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

Be others-centered in your communication

As we mature in age most of us also mature in attitude and communication. A key indicator of maturity can be found in our interpersonal communication.

When we are young we are naturally selfish. Sharing is a learned concept not an inherent one. This selfishness can also be see seen in our communication. While we are young our lives revolve around us. However, a key aspect of maturity, I feel, is becoming others-centered in both attitude and communication.

It is important to be others-centered in our attitude, communication, and in our lives so our interpersonal relationships can be positive and truly meaningful.

Learn to be others-centered in your communication and relationships. Just another thought to consider.

T.J. Martin
Opelika, AL
www.tjmartin.org

Are you committed to God's purposes?

I ask you: When you're in a crisis, do you cry out, "Lord, where are you when I need you? Aren't you committed to my deliverance?"

But what if the Lord should say to you, "Where are you when I need a voice? I need voices in these sinful times, pure vessels through whom I can speak.

You say you want me to come to your crisis—yet you remain a part of the wicked, worldly system. Tell me—are you committed to my purposes?"

(from David Wilkerson Today)

T.J. Martin
Opelika, AL
www.tjmartin.org

Live like you were dying - Live with urgency

I finished a terrific book called "The Last Lecture" which is the story of a dying professor's wise advice on life. From the beginning of the story I was gripped by his situation, the fact he had months to live, which was the underlying motivation for his desire to share his wisdom both through his last lecture and the book.

Throughout the book there is a sense of urgency to not waste the time he had left. This was a constant message since he didn't have time to waste, he only had a short time to live. This professor's story and theme is similar to the Tim McGraw song "Live Like You Were Dying". The messages being passed along bring up a good point - we should all live as if we are dying, because we are. It can be a hard reality to face, especially for the young, that we are all given a finite time to live, and it is up to us to be good stewards of the time we have been given.

I firmly believe we've been created for a purpose, and we have been given a short time to fulfill that purpose. Seek God's guidance, don't waste the time you have been given. Live with urgent purpose.

Today, don't waste the time you have been given. Live like you were dying.

Another thought to consider.

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

Success

SUCCESS:
At age 4 success is . . . . Not piddling in your pants.
At age 12 success is . . . Having friends.
At age 17 success is . . Having a driver's license.
At age 35 success is .. . ... ..having money.
At age 50 success is . . . Having money....
At age 70 success is . .. . Having a drivers license.
At age 75 success is . ... . Having friends.
At age 80 success is . . .. Not piddling in your pants.

 

(received by email)

 

Timothy (T.J.) Martin

Opelika, AL

www.tjmartin.org

When we mess up, there is still God's grace

Many times it may take a dramatic event to bring us to our knees. Many of us may be struggling with sin in our lives (laziness, lust, adultery, anger, etc...), and that sin is bringing us down. Many times we will continue to make excuses and exhaust all our resources in order to keep that sin in our lives.

However, many times we come to a decision point when we lose something that is dear to us, and we must be dependant on the Lord. It is at that point when we can truly understand God's grace and mercy. David Wilkerson put it well when he said, "It is impossible to understand God's grace until we come to the end of our own resources and experience his mercy. That grace delivers from all shame and guilt." A unique aspect of Christianity is that grace and mercy are given to us, we can't earn them.

Take today to realize what changes you need to make in your life to rid your life of sin. Get right with God, so you can get right with others. Don't wait for a dramatic event to bring you to your knees.

Another thought to consider.

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

Jesus will help you finish the race!

You may have fallen down in the Christian race, but you can get up and run
again. Jesus will not let you lie down by the track, exhausted, crippled. He
will lift up your weakened knees and give you supernatural strength to finish.

He will not fail you. By grace, you are going to finish the race and the Lord
will be at the finish line to say, "Well done!"

(from David Wilkerson's Finishing the Race)

 

Timothy (T.J.) Martin

Montgomery, AL