Author: Stephen Trammell

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Daniel Loyalty Opposition

Proven Loyalty

“So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, ‘May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!’” Dan 6:16 (NIV) Daniel had a track record of faithfulness to God. His loyalty to God was unwavering. After the king signed a decree forbidding Daniel to pray to God, Daniel allowed his devotion to God to supersede his devotion to the king. Daniel was not willing to disobey God in order to obey the king. Instead, Daniel honored God at the expense of the king’s retribution. Daniel paid a hefty price for his obedience. He was thrown into the lions’ den. “At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, ‘Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?’” Dan 6:19-20 (NIV) “Daniel answered, ‘O king, live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king.’” Dan 6:21-22 (NIV) Your devotion and faithfulness to God may not ever lead you to be thrown into a literal lions’ den. However, your lions’ den may simply be having others misunderstand you or criticize you for your devotion to God. Your family members may not support you in your walk with God. Your co-workers or neighbors may not fully understand your commitment to serving God. Your lions’ den may be when your peers fail to comprehend your level of loyalty to God. Trust God completely! God can shut the mouths of the lions. God can redeem the hurt you endure. God knows right where you are and He knows exactly what you need to accomplish His plan. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Courage Faith Persecution

Courageous Faith

“Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.’” Dan 3:16-18 (NIV) Has your faith ever been tested? Have you ever been in an environment that provided you with an opportunity to make a bold stand for the Lord? Maybe your home is a place where your faith is put to the test. Maybe your work environment has been a difficult place for you to express your faith. Swimming upstream is always a challenge. Whenever you decide to go in the opposite direction of the cultural current, you will face resistance and opposition. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the midst of impending death if they chose not to abide by the king’s command, where willing to obey God at all costs. Instead of bowing to the golden image erected by king Nebuchadnezzar, they chose to honor God even if it meant death. They demonstrated their belief in God’s ability to save them from the blazing furnace. They went a step further by declaring that even if God did not deliver them that they would not worship the image of gold. Do you have that kind of “but even if God does not” faith? Even if God does not deliver you from your difficult circumstances, are you willing to obey Him and honor Him? The good news is that God did deliver Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They would not bow, they would not bend, they would not budge, and they would not burn! God rescued them through the blazing furnace. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Availability Isaiah Obedience

Whom Shall I Send?

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” Isaiah 6:8 (NIV) Isaiah had a life changing experience. He looked up and saw the Lord in all of His holiness. Isaiah looked inward and recognized his own sinfulness in light of God’s holiness. Isaiah then looked outward and detected the sinful condition of others. In this life changing experience, Isaiah heard God’s call and responded with instant obedience. Isaiah said, “Here am I. Send me!” Will you make an impact upon every generation? Are you willing to allow God to call you to a new level of living? God’s grace always matches His assignment for your life. Where God guides He always provides. There is never a better moment than now to obey God instantly and make yourself totally available for His use. God can do more in you and through you in the next six months than all the previous years of your life combined. God values the work He does in you more than the work He does through you. Before God used Isaiah to make an eternal impact, God had to do an internal work in Isaiah’s life. The internal work always impacts the eternal work. Don’t bypass what God wants to do in you. Isaiah came face to face with the holiness of God in worship. Isaiah’s worship led to a personal assessment of his morality and then the morality of those around him. After God did this great work in Isaiah, He invited Isaiah to join His world redemptive activity. You have a chance to make an eternal impact for every generation. Are you available? Look upward! Look inward! Look outward! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Faithfulness of God Moses Trust

Preparing for God’s Assignment

“But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’” Ex 3:11 (NIV) Who am I? Why am I here? These two basic questions are innate in every human being. We long to know who we are and we strive to discover why we are placed on this planet called earth. Our security is proportionate to our understanding of our identity. God allowed Moses to experience forty years in the palace and then forty years in the desert. God wanted Moses to learn some things about his personal identity through a desert experience that he could not learn in the palace. God was preparing Moses for the purpose of delivering the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage. The burning bush encounter was a life changing experience for Moses. The encounter enabled Moses to come to know God in a personal way. God revealed His holiness to Moses and then unveiled His plan for Moses to embrace. As you can imagine, Moses could not visualize himself as the deliverer of the children of Israel. They had been slaves for over 400 years. Moses began making excuses and tried to deny his usefulness to God. Moses began to focus on what he lacked and missed the reality of God’s ability to do the extraordinary through ordinary people. Have you ever doubted your usefulness to God? Have you ever tried to convince God that you are not fit for His plan? God is not impressed with our abilities or our inabilities. God is not limited by our limitations. Are you willing to yield to God’s control and allow Him to have His way in your life? God is willing to take you through a desert experience to prepare you for His assignment. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Forgiveness Joseph Sovereignty

Sovereignty of God

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Gen 50:20 (NIV) The sixty-six books of the Bible provide us with a string of pearls that demonstrates God’s redemptive activity. Long before we were born, God took the initiative to rescue us from our fallen condition. God factors in our poor choices and even the decisions others make that affect our lives. How refreshing to know that God has the final say. Your past, present, and future circumstances will never circumvent the mighty acts of God. Joseph had a life changing experience through the gateway of betrayal. Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery and tried to cover up their sin through deception. God elevated Joseph to Potipher’s house where he was later falsely accused by Potipher’s wife. Joseph went from the pit to the palace and then to prison. His life’s circumstances appeared to be most unfortunate. Yet, God knew right where Joseph was and what Joseph needed most. God was with Joseph and delivered him from prison to second in command over Egypt in preparation for the upcoming famine. When Joseph’s path intersected that of his brothers, he demonstrated the life giving grace of God. Instead of having them pay for their sin, Joseph forgave them and acknowledged God’s sovereignty. Have you had the ultimate life changing experience by placing your faith in the completed work of Jesus on the cross? Are you living out the reality of God’s transforming power? Have you experienced God’s forgiveness at the level of being able to forgive others in the same measure? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Grace Jesus Mercy

Dispensing Mercy

“But for that very reason, I was shown mercy…” I Tim 1:16a (NIV) During my fourth grade year in elementary school, I made the decision to ride on the handle bars of the bicycle my friend was pedaling to transport us home. The front tire was compressed by my weight and caused my friend to lose control. Within moments we plummeted over the curb and fell into the lane of the oncoming school bus. The bus driver slammed on the brakes and missed hitting us by a fraction of an inch. The teacher on duty came alive in that moment and darted over to retrieve us. She quickly snatched us up and escorted us to the principal’s office. My friend and I were terrified of the impending doom. We nervously sat in Mr. Boone’s office while the teacher on duty recounted the preceding “bicycle meets a bus” event. She left and Mr. Boone closed his office door and stared deeply into our eyes. We melted in our chairs. He slowly moved behind his desk, opened his desk draw, and pull out his board of education. The sight of his paddle infused instant fear. Mr. Boone then did the unbelievable! He sat on the corner of his desk and crossed his leg to feature the bottom of his left dress shoe. He raised his paddle as we leaned back into our chairs, and he proceeded to commence with two devastating blows with his paddle onto the flat surface of the bottom of his shoe. Then he said, “Boys, these were meant for you. Now get out of here and go home!” On that day, God revealed His mercy to me in a personal way. Remember, Jesus took the punishment for our sin. Have you received the mercy Jesus dispenses? It will change your forever! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Incarnation Rescue Salvation

Rescue

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst.” 1 Tim 1:15 (NIV) Remember the reason Jesus descended. Don’t lose sight of the reason Jesus left the glory of heaven to come to the earth. Jesus embarked on the ultimate mission trip when He chose to leave the glorious environment of angels worshiping at His feet to enter our messy world of rebellion, ridicule, and rejection. No one else was sufficient to accomplish what Jesus completed by coming into the world. No one else qualified to remove our sin and to impute righteousness. When I think about the mission trip Jesus took for my benefit, I am overwhelmed with the thought that He knew what He was coming to. Jesus knew exactly what He was coming to, and He still came! Jesus knew every sin I would commit, every command I would omit, and He still came! Jesus knew my proclivity to drift from His path of righteousness, my propensity to swim in the sea of selfishness, and He still came! Paul clarified for Timothy that the reason Jesus came was to save sinners. Jesus was on mission to rescue the perishing and to care for the dying. Paul quickly acknowledged that he was the worst of sinners. In others words, if “sinning” was an Olympic event, Paul would have won the gold medal. Jesus came into the world to save gold medalist sinners like you and me. What a refreshing revelation! There is no one beyond the reach of God’s grace. There is not a person on earth whom the Lord cannot save. Regardless of their past rebellion, their present sinfulness, and their perpetual spiritual apathy, everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Rom. 10:13). When people experience the salvation Jesus provides, they receive His nature to live a life that brings honor to God. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Abraham Faith Sarah

