Saturday, September 30, 2000
Christianity is not a spectator sport. The first step to finishing the race is getting on the track!
Friday, September 29, 2000
Why Go To Church
A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of the newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. “I’ve gone for 30 years now,” he wrote, “and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me I can’t remember a single one of them. So I think I’m wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.”
This started a real controversy in the “Letters to the Editor” column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:
“I’ve been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But for the life of me, I cannot recall what the menu was for a single one of those meals. But I do know this: they all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me those meals, I would be dead today.”
No comments were made on the sermon contents anymore.
When you are DOWN to nothing…. God is UP to something!!! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible!!
-Contributed by Drenda Meeks
Thursday, September 28, 2000
ChurchMouse 3 Years Old!
On the 30th of September we will have completed three years of the daily inspirational email, “Thought For The Day.” I initially began to do the daily thoughts as a method to keep myself “ministry sharp” as I had been out of the pastorate for a year. I started with about 12 unsolicited emails friends and family, hoping they wouldn’t get angry at me or tired of receiving them. Some are still on from day one.
The ChurchMouse is a totally free service with no banner ads or funds solicitation. It is not advertised or promoted except by word of mouth and via search engines on the web. Most of the people who receive it heard about it from a friend.
The website http://www.churchmouse.net was added several months later. It receives 10,000 – 14,000 hits per month. It again is totally free with no banner ads and funds are never solicited for.
Here are the answers to the most common questions I am asked:
Yes, in the near future a one-year daily inspirational book will be printed from the past three years of thoughts. It will be made available on the website and you will be notified just before it is available. Yes, we are self-funded. We have never solicited for, received or been offered any donations. All of the writing is done without salary or payment and there has been no remuneration to anyone for articles.
As a general rule, we do not accept links to other sites because we do not have staff, money or time to verify the validity of other ministries and we do not want to promote anything we are unfamiliar with. We hope to have an annual “ChurchMouse Conference” someday but we have no immediate plans for one.
Yes, I personally write most of the daily thoughts and articles on the website. Any writing that does not have a name or “contributed by” under it is written by me.
Yes, you may use the writings for your Sunday School classes and church bulletins. However, you may not reproduce them for mass publication or used for anything that is sold. The fall under the usual copy write laws.
Yes, I occasionally accept speaking engagements as the Lord leads and my schedule permits. I recently included a page on the website with information as to what type of speaking formats I do.
Keep this ministry in your prayers. It is only by the grace of God that it continues and provides these daily thoughts. I certainly am not capable of writing these on my own every day.
On to year four!
Blessings!
Lyn Sahr
Proverbs 3:13
Wednesday, September 27, 2000
I told God I was angry;
I thought He’d be surprised.
I thought I’d kept hostility
Quite cleverly disguised.
I told the Lord I hate Him;
I told Him that I hurt.
I told Him that He isn’t fair;
He’s treated me like dirt.
I told God I was angry,
but I’m the one surprised,
“What I’ve known all along,” He said
“You’ve finally realized”.
“At last you have admitted
what’s really in your heart;
Dishonesty, not anger,
was keeping us apart.
“Even when you hate Me,
I don’t stop loving you.
Before you can receive that love,
you must confess what’s true.
“In telling me the anger
you genuinely feel,
it loses power over you
permitting you to heal.”
I told God I was sorry,
and He’s forgiven me.
The truth that I was angry
had finally set me free.
By Jessica Shaver
-contributed by Ralph Fischer
Tuesday, September 26, 2000
I appreciate the past, I am blessed by the present but I am excited about the future!
In the church we often find people who are excited about the past, which usually means they won’t be blessed in the present and the future will have little to be appreciated.
Monday, September 25, 2000
Recently we have heard much about the poor physical condition of the American people, especially the youth and elderly. The presidential candidates are focused on health benefits. But we hear very little about the spiritual condition of the nation. None of the reporters ask the candidates what they will do to improve the spiritual condition of the nation. What would happen if one of the candidates began to clearly pledge to work with the churches to improve the spiritual condition of the people and the nation? It would be anyone’s guess. My first reaction is that he would loose the election. But then again, you never know until you give God a chance to work.
Sunday, September 24, 2000
“The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. …”(NIV)
(Exodus 33:11).
People find it difficult to pray and really spend time with God. Perhaps their view of God makes this particularly difficult. God spoke to Moses as He would to a friend. I believe God wants to speak to us as a friend, and us to speak to Him the same way. There should be no one easier to talk to about our inner most concerns, needs and burdens than God, our friend.
What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear.
What a privilege to carry,
Everything to God in prayer.
Saturday, September 23,2000
It’s not working! How many times have you heard that in a church leadership meeting? Churches are trying everything they can think of these days to increase attendance . Everything but the only thing that works consistently; going out, telling people about Christ and inviting them to church. An ad in the paper, radio, television or a billboard will never compare to the ad in your heart. That’s the media that works every time. What does your heart advertise?
Friday, September 22, 2000
The seasons change somewhat abruptly at times. It seems that in one day summer disappears into fall. The first few days of cooler weather are not always pleasant at first but soon we begin to enjoy the beauty of the new season.
So it is with the seasons of life. It is hard to make the adjustment but, once you settle in the new season, it can be wonderful. God made something beautiful about changes in our lives and it’s up to us to find it.
Thursday, September 21, 2000
When I was in high school I used to go this place that had the old pinball machines. Some of the machines worked great while others would kind of stick once in awhile. I can remember picking up an end or giving it a kick to get it working again. It worked fine for a while but then needed another kick. This went on for years.
So it is with people. We all have our “bent” as the Psalmist writes. It appears to me that each of us is bent toward certain trials in life over and over again. It is only with God’s help that we can exist at rest with our “bent.” However, we must seek God’s help through disciplined prayer and the study of the Word.
We can also choose to continue to go it on our own. But we can’t conquer or even coexist with our “bent” without God’s help. The old pinball machine was never fixed and was kicked many times daily. The question really is, “How many times and how often do we need to be kicked?” Not by God but by the circumstances caused from our “bent.”
Are you tired of chasing pretty rainbows?
Are you tired of spinning round and round?
Wrap up all the shattered dreams of your life.
At the feet of Jesus lay them down.
Give them all, give them all, give them all, to Jesus.
Shattered dreams, wounded hearts and broken toys.
Give them all, give them all, give them all, to Jesus.
And He will turn your sorrows into joy.
Yes, He will turn your sorrows into joy.
Wednesday, September 20, 2000
God is able to do more than we ask but only willing to do what is good for us.
Tuesday, September 19, 2000
Recently I observed the old “kick the dog syndrome.” That’s when a person is having a bad day and takes it out on an innocent person or overreacts to some minor thing someone else has done. Too often this becomes a habit. Transferring our frustrations in life to someone else is not only unkind but also unchristian.
Often a suffering relationship with Christ results in this type of action. A strengthened spiritual life does not “kick the dog” but rather “kicks the habit!”
Monday, September 18, 2000
We can impress people from a distance, but only impact them up close.
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love…”Rom 12:10
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you..” Rom. 15:17
Lord, give me a caring heart.
-contributed by Bob Espeseth
Sunday, September 17, 2000
Wonderful, Wonderful
Wonderful, wonderful Jesus,
Wonderful, wonderful friend,
Wonderful, wonderful Savior,
Wonderful life without end.
A wonderful mansion in glory,
He has prepared for me over there.
The master designed every detail,
With gracious unlimited care.
A wonderful day is awaiting,
For me in my home up above.
A special time of reunion,
Because of His wonderful love.
I want to see my loved ones in glory,
See the smile of each happy face.
But the thrill of it all is beyond measure,
When my hand in Christ’s hand I place.
Oh wonderful day of redemption,
When I asked God to take over my life.
Christ’s shed blood made it possible,
It was His gift to me without price.
I’ll there sing His praises forever,
No sorrow to darken the day.
Come won’t you join me in heaven.
For this I earnestly constantly pray.
-composed by Ruby Flodin, November 3, 1981
*Ruby Flodin was my grandmother who passed away April, 2000 at the age of 89. I believe that she prayed for me everyday of my entire life until she was no longer able to function because of a stroke a few weeks before here death. She was a dear saint and a precious mother, grandmother and friend who prayed for her family, church and friends every single day. She still lead a weekly Bible study until shortly before her death. She lived most of her live poor with very little money but was the richest person I have ever known. She had a wealth of faith and practiced it diligently throughout here life. She is now rewarded with her mansion and crown.
My grandmother taught me some things by her example that the Lord gently reminded me of this past week,
She was grateful for what she had and who she was. What she didn’t have she felt someone else must of needed it more than she did.
She never lost sight of the needs of others.
She never gave up on a lost soul. She prayed for them for years.
She didn’t borrow people her faith, she gave it to them!
She read her Bible and prayed daily whether she felt like it or not.
She expected a miracle from God everyday and lived as though it had just happened!
She gave more than her share to the church to try to make up for those who didn’t.
What ever needed to be done, whatever it took, with God’s help she did it!
Saturday, September 16, 2000
There are two things that are important for the church to remember during these days of “seeker oriented” worship services:
1. God still saves by grace not glitter.
2. God still honors faith not flare.
Friday, September 15, 2000
Wisdom is essential for peace and coexistence in the body of Christ. Too often there are incidences of unkindness and sometimes outright hostility amongst Christians towards each other. The church needs leaders who exercise wisdom and understand the importance of clear thinking. One of my most pleasurable pastorates was when I had Elders who were wise, gave me good counsel and lead the church with “uncommon hearts” and “common sense!” Perhaps A.W. Tozier said it best, “ You get into the Kingdom heart first, but that doesn’t mean you cut your head off!”
Thursday, September 14, 2000
“God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called.”
-contributed by Bob Espeseth
Wednesday, September 13, 2000
“If not now, when? If not us, who?”
-contributed by Bob Espeseth
Tuesday, September 12, 2000
Last night I attended a National Collegiate Scholar Honor Society induction of new members. The new members were asked to stand and repeat a pledge or vow of the organization. It felt like I was at an evangelistic meeting, the altar call had been given and everyone stood up who wanted to be saved… from ignorance.
In recent years we have taken the “We don’t want to embarrass anyone” approach to evangelism with no public acknowledgement of ones conversion. Can you imagine anyone being embarrassed because they accepted Christ? Hereto may be the problem. If we keep hiding the light, all the world sees is darkness and churches are churches in name only and Christians are Christians in name only.
Christianity may be a private possession but it must have a public presence.
Monday, September 11, 2000
The government has prepared the people for earthquakes with special building codes, floods by dams and dikes, tornados and hurricanes with shelters but has done nothing to prepare the people for the second coming of Christ. Of course, that’s the job of the church!
Sunday, September 10, 2000
Over the past four years I have visited numerous churches for their Sunday morning worship service. This morning I was the first time visitor at a church of around 110 people in attendance. We sang one old hymn to open the service and then, after about 25 minutes, we entered a time of contemporary praise and worship. The congregation sang out heartily for the old hymn to open the service. But when it came time for the praise and worship time, I looked around the congregation and found the same thing that I notice in most places I visit. About or less than half of the congregation was singing. Most of the songs I was totally unfamiliar with and, I am guessing, so was the congregation. The worship team and a few others were having a great time but far too many of the people sat down long before the singing was over. I am bewildered as to why we have went so far away from the old hymns or even familiar worship songs of the 80’s and 90’s?
A few weeks ago I spoke at a church of around 160 in attendance. I brought my guitar and just before the sermon I asked for requests for any old song and challenged them to pick out an old familiar one that I didn’t know or couldn’t play. I hadn’t played anywhere for quite some time so I was rusty. However, the congregation began to pick out old, old traditional hymns and camp meeting songs. I played them and lead them in a little old fashioned worship. The old-timers were raising their hands and praising the Lord. A few “amens” and “hallelujahs” could be heard by those who are still caring the church on their backs financially and spiritually. The younger people, who didn’t know the words to most of the songs, were amazed at how the older people of the congregation worshiped. The excitement and passion was real. They had never seen this from them before.
It further convinced me that we are cheating our saints by totally or nearly totally eliminating the hymns and old worship songs from our services. The message to these dear people who built our buildings and ministries is loud and clear, “Blessing you in our worship service is no longer important!”
Am I opposed to contemporary worship? Absolutely not! In fact, I embrace it! In the churches that I have pastored, we have had a blended worship service since 1979. That’s long before contemporary worship was popular and long before most evangelical, non-Pentecostal churches would ever consider it. But now many of those same churches are rushing to “compete” with the church down the road or the “denomination of the month” and are neglecting the saints.
Worship services must be designed for people of all ages in our churches. For years we heard about the church offering nothing for young people. Now we are reversing the situation. Too often we define the word “balance” with “excess” and I suspect we have done it again.
Further, almost every church that I have visited in recent months has their finances in the bulletin. This is a practice that has not always been done by many churches. I can’t remember the last time I saw a financial report in a church bulletin or newsletter that the giving was equal to or above budget. In fact, every one of them has been running hundreds of dollars per week deficit. A wise old pastor once told me, “Lyn, you don’t have to preach about giving. If the people are being blessed they will give.” I submit to you that there is a group of people who are no longer being blessed by the local church in the way they are accustomed. I don’t think they are asking for much. Perhaps just a little more equality in worship style and time is in order.
Saturday, September 9, 2000
SOME THINGS SEEN ON CHURCH’S OUTSIDE BULLETIN BOARDS
*God loves everyone, but probably prefers ‘fruits of the spirit’ over ‘religious nuts’!
*God grades on the cross, not the curve.
*God doesn’t want shares of your life. He wants controlling interest.
*WARNING: Exposure to the Son may prevent burning!
*GOD is like Hallmark cards: HE cared enough to send the very best.
*God gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it into its nest.
*For all you do, his bloods for you!
*T.G.I.F.– Thank God I’m Forgiven.
*Jesus, don’t leave earth without Him!
*Christ’s return is near– Don’t miss it for the world.
*Seven days without prayer makes one weak.
*Patience is a virtue that carries a lot of wait.
*Get right or get left!
*Read the Bible. It’s user-friendly plus we offer tech support here on Sundays.
*GODISNOWHERE (now read it again)
*If your Bible is falling apart, chances are your life is staying together.
*In case of nuclear attack, the ban on praying in school is lifted.
*Don’t forget, Judas also left early.
*Free Life & Fire Insurance, Inquire within.
*Lord, help me get up when I fall. I can fall by myself.
*Christians are the light of the world, but the switch has to be turned on.
*Wise men still seek Him.
*Sleep peacefully. God is awake.
-contributed by Beverly Sederlund
Friday, September 8, 2000
There are many dear people who have valiantly tried to carry on the work of the Lord only to find themselves criticized by those who do nothing
Thursday, September 7, 2000
Christ has an eraser bigger than the pencil we sin with.
Wednesday, September 6, 2000
People seem to thrive on instant gratification. But the hand of God often moves slowly as He carefully melts and molds people into what they prayed to become. I suspect that by the time their prayer is answered they have forgotten what they prayed for or when they prayed for it. Today, take a moment and reflect on what you asked God for in the area of your own personal spiritual growth and see what He has done (Or what you have allowed Him to do) over the tests of time.
Tuesday, September 5, 2000
We surround ourselves with the things that man has made and then ask, “Where is God.”
Monday, September 4, 2000
Remember your pastor today. Those who are called of God labor not for money, fame or power but rather perform a labor of love for those they serve. Their pay is the appreciation of those same people. Express your appreciation to your pastor this month.
How many people are they like that today? I fear far too few!
P.S. Suggestions? Make something special for your pastor. I never met a pastor yet who didn’t like home made pie!
Sunday, September 3, 2000
When prayer doesn’t seem to solve your problem, keep praying. A dear saint prayed for the salvation of her husband for 40 years before her prayer was answered and he accepted Christ. Most would have given up but she loved her husband so much that she continued to seek God for his eternity in heaven. Although 40 years is a long time to wait, she didn’t wait alone. She spent a lot of time in the presence of the Lord.
So whatever it is that you are praying for, keep praying. And as you wait, remember, you are not alone. God is waiting with you!
Saturday, September 2, 2000
Wisdom is generally gained from years of personal experience, failures and successes. Unfortunately, most people gain wisdom from their own mistakes. The wise person gains wisdom from other people’s mistakes!
Friday, September 1, 2000
Resisting temptation does not appear to be something that is very automatic. Some people seem to struggle with it more than others. Remember, the more times you resist temptation the better you get at it!
