Sunday, May 28, 2006
A couple of weeks ago, I got home from a service and made a salad for supper. As I started eating it, my stomach started hurting. I thought I should maybe not eat any more, but then I realized I needed to eat something. During the night I woke up with stomach pain. The next day I didn’t feel the best but the following day I was extremely ill. I thought of all the possible causes: flu, heat, but my mind went back to that salad. But there should have been no problem with that except for one possible thing. Some time before that we had been without electricity for 10+ hours. Could the mayonnaise have gone bad, even though I hardly opened the refrigerator in that time?
When I talked to some people about it, the advice was to throw out the mayonnaise. But I didn’t want to do that—there is a lot left in the jar. And yet, I couldn’t imagine eating it again, not even to prove or disprove my theory. The thought of getting that sick again wasn’t a pleasant thought.
I wondered at my reluctance to throw out something that probably made me sick. Of course, it cost money to buy it and I can’t get that type here. But why not throw it out right away when I know it isn’t good for me. Then I started thinking how many times we try to hang on to things that are hurting us spiritually. We have all kinds of good excuses. I am not really gossiping because I am just asking people to pray for my brother or sister. Or who is hurt by the websites I visit? Or why should I throw away movies or CDs full of filthy language because I paid good money for them?
I know how God has dealt with me about getting rid of things in my life that He didn’t want there. Sometimes He had to use drastic means to get me to obey. And now I realize that if He tells me something needs to go, it needs to go.
Well, the mayonnaise went to the garbage, and I have decided it might be a good thing to let God check out my spiritual refrigerator to see if I am still holding on to something that will hurt me.
And one other thought, if we get disconnected from our Power Source for very long, our lives will go sour.
-Ardis Rivera
-Matthew 15:18-20
But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man ‘unclean.’ For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man ‘unclean’; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him ‘unclean.’ ”
-Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
If you’re like me, I am sure that you would like it if God would send the “Goodyear Blimp” to your backyard, with a message printed on the side telling you what the next step is in your life. Even though He could send the blimp with the “message,” the reality is that isn’t how God works.
Instead of spending your time watching for the blimp, why not meditate on the word, pray and seek Him first! You might be surprised what He is telling you about your next step.
-Garrett Novak
-John 6:37-38 (The Message)
Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever. I have told you this explicitly because even though you have seen me in action, you don’t really believe me. Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. And once that person is with me, I hold on and don’t let go. I came down from heaven not to follow my own whim but to accomplish the will of the One who sent me.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Today I picked up the old 67 Ford pickup from the warehouse and drove it home to try to sell over the weekend with all the people around at the lake. I had forgotten what a nice truck it is. It has only 60,682 actual miles and is in excellent condition with the exception that the original paint is all faded and it needs to be painted. The inside is like new and it runs exceptional. It reminds me of some of the old country churches how they aren’t always up to date and the exteriors often show their age. But inside, there are in good shape as the fundamentals of the faith are practiced in earnest.
One time I spoke in a little country church that had a wooden altar. As I walked toward the platform I noticed that the kneeling boards were worn from people praying on their knees. It burned within me a lasting picture. Worn alters are a sign of comforted, renewed souls.
Seek God with something more than a casual, “Good morning Lord!” if you are looking for something more from God that a casual relationship.
-Lyn Sahr
-2 Chron 1:7-12 NIV
That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”
8 Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. 9 Now, LORD God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. 10 Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
11 God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, riches or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, 12 therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, riches and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.”
Thursday, May 25, 2006
I can remember years ago hearing a television evangelist saying, “Do you need a miracle today?” As I reflect upon his words I realize that people still need miracles. I know many people who are facing serious health issues for themselves or someone they love who need a miracle touch from God. Some may need the miracles of salvation for themselves or for a loved one. Others perhaps need financial, business or family miracles to take place. It is hard to comprehend the decision making process God goes through in determining who gets a miracle and when. The good news is it is not done by committee!
– Lyn Sahr
-Mark 9:38-41 NIV
Teacher,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”
39 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. 41 I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Don’t you hate waiting for people! One time we were supposed to have a picnic and the couple who was bringing one of the main courses came two hours late. I was offended. When people are always late what they are really saying is that they are more important than anyone else and no one else’s schedule matters.
One thing I appreciate about God is that He is always on time, sometimes early but never late!
– Lyn Sahr
-Ps 18:16-19 NIV
He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.
17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the LORD was my support.
19 He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Sunday I attended a worship service celebrating 100 years of the ministry of a local church. The big picture of ministry is that we are all filling a role in a given period of time in the life of a church and we must respect the ministry of those who have went before us and dedicate the church to the ministry of the future. Successful multigenerational churches are built on the Word of God and the heart of God that welcomes the peace of the present.
-Lyn Sahr
-Ps 37:37 NIV
Consider the blameless, observe the upright;
there is a future for the man of peace.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Old friends are very special. We had a surprise visit this weekend from an old friend we hadn’t seen for some time. We reminisced about old times and we caught up on new events in our lives. Both of our lives are crazy so the stories were pretty interesting. Perhaps you haven’t spent much time with old friends lately but it is invigorating.
There is one old friend who really can give you a lift. If you haven’t spent much time with Jesus lately perhaps it is time to do a little catching up. Old friends are very special!
-Lyn Sahr
-Prov 18:24 NIV
A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
The other day a pastor came to my house. It soon became apparent that he and his family were bearing a heavy burden. They have been pastoring a small church for quite some time and yet the people have no interest. At times, the only people at the service are the pastor and his family. So, why does he continue? What does a person do when it seems that God is not blessing their work?
This precious pastor shared that he can’t quit. He is convinced that one day the people will respond to God and that God is in fact working now, even though no one could tell.
We need to realize that we are in a war. The enemy wants to keep his people out of the church doors and if they go, he will do all he can to keep them from making a commitment to the Lord. I think if we knew how fierce the spiritual battle is that is going on around us, we would spend much more time in prayer and less time in “entertainment”. There are lots of excuses to not pray, but none is valid. We need to be seeking God about the lost. There need to be tears of repentance for our apathy to the things of God. We need to start seeing the lost as they really are—His creation made slaves and bound by chains to a cruel master who is doing all he can to keep them chained. It is time to get serious about reaching the lost, no matter what the cost. If we don’t, how many souls will be lost forever due to our apathy?
-Ardis Rivera
-Ephesians 6:10-12
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
For many Christians we have a “defining” event in our lives. And how we react to it and are changed because of it will define the rest of our days. A good friend reminded me of this several years ago while going through one of those “life events.”
For Jesus, His defining moment was the cross. He knew what was coming, and what His purpose was, and the cross loomed before Him for all his 33 years. For us it might be a divorce, death of a spouse or child, a debilitating or even terminal disease, the job of your dreams falling apart, or many other “defining” events. When those events come, and they will come, those who are walking with the Lord either cling to him, or choose to look for comfort and direction in other places.
When your life changing event comes, grab hold to the Lord and don’t let go. Surround yourself with others who have “survived” their event. Let your event mold you into the Christian that He wants you to be.
By the way, many times we have to go through our “defining moment” before God can use us like He planned!
-Garrett Novak
-Romans 5:3 (The Message)
There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next.
Friday, May 19, 2006
One of the movements in church history is called the “holiness movement,” meaning people looking for a deeper relationship with Christ that was manifested through Christian characteristics and lifestyle. Then there was the “charismatic movement,” people seeking a greater infilling or indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Today if we were to label what is happening in the church I would call it the “wholeness movement.” It seems to me that many people’s lives are fragmented both emotionally, economically, physically and spiritually. Although no one has named what is going on in our churches, the church is making an attempt to piece together people from wounded, broken lives.
How do I know that Christians are broken and incomplete? Because of the strife and broken relationships that are so common in our churches today among believers. His love cannot be complete in us until believers love one another.
Therefore, every church needs to be involved in the “wholeness movement” and become a Bethesda , the healing place!
– Lyn Sahr
-1 John 4:11-12 NIV
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
We will always wonder about the “whatifs” in life. But there is only one “whatif” that really matters; “whatif” you accept Christ and “whatif” you don’t?
Well, “what is it?”
-Lyn Sahr
-Ps 62:1-2 NIV
My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Job security is something that is a figment of people’s imagination. Now eternal security, that’s something that is real!
– Lyn Sahr
-John 3:36 NIV
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
When you are struggling hold out your hand to God and you will be surprised. He was already holding it!
– Lyn Sahr
-Ps 118:25-27 NIV
O LORD, save us;
O LORD, grant us success.
26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.
From the house of the LORD we bless you.
27 The LORD is God,
and he has made his light shine upon us.
