Great things happening for Team Focus

Great things are happening! So many doors are opening and it is great to see Team Focus growing. The Auburn-Opelika program is up and running and has plenty of room to grow. This week there were some major partnerships made in Montgomery that will allow us to begin having meetings within the next month. Ground-work is being laid in Troy for us to begin programming there, and Prattville is still on the radar for expansion.

 

When I was hired at the beginning of this year we were struggling to keep afloat the program in Auburn-Opelika, but over the past few months so many great opportunities and partnerships have been made in order for us to be able to reach more young men with the benefits of our program. It is very encouraging to see.

 

However, we are still looking for more resources, volunteers, and support from the communities where we have chapters. We are a small program and it doesn't take much for us to be able to provide a lot for the fatherless young men we work with. It is important for us to have good Christian men in the community to help, churches who are willing to provide support, and people who are willing to help provide resources for our young men. Team Focus is a tremendous program, and I am truly blessed to be involved with such a great organization.

 

As we move forward with expanding our program in the east and central Alabama areas we still face many challenges to come. Please keep us in your prayers and giving as we continue to help guide young men to the ultimate victory.

 

T.J. Martin

Montgomery, AL

www.tjmartin.org

 

Trials are a joyful process

James 1:2-3 (NIV) says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." Here James is telling us to consider the trials we face to be a joyous occasion. I don't know about you, but when I am facing tests and trials I am usually not very joyful. However, James is telling us that we need to think more long term. We may face trials now and think short-term, but we should be thinking more long-term. Going through those trials and tests of faith will help develop in us more patience and perseverance, and that is a cause for joy!

 

If you're facing a trial or test of faith today, know that God can use it to make you a better person, so there should be cause for joy even through the toughest trial. Remember that trials are a joyful process.

 

This is T.J. Martin, with another thought to consider.

 

Montgomery, AL

www.tjmartin.org

 

Are you being "Christlike" today?

The term "Christlike" can be confusing, however, I feel the term relates to our attitudes as Christians. Ruth Bell Graham said, "the term has to do with Christ's attitude toward His Father's will."

At times we as Christians are not the best representation. Many times our attitude is not very "Christlike." How should we answer those who are discouraged with Christianity because of Christians who do not represent Christ well?

I believe Dr. Akbar Haqq said it best when he said, "I am not offering you Christians ... I am offering you Christ."
Christ was perfect, we are not. As Christians we must put our trust in Him who was perfect, and do our best to stay in His will, imitate Christ, be "Christlike", and have the attitude of Christ.

Are you doing your best to be "Christlike" today? Another thought to consider.

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

The Concept of Grace

Sometimes it is hard for us as humans to fully understand grace. We hear the phrase "His grace is sufficient," which comes from 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." However, at times grace can be hard to actually understand, and even harder for us to put into practice. We ask ourselves how our sin can be fully covered by His grace.

 

Dr. David Jeremiah once said, "The concept of grace is hard to understand because it's so far removed from how we as fallen people relate to each other. But grace is grace--and grace changes things." In Romans 5:20 it says, "...where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

 

Another thought to consider,

 

T.J. Martin

Opelika, Alabama

www.tjmartin.org

 

Don't go through the day being proud

Pride can get in the way of us moving forward. Just like with Pharaoah, he hardened his heart and dug in his heels. His pride would not allow him to admit he was wrong and Moses was right. Pharoah's pride cost him and his nation a great deal. Don't be like Pharaoh. If your heels are dug in over an issue because of pride, let it go. Remember it says in James 4:6 that God opposes the proud but gives grace to and favors the humble. There is an anonymous quote that says "Swallowing pride seldome leads to indigestion." Humility is just one characterisitic of great leadership. Don't go through the day being proud, take time to practice humility.

 

Just another thought to consider.

 

T.J. Martin

Montgomery, AL

www.tjmartin.org

A lesson from Coach Mike's book

It's official - Montgomery & AUM here I come!

So it's official. I'm moving to Montgomery. I met with my landlord today, he is a great guy. He invited me to his home where I met his son and his father. He invited me in, we discussed the lease and then he offered me a late lunch. It just so happened I was a little weak because I was running around and forgot to eat, so his wife's delicious roast beef really hit the spot. They are a great christian family, and I am very blessed to now be associated with them.

 

Prior to meeting with my landlord I met with my temporary academic advisor at Auburn Univeristy Montgomery. He was really nice and helpful, and was able to get me going with what classes I should start off taking. I will be taking Intro to Public Administration and Administration of Nonprofit Organizations. These classes will go towards a  MPA with a conce ntration. What that means is I will take 36 hours of classes total, and if all goes well, I'll have a masters degree in Public Administration and a certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership.

 

On a side note, I was also accepted into Auburn Univeristy today. It's great news, but unfortunately I must defer for the time being since I'll be in Montgomery. If it could work out I would love to take at least one communications class in the spring because I would still love to persue a masters in communications, but we'll have to see how things work out between now and then.

 

With a new city, comes a new school, new friendships, new experiences, and new challenges. I am very excited about what is in store.

 

That's all for now, I must head to bed so I can get up and head to the office tomorrow.

 

T.J. Martin

Opelika, AL

tjmartin.org