Written by Bill Grandi on May 28th, 2024
It has been a wild and wooly Memorial Day weekend. Instead of it being the laid-back-and-just-grill-a-hamburnger-or-bratwurst kind of holiday, mine was anything but laid back. And just so you know…I am not complaining. At all. There are times in a pastor’s life where all kinds of stuff happens that takes one out of a routine.
It started Saturday when I found my Saturday being a busy one. Normally, I get up early and go to the office for 1-2 hours then head to the Y for about a 1-1 1/2 hour workout. Then after my shower I head back to the office where I study and pull things together for Sunday. Around 1 or 2:00 I normally head HOME where I relax, study, read and visit with Jo for the rest of the day. This past Saturday we had planned on attending a wedding on Saturday afternoon, but my Saturday afternoon was all different. I found myself visiting someone at the Hospice House in Bloomington and then running to the Bloomington hospital to see someone I had just found out was in. When I got HOME that afternoon it was time to eat and rest. I had told the folks that I would probably not be able to attend the wedding because of my visits and also the need to study.
Sunday seemed to go off without a hitch until the storm came through. We were done with our worship and people were milling around as the deluge hit and then the power went off. NOW THAT WAS FUN!! Meanwhile, it is pouring like cats and dogs; people were getting soaked as they ran to their cars (even with umbrellas); and I hadn’t left the building. The rain slacked off until I decided to leave. Since I park at the back of the lot only one word can describe me. Can you say drenched? At the same time we are expecting our daughter and her significant other to get here to drop her off for a few days. They get here and fortunately, we never lost power in town. After lunch and a short visit, I spent the rest of the afternoon at the office due to the hectic nature of this week and made my way HOME early evening.
Monday I came to the office to do my Encounter Time since Janna was sleeping in the living room and I didn’t want to wake her. My slowed-down Monday took on a whole ‘nother dimension when I found myself going to the Hospice House again (for what may be my final visit) and then head to the hospital to visit two patients, one a new one with a stroke and an emergency surgery as a result. I finally made it HOME.
Today Janna has eye surgery with a follow up tomorrow and a trip to Ohio to take her to her home on Wednesday. Probably Thursday Jo and I will be back HOME.
You may be wondering: why the travelogue Bill? Notice the word I emphasized throughout the post. HOME. That word means different things to different people. HOME to me means a place of safety and security and love and acceptance and kindness and relaxation. A place of LOVE. Hmmmm sounds like what the church ought to be. And that is my focus these days. How can the church be a HOME? I have so much more to say and will…another time. This is already too long. But over the course of the next few weeks and months I will be sharing more of the church being a HOME.
Meanwhile, I may post tomorrow but will be out of commission until Monday. I’d appreciate your prayers for Janna’s surgery and our trip to Ohio and back.
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Tags: Church, Home, Leadership, Ministry, Opinion, Reflection, Story
Written by Bill Grandi on May 23rd, 2024
“Of course I’m a responsible person!”
Perhaps you have heard the comedic exchange:
“Are you a responsible person?”
“Yes, I am. My wife tells me I’m responsible for everything that happens.”
I’m sure it isn’t quite that bad, but consider this: Do be a responsible person. Now, before you get all ballistic and huffy think this through with me.
We live in a culture today of what I will call “blame-shifters.” We would rather blame than take responsibility. In fact, Proverbs 24:12-13 is surprisingly contemporary, especially for those who want to say the Bible is an antiquated and outdated book. “Don’t excuse yourself by saying, ‘Look, we didn’t know.’ For God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul and knows you know.” (NLT) (Emphasis mine)
Shifting blame is nothing new. It is as old as…well…the Garden. After Adam and Eve ate the fruit and knew things had changed, they hid from God who had come for their daily walk. When Adam replied, “I heard you walking in the Garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”
God: “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I told you not to eat”
(WAIT FOR IT)
A: “It was the woman you gave me.”
G: (to Eve) “What have you done? Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?”
(WAIT FOR IT)
E: “The serpent deceived me.”
Not a sliver of taking responsibility, bu they both were good at shifting blame. “The woman.” “The serpent.”
And we haven’t changed or stopped. We still shift blame. “It wasn’t my fault. He or she did it.” Don’t you think it is time to start acting like men and women and assume responsibility for our actions? Growth can happen when we accept responsibility instead of pointing our finger at someone and say, “It’s his or her fault.” Well…what do you say?
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Tags: Choices, Christian Living, Guilty!, Humility, Lifestyle, Opinion, Reflection, Scripture look, Sin, Story, Taking Responsibility
Written by Bill Grandi on May 22nd, 2024
Do any of these sound familiar?
You walk into a room to ask a question and whoever is in the room (spouse, son, daughter) is locked onto a TV screen and their fingers are moving at warp speed.
You speak to someone and they see but don’t really see you. You feel as though their eyes are looking at you but their mind is elsewhere.
You speak to someone who acts as though they didn’t hear you (because they probably didn’t). When you shake them or wave your hand in front of them or call their name they act like they awakening from a stupor.
The scenarios are multiple but the problem is the same in all…preoccupation. I’m going to go out on a limb here and saw we live in a preoccupied world. I know myself if someone comes to speak to me I have to put down what I’m reading; turn away from the computer screen; stop looking/texting on my phone; even turn and face that person in order not to be distracted and give my full attention. I was visiting someone just the other day when I asked where she wanted to talk and shey said, “Anywhere.” I told her I needed to be away from the distraction (TV) and its entertainment (a certain country female singer-who shall remain nameless-whom I have NEVER liked, even when I listened CM over 20+ years ago). Anyway…
I read of a woman who went to see her doctor with two burnt ears.
Doctor: In all my years of practice I have never seen this. How?
Woman: I was ironing (remember what that is? 🙂 ) and watching TV when someone called. I picked up the iron instead of the phone.
D: That’s horrible! But how did you burn the other ear?
W: Can you believe it? The idiot called back!
We can laugh, chuckle, and even roll our eyes, but that is the way of many of us. Preoccupied. Distracted.
Try this: next time someone comes to you wanting your attention, give it to them. Put the book down. Forget that text that just came in. Turn away from the computer. Give people what they want: your undivided attention.
Posted in InTheShadow | 4 Responses »
Tags: Choices, Distracted, Friendship, Giving attention, Kindness, Ministry, Opinion, Preoccupation, Reflection, Story
Written by Bill Grandi on May 21st, 2024
SIZE REALLY DOESN’T MATTER.
I’ve come to that settled conclusion. Now, lest someone get the very wrong idea that saying is a risque’ comment, let me correct you from the get-go. Some can accuse me of clickbait with that comment, but let no one think I’m being off-color. Not even close.
For years I lived and breathed size. Church size. The bigger the church, the better it looked for me. Man, how wrong I was!! Obsessed with having a big church, I attended all the church growth seminars/conferences. I heard “How to break the 200/300 barrier” or “How to grow to this size” more than I care to admit. I heard, ad infinitum ad nauseum, how I needed to move from being a pastor to being a vision-casting, rule-making, control-freaking, domineering-leaning, take-it-or-leave-it pastor. Oops, I mean CEO. The title “pastor” no longer meant shepherd; it meant “I’m the boss and you’ll do it my way, accept my vision, agree to follow or don’t let the door hit you on the way out” kind of leader. Can I scream now or later?
To my shame, I bought into that, BUT FORTUNATELY God knew my heart and personality better than I did at that time and knew I would NEVER feel comfortable sitting in an elevated chair of pomposity. The Scriptures also had a devastating effect on me: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (Js. 4:6). “Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin.” (Pr. 21:4) And here is one that came true: “No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord.” (Pr. 21:30)
As I said that latter one came true. It’s called being fired or in softer terms: Being strongly encouraged to move on. God knew where my heart was. It was not in riding herd on sheep; it was not in trying to “beat them” into submission; it was not in threats or ultimatums; it WAS in being a shepherd. In loving the people in my care. In caring for them. In crying with them. In laughing with them. In doing life with them. In praying with and for them.
“Thank you Lord, that no one can stand against Your plans, especially me. I’m satisfied with a small church and people I love. I would much rather be in a small church contented and knowing I am in Your will than in a much bigger church where I sound like a noisy gong and a clanging cymbal. I will forever be grateful for your reality check over 20 years ago.”
{Note: All Scripture is from the New Living Translation}
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Tags: Choices, Church, Contentment, God's Plan, Humility, Leadership, Ministry, Opinion, Pastor/shepherd, Reflection, Story, Surrender
Written by Bill Grandi on May 20th, 2024
WISE WORDS TO BE REMEMBERED:
I chose the heading for this devotion based on Proverbs 20:15- “Wise words are more valuable than much gold and many rubies.”
I’m suspecting there are many in our world who would vehemently disagree with those words. That shows how truly unwise they are. To think pursuing physical comfort and material wealth (represented by gold and rubies) is the end all is setting that person up for failure and disappointment. But rather than write about the shallowness of pursuing earthly satisfaction, I thought I would highlight a few more of the verses of Proverbs 20 to show why verse 15 is so spot on. Here are some wise words to remember:
Verse 1: “Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.” All of us have seen the devastating results of too much alcohol. An alcohol addiction is serious and must be dealt with. Check out Sober Cycle by Sherry Hoppen for more on this.
Verse 7- “The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.” Integrity has been defined as “who you are when no one is looking.” Who better to see us in all our “raw life” away from the adoring crowds than our children? I’m not sure there can be a greater blessing than to see my children follow me as I follow Jesus.
Verse 19- “A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers.” I heard someone say just last night: “You are who you hang with.” Whether by reputation or guilt by association, being known for being a chatterer is not a badge of honor.
Verse 22- “Don’t say, ‘I will get even for this wrong.’ Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.” Not much to add to that one is there? Elsewhere in the Bible it says, “Vengeance is mine. I will repay says the Lord.”
Verse 29- “The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.” (What about no hair? 🙂 ). Seriously, there is something to be said about age and wisdom.
I would encourage you to read Proverbs 20. In fact, a good practice is to read a chapter of Proverbs a day. There are 31 chapters so in one month you can read through the book. I like to highlight a different verse each time I read using a different colored highlighter. Take a moment to read Proverbs 20. Any wise words stick out to you?
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Tags: Choices, Christian Living, God's Word, Lifestyle, Opinion, Reflection, Scripture look, Speech, Truth Telling, Wisdom
Written by Bill Grandi on May 16th, 2024
There are a lot of ways to destroy a church, a business, or even a friendship. Since my job is the pastor of a church, let me focus on that.
First, it is really important to clarify a term. By church I am NOT referring to any physical structures. A physical structure can be destroyed any number of ways (like many around the world are today), but the church can go on…and does. A natural disaster. A mob bent on destruction. A vengeful act. An act of hatred. Houses of worship can be leveled.
But a more insidious type of destruction is one from within. A wolf in sheep’s clothing can sneak in and spread false teaching. A leader can “ride herd” on a church and bring it to its knees (check out 3 John 9-10 and the story of Diotrephes). There is one type I think that brings more churches to its knees (not in a good way) than just about any other. This verse from Proverbs 16:28 says all that needs said: “A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.” (NLT)
It’s easy to see. You want to destroy a church? You want to destroy a company? You want to destroy a friendship? Gossip. Be a troublemaker. Or let them go unchecked. Let it go unchecked and watch the dominoes fall. Little by little. Piece by piece. All that will be left is a pile of ashes or rubble. If the enemy can get the people inside bickering, talking smack, spreading poison or something as ugly, he will have found the way to bring the church down. It is the most effective way and he didn’t need a bulldozer to accomplish his feat.
Don’t be part of the problem; be part of the solution. Stop the gossip and the gossiper.
Posted in InTheShadow | 6 Responses »
Tags: Christian Living, Church, Gossip, Grace, Humility, Leadership, Ministry, Opinion, Reflection, Scripture look, Speech, Troublemaker
Written by Bill Grandi on May 15th, 2024
“Let Scripture explain Scripture.” In other words, don’t prooftext. Don’t make up what you want the text to say. One ploy of false teachers is to grab one Scripture verse, rip it out of context, and twist it to fit their own designs. The plethora of cults proves that. As I read Proverbs 15 this morning my mind went into overdrive because there were so many verses that jumped out to me clamoring for my highlighter. Since no one verse raised its hand and said, “Ooooh, ooooh, ooooh, pick me!” I decided several verses were worthy of mention. My approach today will be different from my usual devotion. I’ll print the verse and maybe make a comment or two, but for the most part will allow you to make your own application. Here goes:
15:1- “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” Gentleness wins; hotheads lose.
15:14- “A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.” This one made me chuckle. Remember the old phrase GIGO?
15:16- “Better to have little with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.” Is a wealthy person really much better off? Do they really have it made? Think again.
15:28- “The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.” Before speaking engage brain and heart.
Those are just a few in the chapter. Why not take a moment and read Proverbs 15. Is there one which particularly stands out to you? Why? Care to share?
{Note: All Scripture from the New Living Translation}
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Tags: Christian Living, Miscellaneous, Opinion, Reflection, Scripture look, Scripture Meaning
Written by Bill Grandi on May 14th, 2024
It is my conviction that one of the things we humans shy away from is to be truly known. I’m speaking of more than just surface, like “How are you?” “Fine” kind of talk, but deeply known. We tend to shy away from being seen as an “open book.”
Granted, there are exceptions to the rule. Always are. There are those who just sort of regurgitate everything to others. Extroverts (like me) tend to be much more open than introverts. But most of us will allow others to see only so much, then we shut the door. We tend to wear masks that cover the truth in our hearts.
The most probing mirror though is being honest and opening our heart to God’s searchlight. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Ps.139:23-24). Another verse that applies a bit more pressure says, “How can I know the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults.” (Ps. 19:12). When God’s searchlight hits the darkness, our inner man is revealed. “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” (Heb. 4:12-13).
Masks are dropped and the truth revealed who we really are when we ask God to search our hearts. There is no hiding since God sees us as we are. The psalmist also came to that conclusion with the last words of chapter 19: “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (verse 14)
We can choose to be a closed and locked diary or an open book. Either way God sees who we really are. Make it easier on your heart and choose the “Open.”
{Note: All Scripture is from the New Living Translation}
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Tags: Choices, Christian Living, God, God's Word, Honesty, Openness, Opinion, Reflection, Scripture look, Surrender
Written by Bill Grandi on May 13th, 2024
Have you ever gotten the feeling that God is trying to teach you something, or, at least, prepare you? I had one of those mornings.
#1- It started off as I read something by Pastor Greg Laurie. In his devotional book, Every Day with Jesus, he wrote:
A tongue controlled by Jesus Christ can be a great blessing. But uncontrolled, it can do much damage. Just as a horse is controlled by a bit, we are controlled by our words. (Week 20-p.115)
#2- The psalmist, David, wrote, “You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong. I am determined not to sin in what I say.” (Ps.17:3)
#3- “Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.” (Pr. 13:3)
The verdict? No coincidence. There is a lesson to be learned. So I say to myself: Learn it. I suggest to you: Learn it. Watch what you say today (or maybe down the road since God may be preparing you for what is to come). No lesson is wasted.
Posted in InTheShadow | 10 Responses »
Tags: Christian Living, Ministry, Opinion, Reflection, Scripture look, Speech, Tongue, Weighing Words
Written by Bill Grandi on May 9th, 2024
INSTANT GRATIFICATION VS LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT
We live in an instant society. Instant potatoes. Instant coffee. Instant meals. That comes with drawbacks. Instant potatoes are nowhere close to real mashed potatoes…no matter what the commercials might say. Instant oatmeal. I remember liking and eating CoCo Wheats. They certainly weren’t instant. They seemed to take forever to cook. Microwaves coming along made things even quicker. They tell me instant coffee is nowhere close to fresh ground bean coffee. (I wouldn’t know since I don’t drink either).
There is nothing wrong with microwaves and instant meals or instant anything. However, what one might sacrifice in taste, for example, is made up for in convenience and quickness.
There isn’t anything wrong with instant anything except that it will never happen in spiritual growth. In Bible study last night we were discussing 2 Peter 1:5-7: “In view of all this , make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.” (New Living Translation). Those three verses show that spiritual growth is not instant, but, is instead, a process. In this case, of adding one virtue on top of another. Sort of like building blocks. There is no such animal as “instant growth.” Physically. Mentally. Spiritually. To become the man or woman God desires requires that we take it step by step. Sometimes we will notice huge gains and other times the pace is as slow as a snail.
Whichever the case-move forward. Slowly prodding or sprinting. It is a long distance run. Just keep moving forward. Keep growing. Don’t be satisfied with stagnation or the status-quo.
Posted in InTheShadow | 8 Responses »
Tags: Choices, Christian Living, God's Plan, Leadership, Lifestyle, Ministry, Moving forward, Opinion, Perseverance, Reflection, Scripture look, Spiritual growth, Story
