“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Col 2:6-7 (NIV) Continue to live in Christ. Your daily decisions determine what you become. If you want to become a fully devoted follower of Christ, then you must make daily decisions that will produce that reality. If you want to be physically fit, then you must make daily decisions that will produce that reality. “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” I Tim 4:8 (NIV) “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’” Matt 16:24 (NIV) A decision to follow Jesus daily as Lord requires discipline and devotion. Becoming a fully devoted follower of Christ demands a daily death, a daily denial, and a daily determination. The daily decision to continue in the life of full surrender to Jesus reaps immediate and eternal benefits. Your passion should be to be conformed to the image of Christ. Whatever is in your life that does not reflect Christ has no right occupying space in your life. Your daily decisions include deciding what you are going to give your allegiance to and what you are not going to give your allegiance to. Deciding to continue to live in Christ means to give Him first place in your life. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor
Category: Day by Day
Categories
Day by Day
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Cor 4:16 (NIV) Is it possible to experience renewal in the midst of decay? It depends on your focus. If you spend your life focused on the externals, then discouragement awaits. However, if you intentionally focus on the inner life, renewal and encouragement await. Paul acknowledges that this body you live in is outwardly wasting away. Even if you ascribe to physical fitness, healthy eating habits, and sufficient rest, your body remains in a state of decay. Applying more skin care products will not halt the deterioration of your body. Inwardly, you can be renewed. How is that possible? It is possible through your day by day personal love relationship with Jesus. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb 12:2 (NIV) Being renewed day by day results from daily intimacy with Jesus. Are you spending unhurried time alone with Jesus? Are you growing in your desire for Him to have full control of your life? Are you hungering and thirsting after His righteousness? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care