Author: Stephen Trammell

The People God Uses (6)

God uses people who are sensitive. “When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.” Acts 9:26-27 (NIV) Where would you be without someone believing in you? Everybody needs a Barnabas! Saul would have never become the Apostle Paul without a Barnabas in his life. Barnabas was sensitive to the activity of God. He recognized God at work in Saul’s life and willingly stood in the gap for him when others wanted to reject him. Barnabas was sensitive enough to detect the person behind the murderous past. He identified what Saul could become as the Apostle Paul and thoughtfully worked behind the scenes to help Paul reach his God-given potential. Spend some time reflecting on your spiritual journey. Identify the people God brought into your life who became like a Barnabas to you and helped you develop in your faith. Write their names down and pray over each name. Thank God for their influence in your life. Are you willing to be a Barnabas to someone this week? Would you be willing to be sensitive to the activity of God in someone’s life and allow God to use you to be a blessing? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell, Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Broken Paul People God Uses

The People God Uses (5)

God uses people who are broken. “But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.’” Acts 9:15-16 (NIV) God specializes in using broken people. His love shines brightly through the cracks of broken vessels. Paul understood brokenness. Though he was God’s chosen instrument to bring the gospel to the Gentiles, he traveled the way of suffering. As you read Paul’s writings in the New Testament, you quickly detect that Paul’s journey was filled with adversity. Here’s a snapshot of some of his experiences. “Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.” 2 Cor 11:24-28 (NIV) Are you broken before the Lord? Anything that breaks the heart of God should break your heart. Often God will allow you to go through difficult circumstances to form the character of Christ in you. In your brokenness, you have a wonderful opportunity to know Christ more intimately and to make Him known more effectively. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell, Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Compassionate Good Samaritan People God Uses

The People God Uses (4)

God uses people who are compassionate. “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’” Luke 10:33-35 (NIV) Has your day ever been interrupted by tragedy? How did you respond? The Good Samaritan responded to tragedy by getting involved in the resolution. He demonstrated compassion in action by seeking to meet the needs of the one who had been violated and wounded. While others walked on by as to keep their distance, the Good Samaritan walked directly to the man in desperate need to extend a helping hand. Life is full of opportunities to ignore or meet needs. You can easily become apathetic and slip into a numb state of existence whereby the needs of others no longer tug at your heart strings. What if God wants you to get involved? What if God wants to use you to make an eternal difference in the life of someone in need? How will you respond? “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” Matt 14:14 (NIV) “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.” Mark 6:34 (NIV) Jesus is our model of compassion. Choose to be like Jesus! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell, Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

People God Uses Selfless

The People God Uses (3)

God uses people who are selfless. “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) The first question people ask during times of transition is, “How will this affect me?” If you have experienced the transition of a child moving onto a college campus, or taking on a new job assignment, or moving into a new neighborhood, or helping a loved one get acclimated to an assisted living center, you have probably have asked the question, “How will this affect me?” We are by nature self-centered and self-absorbed. Often we act as though the earth rotates around our axis. It is so easy to become self-consumed. Maybe that’s why this encounter that Andrew had with a boy and his sack lunch means so much to me. Here’s a boy who places the needs of others before his own. Here’s a boy who has an aggressively developing appetite, yet selflessly gives up his lunch so that others can eat. There is a valuable lesson for us to consider. It is not how much you have, but what you are willing to selflessly give in order to bless others. Jesus does not bless you based on what you have, but on how you give. Being selfish comes naturally. Being selfless is a result of walking in the Spirit. Being selfless is the product of an abiding relationship with Jesus. It is not about living the Christian life. It is about allowing Jesus to live His life in you and through you. Maybe there is a better question for us to ask: “How will this affect Jesus?” Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell, Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Intentional John the Baptist People God Uses

The People God Uses (2)

God uses people who are intentional. “The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ. John answered them all, ‘I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.’ And with many other words John exhorted the people and preached the good news to them.” Luke 3:15-18 (NIV) Knowing who you are “not” is just as important as knowing who you “are.” God has designed you with a specific personality type. He formed you to be His image bearer. God saved you to fulfill His assignment for your life. It’s not about your story that God plays a part in. It is all about God’s story that you get to play a part in. God invites you to join Him in His story. John the Baptist was clear about his identity. He understood that he was not the Christ. John understood and embraced his role as the one who would point others to Jesus. John the Baptist lived a focused life. He was intentional about preparing the way for others to encounter Jesus. John understood who he personally was “not” and who he personally “was.” There is tremendous freedom in fulfilling God’s purpose according to your unique design. Giving your life to something bigger than you and to something that will impact others for eternity is worth your focus. God uses people who are intentional. Are you intentionally on mission with God? Have you fully surrendered your life to God’s agenda? Are you willing to live a life of intentionality? Here’s a good start: Point others to Jesus! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell, Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Available Mary People God Uses

The People God Uses (1)

God uses people who are available. “‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said.’ Then the angel left her.” Luke 1:38 (NIV) Why did God choose Mary to give birth to the Son of God? In His perfect wisdom, God chose Mary because He knew she would willingly make herself available for His use. Mary affirmed her availability by saying, “I am the Lord’s servant.” She honored God by her posture of availability. She demonstrated such a beautiful portrait of being receptive and responsive to God’s will. Mary declared, “May it be to me as you have said.” In other words, she was acknowledging that she belonged to God for His glory. God uses people who are available. What is your level of availability for God’s use? Often our lives become so cluttered and overextended, that there’s little room for availability. Can you relate? God wants to use you. God is more concerned about your availability than your ability. What needs to change in your life? What adjustments need to be made in your daily schedule to make room for God? Your availability matters to God. Would you be willing to say, “Lord, I’m Yours?” Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell, Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Christmas Mission Missions On Mission

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You are commanded. “‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’” Acts 1:8 (NIV) Have you ever witnessed a wedding ceremony? As a pastor, I usually conduct the wedding ceremony, but there are occasions when I get to simply sit with my family and witness a ceremony. Recently, we attended an outdoor wedding that was as close to a dream wedding as you can imagine. The weather was perfect, the outdoor decorations were captivating, and the ceremony was Christ exalting. The love the bride and groom had for each other permeated like a breeze in a field of wild flowers. I can share details with you about the wedding ceremony because I experienced it for myself. I was there and I can testify of every element featured in the ceremony. Did you realize that you are commanded by God to be His witness? You are to testify of His saving power. You are to testify of His redeeming love. You are to be His witness to this lost and dying world that Jesus died for. As a witness of the transforming love of God, you are to be an irresistible influence in your city, your state, your country, and the world. You have been placed on earth with the most incredible and the most important mission to employ. Your mission is to be a witness for Jesus. Your purpose is to represent Jesus in every conversation, every interaction, and every connection He provides. What kind of witness are you? Your life, as a witness, will either draw people to Christ or repel them from Christ. “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) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Christmas Commission Mission Missions On Mission

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You are commissioned. “‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” Matt 28:19-20 (NIV) You cannot spell God without “go.” You cannot spell gospel with “go.” You are commissioned by God to go for Him. In this powerful passage we call the Great Commission; Jesus gives clear marching orders for the church of the living God. His commission is your mission. You are not on earth to occupy space and convert oxygen into carbon dioxide. There’s more in store for you than simply existing on this broken planet called earth. God has an assignment for you that is bigger than you and beyond your ability to fulfill on your own. God’s plan for your life demands His supernatural provision. God loves variety and created diversity. What moves the heart of God is for the body of Christ to come together in unity to fulfill the Great Commission. The command is for you to make disciples of all people groups. How can you pull off an assignment of that magnitude? God never calls you without equipping you. His commission includes His provision. As you go, you make disciples of all people groups by relying on God’s power. When you were born again, God empowered you by indwelling you with His Holy Spirit. You have a choice to operate in your own strength or in His strength. God’s power is reserved for His greatest task. When you choose to participate in fulfilling the Great Commission, God unleashes His power in your life. You become a demonstration of His supernatural provision. Are you willing to become a Great Commission Christian? God’s power is awaiting your response! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Christmas Mission Missions On Mission

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You are called. “‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’” Mark 1:17 (NIV) There’s no place like being in the center of God’s will. Living outside of God’s will is like trying to sprint with ankle weights on. When you live each day in the center of God’s will, there is tremendous freedom, joy, peace, and meaning. You move from success to significance. You begin to live in light of eternity. You are called by Jesus to come into relationship with Him. As you abide in Christ and grow in Him, He develops you into His fully devoted follower. Think in terms of a journey instead of a destination. Your eternal destination is secure. Now focus on the journey of knowing Jesus, growing in Him, and going for Him into the world. Through your intimate relationship with Jesus, He grooms you to become a fisher of men. Your life becomes devoted to bringing others into the Kingdom of God. You embrace the Christmas Mission of sharing the salvation story with others. You are called to make an eternal difference in the lives of those God brings into your path. God’s will is for you to know Jesus personally and to make Him known locally and globally. Your Christmas Mission is to share God’s love 365 days a year. There’s never a moment for you to not be on mission. Are you fulfilling your calling? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Christmas Mission Missions On Mission

Christmas Mission (4)

God is for us. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV) Travel down memory lane with me for a moment. Think about your Christmas experiences as a child. What do you remember as the most meaningful gift you received? Can you still feel the excitement of the anticipation of the gift? That experience is locked in your memory because it was special to you. The ultimate gift in this life is the gift of eternal life. There is no greater gift and there is no greater demonstration of God’s love. The moment you recognized your sin and accepted God’s provision for your forgiveness through your faith in Jesus, you received the ultimate gift. Let me ask you a question. Do you know that God is for you? “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NIV) “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (NIV) “What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all–how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:31-32 (NIV) Consider the individuals currently in your sphere of influence. Have they received the ultimate gift? Have you responded to the Christmas Mission by sharing your salvation story with them? Are you willing to be used of God to make Jesus known to those God places in your path? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Christmas Mission Missions On Mission

Christmas Mission (3)

God is like us. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” John 1:1-2 (NIV) Do you see it? God became like us so that we could become like Him. The miracle of Christmas is that God became like us. God’s mission was to shine His light and to share His love by giving us a visible demonstration of His holiness, His compassion, and His grace. “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) “Jesus answered: ‘Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”?’” John 14:9 (NIV) What will you do with the Christmas Mission? God has made Himself known to you so that you could know Him personally and intimately through a saving relationship with Jesus. Now that you know Him, your mission is to make Him known. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Christmas Mission Missions On Mission

Christmas Mission (2)

Post author By Stephen Trammell
Post date December 5, 2007

God is with us. “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ –which means, ‘God with us.’” Matt 1:22-23 (NIV) Whenever you go through a difficult experience, having someone with you brings comfort. Whether it is related to grieving the death of a loved one, waiting for the doctor’s report at the end of a surgical procedure, or being a primary caregiver to a family member, there is comfort in having someone with you. Why is that? Why do we long to have someone share our sorrows and our joys with us? God has made you for relationship. God has placed within you the deep abiding desire for relationship. He could have made you to be robotic. Instead, God has created you to be relational. You will never know true peace until you have a right relationship with God through faith in His Son, Jesus. God made the Christmas transaction possible. You can be the recipient of the Christmas mission of God becoming flesh and choosing to be born as a baby in a manger. God is with us. God created you and the earth upon which you are living out your life. It was not enough to just create human beings to occupy the earth, God wanted to give you the capacity to enjoy the most profound relationship in this life. The ultimate relationship is that of being in a right relationship with God. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Christmas Mission Missions On Mission

Christmas Mission (1)

Post author By Stephen Trammell
Post date December 4, 2007

There is one reason for this season. “But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’” Matt 1:20-21 (NIV) Joseph received the heavenly news that Mary would give birth to the Son of God and that He was to be named Jesus. The name Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name, Joshua, which means, “Yahweh is salvation.” Jesus came on mission to bring forth salvation. The Christmas mission is the story of redemption. The reason for this season is to celebrate and articulate the wonderful news that Jesus saves! God initiated reconciliation. The Creator of the universe has sought to redeem His fallen creation. In His infinite mercy and grace, God demonstrated the ultimate portrait of compassion by allowing His Son to pay the penalty for our sin. God gave us His best so that we could have unbroken fellowship with Him for all eternity. “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) There is a reason to sing this season. There is a reason to serve this season. Jesus is the reason! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Abiding in Christ I am sayings Vine

Because He Is (7)

Because He is the vine, I am fruitful. “‘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) God will never ask you to do anything without equipping you to do it. God has an assignment for you to complete during your time on this blue and green planet called earth. God’s assignment requires His empowerment. You cannot fulfill God’s agenda without God provision. God’s assignment for your life flows out of your abiding relationship with Christ. God’s command is not for you to bear fruit, but rather to focus your energy on abiding in Christ. Your fruitfulness will be proportionate to your level of intimacy with Christ. Don’t bypass your love relationship with Christ in order to seek to bear fruit. Your passion is not to be channeled in the area of bearing fruit. As you stay connected to Christ and allow His energy, His strength, and His life to flow through you, you will bear much fruit. Because He is the vine, you are fruitful. Jesus is the source! Stay connected to Him. Guard your love relationship with Him. Protect your daily walk with Christ. Don’t allow anything or anyone to rob your relationship with Him. Ensure that your abiding relationship with Christ gets your best and not your leftovers. Don’t give Jesus your crumbs. He deserves your passionate pursuit. Are you connected? Are you abiding? You are the branch. Remain in Him and He will bear His fruit through you. Focus on abiding! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

I am sayings Life Truth Way

Because He Is (6)

Because He is the way, the truth, and the life, I am informed. “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 Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

I am sayings Resurrection and Life

Because He Is (5)

Because He is the resurrection and the life, I am invited. “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’” John 11:25-26 (NIV) You are born, you live, you die, and then you go to heaven or hell. There’s more to this life than the here and now. There’s more to this life than what is visible. “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:14 (NIV) In light of eternity, life on planet earth is brief. Yet, there is life on the other side of the grave. Everyone will face God and acknowledge that Jesus is Lord. Those who make that confession before death will go to heaven. Those who fail to make that declaration before death will face God, confess that Jesus is Lord, and then spend eternity separated from God in the literal place called hell. There’s hope! Because Jesus is the resurrection and the life, you are invited to spend eternity in heaven. You are invited to respond to God’s offer of salvation by placing your faith in the redemptive act of Jesus dying on the cross to pay the penalty for your sin. You are invited to receive the gift of eternal life. “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) Receive the gift of eternal life and then spend your remaining days upon the earth inviting others to receive the gift of eternal life before it is too late. How many people will be in heaven because of you? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Good Shepherd I am sayings

Because He Is (4)

Because He is the Good Shepherd, I am valued. “‘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. “‘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 1:5 (NIV) 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 Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Gate I am sayings

Because He Is (3)

Because He is the gate, I am secure. “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 Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

I am sayings Light of the World

Because He Is (2)

Because He is the light of the world, I am illuminated. “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) “‘You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.’” Matt 5:14-16 (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 Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Bread of Life I am sayings

Because He Is (1)

Because He is the bread of life, I am nourished. “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 Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual Warfare (6)

Stand your ground. You don’t have to be a victim of spiritual warfare; you can be victorious in spiritual warfare. You don’t have to be a victim of the devil’s schemes; you can be victorious in spite of his schemes. “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Eph 6:11-13 (NIV) Take your stand! Stand your ground! In order to stand your ground you must be grounded. Are you grounded in Christ? Have you embraced your new identity in Christ? You don’t have to retreat; you can defeat the enemy. The devil has already been defeated by the cross and empty tomb. Now stand in light of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. We are fighting from victory, not for victory. “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, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.” Eph 1:18-21 (NIV) Activate the steps to live out your positional victory in practical ways: Step #1: Stay close to Jesus. Step #2: Put on your gear. Step #3: Stand your ground. Kneeling keeps you standing! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual Warfare (5)

Put on your gear. God has provided you with everything you need to engage in the spiritual battle. You must appropriate what God has provided. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Eph 6:10-11 (NIV) How can you be strong in the Lord and be strong in His mighty power? When you take God at His Word, you receive the benefits of His promises. Put on the full armor of God. Gear up for battle. You don’t wage war with fleshly weapons. You fight spiritual battles with spiritual armor. God has provided the attire. Are you willing to put it on? “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Eph 6:13-17 (NIV) The armor of God is for your protection. The weapons are for your use. Stay connected! Stay engaged! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual Warfare (4)

Stay close to Jesus. You can live out your positional victory in Christ through practical steps. Step one is to stay close to your commander, Jesus. He is source of life and He alone is your source of victory. Jesus reigns! Does He reign in your life? “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Eph 6:18 (NIV) Spiritual warfare demands connectivity. To live in positional victory you stay close to Jesus through prayer. Prayer is communication with Jesus. Prayer is nurturing the life of Christ in you. Praying in the Spirit involves praying according to God’s will, God’s way, and God’s Word. One of the most effective ways to allow Jesus to reign in your life is by praying Scripture. Notice that Paul includes being alert and being persistent. To be alert is to be aware of your surroundings and your standing in Christ. To always keep on praying means to stay connected and stay consistent in your communication with the Lord. Your level of protection in spiritual warfare is vitally related to your daily connectivity to Christ through prayer. Are you praying? Are you staying connected to Christ and His provision? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual Warfare (3)

The devil is already defeated. “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 (NIV) Jesus lives in you. You are greater than the devil. He has nothing on you. You are a child of the King. Jesus has made your victory over sin, over Satan, and over death, a reality! The devil is already beaten! “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade–kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:3-5 (NIV) The devil’s time is limited. He knows that his end is near. Therefore, the devil mobilizes his demonic entourage to distract and discourage believers. Remember, the penalty for your sin has been paid in full by the atoning work of Jesus on the cross. Remember, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is living in you in the Person of the Holy Spirit who lives in you. “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” 1 Cor 6:19-20 (NIV) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual Warfare (2)

The devil always opposes. The devil opposes God and anything of God. Since the devil can’t attack God, he seeks to attack that which is closest to God’s heart, you! The devil attacks God’s children. The devil is the enemy! “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 10:10 (NIV) The devil seeks to steal what Jesus reveals. Jesus is the devil’s greatest threat. Jesus brings you life, meaning, and purpose. Jesus reveals His plan for your life. Jesus gives you a reason to live and a song to sing and a mission to fulfill. The devil can’t stand what Jesus has done for you. The devil can’t rest until you forsake your loyalty to Christ. The devil can’t cease agitating you and attacking you until you give up. Recognize that the devil is anti-God. Become aware of the devil’s strategy. Don’t give in to his schemes. Don’t compromise your convictions and your commitment to Christ. Let the devil know who you are and whose you are. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual Warfare (1)

The devil actually exists. A passenger on the plane noticed a pastor sitting next to him reading the Bible. The passenger quizzed the pastor about his belief in the Bible. The pastor let the passenger know that he indeed believed every word of the Bible. The passenger frustratingly asked about the pastor’s belief in Jonah actually being swallowed by a large fish. The pastor said, “Well, of course I do. In fact, when I get to Heaven, I’ll ask Jonah about it.” The passenger inquired, “What if Jonah’s not there?” The pastor responded, “Then you can ask him!” Friend, there is a Hell and the devil actually exists. The Bible affirms, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) God is for you. The devil is against you. God has an agenda for your life. The devil has an agenda for your life. God is at work. The devil is at work. There is a perpetual war going on in the spiritual realm. Are you in touch with the reality of the enemy? “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Eph 6:12 (NIV) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Work Worship

Work

Turn your work into an act of worship. Don’t worship your work! Let your work be an act of worship. You have a choice. You can treat worship as a noun or a verb. As a noun, worship becomes something you go to on Sunday mornings in a building incorrectly referred to as the church. As a verb, worship becomes something you do twenty-four-seven-three-sixty-five. Worship becomes a lifestyle. Instead of going to church to worship, you become the church worshipping. “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.” Psalms 29:2 (NIV) What would be different about your workplace is you embraced worship as a verb? What would be different about your attitude and actions related to work if you began to turn your work into an act of worship? The heart of God is moved by how you work just as much as how you express your worship to Him on Sunday mornings in the corporate worship setting. Your work matters to God. Your workplace matters to God. Turning your work into an act of worship will be one of the most important decisions you will make on this side of eternity. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Mission field Office Work

Office

Turn your workplace into a mission field. From age 18 to 65, if you work 40 hours per week, you will work at total of about 94,000 hours. Wow! Think about that for a moment. You will spend a major portion of your life at work. What will you do with the 94,000 hours? That’s a lot of time to make an eternal difference. It all depends on how you view your workplace. If it is just a place to earn money, then your impact will be greatly limited. If it is just a place to climb the professional ladder, then your impact will fall short. However, if you began to embrace the reality that your workplace is your mission field, then eternity becomes a blessing for those in your sphere of influence who turn their lives over to Christ alone for salvation. “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matt 5:14-16 (NIV) “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” 1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV) How many people will be in Heaven because of your faithfulness in serving the people in your workplace as your mission field? You are a missionary to your workplace! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Career

Turn your career into a calling. What does God want to accomplish through you right where you are? It’s not about you. It’s really not about your career. It is all about God being at work in you and through you to accomplish His agenda. “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11 (NIV) Whatever environment God has placed you in, think about the people you have the opportunity to impact. Think about the interactions and connections that are made possible because of where God has placed you. Your career is a calling from God to represent Him. Now do it with the strength God provides. Do it so that in all things God may be praised. Your career is more than just a career; it is a calling from God. It’s not about money or position. It’s all about allowing God to have your career so that He can have you. Let God use you right where you are. Make yourself completely available for His use and watch expectantly. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Leadership Leading for the Lord Work

Leading for the Lord

Leadership is influence with integrity. Everyone is a leader at some level. Everyone has a God-given sphere of influence. You may not fully comprehend the parameters of your sphere, but God has placed you on this planet to be an irresistible influence for His Glory. “And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.” Eph 6:9 (NIV) “…From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Luke 12:48 (NIV) “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Col 3:17 (NIV) For those serving as an employer, embrace these actions steps: Action Step #1: Don’t threaten your employees. Action Step #2: Treat your employees with dignity and respect. Action Step #3: Recognize your employees’ value and worth. What are you doing with the influence God has given you? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care