Remember the old E. F. Hutton commercials? You know, someone would say, "My broker is E. F. Hutton, and he says...", and everyone would stop what they were doing and try to listen to what came next. The commercial made it appear that what you were about to hear was something that you really needed to hear.
When someone really needs to share something of importance, they will usually say something like, "Now, listen up." Or, "Now, pay attention." There are times when we really need to be quiet and listen, which is something that I have struggled with my whole life. Once again, it's not that I have a lot worth saying; I just have the urge to say a lot.
Today's word is from Habakkuk 2:20, NIV, which reads, "The LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him."
There's no one that I need to listen to more than GOD. I am quite sure He has tried to tell me things that would save me a lot of trouble, yet, I wouldn't be quiet long enough to let Him get me told. I really need to work on that. There is absolutely no telling how much simpler things could be if I would only keep silent and listen.
My GOD is the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, and He says...yeah, keep silent and listen.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, March 31, 2014
Friday, March 28, 2014
Just be held
Casting Crowns has a song on their album Thrive titled Just be held. It is a great song but a better message. Sometimes, we get so caught up in the storm we're in and in trying to do everything in our own power, while the best thing we could possibly do is to just let it go, quit holding on, and just be held.
I've mentioned before that I am a doer and I think that I have to do it all. I think I can do it all. I think that I am often caught up in trying to do, when what I should be doing is just letting GOD do it.
Today's word is from Nahum 1:7, NIV, which reads, "The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him."
There's so much in the first four words of that verse that you could eat for days, but notice the last part..."a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him." When the storms are raging, and they will, we know that GOD holds us in His hands; we know that He is our refuge, our stronghold, our protection, and NOTHING can harm us in His arms.
GOD cares for those who trust in Him. Do you trust Him? Do you know that He has it under control? Do you know that come what may, He can fix it. If it seems that you can't hold on any longer, stop holding on and JUST BE HELD!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I've mentioned before that I am a doer and I think that I have to do it all. I think I can do it all. I think that I am often caught up in trying to do, when what I should be doing is just letting GOD do it.
Today's word is from Nahum 1:7, NIV, which reads, "The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him."
There's so much in the first four words of that verse that you could eat for days, but notice the last part..."a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him." When the storms are raging, and they will, we know that GOD holds us in His hands; we know that He is our refuge, our stronghold, our protection, and NOTHING can harm us in His arms.
GOD cares for those who trust in Him. Do you trust Him? Do you know that He has it under control? Do you know that come what may, He can fix it. If it seems that you can't hold on any longer, stop holding on and JUST BE HELD!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Down, but not out
A true test of a person isn't how many times they fall - it is in how many times they get back up. All it takes to become a success or to overcome whatever you're battling is to get up one more time than you get knocked down. It's not easy but it is what makes life successful.
You may have never been knocked down. If you haven't, you should really thank GOD for His mercy. I believe, however, we have all been knocked down; we have all been bowled over; we have all been beaten. There is a HUGE difference between being beaten and being defeated.
Today's word is from Micah 7:8, NIV, which reads, "Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light."
There will always be those who take pleasure (gloat over) in our failures. And, trust me, I have plenty if someone wants to gloat over them. But, failing isn't failure. Refusing to get up and dust yourself off and try again, that is failure. I may fail but I will get back up!
Look, if you're struggling with something, remember from Whom our strength comes. With GOD on our side, we cannot be defeated. We will fail, but we must get back up. We may be down, but not out.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
You may have never been knocked down. If you haven't, you should really thank GOD for His mercy. I believe, however, we have all been knocked down; we have all been bowled over; we have all been beaten. There is a HUGE difference between being beaten and being defeated.
Today's word is from Micah 7:8, NIV, which reads, "Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light."
There will always be those who take pleasure (gloat over) in our failures. And, trust me, I have plenty if someone wants to gloat over them. But, failing isn't failure. Refusing to get up and dust yourself off and try again, that is failure. I may fail but I will get back up!
Look, if you're struggling with something, remember from Whom our strength comes. With GOD on our side, we cannot be defeated. We will fail, but we must get back up. We may be down, but not out.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Do you have a good reason
Ever get angry? I know some folks seem to never get angry, and while I don't have as fiery a temper as most in my family, I can get angry. Ever get angry and do something you wish you had never done? I would venture to say that anyone who has ever been angry has done or said something they wish they hadn't.
I remember working on a car once and having the wrench slip, causing me to "bust" my knuckles on the manifold. I stood up and chucked that wrench as far as I could. Once I calmed down, I went looking for the wrench, but never found it. I ended up losing several minutes looking for it, and a few dollars and more time going to the automotive store to replace it.Yeah, not very smart.
Today's word is from Jonah 4:4, New American Standard Bible (NASB), which reads, "The LORD said, 'Do you have a good reason to be angry?''
There is a time and place for everything. There is a time to be angry. But, do you have a good reason? I have been asking myself this question pretty often. Do you have a good reason? If someone does something to hurt someone I love, I believe that is a good reason to be angry. If someone says that someone I don't approve of is the greatest president ever, that really isn't a good reason to be angry. The first is something that is not to be tolerated, the latter is just a personal opinion.
The next time you find yourself wanting to lose your cool, ask, "Do I have a good reason to be angry?" It may just save you going to the automotive store to buy a new wrench. It may save you a lot more...
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I remember working on a car once and having the wrench slip, causing me to "bust" my knuckles on the manifold. I stood up and chucked that wrench as far as I could. Once I calmed down, I went looking for the wrench, but never found it. I ended up losing several minutes looking for it, and a few dollars and more time going to the automotive store to replace it.Yeah, not very smart.
Today's word is from Jonah 4:4, New American Standard Bible (NASB), which reads, "The LORD said, 'Do you have a good reason to be angry?''
There is a time and place for everything. There is a time to be angry. But, do you have a good reason? I have been asking myself this question pretty often. Do you have a good reason? If someone does something to hurt someone I love, I believe that is a good reason to be angry. If someone says that someone I don't approve of is the greatest president ever, that really isn't a good reason to be angry. The first is something that is not to be tolerated, the latter is just a personal opinion.
The next time you find yourself wanting to lose your cool, ask, "Do I have a good reason to be angry?" It may just save you going to the automotive store to buy a new wrench. It may save you a lot more...
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
It's near
Ever hear the old saying, "Laughing is catching"? It means that when we laugh at others bad luck, we better be careful, because the next time it may be us. Now, I don't believe in luck or karma or whatever; things happen the way they happen because that is how they are supposed to happen.
Even while I say that, though, there have been times that I have given someone a pretty hard time about something just to have something similar or worse happen to me. And, while I don't believe in luck or karma or whatever, there is some proof that it will come back to get you...
Today's word is Obadiah 1 (the only chapter):15, NIV, which reads, "The day of the LORD is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head."
The Bible tells us to be sure that we know that our sins will find us out. Here, Obadiah prophesies that the day of the LORD is coming and whatever we have done will be judged. He goes even further to say that whatever you've done, that will be done to you and your deeds will be turned back on you. So, there is some truth to the fact that we will pay for what we do.
However, I don't think for a minute that laughing at someone who trips over a parking stop will immediately cause you to trip over a parking stop. I do believe, however, that someone will eventually get a laugh at my expense. I just hope it's a good one.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Even while I say that, though, there have been times that I have given someone a pretty hard time about something just to have something similar or worse happen to me. And, while I don't believe in luck or karma or whatever, there is some proof that it will come back to get you...
Today's word is Obadiah 1 (the only chapter):15, NIV, which reads, "The day of the LORD is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head."
The Bible tells us to be sure that we know that our sins will find us out. Here, Obadiah prophesies that the day of the LORD is coming and whatever we have done will be judged. He goes even further to say that whatever you've done, that will be done to you and your deeds will be turned back on you. So, there is some truth to the fact that we will pay for what we do.
However, I don't think for a minute that laughing at someone who trips over a parking stop will immediately cause you to trip over a parking stop. I do believe, however, that someone will eventually get a laugh at my expense. I just hope it's a good one.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, March 24, 2014
Seek good
I may have shared with before that I know folks who would rather climb a tree to tell you a lie than to stand face to face and tell you the truth. Why they are like that I do not know. Some folks just love to tell a good lie; that doesn't make them a bad person in and of itself, but it does cause us to be skeptical of anything they tell us.
Then, you have those that are always seeking a way to get something over on someone. Or, they are looking for a way to take what someone else has. Or, they are looking to hurt someone just for something to do. Why someone would want something that isn't theirs, or would want to hurt someone without cause, I will never understand. It seems that some folks just run to evil...
Today's word is from Amos 5:14, NIV, which reads, "Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then, the LORD GOD Almighty will be with you..."
Now, I am certainly no Bible scholar, nor am I someone that can predict the future, but I think this verse is pretty self explanatory. If you seek good and not evil, you will live. Not just an abundant life here but a better life in Heaven. If you continue pursuing those evil things, those things that hurt others, it may cost you your life. More importantly, though, if you are not right with GOD, that will cost you eternally.
I really like the last part of the verse today. If we seek good and not evil, not only will we live, but, THEN, after we seek His good pleasure, the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY will be with us. Now, once again, self explanatory, but if we seek to do His good will, He will be with us.
Why anyone would choose evil over good I will never know. Pray for me that I always seek to do His good will.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Then, you have those that are always seeking a way to get something over on someone. Or, they are looking for a way to take what someone else has. Or, they are looking to hurt someone just for something to do. Why someone would want something that isn't theirs, or would want to hurt someone without cause, I will never understand. It seems that some folks just run to evil...
Today's word is from Amos 5:14, NIV, which reads, "Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then, the LORD GOD Almighty will be with you..."
Now, I am certainly no Bible scholar, nor am I someone that can predict the future, but I think this verse is pretty self explanatory. If you seek good and not evil, you will live. Not just an abundant life here but a better life in Heaven. If you continue pursuing those evil things, those things that hurt others, it may cost you your life. More importantly, though, if you are not right with GOD, that will cost you eternally.
I really like the last part of the verse today. If we seek good and not evil, not only will we live, but, THEN, after we seek His good pleasure, the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY will be with us. Now, once again, self explanatory, but if we seek to do His good will, He will be with us.
Why anyone would choose evil over good I will never know. Pray for me that I always seek to do His good will.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, March 21, 2014
All you have to do is ask
Trish and I have one credit card. We try to never use credit cards, just in extreme emergencies, rentals, reservations, etc. So, we have one credit card, which is from the bank that manages our checking and savings accounts.
Anyway, our bank sends out a monthly newsletter. In one of those newsletters, it stated that the rate for the credit card they issued was about 3% less than what mine was charging. So, I called my bank and asked about why mine was being charged a different interest than what the newsletter advertised. "Well," the lady said, "You have to ask for us to reduce your rate."
Today's word is from Joel 2:32, NIV, which reads, "And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved..."
Salvation is free to anyone, no EVERYONE who calls on the name of the LORD. While a reduction in interest rate is a savings, calling on the name of the LORD will SAVE you! And, as we have mentioned before, all it takes is asking.
EVERYONE who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved! All you have to do is ask.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Anyway, our bank sends out a monthly newsletter. In one of those newsletters, it stated that the rate for the credit card they issued was about 3% less than what mine was charging. So, I called my bank and asked about why mine was being charged a different interest than what the newsletter advertised. "Well," the lady said, "You have to ask for us to reduce your rate."
Today's word is from Joel 2:32, NIV, which reads, "And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved..."
Salvation is free to anyone, no EVERYONE who calls on the name of the LORD. While a reduction in interest rate is a savings, calling on the name of the LORD will SAVE you! And, as we have mentioned before, all it takes is asking.
EVERYONE who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved! All you have to do is ask.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, March 20, 2014
It's for your own good
When I was a youngster, probably about nine or ten, I was involved in some kind of mischievousness, which caused my Mom to declare that she was going to give me a whooping. Now, for those of you who do not know, there is a difference between a whipping and a whooping, and I was to receive the latter.
Well, I figured if I ran away from my Mom, then, she couldn't whoop me. So, as she went to grab the belt, I took off running. It wasn't but half a block or so away that I began to realize that Mom was not chasing me. "Hmm," I thought, "She knows she can't catch me. Now, I won't get that whooping." A few minutes later, though, it came to me why Mom wasn't chasing me...she knew I would have to come back home.
Today's word is from Hosea 6:1, NIV, which reads, "Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but He will heal us; He has injured us but He will bind up our wounds."
The Israelites had run away from GOD and had chased every whim and every fancy. They had become the harlot for the rest of civilization. They had sold out for pleasure and money. They had a whooping coming, and GOD had given them one. But...they had to return because all nurturing, all sustenance, all everything comes from GOD. Yes, occasionally, He has to give us a whooping but it is to correct our improper behavior/our sin, then, He will love us and nurture and fix us and heal us and wrap us in His arms.
Yeah, I had to return home and face the music for my discretion and for my running. But, after the whooping and with a little time to think, I realized that it was for my own good. We may get a whooping but it is for correction, which is what we need sometime.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Well, I figured if I ran away from my Mom, then, she couldn't whoop me. So, as she went to grab the belt, I took off running. It wasn't but half a block or so away that I began to realize that Mom was not chasing me. "Hmm," I thought, "She knows she can't catch me. Now, I won't get that whooping." A few minutes later, though, it came to me why Mom wasn't chasing me...she knew I would have to come back home.
Today's word is from Hosea 6:1, NIV, which reads, "Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but He will heal us; He has injured us but He will bind up our wounds."
The Israelites had run away from GOD and had chased every whim and every fancy. They had become the harlot for the rest of civilization. They had sold out for pleasure and money. They had a whooping coming, and GOD had given them one. But...they had to return because all nurturing, all sustenance, all everything comes from GOD. Yes, occasionally, He has to give us a whooping but it is to correct our improper behavior/our sin, then, He will love us and nurture and fix us and heal us and wrap us in His arms.
Yeah, I had to return home and face the music for my discretion and for my running. But, after the whooping and with a little time to think, I realized that it was for my own good. We may get a whooping but it is for correction, which is what we need sometime.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
We know He can
Our little guy, two and a half yesterday, thinks I can do anything. Now, admittedly, it doesn't take much to impress a two and a half year old, but, he still believes that there is absolutely nothing that I cannot do. If he needs something, if he wants something, if he is sick, if he is hurting, I am the one that supposedly can fix it.
He will find out sooner than later that I am not able to fix everything...broken hearts come to mind; so, too, does violated trust. There are things that we cannot fix. However, what a humbling position for me to be the guy that he thinks can fix everything. While we can all agree that I am unable to fix everything, there is One Who can.
Today's reading is from Daniel, chapter 3, NIV, and I will use parts of verses 17 and 18, which read, "...the GOD we serve is able to deliver us...But even if He does not...we will not serve your gods..."
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were being thrown into the fiery furnace for not worshiping the king's golden image. Yet, they knew that GOD could deliver them, and He would deliver them from the king one way or another. But, I LOVE the faith...they technically tell the king that "We KNOW GOD can deliver us but even if He doesn't, we won't bow to you."
Do you know that GOD is able to do ALL things? Do you believe that He can deliver you from ALL things? Do you know that His plan is perfect even if things don't go the way you think they should? I want the faith of these three young men...GOD may not do what I think, but I KNOW He can!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
He will find out sooner than later that I am not able to fix everything...broken hearts come to mind; so, too, does violated trust. There are things that we cannot fix. However, what a humbling position for me to be the guy that he thinks can fix everything. While we can all agree that I am unable to fix everything, there is One Who can.
Today's reading is from Daniel, chapter 3, NIV, and I will use parts of verses 17 and 18, which read, "...the GOD we serve is able to deliver us...But even if He does not...we will not serve your gods..."
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were being thrown into the fiery furnace for not worshiping the king's golden image. Yet, they knew that GOD could deliver them, and He would deliver them from the king one way or another. But, I LOVE the faith...they technically tell the king that "We KNOW GOD can deliver us but even if He doesn't, we won't bow to you."
Do you know that GOD is able to do ALL things? Do you believe that He can deliver you from ALL things? Do you know that His plan is perfect even if things don't go the way you think they should? I want the faith of these three young men...GOD may not do what I think, but I KNOW He can!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
GOD loves us all
I like the beach. Some folks like the mountains, and nothing wrong with that. I like the mountains; GOD'S creation is evident everywhere in the mountains. However, I have trees in my yard. I don't have a beach, which is why I prefer the mountains.
Now, I don't discount anyone. If you like the mountains, good for you. I, once again, prefer the beach. I don't discount anyone at all, though. I was told a long time ago to NEVER call anyone worthless that GOD died for. And, for whom did JESUS die? EVERYONE!
Today's word is from Ezekiel 18:4, NIV, which reads, "For everyone belongs to ME, the parent as well as the child - both alike belong to ME..."
We all belong to GOD. There is something good, something to be learned from most everyone. While everyone won't humble themselves and bow to GOD, GOD loves us all. JESUS died for us all.
Now, back to my original subject...some folks are mountain folks, others are beach folk, and GOD loves us all. He created it all for all of His creation. So, whether you prefer to walk around in the mountains (or your own yard, which has trees) or the beach, we all belong to GOD.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Now, I don't discount anyone. If you like the mountains, good for you. I, once again, prefer the beach. I don't discount anyone at all, though. I was told a long time ago to NEVER call anyone worthless that GOD died for. And, for whom did JESUS die? EVERYONE!
Today's word is from Ezekiel 18:4, NIV, which reads, "For everyone belongs to ME, the parent as well as the child - both alike belong to ME..."
We all belong to GOD. There is something good, something to be learned from most everyone. While everyone won't humble themselves and bow to GOD, GOD loves us all. JESUS died for us all.
Now, back to my original subject...some folks are mountain folks, others are beach folk, and GOD loves us all. He created it all for all of His creation. So, whether you prefer to walk around in the mountains (or your own yard, which has trees) or the beach, we all belong to GOD.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, March 17, 2014
New every morning
It has been said that at my age, I awake to a new day each morning. That is to say that I am old and senile and forget from day to day what happens the previous day. Now, in some instances, that would certainly be a huge benefit. For the most part, though, I have a pretty good memory.
Grace and Mercy are two of GOD'S great gifts, which I am forever grateful that He never forgets and never runs low on. Grace is our receiving what we don't deserve, and mercy is our not receiving what we do deserve. GOD'S grace and mercy are very evident in my life.
Today's word is from Lamentations 3:22 & 23, which reads, "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness."
It truly is because of GOD'S great mercy that I am not consumed, used up, depleted, left to my own devices. GOD has determined, because of my receiving of His Grace through JESUS CHRIST, that He isn't going to give me what I deserve; He is going to give me eternal life with Him in Heaven. That, my friend, is mercy.
One of the great things about GOD'S mercy is the fact that it fails not. He will never run out of mercy. He will never get tired of being merciful to His children. He will never deplete His supply of mercy - it fails not. Then, we note that it is new every morning. GOD doesn't keep a running tally of the mercy He has bestowed on each of us, for which I am glad. We start with a clean slate each morning. We can count on it because GOD'S faithfulness is GREAT.
Yeah, we all may forget things from time to time. However, GOD will NEVER forget to be gracious and merciful to His children. I pray that I can show that to mine.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Grace and Mercy are two of GOD'S great gifts, which I am forever grateful that He never forgets and never runs low on. Grace is our receiving what we don't deserve, and mercy is our not receiving what we do deserve. GOD'S grace and mercy are very evident in my life.
Today's word is from Lamentations 3:22 & 23, which reads, "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness."
It truly is because of GOD'S great mercy that I am not consumed, used up, depleted, left to my own devices. GOD has determined, because of my receiving of His Grace through JESUS CHRIST, that He isn't going to give me what I deserve; He is going to give me eternal life with Him in Heaven. That, my friend, is mercy.
One of the great things about GOD'S mercy is the fact that it fails not. He will never run out of mercy. He will never get tired of being merciful to His children. He will never deplete His supply of mercy - it fails not. Then, we note that it is new every morning. GOD doesn't keep a running tally of the mercy He has bestowed on each of us, for which I am glad. We start with a clean slate each morning. We can count on it because GOD'S faithfulness is GREAT.
Yeah, we all may forget things from time to time. However, GOD will NEVER forget to be gracious and merciful to His children. I pray that I can show that to mine.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, March 14, 2014
You are what you eat
There's an old saying that tells us that we are what we eat. What they mean by that is that our health is vastly affected by what we put into our stomach through our mouth. If we eat bad things, we will have bad health, and vice versa.
I like to think of that in the spiritual sense as well. I have used this saying many times but it emphasizes this point - trash in equals trash out. If you take in nothing but bad movies and bad literature and bad language and bad whatever, all that is going to come out is the bad. Trash in = trash out.
Today's word is from Jeremiah 15:16, NIV, which reads, "When Your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear Your name, LORD GOD Almighty."
Jeremiah knew what to feast on. It wasn't the false teachings of the prophets of Baal, it wasn't whatever witchery Jezebel was selling, it was the WORD of GOD. If we will take the time to eat from the Holy Bread, the Word, we might find that we are less angry, our health is better and we look better.
You know what they say, "You are what you eat." Let's feast on the Word of GOD.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I like to think of that in the spiritual sense as well. I have used this saying many times but it emphasizes this point - trash in equals trash out. If you take in nothing but bad movies and bad literature and bad language and bad whatever, all that is going to come out is the bad. Trash in = trash out.
Today's word is from Jeremiah 15:16, NIV, which reads, "When Your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear Your name, LORD GOD Almighty."
Jeremiah knew what to feast on. It wasn't the false teachings of the prophets of Baal, it wasn't whatever witchery Jezebel was selling, it was the WORD of GOD. If we will take the time to eat from the Holy Bread, the Word, we might find that we are less angry, our health is better and we look better.
You know what they say, "You are what you eat." Let's feast on the Word of GOD.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Water will not fail
Most everyone knows that water is an universal solvent, it dissolves more substances than any other liquid. If you want to clean something, it is usually with water added to some sort of soap. If you want to make tea or coffee, you dissolve the organics on those leaves with water. If you want to cook, you usually have to add water. Without water we would be in a certain mess.
We can survive about three weeks without food, but only about three days without water. I know back in what I call "my athletic" days, every ten or so plays or ten or so minutes, it was important to take a sip of water. Yes, water is vitally important.
Today's verse is from Isaiah 33:16, NIV, which reads, "they are the ones who will dwell on the heights, whose refuge will be the mountain fortress. Their bread will be supplied, and water will not fail them."
Isaiah is talking about the righteous and the sincere. Those who are truly trying to live for CHRIST will find that protection is always there, that the cupboards will always contain some sustenance, and that water will never fail. All those things are essential, and all are vital.
It would be hard to live without water. If you are a child of GOD, there is no reason to fear that it won't be there. I know I say it often but it is absolutely true - GOD has everything under control.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
We can survive about three weeks without food, but only about three days without water. I know back in what I call "my athletic" days, every ten or so plays or ten or so minutes, it was important to take a sip of water. Yes, water is vitally important.
Today's verse is from Isaiah 33:16, NIV, which reads, "they are the ones who will dwell on the heights, whose refuge will be the mountain fortress. Their bread will be supplied, and water will not fail them."
Isaiah is talking about the righteous and the sincere. Those who are truly trying to live for CHRIST will find that protection is always there, that the cupboards will always contain some sustenance, and that water will never fail. All those things are essential, and all are vital.
It would be hard to live without water. If you are a child of GOD, there is no reason to fear that it won't be there. I know I say it often but it is absolutely true - GOD has everything under control.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Can't quench love
When Trish and I first married, we bought a house across the street from Mr. and Mrs. Langley. The Langley's were well into their eighties and had been married for sixty-plus years. Finer neighbors couldn't have been found anywhere (I bet they wish they could have said the same about Trish and me).
When Mr. Langley was ninety-four and Mrs. Langley was eighty-nine, she passed away. They had been married sixty-nine years. I will NEVER forget what Mr. Langley told me as I squatted beside him at the funeral home for Mrs. Langley's viewing...
Today's word comes from the Song of Solomon 8:7, NIV, which reads, "Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one's house for love, it would be utterly scorned."
Love is such a powerful thing. It is impossible to explain; I can't express to you what I feel for Trish, what I feel about Trish. To try and explain love is like trying to explain breathing, both are necessary for life but explaining how they work is practically impossible. Yeah, I know we know how the lungs inflate and deflate, and how oxygen moves through the bloodstream, and how that transfer of oxygen is vital for life but can you explain how our body "just knows' when to inhale and exhale and how much to take in and how much to release and how to get it from point A to point B? GOD designed all of that and it is impossible to explain it completely. So, too, is love.
So, what did Mr. Langley, the ninety-four year old widow that had just lost his wife of sixty-nine years, say? He looked me in the eye and said, "Mike, I thought we would get the chance to grow old together." You can't quench love.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
When Mr. Langley was ninety-four and Mrs. Langley was eighty-nine, she passed away. They had been married sixty-nine years. I will NEVER forget what Mr. Langley told me as I squatted beside him at the funeral home for Mrs. Langley's viewing...
Today's word comes from the Song of Solomon 8:7, NIV, which reads, "Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one's house for love, it would be utterly scorned."
Love is such a powerful thing. It is impossible to explain; I can't express to you what I feel for Trish, what I feel about Trish. To try and explain love is like trying to explain breathing, both are necessary for life but explaining how they work is practically impossible. Yeah, I know we know how the lungs inflate and deflate, and how oxygen moves through the bloodstream, and how that transfer of oxygen is vital for life but can you explain how our body "just knows' when to inhale and exhale and how much to take in and how much to release and how to get it from point A to point B? GOD designed all of that and it is impossible to explain it completely. So, too, is love.
So, what did Mr. Langley, the ninety-four year old widow that had just lost his wife of sixty-nine years, say? He looked me in the eye and said, "Mike, I thought we would get the chance to grow old together." You can't quench love.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Pushing hard
My nieces have told me that they don't see me ever retiring; I am always pushing, trying to get things done. Now, it's really not that I am that industrious, I am always that far behind. You know the old saying, "The harder I try the behinder I get." And, I am so far behind, I can't retire until three days after I die. But, I do push pretty hard.
I've always been of the opinion that if something needs doing, it needs doing now. I do have my "to do" list, which grows longer each passing day. I do have my priorities, which causes the "to do" list to grow each day. I also have my inadequacies, which causes mistakes, which causes the "to do" list to grow each day. But, enough about me...
Today's word is from Ecclesiastes 9:10, and we will use the New Living Translation: "Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom."
Whatever you do, do well. I try my best to do my best every time. It may not show, it may not be apparent, it may not be perfect, but it my absolute best most of the time. I want to do things well because I don't like having to redo them, though I often do.
The key, however, is that we need to do our best because there will come a day when we will no longer be doing. We are building and leaving a legacy each day of our lives. I want that building, that legacy to be something that, when I am gone, others can continue to build upon it. Now, don't get me wrong, I couldn't care less if anyone ever remembers me, but, I do want folks to know that I did my best.
I do hope to retire one day and spend some time trying to catch up on my "to do" list. And, I certainly plan to do my best at whatever I do. Keep pushing hard! We are building a foundation for those who follow, and we need to do it well.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I've always been of the opinion that if something needs doing, it needs doing now. I do have my "to do" list, which grows longer each passing day. I do have my priorities, which causes the "to do" list to grow each day. I also have my inadequacies, which causes mistakes, which causes the "to do" list to grow each day. But, enough about me...
Today's word is from Ecclesiastes 9:10, and we will use the New Living Translation: "Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom."
Whatever you do, do well. I try my best to do my best every time. It may not show, it may not be apparent, it may not be perfect, but it my absolute best most of the time. I want to do things well because I don't like having to redo them, though I often do.
The key, however, is that we need to do our best because there will come a day when we will no longer be doing. We are building and leaving a legacy each day of our lives. I want that building, that legacy to be something that, when I am gone, others can continue to build upon it. Now, don't get me wrong, I couldn't care less if anyone ever remembers me, but, I do want folks to know that I did my best.
I do hope to retire one day and spend some time trying to catch up on my "to do" list. And, I certainly plan to do my best at whatever I do. Keep pushing hard! We are building a foundation for those who follow, and we need to do it well.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, March 10, 2014
Character Development
You may have had one of those fathers who, when he corrected/disciplined you, would say, "Now, this hurts me way more than it does you." I don't think my Pops ever even thought that. He may have said something to the effect of, "If this hurts my right shoulder, I will have to swap hands." Just kidding, of course. My Pops was a kind and gentle father. However, he didn't mind administering necessary discipline.
Pops and Momma were strong proponents of "Spare the rod, spoil the child", and they were not going to have any spoiled children. Now, don't get me wrong, I NEVER got a spanking I didn't deserve, and I didn't get more than a few that I did deserve. What Pops and Momma were trying to show my siblings and me was how to behave when they weren't around.
Today's word is from Proverbs 22:6, KJV, which reads, "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it."
When I was being disciplined, which happened quite often if you must know, my parents were trying their best to train me up, they were trying to show me the way to go. Now, the lessons they were teaching me then didn't always translate into me taking the right paths through life. However, as I got a little older, and a little less rebellious, I began to realize that those were the paths to follow - the paths that would lead me to the gates of Heaven.
I have shared before that the difference between reputation and character is that reputation is what others think of you - character is who you truly are. We need to pray for guidance and train up our children in GOD'S ways, develop their character, and when they are older, they will remember those lessons, those ways.
I sure do miss my Pops. But, his lessons live on.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Pops and Momma were strong proponents of "Spare the rod, spoil the child", and they were not going to have any spoiled children. Now, don't get me wrong, I NEVER got a spanking I didn't deserve, and I didn't get more than a few that I did deserve. What Pops and Momma were trying to show my siblings and me was how to behave when they weren't around.
Today's word is from Proverbs 22:6, KJV, which reads, "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it."
When I was being disciplined, which happened quite often if you must know, my parents were trying their best to train me up, they were trying to show me the way to go. Now, the lessons they were teaching me then didn't always translate into me taking the right paths through life. However, as I got a little older, and a little less rebellious, I began to realize that those were the paths to follow - the paths that would lead me to the gates of Heaven.
I have shared before that the difference between reputation and character is that reputation is what others think of you - character is who you truly are. We need to pray for guidance and train up our children in GOD'S ways, develop their character, and when they are older, they will remember those lessons, those ways.
I sure do miss my Pops. But, his lessons live on.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, March 7, 2014
Embrace the Suck
In the military, you learn a lot of acronyms for various personnel, positions, problems, etc. One that has resonated with me for a long time is, "Embrace the suck". While we can't prevent things from going wrong, our attitude while we are "suffering through it" is still ours to decide.
It would be nice if nothing ever went wrong, if things would continually go my way. I know that my life is more blessed than I deserve, but I still have those days and those things that remind me that, sometimes, life sucks. And, once again, when it does, how we respond during those times of adversity is the true testament of our character. So, what to do...
Today's word is from Psalm 23:4, NKJV, which reads, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are WITH me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."
To get through those difficult times, it helps if we remind ourselves that we aren't going through this alone. Note that David wrote, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death..." Lots of folks want to get stuck on the fact that David is in the "valley of the shadow of death". The thing to really notice is that David is walking, and he is walking THROUGH!
David's not running; he's not trying to quickly escape; he knows that GOD has a purpose and that the purpose will bring him through. Don't get in the rut thinking that today is going to be how it is going to be the rest of your life. We may be going through some really difficult times but we have to remember that we are going THROUGH - we aren't stuck there, we are going through!
Plus, don't miss the last part - GOD is with us, and His rod and staff, His presence will comfort us and guide us and keep us and protect us. Knowing that we are going THROUGH and that GOD is with us will help us to embrace the suck.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
It would be nice if nothing ever went wrong, if things would continually go my way. I know that my life is more blessed than I deserve, but I still have those days and those things that remind me that, sometimes, life sucks. And, once again, when it does, how we respond during those times of adversity is the true testament of our character. So, what to do...
Today's word is from Psalm 23:4, NKJV, which reads, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are WITH me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."
To get through those difficult times, it helps if we remind ourselves that we aren't going through this alone. Note that David wrote, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death..." Lots of folks want to get stuck on the fact that David is in the "valley of the shadow of death". The thing to really notice is that David is walking, and he is walking THROUGH!
David's not running; he's not trying to quickly escape; he knows that GOD has a purpose and that the purpose will bring him through. Don't get in the rut thinking that today is going to be how it is going to be the rest of your life. We may be going through some really difficult times but we have to remember that we are going THROUGH - we aren't stuck there, we are going through!
Plus, don't miss the last part - GOD is with us, and His rod and staff, His presence will comfort us and guide us and keep us and protect us. Knowing that we are going THROUGH and that GOD is with us will help us to embrace the suck.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Why are you so happy?
I am a fairly happy guy. Yes, things go wrong, often, and, yes, things get on my nerves, often, and, yes, I get tired and down and lowly - BUT, I don't stay there. I have shared before that I am not an optimist or a pessimist; I am a realist. I see things as they are, try to understand that things happen, and try to persevere and move on. So, what makes me so positive? I am glad you asked...
Each morning when I wake up, I realize that I have received a blessing that lots of others didn't. Then, I am further blessed with my family being there with me. And, I can get myself out of bed, dress myself, etc. Those are things that motivate my happiness. But...
Today's word is from Job 19:25, NIV, which reads, "I KNOW that my REDEEMER lives, and that in the end He will stand on the earth."
Knowing that GOD is looking out for me and that in the end I shall be with Him forever should be enough to make the sourest of pusses happy. Yeah, it rains on the just and the unjust. Yes, bad things do happen to good people. Yes, it does seem that when I am at my lowest, someone will go out of their way to spit on me or to get in a cheap shot. BUT, this is not the end! In the end, my REDEEMER will redeem me unto Himself and I will be with Him.
Life can be a bear. It can wear us down and beat us up. But, if we concentrate on the fact that better days are coming because GOD is on His throne - He's not dead, He's not sick, He doesn't even feel bad - and He will see us through. I KNOW that my REDEEMER lives! Yep, that'll make you happy.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Each morning when I wake up, I realize that I have received a blessing that lots of others didn't. Then, I am further blessed with my family being there with me. And, I can get myself out of bed, dress myself, etc. Those are things that motivate my happiness. But...
Today's word is from Job 19:25, NIV, which reads, "I KNOW that my REDEEMER lives, and that in the end He will stand on the earth."
Knowing that GOD is looking out for me and that in the end I shall be with Him forever should be enough to make the sourest of pusses happy. Yeah, it rains on the just and the unjust. Yes, bad things do happen to good people. Yes, it does seem that when I am at my lowest, someone will go out of their way to spit on me or to get in a cheap shot. BUT, this is not the end! In the end, my REDEEMER will redeem me unto Himself and I will be with Him.
Life can be a bear. It can wear us down and beat us up. But, if we concentrate on the fact that better days are coming because GOD is on His throne - He's not dead, He's not sick, He doesn't even feel bad - and He will see us through. I KNOW that my REDEEMER lives! Yep, that'll make you happy.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Who knows?
There are two types of people in this world - those who believe that GOD is involved in our day-to-day lives and those who feel that He just stays out of things. I am of the former opinion. While GOD gives us free will and allows us to do whatever we want to do, I have no doubt that He is involved in my day-to-day living. He has a plan for my life, and as long as I am following His plan, He opens doors and closes them, He opens windows and closes them, He brings people into my life and removes them, He creates opportunities and halts them. Yeah, He is involved.
You may have experienced the same things as me...you find yourself in a particular situation, in a particular position, and you wonder why you are there. What is the purpose for me to be right here, right now? When those things happen, I keep in mind that GOD has me where He wants me exactly when He wants me there.
Today's reading is from Esther 4:14, English Standard Version, which reads, "For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who know whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
Mordecai laid it out for Esther...she could refuse to do anything and GOD would still deliver the Jews, though it would be after everyone and everything she knew had perished. But, who knew, perhaps GOD had allowed all the pieces to fall into place that allowed Esther to be exactly where she needed to be (close to King Xerxes) exactly when she needed to be there. And, He had.
Sometimes, it is beyond difficult to see what GOD is trying to do and why He has us where we are but, if we are in His will, He has us there, exactly where we need to be, exactly when we need to be there, to accomplish what we need to accomplish. Yeah, you are where you are for such a time as this. GOD knows.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
You may have experienced the same things as me...you find yourself in a particular situation, in a particular position, and you wonder why you are there. What is the purpose for me to be right here, right now? When those things happen, I keep in mind that GOD has me where He wants me exactly when He wants me there.
Today's reading is from Esther 4:14, English Standard Version, which reads, "For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who know whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
Mordecai laid it out for Esther...she could refuse to do anything and GOD would still deliver the Jews, though it would be after everyone and everything she knew had perished. But, who knew, perhaps GOD had allowed all the pieces to fall into place that allowed Esther to be exactly where she needed to be (close to King Xerxes) exactly when she needed to be there. And, He had.
Sometimes, it is beyond difficult to see what GOD is trying to do and why He has us where we are but, if we are in His will, He has us there, exactly where we need to be, exactly when we need to be there, to accomplish what we need to accomplish. Yeah, you are where you are for such a time as this. GOD knows.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Remember things that matter
I don't know about you but I can often get bogged down with things that don't really matter, the minutiae. We lose focus on the things that really matter because of the little things that appear before us. I know I do.
When we are driving, it isn't the bee flying around in the back window that we need to be concerned about; it is the person about to pull out of their driveway and not paying attention. It isn't the lamp shade that we need to be concerned with; it is the frayed cord that could burn down the house. We tend to allow the smallest, most trivial thing to keep us from boldly pursuing GOD'S will.
Today's word is from Nehemiah 4:14, NASB, which reads, "When I saw their fear, I rose and spoke to the nobels, the officials and the rest of the people. 'Do not be afraid of them; remember the LORD Who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses.'"
Nehemiah was telling the people to quit thinking about how big the enemy was and to concentrate on how BIG our GOD is. He reminded them of the things that mattered, the things worth fighting for - their family, their friends, their possessions. It's a good reminder for us all.
When it seems that the enemy is bearing down and there is no way to win, remember the things that matter and you will find strength through GOD that you never knew was possible. Remember things that matter...
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
When we are driving, it isn't the bee flying around in the back window that we need to be concerned about; it is the person about to pull out of their driveway and not paying attention. It isn't the lamp shade that we need to be concerned with; it is the frayed cord that could burn down the house. We tend to allow the smallest, most trivial thing to keep us from boldly pursuing GOD'S will.
Today's word is from Nehemiah 4:14, NASB, which reads, "When I saw their fear, I rose and spoke to the nobels, the officials and the rest of the people. 'Do not be afraid of them; remember the LORD Who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses.'"
Nehemiah was telling the people to quit thinking about how big the enemy was and to concentrate on how BIG our GOD is. He reminded them of the things that mattered, the things worth fighting for - their family, their friends, their possessions. It's a good reminder for us all.
When it seems that the enemy is bearing down and there is no way to win, remember the things that matter and you will find strength through GOD that you never knew was possible. Remember things that matter...
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, March 3, 2014
Just a little help from my friends
The Beatles had a song, which Joe Cocker later did, titled "With a little help from my friends". We can all get by with just a little help from our friends. While they may not know it, it is there presence that often sees us through.
I know I mentioned it before, but I want to say again, that when my Pops went to Heaven, my friends made a seemingly impossible time possible. It is with their help, their prayers, their support that we made it through. We all need a little help and encouragement and support from time to time.
Today's word is from Ezra 10:4, NIV, which reads, "Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it."
Ezra had a difficult task ahead. Maybe he hesitated. Maybe he didn't really want to do it. Maybe he was a little intimidated. Maybe he was a little afraid. Maybe he just needed a little encouragement. Maybe he just needed to know that he wasn't alone, he had the support and assistance of many.
This life can be quite difficult on our best day. We can all get by a little easier with just a little help from our friends. I know I do.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I know I mentioned it before, but I want to say again, that when my Pops went to Heaven, my friends made a seemingly impossible time possible. It is with their help, their prayers, their support that we made it through. We all need a little help and encouragement and support from time to time.
Today's word is from Ezra 10:4, NIV, which reads, "Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it."
Ezra had a difficult task ahead. Maybe he hesitated. Maybe he didn't really want to do it. Maybe he was a little intimidated. Maybe he was a little afraid. Maybe he just needed a little encouragement. Maybe he just needed to know that he wasn't alone, he had the support and assistance of many.
This life can be quite difficult on our best day. We can all get by a little easier with just a little help from our friends. I know I do.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
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