Author: Stephen Trammell

Listening to God

Are you listening? We have the ability to engage in selective listening. We hear what we want to hear. We choose to tune in or to tune out. “Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: ‘This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!’” Mark 9:7 (NIV) Peter, James, and John had a mountaintop experience with Jesus on Mt. Transfiguration. They were privileged to hear the voice of God affirming His Son and our Savior, Jesus. God’s direct word to them was an imperative for them to listen to Jesus. Listening is equivalent to obeying. Thus, to listen to Jesus is to obey Him. “We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.” 1 John 2:3 (NIV) Can you hear me now? God is a God who speaks. He has revealed Himself to us through His Son and through Scripture. To know Jesus is to know God. To grow in your knowledge of Jesus is to grow in your understanding of His Word. Revelation demands a response. God expects instant obedience. How do you know if you are really listening to God? Is your life marked by obedience to God’s Word? Obedience to God’s Word is a clear indicator of your level of listening to God. Is your life too noisy to hear from God? Is your schedule too busy to hear from God? The men and women who have been greatly used of God have ensured unhurried time alone with God each day. They intentionally carved out time to be still and simply listen for God’s voice. “‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’” Psalms 46:10 (NIV) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Seizing Opportunities

What does the abundant life look like in the 21st Century? How can the follower of Christ maximize the time granted on planet earth? “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) Step 1: Walk circumspectly. Be alert to the reality of your environment. Be aware of your surroundings. Pay close attention. “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” 1 Tim 4:16 (NIV) Step 2: Detect evil. Recognize that the days are evil. Satan pushes his agenda and mobilizes his demonic activity. “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) Step 3: Make the most of every opportunity. Every moment matters. So, make every moment count. Sometimes the opportunities we miss are the interruptions God permits. “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV) What adjustments do you need to make in your attitude and in your actions in order to seize the moments God gives you? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Purpose

Does God’s purpose include suffering? We know that God wants us to permeate His love and radiate His light. We know that God wants us to be holy because He is holy. However, we don’t normally get as excited about the thought of suffering. “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’s purpose for Paul included suffering. His life was marked by the road of adversity. In his second letter to the church at Corinth, Paul articulated his path of suffering. “…I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 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 11:23-28 (NIV) Are you in a season of suffering? Are you facing a difficult situation? Could God’s purpose for your life include suffering? Nothing catches God by surprise. If God allows something to come into your life, His purpose will prevail. God has the final say. Let me encourage you to make room in your life for mystery. Trust God with the circumstances in your life that just don’t make sense. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Removing Scales

“Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord–Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here–has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.” Acts 9:17-19 (NIV) Where Satan puts a period, God puts a comma. Is there anyone whom God cannot change? Is there a person alive on planet earth without hope? God always has the final say. God is always at work. In fact, God works the night shift. While you were sleeping, God was working. Saul received both spiritual sight and physical sight. He identified with Christ through baptism, ate, regained his strength, and then reconnected with the disciples in Damascus. Saul experienced the transforming power of God. God now wants Saul to become a transforming agent in the Kingdom of God. “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” 2 Cor 5:18-19 (NIV) Do you currently have a Saul in your life? Is there someone close to you with whom you have been burdened for? Does someone near you need radical transformation? Are you willing to be involved in God’s process of removing the scales? Place your “yes” on the altar. Make yourself available for God’s use. Pray for God to soften the heart of the one you are burdened for. Anticipate God’s invitation. Watch God do a redemptive work. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Reveal

Light reveals what darkness conceals. We are finite. God is infinite. We have limited understanding. God is omniscient. We tend to view people as they are. God sees what people can become. “‘Lord,’ Ananias answered, ‘I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.’” Acts 9:13-14 (NIV) Ananias feared the consequences of engaging a persecutor such a Saul at any level. Yet, God was inviting Ananias to participate in the redemptive process. God was bringing Ananias into the opportunity of bringing light into the darkness of Saul’s lifestyle. Ananias was to be the light bearer. However, fear dominated the path. “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 knows a person’s heart. Nothing is hidden from God’s sight. In His grace, God sees what a sinful person can become in Christ. God had chosen the least likely candidate to be His chosen instrument. Saul’s life would be radically transformed. Will Ananias be willing to be used of God as light to reveal what darkness conceals? Is Ananias willing to release his fear of Saul and embrace God’s power to transform a persecutor into a preacher of the Gospel? Is there anyone in your life whom you feel is beyond reach? Do you have someone near you whom transformation seems impossible? Maybe God wants to use you as His light to reveal what darkness has concealed. Maybe God wants you to participate in the redemptive process. Are you available for God’s use? Do you believe that God can use you? Do you believe that God can change that person? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Intentionality

“Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” Acts 8:4 (NIV) Bloom where God has planted you. Are you radiating God’s light right where you are? Do those in your sphere of influence know who you are and whose you are? Maybe you are in a very difficult environment. Maybe you have been placed in a dark and dreadful situation. Instead of asking God why, ask God what He would like to do in you and through you right where you are. God allowed persecution to come to the church at Jerusalem which scattered them throughout Judea and Samaria. Notice how the spread of the Gospel is directly proportionate to the commission of Acts 1:8. “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) Sometimes God has to allow difficulties to come into our lives in order for us to move out of our comfort zone. God’s passion is for the world to know Jesus personally and intimately. You are His ambassador. You are His missionary. You are now entering the mission field. Be intentional. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Motives

Motives matter to God. “When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, ‘Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 8:18-19 (NIV) Simon had practiced sorcery prior to becoming a Christ follower. Simon himself believed and was baptized and then followed Philip everywhere. His motives may have been pure when he gave his life to Christ, but his motives were contaminated soon thereafter. He wanted the power of God without a commitment to purity before God. Simon wanted to purchase the ability to lay hands on people in order for them to receive the Holy Spirit. “Peter answered: ‘May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.’” Acts 8:20-22 (NIV) God wants to use you in His redemptive activity. God wants you to permeate His love and radiate His light. However, God does not honor impure motives. “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27 (NIV) Stay close and clean! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Interruptions

An interruption is often God’s invitation. Life can be extremely hectic and chaotic. We are bombarded with snail mail, email, text messages, and cell phone calls. Our lives are marked by perpetual busyness. In the midst of being on the go all the time, we encounter interruptions. Sometimes an interruption occurs when we are on our way to engage in a meaningful experience such as corporate worship. Peter and John had that kind of interruption. “Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money.” Acts 3:2-3 (NIV) They were about to enter the place of worship. Peter and John were almost stepping through the temple gate when they were interrupted by a beggar. The unnamed beggar snatched the moment by asking them for money. Peter and John could have easily ignored the man, but they chose to turn the interruption into an opportunity to make Jesus known. “Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’” Acts 3:6 (NIV) Jesus is not asking you to be something you are not. Jesus is not asking you to give something you do not have. He wants you to be who you are in Christ and be willing to give what you have in order to bless others. Peter and John gave the beggar so much more than money could buy. They were channels of blessing which provided spiritual and physical healing to the man who had been crippled since birth. Because of their willingness to turn an interruption into an opportunity, the man experiences healing and began walking and jumping and praising God in the temple. Be ready for an interruption today. It just might be God’s invitation for you to join Him in His activity. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Living Wisely

“Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise…” Eph 5:15 (NIV) Over the years I have experimented with different ways to enhance my daily intimacy with God. I have utilized the daily devotional by Oswald Chambers, “My Utmost for His Highest” and also “Experiencing God Day by Day” written by Henry Blackaby. The most vital element in my spiritual development has been a consistent intake of God’s Word. Sometimes I commit to reading a chapter of Proverbs each day for an entire year. Thus, I read the book of Proverbs all the way through each month. That’s been an incredible adventure. The following verses are my favorite from the fourth chapter of Proverbs. When I think of living wisely, this passage immediately rises to the surface. “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” Prov 4:23-27 (NIV) There are so many options for you to embrace in this world. Countless paths await your selection. Careless living will grant you unlimited choices that will never deliver what they promise. The writer of Proverbs under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit alerts us to the higher path of living wisely. Would you be willing to spend a few moments reflecting on this passage from Proverbs and begin taking inventory of your life? Are you guarding your heart? Is your speech laced with purity? Is your vision focused on the way that brings honor to God? Are you taking paths that are pleasing to God? Do you consistently avoid evil? Living wisely involves living circumspectly and proactively. How are you living? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Pleasing God

“…and find out what pleases the Lord.” Eph 5:10 (NIV) We tend to live our lives trying to please others. Just about the time we feel as though we have reached the pinnacle of pleasing others, they change their mind. After hosting Dr. Robert Smith of Beeson Divinity School for a few days, he shared with me an amazing concept. He said, “Don’t fall in love with the Body (Body of Christ); fall in love with the Head. The Body is fickle. They will be singing ‘Hosanna’ on Monday and then ‘crucify’ on Thursday. The Father is faithful.” Does anything else matter more than living to please God? Is there any other pursuit that supersedes that of pleasing God? What are you currently giving your life to? “And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” Col 1:10 (NIV) “On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.” 1 Thess 2:4 (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) What does a life that pleases God look like? Living worthy of the Lord Bearing fruit in every good work Growing in the knowledge of God Speaking as one approved by God and entrusted with the Gospel Believing that God exists and rewards you as you earnestly seek Him Make God’s smile the goal of your life today. You may want to place a smiley face sticker on your dashboard near the speedometer in your car to serve as a daily reminder of why you exist. You are alive to make God smile. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Luminaries

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” Eph 5:8 (NIV) Salvation is an event followed by a process. At the moment of your salvation, you are delivered from the kingdom of darkness and placed in the kingdom of light. You instantly become light in the Lord. Instantaneously, you become a child of light. Your new identity in Christ demands a new productivity for Christ. “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matt 5:14 (NIV) “Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you.” Luke 11:36 (NIV) “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe…” Phil 2:14-15 (NIV) Live as a child of the light. In Christ, you are the light of world. Your whole body is full of light. Shine like stars in the universe. You have become a luminary for the Lord! Your assignment is to shine brightly in this dark world that God strategically placed you in. Regardless of your home environment, school environment, work environment, or recreation environment, God has launched you into those environments to be His luminary. Are you living as a child of light? Is it evident to those in your sphere of influence that you are a luminary for the Lord? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Improper

How much dirt does it take to contaminate drinking water? At what point would you consider the water improper for consumption? It wouldn’t take much would it? God takes sin seriously. There is no room in the life of a child of God for sin. Sin is as repulsive to God as a diesel mechanic on a white couch. Sin contaminates. “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.” Eph 5:3 (NIV) Some things are simply improper for a follower of Christ. “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Gal 5:19-21 (NIV) God calls us to be holy. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.” Gal 5:22-24 (NIV) What adjustments do you need to make to remove the improper items from your life? How close are you to being pure? Without purity, there is no power! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Fragrant Offering

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Eph 5:1-2 (NIV) What kind of fragrance are you emitting? Jesus released an aroma pleasing to God through His life of instant obedience and selfless love. Jesus made God smile. His loyalty to God and to fulfilling God’s agenda produced a fragrant offering that moved the heart of God. “For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” 2 Cor 2:15 (NIV) Once you are in Christ, His life is lived through you. As you surrender to His Lordship and allow Him to bear His fruit through your life, you become the aroma of Christ to God. Your life becomes a perpetual offering to God that brings Him joy, honor, and glory. As the fragrance of Christ emanates from your yielded life, not only does God receive pleasure from your offering, but other people benefit as well. Others are watching you and how you live out the Christian life in the roadways of life. You have the potential to influence others to Christ by your fragrant offering? Who will come to Christ this week because of your instant obedience and selfless love? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Imitation

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children…” Eph 5:1 (NIV) How do you imitate someone you can’t see? Imitation is proportionate to self revelation. You can only imitate God at the level at which God is willing to reveal Himself. The wonderful news is that God has revealed Himself to us in nature, in the Bible, and in Jesus. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Romans 1:20 (NIV) “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 (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) So what is God like? Jesus! What is Jesus like? God! In fact, Jesus is God. To know Jesus is to know God. In order for us to imitate God, we must know Jesus. “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:8 (NIV) “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” Romans 8:29 (NIV) “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV) Here’s a good start for you. Imitate God by loving others the way God has loved you. Imitate God by being conformed into the likeness of Christ. Imitate God by being holy in all you do. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Receiving Forgiveness

When Jesus forgives you; you are completely forgiven. “Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’” “‘No one, sir,’ she said.” “‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’” John 8:10-11 (NIV) Jesus died to pay your sin debt in full. He provided for the total and comprehensive forgiveness of your sin. As a result, you are now free to live the abundant life that Jesus saved you for. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2 (NIV) The activity of the Holy Spirit has set you free from the activity of sin and death. The operation of the Holy Spirit has set you free from the operation of sin and death. You are free to reign in this life by allowing Jesus to reign in your life. Have you received God’s forgiveness by trusting in Christ alone for salvation? Are you walking in the freedom Christ provides? Pray and ask God to reveal any fraction of sin in your life so that you can immediately confess it and claim His forgiveness. You are forgiven because Christ took God’s wrath for your sin. Yes! He loves you that much. And He loves every person you will interact with today, that much! Mercy came running like a prisoner set free! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Forgiving Others

Forgiveness is immediate; trust takes time. When you have been wounded, the last thing you want to do is extend forgiveness. You naturally want to them to pay for the pain they have inflicted. You want them to suffer the consequences of their actions. Somehow you want them to serve a sentence for their wrong doing. For the follower of Christ, forgiveness is not optional. Extending forgiveness is commanded and modeled by Jesus. In fact, you cannot have a right relationship with God unless you have a right relationship with others. You cannot have a right relationship with others unless you have a right relationship with God. Unless you forgive, you will not be forgiven. “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matt 6:14-15 (NIV) If you do not forgive, then you will not be forgiven. Now that’s powerful motivation. Notice that Jesus does not mention whether a person deserves to be forgiven or not. The truth is none of us deserves to be forgiven by God. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Eph 4:32 (NIV) Read the verse one more time and focus on the words, “just as.” How can you be kind and compassionate to someone who has wounded you? How can you forgive someone who has inflicted pain in your life? “Just as” in Christ God forgave you! Until you forgive, you will be imprisoned. Until you forgive, you will be shackled by the past. Take God at His Word and extend forgiveness “just as” in Christ God extended forgiveness to you. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Beneficial Talk

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Eph 4:29 (NIV) Our words are irrevocable. Once spoken, words penetrate like an arrow on the bull’s-eye. Our words have immense power. In fact, they carry the power of life and death. “They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their words like deadly arrows.” Psalms 64:3 (NIV) “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.” James 3:9 (NIV) Paul is admonishing the believers at Ephesus to use their conversation to build up each other. He wants them to be mindful of their words. Beneficial words are those which are helpful and build others up according to their needs. Unwholesome talk does not honor God and does not benefit the Body of Christ. In those times when you speak before you think, God wants you to employ damage control. Yes! You must go to the one you have offended and seek forgiveness. Within the Body of Christ, this is a true mark of spiritual maturity. Be willing to say, “I’m sorry and I was wrong!” “If you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor!” Prov 6:2-3 (NIV) Unity is at stake! It’s worth the agony to have a right relationship with God and with others. When words infuse a relational distance between you and someone else, allow God to speak words of healing and restoration through you to bring about reconciliation. Stay broken and humble before God and watch Him accomplish great things through you. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Grieving the Holy Spirit

Have you ever wrestled a kinked water hose? You squeeze the nozzle and the water just drips out. You are trying to wash the car, but the water pressure is absent. The kink in the hose restricts the flow of water. The kink inhibits the flow. That’s what resident sin does to the Holy Spirit. Remember, you are the walking tabernacle of God’s Presence. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. He lives in you permanently. He took up residence at the moment of your conversion. He indwells you. When you allow sin to enter, you kink the flow of the Holy Spirit. “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Eph 4:30 (NIV) You know how it feels to grieve. Grief hurts. It causes distress and intense pain. It hinders your ability to function at an optimum level. When you give sin an entry to your life at any level, you grieve the Holy Spirit who lives in you. Sin offends the Holy Spirit. Sin restricts the flow of the Holy Spirit in and through your life. The presence of sin repels the presence of the Holy Spirit. “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire.” 1 Thess 5:19 (NIV) “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.” Romans 6:12 (NIV) “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2 Tim 2:22 (NIV) Who is grieving, you or the Holy Spirit? The Bible teaches us to grieve over our sin. The presence of sin in our lives should grieve us to the point of godly sorrow and then repentance. “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” 2 Cor 7:10 (NIV) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Meeting Needs

“He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.” Eph 4:28 (NIV) You may have disengaged from this verse since you immediately recognized that you are not a thief. You are not stealing. You, in fact, have a strong work ethic and would never dream of stealing. So what is God trying to say to you through this verse? Look closely at the last phrase. Work. Do something useful and productive so that you can acquire more and attain greater prominence. Do something useful so you can gain momentum in the pursuit of the American dream. Is that right? Is that what God is saying? Not even close! God wants you to embrace a strong work ethic so that you can be a blessing to others. His desire is for you to work diligently so that you can share with those in need. You ought to get all the education you can so that you can excel and be the best at what God called you to do. Why? Because God deserves your best! However, it is not about you! It is about positioning yourself in alignment with God’s priorities so that you can be a blessing to others. God does not bless you so that you can funnel the blessings into your self centered pursuits. God blesses you in order to expand your capacity to bless others. Do you have anything left to share with those in need? Statistics show that the average American lives on 120% of his or her income. That means we spend more than we make. Maybe it’s time to re-think the American dream. The life God blesses is the life given to being a blessing to those in need. You are blessed to be a blessing! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Foothold

“…and do not give the devil a foothold.” Eph 4:27 (NIV) I asked one of my dear pastor friends, Dr. Bob Anderson, this question: Why are so many pastors falling? He responded, “When you have temptation without opportunity, you are safe. When you have opportunity without temptation, you are safe. But when temptation and opportunity meet, you are in trouble.” To give the devil a foothold is to give the devil an opportunity. It is to give the devil an occasion to act. It is giving the devil a platform in your life to propel his agenda. You give the devil a foothold by allowing him room to occupy. When you give him an inch, he takes a mile. His goal is not to make you swim away from God. The devil just wants to get you to drift and to float down lazy river. He knows that the undercurrent will cause you to subtly drift from God. In the context of Ephesians, don’t allow your anger to simmer. Neutralize your anger before you go to bed. If you allow your anger to swirl, then you have given the devil an opportunity to operate. Don’t give him a foothold. “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 (NIV) “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) “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Eph 6:11 (NIV) Don’t give the devil any real estate. Post a sign that says to the devil, “You are trespassing on my Father’s territory!” Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Anger

“‘In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Eph 4:26-27 (NIV) He lost his cool! She flipped! What were they thinking? Can you believe what he said? Did you ever dream we would see this day? What happened? Anger is either good or bad. If your anger is righteous indignation against sin and immorality, then it is good. If your anger is a reaction to not getting your way or a result of your impatience, then it is bad. Jesus expressed anger when the Temple had been contaminated by the money changers instead of being a house of prayer for all nations. His anger was righteous indignation exposing their blatant irreverence toward the things of God. Yet, Jesus did not let the sun go down on His anger. In other words, He expressed his anger in a manner that confronted sin and prompted righteousness. “In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.” Psalms 4:4 (NIV) “Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret–it leads only to evil.” Psalms 37:8 (NIV) “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” Prov 29:11 (NIV) “I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.” 1 Tim 2:8 (NIV) Are your hands clean? Have you exhibited healthy anger through the avenue of righteous indignation? Or have you fertilized unhealthy anger which grows into bitterness, rage, and envy? Hate what God hates. Love what God loves. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Body Life

Are you really living or just existing? In our nana-second world, there is a propensity to become robotic and just go through the motions. Information overload anesthetizes us to the daily grind of life. Often we miss opportunities to connect with others on a deeper level. Why? Because we are in a hurry to get to the next item on our “to do” list. We become consumed with maneuvering through the domino line up of tasks and neglect being relational with God and with others. Jesus gave His life to bring us life. He rose from the dead to usher in our salvation. He saved us from our sin and from ourselves. But it doesn’t end there. Jesus is building His Kingdom through His Body, the church. If you are a child of God, then you have been adopted into His family and you are now part of His Body. Together, we are all members of one body, His Body. Now that we are family, we must learn how to do life together. In his letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul presents some essentials for doing life together. If the Body of Christ is going to function efficiently and effectively in order to affect the nations, then we must learn how to serve Jesus together. “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” Eph 4:25 (NIV) Is there anyone in His Body with whom you are currently at odds with? Is there anyone you need to extend forgiveness to in order to do life together? What are you waiting for? Make things right. Call them. Email them. Text them. Write them. Go visit them. Do whatever it takes to keep a right relationship with Jesus and His Body. You will never go wrong doing right! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Slippery Slopes

“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin–because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.” Rom. 6:6-7 Why do we tend to see how close we can get to the edge without falling? What is there about us that is drawn to taking risks? Why do we draw the line in the sand right on the edge of compromise? God wants us to live a life of holiness and righteousness. His desire is for us to be Christlike. In other words, God wants every believer to be a fully devoted follower of Christ. Satan has the opposite agenda. He wants you to doubt God’s Word and deny God’s way. He uses deception to try to get you to drift from God and take a shortcut to pleasure and to idolize instant gratification. What’s the key to victory? Avoiding slippery slopes. Don’t see how close you can get to the fire without getting burned. Don’t flirt with sin and think you will come away unharmed. Avoid slippery slopes! “Avoid every kind of evil.” I Thes. 5:22 “…but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” James 1:14-15 “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” Gal. 5:16 Draw the line in the sand far from the edge. Sin never delivers what it promises! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Jersey

Live up to the jersey you wear. “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Eph 4:22-24 (NIV) Our culture is saturated with a passion for sports. From the stands to the playing field, excitement and anticipation flow like a white water rafting river. The current is swift as fans and players hyper-focus on the game at hand. It’s all about the jersey you wear. There is a team you are pulling for. You sacrifice for that team. You cheer on and promote that team. Your loyalty is lavished on that team. You are an authentic fan. When you become a child of God, you receive a new jersey. Once you are adopted into God’s family you are fitted with the Jesus jersey. Now you are playing to please Jesus. You are representing Jesus on this broken planet. You are robed in His righteousness and blessed with a new identity. Are you living up to the jersey you wear? Do those closest to you know what team you are on? Is it evident to your neighbors, schoolmates, and co-workers that your loyalty is to Jesus and His game plan? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Beliefs

“…to be made new in the attitude of your minds;” Eph 4:23 (NIV) Your beliefs determine your behavior. Does it really matter what you believe? To live right, you must believe right. Your behavior is a direct reflection of your beliefs. In order to live to please God, your beliefs must align with God’s revelation. Spiritual growth requires being made new in the attitude of your mind. Nurturing your mind with God’s Word informs your beliefs and transforms your behavior. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 (NIV) “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” Phil 4:8 (NIV) Do you know what you believe and why you believe? Can you articulate with clarity the convictions you hold about life, death, sin, holiness, and eternal life? Are your beliefs in alignment with God’s revelation? Allow God to groom you and grow you. Place yourself in a weekly Christ exalting worship experience with other believers and then seek to develop your beliefs through a small group Bible study. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

New Self

“…and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Eph 4:24 (NIV) You are in the process of becoming who you are in Christ. In Christ, you are a saint, blessed, chosen, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, included, sealed, and secure. Your new self is a spiritual reality in Christ that becomes evident practically as you live out your faith. “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence–continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” Phil 2:12-13 (NIV) God expects you to work out what He has worked in. You are complete in Christ. Your new self in Christ has been given everything you need to embrace the life of Christ in your daily lifestyle. Take off the old and express the new. “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Col 3:9-10 (NIV) What adjustments need to be made in your schedule, your energy allocation, and your financial stewardship to become who you are in Christ? What is keeping you from expressing the life of Christ practically through your daily interactions? Are your current habits helping you to develop and demonstrate your new self? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Old Self

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;” Eph 4:22 (NIV) Does your struggle with sin end at conversion? If so, why do believers sin? The penalty for your sin has been paid in full by the atoning work of Christ on the cross. Yet, the presence of sin is still contaminating our culture and inviting believers to compromise their convictions. Paul acknowledged that the old self is in a state of decay. The fleshly corruption creates an inner civil war for the child of God. “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do–this I keep on doing.” Romans 7:18-19 (NIV) “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.” Gal 5:16-17 (NIV) “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God–through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Romans 7:24-25 (NIV) “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” Col 3:5 (NIV) What a celebration to behold for your deliverance from your former way of life! Put off the old self. There’s a new you in view through the redemptive activity of God. The victory has been won! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Conversion

“You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.” Eph 4:20-21 (NIV) Have you come to know Christ? When did that eternal transaction take place in your life? Where were you when you recognized your sinfulness and your desperate need for Jesus to come to your rescue? Conversion is the redemptive work of God in a person’s life. Your conversion is the event of being delivered from the kingdom of darkness and brought into the kingdom of light. Your conversion is the event of being adopted into God’s family and being filled with the Holy Spirit. “But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.” 2 Thess 2:13 (NIV) Have you trusted in Jesus alone for salvation? “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. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” Romans 10:9-10 (NIV) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell, Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Worldliness

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27 (NIV) There is a perpetual tug on the believer’s life to go back to being a slave to sin instead of a slave to righteousness. Satan seeks to lure you to compromise your convictions and seek pleasure through worldliness. Staying clean while living in a dirty world becomes your daily challenge. God wants you to keep yourself from being polluted by the world. You cannot pursue godliness and worldliness at the same time. Your divided loyalty will not yield the fruit of righteousness. Advertisements in our culture are designed to convince you that need something that you currently don’t have. They always over-promise and under-deliver. The products and services advertised never completely satisfy. Worldliness contaminates our relationships with others as illustrated in Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth. They were placed in a seedbed of wordliness. “Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly–mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?” 1 Cor 3:1-3 (NIV) Paul continues this concept in his personal letter to his son in the ministry, Timothy. He identifies our desperation for God’s grace in being delivered from worldliness. “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” Titus 2:11-14 (NIV) Is your life marked by worldliness or godliness? What kind of life are you portraying to a watching world? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care

Harmony

Harmony moves the heart of God. God desires that you live in harmony with Him and with others. Live your life rightly related to God through an abiding relationship with Jesus. The byproduct of that relationship is harmony with others. You cannot have a right relationship with God without having a right relationship with others. “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” Romans 12:16 (NIV) Harmony is a choice. You can choose God’s way and allow Him to express His life through you. Or you can reject God’s path that leads to harmony by embracing the option that Satan presents. The enemy to harmony is disharmony. Satan seeks to poison relationships in order to foster disharmony. But, God calls believers into action. “Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.” 1 Peter 3:8 (NIV) What path will you take today? Are you going to ensure harmony with God and with others? Will your conversation and conduct demonstrate a life of harmony? It’s your choice! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care