Author: Stephen Trammell

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Faith Provision Something Great

Something Great for God (4)

Stretch…God will help you. “Besides, in my devotion to the temple of my God I now give my personal treasures of gold and silver for the temple of my God, over and above everything I have provided for this holy temple: three thousand talents of gold (gold of Ophir) and seven thousand talents of refined silver, for the overlaying of the walls of the buildings, for the gold work and the silver work, and for all the work to be done by the craftsmen. Now, who is willing to consecrate himself today to the LORD?” 1 Chron 29:3-5 (NIV) Love has an amazing influence. We know that God is love. God has demonstrated His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8). God gave us His best by allowing Jesus to die on the cross to pay the penalty of our sin and to provide eternal life. Love is an attribute of God’s character that is clearly expressed in the redemptive process. You will never stretch beyond the capacity of God’s love. David was willing to give God his best and to consecrate himself before the Lord in response to God’s love. God’s love in us and for us energizes us to do something great for God. God’s love compels us to sacrifice in order to benefit others. God’s love mobilizes us to look beyond ourselves. Has God allowed you to come into a situation that has caused your love to be tested? Do you sense that God is stretching you in order to demonstrate that He is more than enough to sustain you in the situation and to deliver you through the situation? Trust in God’s abundant provision. Respond to God’s love by giving your best and consecrating yourself and your service to Him. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Heart Omniscience Passion Something Great

Something Great for God (3)

Put your heart into it…because God knows. “Besides, in my devotion to the temple of my God I now give my personal treasures of gold and silver for the temple of my God, over and above everything I have provided for this holy temple…” 1 Chron 29:3 (NIV) What are you passionate about? What makes you come alive? Whatever you are passionate about will determine how you allocate your time, energy, and focus. Your passion follows your devotion. David was fully devoted to God. As a result, David was passionate about loving what God loved and hating what God hated. In his devotion to God, David expressed his passion by giving generously to the Lord’s work. He willingly gave his personal treasures to provide for the building of the temple.   “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matt 6:21 (NIV) “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) Is your heart right with God? God knows what makes you come alive. God knows what you are passionate about. Being all-knowing and all-seeing, God knows the level of your devotion to Him. What changes do you need to make in your priorities to reflect full devotion to God? God will do something great with a life fully devoted to Him. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Best God's Worth Something Great

Something Great for God (2)

Do your best…God is worth it. “With all my resources I have provided for the temple of my God–gold for the gold work, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron and wood for the wood, as well as onyx for the settings, turquoise, stones of various colors, and all kinds of fine stone and marble–all of these in large quantities.” 1 Chron 29:2 (NIV) David was willing to give God his best for the preparation of the construction of the temple. Though David would not be the one to build the temple, David gave his best in order for Solomon to carry on the work. David made an investment that would outlive him and outlast him. Is God worth your best? Do you value your relationship with God in a tangible way? Are you giving evidence of your love relationship with God through giving Him your best? “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ–to the glory and praise of God.” Phil 1:9-11 (NIV) “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Tim 2:15 (NIV) God deserves your best in conversation, in conduct, and in contemplation. God deserves your best even when your actions go unnoticed. Make a commitment to do something great for God by giving Him your best. God is worthy! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Availability Something Great Think Big

Something Great for God (1)

Think big…because God is a big God. “Then King David said to the whole assembly: ‘My son Solomon, the one whom God has chosen, is young and inexperienced. The task is great, because this palatial structure is not for man but for the LORD God.’” 1 Chron 29:1 (NIV) Have you ever been invited to participate in a God-sized task? Maybe you are facing something right now that is God-sized. God enjoys bringing us into His story. He is not limited by our limitations. We spend so much time evaluating ourselves in relation to others. We feel inadequate or unqualified and wonder if God could really use us. God specializes in using those deemed useless by the world’s standards. We bring pleasure to God when we simply say, “Lord, I’m Yours! Use me!” God doesn’t need you to do something great for Him. Actually, He is big enough to fulfill His plan with or without you. The beauty of God’s love is that He chooses to enable you to do something great for Him. Will you make yourself available for God’s use? I would have never dreamed that God wanted me to surrender to preach. Yet, on February 23, 1986, God allowed me to get involved in a Jet Ski accident that almost took my life. While struggling to stay alive in the intensive care unit, God called me to preach. I was only sixteen years old. Think big…because God is a big God. He can do something great through you regardless of your age or life stage. Are you willing to make yourself available to God for His glory? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Impact invite Irresistible influence

IMPACT (7)

Be an irresistible influence for the glory of God.  You were made by God to make an impact for His glory. God has impacted you by providing the gift of eternal life through the atoning work of Jesus upon the cross. God has impacted you by filling you with His Holy Spirit. Now it is time for you to make an impact for Him. To be an irresistible influence is to allow Jesus to shine His light and to share His love through you. Living a life that draws others to Christ requires being intentional about the opportunities God provides. Andrew was an irresistible influence for God’s glory. He intentionally brought others to Jesus. “The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.” John 1:41-42 (NIV) “Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, ‘Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?’” John 6:8-9 (NIV) Will you seek to be an irresistible influence for God’s glory each day? Seize the opportunities God places before you to draw others to Christ. Invite others to become followers of Christ. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Impact Intercession

IMPACT (6)

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1 Tim 2:1-4 (NIV) You can make an eternal impact through intercessory prayer. Intercession is simply speaking to God on behalf of another person. If I were to tell you that I am praying for you, it means that I am going to be speaking to God on your behalf. I am going to intercede for you. Intercession is building a bridge for others through prayer. As you pray for individuals, seek to get in their skin to identify what they need and what they are experiencing. The Holy Spirit will prompt you to pray specifically for the needs of those individuals. I am deeply moved by the reality of intercessory prayer. As I pray for others, I am joining the Holy Spirit in His intercessory prayer ministry. I am also joining Jesus, who is at the right hand of the Father, in His intercessory prayer ministry. Feast on these verses: “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.” Romans 8:26-27 (NIV) “Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died–more than that, who was raised to life–is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Romans 8:34 (NIV) Let’s commit to make an eternal impact through embracing intercessory prayer. Who is God placing on your heart right now? Speak to God on their behalf. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor 

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Impact Interruptions Opportunities

IMPACT (5)

“As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.” Luke 8:42-44 (NIV) Often God makes His greatest impact through you when you are on your way to do something unrelated. Jesus was on His way to heal Jairus’s twelve year old daughter who was dying. On His way, Jesus was interrupted by the touch of a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. Jesus turned the interruption into an opportunity to make an eternal impact. She was healed. “Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Eph 5:15-16 (NIV) “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” Col 4:5 (NIV) Be attentive to the interruptions that you encounter as you are doing life. When you face an interruption, look to see what God might be inviting you to do in order to make an eternal impact. Often the interruption is the invitation to join God in His activity. Pardon the interruption; it may have eternity written all over it! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Impact Motive

IMPACT (4)

“‘Be careful not to do your “acts of righteousness” before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.’” Matt 6:1 (NIV) You will make no Kingdom impact if you are serving yourself. If you are displaying acts of kindness to be applauded by others, you will limit the Kingdom impact available to you. God rewards your conversation and your conduct based on your motives. Motives matter to God. The world is enamored by the externals. God is not impressed. The heart of God is moved when a child of God is serving, giving, and living to bring glory to God. “But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’” 1 Sam 16:7 (NIV) “‘And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.’” 1 Chron 28:9 (NIV) Evaluate your motives. Why do you do what you do? Who are you trying to please? Is your heart pure? Pour your life out to bring glory to God. He alone is worthy! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Holy Discontent Impact

IMPACT (3)

“Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole Israelite assembly gathered there. Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, ‘The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them.’” Num 14:5-9 (NIV) You always find what you are looking for. If you are looking for giants in the land, you will find them. If you are looking for the milk and honey, you will find it. If you are looking for the activity of God, you will find it. God is always at work. Joshua and Caleb embraced God’s perspective on their situation. They were not satisfied with what they had already experienced with God. They lived with a heart of holy discontent which caused them to crave more. They wanted a fresh encounter of God’s presence and provision. What are you looking for? Are you searching for the activity of God so that you can join Him? Can you affirm the reality that the Lord is with you? Don’t be satisfied with the God-moments of years gone by. Seek to join God in His activity now. God is at work now. Are you willing to make an eternal impact by aligning your life with God’s activity? Live with a heart of holy discontent.  Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Impact Status Quo

IMPACT (2)

“That night all the people of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, ‘If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this desert! Why is the LORD bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?’” Num 14:1-3 (NIV) There is a consistent gravitational pull on our lives to go back to our old patterns. The children of Israel were satisfied with the status quo. They did not want to pursue all that God had in store for them. They wanted to bypass the miracles of God and His abiding presence in order to return to the familiarity of Egypt. Even though they were in bondage as slaves in Egypt, they desired to settle with the status quo and not do something great for God’s glory. “Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.’” Luke 9:62 (NIV) “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Phil 3:13-14 (NIV) Don’t allow the status quo to keep you from doing something great for God’s glory. Push through the gravitational pull that seeks to lure you back into your comfort zone. Fix your gaze straight ahead. Focus your life on God’s agenda. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Impact

IMPACT (1)

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Eph 3:20-21 (NIV) What kind of impact will you make with the time, energy, and resources God has given you? How much is God able to do through a life totally yielded to Him? There’s room for you to do something great for God. He wants to do more than you could ever ask or imagine. God’s plan for your life is much larger than what you can accomplish on your own. In order to make an eternal impact with your life, you will need to move into the realm of faith. Begin operating your life on the basis of what God can do. How much is God able to do? “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king.” Dan 3:17 (NIV) “Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” Romans 4:20-21 (NIV) “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Heb 11:6 (NIV) The level of your faith will determine the level of your impact in God’s kingdom. Faith is the currency of heaven. Earnestly seek the Lord and ask Him to increase your faith and to enable you to put your faith into action. Are you ready for God to do more than you have experienced up to this point? There’s more!  Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Jesus More Than

More Than (3)

In my walk with God, I have discovered that God will cultivate the fruit of the Spirit that is lacking in me. If I am lacking in the area of patience, God will provide me with opportunities to develop patience. If I am giving little evidence of the fruit of the Spirit known as joy, God will test my level of joy through trying circumstances to cultivate that particular fruit of the Spirit. God is love. God’s passion for the world is that all may know His love through a personal love relationship with Jesus. We are to make God’s love known to the world. When you fail to demonstrate God’s love to others, He will cultivate that fruit of the Spirit by creating environments that give opportunity for you to show His love. Often, it comes by way of difficult people that God allows to come into your path. How will you respond to the opportunity?   “‘You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?’” Matt 5:43-46 (NIV) “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” 1 Peter 2:23 (NIV) Are you willing to do more than love your neighbor? Are you willing to love your enemies and to pray for those who persecute you? Jesus is not asking you to do more than He did. In the darkest moments of His trial and crucifixion, Jesus simply entrusted Himself to the Father. It doesn’t matter how dark your circumstances become, you can entrust your life to our Heavenly Father. God can do more than you ever imagined! Your Heavenly Father loves you more than you know! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Jesus More Than

More Than (2)

“‘You have heard that it was said, “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.” But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.’” Matt 5:38-42 (NIV) Imagine going to a restaurant that came highly recommended and after your dining experience you said, “Wow! That was more than I expected!” Imagine returning from a vacation and marveling over the memories that were made and the unique experiences that were fashioned. Reflecting on your vacation, you affirm that it was more than you ever dreamed it would be. Jesus wants us to embrace His “more than” way of life. In other words, Jesus wants us to be willing to live our life in such a way as to demonstrate a “more than” attitude. Are you willing to do more than your family members expect? Are you willing to love more than you thought possible? Are you willing to forgive more than you thought you could? Are you willing to benefit others more than yourself? “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:17-18 (NIV) “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.” 1 Thess 5:15 (NIV) “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:9 (NIV) Commit to do more than God expects of you. Give God your very best. Don’t give God the leftovers. Allow Him to receive the first fruits of your life. Live a more than life in order to honor God and to bless others. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Jesus More Than

More Than (1)

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Matt 5:17 (NIV) Jesus is more than enough. In His earthly ministry, Jesus brought clarity to the Law and the Prophets. He was more than the summation of the Law and the Prophets. His life bore witness to the reality to which they pointed. Jesus demonstrated that He was more than sufficient to bear the sins of the world. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Eph 3:20-21 (NIV) “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil 1:6 (NIV) “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer 29:11 (NIV) What are you facing right now that has you fearful of the future? Are there any perplexing situations that you are wrestling with that keep you up late at night? Are you in a season of uncertainty? Jesus is more than enough. You can trust Him with your life and your eternity.  Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Body and Soul Making Sense

Making Sense Out of Life (6)

“‘What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?’” Matt 16:26 (NIV) Jesus establishes the value of a soul. On one side of the scale is the world including achievements, acquisitions, and accolades. On the other side of the scale is eternal life. The bumper sticker which advertises, “He who dies with the most toys wins,” is wrong. Life is not measured by how much you attain on this side of the grave. As one of my precious members from my seminary church would say, “I’ve never seen a hearse pulling a U-haul.” There’s more to this life than ascribing to an incessant materialism. Gaining wealth, status, and prestige while losing your soul, is fatal. “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:5-8 (NIV) “Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:10-11 (NIV) Making sense out of life involves living with eternity in mind. Allow Christ to be the center of your life. Make Him the number one priority of your life. Eternity is at stake!  Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Finding Life Making Sense

Making Sense Out of Life (5)

“‘For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.’” Matt 16:25 (NIV) Jim Elliot served the mission field of Ecuador trying to reach the Aucas for Christ. He and his missionary partners where killed by the ones they were seeking to reach. As a young modern martyr, Jim Elliot’s quote takes on new meaning: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”  Your life will never make sense until you give your life to something bigger than your personal dreams and ambitions. When you align your life with God’s world redemption plan, your life will begin to make sense. Christ-centered living involves loving what God loves and hating what God hates. Christ-centered living involves being willing to forsake personal aspirations in order to fulfill the desires of God’s heart. What is your life focused on now? Are you living for yourself, for personal happiness, for personal fulfillment? Have you come to the place of releasing your personal agenda in order to embrace God’s agenda? Are you willing to set aside personal preferences in order to surrender to God’s way?  Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Making Sense Obedience

Making Sense Out of Life (4)

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’” Matt 16:24 (NIV) Are you a fully devoted follower of Christ? Do you obey what you already know? To follow Jesus is to obey His commands. Obedience is a true mark of being a fully devoted follower of Christ. Being a follower implies that you are on a journey. Jesus is the leader. Jesus is the One whom you follow. Wherever He leads, you go! “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:6 (NIV) “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” John 8:31-32 (NIV) “‘Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.’” Matt 7:24-25 (NIV) Obeying Jesus requires submission to His Lordship. In order to truly follow Jesus, you must fully surrender to His leadership. Allow Jesus to have full control of your life. Allow Jesus to live His life in you and to shine His light through you. As a follower of Jesus Christ, your part is to obey Him. Your obedience to Christ will illuminate your proximity to Christ. Stay close to Jesus. Obey what you know! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Endurance Making Sense Surrender

Making Sense Out of Life (3)

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’” Matt 16:24 (NIV) Life without Jesus doesn’t make sense. You can spend your life succumbing to the current of busyness and end up weary and depleted. You can slither down the fast lane of materialism and land on the island of emptiness. Life just won’t make sense without Jesus. Jesus says to come after Him you must deny yourself and take up His cross. To take up His cross is to identify with Jesus in His shame, suffering, and death. The cross was a horrific means of capital punishment. The Romans reserved this method of death for their enemies. “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death–even death on a cross!” Phil 2:8 (NIV) “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.” 1 Peter 4:1-2 (NIV) For you to take up His cross daily is to willingly surrender your life to Jesus in every area of your life. Choose to identify with Jesus through your obedience to God’s Word and through your diligence in serving others. Even in the hard seasons of life, choose to identify with Christ.   Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Humility Making Sense Self-denial

Making Sense Out of Life (2)

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’” Matt 16:24 (NIV) While driving down the interstate, I discovered a billboard advertisement that had this phrase in large gold letters with a dark background, “It’s all about you.” That phrase captures the ebb and flow of Christianity in the twenty-first century. Consumerism has captivated the local church. Christians are choosing churches based on the mentality of, “What have you done for me, lately?” We have fostered a culture of spectators. Let’s watch the show and be entertained. Embracing that self-centered and me-istic lifestyle will not help you make sense out of life. In fact, life will become muddy and unclear. Jesus explained the Christ-centered life as the one where self-denial is a prerequisite. Jesus clarifies that life is not about you. Life is about God’s agenda. To come after Jesus, you must deny yourself. It does not mean to neglect your needs or to embrace passivity. Self-denial on God’s terms is for you to utterly disown yourself. To deny yourself is to come to the place of total abandonment to God and His will for your life. Self-denial is essential in saving faith and in living out your faith before a watching world. Arthur Pink wrote, “Growth in grace is growth downward; it is the forming of a lower estimate of ourselves; it is a deepening realization of our nothingness; it is a heartfelt recognition that we are not worthy of the least of God’s mercies.” It’s not about you. It’s all about Him! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Cross Follower of Christ Fully Devoted Making Sense

Making Sense Out of Life (1)

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’” Matt 16:24 (NIV) Does life make sense to you? Are you clear about why you exist and why God has placed you right where you are? Do you understand where you fit in God’s story? It all begins with God and His invitation for you to join Him. The first step is to respond to God’s invitation as stated by Jesus in Matthew 16:24. Discipleship is both initial and perpetual. You make an initial commitment to Christ by confessing your sin and receiving God’s provision for the forgiveness of your sin. Your old life of sin is exchanged for the new life Christ provides. Your commitment to Christ is perpetual in that following Christ is an ongoing moment by moment conscious decision to continue following Christ. Long before you decided what to do with God, God decided what to do with you. “If” you choose to become a follower of Jesus Christ, you come into alignment with God’s purpose and plan. God’s redemptive story includes you. Life will never make sense until you come to the place of turning your life completely over to Jesus. Allow Him to be the Lord of your life. Bring Jesus to the center of your destiny and your daily decisions. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Stumbling Block

Stumbling Block

“Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.’” Matt 16:23 (NIV) Peter deeply cared for Jesus. Peter had just spoken the powerful words given by God to affirm that Jesus was truly the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Jesus then shared with his disciples that He would be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter had the audacity to rebuke Jesus. As one commentator observed, Peter “could hardly have understood that by his attempt to dissuade Jesus from the cross he was placing arrows in the bow of Satan to be shot at his beloved Savior.” In the language of the New Testament, a stumbling block, or skandalon, referred to an animal trap where food was strategically placed to lure the animal into harm’s way. Satan was using Peter to set a trap for Jesus. Satan had already tempted Jesus to take a shortcut to God’s plan. Now, Satan is using Peter to seek to get Jesus to bypass the way of the cross. We become a stumbling block when we think that our way is better than God’s way. We become a stumbling block when we fail to consider the way of God. Be careful not to oppose the plan of God. Be on guard not to become an instrument in the hands of the Enemy. Let’s commit to becoming a stepping stone for others to come to know Christ. Let’s eliminate our proclivity of becoming stumbling blocks. God’s way is always the best way. Let’s embrace the way of the cross.  Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Ambition Order Priorities

Ambition

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” 1 Thess 4:11-12 (NIV) Where there is order there is fruitfulness. Strive earnestly to live a disciplined life. What does that look like? It looks like a life that is orderly and balanced. It is a life that is disciplined and focused. Allow these words to be absorbed in your spirit: order, balance, discipline, and focus. Lead a quiet life. Mind your own business. Work with your hands. Maximize your potential and do not be dependent on anybody. That is not to say that you don’t need others. You need others, but your dependency is not to be a result of laziness or passive neglect. What is the goal of a balanced life? Is it to produce personal happiness? Is it to minimize stress? Those are certainly by-products of a balanced life. However, the goal of a balanced life is to be an irresistible influence for Christ in our culture. Your life is to be lived in such a way as to win the respect of outsiders. Those who are outside of the family of God should be able to view your life and be drawn to Christ. Your life should be magnetic and convincing. Do you lack order, balance, discipline, and focus? Maybe you have too many plates spinning. Maybe it is time to simplify your life. Identify and remove the clutter from your life. Create some space. It may be the most spiritual thing you do this week.   Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Increase Overflow

Increase

“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.” 1 Thess 3:12 (NIV) How do you make your love for others grow? You place the same value on others that God does. If we could ever fully embrace God’s perspective on people, then our love for others would increase. Our tendency is to judge people based on externals while God evaluates the heart. We tend to overemphasize the outside and underestimate the inside. God has planted unlimited potential in every human being. The key that unlocks potential is an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ.  “‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.’” John 15:5 (NIV) “We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.” 2 Thess 1:3 (NIV)  “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.” 1 Peter 1:22 (NIV) Increase your love for others by serving them, praying for them, and viewing them from God’s perspective. Sometimes our expression of love for others is inhibited by busyness. Often our love for others is stifled by our self-centeredness. It’s difficult to increase our love for others when we become consumed with ourselves. Read through the Gospels and notice how Jesus had a perfect balance of guarding His love relationship with the Father and meeting the needs of people. As your love relationship with your Heavenly Father grows, your love for others will increase in proportion.  Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Accept Receive Word of God

Accept

“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.” 1 Thess 2:13 (NIV) How do you view the Bible? Have you developed an appetite for God’s Word? In order to grow spiritually, you must have a daily intake of God’s Word. We have so many opportunities to hear, receive, and accept God’s Word. You can read it. You can hear it on the radio, on a CD player, or on an Ipod. You can hear God’s Word being preached on television and in church. The more you feed on God’s Word the more you develop an appetite for daily intake. “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Heb 4:12 (NIV) “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Tim 3:16-17 (NIV) Commit to read four chapters of the Bible each day. For example, read chapters one through four in the book of First John. Select one verse from each chapter that God uses to speak into your life. Write an action statement for each of the four verses that you identify. Accept God’s Word by receiving it into your heart and putting it into action. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Movement Serve Turn Wait

Turn

“The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia–your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead–Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.” 1 Thess 1:8-10 (NIV) Martin Luther King, Jr., was a man used of God as a pastor and civil rights leader to bring unity in the midst of diversity in America. He poetically and eloquently magnified the value God places on human beings. Dr. King mobilized our nation to look beyond the color of our skin and to embrace the content of our character.  The movement of God is discernable when people turn to God from idols. An idol is anything that takes the place of God in your life. When people turn to God from idols to serve the living and true God, it’s called a movement of God. In my lifetime, I have seen people who were far from God at one point and then witness the redemptive activity of God bring them to full surrender to the Lordship of Christ. You just cannot explain that in human terms. When a life is transformed by God, He deserves all the glory. Have you turned to God from idols? Are you serving the living and true God? Are you waiting for and anticipating the return of Jesus? Are you ready to join God in His redemptive activity to bring others into a saving relationship with Jesus? Join the movement of God! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Example Model

Model

“You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.” 1 Thess 1:6-7 (NIV) Are you a model for others to follow? Think about the godly people God has placed in your life. Take note of their daily conversation and conduct. Do you see Jesus in them?  I grew up in a single-parent family after my parents divorced when I was seven. Each Sunday, my mother would consistently bring my brother and me with her to church. God used my Sunday School teachers, pastors, and other godly men and women to model Christ before me. On March 28, 1979, I gave my heart to Jesus and received His gift of eternal life. Jesus became the Father who would never let me down. As a follower of Christ, I am to model Christ before others. By allowing His life to shine through me, I am simply the conduit through which Jesus makes Himself known to others. Jesus is the ultimate model to follower. He has called us to imitate Him and to become a model for others to follow. Pause for just a moment. Close your eyes and begin to visualize the godly examples that have influenced your life. Thank God for each one of them.      Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Attributes of God Eternal

Eternal

“Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26:4 (NIV) God is eternal. God was not born and will not die. God will not become something; He is. God is above time. He is not limited by our space and time constraints. God is perpetual and everlasting. God has been and will always be. “Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the LORD, the Eternal God.” Gen 21:33 (NIV) “Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him–to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.” Romans 16:25-27 (NIV) You were born and you will one day die if the Lord tarries His coming. You have a specific birthday to celebrate. Your days upon the earth are temporal. Yet, our Eternal God created you for relationship. You were made by God to bring Him pleasure and to fulfill His purposes in your lifetime. Though you are finite, our infinite God has prepared the way for you to know Him personally, intimately, and eternally. Has God invited you to join Him in a God-sized assignment? Are you facing any decisions that require looking beyond your own strength and personal ability? If so, you are in a wonderful position to experience God as the Rock eternal. Where God guides He always provides. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Attribute of God Character of God Gad's Nature Omnipotence

Omnipotence

“I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.” Psalms 63:2 (NIV) God is all-powerful. There is nothing God cannot do. Someone once asked me, “Can God make a rock so large that even He cannot lift it?” My response is that God would not make a rock that He could not lift because that would go against God’s nature and character. Weigh this reality, God is omnipotent. There is nothing God cannot handle. There is nothing God cannot solve. There is nothing God cannot remedy. “You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.” Psalms 77:14 (NIV) “Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” Romans 4:20-21 (NIV) “‘Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.’” Luke 1:36-37 (NIV) What giant are you facing? Do you believe that God is more powerful than your giant? Moses placed his trust in the power of God as he stood between the approaching Egyptian Army and the Red Sea. David placed his trust in God’s power as he stood before the towering giant, Goliath. Daniel rested in God’s power as he read between the lions. You can trust in God’s power to sustain you in seasons of uncertainty and deliver through seasons of adversity. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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All Knowing Attributes of God Omniscience Omniscient

Omniscience

“O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.” Psalms 139:1-4 (NIV) God is all-knowing. There is nothing that God does not know. Has it ever occurred to you that nothing ever occurs to God? Even when you pray, you are not bringing God up on your situation or circumstances.  In His teaching on prayer, Jesus said, “Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him”(Matt 6:8 NIV). God knows everything you have faced, everything you are facing, and everything you will face.   God knew you before you were conceived by your parents. “The word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations’”(Jer 1:4-5 NIV). God knew exactly what He wanted to do in you and through you to fulfill His purposes during your lifetime on planet earth. It is hard to fathom, but God even knew the choices you would make up to this point and knows what choices you will make today. The beauty of God’s love is that in His omniscience, knowing everything about us and our decisions, He chooses to love us and He chooses to use us for His glory.   Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Omnipresence

Omnipresence

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” Psalms 139:7-10 (NIV) There is nowhere God is not! God is everywhere all the time! Whether you are 100 feet beneath the ocean’s surface scanning coral reef in the Caribbean on a scuba excursion or reclining in the cabin of a 747 jet traveling internationally, God is there. You cannot escape God’s presence. God is omnipresent. God’s hand will guide you. God’s right hand will hold you fast. You are never in a safer place than in the Hand that formed you and fashioned you. God is bigger than your circumstances. God is stronger than your enemies. Are you worrying about anyone right now? Is there a family member or a friend that you are burdened for right now? Do you have someone in your life that you want to be with, but you just can’t be with them at this time? Allow the reality that God’s presence is not limited by your limitations to minister to you. God is both present with you and with the person whom you are concerned about. You can’t be at two places at one time, but God can. Place your confidence in God’s ability to be your sufficiency and your source of strength. Trust God to make His presence known to you and the person you are burdened for. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care