Category: Jesus

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Glory Jesus Mount Transfiguration

Mountaintop Experiences

“After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.” Matt 17:1-2 (NIV) If only life was a perpetual mountaintop experience. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be on a constant spiritual high and never come down? Peter, James, and John had a once in a lifetime experience with Jesus on the top of a mountain. Jesus was transfigured before them. Peter wanted to build three shelters in order to stay on the mountaintop and live in the radiance of Jesus’ glory. Jesus used the experience to teach Peter, James, and John the necessity to come down the mountain to meet the needs of people in the valley. In other words, God surprises us with mountaintop experiences to reveal His glory so that we can go into the world to reveal God’s glory to others. Consider the terrain of your spiritual journey. Can you recall the mountaintop experiences you have had with God? Did God reveal His glory to you in those moments so that you would stay in the moment? No! God gave you those special glimpses into His nature and character so that you could go into the valley of life to connect with people in desperate need of God’s salvation. God moments can be difficult to transfer to others. Often, the God moments are for you to be encouraged and strengthened personally. The experience should motivate you to go into the world to declare the message of reconciliation to a world alienated from God. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Influence Jesus Witness

Shining His Light

“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) Uncover your candle. Jesus has transformed your life so that you will become an agent of transformation in the world. Jesus has illuminated your life so that you will reflect His light and extend His love to a lost and dying world. As a child of God, you are the light of the world. God has strategically placed you in a dark culture in order to shine His light in you and through you. You are alive right now on purpose. You live, work, study, and play right where God has placed you to know Jesus and to make Him known. Is your light shining? Is your candle burning brightly for the Lord? God has created people who need the light you have. God has brought them into your life and placed them in your sphere of influence so that you can let your light shine before them. Don’t fear the open doors God places before you. Don’t divert from the path God has placed you on. Don’t neglect crossing the bridges God has built for you. You will come into contact with people today who need the light God has placed within you. Will you uncover the candle? Will you allow the light of Jesus to shine through you in order to reveal His love to others? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Jesus Passion Zeal

Unveiling the Real Zeal

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:11 (NIV) What are you passionate about? What are you giving your time, energy, and resources to? What gets the best of you? You answer unveils your zeal. God placed zeal in you. Your passion is an expression of your spiritual DNA. God gives you the ability to be passionate in this life. However, it is possible to misdirect the passion God gives you. Your passion can be diverted to areas that are unhealthy or unfruitful. You can channel your passion to outlets that dishonor God or even to good things that rob God’s best for you. God’s Word teaches us to keep our spiritual fervor. Our passion in action should be vertical in nature. We are to be passionate for God. Our zeal for God and His Kingdom should never experience a deficit. As we nurture our passion for God, we are to keep our passion channeled in the paths that God provides. Are you passionate about the things of God? Does your life give evidence to the passion God desires from you? Take some time to assess your current reality. See if your passion is misdirected. Examine your life to the level of identifying the source of your passion and the expression of your passion in action. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Jesus Rest Yoke

Finding Soul Rest

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Mt. 11:28-30 (NIV) Jesus is always on time. He knows just what we need right when we need it. His invitation to join Him and to find rest in Him is the antidote to our fast pace lifestyle. As one person said, “If we don’t learn to come apart, we will come apart!” Why do we feel guilty when we slow down? Why do we gravitate toward the performance trap and end up equating productivity with spirituality? Sometimes the most spiritual move we can make is to slow down and experience the rest Jesus offers. Be sure to notice in our verse for today that there is a prerequisite to encountering His rest. We must be willing to come to Him. We must be willing to take the initiative to respond to His invitation. That just doesn’t fit our adrenaline-addicted society. We tend to long for the next high or the next rush. Maybe we can just capture a few more sips of caffeinated coffee. Will that deliver what we need most? Perhaps the invitation is to come to the place of total reliance upon God. If I yoke up with Him, then I will have to be willing to go where He goes and embrace the pace He sets. Remember, His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Sounds refreshing! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Intentionality Jesus Love

Intentional Love

“But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead.” Mark 15:11 (NIV) Have you ever encountered injustice? Have you ever been treated unfairly? I think we have all been there. It hurts! The scars serve as a constant reminder. In our verse today, we find a word that compels us to contemplate. It is the soothing word, “instead.” Let me take this punishment instead of you. Allow me to receive this penalty instead of you. Jesus will be flogged and crucified instead of Barabbas. The innocent man dies in his place. The guilty man goes free. Jesus receives what he doesn’t deserve while Barabbas receives what he doesn’t deserve. Jesus receives death! Barabbas receives life! Is that justice? Should the guilty go free? God’s intentional love was clearly displayed. God took the initiative to come to our rescue. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us”(Rm. 5:8 NIV). Christ died instead of us! Yes, while we were still sinners! How can you demonstrate that kind of love? Who in your sphere of influence needs to know what “instead” looks like? Forgive instead of holding a grudge. Show acceptance instead of forging a gap. Offer help instead of ignoring the need. Appreciate Jesus instead of taking Him for granted. It’s your move! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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God's Will Jesus Submission

My Father’s Business

“’Why were you searching for me?’ he asked. ‘Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?’” Luke 2:49 (NIV) Diffused light does not have much power to impact the environment it is placed in, but focused light can cut steel. Your life is most powerful when it is most focused. Our proclivity is to drift into a fragmented lifestyle where we are trying to divert our energy into too many tasks. It is so easy to dilute our impact by seeking to keep too many plates spinning at a given time. We become generalist instead of specialists. Jesus lived a focused life. He was laser focused on being about His Father’s business. God’s agenda was Jesus’ top priority. Even at age twelve Jesus affirmed His devotion to God’s will. Nothing was more important to Jesus than operating every moment in the center of God’s will. Jesus was committed to fulfilling God’s plan. Shortly after His baptism at age thirty, Jesus declared that He had come down from heaven not to do His will but to do the will of His Father (John 6:38). Have you oriented your life to the Father’s will? Have you made necessary adjustments in your life to focus on living in the center of God’s will? You will have competing agendas, countless opportunities to drift, and a persistent gravitational pull from the enemy to downplay the urgency of God’s agenda. The world, the flesh, and the Devil will seek to capture your devotion. Your life will be tugged from various directions in order to get you off mission. Don’t give in to the temptation to become fragmented. Don’t dilute your devotion. Renew your commitment to serve God and to obey His Word. God’s will is for you to be fully yielded and fully surrendered to His prompting. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Jesus Obedience Parenting

Positioning for the Future

“When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.” Luke 2:39-40 (NIV) Can you name the people God used to position you for the future you are now in? Think about their investment in your life. Weigh their deposits of encouragement, feedback, and godly counsel. You are a product of the decisions you have made over your lifetime and a product of God’s grace through others in your life. God chose to use Joseph and Mary to position Jesus for the future God had for Him. They obeyed the law and they obeyed God. They returned to their own town and were faithful in parenting Jesus. Jesus grew, became strong, and was filled with wisdom. God’s grace was upon Him. God could have positioned Jesus for the future without Joseph and Mary, yet He chose to use human instrumentality. Just as God has brought people into your life to position you for the future, God wants to use you to help others. Are you available to be used of God to position others for the future? God wants to touch others through your life. Your personal testimony of God’s faithfulness and your daily walk with Jesus are vital components for being used of God to impact the lives of others. You can make an immediate difference as well as an eternal difference in the lives of those God brings into your path. God has blessed you with every spiritual blessing in Christ so that you can be a blessing to others. Will you make yourself available for God’s use? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Jesus Manger Mary

Miracle in the Manger

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:6-7 (NIV) What does Christmas mean to you? What will you experience on this special day? Perhaps this will be a busy day for you as you make your rounds to connect with family. Or maybe for you it is a quiet day with minimal activity. Whether the pace is intense or tranquil, there is a miracle in the manger. When you contemplate the vastness of God’s love, you have to consider the decision God made to take on human form and to dwell among us. Mary wrapped the Son of God in cloths and placed Him in a manger. Can you imagine the Creator of the universe being place in a feeding trough? The One who could have created a castle for that moment, chose to be placed in a manger. The miracle of the manger is that God chose to come to our rescue. God was willing to become like us so that we could become like Him. God orchestrated our reconciliation. Our transformation was initiated and implemented by God and for God. Will you make room for Jesus in your life? Will you allow Him to be evident in your life as your Savior and Lord? He saved you so that you can present the miracle of the manger to those who are not yet connected to Christ. Jesus provided the miracle of your transformation so that you can join Him in providing that miracle to a dark and decaying world. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Jesus Rest Restoration

Rest for Your Soul

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Mt. 11:28-30 (NIV) Jesus is always on time. He knows just what we need right when we need it. His invitation to join Him and to find rest in Him is the antidote to our fast pace lifestyle. As one person said, “If we don’t learn to come apart, we will come apart!” Why do we feel guilty when we slow down? Why do we gravitate toward the performance trap and end up equating productivity with spirituality? Sometimes the most spiritual move we can make is to slow down and experience the rest Jesus offers. Be sure to notice in our verse for today that there is a prerequisite to encountering His rest. We must be willing to come to Him. We must be willing to take the initiative to respond to His invitation. That just doesn’t fit our adrenaline addicted society. We tend to long for the next high or the next rush. Maybe we can just capture a few more sips of caffeinated coffee. Will that deliver what we need most? Perhaps the invitation is to come to the place of total reliance upon God. If I yoke up with Him, then I will have to be willing to go where He goes and embrace the pace He sets. Remember, His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Sounds refreshing! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Abundant Life Enemy Jesus

Having Abundant Life

“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) Are you living the life God has for you? Have you come to experience life to the full? Jesus came to give you that kind of life. However, the full life Jesus gives does not come without opposition. There are three agendas competing for your devotion. Satan has an agenda for your life, the world seeks to lure you into its agenda, and your flesh has an agenda. The enemy strives to derail your devotion to the Lord. He desires to rob you of your joy and to rid you of your passion for the things of God. The enemy does not want you to experience the abundant life that is found in Christ alone. Living in a fallen world provides countless opportunities to inhibit the abundant life Jesus came to provide. The gravitational pull of sin permeates life on planet earth. Staying clean while living in a dirty world will be a perpetual battle. Jesus demonstrated that a life of purity is possible. Jesus was tempted just as we are, yet was without sin (Heb. 4:15). He overcame the cravings of His flesh and did not yield to temptation. Jesus came to bring you life complete and abundant. What is hindering your love relationship with Christ? What is keeping you from enjoying the life Jesus came to give? There’s more to explore in this life Jesus gives. You will get a taste of heaven on earth as you allow Jesus to live His life through you. He wants to help you know and experience abundant life. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Glory Jesus Prayer

Beholding His Glory

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” John 17:24 (NIV) Where is Jesus right now? Jesus is at the right hand of God making intercession for us (Rm. 8:34). He lived a sinless life, died a sacrificial death, and rose victorious from the grave. Jesus is in heaven engaging in the ministry of intercessory prayer on our behalf. In His prayer in the Upper Room with His disciples, Jesus affirmed that He wanted us to be with Him in heaven and to see His glory. If you have experienced the glory of salvation, then you will behold the glory of Jesus in heaven upon your arrival. Jesus has provided the way for you to have eternal life and enter heaven (Jn. 14:6). “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:3 (NIV) “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 5:12 (NIV) How many people will behold the glory of Jesus in heaven because of your life on earth? What kind of influence have you been for Christ through your conversation and your conduct? Are you sharing the word of life with those who do not have a relationship with Jesus? Now that you have been adopted into God’s family, commit to share your faith with those who are hell bound. Don’t withhold the cure for the cancer of sin. You are an ambassador for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20). You have been reconciled to reconcile others to God through Christ. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Jesus Love Unconditional Love

True Love

“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) Can you imagine life without love? Can you imagine doing life as a family without love? Can you imagine being part of a church where love is absent? God made us to know His love and to make His love known. God created us to building meaningful relationships with others in response to His love for us and in us. What does that kind of love look like? That kind of love looks just like Jesus. Jesus is patient and kind. Jesus does not envy, He does not boast, and He is not proud. Jesus is not rude, He is not self-seeking, He is not easily angered, and He keeps no record of wrongs. Jesus does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Jesus always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Will your name fit there? Are you living in such a way as to embody God’s love? God has placed you in a fallen world to continue the ministry of Jesus. You are here to know God’s love and to make His love known by building meaningful relationships with others. Will those who know you, but don’t know Jesus, come to know Jesus because they know you? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Compassion Forgiveness Jesus

Releasing Unforgiveness

“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Col 3:13 (NIV) Motion causes friction. Doing life with real people can generate feelings of irritability and agitation. Real people in real life can get on your nerves at times. Our self-absorbed society elevates relational strife. Our proclivity toward selfishness accelerates the relational turmoil. The Body of Christ is not exempt from relational challenges. Every church family experiences tension, jealousy, and relational drift. We combat the world, the flesh, and the devil. We combat the tendency to turn inward and neglect relationships. Self-preservation prevents us from experiencing the depth of meaningful relationships God has for us. Perpetual forgiveness and bearing with each other are required for maintaining unity in the Body of Christ. If you have a grievance against someone, release it! If you have been fertilizing a spirit of un-forgiveness, renounce it! Forgive others just as the Lord Jesus has forgiven you. Don’t forget about the forgiveness you have received in your lifetime. Calculate the grace, mercy, and compassion that Christ has lavished on you. Think about where you would be without His abundant forgiveness. Your sin has been placed as far as the east is from the west. Your sin has been placed in the sea of forgetfulness. You are totally forgiven. You have been set free! Now, choose to forgive others as the Lord has chosen to forgive you. Let others experience your forgiveness in the same degree upon which you have experienced the forgiveness of Christ. In prayer, visit the scene of the cross. Picture for a moment the Lord Jesus on the cross paying the penalty for your sin. Consider the weight of taking on the full wrath of God for your sin. Jesus did that for you. Would you be willing to extend forgiveness to others in response to the forgiveness Jesus extended to you? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Devotion Jesus Repentance

Returning to Your First Love

“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.” Rev 2:4-5 (NIV) The church at Ephesus had a lot going for them. They were strong in deeds, hardworking, and known for their perseverance. They sought purity of doctrine, endured hardship, and served diligently. Yet, they bypassed their love relationship with God. The church had forsaken their first love. There are so many things vying for your affection and devotion. You can give your life to an endless array of commitments and neglect the most important relationship. It is possible to give a little bit of yourself to everything and have nothing left for the most vital relationship. Keeping you fragmented is one of Satan’s goals to keep you from nurturing the life-giving relationship that Christ provides. As long as you are distracted from that which is eternal, Satan knows that your effectiveness in the Kingdom of God will be stifled. Do you remember when your love relationship with Christ was your top priority? Measure how far you have drifted from that passionate intimate relationship you had with Christ. Repent! Choose to go a new direction by forsaking those things that hinder your love relationship with Christ. Give your full devotion to the One who died sacrificially so that you could live abundantly and eternally. Return to guarding your love relationship with Christ. Give the best of your life each day to the One who deserves first place in your life. Make a standing appointment with the Lord each morning to spend time with Him. Yield your life to the One who gave you life! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Jesus On Mission Strength

Finding His Strength

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Phil 4:13 (NIV) Jesus is the person God uses to empower us. You can do all things through Christ. He is your strength. He is your sustenance. He is your energy. Your relationship with Jesus is the most vital relationship you will ever have. Your love relationship with Christ is the dynamic link to doing God’s work, God’s way. Stay connected to Christ through an abiding relationship (John 15:5). Nourish your soul through continuous communication with the One who died sacrificially and rose supernaturally to bring you life abundant and eternal. As you walk with Jesus, you will be able to do what Jesus did. He will empower you to be on mission with God just as He was on mission during His earthly existence. God created you to continue the ministry of Jesus on the earth. However, you cannot do what Jesus did without the strength He provides. Even on your best day, you are not fit for kingdom work without kingdom power. Your energy level will not suffice for the agenda God has for you to fulfill. To do the supernatural work of God, you will need the supernatural strength Jesus provides. Through Christ, you can do anything! Through Christ, you will experience the strength to keep you in the center of God’s will and to keep you on mission with God. As you obey His Word, Jesus will empower you to touch lives for eternity. Your investment of time and energy in serving the purposes of God in your generation will be rewarded one day. Keep serving! Keep operating in the strength Jesus provides! Fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith (2 Tim. 4:7). Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Healing Jesus

A Personal Question

“One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, ‘Do you want to get well?’” John 5:5-6 (NIV) We know more than we are doing. We know that we are to eat right, exercise, and get plenty of rest in order to be healthy. We know that we are to give, save, pay bills, and pay taxes. We know that we are to make the most of every moment that God gives us. We know that we are to forgive others, to love others, to pray for others, to be considerate of others, and to serve others. Yet, we don’t always do the things we know we are supposed to do. Jesus asked a thirty-eight year old invalid if he wanted to get well. That question seems out of place. Why wouldn’t a lame man want to walk? What would keep a person from wanting to experience healing? It is a matter of want. If you had the “want to” then you would find a “way to” be healed. Sometimes we can become comfortable with our misery. The question is, “Do you want to get well?” Do you want to continue living like you are living? Do you want to continue to operate in your current reality? Jesus is the answer to your situation. Are you obeying what you know? Have you responded to what He has already revealed to you? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Intercession Jesus Prayer

Covered in Prayer

“Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” Heb 7:25 (NIV) Jesus values intercessory prayer. You are covered in prayer. There is One who lives to intercede for you. Jesus became like you so that you could become like Him. He knows what you wrestle with. He has experienced your fears and frustrations. Jesus was tempted just as you are, yet without sin (Heb. 4:15). He endured the agony of the cross on your behalf. He took away your sin and imputed His righteousness. Jesus gave you a new name and a new nature to bring glory to God. The ministry of reconciliation Jesus fulfilled in you has now become your assignment. As you seek to extend the ministry of reconciliation to others, Jesus is fulfilling His ministry of intercession for you. As you serve Him by serving others, Jesus is serving you by interceding for you. Can you fathom the Son of God and the Savior of the world being that invested in you and that interested in you to level of praying for you perpetually? You are His treasure and valued possession. You are the apple of His eye. Not only did Jesus sacrifice His life for you, but also He now lives to bring your needs before our Heavenly Father. Jesus prays for you based on His all-sufficient knowledge of your circumstances, your dreams, and your obstacles. Jesus prays for you with the full knowledge of God’s will for your life. Jesus completely saved you. Jesus will completely keep you. Cast your cares upon Him. Release your fear to Him. Submit your lips and your life to His control. Rest in His intercession. Walk in the Spirit today and remember that you are covered in prayer. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Heaven Jesus Prayer

Living for Heaven

“And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.” John 17:5 (NIV) Jesus valued returning to heaven. The Priestly prayer of Jesus in John17 demonstrated His passion to return to heaven to be glorified in His Father’s presence. Jesus served, preached, healed, and prayed with heaven in view. In His pre-existence, Jesus was involved in creation of man. In His incarnation, Jesus provided redemption for fallen man. “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’” Gen 1:26 (NIV) “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:  Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” Phil 2:5-7 (NIV) Jesus was willing to leave the glory of heaven in order to become the only appropriate sacrifice for your sin. He endured the agony of the cross to benefit your forever. Once you come to faith in the completed work of Jesus, your life is transformed, your sins are forgiven, and your body becomes the temple of the Holy Spirit. Your name is written in the Lamb’s book of life. Are you ready for heaven? Have you made your reservation by grace alone through faith alone? Jesus has made heaven and eternal life available to all who trust in Him alone for salvation. Once you have solidified your eternal transaction, invest the rest of your life helping others come to faith in Christ. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Jesus Obedience Prayer

Completing God’s Mission

“I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.” John 17:4 (NIV) Jesus values completing God’s mission. How do you bring glory to God? By doing God’s work God’s way! Jesus brought glory to God by fulfilling God’s mission God’s way. Jesus was sensitive to the activity of God. Jesus recognized that God was always at work (John 5:17) and that God’s invitation to join in would require faith and obedience. Jesus completed the work God gave Him to do. “‘My food,’ said Jesus, ‘is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.’” John 4:34 (NIV) “‘For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me.’” John 5:36 (NIV) What has God given you to do? God has a mission for you to fulfill. Do not bypass your love relationship with God in Christ. Being on mission with God will flow out of that abiding relationship you have with Jesus. Stay connected to Jesus through daily nurturing your love relationship through prayer and Bible study. Seize opportunities to spread the fragrance of Christ. Doing God’s work God’s way will flow out of being intimately connected to Christ. As you spend uninterrupted time alone with the Lord in solitude, you will hear His voice speaking to you through your Bible reading and prayer time. Focus on being. Focus on becoming the man or woman of God that you were created to be. Draw near to the heart of God and allow Him to reveal His specific plan for your life as you do His work His way in His timing. Start by saying, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening!” Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Eternal life Jesus Prayer

Reaching Lost People

“For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:2-3 (NIV) Jesus values reaching lost people. As Jesus was praying in the Upper Room, the Disciples had the privilege of overhearing the sacred communication. Jesus identified the authority He had been given to give eternal life. Then Jesus defined eternal life as that of knowing God and knowing the One whom God had sent. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost (Lk 19:10). His mission was to bring salvation to fallen humanity. The entirety of Jesus’ life and ministry was centered upon reconciling the world to God. Jesus provided eternal life through His atoning work on the cross. “‘Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.’” John 3:36 (NIV) “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 5:11-12 (NIV) Do you place the same value on reaching lost people that Jesus did in His earthly ministry? If His life was focused upon bringing people into the kingdom of light, shouldn’t that be our mission? Decide to view people through the eyes of Jesus. He established our value and their value on the cross. The price Jesus paid for the penalty and removal of our sins is far too much to calculate. If you ever wonder how much Jesus values reaching lost people, just look to the cross. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Glory Jesus Prayer

Bringing Glory to God

“After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: ‘Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.’” John 17:1 (NIV) Jesus values bringing glory to God. There are 650 prayers in the Bible and the Gospels record nineteen occasions upon which Jesus prayed. The longest prayer we have of Jesus is found in the twenty-six verses of John 17. Jesus prays for Himself, He prays for the Disciples, and then He prays for future followers, which includes us. You can discover what is important to people by listening to their prayers. The Disciples had the privilege of overhearing this prayer of Jesus while they were in the Upper Room. As Jesus prayed to His Father in heaven, He requested to be glorified by God so that He in turn could bring glory to God. As you study the life of Christ in the Gospels, you will discover that Jesus oriented His life around the focus of bringing glory to God. Everything Jesus said and everything Jesus did was to bring glory to God. His message, His miracles, and His personal touch ministry were featured to bring glory to God. What do you value? What have you been praying? Your prayers indicate what you value. Do you value bringing glory to God? Eliminate motives that are contrary to God’s heart. Eradicate the corrosive attitudes that dishonor the Lord. Bring your life to the place of living to bring glory to God. God deserves all of the glory for what He has rescued you from and saved you for. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Comfort Creator Jesus

Created on Purpose

“For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.” Col 1:16 (NIV) God made you. You were His idea. Before God formed you in the womb, He knew you (Jer. 1:5). You are not an accident. God designed you and there is not another person just like you. Why did God create you? Why are you here? You were created by God and for God. You were made for God’s pleasure. His redeeming love was demonstrated through the sacrifice of His one and only Son, Jesus. In Christ, you are God’s workmanship. You are God’s masterpiece. All things were created by Christ and for Christ. As a Christian, you have the privilege of entrusting your life to Him. He knows what is best for you because He designed you. You were fashioned for His glory. Regardless of what you endure throughout the seasons of life, you can anchor your life to the fact that God loves you and will accomplish His purposes through you. Your present circumstances will not stifle the activity of God. Christ will be formed in you in the midst of your challenges. Obstacles become opportunities for Christ to reveal His love and to extend His comfort. Are you having trouble going to sleep at night due to the situation you face? Don’t count sheep, just talk to the Shepherd. Turn to the Shepherd and Overseer of your soul (1 Pt. 2:25). Christ is still the Great Physician. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Incarnation Intimacy with God Jesus

Seeing God

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” Col 1:15 (NIV) God has set eternity in your heart (Ecc. 3:11). As a result, there is a longing for humanity to discover their true identity. There is a compulsion to find God. God has revealed Himself through nature (Rm. 1:20) and ultimately through Jesus. God chose to robe Himself in flesh and dwell among us (John 1:14). Over the centuries, individuals have sought to make God in their own image. Tangible and visible gods have been fashioned to help humanity make sense out of the invisible God. God is spirit (John 4:24). Philip had a longing to see God so he asked Jesus to show him the Father. Jesus replied to Philip, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 4:24). Jesus is the exact representation of God. If you want to know what God is like, just look at Jesus. As you study the life of Christ and seek to emulate Him, you will discover what God is like. God has made Himself known through Jesus. When you receive the gift of eternal life and allow Jesus to become the Lord of your life, you begin to discover the heart of God. His nature and character become evident because He chooses to live inside of you in the Person of the Holy Spirit. You become the walking tabernacle of the Presence of God. You have Christ in you, the hope of glory (Col. 1:27). Have you seen God? Walk with Jesus and you will see God. Read and feed on God’s Word daily. Become a person of prayer and seek the Lord through the discipline and devotion of unbroken fellowship with Christ. God will reveal His glory to you as you walk in daily intimacy. Don’t settle for casual Christianity. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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Jesus Serving others Unity

Carrying Your Corner

“Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’” Mark 2:3-5 (NIV) Are you carrying your corner? What if one of the men decided not to carry his corner? Would the paralytic have made it to Jesus and received healing? Jesus saw their faith and healed the paralytic. Each man was carrying his corner. When you serve through the ministry of the local church with others, God produces the practical unity to fulfill His plan. God honors the unified body of believers who are committed to being on mission with Him. Unity is a mark of spiritual maturity. Jesus exemplified unity in His relationship with our Heavenly Father and with His disciples. Have you been brought to complete unity with the local expression of the Body of Christ, His Church? Is there anyone that you need to make things right with? Don’t hesitate to do the right thing in order to honor God and to bring unity to His Body. Do whatever it takes to ensure unity. Serving the one who offended you will produce practical unity. 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

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Jesus Worship

Being a True Worshiper

“‘Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.’” John 4:23-24 (NIV) In His interaction with the woman at the well, Jesus confronted the reality of her relational choices. She shifted the focus of their conversation from her personal life to the subject of religion. She expressed her views on worship. Her theology of worship centered on the place of worship rather than the purpose of worship. Jesus defined true worshipers as those who worship the Father in spirit and truth. Religion is not sufficient to develop a person into a true worshiper. In fact, just as a flu shot will give you just enough of the flu to keep you from getting the real thing, religion can inoculate you from developing a vibrant love relationship with God. Religion, ritual, and routine are not adequate. Without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a person cannot become a true worshiper of the living God. Once you become a follower of Christ, you are to become the kind of worshiper the Father seeks. Express your love to God through personal and corporate worship. Ascribe worth to God by making Him your top priority and embracing Him as the object of your affection. Are you the kind of worshiper the Father seeks? Do you worship in spirit and in truth? Do you go to church to worship or do you go to church worshiping? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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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

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Good Shepherd Jesus Value

Measuring Your Value

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 (NIV) Because He is the Good Shepherd, you are valued. 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. God knew you before He formed you in your mother’s womb (Jer. 1:5). God chose to provide a tangible demonstration and validation of your value by becoming man (John 1:1,14). Is the Lord your shepherd (Ps. 23)? 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. Communicate God’s love to others. Show them how much the Good Shepherd loves them by emulating His personal touch. Slow down and show how much you care about others. Let them see the Shepherd’s heart inside of you. God values those you interact with each day. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Compassion Jesus Mission Soul Consciousness

In the Wrong Place

“Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.’” Luke 19:9-10 (NIV) Zacchaeus demonstrated the same kind of faith that Abraham evidenced in the Old Testament when he was willing to sacrifice his only son. In response to Abraham’s obedience, God provided a ram as a substitute (Gen. 22:12-13). God provided salvation to Zacchaeus in response to his saving faith in Jesus. The divine appointment impacted his entire house. When Jesus shows up, everything changes. After pronouncing that salvation had come to the home of Zacchaeus, Jesus clarified His life mission. Jesus came to seek and to save what was lost. In the language of the New Testament, the Greek word for lost literally means “in the wrong place.” The lost sheep was in the wrong place (Luke 15:4-7). The lost coin was in the wrong place (Luke 15:8-10). The prodigal son was in the wrong place (Luke 15:11-25). In our text here, Zacchaeus was in the wrong place. Jesus came to seek and to save that which is in the wrong place. I remember when I was in the wrong place and Jesus came to my rescue. Perhaps you remember being in the wrong place and you remember how Jesus came to your rescue. His mission is our mission. The reason Jesus came is the same reason you are alive. Jesus wants you to be on mission with Him to seek and to save those who are in the wrong place. You have the key to the right place. You know the One who gave His life so that you can know eternal life and be able to share that gift with others. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Influence Jesus Salvation Zacchaeus

Influencing Your World

“When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’ So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, ‘He has gone to be the guest of a “sinner.”‘” Luke 19:5-7 (NIV) You have a choice. You can be a thermostat and set the environment or you can be a thermometer and reflect the environment. Jesus chose to be a thermostat. Jesus leveraged His influence to transform Zacchaeus and his family. Jesus was intentional about bringing life-change to this chief tax collector and his family. The people criticized Jesus for His actions. We are introduced to this concept of muttering and grumbling in the Old Testament as the children of Israel grumbled against God, Moses, and Aaron (Ex. 16:6-8). Jesus was willing to be misunderstood and criticized in order to bring eternal life to Zacchaeus and his family. Jesus was willing to endure opposition to present this family with the opportunity to be transformed by His love. Will you influence your environment or be influenced by your environment? Will you become like those around you or will they become like you? It depends upon your decision to be a thermostat or a thermometer. God has placed you here to be salt and light to influence this decaying and dark world with the purity and the light of His love (Mt. 5:13-16). God has planted you right where you are so that you can bloom for His glory and bring others into the kingdom of light. Are you willing to be criticized for loving the unlovable? Are you willing to be misunderstood for extending grace to the despised and forgotten? Be a thermostat for the glory of God! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Desperation Jesus Outsiders Seeking God

Focused Determination

“Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.” Luke 19:1-4 (NIV) On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus passed through Jericho. This city was one of the greatest taxation centers in Palestine and featured world-famous balsam groves, which perfumed the air for miles. On this particular day, something else was in the air. We meet a chief tax collector named, Zacchaeus. He was at the top of the financial pyramid and had many tax collectors under him. Though Zacchaeus was big in wealth, he was little in stature. Jesus was coming through town and Zacchaeus wanted to see Him. Unable to see over the crowd, Zacchaeus decided to climb a “seek-Him-more” tree, that is, a sycamore tree. Now he was up in the air at a level where he could see Jesus clearly. Zacchaeus was determined to see Jesus, even if it meant climbing a tree. What motivated Zacchaeus to go to such an extreme to see Jesus? Had he already heard about Jesus healing the blind beggar on the edge of town (Luke 18:35-43)? Maybe Zacchaeus was searching for the true meaning of life and had not found it. Perhaps his income was not sufficient to meet the deepest need of his heart. It is possible to lose your focus in this world filled with so many voices and allurements. There are countless distractions that dilute our devotion to the One who has given us life. Would you be willing to climb a tree if that is what it took to encounter the Lord? Are you making room for a daily, unhurried connect time with Jesus? Do you truly seek Him daily? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor