Category: Opposition

Categories
Conflict Leadership Opposition

Friction

Motion causes friction! As you fulfill the vision God gives you with the passion God supplies for you, expect the enemy to generate tension. When you are on mission with God you can expect opposition. Often the friction you encounter as you are on mission with God is related to difficult people that come into your path.  Conflict is an ongoing reality in a fallen world. Don’t be surprised by the pervasive cynicism and skepticism in our culture. The human condition projects the gravitational reality of our fallenness. Decipher the cultural current and learn to swim upstream without losing your dream. Conflict is an opportunity to glorify God. As you know, it is not a matter of if you face conflict, but when you face conflict. The differentiator is how you respond to the reality of adversity. You can bring glory to God by how you navigate the canvas of conflict. Conflict will be absent when we get to heaven. That puts the race into its proper place! Conflict has a timeline as well as a deadline. You won’t have to combat conflict in heaven because conflict will not be allowed in that holy place, our eternal home. How much does it take to discourage you from fulfilling the dream God placed inside of you? Anticipate opposition. Expect resistance. Anything worthy of making an eternal difference will require perseverance. Border bullies will awaken and vision vandals will appear. Be tenacious. Be resilient. Be loyal to the vision God has given you. What if you allow the friction caused by your motion to sand off the rough edges of your character to refine you, reshape you, and propel you? Let the friction forge your faith. Let the tension transform your trajectory. Let’s go to the next level in our leadership! Leveraging Leadership Lifters, Stephen Trammell

Categories
Nehemiah Opposition Vision

Vision and Opposition

“So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.” Nehemiah 6:15-16 (ESV) God blessed Nehemiah’s obedience and the walls of Jerusalem were finished in fifty-two days. Nehemiah had brought his burden to the Lord in prayer and then joined God in His activity. The vision to rebuild the walls in Jerusalem became a reality as God provided for Nehemiah every step of the way. Nehemiah had to overcome obstacles and had to advance through adversity. He faced major opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. Nehemiah was falsely accused and misunderstood. “Now when Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies heard that I had built the wall and that there was no breach left in it (although up to that time I had not set up the doors in the gates), Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, ‘Come and let us meet together at Hakkephirim in the plain of Ono.’ But they intended to do me harm.” Nehemiah 6:1-2 (ESV) Motion causes friction. When you are on mission with God, you can anticipate the motion of obedience to generate friction from the enemy. Satan opposes God’s will and he hates God’s children. When you choose to implement the vision God has given you, be ready for opposition. Don’t come down from the wall God has called you to in order to try to alleviate the opposition. Reserve your energy for the task God has called you to so that the vision can become a reality. Remember that people are not the enemy, but the enemy uses people. Don’t allow anyone to keep you from fulfilling the vision God has given you. Keep your eyes on the prize! Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

Categories
Jesus Opposition Readiness

Prepare for Action

“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:13 (ESV) We are at war. As followers of Jesus Christ, we have to confront the reality of spiritual warfare. The kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness are in opposition. As children of the light, we must combat the forces of evil. God’s agenda is our agenda. God’s mission is our mission. Loyalty to Christ will produce opposition from Satan and his demonic forces. Be proactive by preparing your mind for action. Fill your mind with the Word of God and choose to claim God’s promises. God has revealed His plan and provided His spiritual armor for the spiritual battle. Prepare your mind for the warfare of combating temptation, sin, and compromise. Be self-controlled. This is no time for apathy or lethargy. Don’t drift into complacency. Submit to the control of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to bear the fruit of self-control in you. Yield to the Spirit’s prompting for perpetual victory over sin and Satan. Where have you anchored your hope? Your life in Christ is established on the basis of God’s grace. The grace that saved you is the grace that keeps you secure in the midst of opposition. God’s grace will sustain you whether you are in the valley of intense spiritual warfare or on the mountain of heavenly bliss. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Jesus Opposition Readiness

Prepare for Action

“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:13 (ESV) We are at war. As followers of Jesus Christ, we have to confront the reality of spiritual warfare. The kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness are in opposition. As children of the light, we must combat the forces of evil. God’s agenda is our agenda. God’s mission is our mission. Loyalty to Christ will produce opposition from Satan and his demonic forces. Be proactive by preparing your mind for action. Fill your mind with the Word of God and choose to claim God’s promises. God has revealed His plan and provided His spiritual armor for the spiritual battle. Prepare your mind for the warfare of combating temptation, sin, and compromise. Be self-controlled. This is no time for apathy or lethargy. Don’t drift into complacency. Submit to the control of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to bear the fruit of self-control in you. Yield to the Spirit’s prompting for perpetual victory over sin and Satan. Where have you anchored your hope? Your life in Christ is established on the basis of God’s grace. The grace that saved you is the grace that keeps you secure in the midst of opposition. God’s grace will sustain you whether you are in the valley of intense spiritual warfare or on the mountain of heavenly bliss. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Courage Opposition Standing Firm

Be Alert

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13 (ESV) Get on your toes and be aware, be alert, and be armed. The Devil is real. Spiritual warfare is a reality of the life God has for you. This is not a time to embrace spiritual apathy or lethargy. Choose to live in the opposition readiness mode. God has given you everything you need to reign victoriously in this life. “Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” Eph. 6:18 (ESV) Get on your knees and pray. Praying is like flying; when you stop you drop! Nothing will keep you standing like kneeling before the Lord. Prayer is your life-line. Prayer is your communication connection to the Commander-in-Chief. Stay close and clean. Strive for unbroken fellowship with God. “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Tim. 6:12 (ESV) Get on your feet and fight. Move from the posture of kneeling in prayer to that of standing to your feet to face the enemy. The armor of God will protect you. God has armed you for battle. Stand firm! Fight the good fight! You may lose some battles, but as a child of the King, you win the war! Satan has been defeated! Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Devil Opposition Self-control

Stand Firm

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV) The Devil beneath you is another obstacle to abundant life. Satan’s mission is to disrupt and to dismantle God’s agenda. As a result, the enemy seeks to attack that which is closest to God’s heart, namely, God’s children. Whenever you are under attack, remember that as a child of God you are a threat to Satan. When you choose to walk in the way of Jesus, you show up on Satan’s radar. “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” 2 Cor. 11:14 (ESV) “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Eph. 6:12 (ESV) The life God has for you will be opposed. Satan does not want you to experience the abundant life God has for you. Some of Satan’s tools are: discouragement, disillusionment, distractions, depression, doubt, and drifting. The Enemy’s goal is to get you to drift from God’s best. Often, the Devil will sprinkle allurements along the way to try to get you to take a short cut or to bypass your allegiance to Christ. Be alert! Be aware! Stand firm! You are a soldier in the Lord’s army! Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Abundant Life Devil Opposition

Deciphering the Real Enemy

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV) As you live the life God has for you, you will combat your flesh, the world around you, and the enemy beneath you. Satan’s mission is to disrupt and to dismantle God’s agenda. As a result, the enemy seeks to attack that which is closest to God’s heart, namely, God’s children. Whenever you are under attack, remember that as a child of God you are a threat to Satan. When you choose to walk in the way of Jesus, you show up on Satan’s radar. “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” 2 Cor. 11:14 (ESV) “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Eph. 6:12 (ESV) The life God has for you will be opposed. Satan does not want you to experience the abundant life God has for you. Some of Satan’s tools are: discouragement, disillusionment, distractions, depression, doubt, and drifting. His goal is to get you to drift from God’s best. Often, the devil will sprinkle allurements along the way to try to get you to take a short cut or to bypass your allegiance to Christ. Be alert! Be aware! Stand firm! You are a soldier in the Lord’s army! Don’t succumb to the tactics of the enemy. Don’t allow the evil one to dilute your passion for God. Draw near to God. Put on the full armor of God. Fix your gaze on the One who died to set you free. Remember, you are a child of the Living God! Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Jeremiah Opposition Potter's Wheel

Being Shaped by God

“So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.” Jer 18:3-4 (NIV) The safest place for you to be is in the center of God’s will. The most dangerous place for you to be is in the center of God’s will. When you are living in the center of God’s will, you experience His provision and protection. However, you are the greatest threat to Satan when you are living in the center of God’s will. When you think about it, being on Satan’s radar is an indication of being a threat to his kingdom. You cannot walk in the center of God’s will unopposed. One of my Sunday School teachers who flew an A-10 fighter jet in the Air Force used to say, “The closer you get to the enemy, the greater the conflict.” When you are living to please God, be ready for that spiritual motion to cause friction and spiritual warfare. Jeremiah, known as the weeping prophet, experienced the painful reality of being on the potter’s wheel. God placed Jeremiah on the potter’s wheel to demonstrate His loving and corrective touch. God demonstrated the value He places on purity, holiness, and full surrender. God expects that of every generation and every nation. Don’t resist those seasons of being placed on the potter’s wheel. Remember that God is the Potter and you are the clay. God tenderly and lovingly molds you and shapes you for His glory. God removes the impediments in your life that restrict His flow through you. Be still! Rest! Give God access to every area of your life. Allow God to shape you for His eternal significance. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Daniel Loyalty Opposition

Proven Loyalty

“So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, ‘May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!’” Dan 6:16 (NIV) Daniel had a track record of faithfulness to God. His loyalty to God was unwavering. After the king signed a decree forbidding Daniel to pray to God, Daniel allowed his devotion to God to supersede his devotion to the king. Daniel was not willing to disobey God in order to obey the king. Instead, Daniel honored God at the expense of the king’s retribution. Daniel paid a hefty price for his obedience. He was thrown into the lions’ den. “At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, ‘Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?’” Dan 6:19-20 (NIV) “Daniel answered, ‘O king, live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king.’” Dan 6:21-22 (NIV) Your devotion and faithfulness to God may not ever lead you to be thrown into a literal lions’ den. However, your lions’ den may simply be having others misunderstand you or criticize you for your devotion to God. Your family members may not support you in your walk with God. Your co-workers or neighbors may not fully understand your commitment to serving God. Your lions’ den may be when your peers fail to comprehend your level of loyalty to God. Trust God completely! God can shut the mouths of the lions. God can redeem the hurt you endure. God knows right where you are and He knows exactly what you need to accomplish His plan. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Nehemiah Opposition Vision

Vision and Opposition

“So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. 16 And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.” Nehemiah 6:15-16 (ESV) God blessed Nehemiah’s obedience and the walls of Jerusalem were finished in fifty-two days. Nehemiah had brought his burden to the Lord in prayer and then joined God in His activity. The vision to rebuild the walls in Jerusalem became a reality as God provided for Nehemiah every step of the way. Nehemiah had to overcome obstacles and had to advance through adversity. He faced major opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. Nehemiah was falsely accused and misunderstood. “Now when Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies heard that I had built the wall and that there was no breach left in it (although up to that time I had not set up the doors in the gates), 2 Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, ‘Come and let us meet together at Hakkephirim in the plain of Ono.’ But they intended to do me harm.” Nehemiah 6:1-2 (ESV) Motion causes friction. When you are on mission with God, you can anticipate the motion of obedience to generate friction from the enemy. Satan opposes God’s will and he hates God’s children. When you choose to implement the vision God has given you, be ready for opposition. Don’t come down from the wall God has called you to in order to try to alleviate the opposition. Reserve your energy for the task God has called you to so that the vision can become a reality. Remember that people are not the enemy, but the enemy uses people. Don’t allow anyone to keep you from fulfilling the vision God has given you. Keep your eyes on the prize! Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 270:  Nehemiah 5-7) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Jeremiah Opposition Potter's Wheel

Being Shaped by God

“So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.” Jer 18:3-4 (NIV) The safest place for you to be is in the center of God’s will. The most dangerous place for you to be is in the center of God’s will. When you are living in the center of God’s will, you experience His provision and protection. However, you are the greatest threat to Satan when you are living in the center of God’s will. When you think about it, being on Satan’s radar is an indication of being a threat to his kingdom. You cannot walk in the center of God’s will unopposed. One of my Sunday School teachers who flew an A-10 fighter jet in the Air Force used to say, “The closer you get to the enemy, the greater the conflict.” When you are living to please God, be ready for that spiritual motion to cause friction and spiritual warfare. Jeremiah, known as the weeping prophet, experienced the painful reality of being on the potter’s wheel. God placed Jeremiah on the potter’s wheel to demonstrate His loving and corrective touch. God demonstrated the value He places on purity, holiness, and full surrender. God expects that of every generation and every nation. Don’t resist those seasons of being placed on the potter’s wheel. Remember that God is the Potter and you are the clay. God tenderly and lovingly molds you and shapes you for His glory. God removes the impediments in your life that restrict His flow through you. Be still! Rest! Give God access to every area of your life. Allow God to shape you for His eternal significance. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Daniel Loyalty Opposition

Proven Loyalty

“So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, ‘May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!’” Dan 6:16 (NIV) Daniel had a track record of faithfulness to God. His loyalty to God was unwavering. After the king signed a decree forbidding Daniel to pray to God, Daniel allowed his devotion to God to supersede his devotion to the king. Daniel was not willing to disobey God in order to obey the king. Instead, Daniel honored God at the expense of the king’s retribution. Daniel paid a hefty price for his obedience. He was thrown into the lions’ den. “At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, ‘Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?’” Dan 6:19-20 (NIV) “Daniel answered, ‘O king, live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king.’” Dan 6:21-22 (NIV) Your devotion and faithfulness to God may not ever lead you to be thrown into a literal lions’ den. However, your lions’ den may simply be having others misunderstand you or criticize you for your devotion to God. Your family members may not support you in your walk with God. Your co-workers or neighbors may not fully understand your commitment to serving God. Your lions’ den may be when your peers fail to comprehend your level of loyalty to God. Trust God completely! God can shut the mouths of the lions. God can redeem the hurt you endure. God knows right where you are and He knows exactly what you need to accomplish His plan. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Jesus Opposition Readiness

Prepare for Action

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:13 (NIV) We are at war. As followers of Jesus Christ, we have to confront the reality of spiritual warfare. The kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness are in opposition. As children of the light, we must combat the forces of evil. God’s agenda is our agenda. God’s mission is our mission. Loyalty to Christ will produce opposition from Satan and his demonic forces. Be proactive by preparing your mind for action. Fill your mind with the Word of God and choose to claim God’s promises. God has revealed His plan and provided His spiritual armor for the spiritual battle. Prepare your mind for the warfare of combating temptation, sin, and compromise. Be self-controlled. This is no time for apathy or lethargy. Don’t drift into complacency. Submit to the control of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to bear the fruit of self-control in you. Yield to the Spirit’s prompting for perpetual victory over sin and Satan. Where have you anchored your hope? Your life in Christ is established on the basis of God’s grace. The grace that saved you is the grace that keeps you secure in the midst of opposition. God’s grace will sustain you whether you are in the valley of intense spiritual warfare or on the mountain of heavenly bliss. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Courage Opposition Standing Firm

Be Alert

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” 1 Cor 16:13 (NIV) Get on your toes and be aware, be alert, and be armed. The Devil is real. Spiritual warfare is a reality of the life God has for you. This is not a time to embrace spiritual apathy or lethargy. Choose to live in the opposition readiness mode. God has given you everything you need to reign victoriously in this life. “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Eph 6:18 (NIV) Get on your knees and pray. Praying is like flying; when you stop you drop! Nothing will keep you standing like kneeling before the Lord. Prayer is your life-line. Prayer is your communication connection to the Commander-in-Chief. Stay close and clean. Strive for unbroken fellowship with God. “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Tim 6:12 (NIV) Get on your feet and fight. Move from the posture of kneeling in prayer to that of standing to your feet to face the enemy. The armor of God will protect you. God has armed you for battle. Stand firm! Fight the good fight! You may lose some battles, but as a child of the King, you win the war! Satan has been defeated! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Devil Opposition Self-control

Stand Firm

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) The Devil beneath you is another obstacle to abundant life. Satan’s mission is to disrupt and to dismantle God’s agenda. As a result, the enemy seeks to attack that which is closest to God’s heart, namely, God’s children. Whenever you are under attack, remember that as a child of God you are a threat to Satan. When you choose to walk in the way of Jesus, you show up on Satan’s radar. “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” 2 Cor 11:14 (NIV) “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Eph 6:12 (NIV) The life God has for you will be opposed. Satan does not want you to experience the abundant life God has for you. Some of Satan’s tools are: discouragement, disillusionment, distractions, depression, doubt, and drifting. The Enemy’s goal is to get you to drift from God’s best. Often, the Devil will sprinkle allurements along the way to try to get you to take a short cut or to bypass your allegiance to Christ. Be alert! Be aware! Stand firm! You are a soldier in the Lord’s army! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Abundant Life Devil Opposition

Deciphering the Real Enemy

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) As you live the life God has for you, you will combat your flesh, the world around you, and the enemy beneath you. Satan’s mission is to disrupt and to dismantle God’s agenda. As a result, the enemy seeks to attack that which is closest to God’s heart, namely, God’s children. Whenever you are under attack, remember that as a child of God you are a threat to Satan. When you choose to walk in the way of Jesus, you show up on Satan’s radar. “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” 2 Cor 11:14 (NIV) “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Eph 6:12 (NIV) The life God has for you will be opposed. Satan does not want you to experience the abundant life God has for you. Some of Satan’s tools are: discouragement, disillusionment, distractions, depression, doubt, and drifting. His goal is to get you to drift from God’s best. Often, the devil will sprinkle allurements along the way to try to get you to take a short cut or to bypass your allegiance to Christ. Be alert! Be aware! Stand firm! You are a soldier in the Lord’s army! Don’t succumb to the tactics of the enemy. Don’t allow the evil one to dilute your passion for God. Draw near to God. Put on the full armor of God. Fix your gaze on the One who died to set you free. Remember, you are a child of the Living God! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Abundant Life Devil Opposition

Obstacles to Abundant Life (4)

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) The Devil beneath you is another obstacle to abundant life. Satan’s mission is to disrupt and to dismantle God’s agenda. As a result, the enemy seeks to attack that which is closest to God’s heart, namely, God’s children. Whenever you are under attack, remember that as a child of God you are a threat to Satan. When you choose to walk in the way of Jesus, you show up on Satan’s radar. “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” 2 Cor 11:14 (NIV) “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Eph 6:12 (NIV) The life God has for you will be opposed. Satan does not want you to experience the abundant life God has for you. Some of Satan’s tools are: discouragement, disillusionment, distractions, depression, doubt, and drifting. The Enemy’s goal is to get you to drift from God’s best. Often, the Devil will sprinkle allurements along the way to try to get you to take a short cut or to bypass your allegiance to Christ. Be alert! Be aware! Stand firm! You are a soldier in the Lord’s army! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Categories
Abundance Abundant Life Opposition Worldliness

Obstacles to Abundant Life (3)

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world–the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does–comes not from the Father but from the world.” 1 John 2:15-16 (NIV) One obstacle to abundant life is the flesh within you. Another obstacle to abundant life is the world around you. The world around you is opposed to the Jesus in you. The cultural current is anti-Christian. The world’s values will not be in alignment with the values of the follower of Christ. The way of Jesus is counter-culture. You will likely be in the minority as you live out your faith in a fallen world. “‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’” John 16:33 (NIV) “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.” 1 Peter 2:11 (NIV) Are you a thermometer or a thermostat? A thermometer reflects the environment and a thermostat sets the environment. God has called you to influence the culture instead of allowing the culture to influence you. The abundant life that God gives is not found on the broad road that leads to destruction. His abundant life is found on the narrow road. Consider the environments that God has placed you in to influence for His glory. Are you overcoming the obstacles and seizing the opportunities to make Jesus known? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Categories
Abundant Life Life Obstacles Opposition Sin Nature

Obstacles to Abundant Life (2)

“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Romans 7:15 (NIV) Sometimes your greatest obstacle is you. Paul gave us insight into the civil war within him. Though a seasoned believer and a mature follower of Jesus Christ, Paul wrestled with his old sin patterns. His flesh kept calling him back to the old ways. He experienced the gravitational pull of the flesh. In the Old Testament, the children of Israel had witnessed the mighty acts of God. Think about it. They participated in the crossing of the Red Sea on dry ground. They ate manna from Heaven and drank water from the rock. Their shoes did not wear out after forty years of wandering in the wilderness. The opportunity to enter the Land of Promise, the land flowing with milk and honey, was right before them. Yet, they were unwilling to embrace God’s abundant life for them. They wanted to go back to Egypt where they were slaves. “And they said to each other, ‘We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.’” Num 14:4 (NIV) “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Gal 2:20 (NIV) Paul demonstrated the discipline of being crucified with Christ. When your flesh wants to go back to the bondage of Egypt and fulfill the cravings of your sin nature, choose to crucify the flesh. Remember, whatever you feed grows and whatever you starve dies. Starve the flesh! Feed your love relationship with God! Nourish the life of Christ in you! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Categories
Abundant Life Life Obstacles Opposition

Obstacles to Abundant Life (1)

“Therefore Jesus said again, ‘I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 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 10:7-10 (NIV) Living the Christian life is living with opposition. Motion causes friction. When you choose to follow Jesus and move in the direction of the narrow path, you will face opposition. Living the Christian life is like swimming upstream. The cultural current will work against you. When you received God’s gift of eternal life by placing your faith in Jesus alone for salvation, you were adopted into God’s family. God placed you positionally in Christ and thus you became a recipient of the abundant life that Jesus gives. Along the way, you will have to overcome obstacles. Living in a fallen world as a Christ-follower does not exempt you from spiritual warfare. The reality is that your devotion to Christ will stir up a response from your adversaries. Resistance is part of growth. Just as there is no growth in weight training without resistance, there is no growth spiritually without resistance. Your faith must be formed. Without a test, there is no testimony. Opposition provides you with the friction necessary to sharpen the blade of your faith in God. Can you identify some obstacles to abundant life that you are facing personally? Will you allow God to use those in your life to conform you into the image of Christ? Are you willing to grow in your understanding of these obstacles in order to learn how to prepare for battle? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

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Opposition

Opposition

“Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God really say, “You must not eat from any tree in the garden”?’” Gen 3:1 (NIV) God created a perfect world that sin infected. We now live on a broken planet with broken people who are fallen and flawed. Without Divine intervention, our situation is hopeless. We have three enemies: the world, the flesh, and the devil. The serpent, known as Lucifer or the devil, is a created being once in right relationship with God and had authority to serve God. However, Lucifer sought to “de-throne” God. 12 How you have fallen from heaven,      O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth,      you who once laid low the nations! 13 You said in your heart,      “I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne      above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly,      on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. 14 I will ascend above the tops of the clouds;      I will make myself like the Most High.” 15 But you are brought down to the grave,      to the depths of the pit. Isaiah 14:12-15 (NIV) The sin of pride adversely affected Lucifer’s relationship to God. He sought to de-throne God and God responded by casting Lucifer out of heaven. Ever since that moment, the enemy has been a mission to disrupt and to contaminate all that God has made. Spend time today contemplating the presence of evil in our society. See if you can identify the source of the sinful behavior that permeates our earthly existence. Let me pray with you. “Father, we acknowledge Your authority and Your sovereignty. You are infinite and we are finite. You are perfect and we are imperfect. You are holy, pure, and undefiled. We are desperate for You. Display Your glory throughout the earth today. Make Your Name great among the nations. Help us to walk in the light You have given. We submit to You in Jesus’ Name, Amen.” Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care