Beyond the Pulpit - Pastor Mike Trammell

HELP SOMEONE ELSE

beyondthepulpitmabc - Dr. Michael Trammell — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:17:00 +0000

I don’t have to tell you that we are living in tough times. There are a lot of folks out there still losing their jobs due to the downturned economy. There are a lot of hurting families who have lost their homes. A lot of people go to work every day wondering if they will still have a job when they come home. But I am reminded of a story told years ago by author James Agee. Deep in Appalachia, he said, he struck up a conversation with an impoverished elderly woman. She lived in a tiny shack with dirt floors, no heat, and no plumbing. During the course of their visit Agee asked, “What would you do if someone came along and gave you some money to help you out?” The old woman thought for a moment and then replied, “I guess I’d give it to the poor.”

Almost everybody in our country today has a floor to walk on, heated living space, and plumbing. Almost everybody in our country today has a cell phone and a television. And almost everybody has something to eat, and access to some kind of transportation.

So what’s the point? Allow me to take you back to the elderly woman in Appalachia. She didn’t consider herself too poor to help someone else. You see, true generosity doesn’t require wealth. You may be one of those out there who is hurting financially. But let me make you a promise. If you help someone else, God will help you.

“. . . he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.” (Proverbs 14:21)

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FRIENDS

beyondthepulpitmabc - Dr. Michael Trammell — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 23:20:45 +0000

The longer I live the more I treasure true friends. A person is blessed if he or she has even a few really close friends. That is one of the really great things about church life. Church is a place where we can develop friendships with people who share our love for God and with whom we have much in common.

I am reminded of a funny story about three guys stranded on a deserted island. One day a bottle washed up on the shore. When they popped the cork, out came a genie. Each man was granted one wish for freeing the genie. The first man asked to return to his family in Phoenix and he was gone in a flash. The second man saw his friend disappear and shouted, “Well I’m from New York and I want to go home, too.” He, too, immediately disappeared. The third man stood all alone on the beach and moaned about having no place to go. The genie insisted that he make a wish, otherwise he would be confined to the bottle again and wouldn’t gain his freedom. The guy thought for a few moments and then said, “Oh, all right. I wish those two guys were back here again.”

Jesus said, “No longer do I call you servants…but I have called you friends…” (John 15:15) The difference between Jesus and the last guy left on the island is that Jesus loves us and does what is best for us, not Himself. I hope you are friends with Jesus. He will never let you down.

(Reminisce Extra, August 1994, p.60)

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“MARRIAGES CAN GET BETTER”

beyondthepulpitmabc - Dr. Michael Trammell — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:56:03 +0000

Here we are on Valentine’s Day. It is a happy day in many ways. Husbands and wives typically share gifts affirming their devotion and commitment to one another. But even on Valentine’s Day, there are many unhappy people out there…many whose marriages are experiencing difficulty. I am reminded of the story of one Christian couple. Prior to their marriage the husband was known to be somewhat harsh and tactless. That probably explains him firmly telling his bride-to-be, “I’ll do the leading and you do the following.” Right after they were married, the wife got sick and required hospitalization. Instead of canceling his speaking engagements to care for her, he simply got her admitted and then left on his trip. She also soon learned that he didn’t want to hear her opinion about things. He once told her, “I have never taken your advice, and I don’t intend to begin now.” On another occasion, the husband and some of his bachelor friends decided to take a trip to Chicago. When she learned of his plans, she ran to get her coat so she could go with them. Her husband firmly responded, “No, we guys just want to be alone. No women today.” As he was driving off, the wife prayed, “God, if you will forgive me for marrying him, I’ll never do it again.”

But over time, they marriage relationship did grow, and they had a wonderful life together. The point is that even though your marriage may be going through difficulty right now, God can turn it around. So don’t give up. Your marriage can indeed get better!

Oh, yeah, the woman who prayed that prayer… was Mrs. Billy (Ruth) Graham.

(God’s Hall of Fame, Ellyn Sanna, 1996, p.40)

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“IT’S A GAME”

beyondthepulpitmabc - Dr. Michael Trammell — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:18:11 +0000

On January 4, 2006 University of Texas football coach Mack Brown won the biggest game of his three-decade coaching career. On that day his team rallied to overcome a 12-point deficit against the University of Southern California to win the Rose Bowl and the National Championship. Prior to this, he was known as a coach who couldn’t win the big game. After the game, Brown gave what many believe was the greatest speech ever given by a coach to his players when he said,

“Don’t let this be the best thing that ever happens in your life. Maybe it will be the best sports event, but don’t let this be the best thing. Make sure you are a better father than this today. Make sure you are a better husband than this today, because this goes away. It’s a game.”

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above…” (Colossians 3:1)

(Associated Press, “Mack Brown Can Relax.” 1/11/6)

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ETERNITY

beyondthepulpitmabc - Dr. Michael Trammell — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:17:54 +0000

Question… How gripped are you by the eternal destiny of your unsaved friends and loved ones? Too many times we become almost comfortable with the lost condition of people we know. Maybe they don’t seem interested in spiritual things or maybe they have rejected our attempts to share the Gospel with them and so we back off – sometimes thinking we don’t want to offend them. I am reminded of the story of the great preacher Phillip Brooks (1835-1893). When he was seriously ill, he refused to see any visitors, even his closest friends. However when the agnostic Robert Ingersoll called, Brooks saw him. Ingersoll , conscious of the privilege, was curious as to why the old preacher had agreed to see him. Brooks explained, “I feel confident of seeing my friends in the next world, but this may be my last chance to see you.”

“These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord… “ (2 Thessalonians 1:9)

May we never become complacent about the spiritual condition of those around us.

(Clifton Fadiman, ed. The Little Brown book of Anecdotes. Boston, Brown and Company, 1985, pp.79-80)

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“YOU CAN COME HOME”

beyondthepulpitmabc - Dr. Michael Trammell — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:30:21 +0000

A young girl named Christina became resentful of having to live under her family’s household rules and announced her intentions to leave home. Soon she headed for the glitter and glamour of the big city. There was no doubt in her mother’s mind that her little girl would support herself through prostitution. So her mother bought a bus ticket and went to the inner city where she hoped to find Christina. With her last remaining funds, she had photographs taken of herself and plastered them all over the area. On each picture was this inscription, “Dear Christina, whatever you have done and wherever you are, you can come home. I love you.”

Christina stumbled down a dark stairwell one morning and looked straight into the face of her mother. God did the rest. As believers, we too are to take the message of His forgiveness to those stumbling in the darkness of this world. And as with Christina, God will do the rest.

“For you, Lord, are good and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all who call upon you.” (Psalm 86:5)

(Great Stories, July-September 1998, p.6)

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Focus

beyondthepulpitmabc - Dr. Michael Trammell — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:29:19 +0000

On what are you focused? In his book, Living Above the Level of Mediocrity, Dr. Chuck Swindoll wrote, “Our eyes are focused on one of four places at all times: on our circumstances, on others, on ourselves, or upon the Lord. If our eyes are focused on any of the first three and not on the Lord, we will drift and ultimately fail.”

It is easy to allow our focus to get off of the Lord. Everybody has troubles. Another preacher, Dr. Brian Harbour, put it this way, “When your cup runs over, look out!” He went on to say that trouble is an inevitable part of life. Isn’t that the case? We seemingly move from one challenge to the next – sometimes without much of a breather in between. But I want to encourage you. No matter the problem or the difficulty you are experiencing, keep your eyes focused on the Lord. He knows your situation. He knows your strengths and weaknesses. He will guide you through.

The Psalmist wrote, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 127:1)

(Brian’s Lines, July/August 1994, p. 1, p. 27)

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DAVID LIVINGSTONE

beyondthepulpitmabc - Dr. Michael Trammell — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:43:05 +0000

Thirty years in the ministry has taught me something that is simple yet very profound. Everyone has problems. No matter who you are, it goes with the turf. Some have family struggles; some have health issues; others have financial difficulties…some even have a combination of problems. But regardless, we all have something in life that tests us…that challenges our faith. I think it is good to periodically revisit the question, “Who am I going to lean on? Who is going to be there for me?”

After 16 difficult years as a missionary in darkest Africa, David Livingstone returned to his native Scotland to address the students at Glasgow University. His body was emaciated by the 27 various fevers that had coursed through his veins. One arm hung useless at his side, the result of being mangled by a lion attack. The old missionary asked the young people who had gathered to hear him, “Shall I tell you what sustained me amidst all the toil, the hardship, and the loneliness? It was Christ’s promise to never leave me.”

Christ’s promise isn’t just for David Livingstone. It is also for you. He promises is to never leave you – no matter the problems – no matter how hard it gets. So take courage from the life of this old missionary and remember as He did the words of Jesus, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) His presence is sufficient, my friend, to see you through.

(Mark Sutton, Proclaim, Apr-Jun 1996, p.22)

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CHANGE

beyondthepulpitmabc - Dr. Michael Trammell — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:12:28 +0000

Repentance is probably one of the most misunderstood words in the Bible. Many people confess their sins with a view toward forgiveness, but without genuine repentance accompanying that confession.

The story is told of a priest who was hearing confession from one of his parishioners. The man told him he had been stealing lumber from the building supply company where he worked. He confessed, “I’ve built a home for myself and two more for my family, including a lake house.” The priest replied, “This is quite serious and you must spend a significant amount of time reflecting on what you’ve done. Have you ever done a retreat?“ The man shot back, “No, but if you can get the blueprints, I can get the lumber.”

Repentance is more than being sorry for what you’ve done. It also involves a change of behavior. It is like you are walking down a road, you make a 180 degree turn, and walk in the opposite direction. Jesus said, “…unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3) Has there been this kind of change in your life?

(adapted from John Hagee, San Antonio TX)

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“WELCOME TO WAL-MART ”

beyondthepulpitmabc - Dr. Michael Trammell — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:10:53 +0000

Who among us hasn’t visited a Wal-Mart and been greeted as you entered the store? Maybe it is a small thing but I think it makes an impact on every customer, every time. The late Sam Walton saw this first tried in Crowley LA and immediately recognized the value of greeting each customer as he or she entered the store. He then saw to it that the practice was implemented nationwide.

I think we need to do the same thing at church. Many people say that our church is one of the friendliest they’ve ever seen, but I think there is still room for improvement. I challenge you when you are at church to envision yourself as a Wal-Mart greeter. Everyone who walks through the door comes in with personal problems that can preoccupy them and draw their attention away from worshiping God. By lovingly greeting one another (especially our guests) we are reminding one another that we are the body of Christ and that Christ is greater than any problem we have.

“Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” (I Corinthians 12:27)

(The Meaning of a Man, Ronnie Floyd, 1996, p.42)

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