Author: Stephen Trammell

Categories
Faith

Relational

Religion is like a vaccination. It will give you just enough to keep you from getting the real thing. Religion is our attempt to reach up to God.   God desires relationship. Relationship is demonstrated by God coming down to us. The Creator coming down to His created ones. Though we are fallen, flawed, and fall short, God in His love and through His grace comes down to us. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast.” Eph 2:8-9 (NIV) Our love relationship with God is made possible by His grace. Yet, this eternal relationship is transacted through our faith response. Our faith, plus works, does not bring forth justification. Our faith response to God’s offer of salvation opens the door to justification which in turn produces an outflow of good works. Faith includes accurate knowledge, belief, and commitment. It is not enough to know that Jesus lived and died and rose again. You must believe that Jesus is the sinless, spotless, and sacrificial Lamb of God who paid the penalty for your sins. Faith involves belief that results in commitment and full surrender of your life to the Lordship of Christ. Got faith? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor (This devotional was originally posted in ’07 or ’08. I’m taking a break from writing for a season of personal renewal.) Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Display

On Display

During my sophomore year in High School, I worked in a large grocery store. After spending a week outside fetching grocery carts, I was promoted to mopping floors on the inside. A few weeks later I catapulted to the next level, that of being a display clerk. My job was to build captivating displays at the end of each aisle. Customers who came in just for milk and bread would often be drawn to one of the displays and end up purchasing one of the featured items. God specializes in displaying His grace by featuring His children. One of God’s featured converts was Saul who became Paul. God intersected Saul’s path on the road to Damascus and transformed his life. Saul became Paul and was transformed from being a persecutor of the church to a preacher of the Gospel. He was transformed from a murderer to a minister. Later in Paul’s life, he writes to one of his young sons in the ministry, Timothy, to describe how God specializes in placing His children on the display of His transforming grace. “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” 1 Tim 1:15-16 (NIV) Wow! God is so good! Now take a look at another reality of our being rightly related to God in Christ. “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” Eph 2:6-7 (NIV) God will display what He transforms. God will show off those who have experienced His grace expressed in His kindness to them in Christ. Will you allow His grace and kindness expressed to you be put on display this week? Are you willing to start viewing others through the lens of God’s tenderness and patience He extends to you? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor (This devotional was originally posted in ’07 or ’08. I’m taking a break from writing for a season of personal renewal.) Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Alive with Christ

Alive with Christ

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions–it is by grace you have been saved.” Eph 2:4-5 (NIV) Why would God go to such lengths to rescue us and redeem us? God’s great love and rich mercy are two reasons God comes to our rescue. His love is limitless. His mercy is proportionate to His love. Even when we were dead in our sinful indulgence, God made us alive with Christ. We were hopeless and destitute, but God resurrected us from our deadness. God did for us that which we could not do for ourselves. “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.” Romans 6:11-12 (NIV) What is your response to God’s initiative? Have you turned your life over to Christ and fully submitted to His Lordship? Have you measured His love and received His mercy? Then, you have been made alive with Christ. You are dead to sin but alive in Christ. “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Col 3:3-4 (NIV) Will you allow Christ to live His life through you today? The best is yet to come! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor (This devotional was originally posted in ’07 or ’08. I’m taking a break from writing for a season of personal renewal.) Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Enlightenment

Enlighted Hearts

Do you remember the Polaroid cameras that produced the photo for you within a minute of you taking the picture? Now we have digital cameras that provide a picture instantly. The old Polaroid cameras were considered state of the art innovation in its time. You would take a picture and then watch it develop right before your eyes. That process of development is similar to the Greek word, “photizo”, which Paul uses in his letter to the saints in Ephesus. This particular Greek word is translated as “enlightened.” Notice how Paul uses the word in the following context. “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.” Eph 1:18 (NIV) Your heart, which represents your capacity to understand and comprehend God’s truth, has room to grow. Your ability to know, grasp, and understand has the potential to develop. You can grow in your knowing. God wants you to be enlightened. God desires for you to develop in your knowledge of Him. Personalize Ephesians 1:18 and pray through it by asking God to open the eyes of your heart. God will unveil His Word to you in a personal and powerful way. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor (This devotional was originally posted in ’07 or ’08. I’m taking a break from writing for a season of personal renewal.) Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Strategic Praying

Strategic Praying

 “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Eph 1:16 (NIV) Is somebody praying for you? I want you to begin to calculate where you would be had it not been for the people who have prayed for you. Your name, your circumstances, and your future have been placed before the throne of God by those people who have prayed for you. God has a unique way of prompting people to pray for you. He will nudge them with a gentle reminder of your life. They may respond by praying for you to realize God’s will. Maybe they pray for you to have a heightened awareness of God’s presence and activity. Paul exhibited a deep love for the saints in Ephesus. He constantly thanked God for them and for their obvious faith in the Lord and their love for their fellow believers. Paul consistently remembered them in his prayers. They were as natural to his prayer life as water to a fish. Carve out a few moments right now to thank God for the people who have prayed for you. This could get emotional! It’s okay. You matter to God and He deeply loves you and cares for you. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor (This devotional was originally posted in ’07 or ’08. I’m taking a break from writing for a season of personal renewal.) Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Love

Active Love

 “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” 1 John 3:17 (NIV) When you pull up to a traffic signal and notice a man holding a cardboard sign saying, “Need food! Please help!” What kind of thoughts race through your mind? Do you wrestle with the notion to roll down your window and extend a dollar bill or maybe even a five dollar bill? Then again, you may start pondering what he might spend the money on. In your mind you are thinking that he may take the money and go buy alcohol, cigarettes, or a lottery ticket. You question whether he will really use the money to buy food as his sign advertised. Does God expect us to use good judgment? Yes! But, God also expects us to help meet needs. Remember this concept: God does not bless you based on how that person spends the money you give. God blesses you based on your heart in giving to meet needs. John takes the concept of meeting needs into the arena of the family of God. We are to help fellow believers. In fact, if we are unwilling to use the resources God has blessed us with to help a brother in need, then how can the love of God be in us. In other words, God’s love is evidenced as we meet needs. God’s love compels us to be generous. Generosity will not flow naturally. It is a supernatural experience. God has blessed us to be a blessing. Ask God to show you some needs this week that He wants you to meet for His glory! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor (This devotional was originally posted in ’07 or ’08. I’m taking a break from writing for a season of personal renewal.) Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Sacrifice

Willing Sacrifice

 “When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.” Gen 22:9-10 (NIV) Is there anything in your life that takes priority over your relationship with Jesus? Are there any allurements sifting your affection away from your devotion to Christ? Do you have an Isaac in your life that you are unwilling to sacrifice? Abraham demonstrated absolute loyalty and devotion to God by his willingness to sacrifice his promised son. Abraham and Sarah were beyond child bearing years. Yet, God provided the miracle of Isaac’s conception. Now God is asking Abraham to sacrifice that which was promised to him. What is standing in the way of your realization of unbroken fellowship with God? What is taking the number one place of prominence in your life which is reserved for God? Whatever that item, ambition, or person is may be your Isaac. Could it be that God wants you to sacrifice that Isaac in your life to enable God to have top priority in your life? God wants first place in your daily walk. God wants to be the supreme object of your energy and affection. He not only deserves it, but He demands it. Spend a few moments taking inventory of your current priorities and identify what is preventing God from being your top priority. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor (This devotional was originally posted in ’07 or ’08. I’m taking a break from writing for a season of personal renewal.) Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Obedience

Simple Obedience

 “So Abram left, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran.” Gen 12:4 (NIV) What is keeping you from obeying God? Do you fear the unknown? Are you uncomfortable making a move without having more information? Maybe God has chosen to limit His revelation to match your obedience. Once you obey what He has already said, then He will show you the next step. Abram took God at His word! He simply obeyed God. God told Abram to leave and go to a land that He would show him. Guess what? Abram left, as the Lord told him. He obeyed. You can never go wrong obeying God. His way is always the best way. Even when it doesn’t make sense or seem remotely logical, God’s way is the right way. If you are confused about your next step, just obey what He has already said. Start there! Identify what you are wrestling with right now? What is keeping you from taking the next step? Place that fear or frustration before the Lord in prayer and see how He helps you take the next step. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor (This devotional was originally posted in ’07 or ’08. I’m taking a break from writing for a season of personal renewal.) Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Orchestration

Sovereign Orchestration

 “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.” Eph 1:11-12 (NIV) Has your life ever become complicated and messy? Have you traveled down a road you never thought you would view? Living in a fallen world tends to cause us to experience unexpected turns in life. Either we make poor choices or the decisions of others negatively affect us. It may be a relationship that has diverted into unhealthy patterns or personal behaviors that drift away from God’s best. The good news is that God is sovereign. He rules and He reigns. He always has the final say in any and every situation. Even when you make a disastrous move, God can orchestrate your path for your good and His glory. Notice how our Bible verse says that God works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will. He is God! There is nothing that is impossible with Him. He can handle your situation. He can handle your relationships. God orchestrates everything we encounter to bring about His will. Right now your current challenge may seem like an uphill climb dragging two dead elephants. God can take any difficult situation and orchestrate the details to conform to His plan. Are you willing to surrender your hurts, your frustrations, your disappointments, and your fears to God? Release them and entrust them to God’s sovereign care. He is the master conductor in the orchestra called life. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor (This devotional was originally posted in ’07 or ’08. I’m taking a break from writing for a season of personal renewal.) Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Favor

Divine Favor

 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV) While you were sleeping, God was working. He does not sleep. God is always at work. His work is continuous and consistent. Whatever you are facing today, God is working. Whatever you are dreading today, God is working. Whatever you are fearing today, God is working. In all things, God works! He takes the initiative. Regardless of how confusing your current circumstance may seem to you, God is at work. He takes the initiative to work for your good and His glory. In all things God works for the good of those who love Him. Do you love Him? Have you been called according to His purpose? Then you can walk in assurance today knowing that in all the things you face, in all the things you are wrestling with, in all the things that seem impossible, God works for your good. He will do what is best for you. He formed you and fashioned you and He will orchestrate all of the circumstances that surround you in order to work for your good.  Now that is the favor of God! You are favored by God. You are His treasure. Trust Him. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor (This devotional was originally posted in ’07 or ’08. I’m taking a break from writing for a season of personal renewal.) Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Memory

Utilizing Memory

 “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.” Psalms 51:3 (NIV) How’s your memory? Can you remember your favorite vacation from your childhood? Can you remember learning how to swim or braving the high diving board for the first time? Do you remember the day you got your driver’s license? There’s power in memory. Memory can paralyze us with fear or mobilize us to persevere. Memory can blockade us like a brick wall or project us forward like a smooth water slide. It depends on how you utilize your memory. Satan uses memory to ridicule and demean us. He uses our memory to stifle our growth and to discredit our progress. Satan will bring to our minds the darkness of our past in order to cripple us. Yet, where Satan seeks to bring death and destruction, God can bring life and victory! God uses memory to remind us where we would be without His abundant grace and abiding peace. God allows us to remember our sin so that we will know where He brought us from. David acknowledged his sin. David affirmed the reality of sin always being before him in his memory. The question is not: Why do I remember my sin? The question is: What will I do in response to my ability to remember my sin? God wants us to remember that He rescued us from our sin so that we can live the abundant life. So, when Satan reminds you of your past just remind him of God’s provision of cleansing through the shed blood of His Son and our Savior, the Lord Jesus! Yes! Now that’s using memory in victory! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor (This devotional was originally posted in ’07 or ’08. I’m taking a break from writing for a season of personal renewal.) Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Personalization Transgression

