The new year is upon us

So I am, done with school and back in Opelika. I've been busy with getting things done at the house.

For the first time in my life we have reliable internet and expanded basic cable at the house. I love

being able to watch the news, ESPN, and keep up with politics.

 

The new year is upon us, and it is that time of year when we reflect on the past year. This past year

has been one of ups and downs. There were many trials in 2009, but also many blessings. There are

many unknowns in 2010, but I feel confident that there will be many more great experiences to come.

We may never know what life will throw our way, but our success and progress depends on how we

react. Remember that it is important to stay positive through life's many struggles. A positive thought

or action has a ripple effect of positive results and outcomes.

 

Just another thought to consider.

 

T.J. Martin

Opelika, Alabama

www.tjmartin.org

 

 

Scriptural Truth – The story of Jesus

Many people question the validity of the bible and the accuracy of Jesus’ story. For some there is no logical explanation for Jesus’ existence, and for others it is impossible to wrap there head around the Bible being the Word of God. Some say the story of Jesus is a story concocted to provide hope, and should not be seen as real. However, I beg to differ with this line of thinking, and my line of proof simply involves . . . women.


One of the most convincing arguments for Jesus’ historical validity is found in the role that women play in scripture. I’ve recently been reading about the role of women in biblical times. James Hurley in Man and Woman in Biblical Perspective says, “The most striking thing about the role of women in the life and teaching of Jesus is the simple fact that they are there.” In Jesus’ time women were largely discriminated against. “Women were forbidden to go beyond a certain point in the temple; they were excluded from conversations in public and restricted to roles as spectators,” says Jill Carattini, managing editor of A Slice of Infinity. Women were not viewed as a part of the community nor as having much legitimacy.

However, after Jesus rose from the dead, he chose to reveal himself first to two women. If this story were falsely written during the time period, women would not be mentioned. Early Christians faced much scrutiny, and in many ways spreading there message was fighting an uphill battle. Due to women not being viewed as credible sources, it does the writers no benefit during their time to mention women as the first witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection. I feel this is a testament to the validity of Jesus’ story; and proof that it is not a fictional story with cultural biases or regional discrimination, but rather it is the truth.

Just another thought to consider.


T.J. Martin
tjmartin.org

Glorify God - Fulfill Your Purpose

"For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory." Romans 11:36

All of nature is a testiment to the awesome organization, creativity, beauty, and power of God. All of nature and all of creation honors God by fulfilling its purpose. Jesus honored God by fulfilling his purpose here on earth, and we honor God in the same way -- fulfilling our purpose here on earth.

Jesus in John 12:27-28 said, "My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour." So remember when your soul becomes troubled that you are here to fulfill God's purpose for your life.

Make an effort to pray like Jesus did in saying "I brought glory to you here on earth by doing everything you told me to do."

T.J. Martin
tjmartin.org

Trust the Lord, He is above all

"It is better to put trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man." - Psalm 118:8

 

People will let us down. They will break their promises, but God is always there. Our God, the one who sent his Son to save the world, never fails He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. We can trust in Him and relax in the promises of His Word—even in the face of trials and challenges. "Talk what we will of faith, if we do not trust and rely upon Him, we do not believe in Him." - Antony Farindon

 

 

The story God has given us indeed feeds the hungry, takes in the stranger, and orients the resident alien who is ever-looking homeward.  The focus of Christ's coming is the message of Immanuel—God is with us.  The focus of Christ's earthly ministry is the declaration of the cross—God is for us.  And the focus of Christ's resurrection is the promise of a future and his imminent return—God will bring us safely home.  Until then, God knows all, God is above all, and God is among us, even when it seems most unlikely.

 

T.J. Martin

tjmartin.org

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Communication with God

We live in an age of instant communication. Facebook, Twitter, texting, e-mail, and cell phones bridge distances and enhance our ability to communicate globally in an instant. Modern technology has provided us a way to frequently communicate with those we care about.

What if we had a relationship like that our Bibles? If we stayed in touch with God's Word as frequently as we touch base with our friends. We would certainly have a much healthier spiritual life and firmer grasp of the Bible.

God uses His words to speak and communicate to us, and the best way to know what God says is to read His words.

T.J. Martin
tjmartin.org

The Real Meaning Of Peace

My boss recently sent this as part

of her Motivational Monday e-mail.

I thought it was great and wanted

to share it. - T.J.

 

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The Real Meaning Of Peace

Author Unknown

 

There once was a king who offered a prize to the artist
who would paint the best picture of peace. Many artists
tried. The king looked at all the pictures. But there
were only two he really liked, and he had to choose 
between them.

 

One picture was of a calm lake. The lake was a 
perfect mirror for peaceful towering mountains all around
it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. 
All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect 
picture of peace.

 

The other picture had mountains, too. But these were rugged 
and bare. Above was an angry sky, from which rain fell and in

which lightning played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled

a foaming waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all.

 

But when the king looked closely, he saw behind the waterfall a

tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird

had built her nest. There, in the midst of the rush of angry water,

sat the mother bird on her nest - in perfect peace.

 

Which picture do you think won the prize? The king chose the second picture. Do you know why?

 

"Because," explained the king, "peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise,

trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart.

That is the real meaning of peace."

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t

It Is Well with My Soul

This magnificent hymn is written from Psalm 146:1. When you think of the words it really makes sense and I find it quite comforting. - T.J.

It Is Well with My Soul | Horatio G. Spafford

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pain shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/It_Is_Well_with_My_Soul/

Our lives are in His hands

We must keep in mind that our purpose here on earth is far greater than we can understand. However there is one who knows what is in store for us. I have been reminded recently that if I want to know why I was placed on this earth, I must look to God.

With college graduation quickly approaching, I have been faced with many questions concerning my future. I am very much the type of person who lives by my planner and calendar, and the thought of the unknown after graduation is quite unsettling. I was then reminded of the words of that song we sang at bible school "He's got the whole world in his hands."

The lyrics are simple and true. He has the whole world, even my life and future, in His hands. Job 12:10 says "It is God who directs the lives of his creatures, everyone's life is in his power." We must acknowledge Him in all our ways, and He will continue to direct our path. We must continue to look to God for our purpose in life.

T.J. Martin
timothyemartinjr@gmail.com
- from Palm Pre

The term "jealous"

I had often wondered about the term "jealous." I knew it was a bad thing; however, it is often used to describe God. "the Lord your God, (is) a jealous God" (Exodus 20:5). After reading Turning Point this morning, I have been informed as to the ways the term is used. Of course the way I am used to, which is being jealous of someone, and the other way which is being jealous for someone. Being jealous for someone is a positive thing. It shows that you want the best for them, and that is what God wants for us. He wants the best for us, as he protects and loves us. So if your jealous, be jealous for them, not of them.

T.J.