Category: Humility

Yank the Plank

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Matt 7:3-5 (NIV) Jesus exposed the sin of self-righteousness. He identified our tendency to embrace a higher standard when evaluating others. We become preoccupied with judging others extensively to the neglect of examining our own lives accurately. While bearing a plank in our own eye, we seek to isolate the speck of sawdust in the eye of someone else. We fail to come to grips with the truth of our current reality. Self-righteousness erodes our relationship with others and with God. Self-righteousness is a byproduct of an inflamed pride and arrogance. We forget where we were when Jesus came to our rescue. We begin to think of ourselves more highly than we ought. The antidote to self-righteousness is humility. The first step toward humility is embracing a proper view of yourself. Begin to view your life in light of the holiness of God. Ask the Lord to search your heart (Ps. 139:23). As God reveals the presence of self-righteousness in your life, confess it as an offense to Him. Acknowledge your sin before God and receive His provision of forgiveness. Confess sin immediately and specifically. Now ask God to help you love the person you have been judging. Ask God to remind you of that person’s value in God’s eyes. Pray for God to give you the capacity to see that person the way God does. It’s time to yank the plank. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Gratitude Humility Love

Embody

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Cor 13:4-7 (NIV) God took my understanding of love to a new level when I married the most godly woman I know. My precious wife has embodied the love of Christ throughout our twenty years of marriage. Then, God took both of us to a new dimension of love when we became parents. Loving our two children has given us practical and tangible experience with gaining a glimpse of God’s love for us. Love is the glue that keeps us deeply connected to Jesus and to each other. This passage of Scripture is often read at weddings and highlights the significance of love in building meaningful relationships with others. In order to personalize this passage, I would like for you to read it again by placing your name where the word love is each time. For example, I would read the passage by saying, “Stephen is patient, Stephen is kind. Stephen does not envy, Stephen does not boast, Stephen is not proud.” Now it is your turn. Personalizing this passage is rather convicting. Are you embodying the love of Christ to the extent where your name fits in where love is without major adjustments? Love always places the needs of others before your own. Love acts in the best interests of others and seeks to add value to others. John Maxwell says, “To add value to others, you must first value others.” Do you place the same value on others that Jesus does? If so, then your love for others will be consistent with the love Jesus has for others. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Humility Selflessness Sensitivity

Sensitivity

“Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” 1 Cor 8:9 (NIV) Have you ever been offended by someone who was acting selfishly? A self-centered person can quickly become toxic and infect those in their sphere of influence. It is possible to call yourself a Christian and slip into selfish ways that erode relationships and diminish your testimony. I remember the story one of my professors shared during my seminary days about his weekly routine of washing his car in the driveway of his seminary home every Sunday. He told about the tension his weekly ritual created with a fellow professor who also lived on the campus. The other professor was deeply offended by my professors insistence on washing his own car on a Sunday. Obviously he held a deep conviction related to a believer not washing his car on a Sunday. My professor took the high road and graciously apologized for the offense and committed to stop washing his vehicle on Sundays. Even though my professor personally felt that there was absolutely nothing ungodly about washing his car on a Sunday, since it offended his brother in Christ, he chose not to do it again. “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.” Romans 14:13 (NIV) Is there any activity you engage in that has become a stumbling block to a fellow believer? Perhaps the activity does not violate your personal convictions based on God’s Word, but you have come to realize that your activity has become a stumbling block to someone else. What is the godly response? What would benefit the other person? This may be one of the most powerful opportunities for you to display the love of Christ. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Compassion Generosity Humility

Godly Garments

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Col 3:12 (NIV) What are you displaying for a watching world to see? You are chosen, holy, and dearly loved by God. Display the garments you have been given in Christ. As a child of the Living God, you have a spiritual wardrobe that must be put on each day. God places you in the display window of life to give evidence of the reality of Jesus living His life through you. Are you exhibiting the character of Christ? Put on the garment of compassion. Let others see your compassion in action. Put on the garment of kindness. Be gracious and kind toward others by placing their needs before your own. Put on the garment of humility. Don’t think less of yourself; just think of yourself less. Consider others better than yourself (Php 2:3). Be sure to put on the garment of gentleness. Show the tenderness of Christ as you interact with others today. Are you a patient person? Put on the garment of patience and trust God’s timing. Who you are in Christ on the inside needs to be evident on the outside. As you build meaningful relationships with others, demonstrate the character of Christ. As you navigate the difficult places in life, exhibit the character of Christ. God will use the tests you face in life to help build your testimony. When you are squeezed by the circumstances of life, what is on the inside of you will come out. Clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Let these garments become the fabric of your life. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Humility Mission Statement Selflessness

Mission Statement

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Phil 2:3-4 (NIV) Have you ever written a mission statement for your own life? Let me share a few personal mission statements I have seen. I exist to love God and to love others. I exist to know Jesus and to make Jesus known. I exist to leave the world a better place than I found it. I exist to take as many people with me to heaven as possible. God re-created you in Christ to reorient your life from selfish ambition to selfless ambition. Instead of living to benefit yourself, God empowers you to live to benefit others. When pride seeps in, your ability to serve others erodes. In humility, you consider others better than yourself. In humility, you esteem others above yourself. Are you looking to the interests of others? Have you considered how you can invest in others? God has blessed you in Christ to be a blessing to others. You have been planted right where you are by God so that you can bloom for His glory and for the benefit of those in your sphere of influence. In humility, serve them. In humility, love them the way Jesus loves you. What if you adopted the following mission statement? I exist to bring glory to God by living to benefit others. How would that impact your relationships? How would that affect your attitude about waking up each day? You would be living on purpose and on mission with God. You would begin to see your home, your neighborhood, your campus, your place of employment, and your sphere of influence as your mission field. Start today! Bring glory to God by living to benefit others! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Humility Obedience Servitude

Create Space

“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:14-15 (NIV) The sinless Son of God was willing to wash the feet of sinful men. Jesus exemplified the servitude that moves the heart of God. In humility, Jesus chose to live His life to benefit others. He did not come to be served, but to serve (Matt 20:28). You can sum up Jesus’ earthly ministry with one word: others! Our society promotes the self-centered lifestyle. It’s all about me and my happiness and my life and my gratification. The current of our culture slithers into fueling the selfish lifestyle. Embracing the philosophy of self-absorption is both honored and rewarded in our modern day worldliness. Get all you can and can all you get is the motto of the hour. Selfishness saturates the streets of our society. Jesus came to reverse the curse. As a follower of Jesus Christ, you are called to embrace the way of Jesus. Bring honor to God by doing what Jesus did. Orient your life to live to benefit others. Do you have room for others? Does your schedule allow you to place the needs of others before your own? Make adjustments to create space in your life to benefit others. The ultimate display of living to benefit others took place on the cross of Calvary when Jesus took on the full wrath of God for our sin. Though completely sinless, Jesus became the only acceptable sacrifice to redeem us from our sin. If Jesus was willing to do that for us, what would we be willing to do for Him? Serve Jesus by serving others. Love Jesus by loving others. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Humility Living Sacrifices Pride

Practice Humility

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” Romans 12:3 (NIV) Our tendency is to view ourselves from a distance and to view others under a microscope. Overestimating yourself leads to pride. Underestimating yourself leads to false humility. Make an accurate assessment of your current reality by using Jesus as your standard. The highway of happiness is paved with humility. Happiness and humility go together. Jesus modeled a life of humility by submitting to the Father’s agenda and by living to benefit others. In humility, Jesus sacrificed His life on the cross to provide for the forgiveness of our sins and to reconcile us back to God. Discover the haven of humility. Admit that you don’t have it all together. Admit that you haven’t arrived. Recognize that you haven’t learned all that God wants you to learn and you haven’t completed everything God wants you to do. Make an accurate assessment of yourself before a holy God in light of His holiness. “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” Romans 12:3 (NIV) “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Col 3:12 (NIV) Give up your kingdom so you can inherit God’s kingdom! Clothe yourself with humility. You cannot live the life God has for you without His supernatural enablement. His power comes to you through the doorway of humility. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Beatitudes Brokenness Humility

Paved with Humility

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matt 5:3 (NIV) The highway of happiness is paved with humility. Happiness and humility go together. Jesus modeled a life of humility by submitting to the Father’s agenda and by living to benefit others. In humility, Jesus sacrificed His life on the cross to provide for the forgiveness of our sins and to reconcile us back to God. What is meant by poor in spirit? It means a complete absence of pride, a complete absence of self-assurance and self-reliance. It means a consciousness that we are nothing in the presence of God. To be poor in spirit is the tremendous awareness of our utter nothingness as we come face to face with God. Discover the haven of humility. Admit that you don’t have it all together. Admit that you haven’t arrived. Recognize that you haven’t learned all that God wants you to learn and you haven’t completed everything God wants you to do. Make an accurate assessment of yourself before a holy God in light of His holiness. “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” Romans 12:3 (NIV) “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Col 3:12 (NIV) Give up your kingdom so you can inherit God’s kingdom! Clothe yourself with humility. Being poor in spirit is a mark of spiritual maturity as you acknowledge your utter dependency upon God and His grace to help you live as a citizen of His kingdom. You cannot live the life God has for you without His supernatural enablement. His power comes to you through the doorway of humility. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Beatitudes Humility Pride

Filing Spiritual Bankruptcy

Post author By Stephen Trammell
Post date March 29, 2011
7 Comments on Filing Spiritual Bankruptcy

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matt 5:3 (NIV) Delays, detours, and distractions are common in this life. Sin, sickness, and sorrow permeate the landscape of our humanity. Is it possible to find happiness while living in a fallen world? The keys to happiness are found in the Beatitudes. Jesus is the greatest preacher who ever lived and preached the greatest sermon ever preached. The happiness Jesus speaks of in the Beatitudes is not based on circumstances or external conditions. Happy, blissful, and blessed are those who recognize their spiritual bankruptcy before a holy God. Pride has no part in Christ’s kingdom. The door into His kingdom is low, and no one who stands tall in pride will ever go through it. The world emphasizes self-reliance, self-confidence, and self-expression. Jesus went into the display window of life and changed all the price tags. Jesus countered what the world values and ushered in the kingdom values that bring honor to God. “The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.” Prov 16:5 (NIV) “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Prov 16:18 (NIV) Take pride for a ride. Instead of an ego trip, we need to go on an integrity trip. Get honest about your destitution and your spiritual poverty before God. Identify and eliminate any fraction of pride in your life. Embrace the way of humility and recognize your dependency upon God and His abundant grace. Uncover the poison of pride. You will never reach your full redemptive potential while fertilizing pride in your life. Pride has no place in the Christian life fully yielded to the Lordship of Christ. The poison of pride will inhibit the fruit of the Spirit and stifle your effectiveness in the kingdom. Take pride for a ride! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Chosen Compassion Humility

Spiritual Wardrobe

Humility Jesus Surrender

Unlimited Potential

“’I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.’“ John 12:24 (NIV) Are you dying to live? God has placed within you unlimited potential. God created you to share His love and to shine His light. Your life purpose is to bring glory to God. There’s no higher calling and there’s no greater commission to give your life to than that of bringing glory to God. Are you living the life God has given? The seed must die. In order for the potential within the seed to be unleashed, the seed must die. Without death, the seed will not germinate. Growth and development are dependent upon the seed dying. In the life of the believer, death to self is vital. The child of God must surrender his or her personal agenda, personal aspirations, and personal ambitions. Choosing to sacrifice your personal preferences in light of God’s best for you is a crucial decision. “Then God said, ‘Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.’“ Gen 22:2 (NIV) Is there an “Isaac” in your life that God wants you to be willing to sacrifice? Is there something in your life that needs to die in order for you to live the life God has for you? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

God's Provision Humility Prayer

Pursue God

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chron 7:14 (NIV) What moves the heart of God? Have you ever thought about that? Consider the portrait of God’s family living in harmony with each other and with Him. Picture God’s people embracing the posture of humility, employing the privilege of prayer, enjoying a daily pursuit of His presence, and eliminating the indulgence of sin. Now that would be considered revival. God is the ultimate Promise Keeper. God promises to bless obedience. God’s definition of success is not the accumulation of possessions but the application of obedience. If we will humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from our sinful ways, God promises to hear our prayers, forgive our sin, and heal our land. What is keeping you from obeying what you know? Are you willing to move the heart of God through a consistent lifestyle of obedience? God does not expect you to live the Christian life in your own strength. God has empowered you with His abiding Holy Spirit to enable you to live the life He has for you. Do you have unconfessed sin in your life? Sin grieves the Holy Spirit. Sin hinders your fellowship with God and impedes the fruit of the Spirit. Confess your sin and receive God’s forgiveness (1 Jn 1:9). Start running from sin and choose to run to Jesus. Do not think about how to gratify the cravings of the sinful nature (Rm 13:14). God will hear your prayer, forgive your sin, and heal your land. Claim God’s promises and walk in victory! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Discernment Faith Humility

Obtaining a Proper View

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” Romans 12:3 (NIV) Do you have a skewed view of yourself? When you examine your life, what do you see? Perhaps you have a low view of yourself. It may be that you have an inflated view of yourself. Someone has remarked that we view others based on their actions and we view ourselves based on our intentions. How does God want you to view yourself? The proper way to view yourself is in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. How do you measure that faith? You need a standard! The wonderful news is that Jesus is our standard. He is the benchmark for our assessment. God wants you to use sober judgment. In other words, you are to measure your life with accuracy. Instead of comparing yourself to others, examine your life in light of Christ. Assess your current reality using Jesus as your standard. He is the model to follow. Jesus is the example to emulate. Obtain a proper view of yourself. Allow the standard of Christ’s life to produce an element of brokenness and humility inside of you. Embrace the desperation and invite Jesus to take you to the place of being more like Him. Begin to view others through the lens of the journey you are on. Recognize that you haven’t arrived. Start viewing others through the prospect of their life fully yielded to Christ. What if they became like Christ? View yourself and others through the measure of faith God has given you. You are in Christ because of God’s unconditional love. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Beatitudes Happiness Humility

The Haven of Humility

Grace Humility Pride

Receiving Grace

“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” James 4:6 (NIV) Grace is getting what we do not deserve. We do not deserve God’s forgiveness, salvation, reconciliation, favor, blessing, and heaven. But God demonstrates His love by gracing us with that which we do not deserve. God stands in opposition to the proud but responds with grace to the humble. So what does humility look like? As we examine the life of Jesus, we see humility defined. Jesus willingly put others before Himself. Jesus lived selflessly and died sacrificially. Jesus came to this earth to serve and to save. How will you respond? “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10 (NIV) “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6 (NIV) We are to humble ourselves. As an act of the will, we are to choose to humble ourselves. God can navigate circumstances to bring humility into our lives to remind us of our dependency upon Him. Yet, God wants us to choose the way of humility without the influence of outward circumstances. Based on our love relationship with God, we are to respond to His grace by exemplifying a life of humility. Is there an element of pride in your life? Have you exhibited the sin of pride through your conversation or your conduct? Trying to do life your way instead of God’s way is an expression of pride. Embrace the way of humility, which places God’s agenda above your own agenda. Anticipate God’s grace to flow like a river! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Humility Pride Selflessness

Exposing Selfishness

“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” James 4:1 (NIV) Have you ever been in a fight? Have you ever quarreled with someone and sought to get your way at any cost? Can you imagine that kind of behavior among believers? James identifies the reality of infighting among the believers who have been dispersed as a result of persecution. Now they are persecuting each other with improper behavior. It can happen to good people who are seeking to follow God. Even after we profess Christ as Lord of our lives, we continue to battle the sin nature. The old patterns that God delivered us from seek to pop up from time to time. We have three enemies that we combat: the devil, the world, and the flesh. If the devil eased up on us and the tugs of the world lessened their appeal, we would still have to combat the cravings of our flesh. James points to the culprit of fights and quarrels, namely, our desires that battle from within. Selfish desires and behavior steeped in pride come from within. The outward expression of our inward desires can bring harm to the Body of Christ and contaminate our witness. Attacking other believers through our words and our deeds is an indicator of selfishness and pride. What’s the opposite of pride? Humility! God gave us a portrait of humility by allowing Jesus to pay full price for the sin debt of the world. If God was willing to do that for us, what should we be willing to do for Him? Let’s start with treating others the way God has treated us. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Humility Surrender Usefulness

Usefull and Productive

“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 Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Humility Jesus Obedience

Living to Benefit Others

Humility Identity Jesus

Decending into Greatness

“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” John 13:3-5 (NIV) Jesus gave so freely to others. His compassion is without comparison. He caused the lame to walk, the mute to speak, the deaf to hear, and the blind to see. Children were drawn to Him and His love for them was unmatched. Jesus simply loved people. The public ministry of Jesus was visible, tangible, and contagious. He was an irresistible influence. His love for people also had a private dimension. We are invited into an intimate setting where the evening meal was being served and the disciples surrounded Jesus. Jesus captured this moment to show them the full extent of His love. Jesus poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet. Think about that for a moment. The master chose to serve. Jesus embraced an act of kindness that demonstrated His security and His selfless love. The Son of God chose to serve sinful man. The removal of dirt from their feet was a selfless portrait of love that was a preview of the sacrificial love Jesus would demonstrate upon the cross. Are you willing to show the full extent of your love for others? Are you willing to express the selfless and sacrificial love of Jesus to others? Maybe God will bring someone to mind for your consideration. Maybe God will bring someone in your path today that needs to know that kind of love. Be ready to release God’s love! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Humility Responsiveness Tenderness

Be Tender

“Tell the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says concerning the words you heard: Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people, that they would become accursed and laid waste, and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the LORD.” 2 Kings 22:18-19 (NIV) Be tender. At the age of twenty-six, Josiah encountered the reading of the Book of the Law. Though he was a king, Josiah allowed the Word of the Lord to impact his life. Instead of seeking to get God’s Word to conform to his life, Josiah conformed his life to the Word of God. “But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown.” Matthew 13:23 (NIV) “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” II Tim 3:16-17 (NIV) Do you read the Bible? When you read the Bible, are you allowing God’s Word to take root in your life? Are you tender towards God and sensitive to what He speaks into your life? Jesus wants us to move from being hearers of the Word only, to being doers of the Word. Is your heart responsive to God’s Word? How do you respond? Have you allowed God’s Word to affect you emotionally and intellectually? Strive to have a consistent daily intake of God’s Word. A healthy daily discipline is to read four chapters of the Bible each day. In one year, you will have read through the entire Bible. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Assessment Current Reality Humility

Assessing Your Current Reality

Post author By Stephen Trammell
Post date January 4, 2010
55 Comments on Assessing Your Current Reality

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Phil 3:12 (NIV) Do you know where you are spiritually? Have you identified your current reality? Paul knew where he was and where he was not. He understood that he was still in the process of becoming more like Christ. Paul had not arrived and was not ready to declare perfection. One mark of maturity is recognizing your personal spiritual status. Being able to identify the reality of your spiritually is an important aspect of becoming like Christ. You are in the process of becoming who you are in Christ. You are still in motion. You have not crossed the finish line. At the moment of your salvation, you received the Spirit of Christ (Rom. 8:9). You were adopted into God’s forever family. You were justified (Rom. 5:1). Now you are on the path of sanctification. You are in the maturation marathon. Moment-by-moment as you recognize your current reality and your dependency upon the Holy Spirit, you have the opportunity for the character of Christ to be formed in you. You participate with God in working out what He has worked in (Php. 2:12). Assess your current reality. Are you becoming more like Christ each day? Are you on a path to spiritual maturity? Is the character of Christ being formed in you? God does not want you to be spiritually stagnant or lethargic. God does not want you to settle for mediocrity or to be at ease in Zion (Amos 6:1). Reject passivity and take responsibility for your spiritual maturity. Employ daily spiritual disciplines, engage in weekly small group Bible study, and experience weekly corporate worship with others believers. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Ambition Humility Others

Down-to-earth Humility

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Phil 2:3 (NIV) How do you view yourself? Your answer to that question provides insight into your understanding of humility. As Rick Warren says, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less.” It is possible to have an inflated view of yourself. Paul addressed this concept by writing, “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you” (Romans 12:3 NIV). To use sober judgment is to view yourself accurately. Begin to see yourself as God sees you. In humility, embrace your dependency upon God and your new identity in Christ. How do you view others? When you examine the life of Jesus, you will notice that His life was about others. Jesus honored God by serving others. Jesus did not neglect Himself, but He put the needs of others before His own. He lived to benefit others. Jesus valued people and loved them unconditionally. His atoning work on the cross is the ultimate demonstration of the value He placed on others. Exhibit down-to-earth humility by embracing a proper view of yourself in light of what God says about you. Display a lifestyle of placing the same value on others that Jesus does. Begin to view others through the lens of the finished work of Christ on the cross. Jesus has established your value and the value of others through His redeeming love. In humility, reciprocate that same value and that same love to those God brings into your path. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Humility Mary Surrender

Available for God’s Use

“‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said.’ Then the angel left her.” Luke 1:38 (NIV) Why did God choose Mary to give birth to the Son of God? In His perfect wisdom, God chose Mary because He knew she would willingly make herself available for His use. Mary affirmed her availability by saying, “I am the Lord’s servant.” She honored God by her posture of availability and humility. She demonstrated such a beautiful portrait of being receptive and responsive to God’s will. Mary declared, “May it be to me as you have said.” In other words, she was acknowledging that she belonged to God for His glory. God uses people who are available. What is your level of availability for God’s use? Often our lives become so cluttered and overextended, that there’s little room for availability. Can you relate? God wants to use you. God is more concerned about your availability than your ability. In humility, make yourself available for God’s use. Remember that you were made by God to accomplish His plan. God’s plan includes you and your willingness to be His instrument. What needs to change in your life? Surrender everything in your life to the Lord’s control. Give Him free reign in your life. Make the necessary adjustments in your daily schedule to make room for God. Embrace a posture of humility to allow God to have His way in your life. Be receptive to God’s agenda and respond to God’s invitation to join Him. He loves you so much. Your availability matters to God. Would you be willing to say, “Lord, I’m Yours?” Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Character Christ Humility

Exhibiting the Character of Christ

Post author By Stephen Trammell
Post date October 28, 2009
7 Comments on Exhibiting the Character of Christ

Humility Motive Pride

Motives Matter

“You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” James 4:2-3 (NIV) Motives matter to God. Have you ever been the recipient of a gift that was given with impure motives? When motives are not right, the gift loses its impact. How you give is just as important as what you give. How you serve is just as important as the act of serving. How you do life is just as important as what you do with your life. God is all-knowing and all-seeing. In His omniscience, God detects the motives in which you operate your life. God looks beneath the surface of your good deeds to identify your true motives. Selfishness is an indicator of impure motives. Wrong motives will cause you to mistreat others in order to get what you want. “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.” Prov 16:2 (NIV) “‘Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.’” Matt 7:7-8 (NIV) What if we started with a boldness to simply ask God? If there is something we need, what keeps us from asking God who is the Creator and Sustainer of life? Why do we try to take life into our own hands and allow impure motives to infiltrate our decisions? Let’s commit to go to God! He is our sufficiency! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor (This devotional was originally posted in ’07 or ’08. I’m taking a break from writing for a season of personal renewal.) Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Humility Making Sense Self-denial

Self-Denial

“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) While driving down the interstate, I discovered a billboard advertisement that had this phrase in large gold letters with a dark background, “It’s all about you.” That phrase captures the ebb and flow of Christianity in the twenty-first century. Consumerism has captivated the local church. Christians are choosing churches based on the mentality of, “What have you done for me, lately?” We have fostered a culture of spectators. Let’s watch the show and be entertained. Embracing that self-centered and me-istic lifestyle will not help you make sense out of life. In fact, life will become muddy and unclear. Jesus explained the Christ-centered life as the one where self-denial is a prerequisite. Jesus clarifies that life is not about you. Life is about God’s agenda. To come after Jesus, you must deny yourself. It does not mean to neglect your needs or to embrace passivity. Self-denial on God’s terms is for you to utterly disown yourself. To deny yourself is to come to the place of total abandonment to God and His will for your life. Self-denial is essential in saving faith and in living out your faith before a watching world. Arthur Pink wrote, “Growth in grace is growth downward; it is the forming of a lower estimate of ourselves; it is a deepening realization of our nothingness; it is a heartfelt recognition that we are not worthy of the least of God’s mercies.” It’s not about you. It’s all about Him! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor (This devotional was originally posted in ’07 or ’08. I’m taking a break from writing for a season of personal renewal.) Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Bankrupt Christ-Centered Living Humility

Christ-Centered Humility

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matt 5:3 (NIV) Christ-centered living involves humility. Recognizing your spiritual bankruptcy apart from God is imperative for the follower of Christ. You cannot come into the Kingdom of God without acknowledging your utter hopelessness outside of God’s provision. To be poor in spirit is to identify your true condition of lostness and separation from God apart from His divine initiative of salvation. In other words, don’t ever lose sight of where you would be had God not come to your rescue in Christ. To be poor in spirit is to continually recognize your dependency upon God. It is embracing the attitude opposite of self-sufficiency. Our culture rewards those who come across as independent and self-sufficient. In God’s Kingdom economy, He rewards those who place their sufficiency in Christ. Operating in daily dependency upon God is a true mark of the Christ-centered life. As Rick Warren says, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” The standard that Jesus raises in the Beatitudes is that of being selfless. That attitude does not come naturally. To be selfless is to place the needs of others before your own. Selflessness is a fruit of Christ-centered living. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Eph 4:2 (NIV) “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10 (NIV) Center your life on Christ and embrace His way of living the victorious life. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor (This devotional was originally posted in ’07 or ’08. I’m taking a break from writing for a season of personal renewal.) Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Grace Humility Pride

Pride and Humility (6)

“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” James 4:6 (NIV) Grace is getting what we do not deserve. We do not deserve God’s forgiveness, salvation, reconciliation, favor, blessing, and heaven. But God demonstrates His love by gracing us with that which we do not deserve. God stands in opposition to the proud but responds with grace to the humble. So what does humility look like? As we examine the life of Jesus, we see humility defined. Jesus willingly put others before Himself. Jesus lived selflessly and died sacrificially. Jesus came to this earth to serve and to save. How will you respond? “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10 (NIV) “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6 (NIV) We are to humble ourselves. As an act of the will, we are to choose to humble ourselves. God can navigate circumstances to bring humility into our lives to remind us of our dependency upon Him. Yet, God wants to us choose the way of humility without the influence of outward circumstances. Based on our love relationship with God, we are to respond to His grace by exemplifying a life of humility. Is there an element of pride in your life? Have you exhibited the sin of pride through your conversation or your conduct? Trying to do life your way instead of God’s way is an expression of pride. Embrace the way of humility which places God’s agenda above your own agenda. Anticipate God’s grace to flow like a river! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Humility Intimacy with God Pride

Pride and Humility (5)

“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8 (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 such as reading through the entire Bible in one year. 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 drawing near to God and 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. 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? Are you choosing to draw near to God and to live a life of moral purity? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Devil Humility Pride

Pride and Humility (4)

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 (NIV) Jesus is our portrait of humility. The devil is our portrait of pride. Jesus came to earth to fulfill the Father’s will. The devil came in rebellion to thwart God’s agenda. As an angel of God, the devil pridefully sought to dethrone God. It backfired on him! God de-heavened the devil! “You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit.” Isaiah 14:13-15 (NIV) “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 devil is real. However, as you submit to God and choose to resist the devil, he will flee from you. As a child of God, you have everything you need to defeat the enemy. In Christ, you are the victor! In order to reign in this life, allow Jesus to reign in your life! Submit and resist! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor