Some time back I took a commercial flight. Since most flights in recent years have been to or from where the grandchildren reside, I will guess this flight was one of those.
People-watching is fun in just about any environment. On an airplane is just as good a setting as most, perhaps better than many. People’s behavior and language informs me about human nature. I see them at both their best and worst.
It additionally proves entertaining to make up stories about folks simply by observing their appearance. This fellow here looks like he is on a business trip. He loves his sports. That gal over there is traveling to see family. She must be single and own two cats. The gentleman over there is an avid outdoorsman. Too bad he just lost his job. You’ve played this game, haven’t you?
I was looking over someone’s shoulder or across their lap as they were perusing a sales catalogue. What caught my eye was a phrase at the top of the page they were reading. The phrase was, “The Greatest Gift.”
Now they had my curiosity elevated! I rummaged about in the seatback in front of me looking for the same magazine my fellow passenger was leafing through. Once I had it in hand, I went looking for “The Greatest Gift” page.
How can anything in a catalogue be “The Greatest Gift”? I know the Greatest Gift and He is listed in another book. Wouldn’t you agree? No way was this advertisement genuinely offering “The Most Remarkable Endowment Ever.”
I was right. The actual heading announced products related to dogs and cats. Further, “The Greatest Gift… is to help others help themselves,” was the full slogan.
After I had found the page, read the ad, and had a moment to reflect on what was being claimed, I had an additional thought: the message seems kinda’ anti-gospel. The Good News tells us that while we were in our helplessness state, The Greatest Gift came to rescue us.
Helping ourselves wasn’t an option that worked for anyone. It was only when God the Father sent His Beloved Son that our hope was restored. It sure wasn’t us helping ourselves or anyone else. The Greatest Gift was Jesus. And the greatest help was Jesus.
Hopefully my musings haven’t upset any pet lovers out there.
The greatest gift ever wasn’t laid under a tree. It was laid in a manger. Merry Christmas!
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
December 22, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
One Face
The passing of a saint is both a sad and happy occasion. One of my Christian brothers lost his older brother earlier this year. I attended the memorial service, as did many others, in support of those for whom the loss was most personal.
The service was well attended, a tribute to the family and to the man. There were sad moments and light hearted ones as well. It was a fitting expression of honor and respect.
As part of the celebration of a life lived for Christ and others, my friend stood to tell about the life of his brother. There were stories of childhood days and events from their young-adult years. We heard about the gentleman’s faithful service in his church and with his fellow church members, meeting the needs of both local families and a needy community on a South Dakota reservation.
At some point during the presentation of his brother’s eulogy, I heard my friend make a statement that caught my ear. He had many kind words to say and several fond remembrances to relate. But it was when he came to the subject of his brother’s integrity that he commented, “[first name] had one face and you saw it.” It was a phrase that stuck with me as I left the church house that day.
What an outstanding compliment! There was nothing deceptive in this man. He presented himself as he was and did so consistently. Perhaps this one phrase went long to explain why so many other accolades could be offered at his memorial.
Wouldn’t you like others to have that same sense as they consider your truthfulness and honesty, whatever your interactions with them may be? For myself I can say I would. “He has one face and you saw it.”
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
December 15, 2009
The service was well attended, a tribute to the family and to the man. There were sad moments and light hearted ones as well. It was a fitting expression of honor and respect.
As part of the celebration of a life lived for Christ and others, my friend stood to tell about the life of his brother. There were stories of childhood days and events from their young-adult years. We heard about the gentleman’s faithful service in his church and with his fellow church members, meeting the needs of both local families and a needy community on a South Dakota reservation.
At some point during the presentation of his brother’s eulogy, I heard my friend make a statement that caught my ear. He had many kind words to say and several fond remembrances to relate. But it was when he came to the subject of his brother’s integrity that he commented, “[first name] had one face and you saw it.” It was a phrase that stuck with me as I left the church house that day.
What an outstanding compliment! There was nothing deceptive in this man. He presented himself as he was and did so consistently. Perhaps this one phrase went long to explain why so many other accolades could be offered at his memorial.
Wouldn’t you like others to have that same sense as they consider your truthfulness and honesty, whatever your interactions with them may be? For myself I can say I would. “He has one face and you saw it.”
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
December 15, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Piggy #4, I Think
Toe Nails. Now we have a topic almost nobody gets excited over. However, for today the topic of toe nails will assist us in seeing a truth. Surely the excitement over toe toppers has already begun to climb!
Did you hear about the fellow whose toe was hurting? It was his ring finger toe. Okay, I don’t know what to call it, but it has to have some designation.
How about the “little piggy that had none” toe? You recall the Mother Goose nursery rhyme, “This Little Piggy”? I found it in exactly this format on two separate internet websites, so with the confidence that comes from extensive research I give you the piggy poem…
This little piggy went to market,
This little piggy stayed at home,
This little piggy had roast beef,
This little piggy had none.
And this little piggy went...
"Wee wee wee" all the way home...
Paragraph 5 -- Counting, moving, etc are participles used as adjectives and should be placed next to the word that they modify.
We are talking about the fourth toe over, counting from the big toe, moving from the largest toe on the foot toward the smallest toe, and counting the toes on one foot and not on two feet, moving from the center of the person toward the other edge, the edge closest to the large toe, not the front edge but the side edge, counting all toes, expecting that for most folks five is the standard number of toes on each foot, not allowing for deviation from this standard for birth defects or loss of toe (or toes) due to accident or injury, not allowing for partial loss of any toe, …
The ring finger toe.
So this fella’ was experiencing pain in his toe. After a couple of days, it didn’t dissipate or completely vanish so he decides to check out his toes. The guy takes a closer look and discovers what is causing his pain. His toe nails have grown and are in need of a trimming. So he trims his nails, all ten of them. And goes his merry way.
The only problem is that his pain continues. He assumes that with a small injury like his that a couple of days will be necessary for healing, so he allows for this time lapse only to discover that he still has the pain he originally took note of. Hmmm. What is going on?
He again inspects his pinkies. The one little piece of nail on the ring finger side of his pinkiest pinky toe is still too long. The result is that the one piece that was first rubbing him the wrong way is still doing so.
All that effort and the single action necessary to bring relief has been left undone. Whoops.
The point of this piggy parable? It is simply this: we can generate a lot of thought and activity intended to improve our situations, but if we are not careful, never do what is needed.
I see myself do this in my personal life. I see this done in our shared church life. I/We do it a lot. And it doesn’t seem to bug us or instruct us to do better the next time.
We hurt, we suffer, we struggle. We react, we study, we take action. And we haven’t changed what wasn’t working for us to begin with. Activity does not equal solution.
We could get into an exploration of multiple layers of complex answers to the straight forward question, “Why?” but I think we will just leave it at “Let’s watch for this one and trim the toe nail that needs trimming.” ‘Nough said.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
December 8, 2009
Did you hear about the fellow whose toe was hurting? It was his ring finger toe. Okay, I don’t know what to call it, but it has to have some designation.
How about the “little piggy that had none” toe? You recall the Mother Goose nursery rhyme, “This Little Piggy”? I found it in exactly this format on two separate internet websites, so with the confidence that comes from extensive research I give you the piggy poem…
This little piggy went to market,
This little piggy stayed at home,
This little piggy had roast beef,
This little piggy had none.
And this little piggy went...
"Wee wee wee" all the way home...
Paragraph 5 -- Counting, moving, etc are participles used as adjectives and should be placed next to the word that they modify.
We are talking about the fourth toe over, counting from the big toe, moving from the largest toe on the foot toward the smallest toe, and counting the toes on one foot and not on two feet, moving from the center of the person toward the other edge, the edge closest to the large toe, not the front edge but the side edge, counting all toes, expecting that for most folks five is the standard number of toes on each foot, not allowing for deviation from this standard for birth defects or loss of toe (or toes) due to accident or injury, not allowing for partial loss of any toe, …
The ring finger toe.
So this fella’ was experiencing pain in his toe. After a couple of days, it didn’t dissipate or completely vanish so he decides to check out his toes. The guy takes a closer look and discovers what is causing his pain. His toe nails have grown and are in need of a trimming. So he trims his nails, all ten of them. And goes his merry way.
The only problem is that his pain continues. He assumes that with a small injury like his that a couple of days will be necessary for healing, so he allows for this time lapse only to discover that he still has the pain he originally took note of. Hmmm. What is going on?
He again inspects his pinkies. The one little piece of nail on the ring finger side of his pinkiest pinky toe is still too long. The result is that the one piece that was first rubbing him the wrong way is still doing so.
All that effort and the single action necessary to bring relief has been left undone. Whoops.
The point of this piggy parable? It is simply this: we can generate a lot of thought and activity intended to improve our situations, but if we are not careful, never do what is needed.
I see myself do this in my personal life. I see this done in our shared church life. I/We do it a lot. And it doesn’t seem to bug us or instruct us to do better the next time.
We hurt, we suffer, we struggle. We react, we study, we take action. And we haven’t changed what wasn’t working for us to begin with. Activity does not equal solution.
We could get into an exploration of multiple layers of complex answers to the straight forward question, “Why?” but I think we will just leave it at “Let’s watch for this one and trim the toe nail that needs trimming.” ‘Nough said.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
December 8, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Caught
In a previous church setting I knew my time was short and so did everyone else. I was the volunteer Sunday School director, and I was taking a paid position out of state. It was time to line up a successor, at least to attempt it.
As I looked the church over, I spotted a talented, educated, youthful and energetic, stable adult. Her career lent itself to skills useful in education ministry. She was not yet over committed in additional Christian service roles.
We talked. I laid out the challenge and the reward. “Please, think and pray about it and do as God leads,” I said. Nothing happened. This staffing solution looked good to me, but it didn’t fit. I don’t know why; it just didn’t.
The post sat empty for a while. Then someone stepped up to serve. He knew me and he knew my wife. His family and my family had shared time together in each other’s homes. We were among the first to welcome them into that church family. We responded to the needs in their household. We supported them in new endeavors. We served in front of them at church. When we loaded the moving truck, he was there eager to do all he could to assist.
Why did he take on the service role of Sunday School director? He had seen another’s life invested in the lives of those around him. He had witnessed the ministry of hospitality and compassion. He had observed a responsiveness to opportunities for expanding the life and breadth of the church. He had caught what it takes to make a difference. And he stepped up.
There was no difference in the capacities of either candidate. There was a significant difference in the exposure of one over the other to a model in ministry. It was all the difference in the world when it came to who chose service. I hadn’t even mentioned the opening to him. I didn’t need to. He saw it lived out and chose it for himself.
So what does all this mean? Leaders, count on this reality: when you touch lives through ministry, you open the door for others to minister. The result of other believers seeing your calling fulfilled is that they are moved forever forward in fulfilling their own God-given passions for service.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
December 1, 2009
As I looked the church over, I spotted a talented, educated, youthful and energetic, stable adult. Her career lent itself to skills useful in education ministry. She was not yet over committed in additional Christian service roles.
We talked. I laid out the challenge and the reward. “Please, think and pray about it and do as God leads,” I said. Nothing happened. This staffing solution looked good to me, but it didn’t fit. I don’t know why; it just didn’t.
The post sat empty for a while. Then someone stepped up to serve. He knew me and he knew my wife. His family and my family had shared time together in each other’s homes. We were among the first to welcome them into that church family. We responded to the needs in their household. We supported them in new endeavors. We served in front of them at church. When we loaded the moving truck, he was there eager to do all he could to assist.
Why did he take on the service role of Sunday School director? He had seen another’s life invested in the lives of those around him. He had witnessed the ministry of hospitality and compassion. He had observed a responsiveness to opportunities for expanding the life and breadth of the church. He had caught what it takes to make a difference. And he stepped up.
There was no difference in the capacities of either candidate. There was a significant difference in the exposure of one over the other to a model in ministry. It was all the difference in the world when it came to who chose service. I hadn’t even mentioned the opening to him. I didn’t need to. He saw it lived out and chose it for himself.
So what does all this mean? Leaders, count on this reality: when you touch lives through ministry, you open the door for others to minister. The result of other believers seeing your calling fulfilled is that they are moved forever forward in fulfilling their own God-given passions for service.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
December 1, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Not Me
“Who left crumbs on the kitchen counter?” It wasn’t me. Funny, but you just made a sandwich on that counter space.
“Whose hair is all over the bathroom sink?” Not mine. Odd, but you combed your hair five minutes ago standing in front of the necessity room mirror.
“Who tracked mud onto the kitchen floor tile?” Not me. My, who could it be? The only person here to use that door in the last 24 hours was you. Those shoes of yours look like they have seen cleaner days, too.
“Not me,” is one of my favorite responses. It shifts the blame immediately away from me and toward whomever else can qualify for suspicion or guilt. It has often served me well.
The Christian life begins with repentance and faith. We turn from sin and turn in trust to Christ. This is at the core of what it means to be Christian.
The life of following Christ is lived just as it was begun – in repentance and faith. There is often something to turn from and Someone to turn to. We live as we were born.
In all of life we are challenged to admit our failures and correct our faults. It is amazing to me how often in Holy Scripture God calls on His people to repent. It is not just the message to those still living apart from faith. It is also the message to those who have begun in faith. It is the plea to continue.
“Not me,” is not a very helpful or holy response. “Yes, me,” will take us farther from sin and closer to the loving God who prompts us there.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
November 24, 2009
“Whose hair is all over the bathroom sink?” Not mine. Odd, but you combed your hair five minutes ago standing in front of the necessity room mirror.
“Who tracked mud onto the kitchen floor tile?” Not me. My, who could it be? The only person here to use that door in the last 24 hours was you. Those shoes of yours look like they have seen cleaner days, too.
“Not me,” is one of my favorite responses. It shifts the blame immediately away from me and toward whomever else can qualify for suspicion or guilt. It has often served me well.
The Christian life begins with repentance and faith. We turn from sin and turn in trust to Christ. This is at the core of what it means to be Christian.
The life of following Christ is lived just as it was begun – in repentance and faith. There is often something to turn from and Someone to turn to. We live as we were born.
In all of life we are challenged to admit our failures and correct our faults. It is amazing to me how often in Holy Scripture God calls on His people to repent. It is not just the message to those still living apart from faith. It is also the message to those who have begun in faith. It is the plea to continue.
“Not me,” is not a very helpful or holy response. “Yes, me,” will take us farther from sin and closer to the loving God who prompts us there.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
November 24, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
David and the Giant (Chair)
I had stopped to visit at the home of a family whose yard backs up against the church property. While chatting out in the side yard of the house with a visiting uncle I noticed activity taking place across the chain link fence. Near the back edge of the church parking lot someone was hauling a piece of furniture to the church dumpster for easy removal. Is that supposed to happen? Is the church’s jumbo trash bin there for this purpose? Can just anybody rid their home of unwanted junk and expect the church to deal with it?
After completing my conversation next door, I drove into the church parking lot through the back entrance. My arrival time overlapped the time it took our furniture hauler to complete his transition of the overly large stuffed chair from his pickup bed to the concrete pad beside the overly large green steel bin.
Imagine my amazement when I discovered that one of our own church family was the mystery man with plans to load up the church trash receptacle with worn living room equipment! What was David doing there? And what were the reasons for his actions?
David had spotted the lumpy monster at the front edge of the church property. Instead of leaving it out by the road in plain view for everyone to squint and scowl at, he had chosen to remove it to a more discrete location far removed from that more public vista. The bum whom I thought was dumping his trash on the church lot was actually the courteous fellow cleaning the place up.
David’s actions with that giant chair served well to remind me that not all is as it seems. And that not just in the negative. I am used to thinking of perceptions that turn out not to be as rosy as at first blush. Here I saw a situation that was far better than I had originally pictured.
Things are often not what they seem. Sometimes that is very, very good.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
Nov. 17, 2009
After completing my conversation next door, I drove into the church parking lot through the back entrance. My arrival time overlapped the time it took our furniture hauler to complete his transition of the overly large stuffed chair from his pickup bed to the concrete pad beside the overly large green steel bin.
Imagine my amazement when I discovered that one of our own church family was the mystery man with plans to load up the church trash receptacle with worn living room equipment! What was David doing there? And what were the reasons for his actions?
David had spotted the lumpy monster at the front edge of the church property. Instead of leaving it out by the road in plain view for everyone to squint and scowl at, he had chosen to remove it to a more discrete location far removed from that more public vista. The bum whom I thought was dumping his trash on the church lot was actually the courteous fellow cleaning the place up.
David’s actions with that giant chair served well to remind me that not all is as it seems. And that not just in the negative. I am used to thinking of perceptions that turn out not to be as rosy as at first blush. Here I saw a situation that was far better than I had originally pictured.
Things are often not what they seem. Sometimes that is very, very good.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
Nov. 17, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
God Can Wait
“Would you care for a topping with your frozen yogurt?” or “That particular sofa is available in brown leather.” or “Super-size your fries?” or “There are several optional add-on features with this model.” Some of this must sound familiar.
I think we have done the same thing with God. There are days when God becomes elective. Life is full and we have so much going on. God can wait. He has to date.
The list of obligations is long and our calendars are full. Where will we find time for spiritual life along side family life and work life and social life and community life and…? Well, you know how this one goes. “Get a life!” I don’t need one; I already have more life than I can manage now.
In this present climate there isn’t room for God. That is, unless He is willing to take the role of an optional add-on. We could consider Him when we do find an open slot, when something gets cancelled, or when moving Him up the list ahead of someone else appears feasible.
We are missing the point. The great truth is that God IS life and all the rest addendum. There is not an arena in which we function where God cannot go with us and make it better simply showing up with us. God recognizes us ahead of everything else in all His creation. We are healthy and whole when we view Him as the main attraction.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
Nov. 3, 2009
I think we have done the same thing with God. There are days when God becomes elective. Life is full and we have so much going on. God can wait. He has to date.
The list of obligations is long and our calendars are full. Where will we find time for spiritual life along side family life and work life and social life and community life and…? Well, you know how this one goes. “Get a life!” I don’t need one; I already have more life than I can manage now.
In this present climate there isn’t room for God. That is, unless He is willing to take the role of an optional add-on. We could consider Him when we do find an open slot, when something gets cancelled, or when moving Him up the list ahead of someone else appears feasible.
We are missing the point. The great truth is that God IS life and all the rest addendum. There is not an arena in which we function where God cannot go with us and make it better simply showing up with us. God recognizes us ahead of everything else in all His creation. We are healthy and whole when we view Him as the main attraction.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
Nov. 3, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Squash Central
Recently my wife and I made a little outing to a duo of area orchards. We were looking for a small adventure and an activity to build our couple-time around. So we drove out to the countryside some miles north of here. It was a pleasant time and pleasant activity on a pleasant day.
Orchards in northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas typically featured a gift shop and a fascinating array of goods for sale. It was certainly the case at both stops we made. You can’t make a living selling just apples, or so it appears. Or at least you cannot make the kind of living you can if you offer food novelty items, cook books and candies, aprons and soaps, wall art and children’s toys.
As you might guess, there was a lot to charm and entice. We did purchase a bag of apples. And, as strange as this sounds, we bought a pumpkin lover’s recipe book at the apple orchard. The cider donuts we skipped, and we did not venture out into the corn field maze though it did look intriguing.
What I found absolutely spellbinding were the multiple varieties of gourds and squashes being sold alongside the season’s dominating pumpkins and apples. All sizes, shapes, and shades. Fascinating names, brilliant colors, nonstop beauty; it was a visual smorgasbord.
As wonderfully varied as this fall’s squash and gourds are, they are not nearly as captivating as the various people I come across in God’s Kingdom. Such an endless assortment! The range of personalities, temperaments, skills, interests, and histories is mind-boggling!
In unnumbered ways God has fashioned His people. His creativity speaks volumes about His inventive mind and our distinctive roles in His plan. God is up to something big here.
There are moments when any of us are tempted to see ourselves as unuseful. We run up against life’s experiences to discover there that we are not all we wish we were. It discourages us. Our value drops in our own estimation. And yet God gets the final word on this subject, too.
What God has put in place in making and molding each of us uniquely challenges us to find and fill our place in His plan. This is not easily done. There is too much mystery, too much dependence on another‘s insight to make this a simple task. Diversity is problematic.
But if God is anything He is capable, capable in putting us together and capable in putting us where we can know His place of personal blessing, of significance, and of service. God always has a way to say it and be heard.
If “Lord, take me where you want me” is your prayer, His reply will be, “Gladly!”
Tim Gramly
South Haven Baptist Church
Belton, Missouri
Oct. 28, 2009
Orchards in northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas typically featured a gift shop and a fascinating array of goods for sale. It was certainly the case at both stops we made. You can’t make a living selling just apples, or so it appears. Or at least you cannot make the kind of living you can if you offer food novelty items, cook books and candies, aprons and soaps, wall art and children’s toys.
As you might guess, there was a lot to charm and entice. We did purchase a bag of apples. And, as strange as this sounds, we bought a pumpkin lover’s recipe book at the apple orchard. The cider donuts we skipped, and we did not venture out into the corn field maze though it did look intriguing.
What I found absolutely spellbinding were the multiple varieties of gourds and squashes being sold alongside the season’s dominating pumpkins and apples. All sizes, shapes, and shades. Fascinating names, brilliant colors, nonstop beauty; it was a visual smorgasbord.
As wonderfully varied as this fall’s squash and gourds are, they are not nearly as captivating as the various people I come across in God’s Kingdom. Such an endless assortment! The range of personalities, temperaments, skills, interests, and histories is mind-boggling!
In unnumbered ways God has fashioned His people. His creativity speaks volumes about His inventive mind and our distinctive roles in His plan. God is up to something big here.
There are moments when any of us are tempted to see ourselves as unuseful. We run up against life’s experiences to discover there that we are not all we wish we were. It discourages us. Our value drops in our own estimation. And yet God gets the final word on this subject, too.
What God has put in place in making and molding each of us uniquely challenges us to find and fill our place in His plan. This is not easily done. There is too much mystery, too much dependence on another‘s insight to make this a simple task. Diversity is problematic.
But if God is anything He is capable, capable in putting us together and capable in putting us where we can know His place of personal blessing, of significance, and of service. God always has a way to say it and be heard.
If “Lord, take me where you want me” is your prayer, His reply will be, “Gladly!”
Tim Gramly
South Haven Baptist Church
Belton, Missouri
Oct. 28, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Screw Loose
I literally stepped on this one. In the floor of my mother-in-law's shower was a drain. Hold on; that's not the news. The drain was loosely capped by a tin cover punched full of enough holes to make even Swiss cheese jealous. That is no news either.
The drain cover was held in place by one lone and rough screw. You could say someone in my family had a screw loose, and I didn't even know about it! But you wouldn't say that because you wouldn't want to offend.
Here's the news: It was like this and for how long I have no idea and this under my own roof and risking the health of someone I definitely want to stay healthy since she irons my shirts and lets me win at Yahtzee occasionally.
Do we not talk about our needs and think others are so busy that they can't assist us? Or do we assume the little things can wait for a convenient time? There are times we really can't get to even legitimate issues, but I want to imagine we can get there more often when we know what the actual current status is.
Speak up and don't let the loose screw go untightened. The drain repair took less than ten minutes. Two tight, smooth, well functioning screws took the place of one nasty old one. Done! Not every need requires much for a healthy resolution.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
Oct. 19, 2009
The drain cover was held in place by one lone and rough screw. You could say someone in my family had a screw loose, and I didn't even know about it! But you wouldn't say that because you wouldn't want to offend.
Here's the news: It was like this and for how long I have no idea and this under my own roof and risking the health of someone I definitely want to stay healthy since she irons my shirts and lets me win at Yahtzee occasionally.
Do we not talk about our needs and think others are so busy that they can't assist us? Or do we assume the little things can wait for a convenient time? There are times we really can't get to even legitimate issues, but I want to imagine we can get there more often when we know what the actual current status is.
Speak up and don't let the loose screw go untightened. The drain repair took less than ten minutes. Two tight, smooth, well functioning screws took the place of one nasty old one. Done! Not every need requires much for a healthy resolution.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
Oct. 19, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Public Visibility
What if you just brushed your front teeth? You know, left unattended anything not visible when you smiled? How would that work out?
Do we pull that same sort of stunt when we only pursue the public side of spiritual living? I think we do. It is relatively easy to attend church weekly and be kind to your neighbor and restrict your vocabulary and choose Christian friends as your social circle.
But that is not the same as giving up a half-hour of sports or comedy viewing to read your Bible or reviewing the church prayer list on some day besides Wednesday or setting cash aside systematically from within the household budget for mission giving.
If all those pearly whites which compliment your front facade rot away, how long will it be before you begin to notice? The process of losing your side and back teeth might require years. Still, I think you will determine somewhere in that process that you would have been wiser to protect your molars and incisors than to simply let them go. I hope we are as quick to note spiritual rot and react in such a way as to prevent spiritual decay.
It is not just what people see that counts.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
Oct. 13, 2009
Do we pull that same sort of stunt when we only pursue the public side of spiritual living? I think we do. It is relatively easy to attend church weekly and be kind to your neighbor and restrict your vocabulary and choose Christian friends as your social circle.
But that is not the same as giving up a half-hour of sports or comedy viewing to read your Bible or reviewing the church prayer list on some day besides Wednesday or setting cash aside systematically from within the household budget for mission giving.
If all those pearly whites which compliment your front facade rot away, how long will it be before you begin to notice? The process of losing your side and back teeth might require years. Still, I think you will determine somewhere in that process that you would have been wiser to protect your molars and incisors than to simply let them go. I hope we are as quick to note spiritual rot and react in such a way as to prevent spiritual decay.
It is not just what people see that counts.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
Oct. 13, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
In the Zone
It is a natural reaction: I note a law enforcement vehicle and I glance at my speedometer. I hear that snicker, but I know why you do the same thing.
If I have to slow down, I don’t feel so good. Occasionally I can be seen nervously studying my rear-view mirror. If I’m caught doing 64 in a 65 zone, I feel really good. And my attention stays fixed on the road ahead.
When the Eternal Lawgiver turns His head my direction, does He see me in line or out of line with His laws? Whenever my actions and the motives behind them reflect well His ways, I feel really good, and my attention stays fixed on the road ahead. A growing love for God will translate into my being caught more often doing 64, not 74, in a 65 mph zone.
Happy travels!
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
Oct. 8, 2009
If I have to slow down, I don’t feel so good. Occasionally I can be seen nervously studying my rear-view mirror. If I’m caught doing 64 in a 65 zone, I feel really good. And my attention stays fixed on the road ahead.
When the Eternal Lawgiver turns His head my direction, does He see me in line or out of line with His laws? Whenever my actions and the motives behind them reflect well His ways, I feel really good, and my attention stays fixed on the road ahead. A growing love for God will translate into my being caught more often doing 64, not 74, in a 65 mph zone.
Happy travels!
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
Oct. 8, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Clutch
Hey, you golfers, did you catch the radio ad? You know the one, the one about having your clubs re-gripped? It will improve your game!
Bringing your irons, woods and putters back to original condition may prove effective for the frequent golfer. A return to top form spiritually would be equally valuable for the guy or gal in the game of life.
No doubt your hold on spiritual things is good. But let’s just say if you were just off your best game by a few strokes, it would be sensible to re-grip. Mid swing is no time for slippage.
If you have had any time at all on this course, you can self-diagnose and return to top production by renewing previous commitments. I advise you to re-grip.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
Sept. 29, 2009
Bringing your irons, woods and putters back to original condition may prove effective for the frequent golfer. A return to top form spiritually would be equally valuable for the guy or gal in the game of life.
No doubt your hold on spiritual things is good. But let’s just say if you were just off your best game by a few strokes, it would be sensible to re-grip. Mid swing is no time for slippage.
If you have had any time at all on this course, you can self-diagnose and return to top production by renewing previous commitments. I advise you to re-grip.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
Sept. 29, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Public Evaluation
Ross* and I were talking. I have no idea what about – just talking. Then he asked me if I knew so-and-so. Yes, I knew the man. He was an acquaintance from church.
“That’s my brother.” And did I know… and he gave me a woman’s name. I recognized her name as well. “That is my mom.”
Then he made a curious comment. Ross said, “I wanted you to know who I am.”
Think about that one. Let it soak in. What about knowing who your family is tells me who you are? What in that association confirms your identity?
I think Ross was telling me, in this instance, that he is like these people in respect to their moral character and high reputation. Their public evaluation is one he gladly shares. I don’t think he would dislike my extending his connection to say that he has a certain type of personality, set of friends, or way of conducting himself in business or pleasure. He may even welcome my conclusion that his faith and theirs is the same.
If you could mention a Christian brother or a seasoned saint in your congregation and then say to someone that they are your ‘family’ and that you wish to be known as one of them, would that work in expressing precisely who you are? And would the reverse work as well? When someone dropped your name, could they use it as an excellent expression of their stellar spiritual identity? Work on that thought for a while.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
September 23, 2009
*Name changed.
“That’s my brother.” And did I know… and he gave me a woman’s name. I recognized her name as well. “That is my mom.”
Then he made a curious comment. Ross said, “I wanted you to know who I am.”
Think about that one. Let it soak in. What about knowing who your family is tells me who you are? What in that association confirms your identity?
I think Ross was telling me, in this instance, that he is like these people in respect to their moral character and high reputation. Their public evaluation is one he gladly shares. I don’t think he would dislike my extending his connection to say that he has a certain type of personality, set of friends, or way of conducting himself in business or pleasure. He may even welcome my conclusion that his faith and theirs is the same.
If you could mention a Christian brother or a seasoned saint in your congregation and then say to someone that they are your ‘family’ and that you wish to be known as one of them, would that work in expressing precisely who you are? And would the reverse work as well? When someone dropped your name, could they use it as an excellent expression of their stellar spiritual identity? Work on that thought for a while.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
September 23, 2009
*Name changed.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Soul Suitor
There was this attractive brunette I wanted to date. Once I had voiced my interest, she said something to the effect that she did not want to be one of several women I was dating. That arrangement did not appeal to her. Guess what? With that one comment she swept away all the competition! (This alone tells you something about how the competition compared to one fair young maiden, doesn’t it?) I responded in words like these, “You are the only one I am really interested in.” We progressed from the clarity of that mutually understood perspective toward an enduring, exclusive relationship sealed with public pledges and golden rings.
How many marriage proposals do you imagine begin with the assertion that the suitor would like to include the potential spouse among the many individuals they wish to marry? It sounds more like a declaration of disinterest than one of heart-felt devotion. Anybody who cannot make up their mind any more exactly than that is not ready for the commitments of marriage.
These ramblings have described something of the courtship of the heart. What about the courtship of the soul?
There comes a time in each of our lives, whether we recognize it or not, when we say to God, “I would like to include you in my world,” and His retort is a measured reply in which he says, “Not if I am merely one of many with which you still wish to share your soul.”
We have experienced some degree of fascination. We find Him attractive. We would welcome Him farther into our thoughts and activities. But there are conditions which must be met if we are to advance this relationship.
It is at this juncture that way too many would be wooers stumble. Evaluating ourselves as such a fine catch, we immediately resist the offer of an early and meaningful obligation to undivided loyalty. We have many who are interested in us. The pleasure of a life filled with alluring partners charms us.
Here is what we miss: there really is no competition. For all our private confidence to the contrary we own no true support for our elevated opinion of our selves or our low opinion of God. It is not so that God would be lucky to have us. Just the opposite; we are outrageously blessed if we have Him.
When God states that it is time for an all-or-nothing connection, we could do no finer than to responded, “You are the only one I am really interested in.” Wedded bliss is just exactly that. Few realities in life can compare and only one exceeds. Peace with God.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
Belton, Missouri
September 17, 2009
How many marriage proposals do you imagine begin with the assertion that the suitor would like to include the potential spouse among the many individuals they wish to marry? It sounds more like a declaration of disinterest than one of heart-felt devotion. Anybody who cannot make up their mind any more exactly than that is not ready for the commitments of marriage.
These ramblings have described something of the courtship of the heart. What about the courtship of the soul?
There comes a time in each of our lives, whether we recognize it or not, when we say to God, “I would like to include you in my world,” and His retort is a measured reply in which he says, “Not if I am merely one of many with which you still wish to share your soul.”
We have experienced some degree of fascination. We find Him attractive. We would welcome Him farther into our thoughts and activities. But there are conditions which must be met if we are to advance this relationship.
It is at this juncture that way too many would be wooers stumble. Evaluating ourselves as such a fine catch, we immediately resist the offer of an early and meaningful obligation to undivided loyalty. We have many who are interested in us. The pleasure of a life filled with alluring partners charms us.
Here is what we miss: there really is no competition. For all our private confidence to the contrary we own no true support for our elevated opinion of our selves or our low opinion of God. It is not so that God would be lucky to have us. Just the opposite; we are outrageously blessed if we have Him.
When God states that it is time for an all-or-nothing connection, we could do no finer than to responded, “You are the only one I am really interested in.” Wedded bliss is just exactly that. Few realities in life can compare and only one exceeds. Peace with God.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
Belton, Missouri
September 17, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Where Did They All Come From?
One day as I came into my office, I noticed a single yellow plastic frog. He was posited strategically on my desk. His location required my detecting him upon my arrival to begin the day’s work. This creature’s presence puzzled me and caused me to do some research. Once I had determined his origins, I thanked my benefactor.
Ms. Pam informed me that not only was I welcome to the frog, but that I should be cautioned: if one has only one frog, one is okay, but if one has two frogs then one should know that those two frogs would certainly multiply.
At this point I had a frog and I had a thought to ponder. After a week or so, I purposely addressed Pam with these words, “My frog is lonely.” Within the week I had a second tiny glow-in-the-dark amphibian neatly placed next to my first yellow friend.
Frogs of every description have been arriving in my office for ten years now. I have plastic, wax, pewter, paper, Styrofoam, clay and tin frogs. I have glass, fabric, ceramic, chocolate, greeting card, and candy frogs. My collection includes wind up, bean bag, origami, candle, key chain, fan fob, and stapler frogs. I am the owner of frogs for Christmas, and frogs for doing office work, and frogs that entertain. One of my frogs is for swatting flies. Another frog has the regal purpose in life of holding paper in its mouth. Still another frog is a toy water squirt-gun. And all of these occupy space in my office because sometime ago a friend brought a silly little gift to cheer the day.
Pam and I have not spoken recently, but it is impossible for me to think of my frogs and not think of her. I cannot look at the shelves graced by my green buddies and not consider her friendly act of long ago. Her benevolence toward me has led directly to the kindnesses of many others who have expressed their friendship in this same way. The generosity of one woman has been multiplied in my life a hundred times over.
You and I do not know the outcome of an isolated expression of love. What you do for another may have achieved all it will do in a single moment. But some of what we do has a life which exceeds the moment; it brings joy and pleasure over and over again. A simple act of friendship may warm a heart for years, bringing light and health and connection and affirmation to a grateful soul.
I am grateful for the gift Pam gave and all of Pam’s frogs. There is a very real sense in which every frog received has its origin with her. What a lesson in giving! What we choose to do for others blesses. Give. And know it will be multiplied in this act or in some other, but God will surely use your generosity to enrich others. Repeatedly.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
Belton, Missouri
August 26, 2009
Ms. Pam informed me that not only was I welcome to the frog, but that I should be cautioned: if one has only one frog, one is okay, but if one has two frogs then one should know that those two frogs would certainly multiply.
At this point I had a frog and I had a thought to ponder. After a week or so, I purposely addressed Pam with these words, “My frog is lonely.” Within the week I had a second tiny glow-in-the-dark amphibian neatly placed next to my first yellow friend.
Frogs of every description have been arriving in my office for ten years now. I have plastic, wax, pewter, paper, Styrofoam, clay and tin frogs. I have glass, fabric, ceramic, chocolate, greeting card, and candy frogs. My collection includes wind up, bean bag, origami, candle, key chain, fan fob, and stapler frogs. I am the owner of frogs for Christmas, and frogs for doing office work, and frogs that entertain. One of my frogs is for swatting flies. Another frog has the regal purpose in life of holding paper in its mouth. Still another frog is a toy water squirt-gun. And all of these occupy space in my office because sometime ago a friend brought a silly little gift to cheer the day.
Pam and I have not spoken recently, but it is impossible for me to think of my frogs and not think of her. I cannot look at the shelves graced by my green buddies and not consider her friendly act of long ago. Her benevolence toward me has led directly to the kindnesses of many others who have expressed their friendship in this same way. The generosity of one woman has been multiplied in my life a hundred times over.
You and I do not know the outcome of an isolated expression of love. What you do for another may have achieved all it will do in a single moment. But some of what we do has a life which exceeds the moment; it brings joy and pleasure over and over again. A simple act of friendship may warm a heart for years, bringing light and health and connection and affirmation to a grateful soul.
I am grateful for the gift Pam gave and all of Pam’s frogs. There is a very real sense in which every frog received has its origin with her. What a lesson in giving! What we choose to do for others blesses. Give. And know it will be multiplied in this act or in some other, but God will surely use your generosity to enrich others. Repeatedly.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
Belton, Missouri
August 26, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Margin
Your sixteen year old just got her license? Could she call me before she leaves your driveway? I want a fifteen minutes head start! This seems a reasonable request to me.
Have you seen the driver who cuts in line at the exit ramp, initiating a sudden string of red brake lights? I used to be him. I have reformed. Having taken the dive on multiple occasions for open shoulder space from farther back in the pack, I’ve learned to arrive a bit more patiently. I see gaps between vehicles while in traffic as protective cushions now where before they were opportunities to get ahead.
Road warriors are not the only ones in need of margin in their lives. You and I have this need in more areas than we commonly acknowledge. The life without space on the edge of the page is headed for trouble. The day will arrive when you have no room to scrawl yourself a needed reminder. There will be no space for a note of caution and then things will go badly for lack of the assistance found in a few needed words. On that day you will know what I meant here.
Allow me to point out one quarter where we must maintain a little wiggle room in our schedules. Let’s call it Christian service. If you routinely find no time in your schedule for service to God and others, you are way short on margin. Your life may be lived in the fast lane, but constantly over-revving that engine will lead to a major repair bill later.
Instead of wearing yourself out prematurely and becoming driven, selfish and course, you could set aside time, energy and focus for the needs of those around you. You could listen for the voice of God as He leads you into compassionate responses that heal others and soften your core. For you over-wound and over committed types among us, just this thought: preserving service margin may just be the godliest exertion you pursue. This is one place where a step or two back from the edge would provide a welcome and wholesome cushion.
Keep a little to the side. As a matter of fact, you will need some reserve soon. And having a ready reserve will feel great!
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
Belton, Missouri
August 19, 2009
Have you seen the driver who cuts in line at the exit ramp, initiating a sudden string of red brake lights? I used to be him. I have reformed. Having taken the dive on multiple occasions for open shoulder space from farther back in the pack, I’ve learned to arrive a bit more patiently. I see gaps between vehicles while in traffic as protective cushions now where before they were opportunities to get ahead.
Road warriors are not the only ones in need of margin in their lives. You and I have this need in more areas than we commonly acknowledge. The life without space on the edge of the page is headed for trouble. The day will arrive when you have no room to scrawl yourself a needed reminder. There will be no space for a note of caution and then things will go badly for lack of the assistance found in a few needed words. On that day you will know what I meant here.
Allow me to point out one quarter where we must maintain a little wiggle room in our schedules. Let’s call it Christian service. If you routinely find no time in your schedule for service to God and others, you are way short on margin. Your life may be lived in the fast lane, but constantly over-revving that engine will lead to a major repair bill later.
Instead of wearing yourself out prematurely and becoming driven, selfish and course, you could set aside time, energy and focus for the needs of those around you. You could listen for the voice of God as He leads you into compassionate responses that heal others and soften your core. For you over-wound and over committed types among us, just this thought: preserving service margin may just be the godliest exertion you pursue. This is one place where a step or two back from the edge would provide a welcome and wholesome cushion.
Keep a little to the side. As a matter of fact, you will need some reserve soon. And having a ready reserve will feel great!
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
Belton, Missouri
August 19, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Tie One On
I really don’t know how many weeks or even months I let this tussle go on, but it did. I replaced a sad pair of old brown dress shoes with a new pair. Clean and completely unsullied with shiny uncracked uppers, fresh soles, and waxed laces.
That was the problem-waxy shoe strings. Those slick laces would not stay tied! Tug and pull all I liked, no amount of effort seem to matter. They would not snug down. I put them on and a few hours later the laces were loose and my feet were slopping around in my shoes.
Then one day a thought occurred to me: Why don’t I double-tie each knot? And why hadn’t I thought of this sooner? So I tried it. Success! Glory! Because it worked, I’ve worn them double-knotted ever since.
The moral of this story is this, “Be alert to options that end your failure.” I find it so easy to keep doing what I have done, even when I am unhappy with the outcome. I think it is in part the result of knowing there is an emotional price tag or energy expenditure to making many a switch. Doing what I am doing is cheaper in the short term over making immediate change.
That is all true. But my singular concern is not just this moment. My life is full of tomorrows, too. I have a fiduciary responsibility for days not yet contemplated and hours not yet spent. My life is more than now, and my alertness in this sliver of time may move me from repeated failure to ongoing success. I have to pay attention. It is my duty to myself and to my God.
I will consider my life as I am living it. I will look for ways to do it well. I will end these fiascos and begin my victories when the opportunity is there. I will tie one on for success!
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
Belton, Missouri
August 11, 2009
That was the problem-waxy shoe strings. Those slick laces would not stay tied! Tug and pull all I liked, no amount of effort seem to matter. They would not snug down. I put them on and a few hours later the laces were loose and my feet were slopping around in my shoes.
Then one day a thought occurred to me: Why don’t I double-tie each knot? And why hadn’t I thought of this sooner? So I tried it. Success! Glory! Because it worked, I’ve worn them double-knotted ever since.
The moral of this story is this, “Be alert to options that end your failure.” I find it so easy to keep doing what I have done, even when I am unhappy with the outcome. I think it is in part the result of knowing there is an emotional price tag or energy expenditure to making many a switch. Doing what I am doing is cheaper in the short term over making immediate change.
That is all true. But my singular concern is not just this moment. My life is full of tomorrows, too. I have a fiduciary responsibility for days not yet contemplated and hours not yet spent. My life is more than now, and my alertness in this sliver of time may move me from repeated failure to ongoing success. I have to pay attention. It is my duty to myself and to my God.
I will consider my life as I am living it. I will look for ways to do it well. I will end these fiascos and begin my victories when the opportunity is there. I will tie one on for success!
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
Belton, Missouri
August 11, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Fussy Wise
As we grow older (read here “as we mature”) we view the details of life differently. Things that we used to be adamant about, sometimes even down right fussy over, no longer seem the least bit important. And conversely, matters we never thought about are now somehow extremely vital to us.
More safety equipment, less reckless abandon. More interest in family, less interest in global politics. More preparation for the future and more appreciation for the past. These would be on my list.
What is going on here? Are we just losing it over time? Or does maturity change our priorities? Candidly, some of us are simply going nuts by degrees. And some of us are finally wising up.
If as we age and mature physically we make changes, why shouldn’t we do the same spiritually? It does make sense. Spiritual maturity will by necessity alter what we value and by extension who we are.
My guess is that St. Paul would call the maturity we are describing a ‘transformed mind’ or a ‘living sacrifice.’ I hope you are in that ongoing Romans 12 process of transformation. It lends promise to the process of growing older. It is one thing to be fussy; it is entirely another to be fussy about matters of great unimportance. Let’s grow up not just old.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
Belton, Missouri
August 4, 2009
More safety equipment, less reckless abandon. More interest in family, less interest in global politics. More preparation for the future and more appreciation for the past. These would be on my list.
What is going on here? Are we just losing it over time? Or does maturity change our priorities? Candidly, some of us are simply going nuts by degrees. And some of us are finally wising up.
If as we age and mature physically we make changes, why shouldn’t we do the same spiritually? It does make sense. Spiritual maturity will by necessity alter what we value and by extension who we are.
My guess is that St. Paul would call the maturity we are describing a ‘transformed mind’ or a ‘living sacrifice.’ I hope you are in that ongoing Romans 12 process of transformation. It lends promise to the process of growing older. It is one thing to be fussy; it is entirely another to be fussy about matters of great unimportance. Let’s grow up not just old.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
Belton, Missouri
August 4, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Mine
Having a Creator is inconvenient and problematic. Someone superior to me exists and this someone, based on the rights granted all originators, has claim to benefit from my existence. The clear indication is that there is someone to whom I must answer. With an authority I am answerable to, I have responsibility.
When you see a toddler grab a toy and wrestle it away from a playmate, you swat his seat and say, “Share!” He cries. He does not wish to share at all. So he attempts to exert his will again and does so as soon as he has opportunity. What he is communicating is his authority to command what he wishes and the responsibility of others to provide him with whatever he wants.
As adults we try the same thing. We want to be in charge of our own lives and we want others - God Himself included in the pantheon of those who stand about to do our bidding - we want others accountable for our happiness.
We have reversed the natural order. Do you see any essential difference between this behavior in adults and that of a possessive, thieving, egocentric two-year-old?
In the real world, not in the recesses of our shaded hearts, God is the authority and we are designed to please Him. As difficult as this arrangement is to accept for each of us who prefer independence and some expression of control, it is still the one the Creator’s existence dictates.
As long as God exists, you and I must choose. We will select the divine order as our paradigm, or we will opt for the arrangement that clashes with it at every turn. Said differently, the Creator has authority and the creation responsibility, or the creature usurps authority and wrongly places responsibility on the Creator. In the first, we recognize the God who is. In the second, we recognize as god one who is not. “Mine!” is speech reserved for God.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
Belton, Missouri
July 28, 2009
When you see a toddler grab a toy and wrestle it away from a playmate, you swat his seat and say, “Share!” He cries. He does not wish to share at all. So he attempts to exert his will again and does so as soon as he has opportunity. What he is communicating is his authority to command what he wishes and the responsibility of others to provide him with whatever he wants.
As adults we try the same thing. We want to be in charge of our own lives and we want others - God Himself included in the pantheon of those who stand about to do our bidding - we want others accountable for our happiness.
We have reversed the natural order. Do you see any essential difference between this behavior in adults and that of a possessive, thieving, egocentric two-year-old?
In the real world, not in the recesses of our shaded hearts, God is the authority and we are designed to please Him. As difficult as this arrangement is to accept for each of us who prefer independence and some expression of control, it is still the one the Creator’s existence dictates.
As long as God exists, you and I must choose. We will select the divine order as our paradigm, or we will opt for the arrangement that clashes with it at every turn. Said differently, the Creator has authority and the creation responsibility, or the creature usurps authority and wrongly places responsibility on the Creator. In the first, we recognize the God who is. In the second, we recognize as god one who is not. “Mine!” is speech reserved for God.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
Belton, Missouri
July 28, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
A Late Summer Bounty
We sat and we talked. We spoke on themes of great importance and others of equal unimportance. We passed a couple hours on a summer afternoon which invited both laziness and the conversation of friends.
When our talk was over, he said, “Do you garden?” and I replied, “Do you garden?” Since we were at his home, my question was easily answered in a stroll from the living room sofa to the rear-of-the-lot chain link fence and then back to the front line of his property.
We admired iris and pinks, roses and day lilies. We inspected peppers, tomatoes, scallions, and cucumbers. But the most fascinating plant of all was one Concord grape vine.
From a single twisted stalk ten inches across at its base stretched out a vine whose total length exceeded seventy feet of fence top. It is warmed and watered by nature’s gifts. The vine is routinely sprayed -just once- each summer as soon as the purple fungus appears. And it is pruned radically each season by its long-time owner and care-giver. The result is a vibrant, leafy vine with multiple healthy clusters of grapes that promise a late summer bounty.
My conversation partner has long tended this one vine. He knows the secrets of its annual productivity. He says that you may leave it unpruned, but its yield is vastly curtailed. Instead of full clusters with thirty to forty or more grapes each, the unpruned vine offers a scraggly and meager bunch of ten or twelve small grapes. Only the new growth of a new season is copiously prolific.
This gardener has seen in God’s nature the picture of God’s truth, a truth we see preserved in Scripture. Unless the plant is pruned it is unproductive. Further, until our lives are tended by God, we cannot expect a significant crop. The harvest is dependent on God removing the old from our lives. Once that is done the new can take its place. Only the new growth yields abundance. Each new season demands a renewed effort. And each first-time effort is rewarded later as the intent of the Gardener is fulfilled in us.
Pruning is only the exciting proof of a pristine cycle where life is meaningful and God is still at work.
Tim Gramly
South Haven Baptist Church
Belton, Missouri
July 21, 2009
When our talk was over, he said, “Do you garden?” and I replied, “Do you garden?” Since we were at his home, my question was easily answered in a stroll from the living room sofa to the rear-of-the-lot chain link fence and then back to the front line of his property.
We admired iris and pinks, roses and day lilies. We inspected peppers, tomatoes, scallions, and cucumbers. But the most fascinating plant of all was one Concord grape vine.
From a single twisted stalk ten inches across at its base stretched out a vine whose total length exceeded seventy feet of fence top. It is warmed and watered by nature’s gifts. The vine is routinely sprayed -just once- each summer as soon as the purple fungus appears. And it is pruned radically each season by its long-time owner and care-giver. The result is a vibrant, leafy vine with multiple healthy clusters of grapes that promise a late summer bounty.
My conversation partner has long tended this one vine. He knows the secrets of its annual productivity. He says that you may leave it unpruned, but its yield is vastly curtailed. Instead of full clusters with thirty to forty or more grapes each, the unpruned vine offers a scraggly and meager bunch of ten or twelve small grapes. Only the new growth of a new season is copiously prolific.
This gardener has seen in God’s nature the picture of God’s truth, a truth we see preserved in Scripture. Unless the plant is pruned it is unproductive. Further, until our lives are tended by God, we cannot expect a significant crop. The harvest is dependent on God removing the old from our lives. Once that is done the new can take its place. Only the new growth yields abundance. Each new season demands a renewed effort. And each first-time effort is rewarded later as the intent of the Gardener is fulfilled in us.
Pruning is only the exciting proof of a pristine cycle where life is meaningful and God is still at work.
Tim Gramly
South Haven Baptist Church
Belton, Missouri
July 21, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
What You Can Do
Saw it again recently. Same fellow, same dynamic, same outcome. It is getting predictable. And that is a good thing.
Whatever this brother of mine does, it has a winsome quality to it. He is capable in his tasks, but that is not what shines through. He is good at what he does, but not that good. There are individuals that out produce him and others whose technical proficiency exceeds his.
My point is not how well he does his job, how well he fills his role in the life of the church. My point is that who he is remains more important than what he achieves.
What I’m learning from this is that a polished performance is a shallow substitute for a polished heart. We get so caught up in what people do well that we forget who people are. “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks*.” And out of the treasures of a life centered in and lived for Christ, a beautiful authenticity unavoidably escapes.
In the empire of the Eternal One it is not what you can do, but what He has done, that matters. If He has changed your heart and your heart glows from His dear touch, that reality is reflected in all you are a part of. Choose a man or woman who walks well with God over a man or woman who walks well on his or her own. Make that choice every time and know you will so rarely be disappointed.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC, Belton, MO
July 15, 2009
*Matthew 12:34
Whatever this brother of mine does, it has a winsome quality to it. He is capable in his tasks, but that is not what shines through. He is good at what he does, but not that good. There are individuals that out produce him and others whose technical proficiency exceeds his.
My point is not how well he does his job, how well he fills his role in the life of the church. My point is that who he is remains more important than what he achieves.
What I’m learning from this is that a polished performance is a shallow substitute for a polished heart. We get so caught up in what people do well that we forget who people are. “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks*.” And out of the treasures of a life centered in and lived for Christ, a beautiful authenticity unavoidably escapes.
In the empire of the Eternal One it is not what you can do, but what He has done, that matters. If He has changed your heart and your heart glows from His dear touch, that reality is reflected in all you are a part of. Choose a man or woman who walks well with God over a man or woman who walks well on his or her own. Make that choice every time and know you will so rarely be disappointed.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC, Belton, MO
July 15, 2009
*Matthew 12:34
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Photogenic
Impressing God with all those facts you have stored in your brain is not likely. The internet or a public library are both places where facts and knowledge abound. The facts stored there exceed what you know and are growing faster than your knowledge base can expand. Besides, God knows all that and more. There is nothing on or off this planet He does not already fully comprehend. He has all the facts and understands what they mean as well. He is brilliant!
Pleasing God with what you have stored in your heart, however, does have a higher probability. Jesus said out of our hearts come those things which please and honor the heavenly Father. When we desire what God desires, our hearts are aligned with His, and we have His promise to receive what we together are both longing for.
A proud grandpa related to me his grandchild’s almost astounding ability to hear once and then recall a song. He misspoke, describing this mental agility as “photogenic memory” when he meant “photographic memory.” Who knows, maybe the kid was good looking and talented? Referring to an individual’s ability to hear and recall completely what they have heard, I wonder if for the sake of exactness we should coin the phrase “audiographic memory”?
This series of thoughts took me in a new direction. With what I retain in my heart and God’s ability to recall all He sees there, does God view the content of my soul as photogenic? When He looks at me, does He find the view picturesque? He would if my heart flowed to the themes His heart prizes. You know, it’s true - beauty is in the eye of The Beholder.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor, SHBC
July 7, 2009
Pleasing God with what you have stored in your heart, however, does have a higher probability. Jesus said out of our hearts come those things which please and honor the heavenly Father. When we desire what God desires, our hearts are aligned with His, and we have His promise to receive what we together are both longing for.
A proud grandpa related to me his grandchild’s almost astounding ability to hear once and then recall a song. He misspoke, describing this mental agility as “photogenic memory” when he meant “photographic memory.” Who knows, maybe the kid was good looking and talented? Referring to an individual’s ability to hear and recall completely what they have heard, I wonder if for the sake of exactness we should coin the phrase “audiographic memory”?
This series of thoughts took me in a new direction. With what I retain in my heart and God’s ability to recall all He sees there, does God view the content of my soul as photogenic? When He looks at me, does He find the view picturesque? He would if my heart flowed to the themes His heart prizes. You know, it’s true - beauty is in the eye of The Beholder.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor, SHBC
July 7, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Clock Hands
Looking at the human race, we sure can pick some funny places to go for useful guidance. When selecting their advisors, the wise man/wise woman is finicky.
When the same corporation owns the news network and the movie company and the feature news story ‘covers’ the movie, are they reporting news or am I getting advertising? If the details are revealed in a tabloid which routinely sensationalizes all its content, should I consider believable the substance in any one single story they publish? If my friend has a stock tip and can’t explain what “dividends” and “margins” are, do I rush out and invest in his latest recommendation? None of these qualifies as reliable sources; they lack objectivity.
Not only do we choose odd sources, we also presume information from someone whose knowledge is valuable in one area to apply as equally valid in another. As if we could look at the needle on a bathroom scale and expect it to supply the time of day. Or we observe the hands on a wall clock and from that source insist we can know how much we weigh.
For what we gain to be useful, reliable input, we will have to turn to the proper source for the proper data. Hollywood actors are not qualified to speak on religion because they have had success in acting. I will listen to them about acting based on their successful careers. I am not nearly so ready to let them tell me how important or unimportant the words of Jesus are. Politicians may know what it takes to get elected and a lot about the effects of legal decisions or public policy implementation, but that does not mean they know, as an example, what God’s standards are for my personal behavior or what His design for the healthy home is. Once they have sat at the Master’s feet and learned from Him, then I can value their insights in to matters of faith and morality.
There are way too many self proclaimed experts in the field of religion and way too few humble individuals who have walked a life-time seeking God. When I need meaningful, accurate information to guide me in life, I will turn to God’s Word and godly people. I am confident my finicky selection process will yield useful advisors.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
July 1, 2009
When the same corporation owns the news network and the movie company and the feature news story ‘covers’ the movie, are they reporting news or am I getting advertising? If the details are revealed in a tabloid which routinely sensationalizes all its content, should I consider believable the substance in any one single story they publish? If my friend has a stock tip and can’t explain what “dividends” and “margins” are, do I rush out and invest in his latest recommendation? None of these qualifies as reliable sources; they lack objectivity.
Not only do we choose odd sources, we also presume information from someone whose knowledge is valuable in one area to apply as equally valid in another. As if we could look at the needle on a bathroom scale and expect it to supply the time of day. Or we observe the hands on a wall clock and from that source insist we can know how much we weigh.
For what we gain to be useful, reliable input, we will have to turn to the proper source for the proper data. Hollywood actors are not qualified to speak on religion because they have had success in acting. I will listen to them about acting based on their successful careers. I am not nearly so ready to let them tell me how important or unimportant the words of Jesus are. Politicians may know what it takes to get elected and a lot about the effects of legal decisions or public policy implementation, but that does not mean they know, as an example, what God’s standards are for my personal behavior or what His design for the healthy home is. Once they have sat at the Master’s feet and learned from Him, then I can value their insights in to matters of faith and morality.
There are way too many self proclaimed experts in the field of religion and way too few humble individuals who have walked a life-time seeking God. When I need meaningful, accurate information to guide me in life, I will turn to God’s Word and godly people. I am confident my finicky selection process will yield useful advisors.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
July 1, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Concourse B, Gate 22
Do you hold your breath when the plane takes off and when it lands? Do you worry about family members who have to fly? Do you find the news of downed flights particularly unsettling?
Have you ever taken a return flight, arrived at the airport terminal, and then been welcomed home by a smiling face? Isn’t that face the best sight in a week?! After floating in a sea of unfamiliarity, that ‘I know you!’ grin is something to behold!
I don’t know which is more exciting, to welcome someone home or to be welcomed home. Such a thrill! Both are way high on the ‘joys of life’ index.
Every follower of Jesus gets it - some future day we will arrive in a new place, all of us trekkers and all of us to be received by the Great Welcomer. Our trip will be complete and that ‘I know you!’ grin will be something special to behold!
Church can be one of those welcoming places, a place were travelers arrive and greeters embrace their home coming. By welcoming folks at our gate we pre-inact the joys of heaven. Welcome others home. And while we are on the subject, “Welcome home; its good to see you here!”
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
June 23, 2009
Have you ever taken a return flight, arrived at the airport terminal, and then been welcomed home by a smiling face? Isn’t that face the best sight in a week?! After floating in a sea of unfamiliarity, that ‘I know you!’ grin is something to behold!
I don’t know which is more exciting, to welcome someone home or to be welcomed home. Such a thrill! Both are way high on the ‘joys of life’ index.
Every follower of Jesus gets it - some future day we will arrive in a new place, all of us trekkers and all of us to be received by the Great Welcomer. Our trip will be complete and that ‘I know you!’ grin will be something special to behold!
Church can be one of those welcoming places, a place were travelers arrive and greeters embrace their home coming. By welcoming folks at our gate we pre-inact the joys of heaven. Welcome others home. And while we are on the subject, “Welcome home; its good to see you here!”
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
June 23, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Catching Fireflies
Occasionally around our house, one of us will pause to ask the other, “What are you reading?” or “How is your book going?” In fairness these are questions more often asked by me than of me. This little snip of information should tell who is more a reader and who is less a reader and you can draw your own conclusions from there.
During one of my wife’s reading sessions she had read along and, coming to an interesting narrative, has stopped to tell me an incident from those pages which she found particularly moving.
A little boy with limited capacities was playing at dusk one summer evening with his friends. They were chasing fireflies and he was having no success. An observant gentleman asked him if he believed in God and suggested that the little guy might ask God for help, which he did.
In just a few moments fireflies, which had earlier been ungraspable, began to land on the boy’s shirt. He lit up like a Christmas tree! Imagine his delight!
And what a stirring image of how God answers prayer!
The telling of this brief episode reminded me that there are realities and resources I can never grasp on my own. I also know that there is Someone who can send anything I truly need my way. It is no big thing for Him to deliver fireflies, summer nights or starry skies.
The things I chase may be as difficult to clutch as any other impossibility until prayer’s Answerer reveals it as a cresting prospect.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
June 15, 2009
During one of my wife’s reading sessions she had read along and, coming to an interesting narrative, has stopped to tell me an incident from those pages which she found particularly moving.
A little boy with limited capacities was playing at dusk one summer evening with his friends. They were chasing fireflies and he was having no success. An observant gentleman asked him if he believed in God and suggested that the little guy might ask God for help, which he did.
In just a few moments fireflies, which had earlier been ungraspable, began to land on the boy’s shirt. He lit up like a Christmas tree! Imagine his delight!
And what a stirring image of how God answers prayer!
The telling of this brief episode reminded me that there are realities and resources I can never grasp on my own. I also know that there is Someone who can send anything I truly need my way. It is no big thing for Him to deliver fireflies, summer nights or starry skies.
The things I chase may be as difficult to clutch as any other impossibility until prayer’s Answerer reveals it as a cresting prospect.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
June 15, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Heaven’s Banister
Twenty-five or so years ago, a group of people had a vision. They saw a piece of the future as it could be. Their commitment to what might - in God’s providence – happen, is our heritage as a church. We owe them for many of the blessings we so casually accept.
Some have moved on. Others are still here. As time goes by, many of those visionaries will no longer abiding this side of Heaven. As more and more of our founders are promoted into Glory, they will comprehend what they see from a place beyond where we stand today. Theirs is the view over Heaven’s banister. Can you feel their smile?
The day is coming when we will no longer stir earth’s dust; we will become part of it. While there is still time, we must mark our world for His Name’s sake.
If we are to smile from Heaven’s portals at the achievements of this era, we must pursue The Spirit in all things and act on His prompting. Then our smile will match our predecessors’. We will leave The Kingdom better and cause our successors’ pondering this legacy of generations gone before. But all this awaits our faithful living now.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
June 8, 2009
Some have moved on. Others are still here. As time goes by, many of those visionaries will no longer abiding this side of Heaven. As more and more of our founders are promoted into Glory, they will comprehend what they see from a place beyond where we stand today. Theirs is the view over Heaven’s banister. Can you feel their smile?
The day is coming when we will no longer stir earth’s dust; we will become part of it. While there is still time, we must mark our world for His Name’s sake.
If we are to smile from Heaven’s portals at the achievements of this era, we must pursue The Spirit in all things and act on His prompting. Then our smile will match our predecessors’. We will leave The Kingdom better and cause our successors’ pondering this legacy of generations gone before. But all this awaits our faithful living now.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
June 8, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Unhappy
One common misconception is that happiness is solely the result of what happens to you. This puts most of what we experience outside the realm of our own personal control. I love it when I can’t do a thing about it. Not really. And you?
Another mistake is in assuming that what we can do for ourselves will bring us happiness. Now it is all up to you and if you are discontent, it is completely your fault. There’s a feeling to make you cheery, huh?
A third option: happiness is discovered in doing for others. Suddenly you are neither reliant on independent external forces nor self-generated outcomes to lift you up. You have given part of yourself away to the benefit of others and you are better for it. Finally, the path away from misery. It sounds a bit obvious now that we’ve thought about it.
“Lord, what you have entrusted to me I willingly confer on others. Direct me to someone in need today. Show me where to I may serve as your representative.”
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
June 2, 2009
Another mistake is in assuming that what we can do for ourselves will bring us happiness. Now it is all up to you and if you are discontent, it is completely your fault. There’s a feeling to make you cheery, huh?
A third option: happiness is discovered in doing for others. Suddenly you are neither reliant on independent external forces nor self-generated outcomes to lift you up. You have given part of yourself away to the benefit of others and you are better for it. Finally, the path away from misery. It sounds a bit obvious now that we’ve thought about it.
“Lord, what you have entrusted to me I willingly confer on others. Direct me to someone in need today. Show me where to I may serve as your representative.”
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
June 2, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
INK
We educators know the feeling. You walk up to the white board and attempt to erase some scrawl. It won’t go away. Parties unnamed (remaining nameless to protect the guilty) used permanent ink in stead of erasable ink. Grrrrr! It’s not going away.
When He asks to write something on the board of our hearts do we hand him erasable or permanent ink markers? Do we willfully insist on the right of cancellation? Or do we instinctively yield to One wiser than ourselves?
I have to say my record on this one is shaky, at best, dismal most often. God frequently desires communication with me at the heart level. Do I value properly the proclamations of God? Here, Lord, its indelible ink.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
May 26, 2009
When He asks to write something on the board of our hearts do we hand him erasable or permanent ink markers? Do we willfully insist on the right of cancellation? Or do we instinctively yield to One wiser than ourselves?
I have to say my record on this one is shaky, at best, dismal most often. God frequently desires communication with me at the heart level. Do I value properly the proclamations of God? Here, Lord, its indelible ink.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
May 26, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Look Cute
If you have been around church any length of time you have likely been introduced to the image of a body as a facsimile of the church. The metaphor of a human body works nicely as a way of seeing the importance of all the different parts coming together out of necessity to achieve what part of the whole could not attain independently of the rest.
Further, if you have heard biblical teaching on the subject, you have also likely had posited the question, “What role have you been given in this body?” So far we are on familiar ground for most seasoned Christians.
We know from the scriptures that we each have a unique and important function to fulfill as members of the Body of Christ. Recently I pondered why so many seem convinced their role is to look cute. It is as if they thought their high and holy calling was to serve as the belly button.
Please! How many belly buttons can one body have and still look cute? As I look at the church where I have the most immediate contact and intimate awareness of how the body is doing, I am satisfied that our greater needs are for more arm muscles and leg bones; people who lift the load and give strength for the job. We need more heart and brain matter; persons with passion and insight for our demanding tasks.
There really isn’t a great deal of need for dreamy eyelashes, adorable dimples, and shapely belly buttons. Maybe your exclusive function is to make the body look attractive. But perhaps you could consider how attractive a body is when it is vigorously, forcefully, engaged in significant, consequential action.
A church body which is doing what it was made to do is really quite striking. Could you review your place with an eye for the value you are here to add to His Kingdom? And if you really are here to do cute, do it exceptionally well! The rest of us cherish your aptitude for things we cannot carry out ourselves.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
May 19, 2009
Further, if you have heard biblical teaching on the subject, you have also likely had posited the question, “What role have you been given in this body?” So far we are on familiar ground for most seasoned Christians.
We know from the scriptures that we each have a unique and important function to fulfill as members of the Body of Christ. Recently I pondered why so many seem convinced their role is to look cute. It is as if they thought their high and holy calling was to serve as the belly button.
Please! How many belly buttons can one body have and still look cute? As I look at the church where I have the most immediate contact and intimate awareness of how the body is doing, I am satisfied that our greater needs are for more arm muscles and leg bones; people who lift the load and give strength for the job. We need more heart and brain matter; persons with passion and insight for our demanding tasks.
There really isn’t a great deal of need for dreamy eyelashes, adorable dimples, and shapely belly buttons. Maybe your exclusive function is to make the body look attractive. But perhaps you could consider how attractive a body is when it is vigorously, forcefully, engaged in significant, consequential action.
A church body which is doing what it was made to do is really quite striking. Could you review your place with an eye for the value you are here to add to His Kingdom? And if you really are here to do cute, do it exceptionally well! The rest of us cherish your aptitude for things we cannot carry out ourselves.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
May 19, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Little Favors
Just this morning I was fishing my waffle out of the toaster when it fell apart. Okay, it was more involved than that. The waffle square -our waffle iron at home is a square one, not a round one- was a left over, frozen waffle from last weekend. I had dropped it in the toaster to crisp it up a bit. It the process of fishing it out I managed to separate it into three smaller pieces and to push it further down in the toaster, down below several wires and far nearer the bottom of the unit than the top.
At that point I made an important decision. I decided to eat the three warm waffle squares on my plate and leave the partitioned fourth one for a later clean up. They were tasty -thank you for asking- and so breakfast took place and the final episode of waffle fishing was delayed fifteen minutes for a good cause.
Unplug the toaster. Pull the crumb trays from the bottom of the appliance. Shack vigorously as you turn the unit while held above the kitchen sink. Comment with a moderate amount of amazement on how much junk is flowing out of your toaster. Secure the services of a table knife for the additional steps necessary to dislodge bread crusts wedged within the toaster. Realize God did you a favor.
Now I don’t want to sound like the folks who credit God for every little thing as if the sun were always shining on their side of the street while it rained bucks just two curbs and a patch of pavement away, but I do think God deserves credit where credit is due.
If my waffle hadn’t gone to pieces and I hadn’t been required to empty the toaster of all its foreign matter, could the toaster have caught fire later and done far more damage that gobble up a part of my breakfast? Sure. Most definitely.
If you were to review the events of your life, how many times would God have used your fourth waffle to keep your house a singe and smoke free zone? Thank God for the little mishaps that prevent the big mishaps from ever taking place.
Tim Gramly
South Haven Baptist Church
May 13, 2009
At that point I made an important decision. I decided to eat the three warm waffle squares on my plate and leave the partitioned fourth one for a later clean up. They were tasty -thank you for asking- and so breakfast took place and the final episode of waffle fishing was delayed fifteen minutes for a good cause.
Unplug the toaster. Pull the crumb trays from the bottom of the appliance. Shack vigorously as you turn the unit while held above the kitchen sink. Comment with a moderate amount of amazement on how much junk is flowing out of your toaster. Secure the services of a table knife for the additional steps necessary to dislodge bread crusts wedged within the toaster. Realize God did you a favor.
Now I don’t want to sound like the folks who credit God for every little thing as if the sun were always shining on their side of the street while it rained bucks just two curbs and a patch of pavement away, but I do think God deserves credit where credit is due.
If my waffle hadn’t gone to pieces and I hadn’t been required to empty the toaster of all its foreign matter, could the toaster have caught fire later and done far more damage that gobble up a part of my breakfast? Sure. Most definitely.
If you were to review the events of your life, how many times would God have used your fourth waffle to keep your house a singe and smoke free zone? Thank God for the little mishaps that prevent the big mishaps from ever taking place.
Tim Gramly
South Haven Baptist Church
May 13, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Wave Good-bye
One of those pleasant features on so many homes that make them appealing to approach from the curb and even more appealing to contemplate as your own home is the porch. Front, back, or side, it makes little difference, a house with a porch is more likely to be designated by the soothing little word “home.” Comfy, inviting, made to live in. These are the messages sent by a porch.
Your porch is a place of transitions. It is on the way somewhere else. Even when you are headed to the porch to read a chapter from your latest book purchase or rest a spell or drink leisurely a morning cup of coffee, you won’t end up staying there – you just pass through.
Sometimes we land on the porch spiritually. We are coming or going, but it’s no place to live indefinitely. You can’t get the mail all day. You won’t wave good-bye Monday from 8 AM to noon. Slippin’ muddy boots off doesn’t require an afternoon, even with the spring we’ve had. Not meant to be that way and won’t work in connection with the rest of life.
Are you stuck on the porch? Making a switch, but still caught up in the alterations? It happens sometimes, and not just to you – other people have experienced this one, too. It’s like you have one foot on the sidewalk and one in the front room. When observed awkwardly, uncomfortably stretched out like this, someone might astutely ply, “Entering or exiting?”
Here is a prayer for each of us, provided for us on those occasions when we have become deck dwellers. “God, I’m missing out here. Move me into what is next. Even though I’m frightened, You are not. Even though I am uncertain, You are serenely calm. Even if I’m not ready, You are. Get me over this - please! I am ready for whatever You say is my next assignment.”
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
May 5, 2009
Your porch is a place of transitions. It is on the way somewhere else. Even when you are headed to the porch to read a chapter from your latest book purchase or rest a spell or drink leisurely a morning cup of coffee, you won’t end up staying there – you just pass through.
Sometimes we land on the porch spiritually. We are coming or going, but it’s no place to live indefinitely. You can’t get the mail all day. You won’t wave good-bye Monday from 8 AM to noon. Slippin’ muddy boots off doesn’t require an afternoon, even with the spring we’ve had. Not meant to be that way and won’t work in connection with the rest of life.
Are you stuck on the porch? Making a switch, but still caught up in the alterations? It happens sometimes, and not just to you – other people have experienced this one, too. It’s like you have one foot on the sidewalk and one in the front room. When observed awkwardly, uncomfortably stretched out like this, someone might astutely ply, “Entering or exiting?”
Here is a prayer for each of us, provided for us on those occasions when we have become deck dwellers. “God, I’m missing out here. Move me into what is next. Even though I’m frightened, You are not. Even though I am uncertain, You are serenely calm. Even if I’m not ready, You are. Get me over this - please! I am ready for whatever You say is my next assignment.”
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
May 5, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Unaccompanied
Have you ever wondered about those stained glass windows where the big eye stares in at you? An acquaintance of mine from some years ago gave it an interesting twist. In stead of viewing that icon as God’s all-seeing eye staring in on us, he chose to see it as our chance to perceive human activity from God’s vantage point. Hmmm. And, okay.
What if you could hover just above the congregation as we worship each week, seeing our shared worship expressions as God may, what would you see? Would you look on individuals still isolated, seated alone, uninvited by those around them to worship together? Or conversely, would you see people hungry for fellowship with God, seated intentionally alone for the opportunity to focus on God?
Some of those seated around you desperately need your friendship while others with equal intensity just need time and attention solely focused on God Himself. You will display your love for God and others by taking the initiative to find out what their needs are. Once you have done your compassionate exploration, then respond by asking if you may sit together or alternately by respecting their wish for a little envelop of privacy.
Love seeks that which is in the best interest others. As you take your seat, pray for those who worship with you that God will meet their need to connect with other worshippers and with God.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
April 21, 2009
What if you could hover just above the congregation as we worship each week, seeing our shared worship expressions as God may, what would you see? Would you look on individuals still isolated, seated alone, uninvited by those around them to worship together? Or conversely, would you see people hungry for fellowship with God, seated intentionally alone for the opportunity to focus on God?
Some of those seated around you desperately need your friendship while others with equal intensity just need time and attention solely focused on God Himself. You will display your love for God and others by taking the initiative to find out what their needs are. Once you have done your compassionate exploration, then respond by asking if you may sit together or alternately by respecting their wish for a little envelop of privacy.
Love seeks that which is in the best interest others. As you take your seat, pray for those who worship with you that God will meet their need to connect with other worshippers and with God.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
April 21, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
The Car Keys and a Gallon of Milk
I am afraid I am not as patient as I should be when it comes to watching others develop. I did see my own children grow and mature over time, so this is not a new concept for me. And I have grown up a little bit myself. A little bit. Somehow it just takes time for me to adjust to the idea with another set of people.
You recall how when the kids were small, you poured the milk yourself - always - they never did that for themselves. You even used a special lidded cup for them. Then as their hands became more coordinated, they advanced to cup without a lid. You watched to be sure the cup wasn’t placed too close to the table’s edge. When it was, you moved it back out of the danger zone.
One day the little voice said, “Let me pour it,” and you helped them do just that. Once they had developed enough to do so, you let them pour their own glass of moo juice. And then the day came when you tossed over the set of car keys and you said, “Run to the store for me and pick up a gallon of milk, please.”
In the area of leadership development, we have to let our people learn by doing. This is how they enlarge their range of proficiency; one task teaches a group of skills and the next a new aptitude set. As their abilities expand, we increase their responsibility. At the start, we are pouring the milk, watching shaky hands maneuver the cup and by the end, they have the keys and are excitedly driving off without us. They have seen it done and experienced it for themselves. Now they can and do lead.
I am as hopeful for my increasing patience as I am for their growth in leadership roles within The Kingdom. Having leaders is a matter of growing them.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
April 14, 2009
You recall how when the kids were small, you poured the milk yourself - always - they never did that for themselves. You even used a special lidded cup for them. Then as their hands became more coordinated, they advanced to cup without a lid. You watched to be sure the cup wasn’t placed too close to the table’s edge. When it was, you moved it back out of the danger zone.
One day the little voice said, “Let me pour it,” and you helped them do just that. Once they had developed enough to do so, you let them pour their own glass of moo juice. And then the day came when you tossed over the set of car keys and you said, “Run to the store for me and pick up a gallon of milk, please.”
In the area of leadership development, we have to let our people learn by doing. This is how they enlarge their range of proficiency; one task teaches a group of skills and the next a new aptitude set. As their abilities expand, we increase their responsibility. At the start, we are pouring the milk, watching shaky hands maneuver the cup and by the end, they have the keys and are excitedly driving off without us. They have seen it done and experienced it for themselves. Now they can and do lead.
I am as hopeful for my increasing patience as I am for their growth in leadership roles within The Kingdom. Having leaders is a matter of growing them.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
April 14, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Fruit Punch
I stopped by the kitchen as the crew was preparing for the Wednesday evening church meal. There was some friendly banter and a few compliments flew through the air. And then it happened. I asked for something to drink.
Now that may seem a small request to you, but these were busy people, focused on a mission, operating under a deadline. And I didn’t ask for a glass of water, a task I could complete on my own (no, really, I could achieve that.) I asked for fruit punch before it was fully prepared for the beverage table.
What was the response I received? It could have been, “The water spout is right over there,” followed by a head nod aimed out away from the work area. Or they might have supplied a barbed sentence like, “In a bit of a hurry, are we?” Neither of these scenarios even comes close to what actually happened.
The young lady who was preparing to get up to her elbows in tea and juice simply said, “We’ve got our first customer!” Then she poured a full glass of just exactly what I had sauntered into the room in search of.
I left with a cup of refreshment and a smile. I had been treated well in spite of my intrusion. I had been lifted up instead of pushed down. I had been affirmed and not denied. I had seen how I should treat others. Yeah for places where people do it right!
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
April 7, 2009
Now that may seem a small request to you, but these were busy people, focused on a mission, operating under a deadline. And I didn’t ask for a glass of water, a task I could complete on my own (no, really, I could achieve that.) I asked for fruit punch before it was fully prepared for the beverage table.
What was the response I received? It could have been, “The water spout is right over there,” followed by a head nod aimed out away from the work area. Or they might have supplied a barbed sentence like, “In a bit of a hurry, are we?” Neither of these scenarios even comes close to what actually happened.
The young lady who was preparing to get up to her elbows in tea and juice simply said, “We’ve got our first customer!” Then she poured a full glass of just exactly what I had sauntered into the room in search of.
I left with a cup of refreshment and a smile. I had been treated well in spite of my intrusion. I had been lifted up instead of pushed down. I had been affirmed and not denied. I had seen how I should treat others. Yeah for places where people do it right!
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
April 7, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
TEETH
(Note: these reflections were originally from a conversation far removed from here in time and space, some years ago in a different galaxy, or at least some months ago in a different state. In other words, Claudia is a real person, you just don’t know her.)
It really is hard to have a conversation when you are a patient in a dental office. I’ve learned if you can get your hygienist talking before she gets her fingers in your mouth, having your teeth cleaned is a much more appealing proposition. Family and hobbies of mutual interest are good topics.
Claudia was talking and I was listening – what else was I going to do? – and she offered a phrase something like this: “We are all guilty of that.” Universal guilt. Now there is a weighty concept not typically discussed during a visit to your dentist’s friendly neighborhood office.
Is there such a thing as ‘universal guilt’? If there is, I have a rapidly developing personal fascination in a parallel concept of ‘universal pardon’. Sounds almost Gospel to me. And of interest to a broader audience than solely the lady who keeps my smile intact.
‘Universal pardon’ could be valuable if the “guilt” part of ‘universal guilt’ applies to me. And as surely as I have teeth, it does. In the Gospel message there is the offer of pardon for all of us. We experience forgiveness of our sin debt (guilt) when we admit our sin and turning from it enter a new relationship with God.
Sin is forgiven in Jesus death and resurrection as we accept His loving offer of pardon and cleansing. If you have never received this gift, accept it today as you yield your life to the one who makes Easter the most joyful day of the year.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBCApril 1, 2009
It really is hard to have a conversation when you are a patient in a dental office. I’ve learned if you can get your hygienist talking before she gets her fingers in your mouth, having your teeth cleaned is a much more appealing proposition. Family and hobbies of mutual interest are good topics.
Claudia was talking and I was listening – what else was I going to do? – and she offered a phrase something like this: “We are all guilty of that.” Universal guilt. Now there is a weighty concept not typically discussed during a visit to your dentist’s friendly neighborhood office.
Is there such a thing as ‘universal guilt’? If there is, I have a rapidly developing personal fascination in a parallel concept of ‘universal pardon’. Sounds almost Gospel to me. And of interest to a broader audience than solely the lady who keeps my smile intact.
‘Universal pardon’ could be valuable if the “guilt” part of ‘universal guilt’ applies to me. And as surely as I have teeth, it does. In the Gospel message there is the offer of pardon for all of us. We experience forgiveness of our sin debt (guilt) when we admit our sin and turning from it enter a new relationship with God.
Sin is forgiven in Jesus death and resurrection as we accept His loving offer of pardon and cleansing. If you have never received this gift, accept it today as you yield your life to the one who makes Easter the most joyful day of the year.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBCApril 1, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
On the Ballot
What if God were a political candidate? Who would run against Him? It would be political suicide to take God on at the polls. You KNOW He would win.
What if God were in charge of the universe? Who would challenge His authority? It would be spiritual suicide to take God on at running life. You KNOW He is ultimately in charge.
Back up one paragraph. Isn’t this our basic problem? We want to run our own lives, not let God do it. He is the final authority, so it is about God, not about me.
Prayer: God, help me today to call you Lord of All. By your Spirit’s work in me, may I gladly follow - not attempt to lead - You.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
March 26, 2009
What if God were in charge of the universe? Who would challenge His authority? It would be spiritual suicide to take God on at running life. You KNOW He is ultimately in charge.
Back up one paragraph. Isn’t this our basic problem? We want to run our own lives, not let God do it. He is the final authority, so it is about God, not about me.
Prayer: God, help me today to call you Lord of All. By your Spirit’s work in me, may I gladly follow - not attempt to lead - You.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
March 26, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
I love it when God uses Print Preview in my life. When God wants me to see what is in my heart, He does have His ways. If He just hit Print, I’d be in trouble. Oh, I would sure see what is in there, but I’d be embarrassed before my time. It is so much more gracious to have that sneak peek and the option to correct before the thing is out in the open, in plain sight.
When the Print Preview next pops up on your screen and you don’t like what you see, thank God for the inconvenience of short delays. Good thing He chooses occasionally to reach over your shoulder and tap a button while you are working.
“Help me do it right, God” is a lot less problematic than, “I really messed this one up, Lord.”
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
March 17, 2009
When the Print Preview next pops up on your screen and you don’t like what you see, thank God for the inconvenience of short delays. Good thing He chooses occasionally to reach over your shoulder and tap a button while you are working.
“Help me do it right, God” is a lot less problematic than, “I really messed this one up, Lord.”
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
March 17, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Trip
Someone has said this to you. “Grace!” Of course they were referring to your less than graceful movement. Their verbal barb was no extension of grace to you. Just the opposite.
Pointing out each other’s faults is easy enough to do. Those stick out sufficiently for effortless viewing.
Seeing folk’s finer qualities may necessitate a more determined look. Extending grace to the people in your life will often mean over-looking their mistakes and on occasion revealing your own.
I have been reminded recently that our values are seen in what we actually do, not just in the words we mouth. Behavior is measurable content. So, trip all over yourself this week imparting grace to others. Your movement will flatter your Lord.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
March 10, 2009
Pointing out each other’s faults is easy enough to do. Those stick out sufficiently for effortless viewing.
Seeing folk’s finer qualities may necessitate a more determined look. Extending grace to the people in your life will often mean over-looking their mistakes and on occasion revealing your own.
I have been reminded recently that our values are seen in what we actually do, not just in the words we mouth. Behavior is measurable content. So, trip all over yourself this week imparting grace to others. Your movement will flatter your Lord.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
March 10, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
Figs
My mother-in-law tells the story of relocating to California as a young girl, moving to a new home and seeing a fig tree for the first time. The fruit was something her mother enjoyed, seemed to eat quite a few figs, but as a young lassie, she still declined to eat them. Her mom definitely liked figs, but she wasn’t interested herself – not in that shriveled up, ugly looking, odd shaped, dark thing. No thanks.
My mother-in-law avoided eating figs until she had surpassed the 6 - 0 mark. (She is now past the 7 - 5 mark and don’t tell her I told you or I may never reach my next birthday.) Then she tried her first. Amazingly, she liked them! And after all those years of not eating figs! Now she regrets all the missed opportunities to eat fresh figs right off of the tree. What a pity; what a shame.
You are thinking what I’m thinking, right? Come on now. I know you and I are headed in the same direction. Let me guess: Is there anything in life God has for you and I that we have (up until now) refused to taste? Will we later regret our tardy arrival on this leg of our Spirit-guided journey? What are we presently stubbornly resisting which later we will decide was a matchless blessing? Cumquat, anyone? Rutabaga?
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
March 3, 2009
My mother-in-law avoided eating figs until she had surpassed the 6 - 0 mark. (She is now past the 7 - 5 mark and don’t tell her I told you or I may never reach my next birthday.) Then she tried her first. Amazingly, she liked them! And after all those years of not eating figs! Now she regrets all the missed opportunities to eat fresh figs right off of the tree. What a pity; what a shame.
You are thinking what I’m thinking, right? Come on now. I know you and I are headed in the same direction. Let me guess: Is there anything in life God has for you and I that we have (up until now) refused to taste? Will we later regret our tardy arrival on this leg of our Spirit-guided journey? What are we presently stubbornly resisting which later we will decide was a matchless blessing? Cumquat, anyone? Rutabaga?
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
March 3, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
It Only Took Four
I don’t know if I can admit this: I read the directions. Well, I read most of the directions. Well, I think I read the directions – I just didn’t look closely at the diagrams.
Have you ever bought one of these pieces of furniture in a box? One of those articles you take home and assemble in “a few easy steps?” We did. It was a beautiful black book shelf and it fit our plans so well and our budget just as neatly. What could go wrong?
I had two thirds of it put together when I hit my snag. No big deal, if it doesn’t slide easily into place, a little extra force will compensate for the difficulty. Unless you end up having to glue parts back together. And it still didn’t fit.
Then I had this bright idea that if it is too big, saw some of it off. Partial disassembly was followed by a trip out to the garage. Bring out the power tool, connect to the power cord, a couple of caution checks to be on the safe and careful side and trim that baby down! Now it will fit. And sure enough it went together. But with a gap that displayed all too prominently the rough edge of my not so skillful skill saw cut. Now what? This is getting irritating.
Well, we can address the aesthetics later. For now, continue with construction. Anyway, that set of pre-drilled holes is in the wrong location. (This is when I discovered that I had flipped the board 180 degrees.) Out comes the drill and now I am drilling my own holes when I should have been able to use someone else’s.
Assembly complete. The wonderfully helpful wife steps in to complete the cosmetic touch up. And the unit is settled into its new home. Finally. This two hour project only took four. And all because one small set of details was overlooked.
I wish I knew what the lesson in all this is. Is it:
“Read and follow instructions,” or
“Details are important,” or
“Always allow more time than your original estimate,” or
“Pay someone else to put it together,” or
“You don’t have enough handy friends?”
Whatever the correct answer to my question is, I think I will have to be attentive to the full set of directives supplied for my next project.
Would there be any spiritual lesson lodged in the above scenario for someone who is following Jesus? If I wanted to put a theological twist to this I would probably say something like ‘every believer will wisely accept the full counsel of God’s Word to guide them in all their choices, not simply choosing the parts they find most easily accessible or palatable.’ And that would be valid, but I think we can say this in English.
Be sure you listen for all the instructions God has for you before you launch into whatever it is He has you doing. You could cut your work in half. I’ve seen this principle at work recently.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
February 24, 2009
Have you ever bought one of these pieces of furniture in a box? One of those articles you take home and assemble in “a few easy steps?” We did. It was a beautiful black book shelf and it fit our plans so well and our budget just as neatly. What could go wrong?
I had two thirds of it put together when I hit my snag. No big deal, if it doesn’t slide easily into place, a little extra force will compensate for the difficulty. Unless you end up having to glue parts back together. And it still didn’t fit.
Then I had this bright idea that if it is too big, saw some of it off. Partial disassembly was followed by a trip out to the garage. Bring out the power tool, connect to the power cord, a couple of caution checks to be on the safe and careful side and trim that baby down! Now it will fit. And sure enough it went together. But with a gap that displayed all too prominently the rough edge of my not so skillful skill saw cut. Now what? This is getting irritating.
Well, we can address the aesthetics later. For now, continue with construction. Anyway, that set of pre-drilled holes is in the wrong location. (This is when I discovered that I had flipped the board 180 degrees.) Out comes the drill and now I am drilling my own holes when I should have been able to use someone else’s.
Assembly complete. The wonderfully helpful wife steps in to complete the cosmetic touch up. And the unit is settled into its new home. Finally. This two hour project only took four. And all because one small set of details was overlooked.
I wish I knew what the lesson in all this is. Is it:
“Read and follow instructions,” or
“Details are important,” or
“Always allow more time than your original estimate,” or
“Pay someone else to put it together,” or
“You don’t have enough handy friends?”
Whatever the correct answer to my question is, I think I will have to be attentive to the full set of directives supplied for my next project.
Would there be any spiritual lesson lodged in the above scenario for someone who is following Jesus? If I wanted to put a theological twist to this I would probably say something like ‘every believer will wisely accept the full counsel of God’s Word to guide them in all their choices, not simply choosing the parts they find most easily accessible or palatable.’ And that would be valid, but I think we can say this in English.
Be sure you listen for all the instructions God has for you before you launch into whatever it is He has you doing. You could cut your work in half. I’ve seen this principle at work recently.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
February 24, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Unmoved
It was windy, beyond breezy by several lines on the gauge. I was standing in my back yard looking up at a huge and still bare tree. Although the winter temperatures were past and other trees were in full bloom, this pecan was yet to show any significant signs of spring life.
The stark, naked limbs swaying in the wind against a clear blue sky pointed out a valuable perception. Not everything on a tree moves when the wind blows. And not everything in our lives should move when the exterior pressures elevate.
I must have a solid base, firmly rooted, from which to respond when life pushes me around. Sure, there are lesser extensions of who I am which necessarily must flex with the times, just as the smaller and most extreme branches do. But that can never be the sum of my life. A tree is not small branches. A tree is roots, and trunk, and large limbs, and smaller limbs, and twigs, and leaves.
Within each of us, some parts have to bow and bend. Others do only at great risk to our ongoing survival. God’s design for trees and for us includes both what should give and what should never give.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
February 17, 2009
The stark, naked limbs swaying in the wind against a clear blue sky pointed out a valuable perception. Not everything on a tree moves when the wind blows. And not everything in our lives should move when the exterior pressures elevate.
I must have a solid base, firmly rooted, from which to respond when life pushes me around. Sure, there are lesser extensions of who I am which necessarily must flex with the times, just as the smaller and most extreme branches do. But that can never be the sum of my life. A tree is not small branches. A tree is roots, and trunk, and large limbs, and smaller limbs, and twigs, and leaves.
Within each of us, some parts have to bow and bend. Others do only at great risk to our ongoing survival. God’s design for trees and for us includes both what should give and what should never give.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
February 17, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Smelling Like a Rose
It was a near miss – almost frightening! There was only the smallest amount of liquid soap in the bottom of the plastic dispenser. Previously I had noted the need to refill the shower soap bottle, but had forgotten to do so after my last shower. Now I was down to the last 1/16th of an inch of my own generic scented lotion.
What was so scary was the fact that my only other option at the time was my wife’s floral somethingorother lavender shaded soft soap. Eeeee! I could have come out of the bath smelling like a rose or some other species of flower or worse maybe even like an entire bouquet! What would the guys have said after one single whiff of that sissy stuff on my body?!? I tell ya’ – it was close.
Disaster is often averted by such narrow margins. Have you ever pondered just how often God protects you from truly unpleasant events? The time you changed lanes without looking over your shoulder and God had an alert driver in the other lane. Or the moment you bent your head to the left as the baseball whizzed by on the right. Or…you fill in the details.
The extent of God’s loving care for each one of us will remain unknown to us until we are safely passed through to heaven’s side of that famous pearly gate.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
February 10, 2009
What was so scary was the fact that my only other option at the time was my wife’s floral somethingorother lavender shaded soft soap. Eeeee! I could have come out of the bath smelling like a rose or some other species of flower or worse maybe even like an entire bouquet! What would the guys have said after one single whiff of that sissy stuff on my body?!? I tell ya’ – it was close.
Disaster is often averted by such narrow margins. Have you ever pondered just how often God protects you from truly unpleasant events? The time you changed lanes without looking over your shoulder and God had an alert driver in the other lane. Or the moment you bent your head to the left as the baseball whizzed by on the right. Or…you fill in the details.
The extent of God’s loving care for each one of us will remain unknown to us until we are safely passed through to heaven’s side of that famous pearly gate.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
February 10, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Seasoning
They tell me Italian salad dressing makes a great marinade for chicken, beef or pork. You may want to try it. Surely it would tenderize the meat, add flavor, and make the finished dish more appealing. You can just smell that cut coming off the grill, can’t you?
What if we were to marinade our lives in God’s Word – you know, just leave it to soak, to take in all the available richness. There is much in the scriptures to season our thoughts and actions. The result would be a life further tenderized to the Spirit and more attractive to people around us.
What is your commitment to daily Bible reading? I heard recently that the average adult reader can read the entire Bible in 70 hours, cover to cover. That translates into less than 12 minutes a day over a year. I know my daily television consumption exceeds 12 minutes. Let’s you and I season our souls with eternal truths from God’s amazing Word.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
February 4, 2009
What if we were to marinade our lives in God’s Word – you know, just leave it to soak, to take in all the available richness. There is much in the scriptures to season our thoughts and actions. The result would be a life further tenderized to the Spirit and more attractive to people around us.
What is your commitment to daily Bible reading? I heard recently that the average adult reader can read the entire Bible in 70 hours, cover to cover. That translates into less than 12 minutes a day over a year. I know my daily television consumption exceeds 12 minutes. Let’s you and I season our souls with eternal truths from God’s amazing Word.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
February 4, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
I Don’t Know What to Say!
You’ve said, “If I was more comfortable in talking with folks about spiritual matters, I’d do more of it, but I don’t know what to say.” That is fair enough. So let me provide you with tips to make your job easier.
#1. Have a purpose when you call, stop by, or write. Invite then to a class or church-wide event and offer to meet them at the door, mention time change Sunday, highlight next Sundays lesson theme or scripture, ask for/update contact information, or solicit a prayer request, (but only if you will pray.)
#2. State your purpose up front. Then do what you say you’ve come by or telephoned to do. This will help put both of you at ease. Nothing like living up to your promises for earning you the right to talk about The One who keeps all His promises.
#3. What have you read recently in your Bible that meant something to you individually? Mention it, explain why it was valuable to you personally, and ask if they have had anything like that happen to them recently.
#4. Practice the story of your salvation experience by writing it out on a single page. Once you know how you want to tell the beginning part of your spiritual journey, ask someone if you can tell them about an event in your life that shapes who you are today.
#5. Ask someone to lift you up in prayer before you stretch your newly expanded comfort zone.
“I don’t know what to say.” Not any more!
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
January 27, 2009
#1. Have a purpose when you call, stop by, or write. Invite then to a class or church-wide event and offer to meet them at the door, mention time change Sunday, highlight next Sundays lesson theme or scripture, ask for/update contact information, or solicit a prayer request, (but only if you will pray.)
#2. State your purpose up front. Then do what you say you’ve come by or telephoned to do. This will help put both of you at ease. Nothing like living up to your promises for earning you the right to talk about The One who keeps all His promises.
#3. What have you read recently in your Bible that meant something to you individually? Mention it, explain why it was valuable to you personally, and ask if they have had anything like that happen to them recently.
#4. Practice the story of your salvation experience by writing it out on a single page. Once you know how you want to tell the beginning part of your spiritual journey, ask someone if you can tell them about an event in your life that shapes who you are today.
#5. Ask someone to lift you up in prayer before you stretch your newly expanded comfort zone.
“I don’t know what to say.” Not any more!
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
January 27, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Leaving Dim for Dark
It must have been a cloudy day, otherwise we would have had sufficient light to walk through that section of the downstairs hallway. Or maybe it was early enough in the day that the east rising sun had not yet crested the roof line and we were on the west side of the building. In either case, with the florescent tubes dark above our heads and no solar assistance, we were literally, “In the dark.”
My companion and I were walking into a dark hallway and, to reach our destination, we had to traverse still further into the darkened space. We left the dimness for the darkness. Only once we had progressed through it could we arrive at the point where the lighting from the upward reaching stairway would help us see the surface to which we were applying our feet.
I led the way. I had walked this hall many times when it was well lit. My friend was new to it and so needed some reassurance that stepping further into the black space would yield a favorable result. So I coaxed him to advance on in. He was willing and passed from the comfort of light to the shadowless obscurity and through it to the sparsely lit surfaces which eventually gave in to a well lit corridor.
Are you as sure as I that God can lead us, that He can take us into and then through appointed places where we cannot detect the light, where we may only go when we are confident in His guidance? To reach and rejoice in the happy places which are separated by some distance in time or experience from the difficult hours, many a saint has travelled through darkness first. But The One who takes us there knows the territory and He knows us.
I think I can do the darkness if The Light is my personal guide. And you?
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
January 20, 2009
My companion and I were walking into a dark hallway and, to reach our destination, we had to traverse still further into the darkened space. We left the dimness for the darkness. Only once we had progressed through it could we arrive at the point where the lighting from the upward reaching stairway would help us see the surface to which we were applying our feet.
I led the way. I had walked this hall many times when it was well lit. My friend was new to it and so needed some reassurance that stepping further into the black space would yield a favorable result. So I coaxed him to advance on in. He was willing and passed from the comfort of light to the shadowless obscurity and through it to the sparsely lit surfaces which eventually gave in to a well lit corridor.
Are you as sure as I that God can lead us, that He can take us into and then through appointed places where we cannot detect the light, where we may only go when we are confident in His guidance? To reach and rejoice in the happy places which are separated by some distance in time or experience from the difficult hours, many a saint has travelled through darkness first. But The One who takes us there knows the territory and He knows us.
I think I can do the darkness if The Light is my personal guide. And you?
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
January 20, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Wall Socket
Here at South Haven we do a number of things well and we are doing a number of things better. One area we are improving is our Sunday morning security check for the kids. Part of improving this aspect of our work has been to place a check-in station at the entrance to the fifth and sixth grade rooms.
Several factors where in play concerning where to place the kiosk. A number of individuals would use this check-in station, so its location would be important for all of them.
We looked at issues like normal traffic patterns, hallway clearance, lighting, and general ease of access. Ultimately the overriding cause for our carefully deliberated site choice was the location of the available power source. This was as far as the power cord would reach.
Interestingly, we could have selected a more distant point had we preferred it, if our network cable had been the determining factor. It was longer than the power cord by several feet.
This is so much like life. Though we often have enough information accessible, perhaps even an abundance of it, just having a set of facts does not qualify us to make productive choices. We have to stay within the reach of the power source. What our power source dictates to us may keep us within a narrower circumference. That could be a negative until we discover how very vital our power connection is to a positive outcome. Information can only take us so far without power.
Facts are not guidance enough for the believer. We must stay linked to the One who empowers us. His wisdom sees past what we can know to what we must do if we are to fulfill His purpose in our lives. No believer wants to simply get by on what he/she knows when what God blesses is close at hand.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
January 14, 2009
Several factors where in play concerning where to place the kiosk. A number of individuals would use this check-in station, so its location would be important for all of them.
We looked at issues like normal traffic patterns, hallway clearance, lighting, and general ease of access. Ultimately the overriding cause for our carefully deliberated site choice was the location of the available power source. This was as far as the power cord would reach.
Interestingly, we could have selected a more distant point had we preferred it, if our network cable had been the determining factor. It was longer than the power cord by several feet.
This is so much like life. Though we often have enough information accessible, perhaps even an abundance of it, just having a set of facts does not qualify us to make productive choices. We have to stay within the reach of the power source. What our power source dictates to us may keep us within a narrower circumference. That could be a negative until we discover how very vital our power connection is to a positive outcome. Information can only take us so far without power.
Facts are not guidance enough for the believer. We must stay linked to the One who empowers us. His wisdom sees past what we can know to what we must do if we are to fulfill His purpose in our lives. No believer wants to simply get by on what he/she knows when what God blesses is close at hand.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
January 14, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
TRUST
Now here is a word from inside another word you don’t think of as being inside the other word. This is the bigger word: “repent”. And this is the littler word found inside it: “trust”.
Ponder it from this perspective. If you really couldn’t do what was right, either the first time around or the second time around, would God ask you to get back on track?
When God calls us to repentance He is expressing a huge measure of confidence in our ability to do the right thing. If you missed it on the first shot, shoot again. God knows you are capable. So get on with it!
While you are ruminating, consider this: if you are going to pull it off either time, you are likely going to have to trust Him for the strength to do it anyway. Trust Him both to direct and energize your obedience.
Your change of attitude and course are God-blessed, evidence in His trust of you as well as your trust of Him.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
January 6, 2009
Ponder it from this perspective. If you really couldn’t do what was right, either the first time around or the second time around, would God ask you to get back on track?
When God calls us to repentance He is expressing a huge measure of confidence in our ability to do the right thing. If you missed it on the first shot, shoot again. God knows you are capable. So get on with it!
While you are ruminating, consider this: if you are going to pull it off either time, you are likely going to have to trust Him for the strength to do it anyway. Trust Him both to direct and energize your obedience.
Your change of attitude and course are God-blessed, evidence in His trust of you as well as your trust of Him.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
SHBC
January 6, 2009
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