Category: Reveal

Let’s Go Fishing

“Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.’ And immediately they left their nets and followed him.” Mark 1:16-18 (ESV) If you’re not fishing, you’re not following. To be a true follower of Jesus Christ, you must be fishing for souls. Jesus has called every follower of His to fish for men, women, boys, and girls. Our purpose for existence is to know Jesus personally, to grow in Jesus progressively, and to go for Jesus intentionally. As a follower of Jesus Christ, your lifestyle should include both private and public worship. To know Jesus personally gives expression through your daily intimacy with Him in private worship. You bring your worship of Jesus with you to a gathering of fellow followers of Christ in public worship. Are you growing in your love relationship with Jesus? Are you connected to a small group of Christ-followers in order to grow progressively in community, in Bible knowledge and application, and in exercising your spiritual gifts? Are you growing in your knowing? As you know Christ and grow in Christ, you are compelled to go into the world to represent Christ. Your lifestyle becomes intentional. Your soul-consciousness is elevated. Your passion to reach the lost at any cost is ignited. Now, let’s go fishing! Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

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Conceal Great Commission Mission Reveal Soulwinning

Our Mission

“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” Matt 28:18-20 (ESV) The Great Commission is our mission. I live in awe of the reality that God would choose someone like to me to be adopted into His family, to be included in His redemption story, and to be empowered for His redemptive mission. If you have turned your life over to Jesus Christ and allowed Him to become the Lord of your life, you to have been adopted, included, and empowered by God and for God. Your life has true meaning and your life matters to God and directly impacts the population of heaven. You have been given authority by Jesus to make disciples of all people groups. Now that’s something worth giving your life to! Don’t get distracted by materialism and the pursuit of prestige. Don’t allow your passion for God and His redemptive activity to be dissolved by the pursuit of worldly pleasures. Laser focus your life on that which moves the heart of God. Give your life to influencing people for Christ. As you go, make disciples. Maximize every opportunity that God gives you to make Jesus known. You may be the only Jesus others see. Reveal God’s love to every person you come into contact with. Be an irresistible influence for Christ on this broken planet called earth. Reveal the grace you have been given by God to others. Reveal the mercy you have received through the atoning work of Jesus on the cross. Reveal the hope to others that you have come to know firsthand. Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

Tags Devo

Ascension Conceal Experience Pentecost Reveal

Moving with God

“And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’” Acts 1:10-11 (ESV) The disciples experienced a monumental moment as they witnessed the ascension of Jesus. Jesus had walked with them and invested in them and mentored them. Jesus sacrificed His life upon the cross for them and was raised from the dead. Jesus interacted with the disciples during His forty days of post-resurrection appearances. Now, Jesus ascends before their eyes back into heaven. Can you imagine what they were feeling and thinking? How would you respond to such an experience? Where do you go after witnessing such a miraculous event? It is possible to seek to live in a God-moment meant as an isolated experience and miss God’s next assignment for you. God allows you to have special moments where He reveals more of Himself to you so that you can know Him more deeply and obey Him completely. Had the disciples been unwilling to keep moving with God, they would have missed the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. They had to go to Jerusalem and engage in a “ten day prayer meeting” in the upper room in order to have the experience of becoming Spirit-filled followers of Christ. Contemplate this powerful quote from Henry Blackaby, “You cannot stay where you are and go with God.” Keep moving with God! Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

Tags Devo

Conceal God Moments Mountaintop Experiences Reveal

Mountaintop Experiences

“And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.” Matt 17:1-2 (ESV) 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. Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

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Authentic Worship Evangelism Isaiah Reveal

Sensitivity to God’s Activity

Post author By Stephen Trammell
Post date June 3, 2021
114 Comments on Sensitivity to God’s Activity

“In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple.” Isaiah 6:1 (ESV) Authentic worship leads to sensitivity to God’s activity. When Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up, he encountered the holiness of God. As a result, Isaiah had a heightened awareness of both his personal sin and the sin of those around him. The light of God’s holiness had exposed the darkness within him and around him. Isaiah was so overwhelmed by his encounter of God, that he said, “Woe is me.” Through his personal encounter with God, Isaiah heard the voice of God calling out to him. Isaiah was sensitive to God’s activity. He made himself available for God’s use by saying, “Here am I. Send me!” Have you reached that place in your walk with God? Have you encountered God’s presence at the level of hearing God’s invitation to join Him in His redemptive activity? Your worship of the One True Living God should result in a corresponding willingness to participate with God in His world redemption plan. Your heart aligns with the heart of God and you submit your will to God’s will. His agenda becomes your passion. Are you willing to place your “yes” on the altar unconditionally? Be willing to say to God, “Lord, I’m yours. Use me.” Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

Tags Devo

Light of the World Reveal Witness

Uncover Your Candle

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matt 5:14-16 (ESV) 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? Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

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Conceal Reveal Worship

Conceal or Reveal

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Col 3:17 (ESV) You have the power to conceal or reveal God’s glory. God reveals His glory to you as you worship Him privately and corporately. Whether you encounter God personally through private worship or in a setting with other believers, God reveals His glory. He wants you know His nature and His character. God wants you to come to know Him by experience. As God reveals Himself to you, your relationship deepens. Your understanding of God’s purposes and ways grows as you spend time with Him. The question becomes: What are you going to do with what God reveals to you? Are you going to conceal His glory or reveal His glory? Authentic worship is a lifestyle. It is not what you come to on Sunday morning or what you go away from on Sunday afternoon. Worship is living a life that honors God as you are doing life. Everything you do should be an act of worship. Even menial tasks can be used to reveal God’s glory. God will orchestrate opportunities today for you to reveal His glory to others. What will others come to know about God’s nature and character through your willingness to reveal His glory? Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

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Influence Reveal

Revealing God’s Glory

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 (ESV) You have the power to conceal or reveal God’s glory. God reveals His glory to you as you worship Him privately and corporately. Whether you encounter God personally through private worship or in a setting with other believers, God reveals His glory. He wants you know His nature and His character. God wants you to come to know Him by experience. As God reveals Himself to you, your relationship deepens. Your understanding of God’s purposes and ways grows as you spend time with Him. What are you going to do with what God reveals to you? Are you going to conceal His glory or reveal His glory? Authentic worship is a lifestyle. It is not what you come to on Sunday morning or what you go away from on Sunday afternoon. Worship is living a life that honors God as you are doing life in this fallen world. Everything you do should be an act of worship. Even menial tasks can be used to reveal God’s glory. “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Rom. 12:1 (ESV) God will orchestrate opportunities today for you to reveal His glory to others. What will others come to know about God’s nature and character through your willingness to reveal His glory? Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Obedience Reveal Soulwinning

Reveal His Name

“‘If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.’” Luke 9:26 (NIV) Do you conceal your Christianity? Can you be accused of being a closet Christian? Do those in your sphere of influence know that you are a follower of Jesus Christ? There’s nothing to be ashamed of. In Christ, you have been adopted into God’s family and sealed by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:5,13). You have been rescued from darkness and placed in the kingdom of light (Col. 1:5). God has placed you in the display window of life to portray His grace to a dark and decaying world (1 Tim. 1:16). Embrace the attitude of Paul who affirmed, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile”(Rom. 1:16 NIV). The gospel that brought you hope and eternal life is the same gospel that you represent in this life. Don’t be ashamed of the Good News that transformed your life. Don’t withhold the answer to the problem of sin that will set others free just as you have been set free. Jesus was not ashamed to identify with the lost by becoming flesh (John 1:14). For a person to be ashamed of Christ and His words is to deny the One who gave His all to provide for the forgiveness of sin. There’s no room for shame when it comes to identifying with Christ. To align with Christ is an honor to behold. Go public with your faith. God has given you the message worth sharing and the light worth shining. You have the capacity to influence others toward Christ. How many people will be in heaven because of you? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Obedience Reveal Soulwinning

Reveal His Name

“‘If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.’” Luke 9:26 (NIV) Do you conceal your Christianity? Can you be accused of being a closet Christian? Do those in your sphere of influence know that you are a follower of Jesus Christ? There’s nothing to be ashamed of. In Christ, you have been adopted into God’s family and sealed by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:5,13). You have been rescued from darkness and placed in the kingdom of light (Col. 1:5). God has placed you in the display window of life to portray His grace to a dark and decaying world (1 Tim. 1:16). Embrace the attitude of Paul who affirmed, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile”(Romans 1:16 NIV). The gospel that brought you hope and eternal life is the same gospel that you represent in this life. Don’t be ashamed of the Good News that transformed your life. Don’t withhold the cure to the cancer of sin that will set others free just as you have been set free. Jesus was not ashamed to identify with the lost by becoming flesh (John 1:14). For a person to be ashamed of Christ and His words is to deny the One who gave His all to provide for the forgiveness of sin. There’s no room for shame when it comes to identifying with Christ. To align with Christ is an honor to behold. Go public with your faith. God has given you the message worth sharing and the light worth shining. You have the capacity to influence others toward Christ. How many people will be in heaven because of you? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Influence Reveal

Revealing God’s Glory

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Col 3:17 (NIV) You have the power to conceal or reveal God’s glory. God reveals His glory to you as you worship Him privately and corporately. Whether you encounter God personally through private worship or in a setting with other believers, God reveals His glory. He wants you know His nature and His character. God wants you to come to know Him by experience. As God reveals Himself to you, your relationship deepens. Your understanding of God’s purposes and ways grows as you spend time with Him. What are you going to do with what God reveals to you? Are you going to conceal His glory or reveal His glory? Authentic worship is a lifestyle. It is not what you come to on Sunday morning or what you go away from on Sunday afternoon. Worship is living a life that honors God as you are doing life in this fallen world. Everything you do should be an act of worship. Even menial tasks can be used to reveal God’s glory. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship.” Romans 12:1 (NIV) God will orchestrate opportunities today for you to reveal His glory to others. What will others come to know about God’s nature and character through your willingness to reveal His glory? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Joy Mission Mountaintop Experiences Reveal Soulwinning

Our Mission

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” Matt 28:18-20 (NIV) The Great Commission is our mission. I live in awe of the reality that God would choose someone like to me to be adopted into His family, to be included in His redemption story, and to be empowered for His redemptive mission. If you have turned your life over to Jesus Christ and allowed Him to become the Lord of your life, you to have been adopted, included, and empowered by God and for God. Your life has true meaning and your life matters to God and directly impacts the population of heaven. You have been given authority by Jesus to make disciples of all people groups. Now that’s something worth giving your life to! Don’t get distracted by materialism and the pursuit of prestige. Don’t allow your passion for God and His redemptive activity to be dissolved by the pursuit of worldly pleasures. Laser focus your life on that which moves the heart of God. Give your life to influencing people for Christ. As you go, make disciples. Maximize every opportunity that God gives you to make Jesus known. You may be the only Jesus others see. Reveal God’s love to every person you come into contact with. Be an irresistible influence for Christ on this broken planet called earth. Reveal the grace you have been given by God to others. Reveal the mercy you have received through the atoning work of Jesus on the cross. Reveal the hope to others that you have come to know firsthand. 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

Great Commission Mountaintop Experiences Pentecost Reveal

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) God moments are difficult to transfer. 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 (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

Reveal Witness

Authentic Fan

Live up to the jersey you wear. “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Eph 4:22-24 (NIV) Our culture is saturated with a passion for sports. From the stands to the playing field, excitement and anticipation flow like a white water rafting river. The current is swift as fans and players hyper-focus on the game at hand. It’s all about the jersey you wear. There is a team you are pulling for. You sacrifice for that team. You cheer on and promote that team. Your loyalty is lavished on that team. You are an authentic fan. When you become a child of God, you receive a new jersey. Once you are adopted into God’s family you are fitted with the Jesus jersey. Now you are playing to please Jesus. You are representing Jesus on this broken planet. You are robed in His righteousness and blessed with a new identity. Are you living up to the jersey you wear? Do those closest to you know what team you are on? Is it evident to your neighbors, schoolmates, and co-workers that your loyalty is to Jesus and His game plan? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Conceal Fishing Following Reveal Soul Consciousness Soulwinning

Reveal (7)

“As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.” Mark 1:16-18 (NIV) If you’re not fishing, you’re not following. To be a true follower of Jesus Christ, you must be fishing for souls. Jesus has called every follower of His to fish for men, women, boys, and girls. Our purpose for existence is to know Jesus personally, to grow in Jesus progressively, and to go for Jesus intentionally. Know: As a follower of Jesus Christ, your lifestyle should include both private and public worship. To know Jesus personally gives expression through your daily intimacy with Him in private worship. You bring your worship of Jesus with you to a gathering of fellow followers of Christ in public worship. Grow: Are you growing in your love relationship with Jesus? Are you connected to a small group of Christ-followers in order to grow progressively in community, in Bible knowledge and application, and in exercising your spiritual gifts? Are you growing in your knowing? Go: As you know Christ and grow in Christ, you are compelled to go into the world to represent Christ. Your lifestyle becomes intentional. Your soul-consciousness is elevated. Your passion to reach the lost at any cost is ignited. Now, let’s go fishing! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Conceal Great Commission Mission Reveal Soulwinning

Reveal (6)

Ascension Conceal Experience Pentecost Reveal

Reveal (5)

“They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.’” Acts 1:10-11 (NIV) The disciples experienced a monumental moment as they witnessed the ascension of Jesus. Jesus had walked with them and invested in them and mentored them. Jesus sacrificed His life upon the cross for them and was raised from the dead. Jesus interacted with the disciples during His forty days of post-resurrection appearances. Now, Jesus ascends before their eyes back into heaven. Can you imagine what they were feeling and thinking? How would you respond to such an experience? Where do you go after witnessing such a miraculous event? “Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city.” Acts 1:12 (NIV) “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” Acts 1:14 (NIV) It is possible to seek to live in a God-moment meant as an isolated experience and miss God’s next assignment for you. God allows you to have special moments where He reveals more of Himself to you so that you can know Him more deeply and obey Him completely. Keep moving with God. Had the disciples been unwilling to keep moving with God, they would have missed the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. They had to go to Jerusalem and engage in a “ten day prayer meeting” in the upper room in order to have the experience of becoming Spirit-filled followers of Christ. God has used Henry Blackaby and his workbook, Experiencing God, to enhance my walk with God over the years. Contemplate this powerful quote from Henry Blackaby, “You cannot stay where you are and go with God.” Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Conceal God Moments Mountaintop Experiences Reveal

Reveal (4)

Authentic Worship Conceal Evangelism Isaiah Reveal

Reveal (3)

“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.” Isaiah 6:1 (NIV) Authentic worship leads to sensitivity to God’s activity. When Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up, he encountered the holiness of God. As a result, Isaiah had a heightened awareness of both his personal sin and the sin of those around him. The light of God’s holiness had exposed the darkness within him and around him. Isaiah was so overwhelmed by his encounter of God, that he said, “Woe is me.” Through his personal encounter with God, Isaiah heard the voice of God calling out to him. Isaiah was sensitive to God’s activity. He made himself available for God’s use by saying, “Here am I. Send me!” Have you reached that place in your walk with God? Have you encountered God’s presence at the level of hearing God’s invitation to join Him in His redemptive activity? Your worship of the One True Living God should result in a corresponding willingness to participate with God in His world redemption plan. Your heart aligns with the heart of God and you submit your will to God’s will. His agenda becomes your passion. Are you willing to place your “yes” on the altar unconditionally? Be willing to say to God, “Lord, I’m yours. Use me.” Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Conceal Influence Light of the World Reveal Witness

Reveal (2)

“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

Conceal Reveal Worship

Reveal (1)

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Col 3:17 (NIV) You have the power to conceal or reveal God’s glory. God reveals His glory to you as you worship Him privately and corporately. Whether you encounter God personally through private worship or in a setting with other believers, God reveals His glory. He wants you know His nature and His character. God wants you to come to know Him by experience. As God reveals Himself to you, your relationship deepens. Your understanding of God’s purposes and ways grows as you spend time with Him. The question becomes: What are you going to do with what God reveals to you? Are you going to conceal His glory or reveal His glory? Authentic worship is a lifestyle. It is not what you come to on Sunday morning or what you go away from on Sunday afternoon. Worship is living a life that honors God as you are doing life. Everything you do should be an act of worship. Even menial tasks can be used to reveal God’s glory. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship.” Romans 12:1 (NIV) “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Cor 10:31 (NIV) God will orchestrate opportunities today for you to reveal His glory to others. What will others come to know about God’s nature and character through your willingness to reveal His glory? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Reveal

Light reveals what darkness conceals. We are finite. God is infinite. We have limited understanding. God is omniscient. We tend to view people as they are. God sees what people can become. “‘Lord,’ Ananias answered, ‘I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.’” Acts 9:13-14 (NIV) Ananias feared the consequences of engaging a persecutor such a Saul at any level. Yet, God was inviting Ananias to participate in the redemptive process. God was bringing Ananias into the opportunity of bringing light into the darkness of Saul’s lifestyle. Ananias was to be the light bearer. However, fear dominated the path. “But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.’” Acts 9:15-16 (NIV) God knows a person’s heart. Nothing is hidden from God’s sight. In His grace, God sees what a sinful person can become in Christ. God had chosen the least likely candidate to be His chosen instrument. Saul’s life would be radically transformed. Will Ananias be willing to be used of God as light to reveal what darkness conceals? Is Ananias willing to release his fear of Saul and embrace God’s power to transform a persecutor into a preacher of the Gospel? Is there anyone in your life whom you feel is beyond reach? Do you have someone near you whom transformation seems impossible? Maybe God wants to use you as His light to reveal what darkness has concealed. Maybe God wants you to participate in the redemptive process. Are you available for God’s use? Do you believe that God can use you? Do you believe that God can change that person? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care