“During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.” Ex 2:23-25 (NIV) God is passionate about His creation. His passion is consistently evidenced by His compassion in action. God saw the Israelites in their desperation and seized the opportunity to reveal Himself to them and to respond to their need. People matter to God. You can trace God’s redemptive activity throughout the entire Bible from cover to cover. He passionately pursues fallen humanity in order to bring reconciliation and restoration. God’s endless love is portrayed intimately in His patience with us and in His passion for us. We matter to Him! We experience God’s compassion in action through the salvation of our souls. The redemptive act of God in Christ on the cross is the ultimate demonstration of God’s compassion. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 NIV). We are the recipients of the bountiful compassion of God. How will we relay God’s compassion on earth? Now that we have been perpetually and eternally blessed by God’s compassion, what should our response entail? We have received God’s compassion so that we can extend God’s compassion to others. God invites us to participate with Him in His redemptive activity. Whenever you have difficulty putting compassion into action, consider the depth of compassion God has extended to you. God is not asking you to do anything He has not already done for you. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell
Category: God’s Provision
“Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:6 (NIV) You are not home, yet! God has a mission for you to fulfill before He calls you home. Don’t get so focused on your destination that you neglect the daily ministry God wants you to extend and the daily provision God wants you to experience. You were placed here by God to accomplish His will. God’s goodness will shadow you every step of the way. There isn’t a moment that goes by in which the goodness of God is not functioning in your life. His goodness follows you because God is good. God’s love will be your companion every moment for the remainder of your life on earth. There is never a love deficit when God is near. His love will inspire you and sustain you through the various terrains of life. You will dwell in God’s house for eternity. You will have a mansion in glory and enjoy unending fellowship with the Master of the universe. Heaven is your destiny. Eternity with Jesus is your reality. As you look forward to your eternal home, how many people will be there because of your influence? How many people will experience the joy of eternal life in heaven as a result of your witness on the earth? Share your salvation story with people that God brings into your sphere of influence. Be active in sharing your faith. Pray for the lost. Give financially to support missions. Go on a short-term mission trip to sow the Gospel seed. Walk across the room to serve others and to show them the love of Jesus. Continue the ministry of Jesus! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Psalm 23:5 (NIV) God is not limited by your limitations. Your overwhelming circumstances do not overwhelm God. The challenges in your environment are not impossible for God. God can see that which you cannot see. God knows that which you do not know. God will provide nourishment and strength in the midst of your obstacles. God will provide manna when you experience the desert of the daily grind. His protective care will sustain you in battle. His grace will match the need of each moment. God will anoint your head with the oil of gladness and the oil of security. God’s power is made perfect in your weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). Your desperation for God and your dependency upon God releases His provision. As you place your faith in God’s ability to meet your needs, His provision will cause your cup to overflow. The depth of your need will never surpass the endless supply of God’s storehouse. Honor the Lord with what He has given you. Be a good steward with everything God has entrusted to you. Give thanks for His daily bread. Praise Him for bringing you this far. Acknowledge His sufficiency. Trust Him to meet your every need (Php. 4:19). Find comfort in the fact that God knows what you need before you ask Him (Mt. 6:8). Allow the Lord to shepherd you through the life He has for you. Take a moment to write down the specific items that have weighed heavily upon your heart. What has been bothering you? What has been consuming your thoughts and your energy? Submit each item to your faithful Shepherd in prayer. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 (NIV) In the Seventeenth Century, a monk named, Brother Lawrence, worked in the kitchen of the Carmelite Monastery in Paris, France. He is remembered for his daily intimacy with God in the midst of menial tasks within the confines of the monastery. Brother Lawrence learned to practice the presence of God. In one of his letters he wrote, “I turn the cake that is frying on the pan for love of him, and that done, if there is nothing else to call me, I prostrate myself in worship before him, who has given me grace to work; afterwards I rise happier than a king. It is enough for me to pick up but a straw from the ground for the love of God.” Whether you are occupying the kitchen of grief or delighting at the table of abundance, God is with you. His abiding presence will sustain you and comfort you as you walk through the valley of the shadow of death. God will shepherd you through the adversity and bring you to the place of peace. You will never walk alone. God is with you. While you were sleeping, God was working. Will you choose to practice the presence of God today? Regardless of your physical location or your emotional reality, you can practice God’s presence throughout the day by acknowledging His perpetual love, faithfulness, and grace. Elevate your awareness of God’s abiding presence by praying without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17). Enjoy uninterrupted communion with God. Where you go this day, God is with you. Whatever comes your way, God is with you. Practice God’s presence and feast on His continuous provision of comfort and assurance. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell
“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:2-3 (NIV) The Shepherd will restore your soul. Living in a fallen world can erode your enthusiasm and erase your energy. The constant friction of the world, the flesh, and the devil can drain your reserves. There are times in your weekly schedule when your greatest need becomes a pit stop whereby God renews your mind and recharges your strength. God will provide you with opportunities to disconnect from the demands of life in order to replenish your soul in the green pastures of His abiding presence. He will lead you beside quiet waters to allow you to catch your breath and to enable your soul to catch up to your body. Slow down and allow God to put you back together. Your loving Shepherd will guide you in paths of righteousness to bring glory to His name. God’s path is always the best option. You must choose to walk in unbroken fellowship with the Lord and to be sensitive to His prompting. Give the Lord your undivided attention. Seek Him first each morning and align your life with His agenda. God’s restoration may come at the expense of your unrealistic pace. Allow God to interrupt the flow of your routine and to help you make necessary adjustments to give Him room to work. Busyness is one of Satan’s most effective tools to keep you from focusing your energy on that which brings God the most glory. Weariness is a symptom of a life that is out of order. Learn to say “no” to good things so that you can say, “yes” to the best that God has for you. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell
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Finding Your Shepherd
“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.” Psalm 23:1 (NIV) God never intended for you to walk through adversity alone. Maybe you have heard someone say that God will never put more on you than you can handle. That’s not true. God will not put more on you than you can handle with His help. When you come to know Christ as your personal Savior and Lord, you find the Shepherd and Overseer of your soul (1 Pt. 2:25). The Christian life is not a solo flight. God does not launch you into the world and expect you to live the Christian life on your own. God provides refuge when you need to retreat, strength when you need to endure, and help when you need relief. Your Heavenly Father knows exactly what you need and the exact moment you need it. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever–the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17 (NIV) God gives you His Holy Spirit at the moment of your conversion. You are inhabited by the Counselor who is the Spirit of truth. You are the walking tabernacle of God’s Presence. Your body is His temple. The Holy Spirit is your Comforter. Are you in need of help? Are you hurting, lonely, or discouraged? Share your heart with God in prayer and anticipate His response. No need to count sheep, just talk to your Shepherd. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell
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The God Factor
“But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.’” Luke 1:30-31 (NIV) God chooses ordinary people to accomplish the extraordinary. Mary was just a teenager when she encountered the angel of the Lord. You can imagine the fear that gripped her when she had this special visitation. The angel comforted Mary and assured her that she had found favor with God. Then he announced that she would be with child and give birth to a son. Mary was instructed that she was to give him the name Jesus. Her response was very practical. Mary wanted to know how this could possibly be a reality since she was a virgin. She was thinking in practical and human terms. This conception would not be possible without the God factor. When you factor in the work of God and the will of God, you come to recognize that nothing is impossible with God. The angel let Mary know that the Holy Spirit would come upon her (Luke 1:35). Mary was soon found to be with child through the Holy Spirit (Mt. 1:18). What is the God factor? The activity of God through ordinary people to accomplish the extraordinary is the God factor. God will accomplish His will in His timing regardless of the obstacles that seem to surface. God is not limited by our limitations. God is not stifled by our deficiencies. God’s agenda will prevail. Will you participate with God in His activity? Are you willing to consider the God factor when assessing your current circumstances? Don’t underestimate the power of God. There is nothing beyond God’s reach and there is nothing impossible with God. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell
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Joining God’s Journey
“The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.’ So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.” 1 Kings 19:7-8 (NIV) Elijah had experienced the power of God on Mount Carmel and now he is running for his life from the pursuit of wicked Jezebel. Elijah was emotionally and physically exhausted and reached a low point personally. He was so desperate that he prayed that he might die. Elijah was so low that he felt that death was his only source of relief. God met Elijah at his point of need and provided rest and refreshment. Elijah was strengthened by the provision of God and traveled forty days and forty nights. God was positioning Elijah for a blessing on Horeb, the mountain of God. The journey God has for you is too much for you. God never intended for you to fulfill His will in your own strength. God always builds your character to match His assignment and God always supplies everything you need for the journey. You cannot accomplish the mission God has for you without God’s enablement. Your personal energy will not suffice. Don’t get so focused on the destination that you miss what God wants to do along the journey He has for you. Rest and refreshment are vital components in His journey. Every moment matters! Slow down. Reflect on what God has done to bring you this far in the journey. God is not through with you. Your life is not over. God has more in store for you. Enjoy His rest and be refreshed by His presence. Spend some time in prayer acknowledging your dependency upon God. Allow Him to meet you at your point of need. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell
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Selecting Your View
“Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, ‘We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.’” Num 13:30 (NIV) Are you facing something beyond your reach? Have you been agonizing over anything lately? Your situation may be relational, familial, financial, or physical. Whatever you view as your greatest obstacle just might be the greatest opportunity for God to reveal His glory. After twelve of the Israelites returned from spying out the land of Canaan, they returned with a mixed report. Ten of the twelve indicated that the land was filled with giants and could not be conquered. Yet, Joshua and Caleb had a much different report. Instead of focusing on the giants, they focused on God and His ability to bring them into the land flowing with milk and honey. Caleb boldly proclaimed to the people that possession of the land was attainable. Which voices are you listening to? Are you listening to the voices of doubt and fear or to the voice of God? God knows where you are and the specifics of what you are facing. Remember, nothing is hidden from God. Nothing catches God by surprise. Our limited perspective does not limit God. God has a plan for you that factors in your circumstances. God will remove the obstacle or He will help you overcome the obstacle. God will eliminate the giant before you or elevate your faith to persevere in light of the giant you face. Nothing will thwart God’s will. Take possession of the land God is giving you. Nothing is impossible with God. Will you focus on the giant or focus on God? Will you view your circumstances from your perspective or from God’s perspective? If God has allowed this situation, He will use it for your good and His glory. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell
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Compassion Fatigue
“The LORD said to Moses: ‘Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the Tent of Meeting, that they may stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone.’” Num 11:16-17 (NIV) Compassion fatigue is a reality in this life. When you love and care for people, you will experience fatigue. Life has a way of draining your energy and depleting your emotional reserves. Relationships can be refreshing and wonderful, yet some can be taxing and demanding. You can become weary to the point of total exhaustion. Moses hit a low point after caring for nearly two million Israelites. The journey of wandering in the wilderness had taken its toll. The Israelites were irritable and ungrateful for all that God had done and wanted to go back to Egypt. Moses felt the weight of their complaints. His emotional reserves were empty. God responded to the desperation Moses was experiencing by providing some much needed help. Moses could not bear this burden alone. God instructed Moses to bring a select group of Israel’s elders to the Tent of Meeting. God put His Spirit on them and empowered them to help Moses carry the burden of the people. Are you overwhelmed by life? Have you experienced compassion fatigue? Maybe you are emotionally depleted and physically exhausted. Perhaps your load has exceeded your limit and you have no margin in your life. Ask God to bring some godly people into your life to help you carry the load. Ask God to show you what you need to stop doing, what you need to continue doing, and what you need to start doing. God will come to your rescue! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell
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Going Ankle Deep
“Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea ) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho.” Josh 3:15-16 (NIV) Get your feet wet and go with God. God invites you to join Him in His activity. Look to see where God is at work and seek to join Him. Sometimes God may ask you to do something that just doesn’t make sense at the time. Can you imagine how the priests felt as they carried the Ark of the Covenant to the water’s edge? They were willing to get their feet wet in order to go with God. They were willing to take God at His word and watch God demonstrate His power. As they went ankle deep, the priests carrying the ark noticed the waters of the Jordan River parting. God worked a miracle in their midst. Did God need them to go ankle deep in order to perform His miracle? Of course not! God could have parted the waters without their participation. However, God delights in involving His children in His plans. God is moved when we move into position to obey Him and to trust Him with our lives. Once you choose to do your part in God’s plan, you will notice how God does His part to fulfill His plan. God involves you in the process so that you can experience His presence and to enable you to know his heart. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell
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Navigating Obstacles
“So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them.” Josh 3:14 (NIV) Joshua came face to face with an obstacle that prevented entry into the Promised Land. He was in charge of mobilizing the children of Israel to inherit the land flowing with milk and honey. The Jordan River was the obstacle, which became an opportunity for God to do something great to reveal His glory. We serve a great God who can take any obstacle and turn it into an opportunity for us to experience His power and for us to know His provision. Everyone has a Jordan. We all encounter obstacles along the path of life on this broken planet. Living in a fallen world ensures our confrontation with obstacles. The challenge is not facing obstacles, but responding to the obstacles we face. Is it possible to turn an obstacle into an opportunity? Is it possible to navigate obstacles and be in the center of God’s will? Some of the most meaningful experiences with God are those in which you feel like you are in the fourth quarter with only a few seconds left and God comes through for you. The priest carrying the ark went ahead of the people in order to confront the obstacle. The Jordan River did not stand a chance on sabotaging God’s agenda. God will make a way when there seems to be no way. God will give you just what you need in the moment of your need. God will not leave you hanging. God will not abandon you. Identify your Jordan. What is keeping you from entering the land flowing with milk and honey? What is keeping you from operating in the center of God’s will? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell
“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.” Josh 1:6-7 (NIV) Joshua had the privilege of serving under Moses during the wilderness wanderings. Joshua reaped the benefit of seeing his leader in action responding to challenges and seizing opportunities. Moses died and Joshua became God’s chosen leader. It was time for Joshua to rise to the occasion and lead the children of Israel to inherit the Promised Land. God reassured Joshua that He would be with him just as He was with Moses. God affirmed Joshua and gave him the timely message to be strong and courageous. Obedience to God’s law was vital for bringing honor to God and for being successful in the journey ahead. Do you enjoy that kind of relationship with God where you draw daily from God’s Word? Do you have a growing relationship with the Lord that enables you to conduct your life with the strength and courage God provides? God will be with you just as He was with Joshua and just as He was with Moses. You are chosen by God to bear His image and to bring His salvation message to the masses. Your life belongs to God for His use and for His glory. Do you sense God leading you to do something that will require His strength? Are you anticipating an adventure with the Lord that will require being courageous? We are in a spiritual battle, which demands spiritual power to walk in victory. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell
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Having a Song to Sing
“The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.” Psalms 118:14 (NIV) When you contemplate the depth of God’s love demonstrated in your salvation, it will create in you a song to sing. When you think about what God has saved you from, it will produce in you a song to sing. God has saved you from hell and for heaven. God has saved you from your sin and for His righteousness. God has saved you from darkness and for the kingdom of light. The Lord is your salvation. The Lord is your song. Draw strength from Him in your moment of despair. Cling to the Lord and employ His strength for the journey of life. Whenever you are navigating troubled waters, rely on His strength. Whenever your faith is being tested, remember that He is your strength. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalms 46:1 (NIV) “I lift up my eyes to the hills–where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalms 121:1-2 (NIV) Present your needs before the Lord in prayer. Consider writing down the specific burdens you are bearing. As you pray over each item, begin to claim the promises of God in these verses above. Claim the Lord’s strength over every situation. Affirm God’s ever-present help in your time of trouble. Remember that God can handle every situation that comes your way. He is the Maker of heaven and earth. There’s nothing beyond the scope of God’s power. There’s nothing beyond the reach of God’s Hand. You can know His strength, even in your weakest moment. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell
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Everything You Need
“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) God does not expect you to live the Christian life outside of His enablement. In fact, it is impossible to be a fully devoted follower of Christ without God’s provision. You need God’s fuel to accomplish God’s will for your life. God’s mission demands supernatural power that you don’t have outside of His resources. To operate in God’s economy requires God’s energy. God’s divine power has given you everything you need for life! Your union with Christ connects you to the supernatural power needed for living out your faith. Being salt and light on this broken planet will require that you to stay in a vibrant, healthy, and growing relationship with Christ. As you come to know the Lord intimately, your progressive relationship will unlock God’s power in your life. God’s divine power has given you everything you need for godliness! To be godly is to be like God. His heart becomes evident in your heart. His love becomes evident in the way you love others. His compassion becomes apparent as you extend His compassion to those in need. In Christ, you become the conduit through which God displays His power and His grace. Everything you need for godliness is made available to you through your abiding relationship with Christ. Stay connected! Keep your love relationship tender, open, and progressive. Confess known sin. Receive God’s forgiveness. Feed on God’s Word daily and practice His Presence throughout the day. Be conscious of God’s activity in you, through you, and around you. God is working His power in you so that He can display His power through you. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor
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Ready for Battle
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV) The enemy is persistent in his pursuit of your loyalty. The devil is on a mission to neutralize your faith and to tranquillize your passion for God. Prowling around like a roaring lion, the devil seeks to distort your vision of God. If the enemy can rob you of your passion and your vision, then he has accomplished his mission. The devil cannot attack God, so he chooses to attack God’s family. As a child of God, you are on Satan’s radar. Persist to resist. You do not have to succumb to the attacks of the devil. You do not have to yield to his temptation to doubt God’s Word. You do not have to surrender to the enemy’s agenda to thwart God’s will. Remember, you are a child of the King! Jesus purchased you with His own blood. You have received the imputed righteousness of Christ. The Holy Spirit lives in you and there is no vacancy for the devil. The enemy is not welcome in your mind. The devil has no place in the landscape of your life devoted to the Lord. Stand firm in the faith. Remember the confidence you placed in the completed work of Jesus on the cross. Stand firm in the reality of your new identity in Christ. Allow the fruit of the Spirit, self-control, to be released in your life. Starve the flesh and feed the Spirit. Guard your heart. Put on the full armor of God. Be alert! Don’t drift into apathy. Don’t coast into complacency. Stand firm in the faith God has given you. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor
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The God of All Comfort
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” 2 Cor 1:3-4 (NIV) God redeems pain. When you look into the rear view mirror of your life, you can probably recall painful experiences that you have had in your past. Some of those experiences may be the direct result of poor choices that you made and some of those experiences may be related to poor choices that someone else made. You may look back and recognize painful experiences that were not attached to poor choices at all. It may be that you simply encountered pain as a result of living in a fallen world. Grief is an ongoing pain that resides within us as we try to navigate a path without someone who has meant so much to us. Grief can be encountered as a result of job loss, a shift in our personal health status, or a shattered dream. Are you currently experiencing any level of grief in your life? Can you identify the source of your grief? God is the Father of compassion. He is the God of all comfort. God comforts us so that we can comfort others. God blesses us with experiences that elevate our need for Him. We come to realize our dependency upon God and how desperate we really are for God. God does not bring comfort into our lives so that we can become comfortable. God brings comfort into our lives during seasons of pain and difficulty so that we can comfort others who go through trying circumstances. We come to know God by personal experience. We become better equipped to bring comfort to others. Who are you building a bridge of comfort to? Who has God brought into your path lately who simply needs to know God’s comfort through you? That’s one of the many ways that God redeems your pain. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor
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Entrusting Your Life
“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” 1 Peter 2:23 (NIV) Hurting people hurt people. Those who have been wounded often wound others. There’s something about our fallen nature that seeks revenge. When someone has inflicted pain onto us, we want them to experience the same measure of pain in return. Retribution saturates the landscape of our lives. Jesus ushered in a new way of living. Jesus demonstrated the proper response to unfair treatment and to adverse circumstances. If there were ever a person who did not deserve one fraction of mistreatment, it would be Jesus. His life was filled with compassion for others, generosity in action, and integrity both in private and in public. Jesus received unjust treatment. He was ridiculed and falsely accused, yet He did not retaliate. As He suffered, He made not threats. Jesus could have called down a legion of angels to eliminate His offenders. Instead of reacting to His assailants, Jesus responded by entrusting Himself to God. Jesus chose to entrust His life and His circumstances to the Creator of the universe. Jesus affirmed that God is the righteous and just judge. God sees the inequities of life. Sin will be judged. Penalties will be ascribed. Have you been treated unfairly? Did you choose to react or respond? Entrust your life to God. God created you for His glory. You are God’s workmanship (Eph. 2:10). You have a purpose to fulfill and a light to shine in this dark world. Fallen people will continue to act like fallen people until they come into a saving relationship with Jesus. Even after conversion, a person who becomes a follower of Christ can drift into some of the old fleshly patterns that wound and inflict pain. Don’t retaliate. Respond by entrusting your life to God. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor
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Renewing Your Strength
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) God never intended for you to live the Christian life in your own strength. Joining God in His activity requires His divine energy and strength. Navigating the storms of life demands strength you do not have outside of God’s enabling. The Christian life is not a solo flight. God invites you to participate in the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). The Lord will renew your strength as you place your total dependency and confidence in Him. Acknowledge the Lord as the source of your strength. Live expectantly with your eyes focused on the Lord and His mission. Operate with complete assurance that God is who He says He is and that God will do what He says He will do. As you hope in the Lord, He will renew your strength. As you hope in the Lord, He will cause you to soar like an eagle. As you rely upon the Lord’s provision, He will enable you to run and not grow weary, to walk and not be faint. Living the Christian life in a fallen world will include seasons of soaring, running, and walking. Your pace will fluctuate and your terrain will vary. The circumstances of life will change from moment to moment. The one constant feature in your life is the Person and Presence of your abiding Savior, Jesus. Anchor your life to the Rock of Ages. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor
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Kneeling In Prayer
“For this reason I kneel before the Father.” Eph 3:14 (NIV) Kneeling keeps you standing. Why would Paul assume the posture of kneeling in prayer on behalf of the saints in Ephesus? Paul had already surrendered his life and agenda to God. Kneeling was simply an outward expression of his inward position in Christ. The Father is worthy of your humility and dependence. He alone is worthy of your passionate adoration and worship. Your heavenly Father is the source of life. He rescued you from the hell bound path you were on. The Father willingly gave His best to take your place upon the cross. Your sin debt has been paid in full. Now, what are you in need of? What do you need that your heavenly Father has not provided? God is more than enough. His resources are unlimited. His generosity is immeasurable. Has anything driven you to your knees lately? Have you been kneeling before the Father on behalf of someone in your sphere of influence? When you come to the place of desperation you will find that your heavenly Father has already been working. He is not surprised by your surprises. Nothing ever occurs to God. He already knows. Find a place to kneel before God in prayer. Share the depths of your heart with the Lord and call out to Him as you pray. Be specific with everything that is draining you and discouraging you. Entrust every detail of your life and your uncertainties to the Lord’s care. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor
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God’s Provision
“Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, ‘On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.’” Gen 22:13-14 (NIV) God’s provision always exceeds our sacrifice. Just when you think you have given God your all, He surpasses your sacrifice with His provision. God will never ask you to do anything that exceeds His provision. God’s timing is not limited by our schedule. His provision always comes through at the perfect moment. God is never late. We serve an on-time God. Sometimes it may seem as though God waits until you are in the fourth quarter with only a few seconds left on the clock. Yet, God’s provision appears right on time. Abraham obeyed God and demonstrated his reverence for God. In response, God provided a substitute for Isaac at the exact moment of greatest need. What did Abraham learn about God through his willingness to trust and obey God in every situation? He learned that God was dependable and trustworthy. In response to the encounter of God’s provision, Abraham acknowledged God as Jehovah Jireh, the Lord Will Provide. What is keeping you from obeying God and trusting Him to provide? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor
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God Works
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV) While you were sleeping, God was working. He does not sleep. God is always at work. His work is continuous and consistent. Whatever you are facing today, God is working. Whatever you are dreading today, God is working. Whatever you are fearing today, God is working. In all things, God works! He takes the initiative. Regardless of how confusing your current circumstance may seem to you, God is at work. He takes the initiative to work for your good and His glory. In all things God works for the good of those who love Him. Do you love Him? Have you been called according to His purpose? Then you can walk in assurance today knowing that in all the things you face, in all the things you are wrestling with, in all the things that seem impossible, God works for your good. He will do what is best for you. He formed you and fashioned you and He will orchestrate all of the circumstances that surround you in order to work for your good. Now that is the favor of God! You are favored by God. You are His treasure. Trust Him. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor
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Living as Clay
“But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands…” Jer 18:4 (NIV) Whenever you purchase an item that has an “as is” tag on it, you accept the fact that it may be flawed. In other words, the item may not be perfect. The beauty of salvation is that God accepted us “as is” and brought us into a vibrant love relationship with Himself to move us from “as is” to “what could be” in His hands. Yes! We were marred in His hands. But, He lovingly and patiently removes the imperfections of our attitude, behavior, and speech. Being on the Potter’s wheel can be painful at times. As God allows us to go through suffering and sorrow in this life, the areas of our life that do not reflect Christ-likeness will be dealt with. God will grow us through the pain. He will mold us and shape us through adversity. Bathsheba endured some difficult seasons in her life. She experienced loneliness, grief, delays, disappointment, and shattered dreams. Yet, God redeemed all of those seasons in her life to bring her into a deeper relationship with Himself. She would have never become a Proverbs 31 woman without the adversity that God allowed her to face. She was marred in His hands. As a result of the loving touch of the Potter’s hands, she became a masterpiece! Are you on the Potter’s wheel? Be patient. Allow God to mold you. He took you “as is” and He is shaping you for eternal significance. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor
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When Storms Come
“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.” Psalms 18:2 (NIV) Who are you relying upon? What is your faith anchored to? Where do you run when the storm comes? Where do you go when life doesn’t make sense? Can you affirm these words? The LORD is my rock. He provides my stability! The LORD is my fortress. He provides my serenity! The LORD is my deliverer. He provides my solidarity! The LORD God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He provides my safety! We are in desperate need of God’s moment by moment provision. He is still on His throne and has given us everything we need to live out His plan and fulfill His purpose. God is not limited by our limitations. God is eternal, holy, immutable, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. He is sovereign. His love endures forever and His mercies are new every morning. You can take refuge in Him. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor
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When Storms Come
“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.” Psalms 18:2 (NIV) Who are you relying upon? What is your faith anchored to? Where do you run when the storm comes? Where do you go when life doesn’t make sense? Can you affirm these words? The LORD is my rock. He provides my stability! The LORD is my fortress. He provides my serenity! The LORD is my deliverer. He provides my solidarity! The LORD God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He provides my safety! We are in desperate need of God’s moment by moment provision. He is still on His throne and has given us everything we need to live out His plan and fulfill His purpose. God is not limited by our limitations. God is eternal, holy, immutable, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. He is sovereign. His love endures forever and His mercies are new every morning. You can take refuge in Him. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor