Sunday, October 31, 1199
You can turn the clocks back but that still won’t take you back in time. Remember, the most important time you have is the time you haven’t spent yet. It is the only time you still have any control, although that control is limited.
So, who will win the battle for your remaining time; Family or job? Family or play? Family or hobbies? Family or career? Family or money? Family or fame? Family or ministry? Family or church? Family or civic club? Family or fortune? Family or ? Family or ? Family or ?
Next to the time you spend with God, the time you spend with your family is the most precious of all… and the most neglected of all. Choose Family!
Saturday, October 30, 1999
We hear a lot these days about one taking charge of their life. Often people are told to take charge of their future. Rarely are people told to take charge of their past… but they should be.
The failures of the past are one of the biggest cripplers of success. The past keeps people from being in active ministry. The past can ruin the present and the future. Make the past your friend, an instrument to make you a better person.
Friday, October 28, 1999
The construction continues on “Seekers Bay.” Yesterday I told the lumber yard that I was the worst “General Contractor” that they would ever see. They assured me that it probably was not true. But they didn’t say it with much reassurance!
Dealing with construction, which is foreign to me, I have a problem remembering the terminology. Every time I want to tell someone about the cement workers pouring the footings I can’t remember the word “forms.” I know that this is a pretty basic thing but for some reason I have a mental block every time I am telling someone about it.
Yes, it’s kind of like the church. There is a certain word that is a pretty basic word in Christian terminology that we have a big struggle remembering. FORGIVENESS, is it a word we don’t remember or we just don’t do it very well!
Thursday, October 28, 1999
When the going gets tough… get going to Jesus!
When things don’t go right, what do you do? Well, I look around and see what else is going on around me, to see what level of spiritual warfare exists. We shouldn’t look for the devil behind every bush or rock but we should not be ignorant of the fact that spiritual warfare exists. Run to the one who promises He will never leave you or forsake you.
Dear Friends,
As you are aware, we are starting the Seasons of Praise 99 on November 7th. Is there spiritual opposition to this effort? It would appear so. Last weekend out pianist had emergency surgery for a detached retina and has no sight in one eye.
Yesterday, attempting to upgrade out handling of our email directory, the computer did something it isn’t supposed to do. It deleted all of the “Thought For The Day” addresses and, somehow, it erased the folder that the backup was stored in at the same time. Our entire list was lost! Fortunately, earlier this month we had made a hardcopy. So, since last night we have reentered the entire list. That is why today’s thought is so slow at getting out.
Why is this list important to us? Because much of our prayer support for our ministry and the upcoming Seasons Of Praise comes through you.
If you know of anyone who may have been left off this newly created list, please explain to him or her what happened and let us know to put them back on the list. As I have said before, if you are ever dropped from the list without your request, please contact us.
Please continue to pray for the Seasons of Praise. Especially pray for our pianist and for the salvation of those unbelievers that God may send our way.
Thank you for your prayers.
-Lyn Sahr
Wednesday, October 27, 1999
There isn’t anything God can’t do but thankfully there are many things God won’t do! One of them is that He will not compromise His Devine purpose for human rationalization. Not that he doesn’t care or listen to mans needs, He just won’t sacrifice the multitude for the selfishness of one.
Tuesday, October 26, 1999
Our youngest daughter came home from college last night and wanted her mother to bake some bran muffins. I offered two workers at my house each a fresh muffin. They were busy so I set them down nearby. When I returned home later I went down to see if they had eaten the muffins. The same muffins that my daughter looked forward to eating were still sitting where I had left them, uneaten by the workers.
Earlier that day I received a call from a missionary in Mexico. He said he was coming through next month and wanted to stop by and visit. He also requested that my wife bake some of those bran muffins he had the last time he was here.
So, what is the difference between my daughter and the missionary who love the muffins and the two workers who left the muffins? The two workers had never tasted the muffins before. If they had, they would have never left them untouched.
So it is with God. Those who never partake have never tasted the goodness of God or they would be dining at His table daily.At our upcoming Seasons of Praise 99, we are inviting people to come and taste the goodness of God. The problem is getting them to take the first bite. Remember this outreach in your prayers.
Monday, October 25, 1999
W H A T G O E S A R O U N D
He said, “I’m here to help you ma’am. Why don’t you wait in the car where it’s warm? By the way, my name is Bryan.”
Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady, that was bad enough.
Bryan crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire.
But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt. As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through.
She couldn’t thank him enough for coming to her aid. Bryan just smiled as he closed her trunk. She asked him how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She had already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped.
Bryan never thought twice about the money. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty who had given him a hand in the past…
He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way. He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance that they needed, and Bryan added “…and think of me”.
He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight.
A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was not unfamiliar to her. The cash register
was like the telephone of an out of work actor-it didn’t ring much.
Her waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn’t erase. The lady noticed that the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her
attitude.
The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Bryan. After the lady finished her meal, and the waitress went to get change for her hundred-dollar bill, the lady slipped right out the door.
She was gone by the time the waitress came back. She wondered where the lady could be, then she noticed something written on the napkin under which was 4 $100 bills. There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote. It said: “You don’t owe me anything, I have been there too. Somebody nice helped me out, the way I’m helping you. If you really want to pay
me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you.”
Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day.
That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard.
She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, “Everything’s gonna be all right; I love you, Bryan.”
-contributed by John Roe
Sunday, October 24, 1999
Buying the right size hat is very important. If you buy one too big it hangs down to your ears and you look ridiculous. If you buy one too small it can easily blow off in the wind and you can lose the hat. Then someone came along with the idea of a “one size fits all.”
The person who invented the “one size fits all” hat thought he had something new but in the church we have been practicing the “one size fits all” concept for years. We have ignored what ministry gifts people have and cram them into whatever position the church needs them in. Unfortunately it doesn’t work in the church. The results are very similar to wearing the wrong size hat!
Saturday, October 23, 1999
Church Football
Quarterback Sneak–Church Members quietly leaving during the invitation
Draw play–What many children do with the bulletin during worship.
Halftime–The period between Sunday School and worship when many choose to leave.
Benchwarmer– Those who do not sing, pray, work, or apparently do anything but sit.
Backfield-In-Motion–Making a trip to the back(restroom or water fountain) during the service.
Staying in the pocket–What happens to a lot of money that should have been given to the Lord’s work.
Two-minute warning–The point to which you realize the sermon is almost over and people begin to gather up their children and belongings.
Instant Replay– The Preacher loses his notes and falls back on last week’s illustrations.
Sudden death–What happens to the attention span of the congregation if the preacher goes “overtime”
Trap–You are called on to pray, and you are asleep.
End Run–Getting out of church quick without speaking to any guest or fellow member.
Flex Defense–The ability to allow absolutely nothing said during the sermon to affect your life.
Halfback Option–The decision of 50% of the congregation not to be there for the whole service.
Blitz–The rush for the restaurants following the closing prayer.
Contributed by Marv Nelson
Friday, October 22, 1999
Being close to God may require you to distance yourself from certain people, places or things. God’s a little on the jealous side and won’t allow anything between you and Him!
Thursday, October 21, 1999
After living a “decent” life, my time on earth came to an end. The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a courthouse. The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table.
As I looked around, I saw the “prosecutor.” He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me. He definitely was the most evil person I had ever seen.
I sat down and looked to my left, and there sat my lawyer, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed very familiar to me. The corner door flew open, and there appeared the judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as he moved across the room, and I couldn’t take my eyes off of him.
As he took his seat behind the bench, the judge said, “Let us begin.”
The prosecutor rose and said, “My name is Satan, and I am here to show you why this man belongs in hell.” He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole and in the past when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life, and the more he spoke the further down in my seat I sank. I was so embarrassed that I couldn’t look at anyone, even my own lawyer, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about.
As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at my representative who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all. I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life – couldn’t that at least equal out part of the harm I’d done?
Satan finished with a fury and said, “This man belongs in hell. He is guilty of all that I have charged, and there is not a person who can prove otherwise. Justice will finally be served this day.”
When it was his turn, my lawyer first asked if he might approach the bench. The judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned him to come forward. As he got up and started walking, I was able to see him now in his full splendor and majesty. Now I realized why he seemed so familiar – this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.
He stopped at the bench and softly said to the judge, “Hi, Dad,” and then He turned to address the court. “Satan was correct in saying that this man has sinned, I won’t deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wages of sin is death, and this man deserves to be punished”.
Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with out-stretched arms and proclaimed, “However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life, and he has accepted Me as his Savior, so He is mine.”
My Lord continued, “His name is written in the book of life, and no one can snatch him from Me. Satan still does not understand yet – this man is not to be given justice but rather mercy.”
As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at his Father and replied, “There is nothing else that needs to be done. I’ve done it all.”
The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down, and the following words bellowed from His lips, “This man is free – the penalty for him has already been paid in full. Case dismissed.”
As my Lord led me away from the courtroom, I could hear Satan ranting and raving. “I won’t give up, I’ll win the next one.”
I asked Jesus, “Have you ever lost a case?”
Christ lovingly smiled and said, “Everyone who has come to me and asked Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you – “Paid in Full.”
-contributed by Ralph Fischer
Wednesday, October 20, 1999
We should not be surprised at the epidemic of “dysfunctional” churches. Denominations are adding a new district staff position called Director of Church Health. With “dysfunctional” families commonplace, should we not expect dysfunctional churches?
My step-father used to say, “There’s the right way, the wrong way and the Army way!” This type of third dimension thinking seems to have entered the pew, “God’s way, the devils way and my way!” The church has always been well equipped to decipher between sin and purity, which has often been illustrated in black and white. But this new founded “grayway,” which is even identifiable in church leaders, has taken many churches out of focus. Thus, many are losing their spiritual direction.
Result: Dysfunctional people from dysfunctional families leading dysfunctional churches.
Today, Oh Lord I pray, pour your Spirit out in these last days so that the church may see the need of people rather than it’s need of people!
Tuesday, October 19, 1999
Did I ever tell you about the “worst worship service” I ever attended? It was real good!
There is no such thing as a poor worship service when God’s people gather in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to worship, regardless of their worship style. Your taste may be different but that doesn’t make a church wrong or poor in worship.
Sunday I worshiped in a church that had a totally different worship style than I prefer. The music was “mainline traditional.” But the pastor’s sermon was delightful and I left refreshed. I enjoyed it as much as any service I had attended in recent time. Besides, they served fresh, homemade donuts after the service!
Monday, October 18, 1999
Be Faithful Where You Are
Look not for greener pastures,
Look not to fields afar
Until your heart has been faithful
In the place just where you are !
Work out each God given duty;
Be faithful among the least,
And God, who sees you in secret
Will all of your labors increase.
He sees your heart and each motive.
He’ll honor the good and the true.
And faithfulness in the small things
Brings greater things to do.
‘Tis true God has greener pastures,
‘Tis true He has fields afar.
But , first prove to Him you’re faithful
In the place just where you are.
– George B Adams
Contributed by Marv Nelson
Sunday, October 17, 1999
If you think there is something missing in our churches, take a closer look to see what(who) is missing outside of the church. While driving through a tough neighborhood of Chicago this week, it occurred to me what the world would be like without Christ.
The sign in front of a Christian Day Care Center (They care for the children of teen mothers while they attend school) read, “NO GUNS!” Its caretaker was arrested this week for being with some guys were selling drugs, a common event in the neighborhood. They offered to release him under “HOUSE ARREST” with an electronic ankle bracelet. But he had to stay in jail because he doesn’t have a house. He is homeless!
A local church had bars in across the front door. (I didn’t know if that was so people couldn’t get in or so they couldn’t get out once they were in!) A recent gang shooting down the street from the pastor’s house seemed commonplace.
There seems to be an abundance of sin in the world, even with the presence of the church. Think of what it would be like without the church.
Pray for “Ms Pearl,” the Christian Day Care Director and Pastor Anton from the Open Door Church as they minister in the “front lines.”
Saturday, October 16, 1999
Abortion will stop in America when the church says it will stop!
Friday, October 15, 1999
The problem with America is not who is in the White House. The problem with America is that the Christians are staying in their houses!
The problem is not in the White House. The problem is in the Church House!
Thursday, October 14, 1999
Today
Today is ours… lets live it.
And love is strong… let’s give it.
A song can help… let’s sing it.
And peace is dear… let’s bring it.
The past is gone… don’t rue it.
Our work is here… let’s do it.
The world is wrong… let’s right it.
If evil comes… let’s fight it.
The road is rough… let’s clear it.
The future vast… don’t fear it.
Is faith asleep?… let’s wake it.
Today is free… let’s take it.
-Lydia L. Roberts
Wednesday, October 13, 1999
Tonight has been traditionally “Church Night” in many communities. I can remember as a child going to prayer meetings on Wednesday nights. No games, no kids… I just sat there and listened to all those old people pray on their knees. I’ve never forgotten their pleas and praise to God.
As the millennium comes to a close, there could be a lot of people who find their way to their knees to pray. Although I don’t expect any serious Y2K problems in America, it surely is a sign of the time. We are nearing the second coming of Christ and the new millennium is certainly a reminder. So from my heart to yours, make prayer a serious part of your day.
Tuesday, October 12, 1999
I recently visited with an old high school friend who is obviously an extremely hard worker. He told me that his son had recently told him that there was more to life than work. Unfortunately, there are many people who will never live before they die!
Monday, October 11, 1999
Yesterday I went to a small rural church and listened to a black preacher from the heart of Chicago. When he started his sermon he said that he was nervous. Soon I realized why. He was used to preaching to a much more active, vocal congregation. When no one seemed to respond to his preaching he would just say “amen.” After many amens from him and none from the congregation he told them it didn’t matter if they said amen or not because he had his own built in amen. So, next Sunday, bring your “amen” with to church and encourage your pastor! Otherwise one of these Sundays he may show up with one of those ‘built in’ amens!
Sunday, October 10, 1999
We hear a lot about the American Dream these days. Naturally, it is always referred to owning or buying something. But truly the American Dream was realized by everyone who attended the church of their choice this morning.
Saturday, October 9, 1999
The Boy Who Wanted to Meet God
There once was a little boy who wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies and a six-pack of root beer, and he started his
journey. When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old woman. She was sitting in the park, staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to her and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old lady looked hungry, so he offered her a Twinkie. She gratefully accepted it and smiled at him.
Her smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered her a root beer. Once again, she smiled at him. The boy was delighted. They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, yet they never said a word.
As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave. Before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old woman and gave her a hug. She gave him her biggest smile ever.
When the boy opened the door to his own home a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, “What did you do today that made you so happy?
He replied, “I had lunch with God.”But before his mother could respond, he added, “You know what? She’s got the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen!”
Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy, returned to her home. Her neighbor was stunned by the look of peace on her face, and she asked, “What did you do today that made you so happy?”
She replied, “I ate Twinkies in the park with God.” But before her neighbor responded, she added, “You know, he’s much younger than I expected.”
Will someone see God in your smile or kind deeds? Maybe they’re not even looking for God, but may see Him in the kindness you show. Isn’t that what we’re here for? It might be a stranger, someone you work with, a family member or friend. Let them see God in you. Show His love in
all you do.
-contributed by Loreal Lindstrom
Friday, October 8, 1999
Why do I forgive? Perhaps because the scriptures say to do it. Or perhaps it is my fear of judgment because the scriptures hint that my forgiveness is hinged upon my forgiveness of others. Or, like in days of old, perhaps I’m just plain scared of hell!
Although there is a vein of truth in all these reasons, the basis for my forgiveness of others has a lot more to do with God and a lot less of me. Somehow, over the years of walking with God, He has given me a heart that forgives. Not so much that I want to but I just can’t seem to hate or carry the proverbial grudge. God has forgiven me so much that I find I have no right not to forgive others.
When you practice forgiveness, you get pretty good at it!
Thursday, October 7, 1999
Daily devotions (prayer and Bible study) are very difficult for people to maintain with the busy schedule that people have today. In fact, it has almost become a given that people just don’t do it. However, reading the scriptures and prayer is imperative to the nurturing of ones soul.
I am often asked, “Why are so many Christians unhappy?” The answer is quite simple. They’re hungry!
Wednesday, October 6, 1999
Building relationships is like building bridges. It takes some real pillars of strength to hold them up. Remember, without bridges it is much more difficult to pass over rough waters.
Tuesday, October 5, 1999
The governor of Minnesota, Jesse Ventura, says he believes in God but that anyone who is involved in “organized religion” is weak minded. At first I was offended because I thought he was taking a cheap shot at the local church. But then I realized that he wasn’t. I’ve yet to see a local that was organized!
Monday, October 4, 1999
Yesterday I spoke in a small country church whose pastor had resigned and left the Sunday before. During the announcements the worship leader said they were having a meeting this week to decide whether to keep the church open or not. I find it difficult to accept closing churches but this one more than any. My grandmother, who celebrated her 88th birthday yesterday, has attended that church for over 60 years.
Many people think it could never happen to their church but it can. A few years ago a church that averaged over 4000 in attendance began to disintegrate and eventually closed its doors. Now, like a lot of other churches, it’s history!
That’s why it is so important that the local church once again be a priority in the life of the members and those who attend. If we continue to breed dissension in our churches we will continue to have ineffective ministries and churches that close.
Sunday, October 3, 1999
Surveys reveal that a quality Sunday School is still one of the most important things people look for when choosing a church to attend. Unfortunately, many of our churches and the people who attend them treat Sunday School as if it were a bother rather than a blessing. A Sunday School teacher gathered around a table with a few kids is one of the most effective ministries ever. It would be my guess that in this century there have been more people won to the Lord through Sunday School than any of the other church programs and evangelistic outreaches combined.
So if you want to be where the actions is in the local church… consider being a Sunday School teacher.
Saturday, October 2, 1999
Some people display a lot of talent when it comes to acting a fool!
-contributed by Marv Nelson
Friday, October 1, 1999
We are adding on to our home and landscaping the lot with a gentle slope toward the lake. As I try to visualize all of the dirt that will need to be moved it occurred to me that when people become Christians they too are spiritually landscaped with a slope toward God. It also occurred to me that they have a lot of spiritual dirt to move to become the people God would have them be. We are moving the dirt in the yard in a day or two with big equipment. Unfortunately, many people move their spiritual dirt a scoop at a time each Sunday over a lifetime. For some, a lifetime isn’t long enough!
