Author: Stephen Trammell

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Ezekiel Gospel Responsibility

Sound the Alert

“So you, son of man, I have made a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me.” Ezekiel 33:7 (ESV) God positioned Ezekiel as the watchman for the house of Israel. Ezekiel had a mandate from God to receive and declare God’s Word to the people. The divine responsibility was placed upon Ezekiel to sound the alert of God’s impending judgment. Ezekiel was entrusted with the message from God. “For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” 1 Thessalonians 2:3-4 (ESV) You have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. You have been given the cure to the cancer of sin. God has armed you with the Good News of Jesus Christ so that you can join Him in His redemptive activity. What are you doing with the treasure you have been given? Sound the alert. Everybody will spend forever somewhere. The only hope is for people to repent of their sin and place their faith in Jesus alone for salvation. You know the Truth! You have been delivered from the kingdom of darkness and placed in the kingdom of light. You are God’s workmanship and He has established you as a watchman to sound the alert. You have been given the assignment to share the bad news and the Good News. The bad news is that a person without Christ will spend eternity in hell. The Good News is that Jesus died to pay the penalty of our sin so that we do not have to go to hell. Sound the alert! Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 249: Ezekiel 31-33) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Ezekiel Pride Satan

Other Side of Pride

“You were an anointed guardian cherub. I placed you; you were on the holy mountain of God; in the midst of the stones of fire you walked. 15 You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created, till unrighteousness was found in you. 16 In the abundance of your trade you were filled with violence in your midst, and you sinned; so I cast you as a profane thing from the mountain of God, and I destroyed you, O guardian cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. 17 Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; I exposed you before kings, to feast their eyes on you.” Ezekiel 28:14-17 (ESV) Ezekiel’s third message against Tyre was directed to the ruler, Ethbaal III. His heart was filled with pride and he identified himself as a god. Ethbaal III self-proclaimed that his wisdom was greater than that of Daniel. Interestingly, Daniel was serving in the kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, which God would raise up to destroy Tyre. Ezekiel prophesied that the death of Ethbaal III would be a shameful death, namely, “You shall die the death of the uncircumcised by the hand of foreigners” (Ezekiel 28:10). A parallel between Ethbaal III and Satan is established. Clearly the influence of Satan was at work in the prideful heart of the king of Tyre. Pride eroded the position that Lucifer had as the guardian cherub. He was a perfect creation by God until pride seeped in. As a child of God, keep pride on the slide. Don’t allow pride to gain access to your life. Embrace the way of humility by acknowledging your dependency upon the Lord. Be grateful for what God has done to deliver you out of the kingdom of darkness when He placed you in the kingdom of light. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 248:  Ezekiel 28-30) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Ezekiel Judgment Sovereignty

God’s Justice

“For thus says the Lord God: Because you have clapped your hands and stamped your feet and rejoiced with all the malice within your soul against the land of Israel, 7 therefore, behold, I have stretched out my hand against you, and will hand you over as plunder to the nations. And I will cut you off from the peoples and will make you perish out of the countries; I will destroy you. Then you will know that I am the Lord.” Ezekiel 25:6-7 (ESV) God’s judgment would equal Ammon’s sin. The nation rejoiced over Judah’s misfortune when attacked by Nebuchadnezzar. Ammon hoped to benefit from Judah’s destruction. Ammon rejoiced over the destruction of the temple. God demonstrated His justice by sending them to the people of the East as a possession. These nomads would overtake the Ammonites and turn their capital city into pasture for camels and Ammon into a resting place for sheep. However, rest would cease for the Ammonites. God’s love demands the demonstration of His justice. Without justice, there is no love. Without love, there is no justice. In spite of our rebellion, God chose to pursue us with His redeeming love. In spite of our sin, God chose to provide the only acceptable sacrifice to satisfy His justice and to eradicate the consequences of our sin. “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 2:1-2 (ESV) Pause to thank God for His mercy in your life. Rejoice over the immeasurable grace God has extended to you. In Christ, you are a new creation because of the awesome price Jesus paid for your deliverance. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 247:  Ezekiel 25-27) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Christlikeness Jeremiah Potter's Wheel

