I once had an old Ford Mustang, no not the really fast one. I had a 1974 model with four cylinder, four speed (it had a Pinto engine). It was fast though. It would go from 0 to 60 in under two days. I complained about how little power it had until one day someone told me that the catalytic converter was probably stopped up. Well, we can fix that.
The catalytic converter converts toxic pollutants in your vehicle's emissions to less toxic pollutants. I know, it sounds silly but it is what it is. Anyway, over time, the catalytic converter had become partially plugged with debris and such. We replaced the catalytic converter and the old Mustang had a little more power. You could suddenly start timing its 0 to 60 time in seconds, several seconds, but still seconds.
Today's word is a very familiar passage from 2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV, which reads, "If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
A lot of us are walking around with some partially plugged catalytic converters. We are full of toxins and dirt and debris. We aren't running efficiently or effectively, and we won't until we have something replaced. This verse tells us that if we will allow GOD to clean our catalytic converter but humbling ourselves and praying and seeking Him, that He will hear us, forgive us and fix us. And, who knows, you might just be amazed at how well you start running. It'll probably be faster than that ol Mustang.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, February 28, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Why not ask
Ever wanted something really bad but was afraid to ask? I know I have. There have been times in my life that I really wanted something but was afraid it was way too much to ask for. We do the same thing with GOD.
I believe that GOD has a lot that He wants us to have but we are afraid to ask for it. Now, I am NOT a proponent of the "name it and claim it" or the "blab it and grab it" philosophy. I don't for one second believe it works that way. However, I do believe that we miss out on a few things because we are afraid to ask, or we are afraid of the commitment required to receive it.
Today's word is a very familiar passage from 1 Chronicles 4:10, NIV, which reads, "Jabez cried out to the GOD of Israel, 'Oh that You would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.' And, God granted his request."
Jabez's very name meant "sorrow" or "trouble". He had been born during a time of much pain and sorrow for his mother. Israel was suffering for their past mistakes and failures. It was heartbreaking to think of a son having to grow up in a world like that. Sound familiar?
Verse 9 tells us that Jabez was more honorable, he was more moral than his brothers. He didn't want to be a pain; he didn't want to cause any pain. So, he prayed that GOD would bless him and expand his influence, to protect him and to keep him from pain and from being a pain. And, GOD GRANTED HIS REQUEST!
I pray that GOD will allow me to be a positive influence and less of a pain to all those that I may come across. I pray that His blessings continue to flow on my family and me.
Ask. You just never know how it will be answered.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I believe that GOD has a lot that He wants us to have but we are afraid to ask for it. Now, I am NOT a proponent of the "name it and claim it" or the "blab it and grab it" philosophy. I don't for one second believe it works that way. However, I do believe that we miss out on a few things because we are afraid to ask, or we are afraid of the commitment required to receive it.
Today's word is a very familiar passage from 1 Chronicles 4:10, NIV, which reads, "Jabez cried out to the GOD of Israel, 'Oh that You would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.' And, God granted his request."
Jabez's very name meant "sorrow" or "trouble". He had been born during a time of much pain and sorrow for his mother. Israel was suffering for their past mistakes and failures. It was heartbreaking to think of a son having to grow up in a world like that. Sound familiar?
Verse 9 tells us that Jabez was more honorable, he was more moral than his brothers. He didn't want to be a pain; he didn't want to cause any pain. So, he prayed that GOD would bless him and expand his influence, to protect him and to keep him from pain and from being a pain. And, GOD GRANTED HIS REQUEST!
I pray that GOD will allow me to be a positive influence and less of a pain to all those that I may come across. I pray that His blessings continue to flow on my family and me.
Ask. You just never know how it will be answered.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Open my eyes
Ever try to walk through an unfamiliar place in the dark or with your eyes closed. I have stubbed my pinkie toe a few times and bashed my shins trying to do so. It isn't easy to sense what is around when we have our eyes closed.
They put blinders on horses so that they can't see what is going on around them; the horses have to focus on what is exactly in front of them. Sometimes, we walk around with our own blinders on, not seeing what GOD is doing because of the obstacle directly in front of us.
Today's word is from 2 Kings, 6:17, NIV, which reads, "And Elisha prayed, "Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots and fire all around Elisha."
Elisha's servant had his blinders on, and all he could see was the number of enemies that stood before them. Elisha prayed that GOD would remove his blinders and see what HE was doing. When the servant took his blinders off, he could see that those with them was far superior to those against them.
Stop walking around in the dark. Remove the blinders. Open your eyes. See what the LORD is doing! He is always there to love us and protect us and see us through.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
They put blinders on horses so that they can't see what is going on around them; the horses have to focus on what is exactly in front of them. Sometimes, we walk around with our own blinders on, not seeing what GOD is doing because of the obstacle directly in front of us.
Today's word is from 2 Kings, 6:17, NIV, which reads, "And Elisha prayed, "Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots and fire all around Elisha."
Elisha's servant had his blinders on, and all he could see was the number of enemies that stood before them. Elisha prayed that GOD would remove his blinders and see what HE was doing. When the servant took his blinders off, he could see that those with them was far superior to those against them.
Stop walking around in the dark. Remove the blinders. Open your eyes. See what the LORD is doing! He is always there to love us and protect us and see us through.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Godly wisdom
If you look up "wise" in the dictionary, you definitely will not find a reference to me. I am not the smartest or wisest guy in the world. As a matter of fact, on a scale of one to ten, my wisdom, my knowledge, my intelligence would barely land between zero and not much more than zero. However, I have made some really good decisions.
I remember one particular instance when I was out visiting some folks and came across a young man who did not believe the Bible, which to him was just a bunch of made up stories. "How do you know any of it is true? There is no one alive today that can vouch for anything written in that book." During the course of our conversation, I began to realize that he liked history. So, I asked him if he believed that the Revolutionary War happened. He said that he did. I then asked if he believed that the American Civil War happened. Again, he said that he did. I then asked, "How do you believe any of that? There is no one alive today that personally saw any of it." I had him thinking.
Today's word is from 1 Kings 10:9, KJV, which reads, "Blessed be the LORD thy GOD, which delighted in thee...therefore made He thee king..."
The Queen of Sheba was, rightfully, impressed that Solomon had told her all the answers to all of her questions; GOD had gifted Solomon with more wisdom than anyone had ever had or more than anyone will ever have. She told Solomon that his people should be happy that he was their king, and that they could experience his wisdom daily. Quite an impression...
So, the young man went on to say that he liked the way I thought. Maybe he should look a little deeper into the Bible to see what he could discover. He got called away from our conversation and I never saw him again (he moved away). I pray that GOD spoke to him through His word.
I take no credit for any of that conversation. I never would have followed that logic on my own. GOD, if we will listen and stay out of His way, will supply us with wisdom that we could never comprehend or understand. I will repeat, I am amazed at what GOD tells me when I will be quiet enough to listen.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I remember one particular instance when I was out visiting some folks and came across a young man who did not believe the Bible, which to him was just a bunch of made up stories. "How do you know any of it is true? There is no one alive today that can vouch for anything written in that book." During the course of our conversation, I began to realize that he liked history. So, I asked him if he believed that the Revolutionary War happened. He said that he did. I then asked if he believed that the American Civil War happened. Again, he said that he did. I then asked, "How do you believe any of that? There is no one alive today that personally saw any of it." I had him thinking.
Today's word is from 1 Kings 10:9, KJV, which reads, "Blessed be the LORD thy GOD, which delighted in thee...therefore made He thee king..."
The Queen of Sheba was, rightfully, impressed that Solomon had told her all the answers to all of her questions; GOD had gifted Solomon with more wisdom than anyone had ever had or more than anyone will ever have. She told Solomon that his people should be happy that he was their king, and that they could experience his wisdom daily. Quite an impression...
So, the young man went on to say that he liked the way I thought. Maybe he should look a little deeper into the Bible to see what he could discover. He got called away from our conversation and I never saw him again (he moved away). I pray that GOD spoke to him through His word.
I take no credit for any of that conversation. I never would have followed that logic on my own. GOD, if we will listen and stay out of His way, will supply us with wisdom that we could never comprehend or understand. I will repeat, I am amazed at what GOD tells me when I will be quiet enough to listen.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, February 24, 2014
I can't dance
For those of you who may not know, or may not want to know, I was in the show choir back in my high school days. The show choir was the part of the school choir that sang and danced. While it wasn't pretty, and it certainly wasn't prudent on the director's part, I tried to sing - and dance.
I can remember the spring concert my senior year where we had a choreographed routine to "Puttin' on the Ritz". I knew every step, I did each one in sync with everyone else, I didn't make a single misstep but, it wasn't the prettiest thing you've ever seen. I believe there are videos of that performance. I hear that the Geneva Convention has banned it from being used to torture prisoners.
Today's word comes from 2 Samuel 6:14, NIV, which reads, "...David was dancing before the LORD with all his might."
The ark of the covenant had finally made its triumphant return to Jerusalem and David was dancing with joy. His wife, Michal, had seen David dance (with the commoners) and she told him that he had embarrassed himself. David told her that he wasn't dancing "for" the commoners; he was dancing "with" them. And, they were all dancing for the LORD.
If GOD lays it on you to get up and dance, get up and dance. If He places the desire in your heart to get up and move to His music, by all means, get up and move. David danced because he was happy, overjoyed. Sometimes, when thing are almost too good, all we can do is dance. So, DANCE. It may not be pretty. It may be like me and look like an arthritic robot swatting flies. But, to GOD, it is truly poetry in motion.
I can't dance but GOD loves my moves.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I can remember the spring concert my senior year where we had a choreographed routine to "Puttin' on the Ritz". I knew every step, I did each one in sync with everyone else, I didn't make a single misstep but, it wasn't the prettiest thing you've ever seen. I believe there are videos of that performance. I hear that the Geneva Convention has banned it from being used to torture prisoners.
Today's word comes from 2 Samuel 6:14, NIV, which reads, "...David was dancing before the LORD with all his might."
The ark of the covenant had finally made its triumphant return to Jerusalem and David was dancing with joy. His wife, Michal, had seen David dance (with the commoners) and she told him that he had embarrassed himself. David told her that he wasn't dancing "for" the commoners; he was dancing "with" them. And, they were all dancing for the LORD.
If GOD lays it on you to get up and dance, get up and dance. If He places the desire in your heart to get up and move to His music, by all means, get up and move. David danced because he was happy, overjoyed. Sometimes, when thing are almost too good, all we can do is dance. So, DANCE. It may not be pretty. It may be like me and look like an arthritic robot swatting flies. But, to GOD, it is truly poetry in motion.
I can't dance but GOD loves my moves.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, February 20, 2014
The Pigman
Ever judge a book by its cover? Back in high school, we would have to do oral book reports on a fairly regular basis. Now, we could pick any book, as long as it met certain criteria - at least 120 pages, no comics, etc.
On one particular occasion, I picked a book that I new the teacher wouldn't know anything about - The Pigman. The way I used to prepare for oral book reports is I would read the first chapter, a middle chapter and the last chapter. Then, I would ad lib (make up) what happened in between; thus, choosing The Pigman. Surely she hadn't read that book, and I could make it up.
Today's word is from 1 Samuel 16:7, NIV, which reads, "...The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
Samuel was judging the book by the cover and GOD had to remind Samuel that He doesn't look at cover, He looks at the content. We so often see people that we don't think measure up to "our" standards and disregard them completely. When, if we would only take the time to read a couple of pages, we might find that they have a lot to offer.
So, the rest of the story...I read the first chapter, a middle chapter and the last chapter. I gave my book report, which I thought went pretty well. At the end of my oration, though, the teacher began asking me questions about the book that I could not answer. SHE HAD READ THE PIGMAN!
She allowed me to read the book and present my oral report a few days later, which I did. What I learned is that The Pigman is a really good book, you really need to know your audience, and you can't judge a book by its cover. If you read a couple of pages, you may find that the content is far better than the outward appearance presents.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
On one particular occasion, I picked a book that I new the teacher wouldn't know anything about - The Pigman. The way I used to prepare for oral book reports is I would read the first chapter, a middle chapter and the last chapter. Then, I would ad lib (make up) what happened in between; thus, choosing The Pigman. Surely she hadn't read that book, and I could make it up.
Today's word is from 1 Samuel 16:7, NIV, which reads, "...The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
Samuel was judging the book by the cover and GOD had to remind Samuel that He doesn't look at cover, He looks at the content. We so often see people that we don't think measure up to "our" standards and disregard them completely. When, if we would only take the time to read a couple of pages, we might find that they have a lot to offer.
So, the rest of the story...I read the first chapter, a middle chapter and the last chapter. I gave my book report, which I thought went pretty well. At the end of my oration, though, the teacher began asking me questions about the book that I could not answer. SHE HAD READ THE PIGMAN!
She allowed me to read the book and present my oral report a few days later, which I did. What I learned is that The Pigman is a really good book, you really need to know your audience, and you can't judge a book by its cover. If you read a couple of pages, you may find that the content is far better than the outward appearance presents.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Recognition
If you've never read the book of Ruth, you have truly missed a blessing. It is a great story of devotion and love. Ruth was a widowed daughter-in-law who chose to stay with and serve her widowed mother-in-law, and great things happened. However, I am not going to give away the story - read it.
Have you ever wondered if all the "good things" you do get noticed? I mean, we shouldn't be doing good things for folks to notice us doing good things. But, I think, as humans, we are always wondering if anyone notices our "good things" because, they certainly take notice of the bad ones.
Today's word is from Ruth 2:12, NIV, which reads, "May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD..."
Boaz is telling Ruth that her kindness towards Naomi, her devotion to her mother-in-law, her service to her loved ones is not going unnoticed. Now, I am sure it was nice for Ruth to hear that from Boaz but, what is more important, is that GOD noticed. Boaz may have been the one relaying the message but it was GOD'S message - I have noticed!
Maybe we should worry less about the recognition of doing "good things" and concentrate more on the Provider of ALL GOOD THINGS. If we strive to do His good will, we will find that we are less interested in man's recognition and more interested in His rewards.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Have you ever wondered if all the "good things" you do get noticed? I mean, we shouldn't be doing good things for folks to notice us doing good things. But, I think, as humans, we are always wondering if anyone notices our "good things" because, they certainly take notice of the bad ones.
Today's word is from Ruth 2:12, NIV, which reads, "May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD..."
Boaz is telling Ruth that her kindness towards Naomi, her devotion to her mother-in-law, her service to her loved ones is not going unnoticed. Now, I am sure it was nice for Ruth to hear that from Boaz but, what is more important, is that GOD noticed. Boaz may have been the one relaying the message but it was GOD'S message - I have noticed!
Maybe we should worry less about the recognition of doing "good things" and concentrate more on the Provider of ALL GOOD THINGS. If we strive to do His good will, we will find that we are less interested in man's recognition and more interested in His rewards.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
I will praise
Have you ever felt unworthy of praising GOD? I have many times. He has been so good to me and done so much for me that I find that my praise is just a speck. But, GOD wants to hear my praise. He wants to hear His child sing His praises.
Don't you love when you hear your child or grandchild sing your praises. I hope one day that our little one will be able to say that his Dad wasn't too bad. If I, who is so unworthy of praise, desires the praise of loved ones, how much more does GOD, Who deserves ALL praise, deserve the praise of His children?
In Judges chapter 5, we read the song of Deborah. In verse 3 she sang, "...I, even I, will sing to the LORD; I will praise the LORD, the GOD of Israel in song."
Sometimes I have my most tender spiritual meeting with the Father through song. There is something about singing the praises of the ONE Who deserves it! When I sing the praises of the Father, it reminds me of His glory and power an majesty and mercy and grace and AWESOMENESS!
If you find yourself in the midst of the mully-grubs, and you will, sing HIS praise. You might be surprised at how better you'll feel. I will praise Him!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Don't you love when you hear your child or grandchild sing your praises. I hope one day that our little one will be able to say that his Dad wasn't too bad. If I, who is so unworthy of praise, desires the praise of loved ones, how much more does GOD, Who deserves ALL praise, deserve the praise of His children?
In Judges chapter 5, we read the song of Deborah. In verse 3 she sang, "...I, even I, will sing to the LORD; I will praise the LORD, the GOD of Israel in song."
Sometimes I have my most tender spiritual meeting with the Father through song. There is something about singing the praises of the ONE Who deserves it! When I sing the praises of the Father, it reminds me of His glory and power an majesty and mercy and grace and AWESOMENESS!
If you find yourself in the midst of the mully-grubs, and you will, sing HIS praise. You might be surprised at how better you'll feel. I will praise Him!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, February 17, 2014
Not a single one has failed
I had the pleasure of trying to teach the Youth Sunday school class yesterday morning. It was unfortunate for the teacher who was sick, and unfortunate for the Youth that attended, but it was a true blessing for me.
The lesson was on "How can I trust the Bible". An interesting statistic is that two thirds of those polled didn't believe the Bible to be complete and totally true. WOW! That astonished me. I know that the Bible is GOD'S Word, His complete and total and perfect and infallible Word. I know that because JESUS fulfilled it but I also know it because of what it has done for me.
Today's word is from Joshua 23:14, New Living Translation, which reads, "...Deep in your hearts you know that every promise of the LORD your GOD has come true. Not a single one has failed!"
Joshua knew that his time on this earth was short lived. He knew that he would soon be going the way of all humanity. But, he also knew that better things lied ahead for him. He wanted those that looked to him for guidance and discernment and leadership to know that what they had experienced had nothing to do with him but had ALL to do with HE, Whom he served. Every promise has come true! Every!
If no one ever knows anything else about me, I want them to know that I KNOW that all of GOD'S promises are true. I KNOW that He has better things prepared. I KNOW that He is with me and that He will not forsake me. I KNOW that He will see me through. I KNOW that he best is yet to come!
That is a powerful message that this world needs to hear. They need to know that GOD has NEVER failed - that all of His promises have and will come true!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
The lesson was on "How can I trust the Bible". An interesting statistic is that two thirds of those polled didn't believe the Bible to be complete and totally true. WOW! That astonished me. I know that the Bible is GOD'S Word, His complete and total and perfect and infallible Word. I know that because JESUS fulfilled it but I also know it because of what it has done for me.
Today's word is from Joshua 23:14, New Living Translation, which reads, "...Deep in your hearts you know that every promise of the LORD your GOD has come true. Not a single one has failed!"
Joshua knew that his time on this earth was short lived. He knew that he would soon be going the way of all humanity. But, he also knew that better things lied ahead for him. He wanted those that looked to him for guidance and discernment and leadership to know that what they had experienced had nothing to do with him but had ALL to do with HE, Whom he served. Every promise has come true! Every!
If no one ever knows anything else about me, I want them to know that I KNOW that all of GOD'S promises are true. I KNOW that He has better things prepared. I KNOW that He is with me and that He will not forsake me. I KNOW that He will see me through. I KNOW that he best is yet to come!
That is a powerful message that this world needs to hear. They need to know that GOD has NEVER failed - that all of His promises have and will come true!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, February 14, 2014
Long Week
I don't know how the weather has been where you are but it has been a rough week here. We had rain, freezing rain, sleet, snow, more of each, then, sunshine. Today, it seems that things may be getting back to a more normal weather state.
We pray for all those that are still being affected by the harsh conditions. GOD knows what He is doing. We are to keep trusting Him and He will handle the rest.
Today is Valentine's Day. How can you go through today and not think about those you love, and those who love me. I am blessed in the love department. Yeah, there are those out there that can't stand me, and rightfully so, but there are so many that love me.
The greatest love, of course, is the love GOD has shown us by sending His Son, JESUS CHRIST, to be the only sufficient sacrifice. GOD loved us first - HE is LOVE. Praise GOD for His unfailing and all-sufficient love.
I won't go into all the others that love me. Suffice it to say that I am loved. And, remember, so are you!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
We pray for all those that are still being affected by the harsh conditions. GOD knows what He is doing. We are to keep trusting Him and He will handle the rest.
Today is Valentine's Day. How can you go through today and not think about those you love, and those who love me. I am blessed in the love department. Yeah, there are those out there that can't stand me, and rightfully so, but there are so many that love me.
The greatest love, of course, is the love GOD has shown us by sending His Son, JESUS CHRIST, to be the only sufficient sacrifice. GOD loved us first - HE is LOVE. Praise GOD for His unfailing and all-sufficient love.
I won't go into all the others that love me. Suffice it to say that I am loved. And, remember, so are you!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, February 7, 2014
Love with everything
I may have shared this story once but I want to share it again. Trish and I have a friend that is an "old maid". She is pushing sixty, never married. However, she was dating a fellow, and it got pretty serious. He had asked her to marry him and she had accepted. Through the process of preparing for the wedding, the subject came up of "Whom do you love the most". The fellow had told our friend that he loved her above anything or anyone else. She told him that she loved GOD more than anything or anyone else; that did not sit well with him.
He told her that if she didn't love him more than anything that the wedding was off. She told him that she had loved GOD longer, that she loved Him more, and that that was not going to change. Needless to say, the engagement ended and our friend is still single.
Today's word comes from Deuteronomy 6:5, NIV, which reads, "Love the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."
GOD isn't asking you to put Him first because He is an egotistical, narcissistic, ego-maniacal being. He is asking that our loyalty, our devotion, our commitment be to Him. That is no different than we expect from any other relationship. We certainly wouldn't tolerate our spouse sorta loving us and sorta loving someone else. Why would we think GOD would be satisfied with us sorta serving Him but, also, sorta serving some other god? It is about loving with everything.
Our friend could have played along and appeased her suitor but instead wanted him to know that her first love, her first devotion was to GOD. Love GOD with everything - He gave everything to prove His love for us.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
He told her that if she didn't love him more than anything that the wedding was off. She told him that she had loved GOD longer, that she loved Him more, and that that was not going to change. Needless to say, the engagement ended and our friend is still single.
Today's word comes from Deuteronomy 6:5, NIV, which reads, "Love the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."
GOD isn't asking you to put Him first because He is an egotistical, narcissistic, ego-maniacal being. He is asking that our loyalty, our devotion, our commitment be to Him. That is no different than we expect from any other relationship. We certainly wouldn't tolerate our spouse sorta loving us and sorta loving someone else. Why would we think GOD would be satisfied with us sorta serving Him but, also, sorta serving some other god? It is about loving with everything.
Our friend could have played along and appeased her suitor but instead wanted him to know that her first love, her first devotion was to GOD. Love GOD with everything - He gave everything to prove His love for us.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, February 6, 2014
My prayer
Trish and I pray for so many things. I know that some folks think that GOD isn't concerned about the little things but the truth is, if it matters to us, it matters to GOD. So, we pray about everything. We want to be good people, good parents, good spouses, good children, good siblings, good whatever; we want others to see GOD through us, and we want GOD to be pleased with us.
Not only do we pray for many things, others pray for us, which is what we ask for. We need your prayers. We need your prayers for us to be what GOD wants us to be, for us to be in tune with GOD'S will in our lives. I've actually had someone tell me that they were fine and didn't need prayers. Let me tell you, you can pray for me every day, constantly, consistently, continually. I need it.
Speaking of prayers/blessings, one of my favorites comes form Numbers 6:24 - 26, and I will use the Message today: "GOD bless you and keep you, GOD smile on you and gift you, GOD look you full in the face and make you prosper."
That's my prayer for everyone, everyone doing GOD'S will, or at least seeking GOD'S will. I certainly pray that GOD will bless and keep us, and smile on us and gift us. The best part, though, is the last verse...may GOD look you FULL IN THE FACE and make you prosper.
GOD, when He looks at me, doesn't see all my shortcomings and failures; He sees the blood of His Son, JESUS CHRIST. And, because I am covered in His blood, because I have accepted Him as my Savior, because I am an heir, GOD prospers me. Not because He has to, because He loves me and wants to.
May GOD bless you and keep you, smile on you and gift you, look on you and prosper you!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Not only do we pray for many things, others pray for us, which is what we ask for. We need your prayers. We need your prayers for us to be what GOD wants us to be, for us to be in tune with GOD'S will in our lives. I've actually had someone tell me that they were fine and didn't need prayers. Let me tell you, you can pray for me every day, constantly, consistently, continually. I need it.
Speaking of prayers/blessings, one of my favorites comes form Numbers 6:24 - 26, and I will use the Message today: "GOD bless you and keep you, GOD smile on you and gift you, GOD look you full in the face and make you prosper."
That's my prayer for everyone, everyone doing GOD'S will, or at least seeking GOD'S will. I certainly pray that GOD will bless and keep us, and smile on us and gift us. The best part, though, is the last verse...may GOD look you FULL IN THE FACE and make you prosper.
GOD, when He looks at me, doesn't see all my shortcomings and failures; He sees the blood of His Son, JESUS CHRIST. And, because I am covered in His blood, because I have accepted Him as my Savior, because I am an heir, GOD prospers me. Not because He has to, because He loves me and wants to.
May GOD bless you and keep you, smile on you and gift you, look on you and prosper you!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
There is a way
I have been thinking a lot lately about how we are going to pay for college and such in years to come. It seems that there is not a day goes by that things aren't more expensive and more problematic. It can be downright depressing, if you allow it to become that.
I am a firm believer that we have to do our part; we have to "put feet to our prayers". We have to do all we can - but, we can do NO MORE. When you do all you can, that is all you can do, and nothing more can be done by you. So, where is the extra going to come from? I am glad you asked...
I came across this "translation" of Leviticus 26:3 - 5 in the message and it really sums up what I am trying to get across to myself..."If you live by My decrees and obediently keep My commandments, I will send the rains in their seasons, the ground will yield its crops and the trees of the field their fruit. You will thresh until the grape harvest and the grape harvest will continue until planting time; you'll have more than enough to eat and will live safe and secure in your land."
There really is no need to be so concerned about all the things that are going to have to happen. Now, once again, I am going to have to do my part; I am going to have to scrimp and save and be diligent with what GOD gives us, but that is ALL I can do. The rest, GOD will take care of.
It seems that I often get so wrapped up on trying to get to fifteen years from now that I can't really enjoy today. I am going to work on obeying GOD and keeping His commands, doing my part for the future, leaving the rest to Him, and enjoying today. Yeah, that's the way.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I am a firm believer that we have to do our part; we have to "put feet to our prayers". We have to do all we can - but, we can do NO MORE. When you do all you can, that is all you can do, and nothing more can be done by you. So, where is the extra going to come from? I am glad you asked...
I came across this "translation" of Leviticus 26:3 - 5 in the message and it really sums up what I am trying to get across to myself..."If you live by My decrees and obediently keep My commandments, I will send the rains in their seasons, the ground will yield its crops and the trees of the field their fruit. You will thresh until the grape harvest and the grape harvest will continue until planting time; you'll have more than enough to eat and will live safe and secure in your land."
There really is no need to be so concerned about all the things that are going to have to happen. Now, once again, I am going to have to do my part; I am going to have to scrimp and save and be diligent with what GOD gives us, but that is ALL I can do. The rest, GOD will take care of.
It seems that I often get so wrapped up on trying to get to fifteen years from now that I can't really enjoy today. I am going to work on obeying GOD and keeping His commands, doing my part for the future, leaving the rest to Him, and enjoying today. Yeah, that's the way.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Don't let them talk you into it
People can often talk us into doing things that we would never really want to do. I am not prone to give in to peer pressure but we have all experienced it from time to time. I am sure that in a weakened moment, we can all be persuaded to do things we wouldn't otherwise do.
One of the things that most often happens is a group of people will do something and you will be involved just because you are there. So many times, people have been punished for being an accessory to something they weren't really involved in but were present for. We have to be careful with whom we hang.
Today's word comes from Exodus 23:2, New Living Translation, which reads, "You must not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you are called to testify in a dispute, do not be swayed by the crowd to twist justice."
We shouldn't allow ourselves to be caught up in certain things. When folks try to get us to do something we know is not right, we must not follow along; we can't let them talk us into it. It is tough to stand up and say, "No," to those we are trying to fit in with but we must not follow the crowd in doing wrong.
Then, if we know of something wrong, we cannot let our "loyalty" to someone prevent us from telling the truth. It is more important to be honest than to be homies. Ultimately, we must remember that we answer to GOD, Who knows all, sees all, and will judge all. Don't let them talk you into it.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
One of the things that most often happens is a group of people will do something and you will be involved just because you are there. So many times, people have been punished for being an accessory to something they weren't really involved in but were present for. We have to be careful with whom we hang.
Today's word comes from Exodus 23:2, New Living Translation, which reads, "You must not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you are called to testify in a dispute, do not be swayed by the crowd to twist justice."
We shouldn't allow ourselves to be caught up in certain things. When folks try to get us to do something we know is not right, we must not follow along; we can't let them talk us into it. It is tough to stand up and say, "No," to those we are trying to fit in with but we must not follow the crowd in doing wrong.
Then, if we know of something wrong, we cannot let our "loyalty" to someone prevent us from telling the truth. It is more important to be honest than to be homies. Ultimately, we must remember that we answer to GOD, Who knows all, sees all, and will judge all. Don't let them talk you into it.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, February 3, 2014
You are not overlooked
Ever get the feeling that you are completely invisible, especially in certain circles? I have been in situations where it felt as though no one even knew I existed. For you, maybe it was school or work or a peer group or even at church. I think we have all had moments where we felt that no one even knew, or cared, that we were there.
Maybe you are really struggling today with feeling that no one cares; that today is just another day like all others and that things will never get any better. I bet you would be surprised to find that most everyone has been there at one time or another. I believe we have all felt slighted and overlooked and unnoticed.
Today's word comes from Genesis 16:13, NIV, which reads, "She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: "You are the GOD Who sees me..."
Hagar felt as though she was invisible to the world, that absolutely no one cared about what she was going through, that today was bad and tomorrow would be worse. BUT (we've talked about it before, don't you love the buts), GOD was looking after her. GOD had a plan for Hagar whether she realized it or sensed it or not.
GOD sees you. He knows what you are going through. He knows how much you can handle. He knows how hurt you are. He knows how difficult things have been. He KNOWS. He sees you. He is looking out for you. He is looking after you. Today may not being going as planned. Today, I may feel invisible. But, remember, GOD sees, and HE is looking out for us.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Maybe you are really struggling today with feeling that no one cares; that today is just another day like all others and that things will never get any better. I bet you would be surprised to find that most everyone has been there at one time or another. I believe we have all felt slighted and overlooked and unnoticed.
Today's word comes from Genesis 16:13, NIV, which reads, "She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: "You are the GOD Who sees me..."
Hagar felt as though she was invisible to the world, that absolutely no one cared about what she was going through, that today was bad and tomorrow would be worse. BUT (we've talked about it before, don't you love the buts), GOD was looking after her. GOD had a plan for Hagar whether she realized it or sensed it or not.
GOD sees you. He knows what you are going through. He knows how much you can handle. He knows how hurt you are. He knows how difficult things have been. He KNOWS. He sees you. He is looking out for you. He is looking after you. Today may not being going as planned. Today, I may feel invisible. But, remember, GOD sees, and HE is looking out for us.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
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