Category: I am sayings

Be Valued

Because He is the Good Shepherd, I am valued. “‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.’” John 10:11 (ESV) Your value is not determined by your portfolio. Your value is not determined by your performance. Your value is not determined by your personality. Your value is determined by what God has done on your behalf. Before you could do anything with God or for God, in His mercy and grace, God decided what to do with you and for you. “‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’” Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV) Your value was established before you were born. Then, God provided a tangible demonstration and validation of your value when He allowed Jesus to die in your place. “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 ESV). You are valued because God made you valuable! Is the Lord your shepherd? Have you allowed Him to be the shepherd and overseer of your soul? Now think about your value in God’s economy. You are His treasure. Look around! Do you see other people in your daily routine? Guess what? God values them, too. Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

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I am sayings Salvation Security

Be Secure

Because He is the door, I am secure. “So Jesus again said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.‘” John 10:7 (ESV) My security in Christ is not based on my feelings. There are days when my emotional security may be threatened. There are days when I just don’t feel safe and secure. Fortunately, my security is not anchored to my feelings. My eternal security is found in Jesus completely. “‘I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.’“ John 10:9-10 (ESV) Because He is the door, you are secure. After placing your trust in the completed work of Jesus on the cross, you are completely saved. Your eternal security is not based on your daily performance, but on the finished work of Jesus on the cross. You didn’t earn salvation and you cannot lose your salvation. The same One who saved you is the One who keeps you. As a believer, if you choose to sin, you will face consequences. You don’t lose your salvation, but your fellowship with Jesus will be strained and your ability to bear the fruit of the Spirit will be inhibited. Confess your sin now. Specifically agree with God concerning your sin. Remember what you were saved from! Now walk with Jesus and He will help you find pasture. Jesus will help you develop authentic relationships with other believers and He will help you develop spiritual disciplines to nurture His life in you. Jesus will help you build intentional relationships with unsaved people so that you can shine His light and share His love with them. Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

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I am sayings Influence Light of the World

Be Illuminated

Because He is the light of the world, I am illuminated. “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’“ John 8:12 (ESV) Everything changed on March 28, 1979, when I received God’s gift of eternal life. Jesus, the light of the world, took up residence in my heart and has illuminated my life both inwardly and outwardly. My ambitions, my desires, and my outlook took on a new perspective. The character of Christ has been daily formed in me. Throughout the years, His light has informed me of areas that need to be brought under His Lordship. “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8 (ESV) “‘You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.’“ Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV) Jesus wants to not only shine in you but also to shine through you. His light through your life alters the world around you. Every interaction becomes intentional. Each conversation becomes an opportunity to allow Jesus to shine His light through you. Just as light influences darkness, Jesus has saved you and set you apart to influence others. Because He is the light of the world, you are illuminated. Now, illuminate the environments that God places you in. Allow the light of Jesus to shine brightly through your life today. Eternity is at stake! Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

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Bread of Life I am sayings Nourishment

Be Nourished

Because He is the bread of life, I am nourished. “Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.’” John 6:35 (ESV) Jesus had fed the multitudes with a boy’s lunch consisting of two small fish and fives loaves of bread. As S.M. Lockridge used to say, “God is the only One who can multiply two times five and get five-thousand.” The people were fixated on the miracle of multiplication and bypassed the miracle worker, Jesus. Instead of believing in the One who provided the bread, they were content to have their appetites fulfilled with earthly bread. “Jesus then said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ They said to him, ‘Sir, give us this bread always.’” John 6:32-33 (ESV) Jesus is the true bread from heaven. He has come to give life to the world. Jesus is the bread of life. Because He is the bread of life, I am nourished. My soul is satisfied. The hole in my heart has been filled. My life is now complete. My life now makes sense. As John Piper says, “God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him.” Have you come to that place of recognizing Jesus as the bread of life? Has Jesus become your Source for life? Are you most satisfied in Him? Because Jesus is the bread of life, you are nourished. By placing your faith in the atoning work of Christ on the cross, you become a child of God. Your new identity includes that of Jesus becoming the bread of your life. Jesus is now your nourishment. He is now your reason for living. Jesus is your Source! Are you daily nurturing the life of Christ in you? Close your eyes and spend some unhurried time alone with God in prayer. Thank Him for being your provider, your peace, and your protector. Allow Jesus to nourish your soul. Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

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Decisions I am sayings Jesus

Discover the Gate

“So Jesus again said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.’” John 10:7-9 (ESV) That path that ensures eternal life is through one particular gate. Have you discovered the gate? Jesus identifies Himself as the gate. Whoever enters through Him will be saved from eternal damnation and will receive the gift of eternal life. How do you enter through Jesus? What does it take to access the gift of eternal life? In speaking about salvation, Charles Spurgeon said, “You and your sins must separate or you and your God will never come together.” Parting from your sin is the process of repentance. Confess your sins specifically and place your faith in Jesus alone for salvation. Faith is the key that unlocks the gate of eternal life. Enter through the gate by turning from your sin and trusting in Jesus. Jesus lived a sinless life, died on the cross to pay the penalty of your sin, and was raised from the dead. What Jesus did on the cross is applied to your life through the vehicle of faith. In a post-resurrection appearance, Jesus told Thomas, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29 ESV). Do you believe that Jesus is God’s son? Do you believe Jesus is who He says He is? Do you believe that Jesus provided for the purification of your sins by shedding His blood on the cross? Enter through the gate! Jesus is the gate! Don’t delay and flirt with the flames of hell and a future without God. Turn from your sin and turn to Jesus now and be saved! Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Good Shepherd I am sayings Intimacy

Cultivating Intimacy

“‘I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.’” John 10:14-15 (NIV) Is intimacy with God your top priority? Are you nurturing the life of Christ in you? Respond to the Good Shepherd’s intimacy. You determine the level of intimacy with God. When intimacy with God is your top priority, there are some clear indicators that arise. For example, when intimacy with God is your top priority, you will hunger for God’s Word, you will thirst for His righteousness, you will have a passion for prayer, and you will have a compassion for people. Intimacy with God will generate a devotion to private and corporate worship, a sensitivity to God’s activity, a righteous anger towards sin, and a righteous ambition for God’s agenda. As you maintain intimacy with God, you will be fully surrendered to the Lordship of Christ, you will practice instant obedience, and you will be laser-focused on pleasing God. God’s will is for you to have a growing relationship with Jesus. God does not want you to settle into the monotony of mediocrity or to compromise your commitment to Christ-likeness. God wants you to passionately pursue Him and to know Him personally and intimately. What is keeping your from cultivating an intimate love relationship with the Lord? Make room for the relationship that establishes the pace for all other relationships. Carve out space for daily unhurried time alone with the Lord. Secure a place of solitude and draw near to God. Invest energy into seeking Him with all of your heart. Unveil the deepest recesses of your heart and entrust every area of your life to His Lordship. He is the Good Shepherd! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

I am sayings Sacrificial Love Shepherd

The Good Shepherd

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 (NIV) Who is the most loving person in your life? Where have you received the highest level of unconditional love? Perhaps someone specific comes to mind. It may be a person whom is now in heaven or someone who is still an active part of your life. Think about how that person imparted life to you and added value to your life. I wanted you to feel that personal love in order to bring you into the sea of love exhibited by the Good Shepherd. Jesus is our Good Shepherd and He willingly laid down His life for us. There has never been a greater love than that which Jesus demonstrated by His selfless life, sacrificial death, miraculous resurrection, and His visible upcoming return. Jesus died voluntarily to do for us that which we could never do for ourselves. Jesus eliminated the vast gulf that separated us from our holy God. Jesus took the initiative to lay down His life so that we could come into a vibrant and eternal union with God. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” 1 Pet. 2:24-25 (NIV) Receive the Good Shepherd’s initiative. He has demolished the barrier that separates you from God. Jesus laid down His life and rose from the dead so that you could live in victory. Place your faith in His completed work on the cross and experience His victory. Now share the victory with others! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Gate I am sayings Sufficiency

Everlasting Sufficiency

“‘The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’” John 10:10 (NIV) God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. Satan hates you and has a deceptive plan for your life. Satan’s agenda is to deplete you and to defeat you. Don’t allow the thief to steal your joy, kill your peace, or destroy your passion. Don’t allow the thief to neutralize your zeal, to vandalize your victory, or to jeopardize your testimony. Don’t allow the thief to distract your devotion, to discourage your discipline, or to deflate your demeanor. Embrace the great promise of everlasting sufficiency that Jesus provides. Jesus is the Shepherd and His agenda is to complete your life. Jesus has come to deliver your from darkness and defeat. Remember, the tomb is empty so that your life doesn’t have to be! Allow the Shepherd and Overseer of your soul to infuse you with His power, to inject you with His love, and to inspire you with His compassion. Allow the Shepherd and Overseer of your soul to ignite your worship, to excite your prayer life, and to incite your sensitivity to His activity. My mind is made up: I have been designed by God and for God. My eyes are looking up: Jesus sought me! Jesus bought me with His own blood! Jesus thought of me before I ever thought of Him! My faith is growing up: He who began a good work in me will bring it to completion! Remind the devil that your sin has been removed, the blood of Jesus has been applied, and your eternal security is securely fastened in the all-sufficient, all-powerful, and all-knowing nail-scarred hands of the Lord Jesus Christ. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Gate I am sayings Satisfaction

Endless Satisfaction

“‘I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.’” John 10:9 (NIV) Has your life on this broken planet delivered what it promised? Have you ever been disappointed with your life? God never intended for this world to satisfy the longings of your heart. The treasures of earth cannot complete the treasure chest of your existence. God created you with a longing that will never be satisfied by temporal pursuits and earthly manna. Enjoy the green pasture of endless satisfaction that comes through an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the gate for the sheep. In Him, you will be granted the privilege of coming in and going out to find pasture. As John Piper says, “God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him.” “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 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.” Ps. 23:1-3 (NIV) “For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” 1 Pet. 2:25 (NIV) Soul nourishment comes through an ongoing love relationship with Jesus that is real and personal. Enjoy the endless satisfaction of His green pasture by feeding on His Word, resting in His purpose, and trusting in His daily provision. Jesus is more than enough. He is your sufficiency. Jesus has already overcome any obstacle that you face. Entrust your life to Him and seek Him with all of your heart. Draw close to Jesus and cultivate a vibrant prayer life. Build meaningful relationships with other sheep and live to benefit others. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Eternal security Gate I am sayings

The Gate

“‘I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.’” John 10:9 (NIV) In Bible times, the shepherd would lay down at the entrance of the sheep pen in order to provide protection and security for the sheep from the threat of beasts of prey. The sheep were vulnerable outside of the shepherd’s care. His willingness to serve as the gate gave the sheep security and access to the pasture. Jesus is the gate. It is through Him that a person enters into a saving relationship that provides eternal security and perpetual spiritual nourishment. Jesus is the gate that grants access to the spiritual resources of heaven. “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” John 1:12-13 (NIV) To enter through Jesus is to believe in His name and to be born again (John 3:3). Being born again is the event of conversion whereby you experience the regeneration provided by the atoning work of Jesus on the cross. Jesus is the gate through which you experience the divine transaction by transferring your trust from yourself to Christ alone for salvation. A few weeks ago a couple church members joined me in visiting some first-time guests. We walked up their driveway and had the privilege of sharing the plan of salvation with the entire family and they each prayed to invite Jesus to take over their life. I congratulated them on their decision and the reality of their spiritual birthday. The dad let us know that it was also his physical birthday. His daughter immediately announced, “Daddy, you need two birthday cakes!” Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Clarity I am sayings Light of the World

Light of the World

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12 (NIV) Are you a recipient of the Light? When you turned from your sin and turned to Jesus alone for salvation, you became a child of God and a recipient of the Light of the World. Just as Jesus illuminated His world during His earthly ministry, He has called us and commissioned us to be the light of the world by continuing His ministry on the earth. “There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” John 1:6-9 (NIV) Your role in this Christian life is to point people to Jesus. When others view your life, they should see Jesus. You may be the only Jesus others see. As Dr. Johnny Hunt says, “People in your community may not read the Bible, but they will read the gospel according to your life.” What are they reading? Help others get delivered from darkness by introducing them to the Light of the World. Intercede for them and invest in them by navigating them through the journey of discovering the Light of the World. Let the light of Jesus shine through your life and love people to Jesus. There’s no higher calling than participating with God in His redemptive activity by shining His light and sharing His love. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Clarity I am sayings Light of the World

Make Jesus Visible

“’You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.’” Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV) Let’s go light our world with the love of Jesus, the compassion of Jesus, the humility of Jesus, and the servitude of Jesus. Let’s go light our world by shining His light, sharing His love, mending broken hearts, extending personal touch ministry, serving the less fortunate, and encouraging the distraught. Let’s go light our world by practicing instant obedience, maintaining intimacy with God, loving what God loves, and hating what God hates. Let’s go light our world by interceding for the lost, investing in lives of lost people, going public with our personal testimony, and giving financially to the Lord’s work. Let’s go light our world by making ourselves available for God’s use, being responsive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and living in light of eternity. Make Jesus visible by declaring that lost people go to hell, proclaiming that saved people go to heaven, and clarifying that Jesus is the only way. Make Jesus visible by demonstrating that people matter to God and affirming that God is not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9). Unless we reveal the light, others will be unable to receive the light. If they don’t receive the light, they will be unable to walk in the light. If they don’t walk in the light, they will be unable to reveal the light. Make Jesus visible! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Bread of Life Clarity I am sayings

Bread of Life

“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.’” John 6:35 (NIV) Have you ever wondered what Jesus said about Himself? His self-disclosure gives us insight into the relational velocity available to us. Understanding His identity erases ambiguity and brings clarity. Let’s explore the seven “I am” sayings of Christ to gain clarity on our true identity in Christ. Jesus challenged the crowd to stop working for food that perishes and to devote their passion to fulfilling the hunger of their souls. Their greatest need was the bread Jesus had to offer as He declared, “I am the bread of life.” Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Affirm the identity of Christ. Respond to the invitation of Jesus by coming to Him and believing in Him. You will never be hungry and you will never go thirsty. Jesus will be the bread of your life. “‘Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me’” (John 6:57 NIV). Because Jesus is the Bread of Life, your soul is nourished, your mind is renewed, and your heart is revived. Because Jesus is the Bread of Life, your ears are captivated by the Voice of Truth, your eyes are focused on the redemptive activity of God, and your mouth is filled with words of life. Because Jesus is the Bread of Life, your hands are transformed into the compassionate hands of Jesus. Because Jesus is the Bread of Life, your feet are fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace and your feet are grounded in the firm foundation of God’s infallible, inerrant, and unchanging Word. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Belief I am sayings Jesus

Belief and Relief

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’” John 11:25-26 (NIV) Belief brings ultimate relief. Believing in Jesus brings the ultimate relief of knowing that you will never die. In Christ, you will never experience the sting of death (1 Cor. 15:55-57). Those who choose to live and believe in Jesus will never die. For the Child of God, death is not a wall to climb, but rather an open door to enter. Jesus has built the bridge to transfer a believer from life on earth to life in heaven. Martha was troubled by the death of her brother, Lazarus. She did not understand why Jesus delayed in coming to the rescue. Jesus comforted Martha and affirmed that He was the resurrection and the life. Martha placed her faith in Jesus (John 11:27). Jesus called Lazarus forth from the grave and he came out wrapped in grave clothes. Jesus commanded that his grave clothes be removed. Lazarus experienced Jesus as the resurrection and the life. Martha witnessed the miracle of resurrection. As a child of God, you are armed with the powerful message of eternal hope and security. You can personally deliver the good news that whoever confesses Christ will never die. You can participate with God in His redemptive activity by sharing the saving news of Jesus with the lost. Heaven and eternal life are fixtures in the life of every believer. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Good Shepherd I am sayings Intimacy

Cultivating Intimacy

“‘I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.’” John 10:14-15 (NIV) Is intimacy with God your top priority? Are you nurturing the life of Christ in you? Respond to the Good Shepherd’s intimacy. You determine the level of intimacy with God. When intimacy with God is your top priority, there are some clear indicators that arise. For example, when intimacy with God is your top priority, you will hunger for God’s Word, you will thirst for His righteousness, you will have a passion for prayer, and you will have a compassion for people. Intimacy with God will generate a devotion to private and corporate worship, a sensitivity to God’s activity, a righteous anger towards sin, and a righteous ambition for God’s agenda. As you maintain intimacy with God, you will be fully surrendered to the Lordship of Christ, you will practice instant obedience, and you will be laser-focused on pleasing God. God’s will is for you to have a growing relationship with Jesus. God does not want you to settle into the monotony of mediocrity or to compromise your commitment to Christlikeness. God wants you to passionately pursue Him and to know Him personally and intimately. What is keeping your from cultivating an intimate love relationship with the Lord? Make room for the relationship that establishes the pace for all other relationships. Carve out space for daily unhurried time alone with the Lord. Secure a place of solitude and draw near to God. Invest energy into seeking Him with all of your heart. Unveil the deepest recesses of your heart and entrust every area of your life to His Lordship. He is the Good Shepherd! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

I am sayings Sacrificial Love Shepherd

The Good Shepherd

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 (NIV) Who is the most loving person in your life? Where have you received the highest level of unconditional love? Perhaps someone specific comes to mind. It may be a person whom is now in heaven or someone who is still an active part of your life. Think about how that person imparted life to you and added value to your life. I wanted you to feel that personal love in order to bring you into the sea of love exhibited by the Good Shepherd. Jesus is our Good Shepherd and He willingly laid down His life for us. There has never been a greater love than that which Jesus demonstrated by His selfless life, sacrificial death, miraculous resurrection, and His visible upcoming return. Jesus died voluntarily to do for us that which we could never do for ourselves. Jesus eliminated the vast gulf that separated us from our holy God. Jesus took the initiative to lay down His life so that we could come into a vibrant and eternal union with God. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:24-25 (NIV) Receive the Good Shepherd’s initiative. He has demolished the barrier that separates you from God. Jesus laid down His life and rose from the dead so that you could live in victory. Place your faith in His completed work on the cross and experience His victory. Now share the victory with others! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Gate I am sayings Sufficiency

Everlasting Sufficiency

“‘The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’” John 10:10 (NIV) God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. Satan hates you and has a deceptive plan for your life. Satan’s agenda is to deplete you and to defeat you. Don’t allow the thief to steal your joy, kill your peace, or destroy your passion. Don’t allow the thief to neutralize your zeal, to vandalize your victory, or to jeopardize your testimony. Don’t allow the thief to distract your devotion, to discourage your discipline, or to deflate your demeanor. Embrace the great promise of everlasting sufficiency that Jesus provides. Jesus is the Shepherd and His agenda is to complete your life. Jesus has come to deliver your from darkness and defeat. Remember, the tomb is empty so that your life doesn’t have to be! Allow the Shepherd and Overseer of your soul to infuse you with His power, to inject you with His love, and to inspire you with His compassion. Allow the Shepherd and Overseer of your soul to ignite your worship, to excite your prayer life, and to incite your sensitivity to His activity. My mind is made up: I have been designed by God and for God. My eyes are looking up: Jesus sought me! Jesus bought me with His own blood! Jesus thought of me before I ever thought of Him! My faith is growing up: He who began a good work in me will bring it to completion! Remind the devil that your sin has been removed, the blood of Jesus has been applied, and your eternal security is securely fastened in the all-sufficient, all-powerful, and all-knowing nail-scarred hands of the Lord Jesus Christ. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Gate I am sayings Satisfaction

Endless Satisfaction

“‘I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.’” John 10:9 (NIV) Has your life on this broken planet delivered what it promised? Have you ever been disappointed with your life? God never intended for this world to satisfy the longings of your heart. The treasures of earth cannot complete the treasure chest of your existence. God created you with a longing that will never be satisfied by temporal pursuits and earthly manna. Enjoy the green pasture of endless satisfaction that comes through an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the gate for the sheep. In Him, you will be granted the privilege of coming in and going out to find pasture. As John Piper says, “God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him.” “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 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 23:1-3 (NIV) “For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:25 (NIV) Soul nourishment comes through an ongoing love relationship with Jesus that is real and personal. Enjoy the endless satisfaction of His green pasture by feeding on His Word, resting in His purpose, and trusting in His daily provision. Jesus is more than enough. He is your sufficiency. Jesus has already overcome any obstacle that you face. Entrust your life to Him and seek Him with all of your heart. Draw close to Jesus and cultivate a vibrant prayer life. Build meaningful relationships with other sheep and live to benefit others. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Eternal security Gate I am sayings

The Gate

“‘I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.’” John 10:9 (NIV) In Bible times, the shepherd would lay down at the entrance of the sheep pen in order to provide protection and security for the sheep from the threat of beasts of prey. The sheep were vulnerable outside of the shepherd’s care. His willingness to serve as the gate gave the sheep security and access to the pasture. Jesus is the gate. It is through Him that a person enters into a saving relationship that provides eternal security and perpetual spiritual nourishment. Jesus is the gate that grants access to the spiritual resources of heaven. “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” John 1:12-13 (NIV) To enter through Jesus is to believe in His name and to be born again (John 3:3). Being born again is the event of conversion whereby you experience the regeneration provided by the atoning work of Jesus on the cross. Jesus is the gate through which you experience the divine transaction by transferring your trust from yourself to Christ alone for salvation. A few weeks ago a couple church members joined me in visiting some first-time guests. We walked up their driveway and had the privilege of sharing the plan of salvation with the entire family and they each prayed to invite Jesus to take over their life. I congratulated them on their decision and the reality of their spiritual birthday. The dad let us know that it was also his physical birthday. His daughter immediately announced, “Daddy, you need two birthday cakes!” Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Clarity I am sayings Light of the World

Light of the World

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12 (NIV) Are you a recipient of the Light? When you turned from your sin and turned to Jesus alone for salvation, you became a child of God and a recipient of the Light of the World. Just as Jesus illuminated His world during His earthly ministry, He has called us and commissioned us to be the light of the world by continuing His ministry on the earth. “There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” John 1:6-9 (NIV) Your role in this Christian life is to point people to Jesus. When others view your life, they should see Jesus. You may be the only Jesus others see. As Dr. Johnny Hunt says, “People in your community may not read the Bible, but they will read the gospel according to your life.” What are they reading? Help others get delivered from darkness by introducing them to the Light of the World. Intercede for them and invest in them by navigating them through the journey of discovering the Light of the World. Let the light of Jesus shine through your life and love people to Jesus. There’s no higher calling than participating with God in His redemptive activity by shining His light and sharing His love. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Clarity I am sayings Light of the World

Make Jesus Visible

“’You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.’” Matt 5:14-16 (NIV) Let’s go light our world with the love of Jesus, the compassion of Jesus, the humility of Jesus, and the servitude of Jesus. Let’s go light our world by shining His light, sharing His love, mending broken hearts, extending personal touch ministry, serving the less fortunate, and encouraging the distraught. Let’s go light our world by practicing instant obedience, maintaining intimacy with God, loving what God loves, and hating what God hates. Let’s go light our world by interceding for the lost, investing in lives of lost people, going public with our personal testimony, and giving financially to the Lord’s work. Let’s go light our world by making ourselves available for God’s use, being responsive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and living in light of eternity. Make Jesus visible by declaring that lost people go to hell, proclaiming that saved people go to heaven, and clarifying that Jesus is the only way. Make Jesus visible by demonstrating that people matter to God and affirming that God is not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Pt 3:9). Unless we reveal the light, others will be unable to receive the light. If they don’t receive the light, they will be unable to walk in the light. If they don’t walk in the light, they will be unable to reveal the light. Make Jesus visible! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Bread of Life Clarity I am sayings

Bread of Life

“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.’” John 6:35 (NIV) Have you ever wondered what Jesus said about Himself? His self-disclosure gives us insight into the relational velocity available to us. Understanding His identity erases ambiguity and brings clarity. Let’s explore the seven “I am” sayings of Christ to gain clarity on our true identity in Christ. Jesus challenged the crowd to stop working for food that perishes and to devote their passion to fulfilling the hunger of their souls. Their greatest need was the bread Jesus had to offer as He declared, “I am the bread of life.” Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Affirm the identity of Christ. Respond to the invitation of Jesus by coming to Him and believing in Him. You will never be hungry and you will never go thirsty. Jesus will be the bread of your life. “‘Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me’” (John 6:57 NIV). Because Jesus is the Bread of Life, your soul is nourished, your mind is renewed, and your heart is revived. Because Jesus is the Bread of Life, your ears are captivated by the Voice of Truth, your eyes are focused on the redemptive activity of God, and your mouth is filled with words of life. Because Jesus is the Bread of Life, your hands are transformed into the compassionate hands of Jesus. Because Jesus is the Bread of Life, your feet are fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace and your feet are grounded in the firm foundation of God’s infallible, inerrant, and unchanging Word. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Belief I am sayings Jesus

Belief and Relief

Decisions I am sayings Jesus

Discover the Gate

“Therefore Jesus said again, ‘Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.’” John 10:7-9 (NIV) That path that ensures eternal life is through one particular gate. Have you discovered the gate? Jesus identifies Himself as the gate. Whoever enters through Him will be saved from eternal damnation and will receive the gift of eternal life. How do you enter through Jesus? What does it take to access the gift of eternal life? In speaking about salvation, Charles Spurgeon said, “You and your sins must separate or you and your God will never come together.” Parting from your sin is the process of repentance. Confess your sins specifically and place your faith in Jesus alone for salvation. Faith is the key that unlocks the gate of eternal life. Enter through the gate by turning from your sin and trusting in Jesus. Jesus lived a sinless life, died on the cross to pay the penalty of your sin, and was raised from the dead. What Jesus did on the cross is applied to your life through the vehicle of faith. In a post-resurrection appearance, Jesus told Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29 NIV). Do you believe that Jesus is God’s son? Do you believe Jesus is who He says He is? Do you believe that Jesus provided for the purification of your sins by shedding His blood on the cross? Enter through the gate! Jesus is the gate! Don’t delay and flirt with the flames of hell and a future without God. Turn from your sin and turn to Jesus now and be saved! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

I am sayings Jesus Salvation

The Only Way

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6 (NIV) Often I have heard people insert their belief that “we are all trying to get to the same place, just taking different paths to get there.” Scripture does not affirm that belief. In fact, there is only one way to get to heaven. Jesus is the only way! Now that is both exclusive and inclusive. Those who reject Jesus as the only way don’t receive the benefit of eternal life in heaven. They are excluded from heaven for failing to accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. Be informed, since Jesus is the only way to heaven, you can know for certain that you have the gift of eternal life. Everyone who trusts in Jesus alone for salvation is included in the eternal benefits of that decision. “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) “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 (NIV) “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (NIV) Have you met the way? Have you embraced the truth? Have you experienced the life? Be informed and be transformed by the only One who can make an eternal difference in your life, Jesus. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Good Shepherd I am sayings Value

Valued by the Shepherd

“‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.’” John 10:11 (NIV) Your value is not determined by your portfolio. Your value is not determined by your performance. Your value is not determined by your personality. Your value is determined by what God has done on your behalf. Before you could do anything with God or for God, in His mercy and grace, God decided what to do with you and for you. Your value was established before you were born. Then, God provided a tangible demonstration and validation of your value when He became man. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (NIV) “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NIV) “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Cor 5:21 (NIV) Is the Lord your shepherd? Have you allowed Him to be the shepherd and overseer of your soul? Now think about your value in God’s economy. You are the apple of God’s eye. You are His treasure. Look around! Do you see other people in your weekly routine? Guess what? God values them, too. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Eternal security I am sayings

Eternal Security

“Therefore Jesus said again, ‘I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep.’” John 10:7 (NIV) My security in Christ is not based on my feelings. There are days when my emotional security may be threatened. There are days when I just don’t feel safe and secure. Fortunately, my security is not anchored to my feelings. My eternal security is found in Jesus completely. “‘I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’” John 10:9-10 (NIV) Because He is the gate, you are secure. After placing your trust in the completed work of Jesus on the cross, you are completely saved. Your eternal security is not based on your daily performance, but on the finished work of Jesus on the cross. You didn’t earn salvation and you cannot lose your salvation. The same One who saved you is the One who keeps you. As a believer, if you choose to sin, you will face consequences. You don’t lose your salvation, but your fellowship with Jesus will be strained and your ability to bear the fruit of the Spirit will be inhibited. Confess your sin now. Specifically agree with God concerning your sin. Remember what you were saved from! Now walk with Jesus and He will help you find pasture. Jesus will help you develop authentic relationships with other believers and He will help you develop spiritual disciplines to nurture His life in you. Jesus will help you build intentional relationships with unsaved people so that you can shine His light and share His love with them. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

I am sayings Light of the World

Illuminating Your World

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12 (NIV) Everything changed on March 28, 1979, when I received God’s gift of eternal life. Jesus, the light of the world, took up residence in my heart and has illuminated my life both inwardly and outwardly. My ambitions, my desires, and my outlook took on a new perspective. The character of Christ has been daily formed in me. Throughout the years, His light has informed me of areas that need to be brought under His Lordship. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” Eph 5:8 (NIV) “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Col 1:13-14 (NIV) Jesus wants to not only shine in you but also to shine through you. His light through your life alters the world around you. Every interaction becomes intentional. Each conversation becomes an opportunity to allow Jesus to shine His light through you. Just as light influences darkness, Jesus has saved you and set you apart to influence others. Because He is the light of the world, you are illuminated. Now, illuminate the environments that God places you in. Allow the light of Jesus to shine brightly through your life today. Eternity is at stake! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Bread of Life I am sayings Nourishment

Soul Nourishment

“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.’” John 6:35 (NIV) Jesus had fed the multitudes with a boy’s lunch consisting of two small fish and fives loaves of bread. As S.M. Lockridge used to say, “God is the only One who can multiply two times five and get five-thousand.” The people were fixated on the miracle of multiplication and bypassed the miracle worker, Jesus. Instead of believing in the One who provided the bread, they were content to have their appetites fulfilled with earthly bread. “Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’” John 6:32-33 (NIV) Jesus is the true bread from heaven. He has come to give life to the world. Jesus is the bread of life. Because He is the bread of life, I am nourished. My soul is satisfied. The hole in my heart has been filled. My life is now complete. My life now makes sense. As John Piper says, “God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him.” Have you come to that place of recognizing Jesus as the bread of life? Has Jesus become your Source for life? Are you most satisfied in Him? Because Jesus is the bread of life, you are nourished. By placing your faith in the atoning work of Christ on the cross, you become a child of God. Your new identity includes that of Jesus becoming the bread of your life. Jesus is now your nourishment. He is now your reason for living. Jesus is your Source! Are you daily nurturing the life of Christ in you? Close your eyes and spend some unhurried time alone with God in prayer. Thank Him for being your provider, your peace, and your protector. Allow Jesus to nourish your soul. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

I am sayings Life Resurrection and Life

Resurrection and Life

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’” John 11:25-26 (NIV) You are born, you live, you die, and then you go to heaven or hell. There’s more to this life than the here and now. There’s more to this life than what is visible. In light of eternity, life on planet earth is brief. Yet, there is life on the other side of the grave. Everyone will face God and acknowledge that Jesus is Lord. Those who make that confession before death will go to heaven. Those who fail to make that declaration before death will face God, confess that Jesus is Lord, and then spend eternity separated from God in the literal place called hell. There’s hope! Because Jesus is the resurrection and the life, you are invited to spend eternity in heaven. You are invited to respond to God’s offer of salvation by placing your faith in the redemptive act of Jesus dying on the cross to pay the penalty for your sin. You are invited to receive the gift of eternal life. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast.” Eph 2:8-9 (NIV) Receive the gift of eternal life and then spend your remaining days upon the earth inviting others to receive the gift of eternal life before it is too late. How many people will be in heaven because of you? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor