T.J.'s Thoughts to Consider

Contentment leads to peace

2011-07-11T05:03:00.001-07:00

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

2011-05-15T21:54:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-14T22:40:00.001-07:00

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

2011-03-20T13:05:00.001-07:00

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

2011-02-07T06:26:00.001-08:00

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

2011-01-01T12:34:00.001-08:00

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?

2011-01-01T12:18:00.001-08:00

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

2010-12-27T06:37:00.001-08:00

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?

2010-12-21T14:06:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-08T04:39:00.001-08:00

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

2010-12-03T09:22:00.001-08:00

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

2010-11-29T04:45:00.001-08:00

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!

2010-11-11T07:41:00.001-08:00

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

Two Wolves - Lesson for Life

2010-10-04T19:10:00.001-07:00

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. "One is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is Good - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith." The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?" The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

(received via email, source unknown)

Another thought to consider.

T.J. Martin

Opelika, AL

www.tjmartin.org

Great things happening for Team Focus

2010-09-22T20:27:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-09-12T21:27:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-07T08:13:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-09T05:59:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-07T00:03:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-03T22:27:00.001-07:00

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

Making some sacrifices

2010-07-30T15:14:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had to give away something that you have wanted and wanted for years?

I am currently facing this struggle in my life, and I am being taught a little lesson in sacrifice.

The disciples were asked to drop their nets and jobs, leave their homes and follow Jesus. Why are we any different.

I am coming to terms with the fact that the Lord has called me to make some sacrifices and follow him.

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

Be a tidal wave of happiness (the little girl at the airport story)

2010-06-30T13:13:00.000-07:00

I was reminded today of a recent airport experience I had. I was walking through the airport and decided to utilize one of those movable walkways, a kind of flat escalator. I was standing there as the walkway moved me along, when all of a sudden I heard the thump, thump, thump of little feet running. I turn to look behind me as a little girl, probably no more than 8 years old comes running past me. A look of sheer joy on her face as she ran, pink backpack on, and hair blowing in the wind. She was running with all of her might, laughing as she ran, and clearly having fun.

This scene was in stark contrast to the dozens of travelers around with their disgruntled looks of travel-frustration. However, as the little girl ran by I noticed couples and businessmen turn and smile as this girl ran passed them enjoying the simple pleasure of running through the airport. This girl was a tidal wave of happiness that took hold of everyone she passed by. Her joy was contagious, which was clearly evident on the faces of each person she passed. Faintly behind me I could hear her parents calling her to come back, at which point she stopped turned around and ran with the same blissful energy back to her parents. I believe all who witnessed this little girl's excitement and happiness, no matter how bad a mood they were in, had to smile.

Children often see joy in the simplest of things. Let us be a tidal wave of happiness for others. Let us live our lives not afraid of the constraints of adulthood, and live our lives to the fullest, seeing each day as a new adventure filled with wonders and laughter.

Just another thought to consider.

T.J. Martin

Opelika, AL

www.tjmartin.org

Let us reflect Christ

2010-06-18T09:56:00.000-07:00

One glimpse of the Lord's glory, one vision of his precious holiness, and
Stephen could no longer be hurt. The stones and the angry cursing were all
harmless to him because of the joy set before him. One glimpse of Christ's
glory places you above all your circumstances. Keeping your eyes on Christ,
consciously reaching out to him every waking hour, provides peace and serenity
as nothing else can.

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are
changed into the same image from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord"
(2 Corinthians 3:18). Stephen caught the rays of the glorified Man in heaven
and reflected them to a Christ-rejecting society.

How true that we become what we behold. The proper translation should read, "We
all, with open face mirroring the glory, are changed!" The idea is that the
Christian reflects, like a mirror, the glory on which he gazes continually. It
is we who are "in the glass"a mirrorlooking on Christ, the object of our
affection and becoming like him in the process of beholding.

When the enemy comes in like a flood and troubling circumstances get us down,
we need to both amaze and condemn the world around us by our sweet, restful
repose in Christ. Since we see by our spiritual mind, this is accomplished by
keeping our minds stayed on Christ.

taken from "David Wilkerson Today"

Read the complete devotion online: http://www.worldchallenge.org/en/devotions/2010/a-mirror

T.J. Martin

Opelika, Al

www.tjmartin.org

Speak hope

2010-06-17T16:15:00.001-07:00

Our children are effected by the motivation we give them. Many of our children are constantly surrounded by negative demotivational talk and attitudes. My mother used to tell me to be careful what I said because I may speak it into existence. The same goes for parents when they speak to their children. We should build our children up, not talk down to them or call them negative names, especially if we're adults. How we speak to our children will have a lasting effect in their lives. Speak hope, be constructive, show love, build up, and don't tear-down.

Just another thought to consider.

T.J. Martin
Auburn, Al
www.tjmartin.org