Personalization

 “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.” Psalms 51:1 (NIV) David came to the point of desperation after committing the sins of adultery and murder. God used the prophet Nathan to confront David. Nathan used a parable to personalize David’s sin and then injected the piercing accusatory statement, “You are the man!” Have you heard these lyrics before? “It’s me! It’s me O Lord, standing in the need of prayer!” Both David and the prodigal son would have embraced this song. It is common throughout our earthly existence to go through seasons of personalization. In fact, if you want to become Christ-like and reach your God-given potential then you must be willing to acknowledge your sin personally. Personalization is looking into the mirror and confronting the reality of your own sin before you start judging others. The next step is to personalize God’s mercy, unfailing love, and compassion. Now let’s get personal. What specific area of your life is in desperate need of God’s touch? Identify the sin that entangles you and trace Satan’s strategy. How does the enemy attack you? When are you most susceptible to sin? Where are you when you are most vulnerable to the enemy’s flaming arrows? Is it when you travel? Is it when you are home alone? Is it when you are at work? Personalize Psalms 51:1 and pray it to God right now. Go ahead and pray this Scripture and see how God reveals his mercy, unfailing love, and compassion. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor (This devotional was originally posted in ’07 or ’08. I’m taking a break from writing for a season of personal renewal.) Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Soul Consciousness

Soul Consciousness

“The harvest is past, the summer has ended, and we are not saved.” Jer 8:20 (NIV)  How much time do you have left on earth? How many people will die without a saving relationship with Jesus Christ within the next twenty-four hours? What difference will your life make in light of eternity?  Jesus modeled a deep abiding passion for souls. The Bible says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost”(Luke 19:10 NIV). Jesus never lost His focus of redeeming the lost. He did not neglect His mission to save the lost at any cost.  How many lost people are in your sphere of influence? What kind of relational bridge are you building to them? What are you willing to do to introduce them to a saving relationship with Jesus?  Pray this prayer with me. “Father, forgive me for my passive neglect. Forgive me for being so self-absorbed that I have minimized the urgency of soul-winning. Elevate my soul consciousness. Give me eyes to see lost people in their desperation. Anoint me with the courage of Jesus. Empower me to be your witness and to be your laborer in the harvest field. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”  Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor (This devotional was originally posted in ’07 or ’08. I’m taking a break from writing for a season of personal renewal.) Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell      

Categories
Reliance Rest

Refreshing Reliance

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Mt. 11:28-30 (NIV) Jesus is always on time. He knows just what we need right when we need it. His invitation to join Him and to find rest in Him is the antidote to our fast pace lifestyle. As one person said, “If we don’t learn to come apart, we will come apart!” Why do we feel guilty when we slow down? Why do we gravitate toward the performance trap and end up equating productivity with spirituality? Sometimes the most spiritual move we can make is to slow down and experience the rest Jesus offers. Be sure to notice in our verse for today that there is a prerequisite to encountering His rest. We must be willing to come to Him. We must be willing to take the initiative to respond to His invitation. That just doesn’t fit our adrenaline addicted society. We tend to long for the next high or the next rush. Maybe we can just capture a few more sips of caffeinated coffee. Will that deliver what we need most? Perhaps the invitation is to come to the place of total reliance upon God. If I yoke up with Him, then I will have to be willing to go where He goes and embrace the pace He sets. Remember, His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Sounds refreshing! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor (This devotional was originally posted in ’07 or ’08. I’m taking a break from writing for a season of personal renewal.) Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Fasting Giving Praying Rewards

Rewards of Serving

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Col 3:23-24 (NIV) What motivates you to serve? Do you serve for immediate recognition or eternal reward? Who is calculating your service? Jesus is the Rewarder! As you live to please Him and serve Him, Jesus rewards you personally both now and in the life to come. Your belief determines where you spend eternity. Your behavior determines how you will spend eternity. Jesus rewards your obedience in serving Him. Personal Reward for Giving: “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 6:3-4 (NIV) Personal Reward for Praying: “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) Personal Reward for Fasting: “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) Your life counts. Are you willing to allow Jesus to live in you and through you today in order to serve others? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor (This devotional was originally posted in ’07 or ’08. I’m taking a break from writing for a season of personal renewal.) Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Intentionality Stability Unity

Intentional Serving

“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Josh 24:15 (NIV) Once you decide to serve the Lord, your life becomes intentional. You begin to live on purpose. In serving Jesus, you are drawn to connect with His family. Jesus is in charge! “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Eph 1:22-23 (NIV) “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Eph 4:16 (NIV) Stability flows from the Head, Jesus, down to the members of His Body, the church. The church is connected and held together by every supporting member. The design is for the church to grow and build itself up as each member does his or her part. Serving together as a team produces organizational stability. The local church is an organism that God grows as we serve. Stability is the byproduct of a church family serving together in unity. Unity produces stability. Does that describe the church you are connected to? Are you soaking or serving? Are you a spectator or a participator? Are you a consumer or a contributor? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor (This devotional was originally posted in ’07 or ’08. I’m taking a break from writing for a season of personal renewal.) Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Jesus Serving others Unity

Carrying Your Corner

“Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’” Mark 2:3-5 (NIV) Are you carrying your corner? What if one of the men decided not to carry his corner? Would the paralytic have made it to Jesus and received healing? Jesus saw their faith and healed the paralytic. Each man was carrying his corner. When you serve through the ministry of the local church with others, God produces the practical unity to fulfill His plan. God honors the unified body of believers who are committed to being on mission with Him. Unity is a mark of spiritual maturity. Jesus exemplified unity in His relationship with our Heavenly Father and with His disciples. Have you been brought to complete unity with the local expression of the Body of Christ, His Church? Is there anyone that you need to make things right with? Don’t hesitate to do the right thing in order to honor God and to bring unity to His Body. Do whatever it takes to ensure unity. Serving the one who offended you will produce practical unity. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor (This devotional was originally posted in ’07 or ’08. I’m taking a break from writing for a season of personal renewal.) Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Prayer Serving Serving others

Putting Feet to Your Prayer Life

“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” Acts 2:41 (NIV) As you grow you serve and as you serve you grow. In the midst of your serving, God brings others into the equation. He will bring people into your path to give you an opportunity to serve them and to meet their needs. At other times, God will bring people into your life to help meet your needs. Serving puts feet to your prayer life. Serving gives evidence to a watching world that you are living to benefit others. When you give your life away through selfless service, God multiplies your impact. “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Matt 25:35-36 (NIV) Remember, you are never more like Jesus than when you are serving. As you live out the Christ-centered life in a self-absorbed world, God will use you to bring others into the Kingdom. That’s right! Heaven’s population is multiplied by your faithfulness in serving the Living God. Keep investing in the lives of others. Continue to shine His light and share His love through serving. God will add to our number. God will draw people to know His love as you serve sacrificially. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor (This devotional was originally posted in ’07 or ’08. I’m taking a break from writing for a season of personal renewal.) Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Selflessness Serving Spiritual Maturity

Developing Spiritual Muscles

“Then will I purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him shoulder to shoulder.” Zeph 3:9 (NIV) As you serve God by serving others you develop spiritual muscles. Spiritual growth produces serving and serving produces spiritual growth. God does not want you to stay where you are in your spiritual development. God wants you to grow spiritually and to demonstrate that spiritual growth through serving. Serving involves placing the needs of others before your own. To be other-centered is to follow the example of Jesus and to give evidence of spiritual growth. Serving is a process of allowing the life of Christ to be realized through your life to others. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Phil 2:3-4 (NIV) Selfishness is an indication of spiritual immaturity. Selflessness is an indication of spiritual maturity. What will you model today, selfishness or selflessness? Will you diligently serve others today or persistently seek to be served by others? Spend a few moments right now expressing your availability to God for His use. Allow Him to have His way in your life today. Even when you don’t feel like serving others, faith it until you feel it. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor (This devotional was originally posted in ’07 or ’08. I’m taking a break from writing for a season of personal renewal.) Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Conformity Wrestling with God

A Night of Wrestling

“So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man.” Gen 32:24-25 (NIV) Have you ever wrestled with God? Who won? Wrestling is part of being God’s workmanship. Jacob, as God’s workmanship, came to know God in a new way after a night of wrestling. Just like in weight training, without resistance there is no growth. God allows us to go through seasons of uncertainty. God allows us to experience seasons of silence and yes, even seasons of suffering. We wrestle with God in those seasons. Our faith is challenged and often our prayer life is stretched. We come to know God by experience. Sometimes that experience involves pain. As God’s workmanship, Jacob came away from the night of wrestling with a limp and a new name. You don’t come into close proximity with the living God and leave the same. God gave Jacob the name Israel, which means God prevails. Jacob was known as a deceiver, but God gave him a new name to live up to. Jacob would become the patriarch of the twelve tribes of Israel. God is for you. He is willingly to go to any length to bring you into a vibrant, intimate, and growing relationship that is eternal. God will pursue you and groom you so that you will be conformed into the image of Christ. Your life matters to God. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
End Times Judgment Seat of Christ Stewardship

Giving an Account

“So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12 (NIV) God sees every moment of your life. God will hear every word you speak today. Each act of kindness will not go unnoticed. Your thoughts, your motives, and your attitude will not escape His attention. God is all knowing and all seeing. Has it ever occurred to you that nothing ever occurs to God? Nothing catches God by surprise. One day you will stand before God to give an account for your life. As a follower of Christ, your sins have been forgiven. The penalty for your sin debt has been paid in full. Jesus took your sin upon Himself and received the full wrath of God for your sin. As a believer, you will not stand before God to determine your eternal destiny. Where you spend eternity is solidified by your belief in the atoning work of Christ on the cross. Salvation is not in question. When you stand before God, you will give an account for how you invested the life God has given you. You are a steward of the blessings and opportunities God gives you. What have you done with all that God has entrusted to your care? Have you been faithful to join God in His redemptive activity? Have you employed your spiritual gifts in service to God through His local church? Every moment matters to God; so make every moment count. Don’t squander your life. Live in light of standing before God one day to give an account. Make decisions based on what God has said in His word and what God will say when you stand before Him. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
End Times Judgment Seat of Christ Stewardship

Appearing Before the Judgment Seat

“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) Everyone will live forever somewhere. What you do with Christ during your brief stay on planet earth will determine whether you spend eternity in heaven or hell. Your response to God’s offer of salvation is the deciding factor to your eternal destination. As Bruce Wilkinson says, “Your belief determines where you will spend eternity; your behavior determines how you will spend eternity.” “You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.” Romans 14:10 (NIV) “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Phil 2:9-11 (NIV) Every human being will stand before God to give an account for his or her life. Every person will bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord! Those who reject God’s offer of salvation while living on earth will still bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, but it will be eternally too late. Believers will go to the Judgment Seat of Christ to receive reward and heaven while unbelievers will go to the White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:11-15) to receive punishment and hell. Live circumspectly! Live in full awareness of God’s holiness, purity, and justice! Take as many people with you to heaven as you possibly can in full surrender to the Spirit’s control. Make the most of every opportunity! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Salvation Works

Salvation Works

“You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless ? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.” James 2:20-22 (NIV) Your good works will not produce salvation. If only you could work your way to heaven! Then the challenge would be knowing how much work would be required by God for you to deserve entrance into heaven. How would you know if you have done enough to get there? What if you almost made it, but fell short by one good deed? Fortunately, God does not base your salvation on your works. The Bible does not present a works salvation, but a salvation that works. You cannot work for your salvation, but your salvation will be evidenced by good works. In response to God’s gracious gift of salvation, you will want to express your appreciation to God through deeds of righteousness. Your deeds will not produce righteousness, but your righteousness in Christ will produce righteous deeds. Your “want to” changes as a result of your salvation. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Cor 5:21 (NIV) “Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.” 1 John 3:24 (NIV) Your salvation is a gift from God and is marked by a life of obedience. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Jesus Worship

Being a True Worshiper

“‘Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.’” John 4:23-24 (NIV) In His interaction with the woman at the well, Jesus confronted the reality of her relational choices. She shifted the focus of their conversation from her personal life to the subject of religion. She expressed her views on worship. Her theology of worship centered on the place of worship rather than the purpose of worship. Jesus defined true worshipers as those who worship the Father in spirit and truth. Religion is not sufficient to develop a person into a true worshiper. In fact, just as a flu shot will give you just enough of the flu to keep you from getting the real thing, religion can inoculate you from developing a vibrant love relationship with God. Religion, ritual, and routine are not adequate. Without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a person cannot become a true worshiper of the living God. Once you become a follower of Christ, you are to become the kind of worshiper the Father seeks. Express your love to God through personal and corporate worship. Ascribe worth to God by making Him your top priority and embracing Him as the object of your affection. Are you the kind of worshiper the Father seeks? Do you worship in spirit and in truth? Do you go to church to worship or do you go to church worshiping? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Grace Greatness

Abiding in Grace

“Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.” Eph 3:8-9 (NIV) Have you ever met someone who was great and they didn’t know it? In other words, they were simply being who God made them to be and didn’t build a tower of recognition for themselves. Paul was great and didn’t know it. He understood that his usability was proportionate to God’s dispensing of immeasurable grace. His validation came through recognition of his desperation for God’s mercy and grace. Paul was only great because of the greatness of God’s grace. Only through Paul’s humility and dependency upon God was he enabled to hyper-focus on the mission of bringing clarity to the mystery of the gospel for the people in need of salvation. Abiding in God’s grace was vital to Paul’s effectiveness in ministry. Paul recognized God’s grace at work through his life (Gal. 2:20). Does your behavior bring clarity to the gospel for those watching your life? Are you drawing people to Christ or repelling them from Christ? May the fog lift and the gospel clearly go forth through opportunities God gives you this week to make Jesus known. Is there any greater vision to give your life to than that of bringing the gospel to the nations beginning right where you are? The grace you have received is the grace needed to bring salvation to those disconnected from Christ. As you abide in God’s grace, allow God to use you in the redemptive process. Put God’s grace on display (1 Tim. 1:14). Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
I am sayings Jesus Salvation

The Only Way

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6 (NIV) Often I have heard people insert their belief that “we are all trying to get to the same place, just taking different paths to get there.” Scripture does not affirm that belief.  In fact, there is only one way to get to heaven. Jesus is the only way! Now that is both exclusive and inclusive. Those who reject Jesus as the only way don’t receive the benefit of eternal life in heaven. They are excluded from heaven for failing to accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. Be informed, since Jesus is the only way to heaven, you can know for certain that you have the gift of eternal life. Everyone who trusts in Jesus alone for salvation is included in the eternal benefits of that decision. “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) “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 (NIV) “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (NIV) Have you met the way? Have you embraced the truth? Have you experienced the life? Be informed and be transformed by the only One who can make an eternal difference in your life, Jesus. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Good Shepherd I am sayings Value

Valued by the Shepherd

“‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.’” John 10:11 (NIV) Your value is not determined by your portfolio. Your value is not determined by your performance. Your value is not determined by your personality. Your value is determined by what God has done on your behalf. Before you could do anything with God or for God, in His mercy and grace, God decided what to do with you and for you. Your value was established before you were born. Then, God provided a tangible demonstration and validation of your value when He became man. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (NIV) “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NIV) “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Cor 5:21 (NIV) Is the Lord your shepherd? Have you allowed Him to be the shepherd and overseer of your soul? Now think about your value in God’s economy. You are the apple of God’s eye. You are His treasure. Look around! Do you see other people in your weekly routine? Guess what? God values them, too. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Eternal security I am sayings

Eternal Security

“Therefore Jesus said again, ‘I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep.’” John 10:7 (NIV) My security in Christ is not based on my feelings. There are days when my emotional security may be threatened. There are days when I just don’t feel safe and secure. Fortunately, my security is not anchored to my feelings. My eternal security is found in Jesus completely. “‘I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’” John 10:9-10 (NIV) Because He is the gate, you are secure. After placing your trust in the completed work of Jesus on the cross, you are completely saved. Your eternal security is not based on your daily performance, but on the finished work of Jesus on the cross. You didn’t earn salvation and you cannot lose your salvation. The same One who saved you is the One who keeps you. As a believer, if you choose to sin, you will face consequences. You don’t lose your salvation, but your fellowship with Jesus will be strained and your ability to bear the fruit of the Spirit will be inhibited. Confess your sin now. Specifically agree with God concerning your sin. Remember what you were saved from! Now walk with Jesus and He will help you find pasture. Jesus will help you develop authentic relationships with other believers and He will help you develop spiritual disciplines to nurture His life in you. Jesus will help you build intentional relationships with unsaved people so that you can shine His light and share His love with them. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
I am sayings Light of the World

Illuminating Your World

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12 (NIV) Everything changed on March 28, 1979, when I received God’s gift of eternal life. Jesus, the light of the world, took up residence in my heart and has illuminated my life both inwardly and outwardly. My ambitions, my desires, and my outlook took on a new perspective. The character of Christ has been daily formed in me. Throughout the years, His light has informed me of areas that need to be brought under His Lordship. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” Eph 5:8 (NIV) “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Col 1:13-14 (NIV) Jesus wants to not only shine in you but also to shine through you. His light through your life alters the world around you. Every interaction becomes intentional. Each conversation becomes an opportunity to allow Jesus to shine His light through you. Just as light influences darkness, Jesus has saved you and set you apart to influence others. Because He is the light of the world, you are illuminated. Now, illuminate the environments that God places you in. Allow the light of Jesus to shine brightly through your life today. Eternity is at stake! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Bread of Life I am sayings Nourishment

Soul Nourishment

“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.’” John 6:35 (NIV) Jesus had fed the multitudes with a boy’s lunch consisting of two small fish and fives loaves of bread. As S.M. Lockridge used to say, “God is the only One who can multiply two times five and get five-thousand.” The people were fixated on the miracle of multiplication and bypassed the miracle worker, Jesus. Instead of believing in the One who provided the bread, they were content to have their appetites fulfilled with earthly bread. “Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’” John 6:32-33 (NIV) Jesus is the true bread from heaven. He has come to give life to the world. Jesus is the bread of life. Because He is the bread of life, I am nourished. My soul is satisfied. The hole in my heart has been filled. My life is now complete. My life now makes sense. As John Piper says, “God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him.” Have you come to that place of recognizing Jesus as the bread of life? Has Jesus become your Source for life? Are you most satisfied in Him? Because Jesus is the bread of life, you are nourished. By placing your faith in the atoning work of Christ on the cross, you become a child of God. Your new identity includes that of Jesus becoming the bread of your life. Jesus is now your nourishment. He is now your reason for living. Jesus is your Source! Are you daily nurturing the life of Christ in you? Close your eyes and spend some unhurried time alone with God in prayer. Thank Him for being your provider, your peace, and your protector. Allow Jesus to nourish your soul. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor