Do you have someone in your life that just seeing them, just hearing their voice, just thinking of them fills you with such warmth and love that it can't be expressed? If you have that someone, and if you are that someone, it is something that can't be described. And, you are that someone, which we will get to later.
There is absolutely NOTHING in this world like being with the ones you love. When they excel, when they experience great victories, when they are happy, you are even happier. I pray that my kid(s) do far more and have far more and enjoy life far more than I have, though, I think that it would be a difficult task, for I have the best life!
Today's word comes from Jude 1:24, NIV, which reads, "To Him Who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with GREAT JOY."
JESUS is thrilled that you are His child. When you excel, when you are victorious, when you are happy, HE is even happier. When you hurt, He hurts with you. When you cry, He feels your pain. When He has to discipline you, it breaks His heart. YOU bring Him GREAT JOY!
One day, we will meet our Savior face to face, and He will look at us and smile and wrap us in His wonderful embrace and say, "You have no idea how much I love you. You bring me GREAT JOY!"
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, May 30, 2014
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Imitation
Some folks have an uncanny knack for imitating others. I mean, they can act like, sound like, maybe even look like the person they are impersonating. There have been many that have made a little money imitating Elvis.
The flip side of imitation is that it is not real. While it may appear to be the real thing, the fact is that it is an imitation. Imitation vanilla flavoring comes to mind. While it may read "Imitation Vanilla" on the bottle, it is NOTHING like pure vanilla flavoring; it's not even a good knock off. If we are going to imitate someone or something, we need to be sure it is beneficial.
Today's word comes from 3 John 1:11, NIV, which reads, "Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from GOD. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen GOD."
We need to imitate what is good. There are "copy catters" out there they imitate all the wrong things. This verse tells us that if they are imitating evil, they do not know GOD. It is when we imitate the good things: faith, love, hope, joy, kindness, patience, etc. that others see the hand of GOD.
So, Who have you been imitating? I have to admit that I don't always imitate the good, but I do try. And, when I do wrong, I am convicted, I repent, I ask forgiveness, then, I try to do better. Imitating Elvis might make you a little money. Imitating GOD will give you so much more.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
The flip side of imitation is that it is not real. While it may appear to be the real thing, the fact is that it is an imitation. Imitation vanilla flavoring comes to mind. While it may read "Imitation Vanilla" on the bottle, it is NOTHING like pure vanilla flavoring; it's not even a good knock off. If we are going to imitate someone or something, we need to be sure it is beneficial.
Today's word comes from 3 John 1:11, NIV, which reads, "Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from GOD. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen GOD."
We need to imitate what is good. There are "copy catters" out there they imitate all the wrong things. This verse tells us that if they are imitating evil, they do not know GOD. It is when we imitate the good things: faith, love, hope, joy, kindness, patience, etc. that others see the hand of GOD.
So, Who have you been imitating? I have to admit that I don't always imitate the good, but I do try. And, when I do wrong, I am convicted, I repent, I ask forgiveness, then, I try to do better. Imitating Elvis might make you a little money. Imitating GOD will give you so much more.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
It's not new
It seems that everyone is looking for the next new thing. A friend of mine just purchased a really nice, top of the line electronic device. While I am impressed with its features and the steal of a deal that he got, I am sure that it will be outdated technology by next Tuesday.
The flip side of this search for new things is that it is bringing back old things. The old saying is that we need to do something so old it is new again. And, today's young people are bringing back styles and music genres and games that were popular years ago. Some things are worth holding on to...
Today's word comes from 2 John 1:5, NIV, which reads, "And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another."
John was writing to the lady "chosen by GOD, and to her children, whom I love in the truth", according to verse one. He was commending her and her family for walking in love and for sharing GOD'S love with others. What a compliment and testament.
Then, John goes on to tell her that she is doing what has always been GOD'S command, loving one another. Don't you think things could be just a little better if everyone could try and follow this one command to the best of their abilities. And, it isn't some new command. It is the one that GOD has tried to get people to follow from the beginning. It is the command that we need to follow daily. It is the command that is so old that it would be radically new - to see people loving one another.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
The flip side of this search for new things is that it is bringing back old things. The old saying is that we need to do something so old it is new again. And, today's young people are bringing back styles and music genres and games that were popular years ago. Some things are worth holding on to...
Today's word comes from 2 John 1:5, NIV, which reads, "And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another."
John was writing to the lady "chosen by GOD, and to her children, whom I love in the truth", according to verse one. He was commending her and her family for walking in love and for sharing GOD'S love with others. What a compliment and testament.
Then, John goes on to tell her that she is doing what has always been GOD'S command, loving one another. Don't you think things could be just a little better if everyone could try and follow this one command to the best of their abilities. And, it isn't some new command. It is the one that GOD has tried to get people to follow from the beginning. It is the command that we need to follow daily. It is the command that is so old that it would be radically new - to see people loving one another.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
The evil one is in control
People seem to be doing worse and worse things all the time. I don't know what goes through people's minds when they are plotting some of the things they end up doing but I can tell you that it seems to be ever growing worse and worse.
Maybe it is that years ago we didn't have all the media coverage and such. Maybe just as much happened but we were sheltered from most of it. All of that may be true but people do seem to be getting worse and worse. There is something said about all of this in the Bible...
Today's word is from 1 John 5:19, NIV, which reads, "We know that we are children of GOD, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one."
This verse tells us that things continue to get worse and worse because the WHOLE world is under the control of the evil one. There is nowhere we can go to escape the evils of this world because the evil one has control of this world. BUT...
The first part of the verse is the part for us. It reads that we KNOW that we are children of GOD! While we are affected and influenced by the evil that others perpetrate, we can rest assured that we are children of GOD and He has us covered; He has our back.
Look, the evil one is in control of this world but he doesn't control my destiny - I am a child of GOD!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Maybe it is that years ago we didn't have all the media coverage and such. Maybe just as much happened but we were sheltered from most of it. All of that may be true but people do seem to be getting worse and worse. There is something said about all of this in the Bible...
Today's word is from 1 John 5:19, NIV, which reads, "We know that we are children of GOD, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one."
This verse tells us that things continue to get worse and worse because the WHOLE world is under the control of the evil one. There is nowhere we can go to escape the evils of this world because the evil one has control of this world. BUT...
The first part of the verse is the part for us. It reads that we KNOW that we are children of GOD! While we are affected and influenced by the evil that others perpetrate, we can rest assured that we are children of GOD and He has us covered; He has our back.
Look, the evil one is in control of this world but he doesn't control my destiny - I am a child of GOD!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, May 19, 2014
A Thousand Years
The Youth had a question one night about Heaven, and if we would know who made it and who didn't. I told them that once we get to Heaven for eternity, we will not know who didn't make it. The reason I believe this is because we know there will be no sickness or sadness in Heaven; if we knew who didn't make it, we would certainly be both.
Another thing they wondered was won't I miss my family and friends if I go first. The continued by saying, "If I'm there for sixty years without them, won't I really miss them?" Those are really good questions, which I thing today's word will answer...
Today's word is 2 Peter 3:8, NIV, which reads, "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the LORD a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day."
GOD developed time for us humans. We are so driven by time: sixty seconds in a minute, sixty minutes in an hour, 24 hours in a day, at least 365 days in a year, etc. But, GOD is eternal - no beginning and no end. He isn't merely immortal; He is eternal. He is not driven by time. But, let's expand on the time thing for a moment.
Let's say that you live 100 years here on earth. If we take today's scripture and expand on that, we find that if you live 100 years, you have lived one tenth of one eternal day. If you live one hundred years, and if you take today's word literal, you have lived 2 hours and 24 minutes in "Heaven time". So, you'll never know they weren't there with you.
When we get to Heaven, we will be so enraptured with all that is around us that surely we won't notice 2 hours and 24 minutes elapsing. I dare say that we won't notice the first 10,000 years passing by. The point is that we get hung up on time. For GOD, though, time means nothing. In the interim, let's make the most of the earthly time we have, then, let's go to Heaven and enjoy eternity.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Another thing they wondered was won't I miss my family and friends if I go first. The continued by saying, "If I'm there for sixty years without them, won't I really miss them?" Those are really good questions, which I thing today's word will answer...
Today's word is 2 Peter 3:8, NIV, which reads, "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the LORD a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day."
GOD developed time for us humans. We are so driven by time: sixty seconds in a minute, sixty minutes in an hour, 24 hours in a day, at least 365 days in a year, etc. But, GOD is eternal - no beginning and no end. He isn't merely immortal; He is eternal. He is not driven by time. But, let's expand on the time thing for a moment.
Let's say that you live 100 years here on earth. If we take today's scripture and expand on that, we find that if you live 100 years, you have lived one tenth of one eternal day. If you live one hundred years, and if you take today's word literal, you have lived 2 hours and 24 minutes in "Heaven time". So, you'll never know they weren't there with you.
When we get to Heaven, we will be so enraptured with all that is around us that surely we won't notice 2 hours and 24 minutes elapsing. I dare say that we won't notice the first 10,000 years passing by. The point is that we get hung up on time. For GOD, though, time means nothing. In the interim, let's make the most of the earthly time we have, then, let's go to Heaven and enjoy eternity.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, May 16, 2014
I know the Truth
People love to talk about others; we have discussed that numerous times before. As a matter of fact, yesterday's word would include this in the selfishness. We love to talk about others. And, the juicier the tidbit the more we like to share. It doesn't even have to have any truth to it; it's just too good to keep to ourselves so we HAVE to share it.
It is an absolute shame that reputations and lives are often ruined by words. I've shared before that I try to be very cognizant of situations. I don't want to get caught in a situation that could lead to something being said about my actions, taken or not taken. But, even when someone spreads a lie, I know the truth. And, that is what really matters.
Today's word comes from 1 Peter 3:16, NIV, which reads, "Keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
Even when others spread untruths, it is our behavior that will disprove them. We must continue to keep walking the walk and keeping the faith. If we are true to what we profess, it won't be long before the disparaging remarks are proven false.
Next time someone wants to spread something about you that isn't true, do what I do. I repeat to them (and especially to myself), "Think what you want to think. Believe what you want to believe. But, I KNOW the Truth, and that is ALL that matters."
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
It is an absolute shame that reputations and lives are often ruined by words. I've shared before that I try to be very cognizant of situations. I don't want to get caught in a situation that could lead to something being said about my actions, taken or not taken. But, even when someone spreads a lie, I know the truth. And, that is what really matters.
Today's word comes from 1 Peter 3:16, NIV, which reads, "Keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
Even when others spread untruths, it is our behavior that will disprove them. We must continue to keep walking the walk and keeping the faith. If we are true to what we profess, it won't be long before the disparaging remarks are proven false.
Next time someone wants to spread something about you that isn't true, do what I do. I repeat to them (and especially to myself), "Think what you want to think. Believe what you want to believe. But, I KNOW the Truth, and that is ALL that matters."
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Where envy and selfishness exist
You read almost every day of someone that hurt, maimed or killed someone because of something that didn't amount to a hill of beans. I have often wondered what is going through that person's mind to do something so vile, so evil, so extreme. Especially when you hear what it was about.
There have been people killed because of the shoes they wore. There have been people hurt because of something they said that was taken out of context. There have been people maimed because of a misunderstanding that, if explored, would have prevented the action taken.
Today's word explains how this happens. Today's word is from James 3:16, NIV, which reads, "For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice."
People do these heinous things because of envy and selfishness. What is envy? Envy is a feeling of discontentment or covetousness because of inferior feelings due to someone else's status or stuff. Now, it may be that someone else is doing better than you, but that doesn't give you the right to hurt them. What it should do is motivate you to do better. If someone is wearing me out playing pool, I don't whack them over the head with the cue stick; I watch what they do and how they do it in order to better my abilities. I may never beat them at pool but I will work to improve my game. Taking away their stuff doesn't make my stuff any better.
The other thing is selfishness. We can all be a little selfish from time to time. It is when we allow our selfishness to take charge in our life that we have our problems. I realize that most people are smarter than I am. Most people are better looking than I am. Most people have more stuff than I will ever have. But, none of them can be more blessed or having more fun than I am. Instead of concentrating on what others have, why not concentrate on what you do have.
Let's not allow envy and selfishness to bring disorder and every evil practice. Let's concentrate on what we have and not worry about what everyone else has. I would venture to say that my life will get more peaceful the more I practice that.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
There have been people killed because of the shoes they wore. There have been people hurt because of something they said that was taken out of context. There have been people maimed because of a misunderstanding that, if explored, would have prevented the action taken.
Today's word explains how this happens. Today's word is from James 3:16, NIV, which reads, "For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice."
People do these heinous things because of envy and selfishness. What is envy? Envy is a feeling of discontentment or covetousness because of inferior feelings due to someone else's status or stuff. Now, it may be that someone else is doing better than you, but that doesn't give you the right to hurt them. What it should do is motivate you to do better. If someone is wearing me out playing pool, I don't whack them over the head with the cue stick; I watch what they do and how they do it in order to better my abilities. I may never beat them at pool but I will work to improve my game. Taking away their stuff doesn't make my stuff any better.
The other thing is selfishness. We can all be a little selfish from time to time. It is when we allow our selfishness to take charge in our life that we have our problems. I realize that most people are smarter than I am. Most people are better looking than I am. Most people have more stuff than I will ever have. But, none of them can be more blessed or having more fun than I am. Instead of concentrating on what others have, why not concentrate on what you do have.
Let's not allow envy and selfishness to bring disorder and every evil practice. Let's concentrate on what we have and not worry about what everyone else has. I would venture to say that my life will get more peaceful the more I practice that.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Spurring on others
I don't know about you, but I, sometimes, need a little encouragement, some motivation. There are often things that need to be done and I just can't see to find the motivation to get it done. Maybe it is the shutters on the house that need some freshening, or maybe it is that project for the church that needs finishing or maybe it is some other little something that I need a little spurring to accomplish.
Spurring, that's the key. You ever watch bareback rodeo? The cowboys spur the horses to get them to jump and spin and try to throw them off. Why? Because, I'd imagine, being spurred hurts like the dickens, and when you are spurred, you jump to action. When the horses jump to action, the cowboys can make better scores and maybe win a shiny belt buckle and lots of money.
Today's word comes from Hebrews 10:24, NIV, which reads, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."
I bet there are a lot of things that we could accomplish if only we had someone spurring us on. I know if someone was spurring me that I would probably move a little faster and accomplish a little more. Now, I wouldn't spur me while I was on the ladder trying to clean the shutters. However, spurring me to get up the ladder might work.
We all need a little encouragement and motivation. Let's consider how w might encourage and motivate one another to do good things in love. And, if you don't mind, let's leave the spurs at home.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Spurring, that's the key. You ever watch bareback rodeo? The cowboys spur the horses to get them to jump and spin and try to throw them off. Why? Because, I'd imagine, being spurred hurts like the dickens, and when you are spurred, you jump to action. When the horses jump to action, the cowboys can make better scores and maybe win a shiny belt buckle and lots of money.
Today's word comes from Hebrews 10:24, NIV, which reads, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."
I bet there are a lot of things that we could accomplish if only we had someone spurring us on. I know if someone was spurring me that I would probably move a little faster and accomplish a little more. Now, I wouldn't spur me while I was on the ladder trying to clean the shutters. However, spurring me to get up the ladder might work.
We all need a little encouragement and motivation. Let's consider how w might encourage and motivate one another to do good things in love. And, if you don't mind, let's leave the spurs at home.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, May 12, 2014
I can be quite useless
We all have our strengths and weaknesses. I know that I have far more weaknesses than strengths but there are a few things that I am fairly decent at. I can really eat. I can really talk. I can, sometimes, sleep pretty well. And, that about sums up my strengths.
It is important that we make ourselves useful. The old saying is that GOD doesn't call the able; He enables the called. GOD doesn't need what you CAN do; He needs your willingness to do what He wants you to do. Once we surrender our selfish desires to be noticed or to be popular or to be whatever, we will find that GOD can use us.
Today's word comes from Philemon 1(there is only one chapter), 11, NIV, which reads, "Formerly he (Onesimus) was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me."
Whatever Onesimus once was, he had surrendered his selfish desires to become useful. Paul tells Philemon that while Onesimus was once useless, he has become useful.
I may not have the most talent or the most money or the most anything, but if I will make myself available by surrendering to GOD'S will, I might just find I can be useful. I can still be quite useless but I truly want to be useful. Don't you?
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
It is important that we make ourselves useful. The old saying is that GOD doesn't call the able; He enables the called. GOD doesn't need what you CAN do; He needs your willingness to do what He wants you to do. Once we surrender our selfish desires to be noticed or to be popular or to be whatever, we will find that GOD can use us.
Today's word comes from Philemon 1(there is only one chapter), 11, NIV, which reads, "Formerly he (Onesimus) was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me."
Whatever Onesimus once was, he had surrendered his selfish desires to become useful. Paul tells Philemon that while Onesimus was once useless, he has become useful.
I may not have the most talent or the most money or the most anything, but if I will make myself available by surrendering to GOD'S will, I might just find I can be useful. I can still be quite useless but I truly want to be useful. Don't you?
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Setting an example
It has been said, and I have found it to be true, that a smart man learns from his mistakes but a wise man learns from the mistakes of others. I can tell you that I am not the wisest guy out there. I have made a lot of mistakes, even after seeing someone else make one. Yet, I want to set a good example.
I want to live a completely anonymous life and die and go to Heaven. However, I do want to leave a legacy for those who may come after me, those that I may have had some influence in their lives. I want them to know that I was a man of integrity. Someone that that you could trust, and someone that stood for what was right regardless of opinion.
Today's word is from Titus 2:7 & 8a, NIV, which reads, "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned..."
Paul exhorted Titus to set an example by doing good. That is my desire. I want to set an example for others, not just by my words but also by my actions. I want to not only do good; I want to be good. Well, as good as I can be.
But, what we say is important too. Note that Paul tells Titus to teach with integrity and seriousness and soundness so that what we say cannot be condemned. I want to speech the truth at all times, with tact and diplomacy when appropriate.
Anyway, I want to set a good example. I want others to be able to learn from not only my mistakes, but, also from the good things I might do occasionally. Set a good example...
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I want to live a completely anonymous life and die and go to Heaven. However, I do want to leave a legacy for those who may come after me, those that I may have had some influence in their lives. I want them to know that I was a man of integrity. Someone that that you could trust, and someone that stood for what was right regardless of opinion.
Today's word is from Titus 2:7 & 8a, NIV, which reads, "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned..."
Paul exhorted Titus to set an example by doing good. That is my desire. I want to set an example for others, not just by my words but also by my actions. I want to not only do good; I want to be good. Well, as good as I can be.
But, what we say is important too. Note that Paul tells Titus to teach with integrity and seriousness and soundness so that what we say cannot be condemned. I want to speech the truth at all times, with tact and diplomacy when appropriate.
Anyway, I want to set a good example. I want others to be able to learn from not only my mistakes, but, also from the good things I might do occasionally. Set a good example...
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
It's in the book
Teaching youth taught me more than I could ever convey to anyone. I am absolutely sure that I learned way more than I ever taught. It is true that you learn more teaching than you will ever learning listening.
One of my favorite things to teach youth, and anyone for that matter, is that ALL the answers to ALL of life's questions are in the BOOK. Everything you need to know about anything can be found in the Holy Bible. You want to know how to handle money, conflict, relationships, etc., it is in the Book.
Today's word is from 2 Timothy 2:15, KJV, which reads, "Study to shew thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
You see, one Wednesday night, while teaching the Youth that all the answers were in the book, one young person asked if the Bible could help her pass her science test tomorrow. I told that the answer to her question was certainly in the Bible. Then, I quoted her today's scripture, "STUDY to shew thyself approved..." While the specific answers to the specific science test questions weren't going to be found in the Book, the answer to how to pass her test was - STUDY.
The only way to ever learn anything about anything is to study something about it. If you want to know what is pleasing to GOD and how to go about doing those things, study His word, which tells us what He has planned for us. Yeah, it's all in the BOOK, and it begins with STUDY.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
One of my favorite things to teach youth, and anyone for that matter, is that ALL the answers to ALL of life's questions are in the BOOK. Everything you need to know about anything can be found in the Holy Bible. You want to know how to handle money, conflict, relationships, etc., it is in the Book.
Today's word is from 2 Timothy 2:15, KJV, which reads, "Study to shew thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
You see, one Wednesday night, while teaching the Youth that all the answers were in the book, one young person asked if the Bible could help her pass her science test tomorrow. I told that the answer to her question was certainly in the Bible. Then, I quoted her today's scripture, "STUDY to shew thyself approved..." While the specific answers to the specific science test questions weren't going to be found in the Book, the answer to how to pass her test was - STUDY.
The only way to ever learn anything about anything is to study something about it. If you want to know what is pleasing to GOD and how to go about doing those things, study His word, which tells us what He has planned for us. Yeah, it's all in the BOOK, and it begins with STUDY.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Providing
My Pops was a guy that did all he could to provide for his family. He never made a lot of money; his highest hourly rate was probably $7.50. Yet, he and my Mom kept a roof over our heads, food on the table, clothes on our backs, and so much more.
In this age of dead beat dads and moms, I can't help but think of the sacrifices made by my parents and so many others. They took their responsibility seriously, and did what they were supposed to do. I pray each day that I can live up to that standard.
Today's word is from 1 Timothy 5:8, NIV, which reads, "Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own households, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."
There is a spiritual and moral obligation to take care of our families. Regardless of today's society and the belief that it is okay to not hold up your end, the fact is that we are each individually and collectively responsible to take care of the ones GOD has placed in our care. The verse tells us that if we don't, we have denied the faith and we are WORSE than an unbeliever.
The Bible tells us that if we know what to do and don't do it, it is SIN. So, we are acting as unbelievers when we don't fulfill our responsibilities. And, here is the rest of that...it's not just monetarily. We need to provide for those we love spiritually, morally, practically. We need to prepare our little ones, and all those we come across, to face a world in which it is abnormal to care about modesty and others. However, it is still the right thing to do to be modest and care about others. Let's take the time to provide for others, especially those whom GOD has given us.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
In this age of dead beat dads and moms, I can't help but think of the sacrifices made by my parents and so many others. They took their responsibility seriously, and did what they were supposed to do. I pray each day that I can live up to that standard.
Today's word is from 1 Timothy 5:8, NIV, which reads, "Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own households, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."
There is a spiritual and moral obligation to take care of our families. Regardless of today's society and the belief that it is okay to not hold up your end, the fact is that we are each individually and collectively responsible to take care of the ones GOD has placed in our care. The verse tells us that if we don't, we have denied the faith and we are WORSE than an unbeliever.
The Bible tells us that if we know what to do and don't do it, it is SIN. So, we are acting as unbelievers when we don't fulfill our responsibilities. And, here is the rest of that...it's not just monetarily. We need to provide for those we love spiritually, morally, practically. We need to prepare our little ones, and all those we come across, to face a world in which it is abnormal to care about modesty and others. However, it is still the right thing to do to be modest and care about others. Let's take the time to provide for others, especially those whom GOD has given us.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, May 5, 2014
Stand firm
I am a tad stubborn. I have probably shared before that my Mom calls me stubborn, my wife calls me hard headed, and the pastor calls me steadfast. I am all of those ant then some. I am not prone to give in or give up. When I believe I am right, I will fight you to the bitter end, without begging or backing down. I am not bragging about that, just stating facts.
However, there is a time and place for everything. Everyone needs to have those things that they believe in and will not give up on no matter what. The one that comes to mind is their faith in JESUS. I may not know how it all works but I know Whom I have believed, and I know that He is able to deliver on every promise ever made. He does not change; He cannot lie.
Today's word is from 2 Thessalonians 2:15, NIV, which reads, "So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter."
Paul was admonishing the Thessalonicans to hold fast, to hold on to, to not let go of the sound doctrine, the teachings, he had passed on to them. So many people allow themselves to be led astray by bogus and false doctrines. So many people will just follow along, without following up. When someone tells you something that doesn't sound exactly right, take the time to compare it to what you KNOW.
I know that my SAVIOR lives. I know that He died for my sins and rose again. I know that He sits on the right hand of the Father making intercession for me. I know that I will spend eternity with Him. I know that He has put me here for such a time as this, and I need to be diligent to follow His plan and to follow through with His will. Yeah, that I KNOW! And, I will stand firm!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
However, there is a time and place for everything. Everyone needs to have those things that they believe in and will not give up on no matter what. The one that comes to mind is their faith in JESUS. I may not know how it all works but I know Whom I have believed, and I know that He is able to deliver on every promise ever made. He does not change; He cannot lie.
Today's word is from 2 Thessalonians 2:15, NIV, which reads, "So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter."
Paul was admonishing the Thessalonicans to hold fast, to hold on to, to not let go of the sound doctrine, the teachings, he had passed on to them. So many people allow themselves to be led astray by bogus and false doctrines. So many people will just follow along, without following up. When someone tells you something that doesn't sound exactly right, take the time to compare it to what you KNOW.
I know that my SAVIOR lives. I know that He died for my sins and rose again. I know that He sits on the right hand of the Father making intercession for me. I know that I will spend eternity with Him. I know that He has put me here for such a time as this, and I need to be diligent to follow His plan and to follow through with His will. Yeah, that I KNOW! And, I will stand firm!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, May 2, 2014
Overflowing Love
Ever been watching a news story about someone so far away and, yet, you felt such a connection for? I mean, you feel for the person in the story. You cry for the person in the story. You begin praying for the person you see that you know you will never meet. That, my friend, is Christian compassion and love.
I don't know how people can see some of the things in this world and not see GOD working through others here to make this world a better place. When we love the LORD, we find it impossible not to love each other. Now, that doesn't mean that we like each other or that we like everything that everyone does, but it does mean that we have love one for another.
Today's word is from 1 Thessalonians 3:12, NIV, which reads, "May the LORD make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you."
When we have GOD'S love in us, we can't help but to feel for and love others. But, look at how Paul writes to the Thessalonicans. He prays that the LORD will make their love increase and OVERFLOW for each other and for everyone else. An overflowing love can't help but to fall on others. And, when it does, it grows and multiplies and continues to cover others. Then, just like the old shampoo commercial, it covers two people and they cover two people and they cover two people and so on and so on and so on....
May our love increase.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I don't know how people can see some of the things in this world and not see GOD working through others here to make this world a better place. When we love the LORD, we find it impossible not to love each other. Now, that doesn't mean that we like each other or that we like everything that everyone does, but it does mean that we have love one for another.
Today's word is from 1 Thessalonians 3:12, NIV, which reads, "May the LORD make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you."
When we have GOD'S love in us, we can't help but to feel for and love others. But, look at how Paul writes to the Thessalonicans. He prays that the LORD will make their love increase and OVERFLOW for each other and for everyone else. An overflowing love can't help but to fall on others. And, when it does, it grows and multiplies and continues to cover others. Then, just like the old shampoo commercial, it covers two people and they cover two people and they cover two people and so on and so on and so on....
May our love increase.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, May 1, 2014
My Inheritance
Have you seen the bumper sticker or the tag that reads, "I am spending my children's inheritance"? As for ours, there isn't going to be much to inherit. Hopefully, we will get the mortgage on the house paid eventually and that will become some inheritance. Not much, but some. As for wealth, we don't have much monetarily, so, I don't see us leaving much to our heirs. They will probably fight over the three dollars we leave but that will be their problem, not mine.
What I do hope and pray I leave behind is a legacy of the inheritance I know awaits me in Heaven. It isn't just my inheritance though. It is the inheritance of all born again believers.
Today's word is from Colossians 3:24, New Living Translation, which reads, "Remember that the LORD will give you and inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is CHRIST."
If you ever find yourself upset that everyone else seems to have EVERYTHING and that you seem to have so little, it is time to remember where your inheritance lies. Our inheritance, as Christians, is reserved for us in Heaven. We may not have much here but we will have it ALL there. And, why will we receive it? Because we are good and worthy? No, because JESUS loves us and He will reward us for accepting His gift of salvation. It's all about serving the Master, JESUS CHRIST.
You may not have a great inheritance to leave here. You may never receive a great inheritance here. Leave a legacy of faithful service to GOD so that others will know that your inheritance is yet to come.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
What I do hope and pray I leave behind is a legacy of the inheritance I know awaits me in Heaven. It isn't just my inheritance though. It is the inheritance of all born again believers.
Today's word is from Colossians 3:24, New Living Translation, which reads, "Remember that the LORD will give you and inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is CHRIST."
If you ever find yourself upset that everyone else seems to have EVERYTHING and that you seem to have so little, it is time to remember where your inheritance lies. Our inheritance, as Christians, is reserved for us in Heaven. We may not have much here but we will have it ALL there. And, why will we receive it? Because we are good and worthy? No, because JESUS loves us and He will reward us for accepting His gift of salvation. It's all about serving the Master, JESUS CHRIST.
You may not have a great inheritance to leave here. You may never receive a great inheritance here. Leave a legacy of faithful service to GOD so that others will know that your inheritance is yet to come.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
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