Stuff

Summer is full of stuff; baseball, softball, swimming, gymnastics, soccer, skiing, tubing, fishing, camping, vacations, gardening, mowing, watering, painting, traveling, hiking, grilling, resting, shopping, cooking, driving, golfing, movies, hanging out, playing, going to the lake and more.
It is so easy for us to fill our life with stuff that we don’t have any room left for the important things like God and family.
As you plan your summer this year, start with the important things, put them on your schedule first, and then fill the other time with stuff.
Heb 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
In Him
J. Tom Washburn

“Are You His Child?”

In his book, “Who You Are (When No One’s Looking)”, Bill Hybels reminds the reader that we are called to live a consistent life of character, even when it doesn’t seem to matter.
I have come to believe that the truth of a person’s faith is not found only in the big things but it is mostly found in the little things. When you see a stranger drop a five dollar bill, do you wait until they leave before you retrieve it for yourself or do you instantly give it back? When nobody is looking, do you take a little thing that will not be noticed or do you leave it in its place? Do you lie or cheat? These things show us more about our true faith than any bible bowl test ever could.
Do not misunderstand; we need to know the book but it is more important that we live according to what we know. Jesus said in John 15:14
“You are my friends if you do what I command.” NIV
One of my favorite passages is 1 Peter 2:12
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” NIV
I want to challenge you to take a look at your life this week and ask this question “Who am I when nobody is looking?” Am I His child or am I just pretending?
In Him
J. Tom Washburn

What are you listening to?

I was reminded of a story I heard many years ago when I was putting together my lesson for this Sunday. I could not find the author of the story but I still wanted to share it with you.
James 1:22-23
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
NIV


A Navajo Indian and his friend were in downtown New York City, walking near Times Square in Manhattan. It was during the noon lunch hour and the streets were filled with people. Cars were honking their horns, taxicabs were squealing around corners, sirens were wailing. The sounds of the city were almost deafening. Suddenly the Navajo said, "I hear a cricket." His friend said, "What? You must be crazy. You couldn't possibly hear a cricket in all of this noise!" "No, I'm sure of it," the Navajo said, "I heard a cricket." "That's crazy," said the friend. The Native American listened carefully for a moment, and then walked across the street to a big cement planter where some shrubs were growing. He looked into the bushes, beneath the branches, and sure enough, he located a small cricket.

His friend was utterly amazed. "That's incredible," said his friend. “You must have super-human ears!" "No." said the Navajo, "My ears are no different from yours. It all depends on what you're listening for.” “But that can't be!" said the friend. “I could never hear a cricket in this noise." Yes, it's true," came the reply. “It depends on what is really important to you. Here, let me show you. " He reached into his pocket, pulled out a few coins, and discreetly dropped them on the sidewalk. Then, with the noise of the crowded street still blaring in their ears, they noticed every head within twenty feet turn and look to see if the money that tinkled onto the pavement was theirs. "See what I mean?" asked the Navajo. "It all depends on what's important to you."

What is important to you? What do you listen for?

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