Category: Spiritual Markers

Categories
Joshua Memorial Day Spiritual Markers

Memorial Day & Spiritual Markers

“And Joshua said to them, ‘Pass on before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, “What do those stones mean to you?” then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.’” Joshua 4:5-7 (ESV) Don’t forget what God has done to bring you to the place where you are right now. Take note of the sacrifices others have made to protect our freedom and preserve our future. Recognize the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made on the cross to provide atonement for our sin. Joshua wanted to solidify the crossing of the Jordan River as a spiritual marker for all of Israel. He wanted to ensure that future generations would know what God had done to bring about deliverance to the people of God. Joshua utilized the twelve stones, which were selected from the middle of the Jordan to serve as a memorial. Solidify your spiritual markers. When did you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ? When did you follow the Lord in believer’s baptism? Where were you when God revealed Himself to you during a season of adversity? Identify some God-moments you have experienced in the journey of life. Testify of God’s faithfulness by sharing with another person. They may need the encouragement you have to offer right now. Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

Categories
God's Faithfulness God's Provision Spiritual Markers

Review Spiritual Markers

“’I gave you a land on which you had not labored and cities that you had not built, and you dwell in them. You eat the fruit of vineyards and olive orchards that you did not plant.’” Joshua 24:13 (ESV) The children of Israel drifted from God’s best and slipped into immorality. Joshua called them back into alignment with God’s will and God’s way. Joshua reviewed the spiritual markers that God had established for them. God gave Abraham many descendants and later raised up Moses and Aaron to deliver them from Egyptian bondage. God enabled them to cross the Red Sea on dry ground and to defeat the Amorites. God turned Balaam’s curse into a blessing and delivered them out of his hand. God enabled them to miraculously cross the Jordan. Joshua reminded the children of Israel of the faithfulness of God. The spiritual markers served as reminders of God’s provision. The blessings of God were clearly evident in each of the spiritual markers. Review your spiritual markers. Identify the times in your life when God made Himself known to you in a special way. You may have a spiritual marker that was formed in the midst of adversity where God reminded you of His protection over you. You may have a spiritual marker that was established as a result of God revealing His unconditional love to you through your saving relationship with Jesus. Spiritual markers are vital for the Christian life. As you review your spiritual markers, you will gain a sense of stability. Your faith is strengthened as you review the activity of God in your life. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
God's Faithfulness Joshua Spiritual Markers

Remembering God’s Faithfulness

“Then Joshua called the twelve men from the people of Israel, whom he had appointed, a man from each tribe. And Joshua said to them, ‘Pass on before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.’” Joshua 4:4-7 (ESV) Don’t miss what God is up to in your life. Don’t forget what God has done to bring you to the place where you are right now. Take note of all the difficulties God has brought you through. Recognize all the mountaintop experiences God has lavished on you in your lifetime. Joshua wanted to solidify the crossing of the Jordan River as a spiritual marker for all of Israel. He wanted to ensure that future generations would know what God had done to bring about deliverance to the people of God. Joshua utilized the twelve stones, which were selected from the middle of the Jordan to serve as a memorial. Solidify your spiritual markers. Think through the activity of God in your life. When did you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ? When did you follow the Lord in believer’s baptism? Where were you when God revealed Himself to you during a season of adversity? Identify some God-moments you have experienced in the journey of life. Slow down long enough to pray through those spiritual markers. You may want to list them out specifically so that you can thank God for each one. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
God's Faithfulness Sensitivity Spiritual Markers

God’s Faithfulness

“’So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.’” Joshua 24:13 (NIV) The children of Israel drifted from God’s best and slipped into immorality. Joshua called them back into alignment with God’s will and God’s way. Joshua reviewed the spiritual markers that God had established for them. God gave Abraham many descendants and later raised up Moses and Aaron to deliver them from Egyptian bondage. God enabled them to cross the Red Sea on dry ground and to defeat the Amorites. God turned Balaam’s curse into a blessing and delivered them out of his hand. God enabled them to miraculously cross the Jordan. Joshua reminded the children of Israel of the faithfulness of God. The spiritual markers served as reminders of God’s provision. The blessings of God were clearly evident in each of the spiritual markers. Review your spiritual markers. Identify the times in your life when God made Himself known to you in a special way. You may have a spiritual marker that was formed in the midst of adversity where God reminded you of His protection over you. You may have a spiritual marker that was established as a result of God revealing His unconditional love to you through your saving relationship with Jesus. Spiritual markers are vital for the Christian life. As you review your spiritual markers, you will gain a sense of stability. Your faith is strengthened as you review the activity of God in your life. Take a moment to look back and then take a moment to look ahead. What is God asking you to give your life to? God’s faithfulness will see you through! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Joshua Memorial Day Spiritual Markers

Memorial Day & Spiritual Markers

“So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, and said to them, ‘Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, “What do these stones mean?” tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.’” Joshua 4:4-7 (NIV) Don’t forget what God has done to bring you to the place where you are right now. Take note of the sacrifices others have made to protect our freedom and preserve our future. Recognize the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made on the cross to provide atonement for our sin. Joshua wanted to solidify the crossing of the Jordan River as a spiritual marker for all of Israel. He wanted to ensure that future generations would know what God had done to bring about deliverance to the people of God. Joshua utilized the twelve stones, which were selected from the middle of the Jordan to serve as a memorial. Solidify your spiritual markers. When did you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ? When did you follow the Lord in believer’s baptism? Where were you when God revealed Himself to you during a season of adversity? Identify some God-moments you have experienced in the journey of life. Testify of God’s faithfulness by sharing with another person. They may need the encouragement you have to offer right now. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Calling God's Purpose Spiritual Markers

Divine Intervention

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.” 1 Timothy 1:12 (NIV) On February 23, 1986, I was involved in a Jet Ski accident through which God called me to preach. I was sixteen years old and a junior at Bolton High School in Alexandria, Louisiana. Just moments before that life-changing experience, my dream was to be an architect and build great buildings. God reoriented my life to focus on building lives for eternity. Over these twenty-seven years I have learned that God always develops your character to match His assignment. Ministry originates with God and He equips you to join Him in the redemptive process. Throughout the journey of ministry, you come to learn how to trust in God’s daily provision and to practice His Presence. God uses the terrain of the valleys and mountaintops to conform you into the image of Christ. Every interaction is a divine transaction. God is passionate in His pursuit of you and His desire for you to be on mission with Him. God delights in using broken vessels to shine His light in a broken world. I am so humbled that God would choose me to bear His Name and to share His love. God wants to use you to point people to Christ. You are His workmanship (Eph. 2:10) and He receives glory as you surrender to His agenda. I am so thankful to Christ. He has consistently given me strength, considered me faithful, and appointed me into His service. God invites you into His story. What will be different in eternity because of your life on earth today? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
God's Faithfulness Sensitivity Spiritual Markers

God’s Faithfulness

“’So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.’” Josh 24:13 (NIV) The children of Israel drifted from God’s best and slipped into immorality. Joshua called them back into alignment with God’s will and God’s way. Joshua reviewed the spiritual markers that God had established for them. God gave Abraham many descendants and later raised up Moses and Aaron to deliver them from Egyptian bondage. God enabled them to cross the Red Sea on dry ground and to defeat the Amorites. God turned Balaam’s curse into a blessing and delivered them out of his hand. God enabled them to miraculously cross the Jordan. Joshua reminded the children of Israel of the faithfulness of God. The spiritual markers served as reminders of God’s provision. The blessings of God were clearly evident in each of the spiritual markers. Review your spiritual markers. Identify the times in your life when God made Himself known to you in a special way. You may have a spiritual marker that was formed in the midst of adversity where God reminded you of His protection over you. You may have a spiritual marker that was established as a result of God revealing His unconditional love to you through your saving relationship with Jesus. Spiritual markers are vital for the Christian life. As you review your spiritual markers, you will gain a sense of stability. Your faith is strengthened as you review the activity of God in your life. Take a moment to look back and then take a moment to look ahead. What is God asking you to give your life to? God’s faithfulness will see you through! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Joshua Memorial Day Spiritual Markers

Memorial Day & Spiritual Markers

“So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, and said to them, ‘Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, “What do these stones mean?” tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.’” Josh 4:4-7 (NIV) Don’t forget what God has done to bring you to the place where you are right now. Take note of the sacrifices others have made to protect our freedom and preserve our future. Recognize the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made on the cross to provide atonement for our sin. Joshua wanted to solidify the crossing of the Jordan River as a spiritual marker for all of Israel. He wanted to ensure that future generations would know what God had done to bring about deliverance to the people of God. Joshua utilized the twelve stones, which were selected from the middle of the Jordan to serve as a memorial. Solidify your spiritual markers. When did you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ? When did you follow the Lord in believer’s baptism? Where were you when God revealed Himself to you during a season of adversity? Identify some God-moments you have experienced in the journey of life. Testify of God’s faithfulness by sharing with another person. They may need the encouragement you have to offer right now. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Calling God's Purpose Spiritual Markers

Divine Intervention

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.” 1 Timothy 1:12 (NIV) Twenty-five years ago on February 23, 1986, I was involved in a Jet Ski accident through which God called me to preach. I was sixteen years old and a junior at Bolton High School in Alexandria, Louisiana. Just moments before that life-changing experience, my dream was to be an architect and build great buildings. God reoriented my life to focus on building lives for eternity. Over these twenty-five years I have learned that God always develops your character to match His assignment. Ministry originates with God and He equips you to join Him in the redemptive process. Throughout the journey of ministry, you come to learn how to trust in God’s daily provision and to practice His Presence. God uses the terrain of the valleys and mountaintops to conform you into the image of Christ. Every interaction is a divine transaction. God is passionate in His pursuit of you and His desire for you to be on mission with Him. God delights in using broken vessels to shine His light in a broken world. I am so humbled that God would choose me to bear His Name and to share His love. God wants to use you to point people to Christ. You are His workmanship (Eph. 2:10) and He receives glory as you surrender to His agenda. I am so thankful to Christ. He has consistently given me strength, considered me faithful, and appointed me into His service. God invites you into His story. What will be different in eternity because of your life on earth today? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Love Marriage Spiritual Markers

Spiritual Markers

“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.” Proverbs 18:22 (NIV) Today is my 20th Wedding Anniversary. Tonya and I met our Junior year at Louisiana College. She was a captivating cheerleader and I was an observant student! God brought us together in His perfect timing and allowed us to come into a covenant relationship before Him in marriage on January 5, 1991. God gave me the most amazing godly woman to become my wife and I have truly received favor from the Lord. She has consistently embodied the love of Christ and the heart of Christ. Doing life together as one for the past two decades, Tonya and I have come to know God’s faithfulness by experience. Through each of the transitions we have navigated together, the faithfulness of God has been the glue to keep us firmly connected. I am reminded that in temptation, Satan seeks to make the two who have become one, two again. Satan seeks to divide that which God has united. The faithfulness of God has enabled us to weather the storms of life and to maneuver through the rugged terrain of our fallen world. We have experienced major victories together, walked through pain together, and grown in the classroom of parenthood together. Through it all, our daily intimacy with the Lord has fortified our faith and fashioned our family. As Tonya and I celebrate this major spiritual marker in our marriage today, we are overwhelmed with gratitude to God for His faithfulness. We have never known such love. To God be the glory! Take a few moments to reflect on the spiritual markers in your life. Trace God’s hand of providence in your past. Thank Him for making Himself known to you personally. Affirm the reality of His abiding presence in your life. Express your gratitude to God for the spiritual markers He has established in your past and for the spiritual markers He has positioned for your future. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
God's Faithfulness God's Provision Spiritual Markers

Review Spiritual Markers

“’So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.’” Josh 24:13 (NIV) The children of Israel drifted from God’s best and slipped into immorality. Joshua called them back into alignment with God’s will and God’s way. Joshua reviewed the spiritual markers that God had established for them. God gave Abraham many descendants and later raised up Moses and Aaron to deliver them from Egyptian bondage. God enabled them to cross the Red Sea on dry ground and to defeat the Amorites. God turned Balaam’s curse into a blessing and delivered them out of his hand. God enabled them to miraculously cross the Jordan. Joshua reminded the children of Israel of the faithfulness of God. The spiritual markers served as reminders of God’s provision. The blessings of God were clearly evident in each of the spiritual markers. Review your spiritual markers. Identify the times in your life when God made Himself known to you in a special way. You may have a spiritual marker that was formed in the midst of adversity where God reminded you of His protection over you. You may have a spiritual marker that was established as a result of God revealing His unconditional love to you through your saving relationship with Jesus. Spiritual markers are vital for the Christian life. As you review your spiritual markers, you will gain a sense of stability. Your faith is strengthened as you review the activity of God in your life. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
God's Faithfulness Joshua Spiritual Markers

Remembering God’s Faithfulness

“So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, and said to them, ‘Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, “What do these stones mean?” tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.’” Josh 4:4-7 (NIV) Don’t miss what God is up to in your life. Don’t forget what God has done to bring you to the place where you are right now. Take note of all the difficulties God has brought you through. Recognize all the mountaintop experiences God has lavished on you in your lifetime. Joshua wanted to solidify the crossing of the Jordan River as a spiritual marker for all of Israel. He wanted to ensure that future generations would know what God had done to bring about deliverance to the people of God. Joshua utilized the twelve stones, which were selected from the middle of the Jordan to serve as a memorial. Solidify your spiritual markers. Think through the activity of God in your life. When did you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ? When did you follow the Lord in believer’s baptism? Where were you when God revealed Himself to you during a season of adversity? Identify some God-moments you have experienced in the journey of life. Slow down long enough to pray through those spiritual markers. You may want to list them out specifically so that you can thank God for each one. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
God's Faithfulness Joshua Spiritual Markers

Spiritual Markers

“So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, and said to them, ‘Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, “What do these stones mean?” tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.’” Josh 4:4-7 (NIV) Don’t miss what God is up to in your life. Don’t forget what God has done to bring you to the place where you are right now. Take note of all the difficulties God has brought you through. Recognize all the mountaintop experiences God has lavished on you in your lifetime. Joshua wanted to solidify the crossing of the Jordan River as a spiritual marker for all of Israel. He wanted to ensure that future generations would know what God had done to bring about deliverance to the people of God. Joshua utilized the twelve stones, which were selected from the middle of the Jordan to serve as a memorial. Solidify your spiritual markers. Think through the activity of God in your life. When did you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ? When did you follow the Lord in believer’s baptism? Where were you when God revealed Himself to you during a season of adversity? Identify some God-moments you have experienced in the journey of life. Slow down long enough to pray through those spiritual markers. You may want to list them out specifically so that you can thank God for each one. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Concentration Consecration New Life Spiritual Markers

Align for 2009 (1)

“‘So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.’” Josh 24:13 (NIV) The children of Israel drifted from God’s best and slipped into immorality. Joshua called them back into alignment with God’s will and God’s way. Joshua reviewed the spiritual markers that God had established for them. God gave Abraham many descendants and later raised up Moses and Aaron to deliver them from Egyptian bondage. God enabled them to cross the Red Sea on dry ground and to defeat the Amorites. God turned Balaam’s curse into a blessing and delivered them out of his hand. God enabled them to miraculously cross the Jordan. Joshua reminded the children of Israel of the faithfulness of God. The spiritual markers served as reminders of God’s provision. The blessings of God were clearly evident in each of the spiritual markers. Review your spiritual markers. Identify the times in your life when God made Himself known to you in a special way. You may have a spiritual marker that was formed in the midst of adversity where God reminded you of His protection over you. You may have a spiritual marker that was established as a result of God revealing His unconditional love to you through your saving relationship with Jesus. Spiritual markers are vital for the Christian life. As you review your spiritual markers, you will gain a sense of stability. Your faith is strengthened as you review the activity of God in your life. You may want to take a few moments to identify your spiritual markers in writing. Begin to thank God for each spiritual marker in your past and go ahead and begin thanking God for the spiritual markers that He will establish in your future. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor