Without Excuse

This past Christmas I got two great gifts, I got a GPS and a NIV.
The GPS is a TOMTOM and if I use it, I should never get lost and I should always be able to find the address of town that I am looking for. This GPS even claims to be able to get me there using the fastest or the shortest route possible, depending on which choices I make. If I get off the path that the GPS has set for me, a friendly voice will try and help guide me back on path. I now have no excuse for getting lost.
The NIV is a new Thompson Chain Reference Bible, the old one is about to fall apart. If I use my new NIV I should be able to navigate through any situation in life and still arrive at my ultimate destination. When I leave the path, The Word can guide me back to the way of God. I have no excuse for getting lost, I only need to listen to the voice of God as He speaks to me through The Word.
Yes, after this Christmas I have no excuses for being lost.
Romans 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."
In Him
J. Tom Washburn

A Way Of Life

This past week our country set aside a day to give thanks. For many of us, it was a time to be with family and friends. Some of us spent the day at a casual pace, enjoying the free time, while others were busy, working at a frantic pace wishing for more time. The television, if turned on, showed us the parades and the ball games and hundreds of commercials filled with things we can not live without. At some point in the day most of us gathered around a feast and we ate and laughed with those who had gathered.

Those pictures have defined Thanksgiving, for me, for years. Today I have a different picture of Thanksgiving. Today I am grateful not just for the harvest, today I am even more grateful for the harvesters God has placed in my life, those people who show me God. I am grateful for Mike and Sharon who have shown me the faith of a giant this year. I am grateful for my sons who have held Julie and me up this year with their support. Today I am grateful for two churches that have shown me God’s love. I am grateful for new friends and new partners in ministry.

Thanksgiving is a great holiday; it is an even greater way of life.
1 Chr 16:34
34 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
(NIV)

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Giving Thanks - Saying Grace

I grew up in a home where we always said a prayer before the evening meal. When it was time for that prayer, we would all bow our heads, we all knew what to do. When we had company, dad would inform everyone what was about to happen, he would say something like "lets all give thanks",or "so and so would you please offer grace".

Lately I have been thinking a lot about giving thanks to God, and I have been thinking about grace. On the surface these two topics are vastly different. Grace is what God offers me and thanks is my humble response of gratitude.

Many years ago, a third grade teacher taught me that grace was unmerited favor, recently a friend told me that grace was unmeritable favor, I think both are right and I think they both only have one reasonable responce, thanks.

When little children pray they give thanks for everything, from little bugs with red wings to mommy and daddy. As adults there are times when we get to busy to thank God for all He has done and we just concentrate on what we consider to be the "big" things, after all we could never thank Him for all He has done can we.

I think that is why we are to "pray continually" (1Thes 5:17)and "always give thanks to God the Father for everything" (Eph 5:20). I think "thanks" should always be on our lips because of the "grace" He has shown us.

We have the right to say "thanks" directly to Him because of His "grace" and there is no other single word left to say if I am His child, unless it is "Father".
I Jn 3:1 says "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"

So the next time you are ask to say grace, give thanks, because there is no other responce that can be given to grace.

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

New Glasses - New Eyes

This past week I got a new pair of glasses. My last pair of glasses were single vision glasses, these are progressive. Everyone tells me I will love these glasses, but right now I am having to learn how to look at the world differently. You see, every part of the lens has a different focus point so that I can see clearly at any distance. Before I could only see one way, but now I can see more.
The thing I like about these glasses (besides the fact that they make me look cool) is that the easiest place to focus is at the top of the lens. The world is in focus when I look up. There is a great spiritual lesson there.
Ps 121:1-2 "I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. (NIV)"
There is another thing I have noticed about these glasses, people are not in focus when I look down on them, I must look straight at them in order to see them in focus. Rom 14:10 "You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? ...(NIV)"
I think I am going to like these progressive lenses, they remind me of the new eyes God wants me to have.
In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Prayer - Discovery

There are times when we can not wait to go to God in prayer, and then there are other times when it seems like we have to drag ourselves to God in prayer.
I love watching little children, the enthusiasm of new discovery. How can you keep from smiling when you watch a child discover a butterfly for the first time, or a worm, or a firefly? Children always want to show their great discovery to mom or dad. It warms your heart as you watch and listen to a child tell of their great discovery or adventure.
I have also seen children reluctant to tell parents of mishaps or mistakes.
I think the biggest thing that keeps people away from prayer, is sin. We don't want to let God know of our mistakes.
What we forget is that God wants us to bring Him, not only our discoveries, He also wants us to bring Him our sins. He loves to watch our eyes open with discovery, and He longs to lift our eyes back to His with forgiveness.

Ps 121:1-2
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
(NIV)


Ps 147:11
11 the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.
(NIV)

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Grace

Today I am trying to frame my sermons on Grace. The problem is, how do you explain a gift, and how do you explain a gift of such great value? Most gifts today seem to come with a strings attached, or even chains attached, that's just the way people are.
If I give somebody a nice book, I want to take it back if they don't treat it "right". If I give my children a car, I want to take it back if they don't treat it "right" or appreciate it. If I give somebody money, I want them to treat me with respect. When most people give gifts, they don't give them to people they hang them over people.
Grace is Gods' gift. This gift is given to us when we don't deserve it and even before we knew we needed it. This gift is not forced upon us, we can reject it or accept it. This gift is not yanked away from us the moment we don't live up to its' glory, in fact its' glory transforms the way we live.
Most gifts given by parents that are truly "no strings attached gifts" are given after their deaths, the same thing is true of Grace. Grace was God's gift after a death. There is no measuring up for Grace, there is just receiving or discarding.
And if you receive such a great gift, it is like moving into a great house, it transforms you. When you lived outside, you lived like a man outside. When you lived in a barn, you lived like a man in a barn. Now that you live in a perfect house, you are learning to live differently.
It is the Grace that transforms us, we don't live differently to earn the house, the house transforms our behavior. At first I may not accept all the blessings the house has to offer, but after awhile I can not imagine life without the blessings the house has to offer, that is what Grace is like for my life. At first I couldn't accept all Grace had to offer but after discovering more of the blessings that lay behind each door, I can not imagine going back to live outside or even in the barn.

I was just thinking
In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Victory

Tonight, Julie and I will go to a High School football game, and we will cheer for our team and hope for a victory. That phrase "hope for a victory" is what I want to talk to you about, you see, I just found out that there will be a baptism this Sunday, so I know that this Sunday there will be victory. "Hope for a victory", isn't that a strange phrase when you talk about the Christian life. The young man that will be baptized just got out of jail, he just got set free and now he is truly going to be set free, I love it.
There is one thing I don't like about our baptistery, there are decorative bars separating it from the rest of the church, the one place in the church that should symbolize being set free and unity, and we have bars.
I want the world to hear this loud and clear, Jesus Christ came to remove the barriers between God and Man, Jesus Christ came to remove sin. God give us the eyes and heart to remove those barriers that Satan erects to harm the fellowship of believers.
John 8:36
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
(NIV)

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Always Thinking Of You

When Julie and I started dating, so many years ago, she was always on my mind. When Julie and I had our children, they were always on my mind. It seems like I am always thinking of my family. I want to know how they are doing and I want to do everything I can to make their lives as good as possible, that's what a father does, he cares for his family.
God cares for His children with a perfect love. From the very beginning He had a plan to save us, so that we could spend eternity with Him. He watches over us and teaches us how we are to live. God walks beside us and comforts us, He also loves us enough to discipline and teach us. What God does every minute of every day, He cares for you with an undying love.
1 PETER 5:7
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

BLESSED

Rom 4:7 "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
(NIV)
Blessed, that is a good word to describe the Child of God. We are blessed, we are blessed because we are forgiven, we are blessed because we are a part of “The Family”, and we are blessed because of the hope that lives inside us.
Blessed, I like the way that word sounds, it reminds me of the way I feel when I am with others who are in God’s family, it reminds me of how I feel when I share in somebody else’s joy, it is the closest word I can think of to describe the way I feel when I sing praises to my God.
Blessed, is exactly how I feel when I am comforted, in my test and trials of life, by “The Family”.
Blessed, what a great way to describe the Christians life.

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Some Things Change - Some Things Don't

I love remembering how things were "in days of old". I like watching old television shows like Andy Griffith, and George Burns. I like remembering summer days when mom would just tell us to be home by supper. I like remembering drive in theatres, banana seat bicycles, party line phones, record players, and ice cream trucks.
It seems like so many things in this world have changed. Change isn't bad, it isn't good, change is just change. Change can make me uncomfortable, but it will keep coming, that is why I am glad that there is at least one thing that will never change.

James 1:17-18
17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
(NIV)

God will never change, that is why I am putting my life, and hope in Him.

In Him
J.Tom Washburn

Shaving

As I looked at myself in the mirror this morning, I was reminded that I needed to shave. The first thought that went through my head was "I just shaved yesterday, why do I have to do this every day?". Every day (well almost every day) I go through the same ritual, I look at myself in the mirror, examine the scruff that seemed to grow when no one was looking, then I let the razor do its work.
As I went through my routine this morning it occurred to me that shaving is a lot like how I give my life to God.
First, I need to do it every day.
(Ps 145:2 Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.
(NIV))
Second, I need to examine the scuff that has grown in my life.
(2 Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. (NIV))
Third, I need to let Christ do His work in me.
(Phil 1:6 ... He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.(NIV))

Today as you begin your morning ritual, don't forget to do the truly important things, those things that remind you "Who God Wants You To Be".

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Really Living

One of the people God has put in my life is Sharon Washburn. Sharon is one of the strongest believers I know, and her faith has always blessed me. I wanted to share with you something she wrote in her blog.

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The last few weeks, I've been blessed to meet some new ladies through radiation as we sit in the "locker" room waiting for treatment. One lady in particular has been on my heart. She's 20 years my senior with the sweetest disposition. Through these weeks, she's grown to trust me & has shared with me that she is near the end of her medical journey. The breast cancer has returned a 3rd time, & now is extensively in her bones & spine & this is the last radiation for her. There is little left the medical community can offer her except pain management & those conversations with doctors will be forthcoming soon.

You'd think our conversations about death & dying would be gloomy & depressing, but they're really not. They're sweet & hopeful. Thoughtful & reflective. She needs a listening ear because her family is not quite ready to accept her physical realities. Sometimes a "stranger" like me can be a pretty good listening ear. You see, she's a believer & knows God can step in & save the day at any time. She also knows He's getting her ready for heaven & she's planning the way she's living out her life. She's cleaning out closets & getting her house in order for her family. Not in a desperate way, but a loving way. She's thankful for the years God has given her & is just so graceful in her manner! She & I pray we have the grace to walk our life's journeys the way He intends for us. The number of those days is really of no consequence, only that each one is spent living.

I don't know how many days, weeks or years God has planned for me here, but I will live them all! I will love the ones He loves & depend completely on His grace to save me. I want my life to be a love response to Him for my salvation & be ready to go to heaven. Sure, I don't want to dwell on death all the time, but living with a readiness to meet Jesus face to face - that's really living!

Blessings!
Sharon Washburn

---------------

Eph 4:1
... I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
(NIV)

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Cyphonocerus ruficollis

I must admit, I love looking at the stars, on a moonless night. Away from the city lights, it is amazing how bright, clear and spectacular the heavens are. God amazes me.
I remember as a child, not only seeing the stars at night, I also remember seeing stars in the trees and in the fields, at least I thought they were stars, my dad called them lightning bugs or fireflies.
You don’t see fireflies much anymore, those little bits of heaven flying down here on earth, but when you do they seem spectacular to me.
Christians are like fireflies, little bits of heaven here on earth. They show the glory of God in the dark world we live in, and they make you dream of heaven.
Today I want to challenge you to let your light shine for all to see, and the world around you will be blessed.

1 Pet 2:12
12 Live such good lives among the pagans that,… they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
(NIV)

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Unexpected Results

My sister sent me one of those funny e-mails today and I thought I would use it.
_____
Yesterday I was at my local COSTCO buying a large bag of Purina dog chow for my loyal pet, Biscuit, the Wonder Dog and was in the checkout line when woman behind me asked if I had a dog.

