Victory

I thoroughly enjoy watching the Olympics. I enjoyed watching the opening ceremony, I enjoy watching the competition, and I enjoy watching the joy of the awards ceremony.
As I watch the Olympics, my attention is almost always on the athletes, but I know there is a coach that has guided that athlete to the point of victory. The relationship between coach and athlete is much like our relationship with God. The coach knows the right way for the athlete to train and eat, and if that athlete is going to succeed, the athlete must be willing to accept the authority of the coach.
Why? Because the athlete believes the coach knows better than he does what makes a winner. When you truly believe in a person of authority, you follow that person in complete obedience.
God knows how we should live. God knows how to lead us to victory. Are you willing to follow Him completely?
James 1:22
“ Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

The Giving You Receive

As I was preparing a class, I came across this little article that I found very profound. In his sermon "Overcoming Discouragement," John Yates says:
Dr. Karl Menninger, the famous psychiatrist, once gave a lecture on mental health and was answering questions from the audience. Someone said, "What would you advise a person to do if that person felt a nervous breakdown coming on?"
Most people thought he would say, "Go see a psychiatrist immediately," but he didn't. To their astonishment, Dr. Menninger replied, "Lock up your house, go across the railroad tracks, find somebody in need, and help that person."
To overcome discouragement, "Don't forcus on yourself," concluded Yates. "Get involved in the lives of other people."
Heb 13:16
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
NIV

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Seeing God

Rom 1:20
“For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. “
The glory of God and the beauty of His creation can be seen all around us.
This week, share how you saw the glory of God in your world.
In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Giving Thanks

1 Tim 2:1
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone”
God has placed several people in our lives who encourage us and help us grow. Too often we go through life and never take the time to thank God for the people He has placed in our path.
This week as you sit down together, each person in the family should share the name of a person who they are thankful for and why that person is a blessing to their life.
In Him
J. Tom Washburn