Monday, May 15, 2006
It has often been said that the average person is the best of the worst and the worst of the best. As Christians, we should strive to be the best man or woman of God that we can be. Excellence in our faith is rarely mentioned in this world where excellence in human feats catches the news headlines around the world. But in heaven, excellence is a way of life. I believe that it is God’s will that we become the best man or woman of God that you can be, excellence in our faith and practice!
P.S. Don’t confuse excellence with perfection. We are seen perfect only through God’s eyes looking through the blood of Jesus. Excellence has to do with our love and commitment in allowing God to renew our hearts and minds.
-Lyn Sahr
-Matt 6:9-10 NIV
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Happy Mother’s Day!
Everyone has a mother and what a gift of God mothers are to each of us.
I think of my mother often. Although it hardly seems possible, she has been gone for nine years already. She died a horrible, horrible death from terminal lung disease, emphysema, asthma and bronchitis all at the same time, from smoking. I was at her side for ten days and watched her die needlessly at age 67. Today I wish that I could go to here modest mobile home in that little town of around 80 people, sit on the patio, grill some hamburgers and just be with her. Or even to be able to send a card, a small gift or just a phone call to say I love you. That’s not possible for me but it is for you.
Don’t forget your mother today! Mothers truly are a special gift from God. Say I love you to her in some way on this special day. It’s a God thing!
-Lyn Sahr
-Eph 6:1-3 NIV
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”-which is the first commandment with a promise- 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Fourteen years ago today my son Jesse was born. Now the birth of every child is special, but my son decided that he would come into the world in a special way…and was born in the front seat of our car. We attended the birthing classes, even had the bag packed and were ready for the birth of our second child.
My wife had a history of fast labors, and when she told me it “was time,” we didn’t waste any time, and headed for the hospital in the wee morning hours. Less than a mile from home her labor pains kicked into high gear, and before we knew it, my son was ready to be born, right there in our car.
Being the husband I am (and being a bit scared to deliver my own child), I hit the gas in our car, and sped off towards the hospital. We did actually reach the emergency room parking lot before my son was born, but there he was, making his “grand entrance” in the front seat of a 1978 Old Cutlass!
God might be moving you towards something new, are you “prepared” if He opens the door quickly? Are you ready to move “now” if He tells you too? Do you have your “bag packed” and ready like we did awaiting the birth of our son? Hang on, for when the Lord asks you to go now, it can be a wild ride!
-Garrett Novak
-2 Timothy 4:2a
“Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season.”
Friday, May 12, 2006
When someone knocks on our door unexpectedly, what is your response? Do you say, “Who could that be?” or “”What do they want?” Often when an unexpected knock is at the door people have all kinds of negative thoughts, responses and expressions. I have never heard anyone say, “Who could that be? Maybe it is Polishers Clearing House bringing me $1,000,000! I better hurry and answer the door!” No, many people seem to not want to be bothered or expect the worse.
I suspect it is the same way when Jesus knocks on the door of a person’s heart, negative thoughts, responses and expressions. Perhaps this is why the old hymn writer wrote;
Tell me the story of Jesus; write on my heart every word.
Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard.
Do you know this old hymn? I suggest you look it up online or in a hymn book and read the rest of the word. They are the thought for today!
-Lyn Sahr
-Isa 40:10-11 NIV
See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power,
and his arm rules for him.
See, his reward is with him,
and his recompense accompanies him.
11 He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
In the high prices of today’s world, the best deal around is prayer. There is no admission fee, no sales tax, no registration fee and you can talk as long as you want without ever getting cut off or losing the signal. There are no rebate forms and you don’t need cash or a credit card. What a deal! Too bad more people don’t take advantage of it.
-Lyn Sahr
-Ps 66:20 NIV
Praise be to God,
who has not rejected my prayer
or withheld his love from me!
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Can you imagine going weekly into a fine restaurant and eating a big steak with dessert and when they brought the bill you decided that it was too much and you could use the money more yourself so you didn’t pay it and just left a tip? Of course not, you wouldn’t think of it!
But that’s what a lot of people do every Sunday to the church they love. The don’t tithe, they tip! Many regular church attendees today are only giving a tip of their tithe and a poor one at that. No wonder churches have no money for missions and evangelism.
So are you a tither or a tipper?
-Lyn Sahr
-Mal 3:8-12 NIV
Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.
“But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’
“In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse-the whole nation of you-because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,” says the LORD Almighty. 12 “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the LORD Almighty.
Tuesday, May 9, 2006
Today is “Email Day!” This is the day we would like to hear from you. Please enclose in your email three things.
How long you have been a subscriber to the Thought For The Day.
What city, state and country you live in.
A personal note on how this ministry has been helpful to you.
Pray that God will continue to enable us to be a blessing to you!
– Lyn Sahr
-Lam 3:25-26 NIV
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
Monday, May 8, 2006
The Word of God is meant to be a guide that shows us the way through the darkest hours. But, like the flashlight, if it isn’t turned on there is no light. Open your Bible to turn on the switch to light your life in the darkness that is so prevalent for so many people today.
-Lyn Sahr
-Ps 119:105 NIV
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.
Sunday, May 7, 2006
A couple of days ago the electricity went out in the entire neighborhood. It was amazing how quiet everything was. There were no loud stereos or TVs in the whole area. Although I missed the fan, I was thankful for some time of complete quiet (until the neighbors turned on the car stereo).
I started thinking how many times God speaks to us in the quiet times of life. Yet in today’s world there are few quiet times. There is noise on all sides. TV and radio advertisers clamor for our attention.
Maybe it is time to turn off the noise and spend some quiet time with God. The electricity doesn’t have to go out for this to happen. Turn off the stereo and TV and let God speak to you in the quiet times. You might be surprised what He might have to say.
-Ardis Rivera
-1 Kings 19:11-13
The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
-Ps 46:10-11
“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Saturday, May 6, 2006
When I was young I thought God as involved in every detail of people’s lives. Now that I am older, I still believe it!
– Lyn Sahr
-Matt 10:29-31 NIV
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Friday, May 5, 2006
As I was driving into a restaurant I met a small pickup being driven by a big dog! I had to do a double take before I saw a little man sitting next to the dog. Of course, the dog wasn’t driving but it sure looked like it at first glance.
That’s kind of how it is with people. At first glance it looks like they are driving their lives but when you look closer, God is behind the wheel!
Did you really think you were driving?
-Lyn Sahr
-Prov 16:9 NIV
In his heart a man plans his course,
but the LORD determines his steps.
Thursday, May 4, 2006
I think we have went past the “rumors of war” based upon what is being reported around the world and even here at home. It is time to consider the last days as prophesied in the scriptures. When young people are blowing themselves up and others with them in planned suicides and death bombs, it is more than rumors. It is happening now! Consider the sign of the times in your spiritual walk and growth.
-Lyn Sahr
-Matt 24:4-14 NIV
Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.
9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Wednesday, May 3, 2006
A few months ago a young man raised in a Christian home along with a friend who also came from a Christian home, and if I recall correctly they both attended a Christian school, cold bloodedly murdered the one boys parents with a shotgun. The son shot his father and mother first, but not killing the mother. Then he handed the shotgun to his friend who proceeded to kill the mother with a point blank blast to the head. In an interview that he gave on television this week he said the asked her to please forgive him as he pulled the trigger taking her life. What’s wrong with this picture?
Today I read in the paper that a house across the street and a few doors down is being auctioned off by the Sheriffs department as it was confiscated for selling illegal drugs. Just a few doors away and Lonna and I walk past it almost daily. What’s wrong with this picture?
The City of Minneapolis is presenting a special plan today to curb crime in the city as there are so many brazen murders and gang shootings of innocent bystanders. Violent crime is up 15% over the same time last year. What’s wrong with this picture?
Gas prices are at record levels as oil company profits soar into the billions! The stock market reaches its highest level in six years. Corporate greed appears to be at an all-time high. And non-profit donations appear to be at an all-time low. What’s wrong with this picture?
And multitudes of Americans are sleeping in the streets, begging for food and/or eating out of garbage cans. What’s wrong with this picture?
Jesus is missing from the picture!
– Lyn Sahr
-2 Tim 3:1-5;12-17 NIV
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God- 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Monday, May 1, 2006
New seasons are common place each year as spring comes after winter, etc. But in our lives there are new seasons as well. I have watched our children become adults, get married, develop careers and have children to create different seasons in their lives. I too have accepted the different seasons in my life and I am learning to enjoy them to the fullest. Make God a part of your season and you will always be in the light!
– Lyn Sahr
-Eccl 3:1-14 NIV
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
9 What does the worker gain from his toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on men. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. 13 That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil-this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.