Potter’s Touch

“So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. 4 And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.” Jer 18:3-4 (ESV) One of my Sunday School teachers who flew an A-10 fighter jet in the Air Force used to say, “The closer you get to the enemy, the greater the conflict.” When you are living to please God, be ready for that spiritual motion to cause friction and spiritual warfare. The safest place for you to be is in the center of God’s will. The most dangerous place for you to be is in the center of God’s will. When you are living in the center of God’s will, you experience His provision and protection. However, you are the greatest threat to Satan when you are living in the center of God’s will. When you think about it, being on Satan’s radar is an indication of being a threat to his kingdom. You cannot walk in the center of God’s will unopposed. Jeremiah, known as the weeping prophet, experienced the painful reality of being on the potter’s wheel. God placed Jeremiah on the potter’s wheel to demonstrate His loving and corrective touch. God demonstrated the value He places on purity, holiness, and full surrender. God expects that of every generation and every nation. Don’t resist those seasons of being placed on the potter’s wheel. Remember that God is the Potter and you are the clay. God tenderly and lovingly molds you and shapes you for His glory. God removes the impediments in your life that restrict His flow through you. Be still! Rest! Give God access to every area of your life. Allow God to shape you for His eternal significance. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 224:  Jeremiah 18-22) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell  

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Humility Jeremiah Pride

Boast in the Lord

“Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.’” Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV) What have you achieved thus far in this life? What are your accomplishments? How much success have you attained? You can answer these questions and before you know it, pride seeps in. You can easily pat yourself on the back and affirm yourself for how far you have come in this life. God rewards obedience and He expects us to give our very best effort in the endeavors of this life. However, we must guard against boasting in our wisdom, in our might, or in our riches. Boasting in our accomplishments places the credit on ourselves and bypasses the gracious activity of God. “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14 (ESV) Celebrate the reality of your love relationship with God through Christ. Boast in the wondrous gift of having a personal intimate love relationship with the Creator of the universe. If you boast, boast in the precious privilege of understanding and knowing the Lord. Without God’s pursuit of your life with His redeeming love, you would have nothing to boast about. Without the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, your life would be empty, directionless, and hopeless. Boast in the Lord for allowing you to be the recipient of His marvelous grace and invite others into the same privilege. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 221: Jeremiah 7-9) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell  

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Jeremiah Judgment Repentance

Dislodge Wicked Thoughts

“O Jerusalem, wash your heart from evil, that you may be saved. How long shall your wicked thoughts lodge within you?” Jeremiah 4:14 (ESV) Your thought-life determines your walk-life. It matters how you think and it matters what you think. Your thoughts prompt your behavior. When impure thoughts linger, your life becomes contaminated. Impure thoughts can stain a pure heart. The word of the Lord came through Jeremiah for the people to wash their hearts from evil so they could be saved. Jeremiah confronted them for their wicked thoughts lodged within them. The same word of the Lord could be spoken over us in our contemporary context in our culture saturated with sinful indulgence. “Thus says the Lord: ‘Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.’” Jeremiah 6:16 (ESV) “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (ESV) Dislodge wicked thoughts. Take every thought captive. Remember when you put garbage in, you get garbage out. Protect your mind and guard your heart. Find the good way and walk in it. Take paths that are firm and that are in alignment with God’s purposes and plan. Find rest for your soul. Instead of conforming to the pattern of this world, be transformed by renewing your mind. Replace falsehood with the truth of God’s Word. Delete deception and embrace truth. Run from sin and run to Jesus. Flee sin and follow after the things of God. Feed on God’s Word and maintain daily intimacy with God. Deliberately draw near to God. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 220:  Jeremiah 4-6) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Destiny God's Purpose Jeremiah

Before You Were Born

“‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’” Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV) What is your date of birth? How many birthdays have you celebrated up to this point? Now imagine the fact that before you were formed in your mother’s womb, God knew you. Before your date of birth, God consecrated you unto Himself. In other words, God set you apart as a unique treasure for His unique purpose. Before you were born, God appointed you to continue the ministry of Jesus on the earth. Your life matters. Every decision you make matters. God has pursued you with His redeeming love so that you could come into an intimate and eternal relationship with Him that is authentic. You are not an accident. You are God’s idea and you are God’s workmanship. Just as God knew Jeremiah before He formed him in his mother’s womb, God knew you. Just as God set Jeremiah apart and appointed Him as a prophet to the nations before he was even born, so God has intricately purposed your life and He has positioned you for eternity. God has created you and re-created you in His image so that you can fulfill His purposes on the earth. Walk in the light God gives you and practice instant obedience. Obey what God has already shown you. Practice His presence through moment-by-moment full surrender to His Lordship and His leadership. Abandon your personal agenda and embrace God’s agenda. Get to know the heart of God. He loves you so much and His plan includes you. You are vital to God’s kingdom economy. Your life will continue beyond what you see in the here and now. Yield to His prompting. Follow His lead. Finish strong. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 219:  Jeremiah 1-3) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell  

