day.
So often we cruise through life (even while on a vacation to relax) and don’t truly take time to rest. Remember, on the 7th day (after doing much more than we have while visiting Walt Disney World), that God rested. Jesus also rested, and “went away” to spend quiet time getting ready for the next task.
So, when you and your family goes on vacation this year, remember you don’t have to visit every attraction and activity around. But schedule in some days to just “relax” and do nothing on the “beach!” Let the Lord speak to you and get those batteries recharged.
-Garrett Novak
-Genesis 2:2 (The Message)
By the seventh day God had finished his work. On the seventh day he rested from all his work.
Friday, April 28, 2006
The walk of faith requires periodic waiting.
– Lyn Sahr
-1 Thess 5:23-24 NIV
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Have you heard of the latest way that some churches are trying to attract people to worship services? They are serving bottles of beer during the service so people can feel like they are part of their normal element and be comfortable in church. They have small refrigerators installed under the chairs and people can just reach down and grab a beer when they get uncomfortable. They play the Budweiser song during the offertory. They even changed the name of the church to help people adjust more easily; “Church of the Open Bottle.”
The downside is:
Some people drink more dollars worth of beer than they put money in the offering plate.
A few pastors have been injured by thrown beer bottles.
A lot of people get saved but they can’t remember it the next day.
Some get saved every week because of the problem number 3.
Many people seem to get healed as they feel no pain during the service.
When altar calls are given the aisles are sometimes blocked with people crawling to the altar.
It takes more ushers to help carry some people out after the service.
The upside is:
The congregation sings loud on all songs.
It takes less time to receive the offering.
You can get by with less parking as many people don’t have driver’s licenses.
No one turns down communion.
It really helps getting people to stay and visit after the service.
People make new friends every week.
P.S. This is supposed to be a joke but no one is laughing because it is so sad how many churches seem to be trying to fill the seats on Sundays at any compromise. Who knows what churches will try next instead of personal evangelism? Filled with the Spirit will never be replaced by filled seats.
– Lyn Sahr
-1 Peter 1:10-16 NIV
Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
With the price of fuel these days, life in the fast lane just got more expensive. And still people break the speed limits. Eventually they may learn as they run out of money to buy fuel.
In the spiritual realm, life in the fast lane has always been expensive. And still people are breaking the Biblical limits. Eventually they may learn as they run out of money to buy hope!
The lesson on both roads is to travel safely!
– Lyn Sahr
-Ezra 8:21-22 NIV
There, by the Ahava Canal , I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
There is a question no one seems to dare ask God and yet we ask other people all the time, “How are you feeling?”
The think the fear for most people is that God may actually answer them. If you asked God this question, how do you think He might answer you?
I think God answers believers, “I’d feel better if there were no lost sheep.”
But then again, if you want to find lost sheep you have to look for them where lost sheep live and go! This is difficult when personal evangelism has become part of church history. Lost sheep are generally not going to church on Sunday mornings no matter how many songs you sing, performing an eight act drama or how cute the sermon is. Lost sheep live on “ Familiar Lane ” and if you want to reach the lost sheep for Jesus you have to go to their neighborhood.
P.S. Carry your heart with you! People are more interested in what Jesus has done in your life than Peter, James or John!
– Lyn Sahr
-Matt 18:10-14 NIV
See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.
12 “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13 And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14 In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.
-Isa 53:6 NIV
We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Parents can get so used to small children and so affected by the ongoing busyness, messes and meltdowns that they forget that children are God’s gift and are precious in His sight, as they should be to parents. It is important to remember that Godly children are molded by Godly parents. So, if you want to raise Godly children, do your part and be a Godly example. Young children can recognize phony parents quicker than anyone. Sometimes they turn into disillusioned teenagers!
– Lyn Sahr
-Ps 103:17-18 NIV
But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD’s love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children’s children–
18 with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
When things start going rough in life, what is your reaction? It is easy to complain and moan about how tough things are. But maybe the tough times are God’s way of molding us to be the people He wants us to be.
I imagine that no tree would ask to be pruned. I would think it would be painful to have branches cut away. Yet if the tree isn’t pruned it will not bear fruit. The pruning is a necessary part of the tree’s life.
In the same way, if clay could feel, I am sure it would complain about the molding process, and then comes the fire of the kiln. But they are necessary if the clay is to ever be more than a lump of clay.
When you feel the pruner’s shears or the potters wheel and fire, remember that God is working in you to make you the person He wants you to be. He wants you to be like a tree that bears much fruit and the beautiful pottery you see. But the process of getting there may not always be pleasant. Remember that God knows what He is doing.
-Ardis Rivera
-John 15:1-2
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
-Isaiah 45:9
“Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker,
to him who is but a potsherd among the potsherds on the ground.
Does the clay say to the potter,
‘What are you making?’
Does your work say,
‘He has no hands’?
Saturday, April 22, 2006
There’s something amazing about God’s Grace!
Dictionaries define grace as “A favor rendered by one who need not do so.” Further down the page is the definition which makes me smile. ”Divine love and protection bestowed freely on people,” and “the state of being protected or sanctified by the favor of God.
It’s really amazing that the dictionary defines of the bible’s central truths about how God loves us and when we are in relationship with Him, we have his “unmerited favor,” or Grace!
John Newton, the former slave-trader who wrote one of the great hymns of the faith really had it right when he wrote the words to Amazing Grace.
Unfortunately today, many Christians don’t treat others (even brothers and sisters in the Lord) with much grace. How about you? When was the last time you checked to see if you were “grace-full?”
-Garrett Novak
-Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
Friday, April 21, 2006
To end a good work week or a bad work week, it ends better if you have a good day. Often our days are not in our control because of those with authority over us at work. And sometimes people are forced to work along side people who are difficult. It makes for some work weeks that are just not going to end well.
I wonder how God puts up with what he deals with in His work week. First, he is always encountering difficult people. In fact, they seem to be the majority! But He knows them beyond their exterior and sees them in the light of love.
Now God doesn’t have anyone over Him in authority which makes His work week even more difficult. Often people who have others over them at work with authority resent their superiors and think they have easy jobs. God knows better. He knows what it is like to be in the position of authority and how difficult it is to lead, set an example, to be disappointed, unappreciated, rejected, betrayed and still love someone.
What if God thought of us the way many people think of their co-workers and superiors? Perhaps it is time to check the old attitude and begin to see these people through the light of love.
Remember, if you can’t serve you can’t lead!
– Lyn Sahr
-Prov 16:7-9 NIV
When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD,
he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.
8 Better a little with righteousness
than much gain with injustice.
9 In his heart a man plans his course,
but the LORD determines his steps.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
It can be very hard to forgive and love. Christians are often called upon to forgive when something has gone amuck in relationships but too often that’s as far as it goes. When we suffer from broken relationships and heartache at the hands of people we have cared for, forgiving them and loving them can be two different things. I encourage you to go back and consider the broken relationships in your life. Have you forgiven them? Do you still love them?
If Jesus only forgave us and then did not love us, what would we have?
-Lyn Sahr
-Matt 6:9-15 NIV
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’
14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
-John 13:34-35 NIV
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
One of the most noticeable things that Americans see on short term mission’s trips to third world countries is how happy the people are with so little personal possessions. The American way seems to be… not being happy no matter how much we have! We have so much to learn from our brothers and sisters around the world!
– Lyn Sahr
-Phil 4:10-13 NIV
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
-Heb 13:5 NIV
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.”
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
With the increase cost of fuel and goods we hear much these days about the cost of living. We also hear much about manufacturing overseas costing American jobs. These two facts have and will continue to affect the standard of living for many Americans. Perhaps the message of the church today needs to be about our spiritual standard of living and our financial standard of living will be improved or better accepted.
-Lyn Sahr
-Eph 1:3-4 NIV
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Today is the day Americans have to pay their income tax this year. It is one of the most dreaded days of the year for some who do not take good care of their affairs during the year. Some don’t even file at all. In regard to eternity, encourage people do a better job of preparation than they do for their income taxes. Unfortunately, many are even less prepared!
-Lyn Sahr
-1 Thess 4:13-18 NIV
Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14 We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage each other with these words.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Easter Sunday. The tomb is empty. This one fact separates Christianity from all other religions. We serve a living Savior. Jesus conquered death and won the victory over Satan.
But this victory came with a cost. Jesus had to sacrifice His life on the cross in order to win the victory. And as His followers, we will have to sacrifice to win the victory in our lives. I don’t know what that sacrifice might be in your life, but I do know that there can be no victory without sacrifice.
-Ardis Rivera
-Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
-1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Saturday April 15, 2006
We went to celebrate an event last night that my 17-year old daughter has been dreaming about for years. We went shopping for a dress for her junior prom.
We walked into the bridal store and the clerks immediately “surrounded” her and my wife. Well, after 90 minutes she had found THE dress that she wanted (and to this dad’s surprise it was even on sale). As she stood there admiring herself in the mirror, the clerks suggested this accessory and that accessory. Of course, my daughter felt she needed some of these to compliment the dress.
As we left the store (a little lighter in the wallet), my daughter was floating on cloud nine with her new prom dress and accessories.
Isn’t it great that we have a ‘one-size-fits-all” God! We don’t have to say, “well….I’ll take you with this and how about those accessories.” He gently knocks at the door of your heart asking to come in. No frills, no fluff! And He decides what accessories to give you!
-Garrett Novak
-Rev. 3:20 (NIV)
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me
Friday, April 14, 2006
When God wants to do something, it gets done! That is the great mystery of the struggles that we encounter in life and ask the question, “Why doesn’t God make this happen?”
The escape from Egypt , crossing the Red Sea and eventually entering the promise land by the Children of Israel , God made it happen!
The virgin birth of Jesus, His crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, God made it happen!
It is of no comfort but the fact is that the children of Israel were in captivity for generations and they spent another forty years in the wilderness. And from the book of Malachi to Mathew there was 400 years when God was silent. But when God was ready, He made it happen!
God can and does make it happen in His time and in His way in our lives too. But I have to remind myself, He is God and I am not!
– Lyn Sahr
-Matt 6:9-13 NIV
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Most of us do not handle rejection very well. In fact, it has a way of changing people’s lives and personalities permanently. When we consider the death of Jesus on the cross, we often forget the rejection He endured by the very people He came to save. Although it wasn’t of the physical nature, it surely was a heartfelt piercing of its own. Perhaps we all have experienced rejection but nothing like Jesus felt.
But the big thing is what we do with the rejection. Jesus continued with His purpose and rose from the dead to give eternal live to those very same people. When we are rejected by those we love we must keep are hearts in tune with the example of Jesus; forgive them and love them anyway!
– Lyn Sahr
-Isa 53:3-6 NIV
He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
It is before sunrise this morning looking over Seekers Bay and there is a sense of expectancy of a great day. The beauty of the moment, although different than the sunrise, carries its own majestic experience.
It was dark and sorrowful at Calvary . Although hard to see at the time, there was beauty in the moment. It was part of God’s great plan for man. So as we observe this week of passion, Good Friday and Easter Sunday I encourage you to see the beauty of that moment at Calvary . It has changed the lives of millions and it has or will change you forever. And forever is a long, long time!
– Lyn Sahr
-John 19:28-30 NIV
Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Calvary isn’t a place to leave sin behind; it is a place to have sin erased!
– Lyn Sahr
-Eph 1:7-9 NIV
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
Monday, April 10, 2006
It is difficult for us to understand the cross of Calvary . That the love of God could be so committed and sacrificial to man that He would send His own Son to die on the cross. He didn’t have to do it but he did.
That Jesus would give His life willingly for you and me. He didn’t have to do it but he did.
That Jesus would forgive his enemies as He died on that cross. He didn’t have to do it but he did.
That Jesus would raise from the dead a victory over death for all believers. He didn’t have to do it but he did.
That Jesus would walk among men and appear to many as confirmation to His resurrection. He didn’t have to do it but he did.
That Jesus ascended into heaven to be at the right hand of His father and is our advocate. He didn’t have to do it but he did.
This same attitude of sacrifice is desperately needed in the church today when things need to get done for the good of the kingdom, He didn’t have to do it but he did.
And Jesus is coming back again for His church. He doesn’t have to do it but He will… soon!
– Lyn Sahr
-Heb 10:15-25 NIV
The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: 16 “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” 17 Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” 18 And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin.
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 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, April 9, 2006
How much time and effort do you spend in trying to please others—family, friends, co-workers and bosses? The next question is how much time do you spend seeking to please God? At the end of this life, His opinion is the one that counts for eternity.
-Ardis Rivera
-Matthew 25:21
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
Saturday, April 8, 2006
Worship is a contagious thing that brings about change in ones heart. Without worship we find ourselves in peculiar unchanging position with God. Worship is showing His “Worthship” and it is essential to our spiritual growth. Without worship we show no emotion, no gratitude, not hope and no passion for the things of God. Now I am not advocating running from the isles and swinging from the chandeliers in church. On second thought, why not!
– Lyn Sahr
-Ps 84:4 NIV
Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you.
Friday, April 7, 2006
Yesterday the news flashed that Jesus was perhaps walking on ice, not on the water. A little later it flashed a theory that Judas was only following Jesus command when he betrayed him. Why all the attempts trying to discredit Jesus these days? Could it be the day and hour of Jesus return is nearer than we think? Perhaps we should be paying more attention to details these days. And with over forty million copies of The Da Vinci Code being sold, I would like to remind people of the Jesus code!
0 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
-Mark 12:30-31 NIV
If I have to choose between the “Johnny come latelys” or “Jesus Always,” I choose the Son of the living God who has stood the test of time and lovingly lives in the hearts of all who let him enter.
Thursday, April 6, 2006
Before the sun was up on Seekers Bay this morning I got up and looked across the water. It was pitch black except for small light glimmering off the water in the darkness. As I looked I thought what if that light wasn’t there? I would see nothing.
So it is in the spiritual world in which we live. You may be the only light for someone living in complete darkness. So when you are discouraged and think your light (life) doesn’t matter remember that it means everything to the one living in darkness that sees only your light.
If your light doesn’t shine you can’t see your way either!
– Lyn Sahr
-Ps 112:4-10 NIV
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.
9 He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor,
his righteousness endures forever;
his horn will be lifted high in honor.
10 The wicked man will see and be vexed,
he will gnash his teeth and waste away;
the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.
Wednesday, April 5, 2006
Yesterday afternoon we had all three of our grandchildren ages 4, 2 and 2 at our house. We took them out to Lonna’s sister’s farm to see the newborn lamb, beef calves and the other animals. They had quite a time petting the lamb, chasing the chickens and cats and looking at the newborn calves. Our youngest grandson had his pacifier in his mouth when we were by the calf pens and he dropped it in the manure! Obviously, that was the end of that pacifier. When he got home his dad asked him about the trip to the farm and he said, “Cows ate my nookie (pacifier)!”
So what’s the moral of the story? When you drop whatever your pacifier is in life in the manure leave it lay, walk away and don’t tell anyone the cows ate it!
P.S. God knows when it is time to give up the things that we hold on to so dearly that stand in the way of our spiritual maturity.
– Lyn Sahr
-James 1:4-5 NIV
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Tuesday, April 4, 2006
The sun is shining across Seekers Bay this morning and the geese have returned to the delight of our grandchildren. It’s a great day!
But somewhere out there today there is a pastor getting up who sees nothing but dark clouds hanging over his ministry as there is conflict in his congregation. And somewhere out there this morning there is people who are part of a church that is floundering and having conflict with each other and the pastor. They love their church and the morning isn’t pleasant for them either. Conflict, who is at fault?
I became a pastor after doing evangelistic ministry. As I traveled from church to church the pastors would talk negative to me about the people in their church and the people in the church would talk negative to me about their pastor. And the pastors were so unhappy. I thought pastoring a church should be the greatest job on earth. So, when I was asked to pastor a small church that I was speaking in, I felt led to accept the call and find out for myself what it was like. That was many “wounds” ago.
So today I have a thought of what the problem is, other than the obvious demonic activity and spiritual warfare that is much more prevalent and active than most churches want to admit, recognize or accept the fact. I have been a critic and defender of congregations and pastors carefully trying to see both points of view whenever I am asked to help with crisis in churches. But today I want to give some thought to the role of the pastor in conflict and ministry failure.
Many pastors take their role too seriously. They find it difficult to accept the fact that God is really in charge and the problems of the church are too big for the pastor. That’s why God is in charge. I believe that many pastors self destruct or become obnoxiously distant from their congregations because they are trying to carry God’s role in the church, become overwhelmed and actually want to fail and get out.
Today’s pastoral advice, quit trying to be God and start being a servant of God. Go before the people as one who is not only called by God but a servant of God and much of the conflict in the church will dissipate.
Conflict dies when we die… to our ourselves!
– Lyn Sahr
-Mark 9:33-35 NIV
They came to Capernaum . When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.
35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
Monday, April 3, 2006
I was driving down the freeway the other day and I noticed a guy to my right wearing racing gloves with both hands on the wheel sitting straight and looking as if he were in the Indy 500. Then I noticed to my left there was a driver with a big crease on the right side of her car from a previous accident, looking as if she did not know where she was going. I decided that being in the middle wasn’t a good idea!
Unfortunately many people live in the middle of circumstances that have danger on both sides of them. You see, I made a choice where I drive and got out of the middle of those two characters. People make a decision as to where they are living their lives and it is their choice to get out to safe living.
If your living between the “devil and the deep blue sea” someone’s going to drown and it probably isn’t going to be the devil!
– Lyn Sahr
-1 Peter 5:8-11 NIV
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Sunday, April 2, 2006
Today the church needs soldiers who are ready for battle. There are lots of Christians who are not fulfilling this role. God is calling us to battle the enemy and we can’t do it by sitting in front of the TV. God prepares us for the battle at hand when we spend time in prayer and study of His word. He is looking for people who will follow Him no matter the cost.
When a young man or woman enters the army, he/she leaves behind everything. There isn’t room for a lot of “things”. Family and friends are left. Basic training isn’t pleasant but it prepares the soldier to fight the enemy. We need to get rid of things that are keeping us from the much-needed training. We are in a battle for the souls of men and we have to be ready.
-Ardis Rivera
-2 Corinthians 10:3-4
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
Saturday April 1, 2006
I love stories. Maybe that’s why I love the word of God, the bible so much. In fact, remember how Jesus taught? He taught in parables….or stories.
We read stories for several reasons. We read because we relate to characters in the story, to learn, and for enjoyment. That’s the same reason why Christians need to read God’s word.
We read because we can relate to the struggles, trials and tribulations of Joseph, Daniel, David and Paul. We read to learn about how God’s followers “did life,” how they followed him and the results. We read to learn about Jesus and how we should be as Christians (remember the bible is the whole “blueprint” for Christian life). Finally, we read His word because we enjoy fellowshipping with God and spending time with Him in it daily.
There is a reason God gave us his word in the format he did. He gave His word to us to read it. Spend some time with the God who created this universe this weekend, spend time the His word.
-Garrett Novak
-John 1:1 (NIV)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Ephesians 6:16-17
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.
