“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (ESV) 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 got us 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. The Creator of the universe has made Himself knowable. You can have a personal intimate relationship with the One who created you. The Greatest Father will never leave you and never forsake you. (Personal Note: My dad resides in Louisiana and has a personal relationship with the Greatest Father.) Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell
Category: Fatherhood of God
“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) 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 got us 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. The Creator of the universe has made Himself knowable. You can have a personal intimate relationship with the One who created you. The Greatest Father will never leave you and never forsake you. (Personal Note: My dad resides in Louisiana and has a personal relationship with the Greatest Father.) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell
Fatherhood of God
How does Father’s Day impact you personally? Is it a day of warmth and wonderful memories or is it a day of hurtful reminders of neglect? Your earthly father may be all that you have dreamed he would be, or he may be lacking in your concept of what an earthly dad should be. My dad became an alcoholic when I was a child. Before my seventh birthday, my parents divorced. The devastation of divorce caused me to search for a father who would never let me down. On March 28, 1979, I found that Father when I turned my life over to Jesus Christ. He gave me a new identity, a new righteousness, and a new reason to live. Through my relationship with Jesus I have come to know what unconditional love looks like and feels like. “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” Romans 8:15-16 (NIV) “Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Gal 4:6 (NIV) Are you embracing the Fatherhood of God? He is the ultimate Father! He will never leave you. He will never let you down. He will keep you in His care both in this life and the life to come. He will place your feet on higher ground. God will show you a love that is unmatched and unlimited. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care