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God's Presence Relief Zephaniah

Day of the Lord

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV) As a child of the living God, you can look forward to the day of the Lord. In Christ, you have eternal security and you have a perpetual responsibility to invite others into a saving relationship with Jesus. The day of reckoning is approaching when every human being will stand before God to give an account for his or her life. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, God will rejoice over you with gladness. He will quiet you by His love and exult over you with loud singing. You will experience the culmination of your salvation and hear the reassuring words, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.” 2 Peter 3:10 (ESV) Choose to live in the readiness mode. Live in light of day of the Lord. We have a limited amount of time to share God’s love and to shine God’s light in this dark and decaying world. Those who do not have a personal love relationship with Jesus will experience the dreadful day of the Lord where God’s righteousness will expose the evil deeds of every unregenerate individual. God is in our midst. Join Him in His redemptive activity to rescue the perishing. You are armed with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Put on the full armor of God and go to war for souls! Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 218:  Zephaniah) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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2 Chronicles Josiah Purity

Contagious Conduct

“In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David. In his twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of high places, Asherah poles, carved idols and cast images.” 2 Chron 34:3 (ESV) What caused Josiah, at the age of sixteen, to begin to seek God? When you look at his family tree, you find that both his father, Amon, and his grandfather, Manasseh, did evil in the eyes of the Lord. It is obvious that Josiah did not receive his spiritual heritage from them. When you look into the life of his great-grandfather, Hezekiah, you find a much different portrait. “Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Abijah daughter of Zechariah. He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done.” 2 Chron 29:1-2 (NIV) I wonder if Josiah was influenced by the godly life that his great-grandfather, Hezekiah, lived. Another possibility is that Josiah began to seek God when he became a daddy, at the age of sixteen, to Jehoahaz. For me personally, when I became a daddy my understanding of God’s love and my pursuit of God intensified. There’s something about seeing your own flesh and blood and embracing the awesome responsibility of parenthood that draws you to God. You recognize your dependency upon God. Regardless of your age or life stage, assess your level of thirst for God? Are you passionately seeking God daily and allowing Him to have full access to your mind, emotions, and will? Is there anything or anyone you desire more than you desire God? I have discovered in my walk with God, whatever you feed grows and whatever you starve dies. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 217: 2 Kings 22-23; 2 Chronicles 34-35) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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God's Nature Nahum Refuge

Take Refuge in Him

“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” Nahum 1:7 (ESV) Where do you turn when you need refuge? The world offers many choices. You can lose yourself in the stream of entertainment. You can anesthetize your pain with busyness. You can dive into your work and allow your energy to be consumed by that pursuit. Another option is to embrace worldliness and allow the current of the culture to take you places you haven’t been. The only choice that delivers on the promise is the choice to turn to God. When you call out to God, the response is that of mercy. God does not give us what we, in our sin, truly deserve. God lavishes us with His love and provides us with His peace. His mercy is evidenced as your soul takes refuge in Him. What disaster has come your way? Take refuge in the shadow of His wings. Whenever you go through a season of uncertainty, take refuge in God. When the path is unclear, take refuge in your merciful God. As you wait for the answer to your prayers, take refuge in the God who hears and responds. The enemy will not thwart God’s will. Nothing will separate you from the love of God. As you take refuge in the Lord, thank Him for being merciful in your past, your present, and your future. Give God glory for His consistent measure of comfort during your seasons of desperation. Rely upon God’s provision to see you through. God will make a way when there seems to be no way. He is your stronghold in the day of trouble. He knows you and knows what you need most. Take refuge in Him. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 216:  Nahum) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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2 Chronicles Humility Manasseh

