Category: Expectation

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Expectation Pace Prayer

Expect Great Things

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV) When anxious thoughts race through your mind, uneasiness permeates your emotions. You begin to fear the unknown. Indecision imprisons you. Questions linger. That’s exactly the kind of season the Israelites experienced when they were exiled to Babylon from their homeland of Jerusalem. They were displaced, discouraged, and confused. Yet, in just the right moment, God met them at their point of need. He delivered these words through His prophet, Jeremiah. We serve an “on time” God! He is never late and He always knows exactly what you need. Therefore, you can trust Him to accomplish His perfect plan in you and through you. He knows you by name and even the hairs upon your head are numbered. Wow! He’s good! Are you ready for the final letter in our PACE acrostic? The “E” is for expectation. At this point you pray with your hands outstretched parallel to the ground (as though you are trying to fly) with the palm of your hands facing upward. Then you say, “I expect great things to happen today!” Recognize God’s sufficiency and PACE yourself each day by embracing this spiritual discipline. Lift your hands toward heaven and say, “Lord, I praise You. I accept Your acceptance of me. I surrender to Your control. I expect great things to happen today!” Pace yourself for the day God has for you. Maintain a vertical focus by keeping your focus on God’s will. Make His smile the goal of your life. Passionately pursue Him each day and allow Him to accomplish His plan through you. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Expectation Stewardship Tithing

God’s Grace on Father’s Day

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV) How would you describe your dad? Think about his qualities. What made him special to you? How did he best communicate love to you? Recall some of your favorite memories. Perhaps your heart is moved by the warmth of the memories the two of you made together. My dad was so special. He had an exceptional sense of humor and could have you laughing in a matter of seconds. My brother and I would lean into my dad with anticipation and ask him to make funny noises with his mouth. He would have us rolling in laughter. My dad was meticulous about the yard and attentive to his appearance. He took us fishing, threw ball with us in the yard, taught us to water ski, and helped us get into motocross racing. My mom and dad were affectionate toward each other and toward us. I wish I could have hit the pause button to prevent the impending shift. Our whole world changed when my dad chose a path that led to his becoming an alcoholic. Soon after my seventh birthday, my parents divorced. The trauma induced by the severed relationship placed me on a search to alleviate the immense pain of my heart. On March 28, 1979, just one month before my tenth birthday, I was introduced to the Greatest Father and received His gift of eternal life. Have you met the Greatest Father? His love for you is unconditional and His plan for you is personal. You can have a personal intimate relationship with the One who created you. On a Personal Note: My dad lives in Louisiana, has a personal relationship with our heavenly Father, and is finishing strong. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Expectation Stewardship Tithing

God’s Grace on Father’s Day

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Cor 9:8 (NIV) How would you describe your dad? Think about his qualities. What made him special to you? How did he best communicate love to you? Recall some of your favorite memories. Perhaps your heart is moved by the warmth of the memories the two of you made together. My dad was so special. He had an exceptional sense of humor and could have you laughing in a matter of seconds. My brother and I would lean into my dad with anticipation and ask him to make funny noises with his mouth. He would have us rolling in laughter. My dad was meticulous about the yard and attentive to his appearance. He took us fishing, threw ball with us in the yard, taught us to water ski, and helped us get into motocross racing. My mom and dad were affectionate toward each other and toward us. I wish I could have hit the pause button to prevent the impending shift. Our whole world changed when my dad chose a path that led to his becoming an alcoholic. Soon after my seventh birthday, my parents divorced. The trauma induced by the severed relationship placed me on a search to alleviate the immense pain of my heart. On March 28, 1979, just one month before my tenth birthday, I was introduced to the Greatest Father and received His gift of eternal life. Have you met the Greatest Father? His love for you is unconditional and His plan for you is personal. You can have a personal intimate relationship with the One who created you. On a Personal Note: My dad lives in Louisiana, has a personal relationship with our heavenly Father, and is finishing strong. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Expectation Pace Prayer

Expect Great Things

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer 29:11 (NIV) When anxious thoughts race through your mind, uneasiness permeates your emotions. You begin to fear the unknown. Indecision imprisons you. Questions linger. That’s exactly the kind of season the Israelites experienced when they were exiled to Babylon from their homeland of Jerusalem. They were displaced, discouraged, and confused. Yet, in just the right moment, God met them at their point of need. He delivered these words through His prophet, Jeremiah. We serve an “on time” God! He is never late and He always knows exactly what you need. Therefore, you can trust Him to accomplish His perfect plan in you and through you. He knows you by name and even the hairs upon your head are numbered. Wow! He’s good! Are you ready for the final letter in our PACE acrostic? The “E” is for expectation. At this point you pray with your hands outstretched parallel to the ground (as though you are trying to fly) with the palm of your hands facing upward. Then you say, “I expect great things to happen today!” Recognize God’s sufficiency and PACE yourself each day by embracing this spiritual discipline. Lift your hands toward heaven and say, “Lord, I praise You. I accept Your acceptance of me. I surrender to Your control. I expect great things to happen today!” Pace yourself for the day God has for you. Maintain a vertical focus by keeping your focus on God’s will. Make His smile the goal of your life. Passionately pursue Him each day and allow Him to accomplish His plan through you. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Anointed One Anticipation Expectation Messiah

Anticipation

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.” Luke 2:25 (NIV) Simeon was a religious man. He was righteous and devoted to God. The Holy Spirit was upon him. He lived with a strong sense of anticipation of the consolation of Israel. Simeon believed that the Messiah would come to restore Israel. He believed firmly in the promises of God. Do you live each day expecting God to do what He said He would do? Is your life marked by the anticipation of God accomplishing His plans? You do not exist to just take up space on this planet. God wants to do a great work in your life so that He can do a great work through your life. Anticipate His activity. God is working to bring people into a growing relationship with Jesus. Anticipate God’s invitation for you to join Him in His redemptive activity. There is a place for you on God’s team. Simeon lived with such a passion to see the Christ. He anticipated the fulfillment of God’s promise. He was waiting with expectancy for the consolation of Israel. What moves you? What makes you come alive to the things of God? Recapture your passion to join God in His redemptive activity. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Expectation Hope

Expectation

Have you ever been through a season of uncertainty? Anxious thoughts race through your mind and uneasiness permeates your emotions. You fear the unknown. Indecision imprisons you. Questions linger. That’s exactly the kind of season the Israelites experienced when they were exiled to Babylon from their homeland of Jerusalem. They were displaced, discouraged, and confused. Yet, in just the right moment, God met them at their point of need. He delivered these words through His prophet, Jeremiah: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer 29:11 (NIV)  We serve an “on time” God! He is never late and He always knows exactly what you need. Therefore, you can trust Him to accomplish His perfect plan in you and through you. He knows you by name and even the hairs upon your head are numbered. Wow! He’s good! Are you ready for the final letter in our PACE acrostic? The “E” is for expectation. At this point you pray with your hands outstretched parallel to the ground (as though you are trying to fly) with the palm of your hands facing upward. Then you say, “I expect great things to happen today!” Recognize God’s sufficiency and PACE yourself each day by embracing this spiritual discipline. Lift your hands toward heaven and say, “Lord, I praise You. I accept Your acceptance of me. I surrender to Your control. I expect great things to happen today!” Now we’re on shouting ground. Live in fullness everyday! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care