I like to do a good job. Well, I guess no one ever really sets out to do a bad job. What I mean, though, is that I consciously want to do a good job. I want to do my very best at whatever I am trying to do. I hate painting. I am really slow at it, it is time consuming, monotonous, and just really not my thing. Yet, if I am painting a wall, a window frame, or a spot on the wrought iron, I am going to try to do my very best.
Occasionally, when I do perform a decent job, someone will compliment my efforts and tell me that I have done well. But, not always. It's nice to be recognized for doing a good job. No one dislikes positive feedback and compliments. Yet, at times, even after doing your very best, it seems that it goes unnoticed.
Today's word is a quote I came across some time back that I don't know who said but it reminds me to always do my best: "Never stop doing your best just because someone doesn't give you credit."
If our only motivation for performing our best is the praise and compliments of others, we are going to wind up disappointed more times than not. As I mentioned, I try to do my best but not because I want others to notice. I try to do my best because I expect that of others. And, how can I expect others to do their best if I don't hold myself to that same standard?
So, it really comes down to your motivation for doing your best. Mine is pretty simple. I always try to remember that whatever I am doing, I am ultimately doing for GOD. While others may never notice my efforts, my efforts are never unnoticed by my Heavenly Father. I want to please Him. I want to hear Him say, "That is a job well done."
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Monday, July 24, 2017
He will repay you
In Children's Church yesterday, we discussed the Good Samaritan. I am sure you are familiar with the story: A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when a band of robbers attacked him, stole his money, beat him, and left him half dead. Well, a priest came along and saw this man but he didn't want to touch him and passed on by. Then, a Levite passed and he too didn't stop to help the guy. But...
But, a Samaritan, one that others looked down upon a social outcast so to speak, came along, saw the guy and stopped to help. Luke 10 tells us that this Samaritan cleaned him up, bandaged his wounds, put him on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day, when the Samaritan needed to be moving on, he gave the innkeeper about two days' wages and asked him to take care of the guy. But, he didn't stop there. He finished by telling the innkeeper that if that wasn't enough money to take care of everything, then, when he passed back through, he would pay the innkeeper back for any expense he incurred.
Today's word is Proverbs 19:17, NLT, which reads, "If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD---and He will repay you!"
While we don't know if this gentleman that fell among the thieves was poor or not, we do know that after his encounter he had nothing in which to help himself. He had reached a point that he was broken, wounded and poor. He had no means to pay for help, and he certainly couldn't help himself. Yet, GOD sent someone to help. And, this Samaritan helped without thought of repayment. Why? Because, he knew that GOD had given it to him, and if he used it for GOD'S work and for His plan, then, payback would come.
We must be wise and use discernment when it comes to people needing our help, our resources. However, if you ever feel GOD tugging at your heart to help someone, do it. The blessing isn't the one you give them, it is the one GOD will give you. Use what you have for His glory; He will repay you!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
But, a Samaritan, one that others looked down upon a social outcast so to speak, came along, saw the guy and stopped to help. Luke 10 tells us that this Samaritan cleaned him up, bandaged his wounds, put him on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day, when the Samaritan needed to be moving on, he gave the innkeeper about two days' wages and asked him to take care of the guy. But, he didn't stop there. He finished by telling the innkeeper that if that wasn't enough money to take care of everything, then, when he passed back through, he would pay the innkeeper back for any expense he incurred.
Today's word is Proverbs 19:17, NLT, which reads, "If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD---and He will repay you!"
While we don't know if this gentleman that fell among the thieves was poor or not, we do know that after his encounter he had nothing in which to help himself. He had reached a point that he was broken, wounded and poor. He had no means to pay for help, and he certainly couldn't help himself. Yet, GOD sent someone to help. And, this Samaritan helped without thought of repayment. Why? Because, he knew that GOD had given it to him, and if he used it for GOD'S work and for His plan, then, payback would come.
We must be wise and use discernment when it comes to people needing our help, our resources. However, if you ever feel GOD tugging at your heart to help someone, do it. The blessing isn't the one you give them, it is the one GOD will give you. Use what you have for His glory; He will repay you!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, July 20, 2017
What are you aiming at
I played a lot of baseball and, as I got older, softball. I was mainly a shortstop, which is still my favorite position. There's just something about playing in the middle of the infield. At shortstop, you get to range a little, which helped me to keep my focus.