God Answers Prayer

“The Lord spoke to Manasseh and to his people, but they paid no attention. 11 Therefore the Lord brought upon them the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria, who captured Manasseh with hooks and bound him with chains of bronze and brought him to Babylon. 12 And when he was in distress, he entreated the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. 13 He prayed to him, and God was moved by his entreaty and heard his plea and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was God.” 2 Chronicles 33:10-13 (ESV) How long can a person run from God? Manasseh refused to heed the voice of God and to demonstrate obedience. Instead, Manasseh rebelled against God and led his people to do the same. The Lord delivered severe consequences by bringing Manasseh into Babylonian captivity. In humility, Manasseh chose to cry out to God in prayer. God was moved by Manasseh’s entreaty and chose to bring him back into his kingdom in Jerusalem. Manasseh came to know the Lord by experience as the Lord his God. Sometimes God will allow us to experience the consequences of our personal sin in order to forge brokenness and humility within us. As we turn from sin and turn to the Lord in brokenness and humility, God responds by restoring our love relationship. His abiding peace becomes our reality. Learn to pray before you are tempted to compromise your convictions. Seek God’s face perpetually and choose to practice God’s presence. Be conscious of His activity and surrender to His Lordship. Don’t allow anything to come between you and God. Keep a close eye on the priorities God as established in your life. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 215:  2 Chronicles 32-33) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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2 Kings Healing Hezekiah

Desperation and Prayer

“In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him and said to him, Thus says the Lord, ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover.’ 2 Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, saying, 3 ‘Now, O Lord, please remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.’” 2 Kings 20:2-3 (ESV) Have you ever been desperate for God’s intervention? Have you ever been between a rock and a hard place and wondered how you would make it through? Hezekiah reached the breaking point as he neared the point of death. To make matters worse, the prophet Isaiah came to Hezekiah with a definitive word from the Lord concerning the reality of Hezekiah’s sickness ending in death. In absolute desperation, Hezekiah cried out to the Lord in prayer. God responded to Hezekiah’s plea. “‘Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the leader of my people, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord, 6 and I will add fifteen years to your life. I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city for my own sake and for my servant David’s sake.’” 2 Kings 20:5-6 (ESV) What do you need to take to the Lord in prayer? What are you agonizing over? Bring your burdens to the Lord. Entrust your life to His care. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 214:  2 Kings 20-21) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Isaiah Repentance Revival

Revival Awaits

“Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence—2 as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil—to make your name known to your adversaries, and that the nations might tremble at your presence!” Isaiah 64:1-2 (ESV) We are desperate for revival in America. The slippery slope of sin has eroded the landscape of morality and dulled the point of purity in our society. Defiance and drifting have marked the cultural current of casual Christianity. What was once abhorred in American history is now deemed the new normal. We have accelerated the vast array of sinful indulgence and have become preoccupied with self worship. In the darkest of nights, the light of God’s holiness shines the brightest. We are positioned for a great move of God. God is pursuing us with His redeeming love and we have the capacity to respond to His pursuit. This is not the time to be “at ease in Zion” and settle for mediocrity. Jesus has paid far too high a price for our salvation. Let’s not accept the status quo and let’s refrain from embracing the embers of idolatry. In brokenness over our sin and in humility before the Creator of the universe, let’s pray for revival. Pray that God would open the heavens and come down to reveal His glory, to reveal His holiness, and to usher in revival in America. May the mountains quake at His presence and may the nations tremble at His presence. Confess known sin instantly and completely. Receive God’s forgiveness and surrender to the Lordship of Christ. Passionately pursue God’s agenda. Seek His face with all your heart. Abandon your all. Place your “yes” on the altar and allow God to have His way in your life. Revival awaits! Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 213:  Isaiah 64-66) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Isaiah Jesus Purpose

Simplify and Focus

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:1-3 (ESV) What are you going to do with the time you have left? Don’t waste your life. Don’t delay in knowing and doing God’s will. You are too valuable and your life is too vital to neglect living in the center of God’s will. As He stood in the synagogue in His hometown, Jesus quoted Isaiah’s prophecy concerning Himself. “And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 And he began to say to them, ‘Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing’” (Luke 4:20-21 ESV). God has pursued you with His redeeming love and placed His divine purpose inside of you by His Holy Spirit so that you can continue the ministry of Jesus on earth. You are anointed by God for worship, evangelism, discipleship, ministry, and authentic community. Draw near to God and allow Him to sensitize you to His redemptive activity. You are God’s workmanship and you have been created by God and for God. Make yourself completely available for God’s use today! Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 212:  Isaiah 59-63) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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2 Chronicles Consequences Pride

The Pride Slide

“But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the Lord his God and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. 17 But Azariah the priest went in after him, with eighty priests of the Lord who were men of valor, 18 and they withstood King Uzziah and said to him, ‘It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord, but for the priests, the sons of Aaron, who are consecrated to burn incense. Go out of the sanctuary, for you have done wrong, and it will bring you no honor from the Lord God.’” 2 Chronicles 26:16-18 (ESV) Uzziah did right in the eyes of the Lord and as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper. Over a period of time, pride began to seep into Uzziah’s life resulting in a slide that had devastating consequences. “Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished.” Prov 16:5 (ESV) “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Prov 16:18 (ESV) Uncover the poison of pride. You will never reach your full redemptive potential while fertilizing pride in your life. Pride has no place in the Christian life fully yielded to the Lordship of Christ. The poison of pride will inhibit the fruit of the Spirit and stifle your effectiveness in the kingdom. Avoid the pride slide. Instead of an ego trip, we need to go on an integrity trip. Get honest about your destitution and your spiritual poverty before God. Identify and eliminate any fraction of pride in your life. Embrace the way of humility and recognize your dependency upon God and His abundant grace. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 189:  2 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 26) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Grace Jonah Mercy

Second Chances

“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 chances. 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 (Php 1:6). God always finishes what He starts. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 188: Jonah) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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2 Chronicles Drifting Mediocrity

Combat Mediocrity

“Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem. 2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet not with a whole heart.” 2 Chronicles 25:1-2 (ESV) Mediocrity is a symptom of hypocrisy. Whenever you coast in your Christianity, you drift from the posture of passionate devotion to being at ease in Zion (Amos 6:1). Casual Christianity is displayed when you forsake your first love and allow other things to dilute your devotion and pollute your passion for the Lord. Amaziah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord up to a certain level. His commitment was compromised and his character was corroded as he infiltrated his life with idols. “After Amaziah came from striking down the Edomites, he brought the gods of the men of Seir and set them up as his gods and worshiped them, making offerings to them. 15 Therefore the Lord was angry with Amaziah and sent to him a prophet, who said to him, ‘Why have you sought the gods of a people who did not deliver their own people from your hand?’” 2 Chronicles 25:14-15 (ESV) Combat mediocrity by surrendering fully and completely to the Lordship of Christ. Live with a heightened sensitivity to God’s activity and with a keen awareness of the corrosive consequences of sin. Maintain a vertical orientation to the supremacy of your love relationship with the Lord. Guard your daily intimacy with the One who delivered you from the kingdom of darkness and brought you into the kingdom of light. Ask the Lord to search your heart (Psalm 139:23). Confess known sin instantly and receive God’s forgiveness completely. Remove idols and take paths that are firm. Make no room for mediocrity. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 187: 2 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 25) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
2 Kings Drifting Sin

The Poison of Pluralism

“And Jehoash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all his days, because Jehoiada the priest instructed him. 3 Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away; the people continued to sacrifice and make offerings on the high places.” 2 Kings 12:2-3 (ESV) Is Jesus your life or just a part of your life? When you add Jesus to your life in the midst of an array of other loyalties and devotions, then you embrace pluralism. The danger of pluralism is that you give weight and allegiance to other things that become idols in your life. Jehoash was instructed by Jehoiada to do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Jehoash was effective at some level of leading himself in the ways of God, but failed to influence his culture to do the same. Idolatry was rampant during his reign. “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2 (ESV) “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” Romans 13:14 (ESV) Allow the Lord to transform your life. You have been saved by His grace and adopted into His family and sealed by His Spirit. In Christ, you are a child of God. Invest the rest of your life pursuing God and transforming the culture. Be a change agent. Shine God’s light and share God’s love. Be an irresistible influence for the Lord. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 186: 2 Kings 12-13; 2 Chronicles 24) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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2 Kings Attentive Godliness

Walk Carefully

“But Jehu was not careful to walk in the law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn from the sins of Jeroboam, which he made Israel to sin.” 2 Kings 10:31 (ESV) Are you a fully devoted follower of Christ? Have you completely surrendered to the Lordship of Christ? Make Jesus the Lord of your life. Enthrone Him. Yield to His prompting. Obey His voice. Walk in His steps. Know God’s Word so that you can obey God’s will. Forsake sin. Remove anything that would hinder your love relationship with the Lord. Walk carefully. “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2 (ESV) “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV) Jehu did not follow the Lord with all of his heart. He drifted into the same pattern of Jeroboam which made Israel to sin. Jehu’s life was not marked by obedience to the Lord, but rather rebellion and neglect. Delight in God’s Word. Meditate on God’s Word day and night. Allow God’s Word to illuminate the path He wants you to take and to inform the decisions He wants you to make. Walk wisely. Take steps that are firm and make the most of the opportunities God places before you. Acknowledge the reality of the evil which is so prevalent in our society. Choose to walk carefully and employ the wisdom God gives you to walk in His ways. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 185:  2 Kings 9-11) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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2 Kings Miracle Supernatural

Axe Head Floats

“So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. 5 But as one was felling a log, his axe head fell into the water, and he cried out, ‘Alas, my master! It was borrowed.’ 6 Then the man of God said, ‘Where did it fall?’ When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there and made the iron float. 7 And he said, ‘Take it up.’ So he reached out his hand and took it.” 2 Kings 6:4-7 (ESV) How can an axe head float? The company of the prophet Elisha witnessed a miracle as one of them encountered an unfortunate circumstance. The borrowed axe head detached and fell into the water. Elisha cut off a stick and threw it near and made the iron float. The axe head was recovered and the miracle happened. Perhaps you have a situation in your life that is saturated with impossibilities. Maybe you have received heartbreaking news such as a bad report on your health. You could be facing a challenging situation that perplexes you and seems unfavorable in its potential outcome. Whatever you are going through, remember that God can make an axe head float. “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.’” Mark 10:27 (ESV) “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) Keep your eyes on the Lord and trust in His daily provision. Rest in His sovereignty. God always has the final say. Seek Him with all your heart. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 184:  2 Kings 5-8) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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2 Kings Faith God's Provision

Empty Jars

“And Elisha said to her, ‘What shall I do for you? Tell me; what have you in the house?’ And she said, ‘Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.’” 2 Kings 4:2 (ESV) I want you to think about how far you have come during your life on the earth. Think about all that God has done to see you through each moment of each day of each month of each year of your life. Perhaps you have come close to death. Maybe you have experienced God coming through for you financially at just the right moment. As you look over your life, you may be able to remember specific encounters of God’s divine intervention. You know that you would not be where you are today without God’s abundant supply of grace. God has provided for you every step of the way. The widow only had one jar of oil left in her house. The creditor had come to take her two sons and make them slaves. She and her sons were desperate for a move of God and for a miracle of God. Can you relate? She cried out to Elisha and he responded by instructing her to go to her neighbors in order to borrow empty vessels. Elisha told the widow and her sons to pour into all the vessels. Miraculously, as one jar became full, she would pour into another jar until it became full, and the process continued until all the jars were full. The oil stopped flowing. She sold the oil to pay her debts and then she and her sons lived on the rest. God will make a way when there seems to be no way. Entrust your life to His care! Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 183:  2 Kings 1-4) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Justice Mercy Psalms

Justice and Mercy

“Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. 4 Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 82:3-4 (ESV) Imagine being transferred instantly before the throne of God. You are standing before God right now and you fall on your face before God and He asks you to give an account for your treatment of others. Where would that place you in the area of God’s approval and affirmation? How would you measure up to God’s standard of perfection? God is a God of justice. And yes, God is a God of mercy. Without God’s justice, mercy would not exist. Without God’s mercy, justice would not exist. God declared His justice on your sin when Jesus took upon God’s wrath for your sin on the cross. God demonstrated His mercy by providing for the forgiveness of your sin. How will you treat others in light of what God has done for you? “‘Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.’” Matt 5:7 (ESV) “‘Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.’” Matt 7:1-2 (ESV) Our tendency is to use binoculars when judging our lives and using a microscope when judging the lives of others. Thank God for His mercy. God wants our conversation and our conduct to reflect the mercy we have received from Him. Treat others with the same mercy you have received from God. Rescue the weak and the needy. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 182:  Obadiah; Psalms 82-83) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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2 Chronicles God's Provision Victory

Divine Intervention

“‘You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.” 2 Chronicles 20:17 (ESV) Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast throughout Judah in order to seek the Lord and to seek help from the Lord. A great multitude was coming against them in battle and they needed to hear from God. The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel and he communicated the will of God. He affirmed that the battle belonged to the Lord and that they were to stand firm and hold their position. Jahaziel exhorted the people to not be afraid and to not be dismayed because the Lord was with them. “When Judah came to the watchtower of the wilderness, they looked toward the horde, and behold, there were dead bodies lying on the ground; none had escaped. 25 When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take their spoil, they found among them, in great numbers, goods, clothing, and precious things, which they took for themselves until they could carry no more. They were three days in taking the spoil, it was so much.” 2 Chronicles 20:24-25 (ESV) What kind of battle are you facing? Seek the Lord and trust in Him to fight your battles. Don’t worry. Don’t fret. Entrust your life and your circumstances to the Lord’s care. Obey what God has shown you and stay close to His Word. Write down promises from God’s Word and claim them through prayer. Perhaps you are in need of divine intervention. Cry out to God in prayer and express your desperation. Acknowledge your dependency upon God and walk in the light God gives you. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 181:  2 Chronicles 19-23) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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1 Kings Integrity Revelation

What the Lord Says

“And the messenger who went to summon Micaiah said to him, ‘Behold, the words of the prophets with one accord are favorable to the king. Let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak favorably.’ 14 But Micaiah said, ‘As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I will speak.’” 1 Kings 22:13-14 (ESV) Micaiah exhibited integrity, accuracy, and loyalty to God’s Word. He had to decide whether he would align with what the other prophets had prophesied or to align with what God said to him. Wisely, Micaiah consistently spoke what the Lord had said to him. He simply made known to others what the Lord had said to him. How many words do you speak each day? How many conversations do you have in a single day? God has saved you and filled you with His Holy Spirit so that you can continue His ministry on the earth. One vital component to doing God’s will on the earth is to know what God says and to make His Word known to others. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV) When you speak, choose to speak as one who speaks the Word of God. Allow God’s Word to saturate your life in such a way that when you speak His Word comes forth. Say what the Lord says and do what the Lord demonstrated during His earthly ministry. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 180:  1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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1 Kings Ahab Greed

Seed of Greed

“But Jezebel his wife came to him and said to him, ‘Why is your spirit so vexed that you eat no food?’ 6 And he said to her, ‘Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and said to him, ‘Give me your vineyard for money, or else, if it please you, I will give you another vineyard for it.’ And he answered, ‘I will not give you my vineyard.’ 7 And Jezebel his wife said to him, ‘Do you now govern Israel? Arise and eat bread and let your heart be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.’” 1 Kings 21:5-7 (ESV) Have you ever wanted something you could not have? You can easily become obsessed with doing whatever it takes to feed the desire to acquire. Ahab coveted Naboth’s vineyard and watered the seed of greed. When he did not get his way, Ahab pouted and refused to eat. When Ahab’s wife, Jezebel, noticed his dejected state, she took matters into her own hands. Jezebel watered the seed of greed through deception. She wrote letters in Ahab’s name and used Ahab’s seal and then sent them to the elders and leaders of Naboth’s city. She devised a plan to have a fast proclaimed and to secure two worthless men to sit across from Naboth to bring a false charge against him resulting in punishment by death. The seed of greed became a fatal weed. Ahab got the vineyard he wanted and Jezebel was willing to take a man’s life for it. That’s what the seed of greed can do! Greed has the power to lead you into making irrational decisions. Greed poisons the fertile ground of God’s will. Keep the seed of greed from taking root in your life. Practice generosity. Live to bless and benefit others. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 179:  1 Kings 20-21) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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1 Kings Elijah Endurance

Recapture God’s Perspective

“But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, ‘It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.’” 1 Kings 19:4 (ESV) Elijah experienced the miracle working, idol defeating, prayer answering display of God’s splendor. A major spiritual victory had been won on Mount Carmel. The 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah were slaughtered. The people of Israel responded to the demonstration of God’s power by kneeling and proclaiming, “The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!” Once Elijah received a threat from Jezebel, he descended from the mountain of public victory to the valley of personal defeat. He ran for his life and entered the wilderness. As he sat under a broom tree, he hit a personal all-time low and wanted God to take away his life. Elijah spiraled down into the depths of depression. Fear causes you to lose perspective. Fear blurs your focus and exaggerates your circumstances. Recapture God’s perspective on your life and on your circumstances. Remember that you are designed by God and for God’s glory. If God allows you to go through a difficult situation, He will use it for your good and for His glory. God has the final say. Rest in His sovereignty. God has the power to change both you and your circumstances. Sometimes God removes your obstacles and sometimes God gives you the grace to navigate life in the midst of the obstacles you face. God provided Elijah with rest, refreshment, revelation, and relationship. Elijah recaptured God’s perspective on life. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 178:  1 Kings 17-19) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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2 Chronicles Courage Jehoshaphat

