Once and for all!

Have you ever woke up with a thought and it set the tone for your whole day? Last night, I had a dream about someone famous being interviewed. He was sharing, with the world, about his recent prognosis and his impending death. For whatever reason, I was standing next to him as he spoke. In front of him was a shallow box with rows of rolled up washcloths. Each cloth represented something he would share with the world. As he spoke, I listened and prayed.

Eventually, this man's story became something that I knew would break his mother's heart. Not because he did anything wrong, but because his life and death would impact her so powerfully. I asked him to hand me the cloth his hand was on as he continued with his narrative. I knew his Mom would need my prayer.

When I woke up, there was a strange and seemingly unrelated phrase running through my mind, "Once and for all." How odd, I thought. What did that phrase have to do with my dream? I began to recall places, in the Bible, where that phrase is spoken (Hebrews 10:10, Romans 6:10, 1 Peter 3:18). Then I let myself imagine the vast possibility of what that phrase could mean.

Once: On one occasion; For one time only.
And: Used to connect words that are to be taken jointly.
For: A person or thing that something is sent or given to.
All: Every one; the complete amount; the whole.

Holy Spirit began to speak to my not yet fully awake state of mind, "What if the Good News really was good news? What if it was better than you thought?"

We go to church and hear phrases that eventually become cliche',  "Jesus is the good news." "The Bible is the good news." What if the whole thing, the story of Jesus, as told through the Bible, really is good news? What if it's better than we thought?  Just take a moment to consider what that could mean...

Jesus became a final  (one time only) sacrifice for everything we ever did (or would do) wrong. AND he did it as a gift for everyone (the good, the bad and the ugly). It was documented that death could not hold him and he is alive to this day. Do we really believe everything this indicates? Do we really believe that everyone has already been given this gift even if they don't understand it, make use of it, or jump through any hoops to receive it? Do we really believe that it means we will be clean forever and that even if we die, we will live on? What if this is actually the true meaning of grace?

Suddenly I see how my dream, the wash cloths, the gift we have been given and the heartache of a mother all fit together. This is the Christmas story. Today... celebrate it for ALL it's worth!

Merry Christmas

What's In a Name?

The definition of a name: A word (or set of words) by which a person is known, addressed or referred to.

A name (or word spoken over your life) carries authority, destiny and vision.

In our family, the name Tramel meant something. Builders in Fresno and the Tri-counties area of California knew they could get quality steel work from the Tramel family. In our family, the name "Buck" meant something. We were Buck's kids. At one family reunion, we even wore shirts that said, "Buck's Kid" so people would know who (and whose) we were. In our household, I could use the phrase "Mom said so," and it held weight. A name carries authority.

In the Bible, David received a word from Samuel. It was one word... king! This word gave David hope and an ability to carry on. David knew Goliath couldn't kill him because he had not yet become king. A word carries destiny.

One of Jesus' disciples had a powerful name change. Simon's name became Peter when Jesus declared, "On this rock I will build my church." A name carries vision.

What does your name mean? My name, Tam, means, "Palm Tree." Ugh! I didn't think that was very exciting until I discovered that my favorite character in the Bible, Deborah, sat under a palm tree as she judged the nation, Israel. To judge, in those days, was an honored position. People came for advice, to have matters settled, and trusted the wisdom she carried. Being part of that kind of story isn't a bad thing,

A few years ago, God gave me a new word. The word was MORE. Words are a funny thing. They are just as easy to miss as they are to catch. As the word MORE began to grow, it morphed into a name. M.O.R.E. became the name of our ministry and our life calling. God showed us that there will always be MORE!

Today, take a moment to ask God for a single word, a name. It may be one you already know, or it could be something that's been waiting in the wings for you to discover. Either way, it will carry authority, destiny and vision. It will be the seed of something much bigger. Go ahead and plant your seed and see what happens. The world is waiting to see the fruit you bear.

Jesus Teaches His Disciples The Value of Women

Matthew 15:22-28

A Canaanite woman came to Jesus while he was with his disciples. She needed a miracle for her daughter who was tormented by a demon. She was desperate.

At that time, Jewish men didn’t even regard woman important enough to be counted when they recalled an event.  A Canaanite woman wasn’t regarded at all because she was not Jewish. This woman plowed through all these obstacles for the one opportunity to see her daughter delivered. Her love for her daughter was bigger than her fear of men.

At first, Jesus seems to ignore her.  The disciples become uncomfortable and want to send her away. She persists. Next, Jesus says something to her that sounds a bit demeaning. He says, “I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." She begins to worship him. Hmmm.

At her next request he says, “It is not meet (proper in Jewish culture) to take the children’s (what is meant for the children of God) bread and to cast it to the dogs (puppies that hang around the table). The woman refutes that even the puppies get the crumbs that fall from the master’s table.

I wonder if Jesus created an intentional display more for his disciples than for the woman. He seemingly ignored her, but the pause grabbed the disciples' attention. Jesus then pointed out two very important Jewish beliefs: 

   1) Woman and non-Jews had no value. 

   2) Only descendants of Jacob received blessing. 

I believe that Jesus was about the change the culture of his time. He was going to demonstrate to his disciples that everyone (every gender, every nation) was called into the fullness of The Father.

Next, the woman worshiped Jesus. She understood where this was going.

Jesus then says, “O woman…” He calls her by the very thing that would have disqualified her by tradition. He continues with, “Great is thy faith.” This woman knew what God could do. She worshiped the God she believed, and she pursued him as one who realized her value and deserved his blessing. Jesus then declares, “Be it unto thee even as thou wilt (desires).”

This woman had been granted her every desire, right in front of the Jewish disciples! They would never be able to forget this day. The foundation of those who followed Jesus would be changed forever. Let's never forget the lessons we've been taught. Let's keep digging for the gold beneath the surface.

Stage 4 Cancer

I have a friend who was healed of stage 4 cancer years ago. It was in his esophagus. He wasn't a believer (at the time), but a child laid hands on him and prayed for him. When he went back to the doctor for an x-ray, there was a bright light where the cancer had once been.

Recently, I shared this testimony with a new friend of mine who was dealing with stage 4 cancer in her stomach. She had been going through all the procedures prescribed by her doctors. We all watched as she became increasingly thin and weak. One night, she came to our C.A.S.E. (Celebration Academy of Spiritual Empowerment) class and we all prayed over her.

The students had been learning how to listen to Holy Spirit and declare what they believed He was saying in any given situation. They began to declare God's goodness over my friend. Some moved in the authority Jesus has given us to tell sickness to leave (God is bigger than any of the enemy's weapons). They continued to intercede and love on my friend until they felt God say, "It is finished." Last week, we heard that my friend's positron emission tomography (PET) scan came back with NO SIGN OF CANCER.  She went from stage 4 to stage 0!

So, what does all this matter? When someone is healed like this, a seed is created. This seed can be planted in others and faith grows. The definition of testimony is: Evidence or proof provided by the existence of something. When you have proof that God did something, you have evidence that He can do it again. He isn't a respecter of persons. He makes this available for everyone. He came to give you life... life more abundant. It's the enemy who comes to rob, kill and destroy. Let's figure out whose camp we're hanging out in.

So, what about those who aren't healed? My own mother died of cancer and my daughter died after many people prayed over her. I'll be the first to admit that I don't have those answers. Rather than get offended at what I don't understand, I'll choose daily to partner with what I do see God doing. I'll thank Him for every little thing that demonstrates His goodness and His will for us all to prosper and be in good health. I'll side with Kingdom... the winning team.

We're taking back territory now.

Armor of God

When I was little, I loved going to Disneyland. Now that I'm older, it's Disney World I spend most of my time visiting. Seeing the same place over and over can become tedious unless you have your eyes trained to notice things that are new or different. I can experience a whole new adventure as I look deeper into the details of what I didn't notice before.

The same is true with the Bible. We get used to seeing the same familiar verses, but believe me, there's gold under those words if you take the time to dig a little. 

This week, I was finishing my study in Ephesians. I got to the all familiar verse about the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). I pulled out my Greek translation and began to dig. What is the meaning behind the meaning? What kind of revelation did God hide in those verses for hungry people, like me, to uncover? I was using my Mom's old Bible, so I pulled her notes together with mine. Then I took a step back to see what kind of treasure I had discovered. Here is what I found...

...Take up and use the complete armor of God, so that when the day of slanderous deceit comes from the enemy you still be able to withstand all that is coming at you. After you have done everything to set up a place to get balanced, then stand firm. Jesus has been revealed to you through Holy Spirit. That revelation will be like a belt wrapped around the areas representing procreation, and all which you pass on to others. Your heart will be protected by the integrity and virtue of Jesus. You are being fitted and prepared through the teaching of Good News by those you trust. Those lessons will bring you tranquility and peace. In addition to all of this, you will have a conviction of truth with which you can use to ward off the accusations of the enemy and those under his influence. Remember that it is the hope in Jesus that protects your mind and the living voice of God which will give you the discernment needed to separate what is useful and that which can be discarded. Process all of this with Holy Spirit. He will also guide you in how to pray for those around you...

I'd love to hear what kind of treasures you are unearthing in your studies.

A Bridge From Heaven to Earth

I was reading Galatians, in my Mom's Bible, this morning.She had several Bibles throughout her life. When she died in the spring, I went through her Bibles and chose to keep the one she had when she began to learn about and walk with Holy Spirit. This was in the late 70's and early 80's. This was when she sowed her desire for "more" into me.

I love how Mom underlined, highlighted, and gave definitions from the Greek for particular verses all throughout her Bible. She was hungry for God to give her revelation, so she spent time, every morning, waiting on him so she could receive all He had for her. The gold hidden between the lines of her Bible are priceless. This morning I felt like I was having devotions with her.

I was noticing, in my reading, how Paul seemed to have the same experience. When he was converted, he began to go directly to God for revelation. Paul didn't rely on the other apostles. In fact, he didn't even meet them until years later. Paul wanted to know God through a direct relationship, not one he received through others. He reminded others to seek revelation for themselves and to remember the gospel they had been taught... Jesus came in the flesh (living in the limits of humanity so he could become the perfect sacrifice to redeem what Adam lost). Jesus represented Kingdom and Kingdom could be found on earth ("On earth as it is in heaven," and "The kingdom of God is at hand"). Paul wanted his followers to stay pure even when others began to pile on rules and traditions that may lead them astray. Remember the basics you received at your salvation.

As I read on, Paul mentioned, "And they praised God because of me." (Gal 1:24). I love this because it represents something we often trip over. God chooses to use people who are willing to be in partnership with Him. This is a continuation of the purpose of sending Jesus in the flesh. God is constantly bridging the gap between God and man... heaven and earth. People praised God because Paul brought attention to all God was doing. Man saw Paul, but they praised God. God showed off what He was doing through Paul so that people would have a bridge to come to Him (yes, I just said the same thing, several different ways). He always uses people. He created us for this purpose. This is a great picture of the prayer Jesus prayed in John 17:21), "...that they may be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.

Today, I will remember that He lives in Me, just as He lives in Jesus, just as He lives in my Mom. What will that look like? What kind of glory will He receive today because people see me? What part of heaven will touch earth today because I said, "Yes," to this partnership? What will be the potential for tomorrow? This is what I believe Paul was referring to. This is where we say goodbye to status quo Christianity and say, "Yes!" to MORE.

A Tribute To My Mom 1/4/1941 - 2/13/2019

It is said that you can best know a person by the fruit they drop along the way. Everyone who knew Janet Tramel, can probably identify some kind of fruit my mom left in your path. As for me, some of this fruit became seed and the resulting roots run so deep that the fruit I now drop can be traced directly back to her influence in my life. Three of the attributes, I now carry because of her, are an overwhelming love for everything Disney, an eye to see every obstacle or opportunity as an adventure, and a deep connection to the third person of the trinity… Holy Spirit.

When we were little, my mom had all the latest Disney albums. She played them constantly on our stereo. I was an official member of the Mouseketeers at age 3, but my biggest memory was the giant Disney jar she kept on her dresser. We were always wanting to go to Disneyland, so mom empowered us to get involved in the planning by having us clip out coupons when we went grocery shopping. Every amount we saved on groceries was turned into coin and placed in the jar until we had earned enough to go. I don’t think we ever earned enough ourselves, but in doing this, mom was such a representation of God in my life. She was empowering, encouraging, and she inspired us to find creative ways to set aside our childish impulses to go after what was truly important. I even learned to make bread so we could save the money it would have taken to buy it. She, like God, never showed me the price she paid, herself, for the flour, sugar and yeast it would take for me to succeed. She just praised me for partnering with the plan.

The fruit of adventure came when my sisters, our daughters and I would travel with mom to Women of Faith each year. During the trip we would inevitably get lost somewhere along the way. The moment we did, my mom would say, “Well, it looks like we’re on an adventure.” At first, I hated that phrase, but after years of hearing it, I began to see every obstacle and opportunity as a door to adventure. I could either get stuck in it or choose to go through it and see where it would take me. Jeff and I raised our three children, Jeremy, Tiffany, and Cody not only to embrace life’s adventure, but to also take it a step further and pursue it. Find the adventure and follow it. You never know where it will take you.

The third and most important fruit my mom dropped in my life was Holy Spirit and all the fruit that comes with Him. I grew up knowing God and learned all about Jesus in church, but Mom and Dad went after Holy Spirit and taught me how to do the same. Since I lived away from home, from the time I was 18, Holy Spirit was where mom and I have always remained connected. No matter where I was or what I was learning, I could call and process it all with her. She was as hungry as I was for MORE, and we couldn’t wait to hear the new revelation we each were receiving each time we talked. This connection became a supernatural one for us. We would uncover new attributes of Holy Spirit at the same time, even though we lived miles apart. We could even sense things going on in each other’s life even though we weren’t in close proximity, and we often knew how to intercede for each other even though we hadn’t spoken. I’ll never forget the afternoon I called my mom as I held my own daughter in my arms after she had just passed away. Mom didn’t say a single word. She just cried on the other end of the line with me. We were, at that moment, together through the power of Holy Spirit. During the last year of her life, she never lost touch with that connection. Just like the author of the famous song, she could say, “Whatever my lot, though hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well, with my soul.”

Today, I live 10 miles from Disney World. I work at a church and school introducing people to Jesus and the power of Holy Spirit. My life is one huge adventure. Mom would get a kick out of seeing a group of spirit-filled Presbyterians, from a church inspired by Disney, change the world for Christ. But it’s my guess… she’s already seeing it.