I have mentioned on a few occasions how we all like to get a little recognition for the hard work and effort we put forth. It's nice to be noticed and appreciated for doing what you are supposed to do and then some. There are a lot of times that it seems that others take credit for your hard work or that you don't get the accolades you deserve for doing such a stupendous job.
I am sure that we have all felt that way at some time or another in our lives. I am sure that we have all wondered how it was even remotely fair for all the recognition to go to someone else and all the non-recognition to be ours. However, take comfort that the ONE that really matters sees all your hard work.
Today's word is 2 Chronicles 16:9a, NIV, which reads, "For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him..."
While it may appear that no one sees your efforts, no one sees your perseverance, no one sees your attention to details, no one recognizes your accomplishments, rest assured that the ONE that really matters sees it all. He knows how hard you've tried; He knows the effort you put forth; He knows the integrity in which you operate; He knows all you've done because He watches every move.
When it feels as if I am not getting a fair shake and that I am not appreciated for all that I do, I am going to try to keep this verse in mind. It is nice to receive praise for you effort; it's nicer to know that GOD is the ultimate Judge, and He sees all.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Each Morning and Evening
How often do you thank GOD? Is it more often than you ask for something? If you're anything like me, the answer is no. I tend to ask for way more than I ever give thanks for. I know, it's a shame. I have been blessed beyond my wildest imagination, yet, I tend to ask for more than I give thanks for. I'm working on that.
I have been trying to make a conscious effort to thank GOD for all He has bestowed upon me. I have mentioned before that if I really started trying to thank GOD for all His blessings, I would never finish. The blessings that come from the every day are more than I can ever express and, still, He gives me even more. But, I'm trying...
Today's word is 1 Chronicles 23:30, NLT, which reads, "And each morning and evening they stood before the LORD to sing songs of thanks and praise to Him."
As I mentioned, I am trying to more conscious of my thanksgiving; GOD certainly deserves it. Today's word is a reminder to me to put forth the effort to acknowledge all the great things GOD gives me DAILY. I do request a lot; I want to praise and thank Him a lot too.
Join with me in this goal to thank GOD each morning and evening for His goodness, mercy, and grace. I would dare say that we all have more to be thankful for than we thank Him for. I know I certainly do.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I have been trying to make a conscious effort to thank GOD for all He has bestowed upon me. I have mentioned before that if I really started trying to thank GOD for all His blessings, I would never finish. The blessings that come from the every day are more than I can ever express and, still, He gives me even more. But, I'm trying...
Today's word is 1 Chronicles 23:30, NLT, which reads, "And each morning and evening they stood before the LORD to sing songs of thanks and praise to Him."
As I mentioned, I am trying to more conscious of my thanksgiving; GOD certainly deserves it. Today's word is a reminder to me to put forth the effort to acknowledge all the great things GOD gives me DAILY. I do request a lot; I want to praise and thank Him a lot too.
Join with me in this goal to thank GOD each morning and evening for His goodness, mercy, and grace. I would dare say that we all have more to be thankful for than we thank Him for. I know I certainly do.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
He will supply
I heard Dr. David Jeremiah on the radio this morning preaching about worry and how worry accomplishes nothing but an early grave (my paraphrasing, of course). We all tend to worry, everyone. There seems to be enough in this world to be concerned about - our kids, their futures, college, overwhelming debt, sicknesses, illnesses, and the list goes on. Needless to say, there is something to worry about if that is your chosen pastime.
But, why worry? Even as I write this I know that I am as guilty of it as anyone. But, why? Why Worry? What does worry accomplish? Now, GOD expects us to do our part; we need to make sure that we are faithful and that we aren't doing all the wrong things. And, if we are doing that, GOD will take care of the rest.
Today's word comes from 2 Kings 4:6, NIV, which reads, "When all the jars were full, she said to her son, 'Bring me another one.' But he replied, 'There is not a jar left.' Then the oil stopped flowing."
The story from 2 Kings 4 tells of a widow whose sons were about to be taken as collateral by her deceased husband's creditors for debts. She was desperate. What could she do? Elisha asked what she had and she told him just a little oil. He told her to go to her neighbors and ask for every available jar, not just a few, but for every jar she could get her hands on. Then, go inside and start filling those jars with the oil from her, what she thought, limited supply. When she faithfully did what she was instructed to do, she filled every jar until there were NONE left. She was then instructed to sell the oil and pay her indebtedness. But, it didn't stop there. Not only did she pay her indebtedness, verse 7 finishes with, "You and your sons can live on what is left."
We serve an AWESOME GOD! Whatever concerns you have, give them to GOD. Yes, I have my worries and concerns. No, I don't always give them all to GOD. Yes, I know that worry is doing no one any good, especially me. I need to be reminded by stories like today's; reminded that He will supply.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
But, why worry? Even as I write this I know that I am as guilty of it as anyone. But, why? Why Worry? What does worry accomplish? Now, GOD expects us to do our part; we need to make sure that we are faithful and that we aren't doing all the wrong things. And, if we are doing that, GOD will take care of the rest.
Today's word comes from 2 Kings 4:6, NIV, which reads, "When all the jars were full, she said to her son, 'Bring me another one.' But he replied, 'There is not a jar left.' Then the oil stopped flowing."
The story from 2 Kings 4 tells of a widow whose sons were about to be taken as collateral by her deceased husband's creditors for debts. She was desperate. What could she do? Elisha asked what she had and she told him just a little oil. He told her to go to her neighbors and ask for every available jar, not just a few, but for every jar she could get her hands on. Then, go inside and start filling those jars with the oil from her, what she thought, limited supply. When she faithfully did what she was instructed to do, she filled every jar until there were NONE left. She was then instructed to sell the oil and pay her indebtedness. But, it didn't stop there. Not only did she pay her indebtedness, verse 7 finishes with, "You and your sons can live on what is left."
We serve an AWESOME GOD! Whatever concerns you have, give them to GOD. Yes, I have my worries and concerns. No, I don't always give them all to GOD. Yes, I know that worry is doing no one any good, especially me. I need to be reminded by stories like today's; reminded that He will supply.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, June 6, 2016
What would I ask for?
Have you ever played the game, "What would you wish for if you could have anything you want?" I think we all have at some time or another. It is an interesting question to pose and an interesting question to answer. I mean, if you could have ANY thing you might ask for, what might you ask for?
Some would request money, money, money. Some would want fame and fortune. Some would ask for long life. Maybe others would ask for more time with a loved one or that their loved one would receive what they needed.
Today's word is from 1 Kings 3:9, NLT, which reads, "Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern Your people well and know the difference between right and wrong..."
Solomon was praying for GOD to give him wisdom and understanding. He could have asked for anything, like I so often do, but what he asked for was discernment, to determine what was right and wrong in order to rule and govern the way GOD wanted him to. I'd like to think that I would do the right thing and ask for the right thing and do good with my "one wish" but I don't really know; my prayers don't always show that side of me. My prayers are often much more selfish and self-serving.
If you read the rest of this account, you will see that GOD was pleased with Solomon's request and made him the wisest person that ever lived or that will ever live. But, He didn't stop there. GOD also gave Solomon what he didn't ask for: long life, wealth, prosperity, honor.
I am going to try to keep this account in mind when I pray. GOD knows my heart, and I want my heart to be in tune with His.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Some would request money, money, money. Some would want fame and fortune. Some would ask for long life. Maybe others would ask for more time with a loved one or that their loved one would receive what they needed.
Today's word is from 1 Kings 3:9, NLT, which reads, "Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern Your people well and know the difference between right and wrong..."
Solomon was praying for GOD to give him wisdom and understanding. He could have asked for anything, like I so often do, but what he asked for was discernment, to determine what was right and wrong in order to rule and govern the way GOD wanted him to. I'd like to think that I would do the right thing and ask for the right thing and do good with my "one wish" but I don't really know; my prayers don't always show that side of me. My prayers are often much more selfish and self-serving.
If you read the rest of this account, you will see that GOD was pleased with Solomon's request and made him the wisest person that ever lived or that will ever live. But, He didn't stop there. GOD also gave Solomon what he didn't ask for: long life, wealth, prosperity, honor.
I am going to try to keep this account in mind when I pray. GOD knows my heart, and I want my heart to be in tune with His.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, June 3, 2016
Let's Dance
Ever hear a catchy tune and before you can think about your self-consciousness you find yourself dancing? Yeah, my dancing lacks a lot to be desired - A LOT. But, every now and then, when I least expect it, I will find myself cutting a rug. When things make you happy, really happy, it is hard to hide the joy.
Now, some people may find it offensive to dance at any time, and I don't just mean my dancing. I mean, some people think that any kind of dancing is wrong. Well, I won't argue with anyone's beliefs but I can tell you that, sometimes, GOD gives me such joy that I cannot not dance. King David had one of those experiences...
Today's word is 2 Samuel 6:14, NLT, which reads, "And David danced before the LORD with all his might..."
David had experienced GOD'S blessings in such a way that he couldn't contain his joy, and he danced. Now, I don't think David was dancing like a junior high young man at his first school dance. No, I think David DANCED. The verse tells us that he danced with all his might. David was dancing and expressing the joy in his heart. And, GOD loved it.
The next time GOD pours you out a blessing that you can handle contain, cut loose. Not to be an outward display for anyone, not to make a spectacle of yourself, and not to try to bring attention to yourself, but if GOD gives you the urge to dance, dance. GOD is good - all the time! And, all the time, GOD is good! Let's dance!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Now, some people may find it offensive to dance at any time, and I don't just mean my dancing. I mean, some people think that any kind of dancing is wrong. Well, I won't argue with anyone's beliefs but I can tell you that, sometimes, GOD gives me such joy that I cannot not dance. King David had one of those experiences...
Today's word is 2 Samuel 6:14, NLT, which reads, "And David danced before the LORD with all his might..."
David had experienced GOD'S blessings in such a way that he couldn't contain his joy, and he danced. Now, I don't think David was dancing like a junior high young man at his first school dance. No, I think David DANCED. The verse tells us that he danced with all his might. David was dancing and expressing the joy in his heart. And, GOD loved it.
The next time GOD pours you out a blessing that you can handle contain, cut loose. Not to be an outward display for anyone, not to make a spectacle of yourself, and not to try to bring attention to yourself, but if GOD gives you the urge to dance, dance. GOD is good - all the time! And, all the time, GOD is good! Let's dance!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Be Faithful
There are so many distractions in life. No matter where you turn or where you go or what you do or what you look at, there's something there to try and cause you to fail. It's easy, especially when you are tired or weak or worn or frazzled or stressed or worried to let your guard down and be led astray. It's also easy to be led astray when you are looking for an ego boost or when you are power hungry.
There have been countless examples of folks that started out well but began to take their eyes off GOD and His plan and started trying to fuel their own desires and egos. I won't name names because we should pray for one another, and they have had to deal with the fallout. But, suffice it to say that it is when we begin to think we have "arrived", when we begin to think that we don't need GOD, when we begin to think that we are "all that and a falafel" that we may find ourselves losing more than we ever imagined.
Today's word is 1 Samuel 13:14, NIV, which reads, "But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler of His people, BECAUSE you have not kept the LORD'S command."
Saul was king and had gotten to a point that he was jealous of David. Saul didn't like the way folks talked so highly of David and how David had received accolades for being faithful (yes, David had his own problems later). So, Saul decided he would do things his way to prove that he was KING, that he was powerful; he wanted to boost his own ego instead of advancing GOD'S kingdom. And, because of his selfish desires, he lost it all.
GOD has something for us all to do. Others may receive accolades and pats on the back and countless other earthly praises. I admit that it gets to us all from time to time to not get the credit that we feel we deserve. Yet, I want to be found faithful. I want GOD to use me as He sees fit. I want to be His servant, a man after His own heart.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
There have been countless examples of folks that started out well but began to take their eyes off GOD and His plan and started trying to fuel their own desires and egos. I won't name names because we should pray for one another, and they have had to deal with the fallout. But, suffice it to say that it is when we begin to think we have "arrived", when we begin to think that we don't need GOD, when we begin to think that we are "all that and a falafel" that we may find ourselves losing more than we ever imagined.
Today's word is 1 Samuel 13:14, NIV, which reads, "But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler of His people, BECAUSE you have not kept the LORD'S command."
Saul was king and had gotten to a point that he was jealous of David. Saul didn't like the way folks talked so highly of David and how David had received accolades for being faithful (yes, David had his own problems later). So, Saul decided he would do things his way to prove that he was KING, that he was powerful; he wanted to boost his own ego instead of advancing GOD'S kingdom. And, because of his selfish desires, he lost it all.
GOD has something for us all to do. Others may receive accolades and pats on the back and countless other earthly praises. I admit that it gets to us all from time to time to not get the credit that we feel we deserve. Yet, I want to be found faithful. I want GOD to use me as He sees fit. I want to be His servant, a man after His own heart.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
May the LORD repay you
I have a really good friend that will often say, "Thanks will have to do until you get better pay in Heaven." What he means by that is that he doesn't have a lot of money to pay you for helping him with things but he sincerely appreciates the assistance and better pay (rewards) will come. But, I think it is far deeper than even he realizes.
What if we truly did everything as if we were doing it for GOD. Would we really be overly concerned about the pay or the recognition? Would we really be concerned about the notoriety or publicity? Would we really be concerned about getting credit or self-promotion? No, we would be humbled by the fact that GOD found us worthy enough to be useful.
Today's word is Ruth 2:12, NLT, which reads, "May the LORD, the GOD of Israel, under Whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done."
Again, I have to make a certain amount of money in order to provide the necessities for my family. I would be less of a man if I didn't provide for my family. However, what if I truly keep in mind that GOD is going to give me my final "paycheck"? And, it's not going to be dollars and cents - it's going to be motives and intents. What if GOD "rewards you fully for what you have done", the good and the bad?
I want to please my LORD by working hard and diligently in whatever area He desires. I want Him to be pleased with my efforts and to see that I am trying to do all things for His glory. Do I fail? You betcha. Do I want to do better? You betcha. Why? Because the LORD will reward me FULLY for ALL that I do. I want to please Him.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
What if we truly did everything as if we were doing it for GOD. Would we really be overly concerned about the pay or the recognition? Would we really be concerned about the notoriety or publicity? Would we really be concerned about getting credit or self-promotion? No, we would be humbled by the fact that GOD found us worthy enough to be useful.
Today's word is Ruth 2:12, NLT, which reads, "May the LORD, the GOD of Israel, under Whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done."
Again, I have to make a certain amount of money in order to provide the necessities for my family. I would be less of a man if I didn't provide for my family. However, what if I truly keep in mind that GOD is going to give me my final "paycheck"? And, it's not going to be dollars and cents - it's going to be motives and intents. What if GOD "rewards you fully for what you have done", the good and the bad?
I want to please my LORD by working hard and diligently in whatever area He desires. I want Him to be pleased with my efforts and to see that I am trying to do all things for His glory. Do I fail? You betcha. Do I want to do better? You betcha. Why? Because the LORD will reward me FULLY for ALL that I do. I want to please Him.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
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