Author: Stephen Trammell

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God's Provision Heaven Trust

Trusting God with Eternity

“‘Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.’” John 14:1 (ESV) God designed you for eternity. Everybody will live somewhere forever. As Bruce Wilkinson says, “Your beliefs determine where you will spend eternity; your behavior determines how you will spend eternity.” When you choose to live the life God has given, you experience abundant life on earth and you enjoy the reality of eternal life in heaven. In this earthly existence, you live on a broken planet with the presence of sin. As a result, problems become part of the landscape of life. The disciples were troubled as Jesus revealed the reality of His imminent death. “Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” John 13:1 (ESV) As you can imagine, the disciples were grieving. Jesus offered them words of comfort by exhorting them to trust in God. They could trust God’s timing and they could trust God’s plan. Jesus included the appeal for the disciples to trust in Him. Jesus had faithfully walked with them and taught them. The disciples had come to know Jesus in close proximity. Now they would have to trust in Jesus as He submitted to death on the cross. Trust in God to do what He has promised. God keeps His word. God has provided the resolution for the problem of sin. Trust God to carry you through this life into the life to come. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell LeadPastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Evangelism Missions Paul

Refining Your Focus

“But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24 (ESV) When I read this passage it reminds me of my experience of training for a 5k race. You may think that I meant that I was training for a marathon, but I was training for my first ever 5-kilometer race. I grew up racing motocross, bmx, and Jet Skis. But it wasn’t until I was in my mid-thirties that I embraced the challenge of running this type of race. I discovered that the intensity level in the training phase has proportionate benefits to the racing phase. Training matters! The Christian life is very similar to that of a race. Jesus calls us to run with purpose, focus, and intensity. We are to run in such a way as to get the prize. The focus of the Christian life is not comfort, but change. As we diligently run the race set before us, Jesus transforms us into His image. Knowing that we are going to receive a crown that will last forever, we are to run this race with passion and determination. Our lives are to be marked by discipline and self-control. Paul lived his life with a passion to complete the task the Lord had given him. He diligently gave his life to testifying of the gospel of God’s grace. God gave Paul grace for the race. There’s more to this life than preparing for and running in a 5k. God has an assignment tailor made for you to fulfill. God will comfort you as you comfort others and as He changes you. Allow God to empower you for the race. Be committed to finish strong! Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Church Evangelism Great Commission

Courageous Partnership

“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.‘” Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) I live in awe of the reality that God would choose someone like to me to be adopted into His family, to be included in His redemption story, and to be empowered for His redemptive mission. If you have turned your life over to Jesus Christ and allowed Him to become the Lord of your life, you to have been adopted, included, and empowered by God and for God. Your life has true meaning and your life matters to God and directly impacts the population of heaven. You have been given authority by Jesus to make disciples of all people groups. Don’t get distracted by materialism and the pursuit of prestige. Don’t allow your passion for God and His redemptive activity to be dissolved by the pursuit of worldly pleasures. Laser focus your life on that which moves the heart of God. Give your life to influencing people for Christ. As you go, make disciples. You may be the only Jesus others see. Reveal God’s love to every person you come into contact with. Be an irresistible influence for Christ on this broken planet called earth. Reveal the grace you have been given by God to others. Reveal the mercy you have received through the atoning work of Jesus on the cross. Reveal the hope of Jesus to others. Give your life to fulfilling the Great Commission. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Church Evangelism Missions

On Mission with a Message

“‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.’” John 3:16 (ESV) According to current statistics, there are approximately 7,105 living languages. There are more than 9,700 ethnic identities or people groups. With over 7.2 billion people on the planet, the world’s population is massive. What kind of hope is available to such a mass number of diverse people? The hope of the world is found in John 3:16. If you had to condense the entire Bible into a single verse, it would be John 3:16. God’s love for all people groups is captured by this one verse. The wonderful news is that God took the initiative to provide us with the gift of eternal life through His one and only Son, Jesus. God chose to robe Himself in flesh and become like us so that we could become like Him. Whoever believes receives God’s gracious salvation gift. There is no greater love. There is no greater gift. Bundle all the gifts from every Christmas you have experienced and you will not come close to the ultimate love gift God has provided in Jesus. Now that you have received God’s gift of eternal life, be willing to make His gift known to others. “Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.” (Acts 8:4 ESV). You can present the saving news of Jesus to any lost person anywhere and radically change their forever! You can share the ultimate gift with a world in need of our Savior. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Compassion Forgiveness God's Nature

God’s Compassion

“When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it.” Jonah 3:10 (ESV) God blesses your obedience. God gave Jonah a second chance. In response, Jonah obeyed God and went to the great city of Nineveh and preached against it. God honored the preaching of His Word. The Ninevites believed God and declared a fast. The King repented and issued a proclamation. This domino effect took place because God was willing to give Jonah a second chance and Jonah was willing to obey God. God not only blessed Jonah’s obedience, but He also rewarded the people’s repentance. God witnessed their change of direction and unleashed His compassion. “Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful.” (Ps. 116:5 ESV). God responded to the response of the people. Notice how God withheld His wrath. What a tremendous demonstration of God’s compassion! Trace your past for a few moments. Contemplate the pivotal moments in your life when God unleashed His compassion. Where would you be today had God not lavished you with His grace, mercy, and compassion? Think about the opportunities that God has provided you with over your lifetime in light of His compassion. God’s forgiveness enables you to join Him in His redemptive activity. Once you have personally experienced God’s compassion, you will be able to extend compassion to others at a deeper level. “’Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.’” (Luke 7:47 ESV). Your capacity to love others and to be compassionate towards others will be proportionate to the compassion you have received from God. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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God's Provision Grace Joining God

Getting a Second Chance

“And the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land.” Jonah 2:10 (ESV) Where would you be if God were not the God of second chances? You would be without hope and without a future. God will not only pursue you with His redeeming love, but He also gives you a second chance to obey His will. The fish obeyed God in the midst of Jonah’s rebellion. God commanded the fish to vomit Jonah onto dry ground. Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time (Jonah 3:1).  After a three day aquatic experience of prayer in the belly of the fish, Jonah was now hurled onto the beach for a second chance to obey God’s way. The wonderful news is that Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh (Jonah 3:3). Jonah responded to God the first time by saying, “Lord, here I am, send someone else!” The second time, Jonah responded by saying, “Lord, here I am, send me!” On the Ship Jonah was singing, “I did it my way!” Inside the Fish Jonah was singing, “Have Thine Own Way, Lord!” Jonah came to know God as the God of second chance. Jonah learned a valuable lesson about obeying God. Ponder the grace of God in your own life. Think through the decisions you have made over your lifetime to choose to go your own way. Do you remember how God pursued you with His redeeming love? God is so patient, so tender, and so persistent. He wants you to come to know Him by experience as the God of second chances. Don’t give up. God has not given up on you. What God has begun in your life, He will bring to completion (Phil. 1:6). God always finishes what He starts. What God originates He always orchestrates. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Jonah Miracle Prayer

Praying Through the Seaweed

“Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish.” Jonah 2:1 (ESV) If you spent three days and three nights inside a great fish that God provided, you would probably place that in the category of a life changing experience. Your entire life would be marked by that one experience with God. You would never be the same. Your view of God and your reverence for God would be catapulted to a new level. “The waters closed in over me to take my life; the deep surrounded me; weeds were wrapped about my head.” Jonah 2:5 (ESV) “At the roots of the mountains, I went down to the land whose bars closed upon me forever; yet you brought up my life from the pit, O Lord my God.” Jonah 2:6 (ESV) Can you imagine Jonah, with seaweed wrapped around his head, praying to God from inside this large fish that God provided? I wonder if Jonah was kneeling, standing, floating, or treading water while he was praying. It clearly illustrates that God is willing to go to extreme measures to rescue us from ourselves and from our sin. You don’t have to wait for God to bring you to a place of desperation to call out to Him in prayer. You have the perpetual invitation to nurture your love relationship with God in moment-by-moment prayer and surrender. Remove the seaweed that tends to cling to your mind and embrace the opportunity to commune with the Creator of the universe. Your life changing experience can continue as you faithfully seek God’s face in prayer. Whether you are in the tumultuous waters within the large fish called life or on the tranquil dry ground of daily life, pray to our Living God. God loves you and His heart beats for you. You are the apple of His eye! Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Consequences Disciple Jonah

Facing Consequences

“But the Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up.” Jonah 1:4 (ESV) God gives you the freedom to choose to obey His will or to reject His will. You can run from God or you can run to God. If you choose to disobey God’s will and embrace your own direction, God will allow you to go your own way. Thankfully, God will pursue you with His redeeming love. Running from God activates the disciplinary process that can ultimately produce restoration. Running from God generates a natural flow of consequences that God will use to bring you back into fellowship with Himself (Prov. 3:11-12). Sometimes God will allow pain to come into your life to signal that something is out of balance. C.S. Lewis wrote, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain. It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” Pain is an effective tool that God may choose to use in order to pursue you. Jonah was not a storm-chaser, but God used a storm to chase Jonah. Notice the progression of God’s pursuit of Jonah: “God sent a great wind (v.4), a violent storm (v.4b), the sea was getting rougher and rougher (v.11), the sea grew even wilder than before (v.13), and the raging sea (v.15).” Sometimes God has to turn up the volume in your life to get your undivided attention. How is God pursuing you with His redeeming love? Is there anything out of balance in your life that dishonors God? God loves you and will pursue you to reconcile you and restore you. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Disobedience Jonah Running

Running from God

“But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord.” Jonah 1:3 (ESV) Our natural proclivity is to do life our own way. We value independence and we like to make decisions that benefit us personally. Often we bypass God’s way and face the natural consequences of our selfishness. Instead of running to God, Jonah sought to run from God in order to avoid obeying God’s will. God told Jonah to go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it. Jonah refused to embrace God’s way and chose to go the opposite direction. Running from God generates consequences that affect innocent people. Jonah’s disobedience put the sailors on the ship at risk. Their journey was interrupted by the consequences inflicted upon Jonah. Jonah’s rebellion against God eroded his peace and stifled his fellowship with God. When you choose to run from God, your relationship with God will be negatively impacted. You cannot enjoy peace with God and unbroken fellowship with God while running from God. Satan will provide the transportation for disobedience. The enemy gladly accommodates your decision to run from God. You are created by God not to be robotic, but to be relational. Thus, you have the freedom to obey God or the freedom to disobey God. You can choose to submit to His will or refuse to obey Him. God will let you go your own way. However, God will pursue you with His redeeming love. Decide today to follow God’s will. Surrender your life completely to the Lord and keep your “yes” on the altar. God’s way is always the best option! Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Discipleship God's Word Spiritual Maturity

Spiritual Food

“About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food.” Hebrews 5:11-12 (ESV) How long have you been a child of God? When did you have your conversion experience? Recount the moment you turned from your sin and confessed Jesus as Lord of your life. Now take a look at your life now compared to then. How much have you grown spiritually since the day of your salvation? What has changed over the years related to your spiritual maturity? As you grow spiritually, you develop an appetite for the meat of God’s Word. You move from the elementary truths of God’s Word to the deeper things of God. There is a clear process of movement from milk to meat. If you have been a follower of Christ for several years, then your appetite ought to give evidence to the level of your spiritual maturity. If you are slow to learn, then it is time to examine your level of teachability. When you are teachable, you receive, believe, and apply God’s Word. Your teachability enables you to experience progress in your spiritual journey. Feeding on God’s Word becomes a delight instead of a duty. What is your level of spiritual maturity? What is keeping you from reaching your God-given potential? God has designed you for physical and spiritual growth. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Church Ministry Redemptive Activity

Extending Personal Touch Ministry

“And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.” Acts 2:44-45 (ESV) The moment you became of follower of Jesus Christ, you received the imputed righteousness of Christ, you received the forgiveness of your sin, and you were adopted into God’s family. In Christ, you became a member of His body. Your spiritual family helps you through the storms of life. Living in a fallen world can be challenging. Circumstances are not always favorable. Sickness, evil, and tragedy are sprinkled along life’s journey. The redemptive activity of God was evident within the body of Christ at Pentecost when three thousand were added to their number. This diverse group of new believers had to learn how to do life together. They lived to bring pleasure to God and to be a blessing to each other. Their fellowship was enhanced by their perpetual generosity. With a clear display of unity, the believers sought to meet each other’s needs and to eliminate poverty. God allows you to experience authentic community with other believers so that you can learn to extend personal touch ministry. God saved you and filled you with His Spirit so that you can continue the ministry of Jesus. Just do what Jesus did. Find a need and meet it. Turn interruptions into opportunities to be a blessing to those God brings into your path. There are times in your journey of faith when you will need to be on the receiving end of personal touch ministry. You may walk through the valley of the shadow of death and need others to pour into your life. Ask God to expand your capacity to receive ministry. Learn how to extend personal touch ministry and how to receive personal touch ministry. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Authentic Community Body Life Fellowship

Experiencing Authentic Community

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Acts 2:42 (ESV) God formed you for fellowship. In the language of the New Testament, the word fellowship means communion, communication, partnership, or intimacy. Just as God called you into salvation, He also calls you into fellowship with Jesus. You are invited to enjoy unbroken fellowship with the Lord. After the Lord added three thousand to their number, the believers devoted themselves to discipleship, fellowship, ministry, and prayer. Their fellowship with the Lord was demonstrated through their fellowship with each other. They prayed together and participated in the Lord’s Supper together. The believers experienced authentic community. God’s invitation is rooted in His faithfulness. God is faithful. He is true to His word. You come to know His companionship through an abiding relationship with Christ. Your fellowship with the Lord is enhanced as you enjoy His companionship and embrace His joint partnership in the gospel. Fellowship with the King of Kings is realized through the avenue of prayer. As a child of God, you have the privilege of enjoying sacred communication with the Creator of the universe. As you pray, your fellowship with Jesus becomes more intimate. Sharing your heart with the Lord in prayer and responding to His voice are vital components to continual fellowship. Are you enjoying unbroken fellowship with the Lord? Have you created space in your life for the most important relationship initiated by God? You have to make room for fellowship with the Lord. Spend time communing with the Lord in prayer each day. Enjoy doing life with other believers as you experience authentic community. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Holy Spirit Pentecost Priesthood of the Believer

Filled with the Spirit

“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:4 (ESV) God accomplishes the extraordinary through ordinary people just like you. He gives you everything you need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Fulfilling God’s purposes requires God’s power. You cannot accomplish God’s will without being filled with His Spirit. He equips you to do His work His way. The hundred and twenty believers were all filled with the Holy Spirit and communicated the gospel in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Gathered in Jerusalem from diverse cultures for Pentecost, the crowd came together in bewilderment. Each person heard the believers speaking in his own language. Was the miracle in the speaking or in the hearing? There’s no need to debate that issue. The miracle was that God chose to communicate the gospel to everyone. God broke down the ethnic barriers and removed the obstacles to communication so that everyone could hear the saving news of Jesus in his own heart language. The Holy Spirit was at work in both the senders and the receivers of the Good News of Jesus Christ. The believers were filled with the Spirit to participate in God’s redemptive activity. The Holy Spirit took up permanent residence in each of them to enable them to continue the ministry of the Jesus. If you are a child of God, you are filled with the Holy Spirit to join God in His redemptive activity. Be sensitive to opportunities God places before you today to make Jesus known. Everyday is Pentecost for the fully devoted follower of Christ. You have the capacity and the responsibility to share God’s redemption story with every unsaved person on the earth. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Holy Spirit Prayer Unity

Unified in Prayer

“‘And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.’” Luke 24:49 (ESV) Just before ascending to heaven, Jesus instructed the disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they received what His Father had promised. Jesus affirmed that they would be clothed with power from on high. Upon arrival in the Upper Room, the hundred and twenty believers joined constantly together in prayer (Acts 1:14). They were unified in prayer awaiting the arrival of the Holy Spirit. How long did they have to wait? Ten days! That would be considered a long prayer meeting. Why did Jesus wait ten days to send the Promised Holy Spirit? Perhaps the hundred and twenty believers needed ten days to purge their lives from sin, selfishness, and strained relationships. Maybe the believers had to extend and receive forgiveness. It is possible that the Lord wanted to give them time to adjust their lives to His agenda. Unified prayer honors the Lord. If you want to see God at work in your life and around you, begin to join other believers in unified prayer. Passionately pursue God in prayer and allow Him to reveal unconfessed sin in your life. Allow God to illuminate the level of your spiritual devotion and the reality of your sensitivity to His activity. Invite God to search your heart and to reveal anything in your life that does not bring Him pleasure. Praying in unity with other believers moves the heart of God. You will form a special bond with those you pray with and enjoy the fellowship God produces. Make room in your life for unified prayer. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Easter Jesus Resurrection

The Tomb Is Empty

“But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.’” Matthew 28:5-6 (ESV) Are you looking for Jesus? He has risen! Death has been conquered. Sin has been atoned for. Forgiveness has been made available. Reconciliation has been established. Satan has been defeated. Hell has been invaded. Heaven has been decorated: gates of pearl, streets of transparent gold, river of the water of life, the tree of life, light from the Glory of God, light from the Lamb of God, no more night, no longer any curse, absence of tears, absence of mourning, absence of crying, absence of pain, and the presence of jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, carnilian, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprase, jacinth, and amethyst. “Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God.” Rom. 6:8-10 (ESV) “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” Rom. 6:4 (ESV) Are you living in light of the resurrection of Jesus? Are you walking in anticipation of heaven? The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to you. The tomb is empty. The victory has been won. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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High Priest Jesus Temptation

Sympathetic High Priest

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15 (ESV) Jesus understands your trials from without and your struggles from within. In our contemporary vernacular: Jesus has been there and done that. Jesus has been tempted in every way, just as we are. He understands our struggles. Jesus endured temptation and chose to honor God throughout the process. Jesus entered the process and completed the process sinless. Our example is Jesus. Our pattern for victory is Jesus. God never intended for us to live the Christian life outside of His enabling. In and of ourselves, we are insufficient. Our sufficiency is found in Christ. As we abide in Christ and submit to the Spirit’s control in our life, victory results. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (ESV) “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” Eph. 5:17-18 (ESV) Surrender to the Lordship of Christ. Surrender fully to the Spirit’s control in your life. Jesus has been where you are and He knows what you need in order to walk in victory. Jesus demonstrated a life of instant obedience and total surrender. Abandon to His call and allow Him to live His life through you. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Crucifixion Jesus Obedience

Complete Obedience

“When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:30 (ESV) Jesus died so we could live. Our destiny was destruction. Our identity was diluted by sin. Our iniquity was placed upon Jesus (Isa. 53:6). Jesus became sin for us so that we could be recipients of His righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21). Jesus bore our sins on the cross. The penalty for our sin was atoned for. Jesus paid our sin debt in full. It is finished! “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Pet. 2:24 (ESV) “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 2:2 (ESV) God took the initiative to communicate His unconditional love (Rom. 5:8). The cross is a visible and tangible demonstration of God’s redeeming love. Jesus died as the sinless atoning sacrifice for you. You can now die to sin and live for righteousness. His physical wounds spiritually heal you. When God sees you, He views you through the shed blood of Jesus. Your life is now hidden with Christ (Col. 3:3). God’s love is made complete in you. What if you started living in light of that reality? In Christ, you are a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17). Jesus demonstrated complete obedience to purchase your salvation. Take a moment to consider the depth of God’s love. Try to fathom the finality of the atoning work of Jesus on the cross. What if everyone you knew came to the recognition of their personal need to place their faith in Jesus alone for salvation? Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Adversity Crucifixion Servitude

Opportunity in Adversity

“And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, ‘Truly this man was the Son of God!’” Mark 15:39 (ESV) What was it about the final hours of Jesus’ life that made an eternal impact on the centurion who approved of the crucifixion of Jesus? What were the features of Jesus’ death that convinced the centurion that Jesus was the Son of God? I wonder how many crucifixions this centurion had witnessed before he even knew Jesus existed. Perhaps the centurion had personally witnessed hundreds of these executions. There was something about the way Jesus died that changed everything for this centurion. Maybe the centurion overheard the conversation between Jesus and the thief on the cross who said to Jesus, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42 ESV). Jesus responded to the thief, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43 ESV). Perhaps the centurion saw the grace of God in action as Jesus put the needs of someone else before His own. The centurion could have been standing close enough to overhear Jesus say to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” and to the disciple whom Jesus loved, “Behold, your mother!” (John 19:26-27 ESV). Maybe the centurion detected the deep love that Jesus had for His mother and the compassion Jesus extended from the cross. In the midst of extreme adversity, Jesus made sure His mother’s needs would be met. Of all the crucifixions the centurion assisted in, perhaps he had never seen such love. Adversity creates unique opportunities to show the love of Jesus as you serve others. Jesus exemplified servitude in the midst of extreme adversity. Are you watching for opportunities to serve others while you navigate the terrain of adversity? Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
God's Provision Sanctification Spiritual Maturity

Conformity to Christ

“For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” Romans 8:29 (ESV) We take comfort in knowing that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). Our comfort is found in the sovereignty of God, knowing that He is on His throne and has the final say. Yet, there is more to the purposes of God than our comfort. God also treasures our conformity to Christ. The ultimate goal for the believer is to be conformed to the image of Christ. To become like Christ requires our participation. God provides the environments and opportunities for our transformation. We get to join God in His redemptive activity. Our teachability determines the level of our conformity. Are we responsive to God’s corrective measures? Are we sensitive to God’s prompting? “Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.” Eph. 1:4-6 (NIV) God’s desire for us is that we operate as holy and blameless in His sight. We are clean before Him because we have received the imputed righteousness of Christ. However, there is a practical daily response to God’s work to conform us into the image of Christ. When you stand before God one day to give an account for your life, how many adjustments will be needed in order for you to be completely like Christ? Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Growth Stability Teachable

Stability and Spiritual Maturity

“So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” Ephesians 4:14-15 (ESV) Your stability is linked to your teachability. Are you grounded in God’s Word? The anchor holds! In this life on planet earth, your faith will be challenged. Your beliefs will undergo scrutiny. The values you hold dear will be resisted. The world’s system and the anti-Christian culture will seek to dominate the landscape of your faith. Are you able to grow spiritually in a hostile environment? You must make a decision to conform to the culture or to confront the culture. As you grow spiritually, your roots will go deeper and your stability will become more evident. Notice that in all things you will grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. In all types of situations and scenarios, you can grow. Regardless of your current reality, you can and should grow. Maybe you are facing a challenging situation or a difficult relationship and wonder how you will grow in the midst. The good news is that God can cause you to grow through whatever you are facing. God does not waste the difficulties we face. God will bring you through at a deeper level than you entered the circumstances. Remain teachable. Allow God to form you and fashion you through the challenges of life. Let God strengthen your resolve to remain faithful at all costs. Finish strong! Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Church Spiritual Growth Teachable

Being Teachable

“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-13 (ESV) Where do you fit in this picture? God has placed equippers in your life to help you develop into a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. God has placed a systematic process within the local church to promote spiritual maturity. Are you an intentional part of the process? Take a close look at your level of participation in the life of the local church family. Are you being built up? Are you reaching unity in the faith and in the knowledge of Jesus and becoming mature? Are you attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ? What is your level of teachability? Your spiritual maturity will be proportionate to your teachability. Are you teachable as you listen to your pastor’s message? Are you teachable as you sit under the teaching of a godly small group leader? Are you teachable as you spend time alone with God in prayer and Bible reading? Make the most of the opportunities God has given you to grow spiritually. Maximize the moments you sit under anointed teaching from God’s Word. Move from hearing and reading God’s Word to applying God’s Word in daily living. Live out what God is depositing in you. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Cross Jesus Spiritual Growth

Knowing and Growing

“And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’” Luke 23:43 (ESV) The thief on the cross received the greatest gift of all, the gift of eternal life. In our vernacular, we would say that he was in the ninth inning with two outs and a full count. His next decision would determine his future. When the thief made the decision to turn to Christ, his forever was radically changed. Instead of going to hell, the thief, now as a newly converted child of God, went to heaven. We rejoice in the immense mercy and grace Jesus demonstrated upon the cross for this thief. However, this thief had no time to grow spiritually and to develop his spiritual muscles. Was he authentically saved? Yes! Did he have time to develop into a mature follower of Christ? No! Fortunately, you have the privilege of knowing Christ personally and growing in your love relationship with Him. The challenge for you is not the matter of salvation, but the matter of sanctification. Are you growing? Are you becoming who Christ made you to be? You have both the privilege and responsibility to maximize the time you have in order to grow spiritually. What have you learned so far in your spiritual journey? Life on earth is a classroom of preparation for the life to come. How are you utilizing what God has given you with the time you have? Are you intentional about your spiritual maturation? Are you growing in your love relationship with Jesus? Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Devotion Idolatry Jesus

Clarifying Your Devotion

“Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, ‘If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.’” Luke 14:25-26 (ESV) Idolatry is a word we seldom use. Whenever you allow someone or something to take the place of God in your life, you commit the sin of idolatry. The first and second of the Ten Commandments speak to this concept directly (Exod. 20:3-4). Whatever or whomever becomes the object of your worship becomes your idol. Jesus infuses this earthly tendency of ours into His teaching on becoming a disciple. To become a follower of Jesus Christ, you must be willing to remove the idols in your life. Your loyalty to Christ is to be unmatched and undivided. Jesus becomes your focus and the object of your worship, devotion, and loyalty. The fifth commandment of the Ten Commandments refers to the honoring of our parents (Exod. 20:12). Jesus is not contradicting the fifth commandment. He does not want you to dishonor your parents. Jesus is saying that your love for Him should be such a priority, that in comparison, your love for your family would look like hate. Your love, loyalty, and devotion to Jesus is to be your top priority and the expressed passion of your life. Don’t allow anything or anyone to compete for that place in your life. Don’t allow anything or anyone to rob your allegiance to the One who gave His life for you. Jesus has already demonstrated His selfless and sacrificial love. Now, it’s your turn to demonstrate your selfless and sacrificial love for Jesus. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Comfort Healing Jesus

Finding Genuine Comfort

“Jesus said to him, ‘Get up, take up your bed, and walk.’ And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who had been healed, ‘It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed.’” John 5:8-10 (ESV) What brings you personal comfort? What do you long for each day? Maybe you desire to be rid of relational tension. Maybe your idea of comfort is being nestled behind a good book. Perhaps you long for the mornings when you are winding up or you long for the evenings when you are winding down. The environment that brings you comfort may be that of peace and quiet or laughter and meaningful verbal interaction. The invalid of thirty-eight years received the comfort of instant healing when Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” And “at once” that man was healed. There was no delay. After thirty-eight years, the lame man’s healing came instantly. The poison of legalism strained the comfort of his instant healing. The Jews were unable to celebrate the miracle of this man’s healing because they were so transfixed on the fact that Jesus healed this man on the Sabbath. Their legalism kept them from recognizing the Lord. Legalism bypasses relationship. God has not saved you from your sin and sealed you by His Holy Spirit so that you will live in the bondage of legalism. In Christ, God has saved you so that you can walk in the freedom of your new identity in Christ. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Renewal Strength Trust

Renewal of Your Strength

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (ESV) God never intended for you to live the Christian life in your own strength. Joining God in His activity requires His divine energy and strength. Navigating the storms of life demands strength you do not have outside of God’s enabling. The Christian life is not a solo flight. God invites you to participate in the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). The Lord will renew your strength as you place your total dependency and confidence in Him. Acknowledge the Lord as the source of your strength. Live expectantly with your eyes focused on the Lord and His mission. Operate with complete assurance that God is who He says He is and that God will do what He says He will do. As you hope in the Lord, He will renew your strength. As you hope in the Lord, He will cause you to soar like an eagle. As you rely upon the Lord’s provision, He will enable you to run and not grow weary, to walk and not be faint. Living the Christian life in a fallen world will include seasons of soaring, running, and walking. Your pace will fluctuate and your terrain will vary. The circumstances of life will change from moment to moment. The one constant feature in your life is the Person and Presence of your abiding Savior, Jesus. Anchor your life to the Rock of Ages. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Renewal Strength Trust

Renewal of Your Strength

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (ESV) God never intended for you to live the Christian life in your own strength. Joining God in His activity requires His divine energy and strength. Navigating the storms of life demands strength you do not have outside of God’s enabling. The Christian life is not a solo flight. God invites you to participate in the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). The Lord will renew your strength as you place your total dependency and confidence in Him. Acknowledge the Lord as the source of your strength. Live expectantly with your eyes focused on the Lord and His mission. Operate with complete assurance that God is who He says He is and that God will do what He says He will do. As you hope in the Lord, He will renew your strength. As you hope in the Lord, He will cause you to soar like an eagle. As you rely upon the Lord’s provision, He will enable you to run and not grow weary, to walk and not be faint. Living the Christian life in a fallen world will include seasons of soaring, running, and walking. Your pace will fluctuate and your terrain will vary. The circumstances of life will change from moment to moment. The one constant feature in your life is the Person and Presence of your abiding Savior, Jesus. Anchor your life to the Rock of Ages. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Desiring God Intimacy Quiet Time

An Intentional Pursuit

“As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.” Psalm 42:1 (ESV) Are you growing in your daily intimacy with God? It takes time to develop intimacy. Your private worship is vital to having an ongoing vibrant love relationship with Christ. You may say that you just don’t have enough time to fit private worship into your schedule. The reality is that you make room for what you value. Do you value intimacy with God? Are you willing to plan for and prepare for a daily experience with God? If you go on a business trip or on a family vacation, you prepare for it. If you are anticipating a major exam in school or fulfilling a commitment to teach a small group Bible study, you prepare for it. The same is true in your daily walk with God. To have a meaningful and productive daily experience with God, you treat it as something you value and treasure. Prepare for your daily intimacy with God. Intentionally pursue God by selecting a time each day when you are at your best. Find a physical location that enhances your experience with God. If you enjoy nature, then plan to have your quiet time outdoors. If you enjoy soft music playing as you spend time with God, then have the music ready for the moment. If you prefer solitude, then search for that room or closet or other environment that will provide that kind of atmosphere. Have a Bible reading plan in place whether it is to read through the Bible in one year, read one chapter, or read a few verses each day. Choose to jot down insights gleaned from your reading time. Reflect on what God is saying to you. Spend time in prayer sharing your heart with God and listening for His voice. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Desiring God Intimacy Quiet Time

An Intentional Pursuit

“As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.” Psalm 42:1 (ESV) Are you growing in your daily intimacy with God? It takes time to develop intimacy. Your private worship is vital to having an ongoing vibrant love relationship with Christ. You may say that you just don’t have enough time to fit private worship into your schedule. The reality is that you make room for what you value. Do you value intimacy with God? Are you willing to plan for and prepare for a daily experience with God? If you go on a business trip or on a family vacation, you prepare for it. If you are anticipating a major exam in school or fulfilling a commitment to teach a small group Bible study, you prepare for it. The same is true in your daily walk with God. To have a meaningful and productive daily experience with God, you treat it as something you value and treasure. Prepare for your daily intimacy with God. Intentionally pursue God by selecting a time each day when you are at your best. Find a physical location that enhances your experience with God. If you enjoy nature, then plan to have your quiet time outdoors. If you enjoy soft music playing as you spend time with God, then have the music ready for the moment. If you prefer solitude, then search for that room or closet or other environment that will provide that kind of atmosphere. Have a Bible reading plan in place whether it is to read through the Bible in one year, read one chapter, or read a few verses each day. Choose to jot down insights gleaned from your reading time. Reflect on what God is saying to you. Spend time in prayer sharing your heart with God and listening for His voice. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Jesus Servitude Surrender

Aligning Your Life for Service

“‘Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.’” John 12:25-26 (ESV) Why did you wake up this morning? What are you giving your life to today? Who are you living for? God is working all things together for His glory and for your good. Today matters! God desires to conform you into the image of Christ. Christlikeness does not come without your willingness to fully surrender your life to the Holy Spirit’s control. As you choose to lose your life, the life of Christ becomes more evident in you. Consider embracing the attitude of servitude. Allow Jesus to live His life in you and through you. There’s room only for one to take the reins to your life. Will you give Jesus His rightful place in your life? You cannot live the life God has for you apart from Christ in you. Even on your best day, you will come up short of God’s perfection. “ I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Gal. 2:20 (ESV) Live by faith in the Son of God. Christ is in you and He is the hope of glory. Surrender to the Lordship of Christ and continue to follow His lead. Victory in this life comes through daily surrender to the One who gave His life for you. Align your life to serve your Heavenly Father in full surrender. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Discipline Focus Priorities

Focusing Your Life

“‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.’” John 12:24 (ESV) Are you dying to live? God has placed within you unlimited potential. God created you to share His love and to shine His light. Your life purpose is to bring glory to God. There’s no higher calling and there’s no greater commission to give your life to than that of bringing glory to God. Are you living the life God has given? The seed must die. In order for the potential within the seed to be unleashed, the seed must die. Without death, the seed will not germinate. Growth and development are dependent upon the seed dying. In the life of the believer, death to self is vital. The child of God must surrender his or her personal agenda, personal aspirations, and personal ambitions. Choosing to sacrifice your personal preferences in light of God’s best for you is a crucial decision. “He said, ‘Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.’” Gen. 22:2 (ESV) Is there an “Isaac” in your life? Is there something in your life that needs to die in order for you to live the life God has for you? Examine your priorities and identify anything that is hindering your love relationship with the Lord. Anything that comes between you and God is idolatry. Remove that “Isaac” and give God first place in your life. Return to your first love. Die to self and allow Christ to be your top priority. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell