If you've been following along, you have probably detected the pattern of a verse from each book of the Bible sequentially. Today's verse is from Philippians, and I will try to use chapter 4, verse 11, which is one of my absolute favorite verses. With that being said (or written/typed), I am going to present the verse first...
Philippians 4:11, English Standard Version reads, "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content."
Contentment is such a wonderful thing. So many people seek it, so few seem to ever find it. I believe its elusiveness comes from the fact that what pleased us yesterday loses its luster quickly if we allow it. It's like the newest smartphone out there. We have to have it. It'll do everything from automatically posting to social sites, to playing games that the newest laptops could only dream of, to washing the car and folding the laundry. We HAVE to have it!
But, after a few weeks of the greatest thing to ever hit the market, the newest greatest thing to ever hit the market hits the market and our smartphone isn't as smart as it used to be. We find ourselves longing for the newest flavor of the month. We lose our contentment.
The same is true in every aspect of our lives. The reason we have adultery and divorce and thefts and rapes and murders and everything else is because we fail to be content with what we have. And, I know that I am not above it anymore than anyone else. If I ever lose my contentment with the things that GOD has given me, I will be just as prone to fall into the same traps.
Now, you say, "That'll never happen." It won't as long as you stay content. GOD has blessed me so tremendously. I have more than I could have ever dreamed or imagined. Yet, if we are not on our guards and extremely careful, we may find ourselves in one of those moments of discontentment.
The reason this is one of my favorite verses is because it reminds me of how much I have been given and how contented I should really be. I have NEED of nothing. I am truly content. Are you?
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Every spiritual blessing
We have been hard hit here in the south with strong thunderstorms and tornadoes the last couple of days, with more coming today. Please pray for all those affected by this devastation. We never know what life will hit us with. We do, however, know that GOD has things under control and will navigate us through whatever storms arise.
I have mentioned several times this morning that I am so truly blessed, and I am. I have so many wonderful blessings here on earth that I so often take for granted. I have a lovely, loving godly wife. We have the blessing and privilege of trying to nurture and raise two very precious gifts. We have a comfortable home, transportation and plenty to eat. We are so truly blessed in this world. More than that though...
Today's word comes from Ephesians 1:3, NIV, which reads, "Praise be to the GOD and Father or our LORD JESUS CHRIST, Who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in CHRIST."
While we have so many blessings here, they don't add up to much when compared with the blessings we have waiting. GOD has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm. When we get to Heaven, everything is going to be perfect. There be no more sorrow, no more pain, no more loss, no more heartache, no more death, no more diseases, no more tears...you get the idea. As blessed as we are here, it fails in comparison to what awaits us as believers.
Please pray for all those hurting and lacking. Remember to count your blessings. Then, remember that the best is yet to come - every spiritual blessing!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I have mentioned several times this morning that I am so truly blessed, and I am. I have so many wonderful blessings here on earth that I so often take for granted. I have a lovely, loving godly wife. We have the blessing and privilege of trying to nurture and raise two very precious gifts. We have a comfortable home, transportation and plenty to eat. We are so truly blessed in this world. More than that though...
Today's word comes from Ephesians 1:3, NIV, which reads, "Praise be to the GOD and Father or our LORD JESUS CHRIST, Who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in CHRIST."
While we have so many blessings here, they don't add up to much when compared with the blessings we have waiting. GOD has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm. When we get to Heaven, everything is going to be perfect. There be no more sorrow, no more pain, no more loss, no more heartache, no more death, no more diseases, no more tears...you get the idea. As blessed as we are here, it fails in comparison to what awaits us as believers.
Please pray for all those hurting and lacking. Remember to count your blessings. Then, remember that the best is yet to come - every spiritual blessing!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, April 28, 2014
One big happy family
Every watch old shows like Leave it to Beaver or Father knows best? Now, those families had it all together. There seemed to be very little sibling rivalry, and no matter what dilemma arose, they worked through it as a family. Everyone was in it for the betterment of each other. Isn't it amazing how true to life Hollywood made those shows? NOT.
In real life, it seems that most families are only held together by the constant "in-fighting". If one sibling wins an award for going out of their way or for going the extra mile, another sibling is going to point out how undeserved the award truly was. If one sibling starts dating the love of their life, another sibling is going to point out how flawed the dream really is. And, church families are very seldom different.
Today's word comes from Galatians 3:28, NIV, which reads, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in CHRIST JESUS."
Once we are saved and become part of the Family of GOD, there should be no sibling rivalry. We should all see that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Or, when we add up what each person brings to the family, we see that together we are greater than any individual could ever be. When you're part of the Family, there is no one any more important than anyone else.
Maybe if we work really hard at realizing that we are all striving for one goal, to spread the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST, we can eliminate most of the "in-fighting". We may never look like Leave it to Beaver but we should never look like we aren't family.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
In real life, it seems that most families are only held together by the constant "in-fighting". If one sibling wins an award for going out of their way or for going the extra mile, another sibling is going to point out how undeserved the award truly was. If one sibling starts dating the love of their life, another sibling is going to point out how flawed the dream really is. And, church families are very seldom different.
Today's word comes from Galatians 3:28, NIV, which reads, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in CHRIST JESUS."
Once we are saved and become part of the Family of GOD, there should be no sibling rivalry. We should all see that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Or, when we add up what each person brings to the family, we see that together we are greater than any individual could ever be. When you're part of the Family, there is no one any more important than anyone else.
Maybe if we work really hard at realizing that we are all striving for one goal, to spread the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST, we can eliminate most of the "in-fighting". We may never look like Leave it to Beaver but we should never look like we aren't family.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, April 25, 2014
I am NEW
Ever had anything new after fighting to keep something old going? We have had moments where we had a car held together with duct tape, barb wire, and chewing gum because that was all we could do. Eventually, however, we were blessed enough to get a "new" vehicle, and, oh, how nice it was.
There's something about new things. They smell new. They look new. They behave like new things should. They are NEW. New clothes are bright and shiny. New shoes look clean and polished. New cars seem to go faster and get better gas mileage. Yeah, something about being new.
Today's word is from 2 Corinthians 5:17, New Living Translation, which reads, "This means that anyone who belongs to CHRIST has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"
Life seeming old to you? Getting tired of the same old, same old? Why not give JESUS a try. He will give you a new life! You will smell better. You will look better. You will go faster and get better mileage than ever before. No, none of that. But, you will experience the greatest life you could ever live. You will be new, and that newness begins each morning. Everyday you will awaken as GOD'S great creation!
Whatever is in your past. Whatever you are clinging to. Let it all go. Let GOD make you NEW!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
There's something about new things. They smell new. They look new. They behave like new things should. They are NEW. New clothes are bright and shiny. New shoes look clean and polished. New cars seem to go faster and get better gas mileage. Yeah, something about being new.
Today's word is from 2 Corinthians 5:17, New Living Translation, which reads, "This means that anyone who belongs to CHRIST has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"
Life seeming old to you? Getting tired of the same old, same old? Why not give JESUS a try. He will give you a new life! You will smell better. You will look better. You will go faster and get better mileage than ever before. No, none of that. But, you will experience the greatest life you could ever live. You will be new, and that newness begins each morning. Everyday you will awaken as GOD'S great creation!
Whatever is in your past. Whatever you are clinging to. Let it all go. Let GOD make you NEW!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
The stumbling block
I don't drink a drop. I have probably shared that with you but I don't partake of any alcoholic beverages. Now, I know this may get me expelled from the church but I don't personally think there is anything wrong with taking A drink. It is when we take things to excess that they become a problem. Plus, there are those who can handle alcohol and those who can't.
Today's (yesterday's) word is 1 Corinthians 8:9, NIV, which reads, "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak."
While I don't see anything wrong with having A drink, as I said, some can handle alcohol, some can't. So, if someone sees me drinking and figures it is alright for them to drink since I am, and they can't handle it, I have become a stumbling block for that individual.
Furthermore, if I am trying to tell someone about JESUS, how much do you think they are going to listen to me if I am doing it with a beer in my hand? They may listen, but they won't hear a word. Once again, I have become a stumbling block.
The gist of the whole thing is to be cautious in your actions because folks are watching. Don't let your personal convictions become the downfall for someone else.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Today's (yesterday's) word is 1 Corinthians 8:9, NIV, which reads, "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak."
While I don't see anything wrong with having A drink, as I said, some can handle alcohol, some can't. So, if someone sees me drinking and figures it is alright for them to drink since I am, and they can't handle it, I have become a stumbling block for that individual.
Furthermore, if I am trying to tell someone about JESUS, how much do you think they are going to listen to me if I am doing it with a beer in my hand? They may listen, but they won't hear a word. Once again, I have become a stumbling block.
The gist of the whole thing is to be cautious in your actions because folks are watching. Don't let your personal convictions become the downfall for someone else.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
I just don't get it
Ever do something, then, wonder why in the world you did it? There have been countless times in my life that I know what to do but I do something totally contrary to what should be done. I just don't get it.
Those moments when you know the right thing to do is to give someone the five dollars you have in your pocket but, instead, you keep the money and go home feeling like a complete failure. Or, that moment when you know you shouldn't be in the position/situation you are in but you refuse to listen to the Spirit within you and you do something that you KNOW you shouldn't do. The guilt is immediate. The remorse is heavy.
Today's word is from Romans 7:15, NIV, which reads, "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."
Paul was saying that he, too, struggled at times with doing things that were contrary to what he knew he should do, contrary to what he knew he ought to do, contrary to what GOD wanted him to do. They were even contrary to what Paul loved to do. As humans, we constantly struggle with doing what our spiritual self wants and our selfish wants.
There will always be those things, those situations, those instances that we will face that we need to make a decision between doing what we should and doing what our flesh wants. It is at those times, when we don't listen to the Spirit that we end up saying, "I just don't get it." I am going to try to listen better and say that less.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Those moments when you know the right thing to do is to give someone the five dollars you have in your pocket but, instead, you keep the money and go home feeling like a complete failure. Or, that moment when you know you shouldn't be in the position/situation you are in but you refuse to listen to the Spirit within you and you do something that you KNOW you shouldn't do. The guilt is immediate. The remorse is heavy.
Today's word is from Romans 7:15, NIV, which reads, "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."
Paul was saying that he, too, struggled at times with doing things that were contrary to what he knew he should do, contrary to what he knew he ought to do, contrary to what GOD wanted him to do. They were even contrary to what Paul loved to do. As humans, we constantly struggle with doing what our spiritual self wants and our selfish wants.
There will always be those things, those situations, those instances that we will face that we need to make a decision between doing what we should and doing what our flesh wants. It is at those times, when we don't listen to the Spirit that we end up saying, "I just don't get it." I am going to try to listen better and say that less.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
It's useless
Ever have anyone tell you that your efforts are useless. Well, I have. And, I might add, they were sometimes correct. I have tried a lot of different things that haven't worked but I have never stopped trying. Thomas Edison is quoted as saying, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that didn't work." There is no failure if you keep trying.
However, there are things that are useless endeavors. Trying to lift the Empire State building with just your strength is useless, you cannot do it. Trying to fly like a bird by flapping your wings is a useless waste of time, you cannot do it. Trying to get me to change my mind once I have made it is a futile effort, it won't happen.
Today's word is from Acts 26:14, New Living Translation, which reads, "We all fell down, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is useless for you to fight against My will.'"
GOD had gotten Saul's attention. You know Saul, who became Paul, who was going around persecuting and killing the new believers. Well, GOD had gotten his attention and told him that he could run, he could hide, he could fight but it was useless to keep trying to oppose GOD'S will.
I am not the smartest guy in the world. I have been outside of GOD'S will. I have tried to do things my way. I have tried to reason with GOD why I wasn't the best candidate for what He wanted me to do. But, in the end, I tried my best to do GOD'S will. Why? Because it is useless to fight against GOD. You cannot win. The best part, though, is when you start doing GOD'S will, you find that that is exactly what you wanted to do anyway. Fighting against GOD is useless. Doing GOD'S will is humble fulfillment. Quit kicking against the pricks and find GOD'S will for your life.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
However, there are things that are useless endeavors. Trying to lift the Empire State building with just your strength is useless, you cannot do it. Trying to fly like a bird by flapping your wings is a useless waste of time, you cannot do it. Trying to get me to change my mind once I have made it is a futile effort, it won't happen.
Today's word is from Acts 26:14, New Living Translation, which reads, "We all fell down, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is useless for you to fight against My will.'"
GOD had gotten Saul's attention. You know Saul, who became Paul, who was going around persecuting and killing the new believers. Well, GOD had gotten his attention and told him that he could run, he could hide, he could fight but it was useless to keep trying to oppose GOD'S will.
I am not the smartest guy in the world. I have been outside of GOD'S will. I have tried to do things my way. I have tried to reason with GOD why I wasn't the best candidate for what He wanted me to do. But, in the end, I tried my best to do GOD'S will. Why? Because it is useless to fight against GOD. You cannot win. The best part, though, is when you start doing GOD'S will, you find that that is exactly what you wanted to do anyway. Fighting against GOD is useless. Doing GOD'S will is humble fulfillment. Quit kicking against the pricks and find GOD'S will for your life.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, April 21, 2014
Rolling away stones
We just celebrated Easter, the day we celebrate the resurrection of our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST. Without the perfect life He lived and the the horrific death He chose for us, there would be no way for us to be right with GOD. Thank you JESUS for Your sacrifice.
With Easter in mind, I want to use a verse concerning the morning of JESUS'S resurrection. Today's word is from John 20:1, NIV, which reads, "Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance."
I want to take a minute to concentrate on the stone being removed. Yes, GOD removed the stone. Yes, JESUS arose and made the way for us to become right with GOD. But, I want you to know that everyone is battling their own stone (JESUS wasn't battling the stone. He could have removed it at any time).
Maybe your stone is doubt. Maybe your stone is depression or discouragement. Maybe your stone is addiction. Maybe your stone is adultery. Maybe your stone is looking for all the right things in all the wrong places. A lot of folks have a stone keeping them from being what GOD wants for them to be.
The point is, the GOD Who removed the stone that resurrection morning, is capable of removing whatever stone is standing in your way today. All you have to do is ask, believing, and it will be removed. GOD is ready to roll away your stone.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
With Easter in mind, I want to use a verse concerning the morning of JESUS'S resurrection. Today's word is from John 20:1, NIV, which reads, "Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance."
I want to take a minute to concentrate on the stone being removed. Yes, GOD removed the stone. Yes, JESUS arose and made the way for us to become right with GOD. But, I want you to know that everyone is battling their own stone (JESUS wasn't battling the stone. He could have removed it at any time).
Maybe your stone is doubt. Maybe your stone is depression or discouragement. Maybe your stone is addiction. Maybe your stone is adultery. Maybe your stone is looking for all the right things in all the wrong places. A lot of folks have a stone keeping them from being what GOD wants for them to be.
The point is, the GOD Who removed the stone that resurrection morning, is capable of removing whatever stone is standing in your way today. All you have to do is ask, believing, and it will be removed. GOD is ready to roll away your stone.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Got a lot, give a lot
I have heard it said that a particular religious group has the philosophy of make all you can, save all you can, and give all you can. I have no doubt that I make all I can - I don't have time to get an additional job. We try to save when we can but that is hard to do. The real question, though, is do we give all we can? Do we really try to do GOD'S will with what He has given us?
There have been times that we have felt compelled by GOD'S Spirit to do something financially and have followed through. I wonder, though, how many times I have felt that same urge and disregarded it. No doubt, if GOD was in it, He would provide.
Today's word is from Luke 12:48, NIV, which reads, "...From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."
If GOD has gifted you with much - financially, physically, spiritually, chronologically - He expects you to use it for His service. It isn't all about money; maybe yours is time to spend on projects or helping others with theirs. Whatever GOD has entrusted you with, use it.
I know that GOD has given us much, more blessings than I could ever count. I need to be more diligent to use those great and generous things to show GOD'S love to others.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
There have been times that we have felt compelled by GOD'S Spirit to do something financially and have followed through. I wonder, though, how many times I have felt that same urge and disregarded it. No doubt, if GOD was in it, He would provide.
Today's word is from Luke 12:48, NIV, which reads, "...From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."
If GOD has gifted you with much - financially, physically, spiritually, chronologically - He expects you to use it for His service. It isn't all about money; maybe yours is time to spend on projects or helping others with theirs. Whatever GOD has entrusted you with, use it.
I know that GOD has given us much, more blessings than I could ever count. I need to be more diligent to use those great and generous things to show GOD'S love to others.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Baggage
There are so many people that attempt to tell us how to worship GOD, or how we are to dress, act, etc. Now, I believe with everything that I am that we should be modest and humble and pleasing to GOD. However, I don't for one minute believe that we have to wear three-piece suits and ties to every "church" function.
Even more, there are select groups that want to tell you that the way to please GOD is to do everything the way they do them. You know, everyone has to get off the horse left foot first. Or, everyone has to wear green on Wednesday. Or, everyone has to this or that. I am pretty sure you know what I mean.
Today's word is from Mark 7:6b - 8, NIV, which reads, "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules. You have let go of the commands of GOD and are holding on to human traditions."
You know, baggage is baggage. The Bible is very clear that we are to believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths, and we ARE saved. Anyone that wants to add, "Yeah, and..." The Pharisees in Jesus' time were honoring GOD with their lips but they were more interested in folks following their rules. Sound familiar?
There are lots of folks out there that think they truly know what GOD wants. I DO KNOW what GOD wants - He wants your HEART, not your lip service. Yeah, drop the bags and just worship...
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Even more, there are select groups that want to tell you that the way to please GOD is to do everything the way they do them. You know, everyone has to get off the horse left foot first. Or, everyone has to wear green on Wednesday. Or, everyone has to this or that. I am pretty sure you know what I mean.
Today's word is from Mark 7:6b - 8, NIV, which reads, "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules. You have let go of the commands of GOD and are holding on to human traditions."
You know, baggage is baggage. The Bible is very clear that we are to believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths, and we ARE saved. Anyone that wants to add, "Yeah, and..." The Pharisees in Jesus' time were honoring GOD with their lips but they were more interested in folks following their rules. Sound familiar?
There are lots of folks out there that think they truly know what GOD wants. I DO KNOW what GOD wants - He wants your HEART, not your lip service. Yeah, drop the bags and just worship...
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, April 14, 2014
Columbo
I used to like watching Columbo. Peter Falk was the disheveled, underestimated detective that is much smarter and shrewder than those he questions give him credit. He would often act lost and confused and bewildered only to nail them in the end when they least expected it.
The modus operandi always included his tag line, "Oh, yeah, one more thing..."; that one more thing was usually what the suspect least expected and was the proof that Columbo knew who had done it all along. It is uncanny how often we get ourselves in trouble the more we talk...
Today's word is from Matthew 12:36 & 37, NIV, which reads, "But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
It is what we say that gets in most trouble, not what we do. Yes, we do things that are horrible all the time, and everyone knows it. But, it is the simple things that we say that will most often prove to be our undoing. Maybe it was just a little embellishment to make ourselves look better. Or, just a little white lie to make someone else look a little worse. Either way, both of those things often come back to bite us in the butt.
More important, though, is that we will all stand before the One True, Just and Holy GOD and give an account for everything we ever said. And, note the last verse, "For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." I think I will just try to watch what I say because as good as Columbo was, he is nothing close to GOD.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
The modus operandi always included his tag line, "Oh, yeah, one more thing..."; that one more thing was usually what the suspect least expected and was the proof that Columbo knew who had done it all along. It is uncanny how often we get ourselves in trouble the more we talk...
Today's word is from Matthew 12:36 & 37, NIV, which reads, "But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
It is what we say that gets in most trouble, not what we do. Yes, we do things that are horrible all the time, and everyone knows it. But, it is the simple things that we say that will most often prove to be our undoing. Maybe it was just a little embellishment to make ourselves look better. Or, just a little white lie to make someone else look a little worse. Either way, both of those things often come back to bite us in the butt.
More important, though, is that we will all stand before the One True, Just and Holy GOD and give an account for everything we ever said. And, note the last verse, "For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." I think I will just try to watch what I say because as good as Columbo was, he is nothing close to GOD.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, April 4, 2014
He does not change
I am often amazed at times when people tell me that things have changed when trying to justify their actions. I don't disagree that things have changed. I am forever grateful that I don't have to hitch the horse and buggy up in order to come to work in the morning. And, I know I have said it before, I am grateful that the only cotton I have ever picked is out of a bottle of aspirin. So, some things have definitely changed.
However, GOD and His standards have not. He did make a way for us to get to Him without the Old Testament Law, to which everyone had difficulty adhering. We can receive forgiveness through the Perfect Sacrifice, JESUS CHRIST. Yet, that isn't a change in principle; that is a change in practice. Forgiveness in the Old Testament was based on faith, as is forgiveness in the New Testament - the Old Testament was faith in GOD'S forgiveness through our sacrificial atonement; the New Testament is faith in GOD'S forgiveness through His Sacrifice.
Today's word is from Malachi 3:6, NIV, which reads, "I the LORD do not change. So, you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed."
GOD is the same yesterday, today and FOREVER. He does not change; His standards do not change. There are those who try to perpetrate the lie that because we are in the twenty-first century that things that were sin 5000 years ago aren't sins today. GOD'S standards have not changed. If it was sin then, it is sin now. Period.
Now, don't get me wrong, we have ALL failed and come up way short of the glory of GOD. And, He is faithful and just, and if we confess our sins to Him and earnestly repent, He will forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness. None of that has changed. And, not of GOD'S principles have changed. "I the LORD DO NOT CHANGE."
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
However, GOD and His standards have not. He did make a way for us to get to Him without the Old Testament Law, to which everyone had difficulty adhering. We can receive forgiveness through the Perfect Sacrifice, JESUS CHRIST. Yet, that isn't a change in principle; that is a change in practice. Forgiveness in the Old Testament was based on faith, as is forgiveness in the New Testament - the Old Testament was faith in GOD'S forgiveness through our sacrificial atonement; the New Testament is faith in GOD'S forgiveness through His Sacrifice.
Today's word is from Malachi 3:6, NIV, which reads, "I the LORD do not change. So, you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed."
GOD is the same yesterday, today and FOREVER. He does not change; His standards do not change. There are those who try to perpetrate the lie that because we are in the twenty-first century that things that were sin 5000 years ago aren't sins today. GOD'S standards have not changed. If it was sin then, it is sin now. Period.
Now, don't get me wrong, we have ALL failed and come up way short of the glory of GOD. And, He is faithful and just, and if we confess our sins to Him and earnestly repent, He will forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness. None of that has changed. And, not of GOD'S principles have changed. "I the LORD DO NOT CHANGE."
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, April 3, 2014
True Justice
When I hear the word "justice", I think about someone receiving what is deserved for what they have/had done. But, what is true justice? What does it mean to be truly just? We know that GOD is truly just. We know that He alone can administer true justice.
True justice means making things morally right. It means to uphold righteousness and to treat fairly in due reward and honor and standards and law. It is often true that true justice is never administered.
Today's word is from Zechariah 7:9, NIV, which reads, "This is what the LORD Almighty said, 'Administer true justice, show mercy and compassion with one another.'"
Many times we do some pretty bad things in the name of justice. We seem to think that the wrong perpetrated on us is more heinous than the wrongs we commit. We want to exact justice to the point that we are JUSTIFIED. And, don't get me wrong, there are some deeds that are some vile and evil that true justice means doing something just as vile and evil. But, isn't it also true that we carry things to fair sometimes in the name of justice? You may not but I bet I have been guilty of it.
I pray that GOD will help me to administer true justice with compassion and mercy in view. I know that is how He goes about it with me.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
True justice means making things morally right. It means to uphold righteousness and to treat fairly in due reward and honor and standards and law. It is often true that true justice is never administered.
Today's word is from Zechariah 7:9, NIV, which reads, "This is what the LORD Almighty said, 'Administer true justice, show mercy and compassion with one another.'"
Many times we do some pretty bad things in the name of justice. We seem to think that the wrong perpetrated on us is more heinous than the wrongs we commit. We want to exact justice to the point that we are JUSTIFIED. And, don't get me wrong, there are some deeds that are some vile and evil that true justice means doing something just as vile and evil. But, isn't it also true that we carry things to fair sometimes in the name of justice? You may not but I bet I have been guilty of it.
I pray that GOD will help me to administer true justice with compassion and mercy in view. I know that is how He goes about it with me.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Consider your ways
I am sure that we all know those people that try to blame everyone and everything on the problems they create. I am as guilty as anyone myself. But, you know the type. They will tell you how the police are out to get them because they got a speeding ticket. "Were you speeding," you ask? "Well," they reply, "Yeah, but that is beside the point. Everyone else speeds on that road too." So, the police were just waiting to catch them, huh?
Or, they will tell you that they are in a financial bind, which we are all in from time to time, while they mention that they just bought two new vehicles, a new boat, a new four wheeler, a new etc., etc. They don't want to admit that they could possibly be in the mess they are in because of some of their actions or decisions. It is tough to admit that we sometimes cause our own misery.
Today's word is from Haggai 1:6 & 7, ESV, which reads, "You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes. Thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways."
We often bring things upon ourselves because of the things we do or don't do. It's not that GOD sits on His throne waiting for us to mess up so that He can lower the boom on us. No, He sits there hoping we will make good, godly decisions but He allows us to make our own decisions. Then, after we make those decisions, we must suffer the consequences for them.
Next time I find that things are really hammering me hard, I am going to concentrate on considering my ways. I may find that I put myself in that situation. I may find that GOD allowed me to put myself in that situation. Either way, I know He will help me if I ask, but I need to think about what I do before I do it. Consider your ways. That's powerful!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Or, they will tell you that they are in a financial bind, which we are all in from time to time, while they mention that they just bought two new vehicles, a new boat, a new four wheeler, a new etc., etc. They don't want to admit that they could possibly be in the mess they are in because of some of their actions or decisions. It is tough to admit that we sometimes cause our own misery.
Today's word is from Haggai 1:6 & 7, ESV, which reads, "You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes. Thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways."
We often bring things upon ourselves because of the things we do or don't do. It's not that GOD sits on His throne waiting for us to mess up so that He can lower the boom on us. No, He sits there hoping we will make good, godly decisions but He allows us to make our own decisions. Then, after we make those decisions, we must suffer the consequences for them.
Next time I find that things are really hammering me hard, I am going to concentrate on considering my ways. I may find that I put myself in that situation. I may find that GOD allowed me to put myself in that situation. Either way, I know He will help me if I ask, but I need to think about what I do before I do it. Consider your ways. That's powerful!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Yep, even me
People will tell you that I have a weird sense of humor, and I do. Trish will tell you that I have a very dry, very sarcastic sense of humor that some don't find very humorous. While it may not be the most beloved sense of humor, it is mine.
I tell people all the time that I am living proof that GOD has a sense of humor. The Bible tells us that we are made in His image. I have a sense of humor, I am made in His image, therefore, He must have a sense of humor. I am sure that I have broken His heart countless times. I am also sure that there have been a few occasions where He just looked at me and said, "That boy will never do."
Today's word is from Zephaniah 3:17, NIV, which reads, " The LORD your GOD is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing."
GOD takes great delight in you; He rejoices over you with singing. Isn't it a wonderful thought that GOD rejoices over you? He delights in you. He even sings over you. Not like my singing, which has sent countless dogs into hysteria, no, He sings a beautiful melody over His children.
GOD takes great delight in His children. He loves us, He rejoices over us, He sings over us, He takes delight in us. Yep, even me!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I tell people all the time that I am living proof that GOD has a sense of humor. The Bible tells us that we are made in His image. I have a sense of humor, I am made in His image, therefore, He must have a sense of humor. I am sure that I have broken His heart countless times. I am also sure that there have been a few occasions where He just looked at me and said, "That boy will never do."
Today's word is from Zephaniah 3:17, NIV, which reads, " The LORD your GOD is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing."
GOD takes great delight in you; He rejoices over you with singing. Isn't it a wonderful thought that GOD rejoices over you? He delights in you. He even sings over you. Not like my singing, which has sent countless dogs into hysteria, no, He sings a beautiful melody over His children.
GOD takes great delight in His children. He loves us, He rejoices over us, He sings over us, He takes delight in us. Yep, even me!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
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