Desperation and Faith

“By faith Abraham, even though he was past age–and Sarah herself was barren–was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise.” Heb 11:11 (NIV) Is the level of your faith determined by the intensity and severity of your circumstances or by the One in whom you are placing your faith? Abraham and Sarah’s situation was desperate and seemingly impossible. Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was ninety years old and barren. Don’t miss the blessing behind “even though.” Even though Abraham was past age and Sarah was barren, God enabled them to become parents because Abraham considered God faithful. God had already made the promise of blessing Abraham with offspring (Gen. 12:2-3). “And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.” Heb 11:12 (NIV) “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22 (NIV) Instead of focusing on your circumstances, focus on the faithfulness of God. You can bring your burdens to the Lord with openness and transparency. You can bear your soul before the Lord as you navigate the terrain of a fallen world. God formed you and fashioned you for His glory. Your circumstances will not derail the purposes of God from being fulfilled in your life. Trust God to demonstrate His faithfulness to you. Be sensitive to God’s activity today in the midst of your circumstances. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Faith Noah

Building in Faith

“By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” Heb 11:7 (NIV) Making decisions about things not seen requires faith. However, faith is not walking in the dark. Faith is taking God at His Word and trusting Him to do what He says He will do. Faith is being confident that God honors obedience. Faith is walking in the light God gives you. Noah was willing to build a boat even though it had never rained. In the natural, constructing an ark made no sense. To his neighbors, the process of building such a massive floatation vessel was foolish. They did not see the need. Yet, Noah was operating in holy fear. Noah revered God and wanted to do whatever was needed to save his family. Noah’s faith in God and his holy fear of God motivated him to embark on a major construction project to demonstrate instant obedience. What decisions are you praying through right now? Have you patiently waited upon the Lord to hear from Him? Has God given you a clear sense of direction? Obey what God has already revealed to you. Trust God to show you the next step. Maybe God is calling you to do something that, in the natural, makes no sense. God will never ask you to do anything that He won’t equip you to do. God’s provision always matches His assignment. Discern what God wants you to do and then activate your faith by obeying what God shows you. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Faith Reward

Faith that Pleases

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Heb 11:6 (NIV) Pleasing the Creator of the universe seems impossible. God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. God is holy, perfect, immutable, and eternal. God is infinite. How can finite man please God? The vital ingredient to pleasing God is faith. This type of faith is the conviction that God is who He says He is. To live a life pleasing to God, you must operate in faith. The focus of your life becomes God’s agenda. You demonstrate belief in God’s existence by fearing Him and revering Him through a lifestyle of obedience. Choose to come to God knowing that He desires intimacy with you. As a child of God, you have the distinct privilege of knowing that God rewards you as you seek Him earnestly. God rewards you with abiding peace, continual fellowship, and eternal hope. Is your life pleasing to God? Is faith operative in your conversation and your conduct? Portray your conviction about the truth of God’s nature and character. God has pursued you with His love. Respond to God’s pursuit by living a life of faith that brings pleasure to Him. Determine to please God through behavior that is consistent with His Word. Ask God to reveal those areas of your life that are out of alignment with His purpose and plan. As God brings those specific areas to your attention, choose to repent and go in a new direction. Remove those things in your life that rob your love relationship with God. Put your faith in action. Remember, without faith it is impossible to please God! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Elijah Enoch Faith

Pleasing God

“By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.” Heb 11:5 (NIV) Two people in the Bible had the distinct privilege of not experiencing death, namely, Enoch and Elijah. Enoch walked with God and was no more because God took him away (Gen 5:24). Elijah went up into heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11). Can you imagine walking with God and then bypassing death altogether in order to be instantly ushered into the presence of the Lord? What kind of life did Enoch live before he was taken up to heaven? The Bible gives us clarity that Enoch lived by faith. He is honored in the Hall of Faith found in Hebrews chapter eleven. Enoch’s walk with God gave evidence of a lifestyle devoted to pleasing God. Enoch embraced a consistent lifestyle that brought honor to God. He was an avid God pleaser! Do you please God? Are you loving what God loves and hating what God hates? Assess your current reality. Examine the motives behind your lifestyle. Consider the spiritual resume that you are building through your walk with God. Think about how your life influences others. Can you be commended as one who pleases God? If the focus of your life has been pleasing others, repent of that sin. Reorient your life to embrace a lifestyle of pleasing God. Make God’s smile the goal of your life. Remember that you will stand before God one day to give an account of how you lived your life on earth. You will not give an account to any of the people you are currently trying to please. Become a God pleaser! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Jesus Trust Worry

Instead of Worrying

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34 (ESV) Instead of worrying about tomorrow, focus on today. To worry is to be drawn in multiple directions. Worry causes you to feel fragmented and overwhelmed. Someone has said, “Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.” Where does worry take you? Worry takes you to an unhealthy place! God gives you the grace you need for today. God gives you the provision you need for today. Focus on today. Release the fear and anxiety related to tomorrow. Jesus made it clear that tomorrow will worry about itself and each day has enough trouble of its own. Aren’t you thankful that there are 365 days in a year, 24 hours in a day, sixty minutes in an hour, and sixty seconds in each minute? Jesus does not want us to worry about tomorrow. Don’t be anxious about the next installment of 24 hours. That’s why Jesus did not teach us to pray, “Give us this month our monthly bread.” Rather, Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:5-6 (ESV) Instead of worrying about tomorrow, choose to focus on what God wants to do in you and through you today. God is building you and developing you to fulfill His will for today. Don’t waste one moment today. Every moment matters to God so make every moment count for God’s glory. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 283: Matthew 5-7) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell  

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Disciple Jesus Ministry

Chosen by God for God

“And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach.” Mark 3:14 (ESV) Can you imagine the honor of being chosen by Jesus to serve as one of His twelve apostles? You would have a starting position on the varsity team that Jesus coached. You would have access to His life behind the scenes in the locker room and on the practice field. You would want to spend all your time in His shadow and under His personal touch ministry. To be like Him, you would want to watch His every move and to capture every word He articulated. It would be so refreshing to be that connected to the Son of God. As a follower of Jesus Christ, you have that kind of connection with the Son of God. At the moment of your conversion experience, you were adopted into God’s family and placed on the winning team. You have the privilege of drawing near to the Lord and learning how to enjoy His presence. God did not save you so that you could stay in the huddle. God rescued you from eternal damnation and placed you into His forever family and filled you with His Holy Spirit so that you could continue the ministry of Jesus on the earth. You have been chosen by God to be sent out to portray His love and to proclaim the saving news of Jesus. You have been armed with the cure to the cancer of sin. Every single person who places their faith in Jesus alone for salvation will be saved and adopted into the family of God. You are chosen by God to build that relational bridge to those who are lost. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 282:  Matthew 12; Mark 3; Luke 6) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell  

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Experiencing God Jesus Sensitivity

Heighten Your Sensitivity

“So Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel.’” John 5:19-20 (ESV) Are you experiencing God? I remember the major shift that took place in my Christian journey after my wife and I went through Henry Blackaby’s workbook, Experiencing God. Instead of seeking to do something for God, we began embracing the discipline of allowing God to do His work in us and through us. The first of seven realities of Experiencing God is recognizing that God is always at work around you. If you want to see God at work, then ask God to heighten your sensitivity to His activity. Jesus was sensitive to God’s activity. Even at age twelve, Jesus announced to His earthly mom and dad, “I must be about my Father’s business.” Orient your life around God’s activity. Remember, the Christian life is not about your story that you invite God into. The Christian life is about God’s story that He invites you into. Jesus oriented His life around God’s activity so that He could join God in His activity. Place your “yes” on the altar and make yourself completely available for the Lord’s use. Ride the wave God creates. Look to see where He is at work so that you can join Him in His activity. Seek to turn interruptions into opportunities to join God in what He is doing. Pray this prayer with me: “Lord, I’m Yours! Help me to see where You are at work today so that I can join You!” Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 281: John 5) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell  

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Compassion Soulwinning Tenacity

Carry Your Corner

“And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay.” Mark 2:2-4 (ESV) These four men were convinced that Jesus was the answer. They were focused on the mission of getting the paralytic to Jesus. Even though the obstacles were vast and the house was full, these four men were willing to be creative and committed to bringing the paralytic to Jesus. What if one of the four decided not to carry his corner? What if one of the four chose to give up and release his corner of responsibility? One of the remaining three would have had to take on double the load. Instead, the four men worked together as a team unified and devoted to bringing the paralytic to Jesus. “And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’” Mark 2:5 (ESV) Jesus rewarded their faith. These four men were willing to dig through the roof to lower the paralytic down. No barrier was big enough to penetrate their passion and to dilute their devotion. These men were willing to go beyond their own comfort and convenience in order to place the needs of this paralytic before their own. Are you willing to carry your corner to bring people to Jesus? Are you willing to carry your corner to ensure the ministry of Jesus continues on the earth? Do your part to meet needs and to point people to Jesus. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 280:  Matthew 8; Mark 2) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Focus God's Will Jesus

What Are You Living For?

“Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.’” John 4:34 (ESV) God has a mission for you to fulfill. God created you to bloom where He plants you so that you can continue the ministry of Jesus. Your life matters to God. Stay on mission with God. Jesus lived His earthly life to bring glory to God by doing His will and finishing His work. Jesus was on mission with God. His passion was to do God’s will. When the disciples returned with food for Jesus to eat, Jesus clarified that His appetite was to do God’s will. Jesus recognized the clear mission for which He was sent by God to the earth to fulfill. “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 completed His atoning work on the cross to purchase our salvation. He took the full wrath of God for our sin. Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb and rose three days later. After forty days of post-resurrection appearances, Jesus ascended to heaven. On the Day of Pentecost, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to indwell the believers as He promised (John 16:7 & Luke 24:49). Now Jesus is at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us (Rom. 8:34). Will you embrace the mission of Jesus by doing God’s will and finishing the work He wants to do through you? There are people who need the love of Jesus you possess. Multitudes stand in need of the gift of eternal life that you have received. Bring glory to God by living on mission with Him. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 279:  John 2-4) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Fasting Nehemiah Worship

Sacred Assembly

“Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month the people of Israel were assembled with fasting and in sackcloth, and with earth on their heads. 2 And the Israelites separated themselves from all foreigners and stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. 3 And they stood up in their place and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day; for another quarter of it they made confession and worshiped the Lord their God.” Nehemiah 9:1-3 (ESV) The walls of Jerusalem had been rebuilt and the people of Israel had gathered for a sacred assembly. Ezra read the Book of the Law in the hearing of the people. In brokenness and humility, the people of Israel assembled with fasting and consecrated themselves before the Lord. They chose to separate themselves from all foreigners and stood to confess their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. In this sacred assembly, they experienced the reading of the law, confession, and worship. What does your worship look like in private? How do you commune with God personally and privately? Spend a few moments assessing your private worship. Do you spend time feeding on God’s Word? Do you spend unhurried time alone with God in prayer and contemplation? Now think about your public worship. When you gather with other believers to worship God, what does your worship experience entail? Are you conscious of your own sin and cognizant of the holiness of God? Is there a spirit of brokenness and humility as you worship God? Ask God to take your private and public worship to a new level of intimacy. Invite the Lord to take you on a journey in worship that enables you to encounter Him in all of His fullness and holiness. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 271:  Nehemiah 8-10) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Nehemiah Opposition Vision

Vision and Opposition

“So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. 16 And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.” Nehemiah 6:15-16 (ESV) God blessed Nehemiah’s obedience and the walls of Jerusalem were finished in fifty-two days. Nehemiah had brought his burden to the Lord in prayer and then joined God in His activity. The vision to rebuild the walls in Jerusalem became a reality as God provided for Nehemiah every step of the way. Nehemiah had to overcome obstacles and had to advance through adversity. He faced major opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. Nehemiah was falsely accused and misunderstood. “Now when Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies heard that I had built the wall and that there was no breach left in it (although up to that time I had not set up the doors in the gates), 2 Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, ‘Come and let us meet together at Hakkephirim in the plain of Ono.’ But they intended to do me harm.” Nehemiah 6:1-2 (ESV) Motion causes friction. When you are on mission with God, you can anticipate the motion of obedience to generate friction from the enemy. Satan opposes God’s will and he hates God’s children. When you choose to implement the vision God has given you, be ready for opposition. Don’t come down from the wall God has called you to in order to try to alleviate the opposition. Reserve your energy for the task God has called you to so that the vision can become a reality. Remember that people are not the enemy, but the enemy uses people. Don’t allow anyone to keep you from fulfilling the vision God has given you. Keep your eyes on the prize! Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 270:  Nehemiah 5-7) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Leadership Nehemiah Vision

Can You See It?

“Then I said to them, ‘You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.’ 18 And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, ‘Let us rise up and build.’ So they strengthened their hands for the good work.” Nehemiah 2:17-18 (ESV) Nehemiah’s vision to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem was birthed out of his burden for his people. As the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, Nehemiah was the most trusted man in that kingdom. He had job security and a solid future serving in the palace in Susa. Upon receiving news concerning the plight of the Jews, Nehemiah brought his burdens to the Lord in prayer. After a season of praying, Nehemiah shared his burden with King Artaxerxes. God’s favor was poured out on Nehemiah as the king was prompted to finance the mission. Many people have vision, but a smaller number of people know how to implement their vision. God gave Nehemiah a clear and compelling vision to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and Nehemiah took action. Having a vision was not sufficient; executing the vision was essential. One of my mentors, Dr. Johnny Hunt, has often said in reference to vision, “If you don’t see it, before you see it, you’ll never see it!” What vision has God given you for your life and ministry? What burden has God placed inside of you? What troubles you? What needs your attention and your leadership? Can you see it? Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 269:  Nehemiah 1-4) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Esther Favor Promotion

Promoted by God

“For Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Ahasuerus, and he was great among the Jews and popular with the multitude of his brothers, for he sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people.” Esther 10:3 (ESV) Esther was willing to risk her life in order to benefit her people. The favor of God was evident as Esther obeyed the Lord and followed His lead. God positioned her to influence the king and to orchestrate justice for the Jews. Esther seized the opportunity and recognized that God had raised her up for such as time as this. “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 (ESV) Through the courageous decisions Esther made, God promoted Mordecai with both affluence and influence. Mordecai became great among his people and popular among his peers. God’s favor was upon Mordecai as he sought the welfare of his people and as he spoke peace to all his people. Will you allow God to position you to bless and benefit others? Be generous with your time and energy. Look to see where God is at work so that you can join Him. As you practice instant obedience, God will promote you in His perfect timing. You are created by God to continue the ministry of Jesus for such a time as this. Make yourself completely available for God’s use. Value what God values and care about what God cares about. The next person you come into contact with may be your next divine appointment. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 267:  Esther 6-10) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell  

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Esther Fasting Obedience

Embracing the Absolute Fast

“Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, 16 ‘Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.’” Esther 4:15-16 (ESV) Esther sensed the heaviness of the reality of her circumstances and was willing to invite her people to fast for her. She committed to a three day absolute fast along with them in preparation for standing before the king. Esther was willing to put her life at risk by standing before the king. Her boldness was fueled by the abiding connection she had with God through the spiritual discipline of fasting. There are times when God will lead you into an absolute fast. This type of fast is characterized by abstaining from food and drink for a set amount of time. You have to be very careful with this kind of fast and make certain that God has called you to it. Going any extended length of time without water can be detrimental to your health. Be certain that God has called you into this type fast. Fasting and prayer go together. You can pray and not fast, but you cannot fast without praying if it is to be a biblical fast. God calls you to a fast so that you can passionately pursue Him and place your dependency upon Him. Do you need to hear from God concerning a situation you are facing? Are you in need of God’s wisdom and guidance? God may call you to an absolute fast to remove your dependency upon other things and to enable you to focus your attention on His provision. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 266: Esther 1-5) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Confession Daniel Prayer

Praying for Our Nation

“Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. 4 I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, ‘O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 5 we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules.’” Daniel 9:3-5 (ESV) Daniel prayed in brokenness and confession on behalf of his people. He took ownership for their spiritual health and vitality. Daniel sought the Lord God in prayer. He cried out with fasting and humility before the Lord for God’s mercy to be extended. Revival is for believers who have become apathetic toward the things of God. Revival is designed by God to restore a believer’s passion and hunger for God and His agenda. When revival comes, it produces a byproduct known as a spiritual awakening. While revival is for believers, a spiritual awakening impacts unbelievers and brings them to the place of transformation. The only way for our nation to genuinely change is for the lost to get saved and have a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray for everyone, including national leaders and those in authority, that they may come to know the Lord personally and have a growing relationship with Him. Can you imagine our nation fully yielded to the Lordship of Christ? Can you envision our nation passionate about pursuing God daily and living for His glory? Join me in praying for that vision to become a reality. Pray for our nation. Seek the Lord in brokenness and humility on behalf of our nation. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 258:  Daniel 7-9) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Adversity Courage Daniel

Between the Lions

“Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, ‘May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!’” Dan 6:16 (ESV) Daniel had a track record of faithfulness to God. His loyalty to God was unwavering. After the king signed a decree forbidding Daniel to pray to God, Daniel allowed his devotion to God to supersede his devotion to the king. Daniel was not willing to disobey God in order to obey the king. Instead, Daniel honored God at the expense of the king’s retribution. Daniel paid a hefty price for his obedience. He was thrown into the lions’ den. “Then, at break of day, the king arose and went in haste to the den of lions. 20 As he came near to the den where Daniel was, he cried out in a tone of anguish. The king declared to Daniel, ‘O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?’” Dan 6:19-20 (ESV) “Then Daniel said to the king, ‘O king, live forever! 22 My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.’” Dan 6:21-22 (ESV) Your devotion and faithfulness to God may not ever lead you to be thrown into a literal lions’ den. However, your lions’ den may simply be having others misunderstand you or criticize you for your devotion to God. Your family members may not support you in your walk with God. Your co-workers or neighbors may not fully understand your commitment to serving God. Your lions’ den may be when your peers fail to comprehend your level of loyalty to God. Trust God completely! God can shut the mouths of the lions. God can redeem the hurt you endure. God knows right where you are and He knows exactly what you need to accomplish His plan. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 257:  Daniel 4-6) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Commitment Courage Daniel

Fiery Faith

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.’” Daniel 3:16-18 (ESV) Has your faith ever been tested? Have you ever been in an environment that provided you with an opportunity to make a bold stand for the Lord? Maybe your home is a place where your faith is put to the test. Maybe your work environment has been a difficult place for you to express your faith. Swimming upstream is always a challenge. Whenever you decide to go in the opposite direction of the cultural current, you will face resistance and opposition. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the midst of impending death if they chose not to abide by the king’s command, were willing to obey God at all costs. Instead of bowing to the golden image erected by king Nebuchadnezzar, they chose to honor God even if it meant death. They demonstrated their belief in God’s ability to save them from the blazing furnace. They went a step further by declaring that even if God did not deliver them that they would not worship the image of gold. Do you have that kind of “but even if God does not” faith? Are you willing to obey God in the face of opposition and in the face of being misunderstood by your family or peers? Even if God does not deliver you from your difficult circumstances, are you willing to obey Him and honor Him? The good news is that God did deliver Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They would not bow, they would not bend, they would not budge, and they would not burn! God rescued them through the blazing furnace. God allowed them to go through the fire unharmed. Now that’s a life changing experience! Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 256:  Daniel 1-3) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Decisions Joel Joel Repentance

Deliberate Decision

“‘Yet even now,’ declares the Lord, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.’ Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.” Joel 2:12-13 (ESV) Consider going to a part of your life that is somewhat private and assess your normal response when you let God down. What do you do when you choose to disobey God? How do you respond to the convicting work of the Holy Spirit in your life? Perhaps you seek to hide from God and try to work things out on your on. Maybe you choose to allow sufficient time to elapse so that your sensitivity to the convicting work of the Holy Spirit diminishes. Satan seeks to convince us that we need to delay our return to the Lord. We rationalize our sin and try to justify our choices. Eventually, we come to our senses and realize the foolishness of procrastination. We don’t need to wait to run back to God. We don’t have to get our lives all cleaned up and ordered in order to return to the One who redeemed us with His love. “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” Rev. 2:4-5 (ESV) The moment you become conscious of sin, run to God. Don’t hesitate! Confess your sin instantly, specifically, and then receive God’s forgiveness completely. Don’t give the devil a toehold, a foothold, or a stronghold in your life. As soon as you become aware of even a fraction of sin in your life, run to God! Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 255:  Joel) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Atonement Ezekiel Sacrifice

Lamb Without Blemish

“You shall provide a lamb a year old without blemish for a burnt offering to the Lord daily; morning by morning you shall provide it. 14 And you shall provide a grain offering with it morning by morning, one sixth of an ephah, and one third of a hin of oil to moisten the flour, as a grain offering to the Lord. This is a perpetual statute. 15 Thus the lamb and the meal offering and the oil shall be provided, morning by morning, for a regular burnt offering.” Ezekiel 46:13-15 (ESV) Ezekiel is pointing to the sacrificial system during the millennial temple worship that will serve as a memorial to the once-for-all sacrifice Christ made. Blood sacrifices will not be necessary since Christ has already provided the complete atoning work on the cross. His substitutionary atonement satisfied the justice of God and provided for the removal of our sins. “But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) 12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.” Hebrews 9:11-12 (ESV) Jesus shed His blood so that we could come into a right relationship with God. In Christ, we are reconciled to God and the penalty of our sin has been paid in full. The blood of the sinless sacrificial Son of God has purchased your salvation. Jesus paid the debt you could not pay. Jesus took your place so that you could benefit personally from the redemptive activity produced by His obedience to death on a cross. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 254:  Ezekiel 46-48) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Ezekiel Glory Vision

Glory of the Lord

“And the vision I saw was just like the vision that I had seen when he came to destroy the city, and just like the vision that I had seen by the Chebar canal. And I fell on my face. 4 As the glory of the Lord entered the temple by the gate facing east, 5 the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the temple.” Ezekiel 43:3-5 (ESV) When Ezekiel experienced the glory of the Lord, he fell on his face. When Isaiah encountered God’s holiness, he responded in humility by saying, “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” (Isaiah 6:5). When the apostle John encountered the Lord in a vision from the island of Patmos, he fell at His feet as though dead. How do you respond to the glory of the Lord? When you became a follower of Jesus Christ, you transferred your trust from yourself to Jesus alone for salvation. Your sins were removed and you became the righteousness of Christ. Instantaneously, you were filled with the Holy Spirit and became God’s temple. God has chosen to take up permanent residence inside of you by the Person of His Holy Spirit. You have been filled with the glory of the Lord. Are you walking with the full awareness of God’s glory inside of you? Are you allowing the glory of God to be revealed through your conversation and through your conduct? Others can be drawn to Christ as you allow the glory of God to become evidenced through your life. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 253:  Ezekiel 43-45) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Ezekiel Temple Vision

Ezekiel’s Vision of the New Temple

“In visions of God he brought me to the land of Israel, and set me down on a very high mountain, on which was a structure like a city to the south. 3 When he brought me there, behold, there was a man whose appearance was like bronze, with a linen cord and a measuring reed in his hand. And he was standing in the gateway. 4 And the man said to me, ‘Son of man, look with your eyes, and hear with your ears, and set your heart upon all that I shall show you, for you were brought here in order that I might show it to you. Declare all that you see to the house of Israel.’” Ezekiel 40:2-4 (ESV) Ezekiel was transported via visions from God to the land of Israel. In the visions, Ezekiel was given a tour by an angel of the Lord whose appearance was like bronze. Ezekiel was shown exceptional details about the temple God would build. Once the details were made fully known to Ezekiel, he was to then declare all that he had seen to the house of Israel. Since this exact temple has never been built, it must refer to a future time period whereby God will build His temple. Many scholars believe that Ezekiel’s visions refer to the great millennial temple that will be filled with God’s glory during the millennial reign of Christ on the earth. As you read Ezekiel 40-42, be reminded of God’s desire to be the focus of your worship. You are created by God to worship Him and Him alone. Eliminate idols. An idol is anything that comes between you and God. Reserve your allegiance and your affection for the One who has redeemed you from the empty way of life and brought you into the kingdom of light. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 252: Ezekiel 40-42) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Dry Bones Ezekiel Miracle

Can Dry Bones Live?

“Then he said to me, ‘Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. 5 Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. 6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’” Ezekiel 37:4-6 (ESV) Imagine the level at which Ezekiel’s faith was challenged when God told him to prophesy to the dry bones that were located throughout the valley. Ezekiel prophesied as God commanded and then witnessed the impossible become a reality. God reconnected the bones and sinews and made flesh appear covered with skin. Then God breathed life into them as Ezekiel witnessed the miracle personally. Have you ever faced an impossible situation? Have you been confronted by a circumstance that seemed hopeless? Recall the desperation you felt and the sense of hopelessness that covered you like a dark cloud. You knew the only way to experience a breakthrough would be for God to intervene. “But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26 (ESV) Trust God with the impossible situations that come into your path as you live on this broken planet. Remember that nothing happens without God’s permission and He always has the final say. If God allows difficulty to come your way, He will use it for your good and for His glory. God will not waste the pain your endure. God will redeem your pain and He will make a way when there seems to be no way. Entrust your life and your circumstances to His care. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 251:  Ezekiel 37-39) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Ezekiel Restoration Spirit

New Heart and Spirit

“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.” Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV) Remove the activity of God and hope dissipates. God initiates the love relationship made available to us by His grace. The only way a person can come into a right relationship with God and be reconciled is by responding to God’s redemptive activity. The only way to know God personally and to obey God completely is by God’s enabling. Ezekiel prophesied the Word of the Lord affirming God’s redemptive activity. God said that He would give them a new heart and put a new spirit within them. God would remove their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. God would put His Spirit within them and cause them to walk in His statutes and enable them to obey His rules. You cannot live the life God has for you outside of God’s provision. God does not expect you to live the Christian life in your own strength. In fact, you will fail. To live in the center of God’s will requires God’s power. At the moment of your conversion, God removes your sin, imputes the righteousness of Christ, adopts you into His family, and fills you with the Holy Spirit. You become the walking tabernacle of His presence. God empowers you to walk in His ways and to fulfill His will on the earth. Yield to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to have His way in your life. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 250: Ezekiel 34-36) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell