Tuesday, March 31, 2020

He is our Hope

Times have certainly been a little different lately, and I know that I am not telling you anything you don't know. So many in my family are without work currently, which we all hope will be very temporary. Things are difficult to find at the supermarket, which we hope will be very temporary, too. The biggest thing, however is taking precautions to protect the ones we love.

We are certainly trying to take every precaution, and trying to follow guidelines and suggestions but, every now and then, we feel the need to get out, especially our two (2) little ones. So, when that urge hits, we have been known to jump in the vehicle and go look at empty houses in our area. It is outside, the is no one else around, we get to move a little, and we see something different, what little you can see through a window that is.

Today's word is Psalm 38:15, NKJV, which reads,  "For in You, O LORD, I hope: You will hear, O LORD my GOD."

During this time of extreme uncertainty and uneasiness, as in all other times, my faith is in the LORD. Did He cause the pandemic we are in? NO. Will He see us through and help  us navigate through it? YES. Our only hope is in Him.

While we continue to progress through this period, I will continue to trust and hope in my LORD. He hears us, He knows our needs,  He is our provider and sustainer, He is our hope.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Brag about Him

I don't have much to boast about. I have shared before that I am pretty average: average intelligence, average looking, average build, not a lot of talent in any particular area - just average. Now, I have been a part of some pretty exciting and unexpected things but, again, nothing I did personally is worth bragging about.

I am not saying that I don't have things to brag about. I have a beautiful and godly and wonderful wife. We have two (2) beautiful and talented and healthy children that amaze us each and every day. We have been blessed beyond measure; I certainly have. So, allow me to boast a little - on GOD.

Today's word is Psalm 44:8, NKJV, which reads, "In GOD we boast all day long, And praise Your name forever."

I do want you to know that I boast about my GOD, my SAVIOR, my LORD. He has done so much for me that I can't help but tell you about it. Yes, He has given me my wife and children and health and everything else. But, more than that, He has provided a way for me to be adopted into His family and to become His child. I am a child of THE KING - that is something to boast about!

Things are certainly in a state of turmoil and uncertainty right now. I don't know that anyone knows what we are doing, what we are going to do, even what we need to do. What I do know is that none of this caught GOD by surprise. He is still GOD. He is still working it all out. He is still working it all out for my good. He is still on the throne. He is still in control. He is still providing grace for each day. Go brag about Him!

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Monday, March 23, 2020

Including You

There are lots of things in this world that try to get our attention, our focus. Man, have you heard some of the vehicle offers going on right now? How about offers for travel? There is always some offer for a new credit card or a new line of credit. Oh, and don't forget about all the premium channels on television that you can get a special deal on (this month only).

We are bombarded by things every day that are meant to attract our attention. We see things and hear things multiple times each day that can easily distract us, if we allow them to. These distractions, in and of themselves, are not bad. They can actually be a welcomed respite from all that is happening around us from time to time. However...

Today's word is 1 John 2:16, KJV, which reads, "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."

When we allow the distractions to draw our attention, our focus, off of JESUS and His will for our lives, they become a problem. There is nothing wrong with wanting a new vehicle, a new house, the latest kitchen gadget, but, when we allow those things to become more important than serving the LORD and doing His will, we have allowed those things to become our GOD.

With all that is going on around us at this particular time and season, it is easy to get distracted and discouraged. BUT, don't let the things of this world, the good nor the bad, distract you from the One that has it all and holds it all in the palm of His hand, including you.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

I want to earn it

I have worked all for what seems like all my life, as I am sure most of us have. All I know is to work for, and to earn things. I have been very blessed to be able to work and earn a living; a blessing many would love to have. And, over time, Trish and I have been able to purchase a home and provide for our children. We pay our tithes, and GOD has tremendously blessed the rest.

We have never had a lot of money, and certainly never a lot at once. We have never cashed a check for thousands of dollars, never won any kind of sweepstakes or lottery, never had a large sum of money fall into our laps. We have also never stolen anyone's money, never run a ponzi scheme, never tried to take anything that isn't ours.

Today's word is a simple reminder about working for and earning things. Proverbs 13:11, NLT, which reads, "Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time."

I've known several people who have come into rather large sums of money from settlements and such that didn't have a single penny of it within weeks. I think it is easy to get rid of money we don't have to "work" for, the ol' "found money". But, I also believe it is a little easier to hold onto the money we toil for. And, as our passage reminds us, the wealth from hard work grows over time.

I don't really know what had me on this subject today, other than I read the verse and thought it was a good reminder. Look, there is nothing wrong with working hard and earning a living. There is nothing wrong with striving to be good stewards of what GOD gives us. I don't want to take what belongs to someone else. As long as GOD allows me to be physically able, I want to earn it.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Got Questions? Ask GOD

Man, I am, sometimes, not very wise. I have made some really bad, bone-headed decisions in my life. None that I am proud of, none that I would recommend, none that I will probably repeat, but, the fact is that I have made aplenty.

We all make bad decisions. We all make mistakes. As I have shared before, show me someone who doesn't make mistakes and I will show you someone who doesn't do anything. But, what I have learned from all the mistakes I have made is that I could use a lot of wisdom, especially when it comes to decision making. So, where do we get wisdom?

Today's word is very familiar. It is James 1:5, NLT, which reads, "If you need wisdom, ask our generous GOD, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking."

I remind myself all the time that every answer you will ever need is in the Holy Bible. And, if I can't figure out a passage, what it is trying to speak to me, I can ask others, and get his/her opinion(s). OR, I can ask GOD, the Author of the Bible, and He will reveal to me what the passage is saying to me. And, He is a loving Father, Who doesn't mind my asking. He expects it and welcomes it.

Got some decisions to make? Well, while I am the worst about giving advice, and taking it, please allow me to ask, "Have you prayed about it?" Our Father, in Heaven, cares about us and wants the best things for us. If we will ask Him what He wants us to do and where He wants us to do it and how He wants us to do it, He will tell us. Got Questions? Ask GOD.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Monday, March 16, 2020

I have everything

Continuing from the last post, things have certainly progressed. We are starting to see the number of COVID-19 cases accelerate. Now, that is to be expected. Basic math and human behavior tells us that if twenty (20) people are sick, and those 20 know ten (10) people each, and those 10 know 10, then, the number of cases are going to accelerate.

The uncertainty of schools closing, parents looking for childcare alternatives, businesses trying to best protect their employees and customers, churches having to make decisions about services and whether or not to congregate all makes for some really trying and difficult times. You add to this the fact that people are hoarding food and essential supplies and it can become almost overwhelming.

Today's word is Psalm 34:10b, NIV, which reads, "but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing."

For me, when things seem to be spiraling out of control and there doesn't seem to be much we can do to help the situation, I know that GOD has it all under control. He is not surprised by the COVID-19 virus, or by the reaction of others towards it. He is not surprised by the selfish nature of others in the name of "self-preservation". He is not surprised at the panic of others. He is still on the throne, and He is still providing for and meeting our every need.

I don't know how much worse the situation will get before it starts to become better. What I do know, without any doubt, is that GOD is still on my side, and He is still working all things for my good. With JESUS, I have everything.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Friday, March 13, 2020

Focus on GOD

Obviously, there is A LOT going on, with A LOT of uncertainty. This week has been very difficult to say the least, with all the Covid-19 news and the stock market tumbling, no spiraling, out of control, with seemingly no end in sight. We have seen the biggest college basketball tournament cancelled, the largest entertainment site in Florida close, markets losing huge percentages, and all of that can make us a little uneasy.

Then, the unknown of the Covid-19 virus, and when it is going to hit our area, how long it is going to last, how bad is it going to get. How much more will close? How is this going to affect our everyday living? Why are people buying all the toilet paper? Disinfecting wipes and such, I understand. But, toilet paper? Needless to say, there is a lot going on to attract our attention.

Today's word is Isaiah 26:3, NLT, which reads, "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!"

It is what we focus on that garners our attention. If we focus on all the noise and all the confusion and all the unknowns surrounding us, it can be overwhelming. However, if we will fix our eyes on GOD and know that He has this under control and that there is nothing to worry about, we won't be so overwhelmed with all the circumstances.

Not only will focusing on GOD take our focus off all that is going on, it will give us perfect peace. When things are falling apart or coming at us ninety to nothing, what we really need is to focus on GOD.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Will you answer the call?

Love is a verb, an action verb. I tell my children, and try to show them often, that love is not just a feeling, love should make us want to do something. Love should make us want to do things for those that we love, things that will make their lives better, easier, nicer, to help them have the feeling of love because they have seen love.

JESUS tells us that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments. And, that others will know we are His because we do what He has called us to do. And, what has He called us, commanded us to do? Well, first we are to love GOD with all we have: our heart, our soul, our strength, (our mind). And, we are to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Today's word is James 2:17, NASB, which reads, "Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself."

Just as love, faith, too, is an action verb. Don't take this the wrong way, you don't have to do anything to be saved except to accept JESUS as LORD and SAVIOR. It is by Grace through faith that you are saved, not of works, lest any man should boast. But, our faith should cause us to want to do things to share the Gospel with others, to love others, to lead others to a relationship with JESUS, to extend GOD'S kingdom. Our faith should call us to action.

I have mentioned it many times and don't want to beleaguer the point, but, it is absolutely true: GOD has a purpose and a plan for your life. He has something for you to do as His child to promote His Kingdom, and to lead others to Him. What your calling may be, I don't know. What I do know is that our faith should cause us to want to do something. Will you answer the call?

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Monday, March 9, 2020

He will help you

Have you ever had to call for help? Ever been in a situation that you needed assistance and all you could do is call out for someone to come help you? Maybe it was a serious situation and your life literally was in peril. Maybe it was a time when, if someone didn't step in to assist you, you were going to drop something and make a terrible mess. Maybe it was a time when you just couldn't figure a way out of a situation.

We all need help from time to time. We all find ourselves in the midst of circumstances that have put us in a place that we can't figure out on our own. We can sit and pout or we can ask for assistance. We can wait for time to fix the situation but, sometimes, we don't have the luxury of time; we need something to happen, and we need it to happen NOW!

Today's word is Psalm 81:7a, NASB, which reads, "You called in trouble and I rescued you..."

When it seems that we cannot find a solution, when we can't find an answer, when we can't find our way out, we can call on JESUS. Now, we shouldn't wait until we reach the end of our rope to reach out to GOD; that should really be our first thought. I pray daily that GOD will keep me from peril, that He will provide protection for my family and me. Yet, sometimes, there are still those days, those times, those situations, that we still find ourselves in need of help.Call on Him; He will help you!

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Friday, March 6, 2020

Think about that

It is very easy in this busy, chaotic, constantly moving world to feel as if we go unnoticed; that no one recognizes our existence. It is easy to think that no one thinks of us. I am probably guilty of causing others to feel that way...

I have always been a "no news is good news" guy. I don't often call just to see how things are going. I am the guy that figures that if you need something, you will let me know. Maybe part of it is the old, "Don't go borrowing trouble" mentality. But, I don't know that that is it. I think it truly is that I just don't think about it sometimes. It doesn't mean I don't care; it just means that I don't think. But, I can see how my not thinking can cause others to wonder if anyone thinks of them at all.

Today's word is Psalm 139:17, NLT, which reads, "How precious are Your thoughts about me, O GOD. They cannot be numbered!"

While people in our lives, people that we really care about, may let us down by not appearing to ever think of us, or call us, or whatever, GOD is thinking of us constantly. His thoughts about us are too many to be numbered. There is not a single second in our day that GOD isn't thinking about us and isn't working things for our good.

We will have those seasons in life when it feels as if we are all alone and that no one is thinking about us. But, it couldn't be less true! GOD, our FATHER, the GOD of the universe is constantly thinking about us! Constantly. We can go to Him and pour out our frustrations and worries and anxieties. And, if we will listen, He will speak to us and hold us and comfort us. We are NEVER not thought about. Think about that!

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Thursday, March 5, 2020

He can Comfort

Our hearts go out to the ones affected by the tornadoes in and around Nashville. I can't imagine what they are going through. I can't imagine the lose they are feeling. Not to sound selfish but I pray I never do. I do pray that GOD will be closer to them than they have ever felt before and that He will comfort them and lead them through this difficult time.

I also pray for all those affected by the coronavirus (Covid -19). It is a little uneasy knowing that this virus is out there that takes days to manifest and that is devastating lives. Again, I pray that my family and I are spared contact with the disease, and that those who have it get well quickly. I pray that those who don't have it don't get it, and that a cure is developed soon.

Today's word is Isaiah 51:12a, NASB, which reads, "I, even I, am He who comforts you..."

When there is no peace in this world, when there is no answer for all that is going on around us, all I know is that my help, my strength, my comfort comes from the LORD. I don't know what tomorrow may hold but I know that my today, my tomorrow, my eternity is held in His hand. And, His Word tells me that He is working all things for my good, which brings comfort.

There are lots of things going on in this world. Many people need our prayers and our help. We need to keep all these needs in mind and help where we can, when we can; that is what GOD has called us to do. Then, we can rest safely, securely, and calmly knowing that GOD is with us and that it is He that can comfort.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

My hope is in the LORD

People hope in a lot of things. They hope that the "lucky" rabbit's foot in their pocket will bring them "good luck". How lucky was the rabbit? I mean, it is, at least, missing a foot. I would say that the rabbit was pretty unlucky in one way or another.

Or, they hope that the lottery ticket they are holding in their hand is going to make them an instant millionaire. Hey, it happens. However, you are seven (7) times more likely to be struck by lightning than win the lottery. How many people do you know that have been struck by lightning? How many have been struck seven (7) times?

Today's word is Psalm 39:7, NLT, which reads, "And, so, LORD, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in You."

Don't get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with hoping for things. I hope that I am a good example for my children. I hope that I am the best husband my wife could ever imagine. I hope that I will one day get the chance to retire. I hope that we have enough money in retirement to enjoy retirement. I hope we get enough saved to really help with our kids' college costs. I hope they go to college, have fun, and get an employable degree. There is nothing wrong with hoping. However...

My hope is found in the LORD. He will help me to be a good example and a good husband. He will help us navigate our finances and plans for the future. He will help our children make good decision and will guide them into the place, the calling that He has for their lives. It isn't about hope; it's about Whom you place hope in. My hope is in the LORD!

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Monday, March 2, 2020

Loyal

I have probably shared before that my "button", the thing that I really strive for and I expect others to as well, is loyalty. I am a loyal guy; I expect others to be. I try my very best in every situation to be loyal to the ones I love and the things I believe in, especially when it comes to GOD and the things of GOD. I have failed Him countless times but I try to be loyal.

When I say loyalty, I mean that I expect people to be who they are no matter the situation, no matter who is or isn't present. I expect you to say to my face what you say to others about me behind my back. I expect when others say things about me that, before you say anything, you'll say that you are going to go to me and find out the truth. We all want loyalty.

Today's word is Psalm 51:10, NLT, which reads, "Create in me a clean heart, O GOD. Renew a loyal spirit within me."

My prayer, my desire, is to be found loyal to GOD. And, when I mess up, I pray for Him to forgive me, and to create in me a clean heart. I am no where close to Peter, but, much like Peter, when He denied JESUS, felt like a miserable failure, I, too, feel like a miserable failure when I dishonor GOD with disloyalty. I pray that He will forgive me and cleanse me. Then...

I want Him to renew my loyalty, to give me the strength and desire to persevere and withstand all those who are not kind to the faith. I want to have a resolve that says, "I am Yours come what may." As I have said before, when I stand before my LORD and SAVIOR, I want to be found faithful. I also want to be found loyal.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T