Courageous Heart

“The Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals, 4 but sought the God of his father and walked in his commandments, and not according to the practices of Israel. 5 Therefore the Lord established the kingdom in his hand. And all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had great riches and honor. 6 His heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord. And furthermore, he took the high places and the Asherim out of Judah.” 2 Chronicles 17:3-6 (ESV) How many decisions do you anticipate making today? Life is filled with paths to take and decisions to make. Every decision determines a direction that leads to a destination. You can decide to walk with God or you can decide to stray from God. You can decide to bring honor to God or you can decide to bring dishonor to God. You can decide to live in the center of God’s will or you can decide to live contrary to God’s will. Jehoshaphat made deliberate decisions to seek God and to walk in His ways. Jehoshaphat intentionally did not seek the Baals and did not follow the practices of Israel. He boldly took the high places and the Asherim out of Judah. God rewarded the faithfulness and obedience of Jehoshaphat by establishing the kingdom in his hand. Is your heart courageous in the ways of the Lord? Do you boldly and intentionally pursue God’s way? There is no better choice for you to make than aligning your life with God’s will. Don’t compromise your integrity. Don’t dilute your devotion to the Lord. Passionately pursue God and walk in His ways. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 177:  1 Kings 16; 2 Chronicles 17) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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2 Chronicles Repentance Solomon

Hear, Forgive, and Heal

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, 14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 (ESV) How do you return to God after you have disobeyed Him? What do you do when you miss the mark of God’s holiness and perfection? Is there hope for you after you have made a poor decision? The wonderful news is that God is good and His steadfast love endures forever. You don’t have to run from God, you can run to God. Even if you have blown it! Even if you have drifted from God! You can run from your sin and you can run to the Lord. Humble yourself before the Lord. Take pride for a ride and get real about your sin. Get real about your current condition. Embrace the reality of your humanity and the certainty of His divinity. Acknowledge your desperation for your gracious God. Don’t stay in your sin. Pray! Don’t accept the detour as your intended path. Don’t go numb and silent. Go verbal with God by engaging in meaningful communication with God. Pray and seek His face. You will seek Him and you will find Him when you seek Him with all of your heart (Jeremiah 29:13). Turn from your sin and turn to the Lord. Repent! Change your mind about your sin and see your sin as God sees it. Run to God and confess your sin! How will God respond? He will hear from heaven and forgive your sin. Be restored to a right relationship with God. Experience His healing. God loves you too much to leave you in your sin. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 165: 2 Chronicles 6-7; Psalm 136) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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1 Kings Joy Temple

Joyful and Glad

“On the eighth day he sent the people away, and they blessed the king and went to their homes joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the Lord had shown to David his servant and to Israel his people.” 1 Kings 8:66 (ESV) The elders of Israel and the priests brought up the ark to the Temple and positioned it in the Most Holy Place. Solomon obeyed God and honor his earthly father, David, by building the Temple and establishing the house of prayer. Solomon prayed a prayer of blessing over the people of Israel. This magnificent moment in the story of God’s redemptive activity was filled with awe, wonder, sacrifice, and worship. After the sacred seven day celebration, Solomon sent the people away and the people went to their homes filled with joy and gladness for all the goodness that the Lord had shown them. The faithfulness of God to His people had saturated their lives and filled their journey with joy and gladness. “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” Psalm 51:12 (ESV) “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12 (ESV) Contemplate the goodness of God in your life. Think about all that the Lord has done to see you through seasons of uncertainty and storms of adversity. Ponder the spiritual markers God has strategically placed in your journey with Him. Celebrate the faithfulness of God over each day of your life and each year of your existence. God has brought you out of Egypt and supernaturally enabled you to cross the Red Sea and the Jordan River on dry ground. God has delivered you from the bondage of Egypt and He has brought you safely into the land that flows with milk and honey. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 164:  1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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1 Kings Obedience Solomon

Finish

“Thus all the work that King Solomon did on the house of the Lord was finished. And Solomon brought in the things that David his father had dedicated, the silver, the gold, and the vessels, and stored them in the treasuries of the house of the Lord.” 1 Kings 7:51 (ESV) God created you to know Him personally and to do His will intentionally. You are designed by God to complete His assignment. God invites you into His redemptive story so that you can join Him in His redemptive activity. Solomon joined God in His activity. He obeyed God’s directives and finished the house of the Lord. As you read the description of the construction process, you will notice Solomon’s careful attention to details. “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) “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) “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) Focus your life on the task the Lord has called you to complete. Do God’s will with passion. If you don’t know God’s will, start obeying the last thing God said to you. As you obey, God will show you the way. Practice instant obedience and enjoy the journey God has for you. Trust Him to illuminate the path He wants you to take. Trust God to build the bridges He wants you to cross and to open the doors He wants you to walk through. Keep your “yes” on the altar! Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 163:  1 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 4) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell