Sustainer – Stephen Trammell

Real Temptation (7)

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin.” Heb 4:15 (NIV) Jesus understands your trials from without and your struggles from within. In our contemporary vernacular: Jesus has been there and done that. Jesus has been tempted in every way, just as we are. He understands our struggles. Jesus endured temptation and chose to honor God throughout the process. Jesus entered the process and completed the process sinless. Our example is Jesus. Our pattern for victory is Jesus. God never intended for us to live the Christian life outside of His enabling. In and of ourselves, we are insufficient. Our sufficiency is found in Christ. As we abide in Christ and submit to the Spirit’s control in our life, victory results. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV) “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” Eph 5:17-18 (NIV) Surrender to the Lordship of Christ. Surrender fully to the Spirit’s control in your life. Jesus has been where you are and He knows what you need to walk in victory. Allow Jesus to live His life through you. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

The Frustrated Life (2)

“Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.’” John 4:10 (NIV) A man was on the side of the road with the hood of his car propped open. Another man drove up, stopped behind the car, and stepped out to approach the scene. The stranger asked permission to take a look and then requested for the stranded driver to try the ignition. The car started and the driver shouted in relief. Then he asked the gracious man, “What is your name?” The reply came gently, “My name is Henry Ford.” Can you imagine the creator of the Ford Model T being the very one who showed up at just the right time to repair the car he invented? Little did the woman at the well know, but the Creator of the universe was sitting right in front of her. Had she known what we know by reading the account, the woman at the well would have been asking Jesus for a drink of living water. As a child of God, you have direct access to the Creator and Sustainer of life. You have access to the living water that Jesus made available to the woman at the well. Pray through the following Scripture: “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1 (NIV) “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true–even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20 (NIV) Jesus is near. Now choose to draw near to Him. Allow His living water quench your thirst. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor