Contentment leads to peace

All of life changes. Life by its very nature changes. Everything changes.
As we go through the ups and downs of changes it is easy to sometimes question the Master's plan.
How do we live a more stable life in the midst of ever-changing situations and circumstances?
The apostle Paul learned how to face and live with these constantly changing circumstances (Phil 10-14). Overcoming leads to peace. How do we overcome? We tend to respond to problems emotionally not spiritually. Some people are always looking for greener pastures. Faith in Christ can give us the same peace Paul had, by teaching us to be content with our circumstances, free from worry.

Remember that no matter what problems come your way today, whether today is an up or a down, learn to take comfort in being content. As you go through the day, count your blessings, and be like Paul--content and free from worry.

Just another thought to consider.

Timothy (T.J.) Martin
Tuscaloosa, AL
timothyemartinjr@gmail.com

With work and school I rarely find time to get out to the movies. During the summer I try to schedule time into my evenings to catch up on movies I haven't seen. With RedBox and Blockbuster it is now cheaper than it used to be.

Recently watched movies.

The Wrestler - enjoyed it, great story

The Seige - really good

The Fraternity - was expecting something different, did not care for it, and don't recommend it

Philadelphia - Hanks and Washington were great

Man of Fire - another good Denzel

Wall Street - found it interesting that the Martin and Charlie Sheen played father and son.

Wall Street, Money Never Sleeps - enjoyed it

T.J. Martin
timothyemartinjr@gmail.com
www.tjmartin.org

Questioning your religious position - Sam vs. Ravi

I feel it is important for anyone who considers themselves to be a person of faith and who subscribes to Christianity to fully understand their religious position. Many do not take the time to truely understand what they say they believe. Nor do many Christians today ever attempt to sincerely question what they believe. How good is any belief that cant be tested (brought through the fire so to speak) and come out on top.

Sam Harris is an athiest who wrote the book "Letter to a Christian Nation." Harris poses a lot more questions than he provides answers, which I believe Ravi Zacharias would argue is a fault and weakpoint of the athiest position. Nonetheless, if you you havent truely taken time to question the Christian belief then I encourage you to read Harris' book as a starting point.

Let me make clear that I do not agree with Harris' letter on the basis that he makes many sweeping generalizations, flawed aasumptions, and unreasonable conclusions. He clearly does not have a good understanding of the Christian faith (but neither do many "Christians" in my opinion).

However, to Harris' credit I feel he does make some valid observations. Many of his observations on the hypocrasy and misrepresentation of Christians are valid. However he tends to lump radicals in with moderates.

I would encourage you to read this book and then follow up with Ravi Zacharias' book "Has Christianity Failed You" which provides the counter argument to Harris.

Then make up your own mind on what you truely believe, and which side of the debate you tend to align yourself.

How good is a belief or a position if it cant withstand debate? Just another thought to consider.

Timothy (T.J.) Martin
Tuscaloosa, AL
www.tjmartin.org

My Spring Break 2011 thoughts

I consider myself very blessed to be pursuing a masters degree in a high-caliber program at a terrific university. I was blessed to have a life-changing job with a wonderful organization right out of college, and now have successfully transitioned to another wonderful job that provides for all my needs while providing an opportunity for a graduate degree.

It is precisely because I recognize the opportunities provided that I am so focused on ensuring the responsibilities given me are not only fulfilled but exceeded. For me spring break was not filled with trips, family visits, or vacation but that opportunity to not only catch up but to get ahead.

With a panel proposal being submitted this week for NCA in November, an opportunity to attend and volunteer at my first communication conference (SSCA in Little Rock this week), and presenting at a symposium at the end of the month, I am doing everything I can to jump into my academic field and get my feet wet.

This dedication is not without its downsides. This is no doubt one of my most exhausting periods. Lack of sleep, lack of social life, and lack of time for exercise is playing a toll on my overall state of personal well-being; however, if I can make it through, and set a positive, productive foundation then I should have no problem in attaining not only an MA degree but  be able to open up doors to the next level as well.

Those are the thoughts I've been considering recently.

Timothy (T.J.) Martin
Tuscaloosa, AL
www.tjmartin.org

We need to live with Christ-like love

To the world, love is a shallow sentiment. To the the follower of Christ, it's a divine reality. Love is sacred and is worth living for and dying for. To be Christian is to be Christ-like, the entire message of Christ, his very essence, was love.

Many a Christian today has forgotton the importance of a Christ-like love, and have instead replaced it with messages of hate and unexceptance. In fact, Christ's message of love has gotton so lost in Christianity today, the world no longer associates Christians with love. Obviously this is a direct effect of church's lack to fully understand and live-out (emphasis on living-out) Christ's message of love.

Another thought to consider.

Timothy (T.J.) Martin
Tuscaloosa, Al
www.tjmartin.org

This new year, make your life count for Christ

Ten years make a decade. We will do well to have about seven of those.

"Verse 10 of Psalm 90 says that our current earthly lives are zipping by. Our years are 'soon cut off and we fly away.' But God is from 'everlasting to everlasting,' our 'dwelling place in all generations.'(D. Jeremiah)."

We should make a fresh start of this new year and get off on the right foot. "Starting the new year without Christ is like jumping into a dark, unknown patch of the future."(D. Jeremiah). But with our Lord, we can take a more secure step towards fulfilling our God-given purpose.

Here's another thought to consider. Begin thinking and looking at things from an eternal perspective. Turn your attention to the importance of each day--each year--each decade, and to make your lives count for Christ.


Timothy (T.J.) Martin
www.tjmartin.org
Helen, GA

Is God calling you to lead?

The call to leadership is a consistent pattern in the Bible. Every time God desired to do something great, He called a leader to step forward. Today He still calls leaders to step forward for every work-both large and small. The question remains, what is God calling you to do? As this new year begins search your heart and utilize your talents to do something great. Take initiative and don't hesitate to be a leader for Christ.

Just another thought to consider.

Timothy (T.J.) Martin
www.tjmartin.org
Helen, GA