What did she think I had, an elephant? So since I'm retired and have little to do, on impulse I told her that no, I didn't have a dog, I was starting the Purina Diet again. I added that I probably shouldn't, because I ended up in the hospital last time, but that I'd lost 50 pounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms.

I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is to load your pants pockets with Purina nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete so it works well and I was going to try I t again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in line was now enthralled with my story.) Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care because the dog food poisoned me. I told her no, I stepped off a curb to sniff an Irish Setter's hiney and a car hit us both.

I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack he was laughing so hard. Costco won't let me shop there anymore.
_____
There are unexpected results in so much of life. When you are kind to others, others are kind to you. When you seem to be giving all you have, you are being blessed abundantly. When you show love, love is lavished on you. When you finally give us doing it your way and you do it Gods' way, victory.

Gal 2:20
20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
(NIV)

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Waiting

Waiting has never been my strong suit. Even when I knew something was coming, waiting was hard. I remember playing with those old Jack-In-The-Box toys and I jumping every time Jack popped out. I knew it was coming, but I was still surprised. I remember waiting for Christmas morning, time seemed to drag on and on, I knew it was coming, I even knew when it was coming, but it was still hard to wait.
When Jesus feeds the 5000 men, He gives thanks before the food is given out, have you ever asked yourself "Why did Jesus give thanks?". I think He may have been giving thanks for what God was about to do.
As children of God, we should stop from time to time and give thanks for what God is about to do. He already knows the blessings awaiting us. He already knows the transformation working inside of us. He already knows the glory prepared for us.
As I try and patiently wait for the blessings of God, I am asking God to give me expectant eyes and a faith filled heart.

Jer 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
(NIV)

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Looking Down

As I looked at all the school supplies that are being prepared for the kids, I remembered a time in my life when I felt unworthy. I remember the feeling of having others look down on me because I wasn't as "cool" as they were. I remember the fear of having others look down on me because I didn't have the right kind of shoes, clothes, or stuff. I remember how others looked down on me because I wasn't athletic, cool or smart. I remember being the last one to be chosen and I remember being the smallest one in my class.
I hated it when people looked down on me, it made me feel unworthy and unwanted.
I don't think Jesus ever looked down on anyone,... except once. As Jesus hung on the cross He looked down and said "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Shake It Off and Step Up

One of my favorite preacher illustrations is
Shake It Off And Step Up
By: Author Unknown

A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule 'braying' - or - whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened...and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.

Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back...a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back...HE SHOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP! This he did, blow after blow.

"Shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up!" he repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or distressing the situation seemed the old mule fought "panic" and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!

It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, STEPPED TRIUMPHANTLY OVER THE WALL OF THAT WELL! What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed him...all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.


Gen 50:20
20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
(NIV)

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Giving Thanks

Have you ever thought about the word thanks. Thanks seems like such a small word for such a big feeling. When somebody shows you love, even when you don't deserve it, thanks seems like too small a word for such a big gift. When somebody is willing to stand beside you, even when you are making a mistake, thanks doesn't seem like enough. Thanks is what we say when we are given a piece of bubble gum and it is what we say when the greatest of burdens is lifted off of our shoulders.
For the next two weeks I am focusing on being thankful in my lessons. Thankful for what God is doing and has done, and thankful or what God is going to do.
It seems like such a small word, but what it does for the heart of the giver is miraculous.

1Thes 5:16-18
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
(NIV)

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Are you ready for some ...

All across the state, young men are beginning football practice. This dreaded ritual is called two a days. These two a days consume the lives of these young men. When they get up in the morning, they are thinking about practice. When they are home and when they are eating, they are thinking about rest and the next practice. When they go to bed at night, they are thinking about the next day of practice. These young men go through all of the pain and work, so that they can perform well on Friday night.
Football is just a game, and these young men go through all of that just for a game, don't you think we should be just as prepared for life.
Paul says in 1 Cor 9:24-27
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.
27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
(NIV)
I hope all of our young men have great seasons, but my real prayer is that all of us will have great lives that glorify God.
In Him
J. Tom Washburn

What does Today hold?

It is kinda fun waiting expectantly. When I was a child, Christmas was that time of year when I found myself waiting expectantly. What was in the big box? Did I get what I wanted? Will it be all I had hoped for? Now that I am older, there are more occasions when I find myself waiting expectantly, all of those things I have talked to God about. Today could be the day that the house sells. Today could be the day that we hear the cancer is gone and the treatments are over. Today could be the day that God brings a seeker into my life. Today could be ... Today is a gift from God and I can hardly wait to see what is in this big box.

James 1:17
17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
(NIV)


In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Home is where your God is

There are days I need to be reassured, reassured that I am not in this alone. Everything inside of me says I should run home, shut the door, put on my comfortable clothes, curl up and go to sleep. Home. Home is my sanctuary. Home is the place where I can be me, the real me.
I guess the question I need the answer to is, "is God there?" When the real me shows up, is God there? I want Him to be, I need Him to be, but in my attempt to get away from everything that is pulling at me, have I also pulled away from God?
Moses said
Ps 90:1
Lord, through all the generations you have been our home!
(TLB)
I know the only place to find peace, is at home, with God.
So God over the next few weeks, months and years of my life, make my home in You. While I wait for the tension of life to fade (2 house payments and 2 house full of utility payments)do what you said you would do in
John 14:23
"If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
(NIV)
God come and make your Home with me.

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

There is a Lion out there

Have you ever noticed that there is fear in places you don't belong.
Last night I was sitting in the back yard, watching the storms (no lights at all), I was startled by the scream of a cat. I knew better than to be outside with no light, but I thought "It's only a little ways out there". If I had brought a light, there would have been no fear, but in the dark the scream of a cat brought fear to my heart. Needless to say I was through looking at the storm and I fumbled my way back into the house were there was all the light I needed to feel safe.
In my Christian walk I also need to carry The Light with me, because there is a cat out there, who doesn't want to scare me, he wants to devour me.
1 Pet 5:8 .... Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.(NIV)

So my friends - keep your light with you, and keep it turned on.

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

My Statement of Faith

In one of the great statements of faith, Bob Moorehead wrote:

I'm a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. The dye has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, "chincy" giving, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by presence, lean by faith, walk by patience, lift by prayer and labor by power.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go until He comes, give until I drop, preach until all know,and work until He stops me And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me - my colors will be clear.

That should be the cry of every person who takes The Name of Jesus Christ! That should be me!

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

You Have More Than You Think You Do

Recently, Julie and I moved. We found a place to live, we got somebody to pack us up and we moved. When we were living in our other house, we were comfortable and we had everything we thought we needed. Now that we are unpacking in our "new" house, I have come to realize that we have more than we could have ever imagined. We have more hide-a-beds than any family should ever have. We have more videos than we will ever watch. We have more glasses than we will ever use. We have more than we ever knew we had.
It is that way in our Christian walk, We Have More Than We Could Ever Imagine. His forgiveness is more than my sin. His love is greater than my fear. My cup does overflow, surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

I heard a song

This morning I heard a song that had no words, and yet it lifted my heart to the throne of God. This morning I heard the birds singing, the wind rustleing through the leaves and a lone frog bellowing. This morning I saw the sun dancing off of the clouds and I said in my heart "thanks."
Ps 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God (NIV)"

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Life to the full

Jesus says in John 10:10 "... I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.(NIV)"
Jesus didn't say "come unto me so that you can avoid stress", Jesus didn't say "come unto me so that you will avoid illness", Jesus didn't say "come unto me so that you will have a zone of protection all around you." Jesus DID say in John 16:33 "...In this world you will have trouble."He goes on and says " But take heart! I have overcome the world.(NIV)"

We sing a song that says "This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through." When we learn to live with that understanding, the trials of life seem somehow lighter. When we learn to live with that understanding, the journey seems more like an adventure than a battle.

God help me enjoy the adventure, because I know you have already won the battle.

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

How can I miss you if you won’t go away?

Jesus said “follow me” it sounds easy, but it may be the hardest command ever given. Following also involves leaving and leaving is hard. Most of us have created a world where we are comfortable. (Jesus never promised us comfort on the journey.) Their may be parts of our lives we are unhappy with, but we are not so unhappy that we have changed anything. Jesus says “follow me” and that means some things, everything, will change. For us to become what Jesus has in store for us, we must be willing to follow Him and be willing to leave behind those things that so easily entangle us.
There are times Jesus calls us, and He wants us to pick up everything and move to a new location. Everything we have become familiar with is gone and we start all over again. We feel alone, afraid and vulnerable. All of our old friends and support are gone and we feel afraid.
Jesus said “follow me” but He never leaves us alone or unprotected. He also never takes us to a place He has not prepared us for.

Heb 13:5-6
5 …, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
6 So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
(NIV)
As Julie and I trust God on our new adventure, we also look back to dear friends and watch with great anticipation for want God has in store for them.

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

I Thank My God

There are many people who believe that their spiritual walk is private. These people don’t see the value of church or the value of sharing their faith. They believe their personal and private relationship with God should be kept private.
Recently I was reminded of just how important The Body of Christ is. You can not give true encouragement to yourself. You can not lift yourself up when you fall. You can not hold yourself when you need comforting. You can not accompany yourself when you need a companion.
I am blessed to know, that I have partners in the faith who cheer for me. I am blessed to know that I have faithful friends who will stand with me. I am blessed to know that I am a part of a greater body, and Christ is the head. I am blessed to know that I have friends.
Like Paul I can say “I thank my God every time I remember you.” Phil 1:3
And like Paul I can say “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.” Rom 1:8
May God be glorified as all of us share our lives and faith with everyone who has an ear to hear.
In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Burl

Wikipedia defines burl as - "A burl (British bur or burr) is a tree growth in which the grain has grown in a deformed manner. A burl results from a tree undergoing some form of stress."
Burl is a new term to me. I was introduced to the term when some dear friends gave my wife and me a vase that had been carved from maple burl. The twisted grain of the wood made the vase unique and beautiful.
As I studied the vase, and as my friend explained to me what a burl is and how it only comes about through stress, I began to understand how God sees His children. Those parts of our lives that have been so twisted by stress are the parts, and are ugly to us, God can mold into the beautiful image of grace.
The trick is this, we must be willing to let God have our burl. We must be willing to let Him cut away the bark and gently cut away all those parts that are hiding His glory. It is only after God has done His work that others will be truly able to see His glory shining through you.
Eph 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.(NIV)

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Finding Home

Looking for a new home is harder than you think. When you drive by a house you never know what it is like on the inside. Julie and I have looked at a lot of houses lately and it is true that you can not judge anything by the outside. Julie and I have seen some homes that looked great on the outside, but on the inside the floor plan was all messed up. We have seen some homes that looked great on the outside, but their foundations were cracked and needed a lot of work. We have seen some homes that looked great on the outside, but when you went inside, the only thing that came to mind was "What were they thinking?".
Looking for a good place to live is hard work.
The same thing is true in our lives, looking for a good place to live can be hard work, if you don't have the right guide.
There are people who look like they have it all together on the outside, but inside they are all messed up, the way they have arranged their life is all out of order. Some folks look great on the outside but inside they have all kinds of foundation trouble and they need a lot of work.
I want you to know something, there is a master carpenter who has built a special place just for you. It feels like home the very first time you see it. There are no foundation troubles, no paint scheme nightmares, and no rooms out of order.
Jesus wants you to have that home, and He wants to start preparing you for that home today.
He wants to start changing your life so you will be at home with Him forever. Will you let Him?
2 Cor. 3:18
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is The Spirit.

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Think On Those Things

Phil 4:8-9
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things.9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.(NIV)
As I sit in my empty office, I can not help but notice how empty the walls appear. Walls are meant to have memories stored on them, pictures of family, remembrances of places visited, and accomplishments proudly displayed. It is empty in my office now and somehow that place that I once went to think and study seems lonely.
I have often wondered why God wants me to think on things that are lovely and the like, I think I understand it better now. God wants me to look at the pictures He has hung all around me and in me. Pictures of His creation, and pictures of His people. Those things give me comfort and those people give me encouragement in the journey of this life.
So think on those things.

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Junk

Have you ever noticed how much junk we all have? Julie and I are boxing things up for a move, and I find myself looking at some things and asking "Why are we moving that?". The only thing junk does is weigh down the load.
In my life I know there is some junk that needs to be thrown away. I don't need to be weighed down any longer by the old life. I need to be free to follow God at a moments notice.

Heb 12:11
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.(NIV)

There are only a few things I really need in this life, and most of them will fit in my heart.

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Moving

This past Sunday we let the church at North Garland know we will be moving after 9 1/2 years of working with them. Moving is never easy, and the longer you stay at one place the harder the moving is. We have friends here who have stood with us and held us up through some hard times. We have friends who have laughed with us and rejoiced with us in great times of transition and victory. Moving is never easy.
On the other side of moving there is arriving. Arriving is exciting. There are friends waiting to be met and hills waiting to be climbed. There are blessings just waiting to be discovered. Arriving is exciting.
Moving is never easy, not even spiritually, but when I am willing to leave the old way of life and start following The Light, there are blessing just waiting to be discovered.
Col 3:12-17
12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.(NIV)
In Him
J. Tom Washburn

The Story of God (Final Edition)

Most stories begin “Once upon a time” but our story begins with “There is a God”, and He lives in Heaven, where He watches over you and where He loves you with an everlasting love. When you look in the book, the early words say, “In the beginning God”, some of the faint words say, “For God so loved, He planned to give”. The first chapter in the book we have says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, and God made man in His own image, and He placed them in the Garden”. God gave them one law, and one penalty, and the penalty was Death. In time man broke that law. Now you would think that God would destroy any creature that broke His law, but not God. God knew who would pay the price, and He made man anyway, and God began to whisper The Word. You couldn’t understand it at first, but He said it with such tenderness that you knew it represented His very heart.Men continued to sin and God sent a flood; and men continued to sin and God whispered the Word a little louder to Abraham, and set the plan in motion to send The Word to men.God continued to whisper The Word and He used men like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God used men like Joseph and Moses, and all the while He whispered The Word. He used Joshua, Gideon and Samuel. He whispered The Word through David, Solomon, Elijah and the prophets, and, while sin remained, the voice of God was getting louder as He just kept saying The Word.Then one night the voice broke through and The Word became flesh and the angels proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests. Today a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord”.It was through the life of Jesus Christ that God chose to reveal His heart. It was His name that was whispered throughout the ages, and it was His life that would be sacrificed for the sin of man. God showed man who He was through the life of Christ, and He showed man His heart. The God of the beginning is not capricious, but caring. God does not want to strike man down; He longs to lift him up. The God of the beginning is not far away in a distant place, but He is near, and He cares about you.He showed us how He cares when The Word walked among us. God showed that He cares about our hurts when a father came to Jesus because his daughter was dying. And at the time of the father’s greatest hurt when he heard his daughter had died, Jesus showed us the heart of God when he said, “Don’t be afraid, just believe”. Jesus gave that little girl life and He gave that father his little girl back. You see, God cares about those grievous hurts in the life of man. When the lepers came, Jesus touched them and they were healed. When those tortured by demons came, Jesus released them. The blind could see and the lame could walk, with just a word or a touch from the hand of The Word of God. But He didn’t just heal the body; Jesus also healed the inside of man. When the man was lowered through the roof, Jesus forgave his sin, and when the woman was caught in adultery Jesus forgave her sin. Jesus showed us that the touch of God can not only heal the body, it can heal the man. Every time Jesus touched a life you could hear God whisper The Name, and each time it grew just a little louder.God cares for man; with an abiding love God cares for man, and He is not willing to leave man without hope. God knew that the time was coming near for the price to be paid for the sin of man, man that He loved. God watched as Jesus was laid on the cross and as the nails pierced His hands. He saw the agony of Christ as He hung suspended between Heaven and earth. And He heard the cries of The Word. And when He heard Him say, “It is finished” and saw Him die, God whispered The Word one more time with such agony that the earth shook and the great veil in the Temple was ripped apart.The price had now been paid for the sin of man, but was the price too high?The silence in Heaven was deafening.How could God still care for man, when the cost was so great?Did God still care about the hurts of man?Did God still care about the sin of man?Did God still care for man?For three days not a noise was heard.But then…from the center of Heaven itself, God didn’t whisper. God proclaimed The Name clearly for all to hear. He said it so loudly that the earth shook, the stone that sealed the tomb was rolled away and the Son of God came forth alive. The angels proclaimed “He is not here…He has risen!”God has not stopped caring for man, in our hurts, in our victories and in our sin. He has not ceased whispering The Name, and there is coming a day when God will no longer whisper The Name; He will proclaim it one last time to this earth. With the trumpet blast, God will proclaim to the world one more time that Jesus Christ is Lord.Then every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that “Jesus Christ is Lord!”
By J. Tom Washburn

People Of The Cross

It is important that we remember who we are and what we are about, that is why, from time to time, we remind ourselves with this little saying.

We are people of the cross,

blood bought and forgiven.

Our goal is to live lives worthy

of the calling we have received

and to be lights unto our world.

There is another saying that I have heard some churches participate in each week

God is good

All the time

All the time

God is good

If we can remind ourselves of who God is, who we are and what we are to be, it will be impossible for Satan to defeat us.

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Change

When I was young, I loved change. When I heard the Ice Cream truck coming down the road, playing its’ tune, I would gather up my change and buy a treat. When I was a teenager, change could buy me a soda. Now that I am a little older, I put my change in a jar. Change doesn’t seem as important to me now, until I take a good look at the jar, then I see “real” money.
In my spiritual life, I need to understand the value of change. Change is what God is doing. He takes me from lost to saved, that’s change. He takes me from selfish to giving, that’s change. He takes me from hopelessness to hope, that’s change. While God never changes, I am so glad He sees the value of change, and is willing to patiently change me.
2 Cor 3:18
18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
(NIV)
In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Dirty Diapers

Recently I read my nieces blog, she had a dirty diapers count, 705 dirty diapers and counting. It made me laugh. I wondered how many dirty diapers my wife and I took care of. I know she took care of a lot more than I did. It’s funny the things we keep track of, dirty diapers, broken bottles, spilt milk.
I am so glad that I have a Heavenly Father who doesn’t keep track of dirty diapers. He has forgiven my messes, my spilt milk, and my sin. What my Heavenly Father keeps track of is me. What my Heavenly Father delights over is me. I am so blessed.
Zeph 3:17
17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
(NIV)
In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Beauty

Recently my wife received a card in the mail that carried with it a powerful message. The card was a quote from The Great House Of God by Max Lucado.
“Next time a sunrise steals your breath or a meadow of flowers leaves you speechless, remain that way. Say nothing and listen as heaven whispers, “Do you like it? I did it just for you.”” When we opened the card there was a passage from The Message “Take a good look at God’s wonders – they’ll take your breath away.” (Psalm 66:5)
In my life I have been blessed. I have seen the beautiful sunsets of the west Texas plains and I have seen the colors of an Oklahoma storm. I have seen the majesty of mountains and the colors of a coral reef. We do live in a symphony God is performing just for us.
But do you know what takes away my breath even more than the beauty of this earth, the loving acts of God’s created; an older couple holding hands, parents holding their baby, friends selflessly supporting each other. I see God’s love in waiting rooms, with the quiet support of caring friends, I see God’s love at finish lines, with cheering friends after a long hard race. As beautiful as God’s creation is, the hearts of God’s created is breathtaking.
In Him
J. Tom Washburn

I can't, God can, I think I'll let Him

"God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, His Spirit deeply and gently within us." (The Message, Eph. 3:20)
I know there are times in your life that your circumstances seem impossible. Remember what God has done. Money is nothing to God, He paved the roads of heaven with gold. Sickness is nothing to God, He formed me in my mother's womb. Despair is nothing to God, He parted the Red Sea and let His children walk on dry ground. Fear is nothing to God, He calmed the storm with just a word. Death is nothing to God, He will give life to all those who are His.
The only things God can't handle, are the things we don't bring to Him.
The next time the world closes in on you remember "I can't, God can, I think I'll let Him."
In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Ears to hear

Ps 25:4-5 Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.(NIV)
Recently my prayers have included a phrase that describes my hearts desire, when it comes to my walk of faith. The phrase is this "Lord, give me ears to hear, so you only have to tell me once." God has said in Heb 13:5-6 "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?""(NIV) I want that faith, so today, I am making the choice to trust God. Today I proudly proclaim "I trust God." When the car breaks down, I trust God. When the air conditioner freezes over, I trust God. When dreaded news comes, I trust God. When my life is over, I want to be able to look back and say "I trusted God."
In Him
J. Tom Washburn

YES

Have you ever had a day that just screamed "YES"? You know the day, it is the day when the sun seems brighter and the birds sing sweeter, it is the day when you have an extra bounce in your step and a little grin on your face. I love those days, and they always seem to come just when they are needed. They sneak up on you, sometimes just after the hard days.
Jesus had been crucified, and it appeared to those who loved Him that those "good" days were gone forever. In one moment all of that changed. With just seven words, the angels proclaimed a message that gives every believer hope. With just seven words the angels turned every day into a day of "Yes". With just seven words everything changed.
When the angels in the tomb of Jesus Christ proclaimed "He is not here, He has risen!" the only thing the heart of the believer can ever say is "YES!"
In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Jesus Love Me, This I Know

I love the way that the "The Message" translates Romans 8:39, "absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us." I love that picture. This is the picture of a parent holding a precious little child. This is the picture of companion giving strength to the exhausted. This is the picture of a friend giving comfort to the broken hearted.
How many times have I relied on the promise that "nothing can get between me and God's love"? So when you sing those little songs that help you through the day, sing this song and remind yourself of the great love of our God.
"Jesus loves me this I know"

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

A God Who Cares For Me

This morning, Julie shared with me a passage she was reading in her daily Bible reading. “Be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live.” (Deut. 4:9)
I am beginning to think that the word “impossible” defines our faith. God loved doing the “impossible”, the “improbable” and the “unexpected”. Satan is constantly telling us what is “impossible”, “improbable” and “unreasonable”. How many times have we told ourselves that “Nothing good can ever come out of this?” That may be true except for God, He likes to do the impossible. God took a baby found in a river and turned him into the leader of Israel. God took a virgin and gave her a child, who saves the world. God takes sinners and transforms them into His children, and God takes hearts full of despair and gives them hope.
I don’t always know how God does the impossible, but today I saw God at work. I needed somebody to talk to. A friend who lives hundreds of miles from my home showed up today, unannounced and unexpected. Before I ever knew I would need somebody to talk to, God started my friend on a journey. Some might say that was just “luck”, but you know what I saw today, I saw the hand of a God who cares for me.
I am going to put today in my heart and remember “I have a God who cares for me.”

In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Do not go together

Have you ever thought about those words that don't go together? We have all heard the jokes about terms like "civil war" or "black light". There really are some words that can never truly go together, here is a list of some that we should think about.

(Time) Before God

Unknown to God

(Time) After God

Unloved by God

Unseen by God

As children of our precious Father, you and I can never fall into one of those categories. Those categories will never exist for us. In fact what He says to us is this "I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matt. 28:20(NIV)

Think about it

In Him

J. Tom Washburn

Count Your Blessings

I was reading my sister-in-laws blog the other day, and she had one that was entitled "Counting your blessings is a full time job". I remember growing up and singing a song that had the words "count your blessings name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done." When was the last time you stopped and just savored the blessings God has lavished you with? God has given me a wife who loves me, ... thank you. God has blessed me with children, ... thank you. God has given me a few talents, ... thank you. Everything in my life that is good, God has blessed me with, ... thank you. God has blessed me with a good family and good friends, ... thank you. God has given me the opportunity to proclaim His love and hope to unknown numbers of people He loves, ... thank you.
There is no way that I deserve what God has done for me, so I bow my head and say thank you. There is one other prayer I offer, God I am yours, use me.
James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.(NIV)
In Him
J. Tom Washburn

The Story of God

Most stories begin “Once upon a time” but our story begins with “There is a God”, and He lives in Heaven, where He watches over you and where He loves you with an everlasting love. When you look in the book, the early words say, “In the beginning God”, some of the faint words say, “For God so loved, He planned to give”. The first chapter in the book we have says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, and God made man in His own image, and He placed them in the Garden”. God gave them one law, and one penalty, and the penalty was Death. In time man broke that law. Now you would think that God would destroy any creature that broke His law, but not God. God knew who would pay the price, and He made man anyway, and God began to whisper The Word. You couldn’t understand it at first, but He said it with such tenderness that you knew it represented His very heart.

Men continued to sin and God sent a flood; and men continued to sin and God whispered the Word a little louder to Abraham, and set the plan in motion to send The Word to men.

God continued to whisper The Word and He used men like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God used men like Joseph and Moses, and all the while He whispered The Word. He used Joshua, Gideon and Samuel. He whispered The Word through David, Solomon, Elijah and the prophets, and, while sin remained, the voice of God was getting louder as He just kept saying The Word.

Then one night the voice broke through and The Word became flesh and the angels proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests. Today a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord”.

It was through the life of Jesus Christ that God chose to reveal His heart. It was His name that was whispered throughout the ages, and it was His life that would be sacrificed for the sin of man. God showed man who He was through the life of Christ, and He showed man His heart. The God of the beginning is not capricious, but caring. God does not want to strike man down; He longs to lift him up. The God of the beginning is not far away in a distant place, but He is near, and He cares about you.

He showed us how He cares when The Word walked among us. God showed that He cares about our hurts when a father came to Jesus because his daughter was dying. And at the time of the father’s greatest hurt when he heard his daughter had died, Jesus showed us the heart of God when he said, “Don’t be afraid, just believe”. Jesus gave that little girl life and He gave that father his little girl back. You see, God cares about those grievous hurts in the life of man. When the lepers came, Jesus touched them and they were healed. When those tortured by demons came, Jesus released them. The blind could see and the lame could walk, with just a word or a touch from the hand of The Word of God. But He didn’t just heal the body; Jesus also healed the inside of man. When the man was lowered through the roof, Jesus forgave his sin, and when the woman was caught in adultery Jesus forgave her sin. Jesus showed us that the touch of God can not only heal the body, it can heal the man. Every time Jesus touched a life you could hear God whisper The Name, and each time it grew just a little louder.

God cares for man; with an abiding love God cares for man, and He is not willing to leave man without hope. God knew that the time was coming near for the price to be paid for the sin of man, man that He loved. God watched as Jesus was laid on the cross and as the nails pierced His hands. He saw the agony of Christ as He hung suspended between Heaven and earth. And He heard the cries of The Word. And when He heard Him say, “It is finished” and saw Him die, God whispered The Word one more time with such agony that the earth shook and the great veil in the Temple was ripped apart.

The price had now been paid for the sin of man, but was the price too high?
The silence in Heaven was deafening.
How could God still care for man, when the cost was so great?
Did God still care about the hurts of man?
Did God still care about the sin of man?
Did God still care for man?
For three days not a noise was heard.
But then…from the center of Heaven itself, God didn’t whisper. God proclaimed The Name clearly for all to hear. He said it so loudly that the earth shook, the stone that sealed the tomb was rolled away and the Son of God came forth alive. The angels proclaimed “He is not here…He has risen!”

God has not stopped caring for man, in our hurts, in our victories and in our sin. He has not ceased whispering The Name, and there is coming a day when God will no longer whisper The Name; He will proclaim it one last time to this earth. With the trumpet blast, God will proclaim to the world one more time that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Then every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that “Jesus Christ is Lord!”

By J. Tom Washburn

Be Still

Ps 37:77 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; ...(NIV)
Ps 46:1010 "Be still, and know that I am God; ...(NIV)
Zech 2:1313 Be still before the LORD, ...(NIV)
Have you ever had one of those days. Have you ever approached the throne of God in prayer and when you got there, there was nothing to say. How many times does scripture tell us to "be still before the Lord"? I have found myself doing that lately. He knows the desires of my heart, He knows the dreams I long for and He hears what I don't know how to put into words.
Today I prayed one of those prayers that has no words, I tried to be still, and He lifted me up and reminded me that He is always near.
And so I offer this prayer now, "God, thank you."
In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Promises

For too many people, promises have become wishful hope. Promises are suppose to be certain, but in today's world promises are a dime a dozen. We listen to the promises of advertisers on television and we know, it's not all true. We listen to the promises and vows given at a wedding ceremony, and we hope they are lasting and true.
So many promises have been broken over the years, that it is hard to believe anyone anymore. I want you to know that there are some promises that have never been broken, there are some promises that will always be true. The promises of God are sure. The promises of God never change. The promises of God are true.
In a world where everything is questioned, I am glad I can trust fully in Him. Listen to this promise and know it is always true.
Isa 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.(NIV)"
In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Live

I was reading my sister-in-laws blog today, and I took the time to read what she had under her title, it was a quote from 1 John 2:28. Listen to what it says "And now, children, stay in Christ. Live deeply in Christ. Then we'll be ready for Him when He appears, ready to receive Him with open arms,..." (The Message)
I can not think of a better passage for today. This passage is great for parents to give their children. This passage is great for friends to share with one another. This passage is given to me by The God who loves me and longs for me to be with Him.
Thanks Sharon
In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Feet

Rom 10:15
15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
(NIV)
I have never been one to admire feet. Feet can hurt, feet can smell bad, and feet can get dirty in ways I don’t even want to imagine. Feet have toes and toes have toe nails that when unkempt, can look unsightly. No, I don’t enjoy looking at feet; however I admire what feet do.
Feet carry the body, feet get people from place to place and feet are willing to endure the agony of there job so that the rest of the body can do what it was made for.
As The Body of Christ, we are made to share the message and the glory of Christ to the world, and we need feet to get that done. We need people who are willing to support the ministry of Christ. We need people who are willing to give of there means and of themselves so that others can be sent to share Christ with a lost and dying world.
Feet may not be the most attractive part of the body, but in The Body of Christ, even I must admit, they are beautiful.
In Him
J. Tom Washburn

The Story of God

Most stories begin “once upon a time” but our story about God begins with “There is a God” and He lives in heaven, where He watches over you and where He loves you with an everlasting love. When you look at the book with no beginning, the early words say “In the beginning God”, some of the faint words say, “For God so loved, He planned to give”.
The chapter in the book that we have begins when time began. And it says “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, and God made man in His own image, and He placed them in the Garden. And God gave them one law, and one penalty Death. In time man broke that law. Now you would think that God would destroy any creature that broke His law, but not God. God knew who would pay the price, and He made man anyway, and God began to whisper The Word. You couldn’t understand it at first, but He said it with such tenderness that you knew it represented his very heart.


Men continued to sin and God sent a flood and men continued to sin and God whispered the word a little louder to Abraham and set the plan in motion to sent The Word to men.
God continued to whisper The Word and He used men like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God used men like Joseph and Moses, and all the while He whispered The Word. He used Joshua, Gideon and Samuel. He whispered The Word through David, Solomon, Elijah and the prophets and while sin remained the voice of God was getting louder as He just kept saying The Word.

Then one night the voice broke through and The Word became flesh and the angels proclaimed “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
“Today a savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord”


It was through the life of Jesus Christ that God chose to reveal His heart. It was His name that was whispered throughout the ages and it was His life that would be sacrificed for the sin of man. God showed man who He was through the life of Christ, and He showed man His heart.
The God of the beginning is not capricious, but caring. God does not want to strike man down; He longs to lift him up. The God of the beginning is not far away in a distant place, but He is near, and He cares about you.

He showed us how He cares when The Word walked among us. God showed us that He cares about our hurts when a father came to Jesus because his daughter was dying. And at the time of the fathers greatest hurt when he heard his daughter had died, Jesus showed us the heart of God when he said “Don’t be afraid, just believe”. Jesus gave that little girl life and He gave that father his little girl back. You see God cares about those grievous hurts in the life of man. When the lepers’ came, Jesus touched them and they were healed. When those tortured by demons came, Jesus released them. The blind could see, the lame could walk with just a word or a touch from the hand of The Word of God. But He didn’t just heal the body; Jesus also healed the inside of man. When the man was lowered through the roof, Jesus forgave his sin, when the woman was caught in adultery Jesus forgave her sin. Jesus showed us that the touch of God can not only heal the body, it can heal the man. Every time Jesus touched a life you could hear God whisper The Name, and each time it grew just a little louder.


God cares for man, with an abiding love God cares for man, and He is not willing to leave man without hope. God knew that the time was coming near for the price to be paid for the sin of man, man that He loved.
God watched as Jesus was laid on the cross and as the nails pierced His hands. He saw the agony of Christ as he hung suspended between heaven and earth. And He heard the cries of The Word. And when He heard Him say “It is finished” and saw Him die, God whispered The Word one more time with such agony that the earth shock and the great veil in The Temple was ripped apart.
The price had now been paid for the sin of man, but was the price to high.
The silence in heaven was deafening.
How could God still care for man, when the cost was so great?
Did God still care about the hurts of man?
Did God still care about the sin of man?
Did God still care for man?
For three days not a noise was heard
But then… from the center of heaven itself, God didn’t whisper, God proclaimed The Name clearly for all to hear. He said it so loudly that the earth shook, the stone that sealed the tomb was rolled away and the Son of God came forth alive. The angels proclaimed “He is not here…He has risen”


God has not stopped caring for man, in our hurts, in our victories and in our sin. He has not ceased whispering The Name, and there is coming a day when God will no longer whisper The Name, He will proclaim it one last time to this earth. With the trumpet blast, God will proclaim to the world one more time that Jesus Christ Is Lord.
Then every knee show bow and every tongue shall confess that “Jesus Christ Is Lord!”

By: J. Tom Washburn

Going Back

Over the past two weeks, I have been blessed to be able to travel back to my old stomping grounds. As I was looking around I noticed that many things had changed. I noticed that the towns were much bigger and the old houses seemed much smaller. There is a part of me that wants everything to stay the same, so that I can return to the way it was, but I am not the way I was.
Things grow or they die. Things change or they fade away. Those statements are true of my body, of my development, of almost every area of my life. Those statements are true of everything except Christ. Heb 13:88 says "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
There is only one thing in my life that I can rely on to never change. There is only one rock that I can put all my hope in.
Jesus Christ is that one unchangeable thing in an ever changing world.
In Him
J. Tom Washburn

For The Glory Of God

When I come to the end of Genesis, I am always amazed at the words of Joseph when he says "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."(Gen. 50:20)
In Romans 8:28 Paul writes "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, and who have been called according to His purpose."
What an awesome thing it is to know, that in every situation in life, God is in control and God is working for the good of those who love Him. When Joseph was sold into slavery, when Joseph was in the prison, I don't think he knew what God had in store for him. God was working, and God was doing what was best for Joseph and for everyone involved.
Too often, we only believe that God is working when things are going according to our plans. God's agenda is better than my agenda and in all things God works. He prepares paths and He prepares me, and in His time we go from the prison to the palace, for His glory.
My task is to stay faithful, My task is to offer myself to Him each day, and when that day comes, My task is to tell what The Lord has done.
In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Blessings

Have you ever noticed how God always brings about a blessing just when you need it and you have no reason to expect it?
A few warm days in the middle of winter. A call from a friend that you haven't heard from in years. I think God loves to surprise us with blessings.
In 1 Kings 19, Elijah is running for his life, and God sends a blessing, in the form of an angel, to feed him and send him on his way.
We don't read of Elijah giving thanks to God for the blessing, and I am afraid, in our lives we don't thank God enough for the blessings we enjoy so often.
Make it your goal this week to stop from time to time and just give thanks for the great love He has shown.
In Him
J. Tom Washburn

Change

Who would have ever thought 40 years ago that we would be buying water in bottles like we used to buy soda? Who would have thought that we would be wearing helmets just to ride a bike? Who would have thought that we would be wearing our phones on our hips? Who would have thought that a computer could fit in your hand?
Change is inevitable, but not all change is good.
Who would have thought that prayer would ever become controversial? Who would have thought that “One Nation Under God” would ever be questioned? Who would have thought that Jesus would become a curse word.
When you think your world is running away from the life God has called you to live, when you think the world has turned against the values you believe God teaches us in His Holy Word, let me remind you of what Paul says in
Eph 6:13
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
(NIV)
Change is coming, but the Word of God never changes.

J. Tom Washburn