Author: Stephen Trammell

Categories
Devotion God's Presence Passion

Passion for His Presence

“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” Isaiah 55:6 (NIV) What kind of person does God use? What are the characteristics that are evident in the person God uses? God uses the person who has a passion for His presence. One of the characteristics evident in the person God uses is passion. Passion is more than a feeling. Passion is the divine energy from God to accomplish His will His way. What are you passionate about? What makes you come alive? You may be passionate about your career, your car, your family, or your finances. You may be passionate about your position, prestige, pleasure, or possessions. You can be passionately devoted to things that are good and yet miss God’s best for you. God has a plan for your life and you will need His passion to accomplish His plan. God uses the person who is passionate in the pursuit of God’s presence. God wants you to seek Him diligently and passionately. God wants you to call on Him while He is near. Don’t allow your passion for temporal things to rob your passion for that which is eternal. “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Cor 4:18 (NIV) Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Col 3:1-3 (NIV) God wants to be sought. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). Ask God to restore your passion for His presence. Confess anything in your life that has diluted your devotion. Return to your first love! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
God's Will Jesus Submission

My Father’s Business

“’Why were you searching for me?’ he asked. ‘Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?’” Luke 2:49 (NIV) Diffused light does not have much power to impact the environment it is placed in, but focused light can cut steel. Your life is most powerful when it is most focused. Our proclivity is to drift into a fragmented lifestyle where we are trying to divert our energy into too many tasks. It is so easy to dilute our impact by seeking to keep too many plates spinning at a given time. We become generalist instead of specialists. Jesus lived a focused life. He was laser focused on being about His Father’s business. God’s agenda was Jesus’ top priority. Even at age twelve Jesus affirmed His devotion to God’s will. Nothing was more important to Jesus than operating every moment in the center of God’s will. Jesus was committed to fulfilling God’s plan. Shortly after His baptism at age thirty, Jesus declared that He had come down from heaven not to do His will but to do the will of His Father (John 6:38). Have you oriented your life to the Father’s will? Have you made necessary adjustments in your life to focus on living in the center of God’s will? You will have competing agendas, countless opportunities to drift, and a persistent gravitational pull from the enemy to downplay the urgency of God’s agenda. The world, the flesh, and the Devil will seek to capture your devotion. Your life will be tugged from various directions in order to get you off mission. Don’t give in to the temptation to become fragmented. Don’t dilute your devotion. Renew your commitment to serve God and to obey His Word. God’s will is for you to be fully yielded and fully surrendered to His prompting. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Jesus Obedience Parenting

Positioning for the Future

“When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.” Luke 2:39-40 (NIV) Can you name the people God used to position you for the future you are now in? Think about their investment in your life. Weigh their deposits of encouragement, feedback, and godly counsel. You are a product of the decisions you have made over your lifetime and a product of God’s grace through others in your life. God chose to use Joseph and Mary to position Jesus for the future God had for Him. They obeyed the law and they obeyed God. They returned to their own town and were faithful in parenting Jesus. Jesus grew, became strong, and was filled with wisdom. God’s grace was upon Him. God could have positioned Jesus for the future without Joseph and Mary, yet He chose to use human instrumentality. Just as God has brought people into your life to position you for the future, God wants to use you to help others. Are you available to be used of God to position others for the future? God wants to touch others through your life. Your personal testimony of God’s faithfulness and your daily walk with Jesus are vital components for being used of God to impact the lives of others. You can make an immediate difference as well as an eternal difference in the lives of those God brings into your path. God has blessed you with every spiritual blessing in Christ so that you can be a blessing to others. Will you make yourself available for God’s use? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Jesus Manger Mary

Miracle in the Manger

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:6-7 (NIV) What does Christmas mean to you? What will you experience on this special day? Perhaps this will be a busy day for you as you make your rounds to connect with family. Or maybe for you it is a quiet day with minimal activity. Whether the pace is intense or tranquil, there is a miracle in the manger. When you contemplate the vastness of God’s love, you have to consider the decision God made to take on human form and to dwell among us. Mary wrapped the Son of God in cloths and placed Him in a manger. Can you imagine the Creator of the universe being place in a feeding trough? The One who could have created a castle for that moment, chose to be placed in a manger. The miracle of the manger is that God chose to come to our rescue. God was willing to become like us so that we could become like Him. God orchestrated our reconciliation. Our transformation was initiated and implemented by God and for God. Will you make room for Jesus in your life? Will you allow Him to be evident in your life as your Savior and Lord? He saved you so that you can present the miracle of the manger to those who are not yet connected to Christ. Jesus provided the miracle of your transformation so that you can join Him in providing that miracle to a dark and decaying world. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
God's Faithfulness Incarnation Mary

Celebrating God’s Faithfulness

“And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me–holy is his name.’” Luke 1:46-49 (NIV) Life moves so quickly that it is sometimes a challenge to slow down long enough to count our blessings. God has lavished us with His love and unleashed His bounty of blessings in our lives. We are so fortunate to be alive and reconciled to God through Christ. Our new identity in Christ is eternally secure. We have instant access to the throne room of God through prayer. The Holy Spirit is living inside of us and Jesus is at the right hand of the Father interceding for us. We have been given every spiritual blessing in Christ. Jesus has given us eternal life and life to the full. Mary was so overwhelmed by the favor of God in being chosen to bear the Son of God. She celebrated God’s faithfulness by glorifying the Lord and rejoicing in God as her Savior. Mary affirmed God’s attentiveness to her humble state and praised God for the blessings He bestowed upon her. With deep gratitude, Mary expressed her appreciation to God through song. She acknowledged the great things the Mighty One had done for her. Have you had that kind of experience where you began singing praise to God for all that He has done for you? You may want to carve out a few moments to write or type a response of praise to God for all that He has done for you. Express your gratitude to God for His faithfulness in your life. He will continue to see you through. Remember, you are the apple of His eye! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Humility Mary Surrender

Available for God’s Use

“‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said.’ Then the angel left her.” Luke 1:38 (NIV) Why did God choose Mary to give birth to the Son of God? In His perfect wisdom, God chose Mary because He knew she would willingly make herself available for His use. Mary affirmed her availability by saying, “I am the Lord’s servant.” She honored God by her posture of availability and humility. She demonstrated such a beautiful portrait of being receptive and responsive to God’s will. Mary declared, “May it be to me as you have said.” In other words, she was acknowledging that she belonged to God for His glory. God uses people who are available. What is your level of availability for God’s use? Often our lives become so cluttered and overextended, that there’s little room for availability. Can you relate? God wants to use you. God is more concerned about your availability than your ability. In humility, make yourself available for God’s use. Remember that you were made by God to accomplish His plan. God’s plan includes you and your willingness to be His instrument. What needs to change in your life? Surrender everything in your life to the Lord’s control. Give Him free reign in your life. Make the necessary adjustments in your daily schedule to make room for God. Embrace a posture of humility to allow God to have His way in your life. Be receptive to God’s agenda and respond to God’s invitation to join Him. He loves you so much. Your availability matters to God. Would you be willing to say, “Lord, I’m Yours?” Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
God's Provision Mary Miracle

The God Factor

“But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.’” Luke 1:30-31 (NIV) God chooses ordinary people to accomplish the extraordinary. Mary was just a teenager when she encountered the angel of the Lord. You can imagine the fear that gripped her when she had this special visitation. The angel comforted Mary and assured her that she had found favor with God. Then he announced that she would be with child and give birth to a son. Mary was instructed that she was to give him the name Jesus. Her response was very practical. Mary wanted to know how this could possibly be a reality since she was a virgin. She was thinking in practical and human terms. This conception would not be possible without the God factor. When you factor in the work of God and the will of God, you come to recognize that nothing is impossible with God. The angel let Mary know that the Holy Spirit would come upon her (Luke 1:35). Mary was soon found to be with child through the Holy Spirit (Mt. 1:18). What is the God factor? The activity of God through ordinary people to accomplish the extraordinary is the God factor. God will accomplish His will in His timing regardless of the obstacles that seem to surface. God is not limited by our limitations. God is not stifled by our deficiencies. God’s agenda will prevail. Will you participate with God in His activity? Are you willing to consider the God factor when assessing your current circumstances? Don’t underestimate the power of God. There is nothing beyond God’s reach and there is nothing impossible with God. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Christmas Gift of Eternal Life God's Love

The Ultimate Gift

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV) Travel down memory lane with me for a moment. Think about your Christmas experiences as a child. What do you remember as the most meaningful gift you received? Can you still feel the excitement of the anticipation of the gift? That experience is locked in your memory because it was special to you. The ultimate gift in this life is the gift of eternal life. There is no greater gift and there is no greater demonstration of God’s love. The moment you recognized your sin and accepted God’s provision for your forgiveness through your faith in Jesus, you received the ultimate gift. Let me ask you a question. Do you know that God is for you? “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NIV) “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (NIV) Consider the individuals currently in your sphere of influence. Have they received the ultimate gift? Have you shared your salvation story with them? Are you willing to be used of God to make Jesus known to those God places in your path? God still uses human instrumentality in the redemptive process. Once you have received the ultimate gift, you can share that gift with others. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
God's Voice Obedience Revelation

More Than Listening

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22 (NIV) God’s will involves listening. God speaks to us through the Bible. As you read the Bible, you read God’s revelation. God’s will is that you obey His Word. God also speaks through prayer. As you connect with God through prayer, He reveals His will to you. In order to hear God’s voice, you must listen with expectation and anticipation of God’s revelation. You learn to recognize God’s voice as you walk with God. “When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” John 10:4 (NIV) “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 (NIV) Listening to God’s Word is not enough. You must do what it says. Put God’s Word into practice by obeying what God reveals to you. Sometimes God will wait for you to obey what He has already revealed to you before unveiling His next layer of revelation. Are you obeying what God has already revealed to you? Obey what you know. As you obey, God will show you more and more of His way. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Dependency God's Provision God's Will

Joining God’s Journey

“The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.’ So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.” 1 Kings 19:7-8 (NIV) Elijah had experienced the power of God on Mount Carmel and now he is running for his life from the pursuit of wicked Jezebel. Elijah was emotionally and physically exhausted and reached a low point personally. He was so desperate that he prayed that he might die. Elijah was so low that he felt that death was his only source of relief. God met Elijah at his point of need and provided rest and refreshment. Elijah was strengthened by the provision of God and traveled forty days and forty nights. God was positioning Elijah for a blessing on Horeb, the mountain of God. The journey God has for you is too much for you. God never intended for you to fulfill His will in your own strength. God always builds your character to match His assignment and God always supplies everything you need for the journey. You cannot accomplish the mission God has for you without God’s enablement. Your personal energy will not suffice. Don’t get so focused on the destination that you miss what God wants to do along the journey He has for you. Rest and refreshment are vital components in His journey. Every moment matters! Slow down. Reflect on what God has done to bring you this far in the journey. God is not through with you. Your life is not over. God has more in store for you. Enjoy His rest and be refreshed by His presence. Spend some time in prayer acknowledging your dependency upon God. Allow Him to meet you at your point of need. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Faith God's Power Prayer

Praying In Faith

“At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: ‘O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.’” 1 Kings 18:36-37 (NIV) Elijah prayed a bold prayer and experienced the power of God. He had challenged the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah to a showdown on Mount Carmel. The prophets called on the name of Baal from morning till noon and received no response. However, Elijah had the sacrifice drenched in water and then he stepped forward to call on God. The power of God fell and consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, the soil, and the water in the trench. Elijah prayed to God in faith and experienced a demonstration of God’s power. The people saw this and fell prostrate to the ground and exclaimed, “The Lord—he is God!” This was truly a mountaintop experience that portrayed the effectiveness of praying in faith. God answers prayer! What are you currently combating? What is perplexing you? Have you considered taking that burden to the Lord in prayer? You know that God is able to consume a water-soaked sacrifice. You know that God can cause fire to fall at a moment’s notice. There’s nothing beyond God’s reach. Do you believe that God will do what He says He will do? Do you believe that God is able to deliver you through your circumstances? God is waiting for you to take Him at His Word and to entrust your life to His care. You will never face anything that God cannot handle. God will work everything together for your good and for His glory! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Justification Obedience Righteousness

The Righteousness of Christ

“Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.” Romans 5:18-19 (NIV) How would God reverse the curse sin produced? What would God do to restore fallen humanity? The most incredible display of unconditional love became God’s response to man’s sin. God provided for the removal of our sin through the sacrifice of His only Son. God allowed Jesus to pay our sin debt in full and to purchase our salvation. The shedding of blood was essential for the forgiveness of our sin. God chose to sacrifice an animal to provide garments of skin for Adam and Eve after their fall (Gen. 3:21). God took the initiative to reconcile and to restore them through the shedding of blood. Adam and Eve still had to face the natural consequences of their sin. They were still banished from the garden and Adam had to work the ground (Gen. 3:23). Through Adam’s sin, condemnation came to us all. As a result, we are born in sin and inherit the sin nature. However, through the obedience of Jesus on the cross, we are made righteous. Upon our trusting in Jesus alone for salvation, we receive the imputed righteousness of Christ. We are justified through faith, receive peace from God, and gain access into His grace (Rom. 5:1-2). The righteousness of Christ is deposited into our account. We are reconciled to God through the completed work of Jesus on the cross. Jesus paid it all! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Compassion Conviction Intimacy with God

Where Are You?

“Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’” Gen 3:8-9 (NIV) God cares about you personally and He cares about where you are spiritually. Your condition matters to Him. Throughout the Bible, the thread of God’s redeeming love can be traced. His love for you has no limits. God created you so that you can know Him personally and make His love known globally. Adam and Eve rebelled against God and received immediate consequences. Their eyes were opened to recognize their nakedness and their fellowship with God was inhibited. Their sin hindered their unbroken communion with God. The poison of sin had tainted their spiritual condition. Our God is compassionate. The depth of His love is evidenced as He pursues Adam with a personal question, “Where are you?” Of course, God knew where Adam was both physically and spiritually. His question was not to aid in locating Adam’s whereabouts in the garden. God asked the probing question to get Adam to assess his personal spiritual condition. God’s question was a question of compassion. God could have left Adam and Eve to their own demise. God could have given them an extended silent treatment. Yet, God made the first move toward reconciliation. God went first to restore the fractured relationship. Where are you? How is your love relationship with the Lord? Have you drifted in your daily devotion and intimacy with Jesus? Assess your current spiritual condition. Repent of anything that has hindered your fellowship with the Lord and return to your first love. Enjoy unbroken fellowship with the One who died to give you life eternal and complete. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Conviction Fall of Man Sin

The Fall of Man

“When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.” Gen 3:6-7 (NIV) Sin has consequences. When Eve chose to doubt God’s Word and to succumb to the temptation presented by the serpent, she fell from her position of being right with God. For a moment, Eve was in her fallen state and Adam was not. Yet, when Eve gave Adam the fruit of the tree to eat, he ate it without reservation. Adam knew better. God had already communicated with Adam personally about the forbidden fruit (Gen. 2:16-17). Adam failed to protect himself and Eve from the devastation produced by their disobedience. It makes you wonder if Adam made God’s revelation clear to Eve. Adam and Eve recognized their nakedness and sought to cover up their shame. Their relationship with God and their relationship with each other shifted into the reality of their fallen state. Their sin had immediate and direct consequences that affected not only them, but also every generation since their fall. You can trace the root of your sin throughout your family tree all the way back to Adam and Eve. The sin nature you combat today is a direct result of the sin nature you inherited from Adam and Eve. Their struggle is now your struggle. Their battle is now your battle. Attempting to cover your own shame and sin would be considered futile. In and of yourself, you do not have the capacity to provide the covering and cleansing necessary to be in right standing with God. Praise God that He was willing to come to our rescue! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Doubt Serpent Temptation

The Seed of Doubt

“Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God really say, “You must not eat from any tree in the garden”?’” Gen 3:1 (NIV) We combat three enemies in this life: Satan, the world, and the flesh. In his pride and rebellion, Lucifer sought to dethrone God (Isaiah 14:12-14). In response, God de-heavened Lucifer and one-third of the angels fell with him (Rev. 12:4). He showed up in the garden in the form of a serpent to tempt Eve. Through temptation, the enemy sought to get Eve to meet a legitimate need in an illegitimate way. The serpent caused Eve to doubt God’s Word. Instead of doing life God’s way and obeying God’s Word, Eve yielded to the promptings of the enemy and disobeyed God. Satan is still active in our world today. Through temptation, he seeks to get believers to meet their legitimate needs in illegitimate ways. The enemy tries to get children of God to take short cuts and to doubt God’s Word. God’s way is always the best way, yet the enemy will put seeds of doubt into the minds of believers. The seed of doubt will cause you to question God’s Word and to be suspect of God’s plan. You do not have to sacrifice your devotion to the Lord by watering the seeds the devil has sown. Your protection from the attacks of the enemy is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Your lifeline is God’s holy Word. You do not have to live in defeat. You do not have to operate in the erosive terrain of doubt. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Look to Him and put your confidence in His completed work on the cross. You are a child of the King! Your victory has been won by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Replace those seeds of doubt with faith! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Fasting God's Will Rewards

Partial Fast

“At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.” Dan 10:2-3 (NIV) The most common fast among believers is the partial fast. You choose to eliminate certain foods from your diet for a specific time in order to draw near to God. You can choose to give up all types of meat and only eat vegetables for a season. When you participate in a partial fast, you continue to drink fluids and you may also choose to eat certain foods. A partial fast could include suspending the consumption of coffee for a specified period of time. It could be a choice to abstain from desserts and other sweets for a season in order to seek God. Daniel chose to go on a partial fast for twenty-one days. God honored his commitment and gave Daniel a special revelation. Daniel was known for drawing near to God and seeking God’s agenda. The Lord honored Daniel’s obedience and devotion. You may want to consider embracing a partial fast where you eat the evening meal and then drink only water and juice until the following evening meal twenty-four hours later. You can spend breakfast and lunch praying and reading the Bible. Instead of feasting on food during those two meals, you can maximize that time by feasting on God’s Word. As you fast, consider journaling your journey with God. Write down or type what God shows you during the fast. Be sensitive to God’s activity and take note of what you are sensing from God. He may give you a specific verse from the Bible to meditate on. God may identify a relationship in your life that needs attention. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Fasting God's Will Spiritual Disciplines

The Absolute Fast

“Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: ‘Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.’” Esth 4:15-16 (NIV) 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. 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. Whenever you are facing a major decision or going through a season of uncertainty, consider inviting a few godly people to fast for you and to seek God on your behalf. 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. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Fasting God's Will Spiritual Disciplines

The Normal Fast

“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.” Luke 4:1-2 (NIV) God has blessed us with an appetite for food. Food fuels our body so that we cannot only survive, but thrive in this life God has for us. We crave food because our bodies need the nutrients food provides. We hunger for food and thirst for water. Our appetite drives us to eat and drink. Jesus had an appetite for food. He ate and drank to provide His body with the nutrients necessary to sustain life. Yet, Jesus was led by the Spirit to go on a forty day fast in the wilderness. During this time, Jesus did not eat anything. This type of fasting is considered the normal type of fasting in the Bible. Fasting for forty days is not normal, but abstaining from food for a season is normal for the follower of Jesus Christ. Have you ever gone on a fast? What was your experience like? What was the purpose behind the fast? God will call you to a fast so that you can draw near to Him. You choose to forego your desire for food in order to spend that time concentrating on praying, reading the Bible, and consecrating your life before the Lord. Instead of hungering for food, you re-direct your appetite to feasting on God. As you fast, you deliberately pursue God’s presence and yield to His prompting. If you sense God calling you to a normal fast, be sure to drink lots of water and consider a consistent intake of pure juices. Abstaining from food will challenge your self-control and test your faith. Rely on God’s strength to enable you to fast and to seek His face. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Fasting God's Will Reward

Fasting God’s Way

“‘But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.’” Matt 6:17-18 (NIV) Giving and praying are commanded in God’s Word. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were commanded to fast in preparation for the Day of Atonement. Nowhere else in the Bible is fasting commanded. Jesus completed His atoning work on the cross to provide the removal of our sin and the restoration of our relationship with God. Fasting is voluntary. Jesus made it clear that fasting should be a normal spiritual discipline in the life of a believer. Just as giving and praying flow out of our love relationship with Christ, so fasting is to be a normal practice in the life of every child of God. We are not to fast in order to be praised by others, but rather to concentrate on our relationship with the Lord. The hypocrites in Jesus’ day would fast to be seen of men. They fed their approval addiction by fasting publicly on Monday and Thursdays when the market was overflowing with the masses. They received their reward, namely, the praise of men, but bypassed the reward of God. They got what they were looking for! There is no need to put your spiritual discipline of fasting on display for others to see. John Piper has identified that there is a difference between fasting to be seen and being seen fasting. Fasting is to be done in secret to allow you to pursue God and to deepen your love relationship with Him. When you fast, it is proper to let your family members know so they will understand your reason behind not participating with them during mealtime. Also, they can pray for you specifically during your fast. God will reward what is done in secret. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Omniscience Petition Prayer

Before You Pray

“‘And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.’” Matt 6:7-8 (NIV) Before you pray, consider the One you are praying to. God has invited you into the most amazing conversation you will ever have. Prayer is having face-time with the One who designed you. God thought of you long before you thought of Him. You are privileged with the communication that will continue for eternity. Your love relationship with God is continual, perpetual, and eternal. God does not respond to your prayer based on the number of words you articulate. Unleashing a barrage of words does not give you favor with God. The prayer relationship God invites you into does not depend on excessive verbiage, but rather on the sufficiency of God’s omniscience. God knows everything about you and every detail of every situation surrounding your life. God is fully aware of your current reality. He knows where you have been, where you are, and where you are going. God knows your inmost fears and frustrations. Don’t be like the pagan who thinks he will be heard because of his catalogue of words. God knows exactly what you need before you ask Him. Prayer is not bringing God up on your circumstances, but bringing you up on God and His sovereignty over your circumstances. When you pray, be mindful of God’s activity in your life. Be alert to the awesome nature and character of God. The reality of prayer is an abiding comfort in that your lifeline to God is always connected. You have direct access to the One who gave His one and only Son to grant that access. What will you do with the honor and privilege of prayer? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Motives Prayer Reward

Praying God’s Way

“‘But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.’” Matt 6:6 (NIV) Do you have a special place where you go to spend unhurried time alone with God in prayer? Have you found a location that is conducive to meaningful conversation with the Creator of the universe? We live in such a fast paced and noisy world that sometimes it is a challenge to find a place of solitude. Praying requires focused attention on God. Seek to eliminate distractions and secure a place where you can enjoy unbroken fellowship with God in prayer. Jesus affirms the need for that special place. He reminds us that when we enter that room, we are to pray in secret and know that God sees the unseen. It takes discipline to spend time in prayer. Prayer is hard work because the enemy combats your desire to pray. The enemy does not want you to draw near to God. That’s one reason why having a special place for prayer helps you to focus and to diffuse the enemy’s attacks. Your prayer life doesn’t need to be a public display for public attention and affirmation. God rewards your prayer life. He knows how much time you are carving out for communication with Him. God knows the intensity of your pursuit and He rewards your obedience. He will reward you for praying His way. God’s way is always best for you. If you have been neglecting your prayer life, simply commit to find a place of prayer. Try to go there the same time each day and spend time in meaningful conversation with God. Listen for His voice of truth and clarity. God will reward your devotion and your diligence. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Generosity Giving Reward

Giving God’s Way

“‘So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.’” Matt 6:2-4 (NIV) What are you currently doing to benefit others? What resources has God made available to you? Are you using what God gives you to benefit others? You are blessed by God to be a blessing to others. Give secretly and God will reward you. It is not only what you give but how you give that moves the heart of God. God sees everything you do and everything you don’t do. God sees and knows. If you give to be seen of men, then that is the extent of your reward. However, when your giving is done in secret, God rewards you. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” 2 Cor 5:10 (NIV) “But just as you excel in everything–in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us –see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” 2 Cor 8:7 (NIV) Motive matters! God sees how much you give and God sees how you give. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Courage Faith God's Provision

Selecting Your View

“Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, ‘We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.’” Num 13:30 (NIV) Are you facing something beyond your reach? Have you been agonizing over anything lately? Your situation may be relational, familial, financial, or physical. Whatever you view as your greatest obstacle just might be the greatest opportunity for God to reveal His glory. After twelve of the Israelites returned from spying out the land of Canaan, they returned with a mixed report. Ten of the twelve indicated that the land was filled with giants and could not be conquered. Yet, Joshua and Caleb had a much different report. Instead of focusing on the giants, they focused on God and His ability to bring them into the land flowing with milk and honey. Caleb boldly proclaimed to the people that possession of the land was attainable. Which voices are you listening to? Are you listening to the voices of doubt and fear or to the voice of God? God knows where you are and the specifics of what you are facing. Remember, nothing is hidden from God. Nothing catches God by surprise. Our limited perspective does not limit God. God has a plan for you that factors in your circumstances. God will remove the obstacle or He will help you overcome the obstacle. God will eliminate the giant before you or elevate your faith to persevere in light of the giant you face. Nothing will thwart God’s will. Take possession of the land God is giving you. Nothing is impossible with God. Will you focus on the giant or focus on God? Will you view your circumstances from your perspective or from God’s perspective? If God has allowed this situation, He will use it for your good and His glory. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Fatigue God's Provision Stress

Compassion Fatigue

“The LORD said to Moses: ‘Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the Tent of Meeting, that they may stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone.’” Num 11:16-17 (NIV) Compassion fatigue is a reality in this life. When you love and care for people, you will experience fatigue. Life has a way of draining your energy and depleting your emotional reserves. Relationships can be refreshing and wonderful, yet some can be taxing and demanding. You can become weary to the point of total exhaustion. Moses hit a low point after caring for nearly two million Israelites. The journey of wandering in the wilderness had taken its toll. The Israelites were irritable and ungrateful for all that God had done and wanted to go back to Egypt. Moses felt the weight of their complaints. His emotional reserves were empty. God responded to the desperation Moses was experiencing by providing some much needed help. Moses could not bear this burden alone. God instructed Moses to bring a select group of Israel’s elders to the Tent of Meeting.  God put His Spirit on them and empowered them to help Moses carry the burden of the people. Are you overwhelmed by life? Have you experienced compassion fatigue? Maybe you are emotionally depleted and physically exhausted. Perhaps your load has exceeded your limit and you have no margin in your life. Ask God to bring some godly people into your life to help you carry the load. Ask God to show you what you need to stop doing, what you need to continue doing, and what you need to start doing. God will come to your rescue! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Blessing Prayer Relationships

Blessed to Bless

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Num 6:24-26 (NIV) Did you know that we are blessed by God to be a blessing to others? We are blessed to bless. God made us into relational beings so that we can relate to Him and relate to others. God placed us here to be a blessing. Moses instructed Aaron and his sons to articulate this priestly blessing over the Israelites. Nearly two million Israelites were wandering in the wilderness and weary from the journey. They were in need of a touch from God. God was ready to put His name on them and bless them (Num. 6:27). Aaron and his sons were to be the instruments of relaying the blessing from God. Would you be willing to pray this blessing over someone? As an individual comes to mind, simply pray this blessing over him or her. For example, if you were praying for an uncle, you would say, “Lord, bless my uncle and keep him. Lord, make Your face shine upon him and be gracious to him. Lord, turn Your face toward him and give him peace.” You can bless someone in prayer in this very moment. Think about people God has brought into your life as a blessing. Consider how blessed you have been by their time, their friendship, their generosity, and their kindness. Your life has been enriched by their presence in your life. They have blessed you. Now, you can be a blessing to them by praying for them and giving God thanks for them. Life would be so empty without meaningful relationships. Who will you bless today? Remember, you are blessed to bless! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Evangelism Purity Soulwinning

Irresistible

“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:11-12 (NIV) As followers of Jesus Christ, we are in the world, but not of the world. We are considered aliens and strangers in the world. God has saved us from our sin and called us to Himself. We are His workmanship (Eph 2:10) and His ambassadors (2 Cor 5:20). God has done a gracious work in us so that He can do a redemptive work through us. God wants us to be an irresistible influence in our world. Living with eternity in mind will help us to protect our priorities and to reflect what God values. Our testimony will be strengthened by our devotion to living a life of moral purity. Sinful desires war against our soul. Sin infects us and affects our effectiveness in influencing a lost and dying world toward Christ. Let’s commit to stay close and clean. Our purity paves the way for connectivity with a fallen world. God wants us to stay clean and live such good lives among lost people that will cause them to glorify God. Is there anyone following Jesus as a result of following you? Have you become an irresistible influence for Christ right where you are? Are others being drawn to Christ because of your conversation and your conduct? Consider the people God has brought in your path over the past few weeks. How has your life impacted their lives? Was the life of Christ in you evident to them? Portray Christ in a real way to a real world in real need. You may be the only Jesus others see. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Faith God's Will Heaven

Longing for Heaven

“All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.” Heb 11:13 (NIV) Are you living by faith and longing for heaven? God created you for eternity. Your life on earth is just a short stay in light of eternity. Yet, God has a purpose for your life and a mission for you to fulfill during your earthly existence. Your life is ordained by God and for God. The Hall of Faith in Hebrews chapter eleven captures the lives of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and a host of others. They were still living by faith when they died. They were longing for a better country—a heavenly one (Heb. 11:16). They lived their lives as aliens and strangers on earth. Don’t get too attached to this life on planet earth. You were not designed to live here forever. God created you with eternity in mind. Your eternal destination in heaven is determined by your faith alone in Christ alone by God’s grace alone. Once you turn your life over to Christ, eternal life in heaven becomes your reality. Until you get to heaven, God wants you to continue the ministry of Jesus on the earth. Shine the light of Jesus and share the love of Jesus with others. Bloom where God has planted you and allow Him to use you to bring others into relationship with Jesus. Living by faith involves trusting God to accomplish His plan through your life. Yield to His Lordship and to His leadership and enjoy the journey of being on mission with God. Live by faith and long for heaven. One day you will cross over from this life into the next. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Confession Self-righteousness Sin

Removing the Plank

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Matt 7:3-5 (NIV) Jesus exposed the sin of self-righteousness. He identified our tendency to embrace a higher standard when evaluating others. We become preoccupied with judging others extensively to the neglect of examining our own lives accurately. While bearing a plank in our own eye, we seek to isolate the speck of sawdust in the eye of someone else. We fail to come to grips with the truth of our current reality. Self-righteousness erodes our relationship with others and with God. Self-righteousness is a byproduct of an inflamed pride and arrogance. We forget where we were when Jesus came to our rescue. We begin to think of ourselves more highly than we ought. The antidote to self-righteousness is humility. The first step toward humility is embracing a proper view of yourself. Begin to view your life in light of the holiness of God. Ask the Lord to search your heart (Ps. 139:23). As God reveals the presence of self-righteousness in your life, confess it as an offense to Him. Acknowledge your sin before God and receive His provision of forgiveness. Confess sin immediately and specifically. Now ask God to help you love the person you have been judging. Ask God to remind you of that person’s value in God’s eyes. Pray for God to give you the capacity to see that person the way God does. It’s time to yank the plank. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Heaven Perspective Suffering

Looking Down From Heaven

(Today’s Devotional Submitted by Guest Writer: Jeff Skipper, Associate Pastor of Student Ministries, Champion Forest Baptist Church) “After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.’ At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.” Rev 4:1-2 (NIV) If you have lived very long in this world you know life can be downright difficult at times. We are faced daily with disappointment, defeat, destruction, devastation, desolation, divorce, and death. The interesting thing is the Bible promises this type of suffering. The good news is that we are also promised it is only temporary and it will produce in us something that far outweighs all that we suffer. God offers John a view that none of us will get before the second coming, yet we need to understand that view. John finds himself in a transcendent reality where he sees for the first time the world from God’s throne room! He sees death, destruction, disappointment, Nero, the Roman Empire, the past, present, and future from heaven! It’s as if he is looking down on his life through God’s eyes. Have you been struggling in this life? Have you had a bad day? How about a bad year? What if, for just a moment, you were called to God’s throne room and you could see your situation from heaven’s perspective? Remember that the island of disappointment and doubt you find yourself in is only temporary, for God has something in store for you that far outweighs it: heaven. I pray that you will see life today from heaven’s perspective. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Courage Sovereignty Worrying

Live In The Moment

(Today’s Devotional Submitted by Guest Writer: Cheryl Spafford, Minister to Girls, Champion Forest Baptist Church) “‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Deut 31:6 (NIV) Ever since I was in High School there have been two quotes that have either been tucked away in the pages of my Bible, attached to my dashboard, or taped up on the nearest mirror or bulletin board. They’re both written on the same card, one on each side. Depending on the circumstances of the moment I have one or the other always visibly before me while getting ready to take on the day or spending time in God’s Word. The first quote is by the late Jim Elliot and it reads, “Receive this moment’s experience with both hands. Don’t waste it. Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.” The second quote is by his wife Elisabeth and it reads, “A quiet heart is content with what God gives. It is enough. All is grace. All is under my Father’s control. My heart is at peace. My Father is in charge, how simple.” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve prayed for courage. I need courage to stand up for what’s right, courage to speak truth, courage to live by faith, and courage to be still and simply wait on the Lord when everything within me wants to run. I don’t want to be fearful nor found lacking in faith. Sometimes I feel that if the Lord would just give me a monthly booster shot of courage that I could be so much more effective for Him in my Christian walk. What are some areas in your life that challenge your faith and reliance on God’s sovereignty? If we look to the Father and allow our confidence and security to be found in Him, then anything else we have or don’t have doesn’t really matter. Find out about the true peace we can have in the Lord when we choose not to be afraid because the Lord is near (Php. 4:4-9). Our security is in Christ. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell