In my walk with God, I have discovered that God will cultivate the fruit of the Spirit that is lacking in me. If I am lacking in the area of patience, God will provide me with opportunities to develop patience. If I am giving little evidence of the fruit of the Spirit known as joy, God will test my level of joy through trying circumstances to cultivate that particular fruit of the Spirit. God is love. God’s passion for the world is that all may know His love through a personal love relationship with Jesus. We are to make God’s love known to the world. When you fail to demonstrate God’s love to others, He will cultivate that fruit of the Spirit by creating environments that give opportunity for you to show His love. Often, it comes by way of difficult people that God allows to come into your path. How will you respond to the opportunity? “‘You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?’” Matt 5:43-46 (NIV) “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” 1 Peter 2:23 (NIV) Are you willing to do more than love your neighbor? Are you willing to love your enemies and to pray for those who persecute you? Jesus is not asking you to do more than He did. In the darkest moments of His trial and crucifixion, Jesus simply entrusted Himself to the Father. It doesn’t matter how dark your circumstances become, you can entrust your life to our Heavenly Father. God can do more than you ever imagined! Your Heavenly Father loves you more than you know! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor
Category: More Than
“‘You have heard that it was said, “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.” But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.’” Matt 5:38-42 (NIV) Imagine going to a restaurant that came highly recommended and after your dining experience you said, “Wow! That was more than I expected!” Imagine returning from a vacation and marveling over the memories that were made and the unique experiences that were fashioned. Reflecting on your vacation, you affirm that it was more than you ever dreamed it would be. Jesus wants us to embrace His “more than” way of life. In other words, Jesus wants us to be willing to live our life in such a way as to demonstrate a “more than” attitude. Are you willing to do more than your family members expect? Are you willing to love more than you thought possible? Are you willing to forgive more than you thought you could? Are you willing to benefit others more than yourself? “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:17-18 (NIV) “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.” 1 Thess 5:15 (NIV) “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:9 (NIV) Commit to do more than God expects of you. Give God your very best. Don’t give God the leftovers. Allow Him to receive the first fruits of your life. Live a more than life in order to honor God and to bless others. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Matt 5:17 (NIV) Jesus is more than enough. In His earthly ministry, Jesus brought clarity to the Law and the Prophets. He was more than the summation of the Law and the Prophets. His life bore witness to the reality to which they pointed. Jesus demonstrated that He was more than sufficient to bear the sins of the world. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Eph 3:20-21 (NIV) “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil 1:6 (NIV) “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer 29:11 (NIV) What are you facing right now that has you fearful of the future? Are there any perplexing situations that you are wrestling with that keep you up late at night? Are you in a season of uncertainty? Jesus is more than enough. You can trust Him with your life and your eternity. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor