Next Step

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" is a common saying that originated from a Chinese proverb. The quotation is from Chapter 64 of the Dao De Jing ascribed to Laozi. I grew up hearing that proverb. The proverb’s meaning is a lesson I have needed to learn repeatedly. To get to where you want to be, you must start from where you are, one step at a time. When we would go backpacking, we would tell the kids that you can make it to the top of the mountain if you kept putting one foot in front of the other. We were always amazed at how much territory we had covered. You have heard us talk about taking the next step in your growth in this church. If you are visiting with us from time to time, start worshipping with us regularly. If you have been worshipping with us regularly, start attending one of our bible classes. If you are attending our bible classes, start showing the love of God to your world. If you are already involved in acts of service, learn to share your faith with everyone who will listen. Lasting growth often takes place one step at a time. The same thing is true in our private spiritual walk with Christ. If you want to be closer to Christ, start by getting to know Him. We do that by reading His word. You could begin with Matthew or Mark. If you have been reading, it may be time for you to carve out a time of prayer every day. If you have been praying, maybe it is time for you to ask yourself, “What do I need to be doing to be obedient to Christ?”. The process of taking the next step in my spiritual walk is never over. As long as I live, my goal should be to grow closer to God in faith and action every day. What is your NEXT STEP? In Him J. Tom Washburn

Re-mis-sion

Yesterday the Doctor told Julie and me that I was now in remission. What a great word, remission. In my case, the word remission means the diminution of the seriousness of my disease. It is not gone, but it is quiet, and it should not be in control of my schedule or my activities as much anymore. It has been a whole year since my pain or my doctor appointments and medicine schedule have not been the preeminent factors in my day. I do not know how long remission will last, but I will enjoy every day it does. Remission, what a great word. The first time I remember hearing the word remission was in Sunday School. Acts 2:38 “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” KJV In Acts 2, remission is defined as the cancellation of a debt. I am blessed. I have experienced the medical and spiritual definitions of remission. We live in a sick and broken world that desperately needs remission. If your world is ever going to experience remission, it may only happen if you live on mission. Will you allow God to use you to share His healing power of the soul? Will you allow Him to use you to share Jesus Christ? In Him J. Tom Washburn

Ready for the trip

This weekend Julie and I are making a one-night trip to go and see a couple of our grandkids, and we will also visit with their parents. It is amazing how much preparation goes into a one-night trip. There are the Mimi cookies that must be made for the grandkids, and there are gifts that must be purchased. There is the packing of clothes, personal items, and all the needed medications. The car must be checked and filled with gas, and snacks must be put in the car for the long 3-hour trip. The dog needs to be washed and his cage placed in the car, and then finally, we are ready to go. I don’t know about you, but we spend a lot of time getting ready for a twenty-four-hour trip. As I sit here and write this blog, I wonder how much time we spend getting ready for the greatest trip of all, that final trip. Are we packing our hearts with the Word of God? Are we filling our hearts with the songs of praise that we want to sing? What are we doing to prepare for the most incredible trip? If you haven’t started getting ready for the trip, it is time to start today. For those who are ready, it is going to be the best trip of all. In Him J. Tom Washburn