As a young shortstop, I had a really wild arm, as I did as an older shortstop, though not quite as bad. One day at practice, after I had bounced a few to first, thrown a few into the dugout, and misfired a couple into the outfield, I was asked, "What are you aiming at?" To this, I replied, "The first baseman," who was pretty large. Then, I received some advice that still resonates with me: "Aim small, miss small."
Today's word is 2 Corinthians 5:9, ESV, which reads, "So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him."
My aim is to please GOD in everything I do, each day I live. However, if I take my focus off that one goal, if I start getting distracted by some big object instead of focusing my aim, I will miss my mark. Whether I am at my house, my most stable environment, or if I am on a vacation in the biggest party town in the world, my aim should not change - I want to please Him.
While it was said on a field, the advice is good everywhere - Aim small, miss small. What you focus on, what you aim at, what you truly dial in on is what you will hit. What are you aiming at?
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
As a young shortstop, I had a really wild arm, as I did as an older shortstop, though not quite as bad. One day at practice, after I had bounced a few to first, thrown a few into the dugout, and misfired a couple into the outfield, I was asked, "What are you aiming at?" To this, I replied, "The first baseman," who was pretty large. Then, I received some advice that still resonates with me: "Aim small, miss small."
Today's word is 2 Corinthians 5:9, ESV, which reads, "So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him."
My aim is to please GOD in everything I do, each day I live. However, if I take my focus off that one goal, if I start getting distracted by some big object instead of focusing my aim, I will miss my mark. Whether I am at my house, my most stable environment, or if I am on a vacation in the biggest party town in the world, my aim should not change - I want to please Him.
While it was said on a field, the advice is good everywhere - Aim small, miss small. What you focus on, what you aim at, what you truly dial in on is what you will hit. What are you aiming at?
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
He can
One of my favorite thoughts about GOD is that He can. No matter the circumstance, no matter the problem, no matter how tough and impossible the situation seems, I know that GOD can still make a way. I mean, what's too hard for GOD?
Now, I also know that we live in a broken and sinful and fallen world and that things happen all the time because of the evil that runs rampant here. I've shared before that I don't know why some people receive earthly healing, while others receive eternal. But, I have absolutely NO DOUBT that GOD can do anything He wants, when He wants, how He wants - He can.
Today's word is Psalm 21:13, KJV, which reads, "Be Thou exalted, LORD, in Thine own strength: so will we sing and praise Thy power."
GOD is powerful! He sets up rulers and kingdoms, and can tear them down and raise them back up. He spoke everything we see into existence. He made time stand still. He uses simple things to confound the wisest of people. He died and rose again! He can!
I'm not going to sit here and blow sunshine, and tell you that everything is always going to turn out the way you want them. And, anyone that believes that is really missing the boat. What I do know is that GOD can give us the strength and the grace to withstand whatever may arise, and that He is truly working all things for our good. And, even if everything looks and feels as though it is going to pot, doesn't GOD deserve our praise just because He can?
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Now, I also know that we live in a broken and sinful and fallen world and that things happen all the time because of the evil that runs rampant here. I've shared before that I don't know why some people receive earthly healing, while others receive eternal. But, I have absolutely NO DOUBT that GOD can do anything He wants, when He wants, how He wants - He can.
Today's word is Psalm 21:13, KJV, which reads, "Be Thou exalted, LORD, in Thine own strength: so will we sing and praise Thy power."
GOD is powerful! He sets up rulers and kingdoms, and can tear them down and raise them back up. He spoke everything we see into existence. He made time stand still. He uses simple things to confound the wisest of people. He died and rose again! He can!
I'm not going to sit here and blow sunshine, and tell you that everything is always going to turn out the way you want them. And, anyone that believes that is really missing the boat. What I do know is that GOD can give us the strength and the grace to withstand whatever may arise, and that He is truly working all things for our good. And, even if everything looks and feels as though it is going to pot, doesn't GOD deserve our praise just because He can?
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Be quiet
Ever have to make a really tough decision and can't find a quiet place to sit and really contemplate and pray and think? When I need to make a really big, really tough decision, I prefer to find somewhere that I can really think and pray, with little to no noise. AT ALL. Now, I can make decisions on the fly, some good, some not, but when it comes to the really difficult ones, the really, really life-affecting ones, I like a quiet place.
Even in corporate settings, you have those that will cause distractions and confusion, which can lead to frustration. I am a joker and a kidder. My process mechanism is often sarcasm. I distract part of my brain by saying something, while another part of my brain is processing my answer. I know, it's weird; but, it works for me.
Today's word is a quote from Joel Osteen that I try to keep in mind when someone needs to make a decision: "If you can't be positive, then at least be quiet."
Not only do we have those in our lives that will create noise and confusion, they often are negative-ninnies, naysayers. No matter what you say, they will bring up all the negativism they can muster. It doesn't take long for them to suck the life out of you and to cause you to question everything, even the things you know are good decisions.
I want to be positive. I don't always accomplish it, but that is my goal. I do want to point out flaws in planning, but I want to do it constructively. I want to be a positive influence and to encourage others as we go along. I want to remember that if I can't find anything positive to say, then, I need to be quiet.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Even in corporate settings, you have those that will cause distractions and confusion, which can lead to frustration. I am a joker and a kidder. My process mechanism is often sarcasm. I distract part of my brain by saying something, while another part of my brain is processing my answer. I know, it's weird; but, it works for me.
Today's word is a quote from Joel Osteen that I try to keep in mind when someone needs to make a decision: "If you can't be positive, then at least be quiet."
Not only do we have those in our lives that will create noise and confusion, they often are negative-ninnies, naysayers. No matter what you say, they will bring up all the negativism they can muster. It doesn't take long for them to suck the life out of you and to cause you to question everything, even the things you know are good decisions.
I want to be positive. I don't always accomplish it, but that is my goal. I do want to point out flaws in planning, but I want to do it constructively. I want to be a positive influence and to encourage others as we go along. I want to remember that if I can't find anything positive to say, then, I need to be quiet.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, July 17, 2017
Help in on the way
As a child, I watched reruns of the Lone Ranger. They were old then, even older now, but it was good television. Someone was performing some sort of evil against someone that was unable to overcome it, and the Lone Ranger would ride in and save the day. Don't you wish there was still a Lone Ranger to help us?
I've shared before that it seems that it is just one thing after another. It truly seems that one catastrophe is hardly averted before another arises. There are days when they seem to line up, take numbers, and just wait their turn to make life miserable. But, help is on the way...
Today's word is Psalm 34:19, NLT, which reads, "The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time."
As I have often shared with frustrated Christians, and just as often have had to remind myself, this is a fallen and broken world. We are saved. We have accepted JESUS as our LORD and SAVIOR. We have submitted our lives to Him. We will one day spend eternity in Heaven with Him. BUT, that doesn't mean that bad things aren't going to happen from time to time in our lives. What it does mean, however, is that He has our back!
Whatever you may be going through, whatever trials you are facing, whatever struggles you may be fighting, whatever problem this life is throwing at you, remember that you are child of the King. You have an Advocate with the Father. You have a SAVIOR Who loves you and adores you. You have hope because help is on the way!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I've shared before that it seems that it is just one thing after another. It truly seems that one catastrophe is hardly averted before another arises. There are days when they seem to line up, take numbers, and just wait their turn to make life miserable. But, help is on the way...
Today's word is Psalm 34:19, NLT, which reads, "The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time."
As I have often shared with frustrated Christians, and just as often have had to remind myself, this is a fallen and broken world. We are saved. We have accepted JESUS as our LORD and SAVIOR. We have submitted our lives to Him. We will one day spend eternity in Heaven with Him. BUT, that doesn't mean that bad things aren't going to happen from time to time in our lives. What it does mean, however, is that He has our back!
Whatever you may be going through, whatever trials you are facing, whatever struggles you may be fighting, whatever problem this life is throwing at you, remember that you are child of the King. You have an Advocate with the Father. You have a SAVIOR Who loves you and adores you. You have hope because help is on the way!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, July 13, 2017
System Restore
There are times, through no fault of our own, that we have to restore our computers. Usually, the restore is just to a restore point a few days or weeks prior. Occasionally, though, we have to completely restore the system to the original factory settings.
It is frustrating when someone downloads something that causes the need to restore. They don't do it personally; I once released a worm by trying to open a resume. I had to restore my computer to the original factory settings, losing everything that was in documents and such. I'm much better at backing up now.
Today's word is a passage that I have used before but is on my mind this morning. Lamentations 5:21, NLT, reads, "Restore us, O LORD, and bring us back to You again! Give us back the joys we once had!"
There are benefits to restoring our computers, it gets rid of some useless things that tie up valuable resources and slow down the good processes. Sometimes, our computers just need a good cleaning out. Sometimes, so do we.
There is a lot going on in our lives. We often allow things in that corrupt our good processes and slow down the progress we should be making. The only way for us to clean out what isn't needed is to allow GOD to do the cleaning. More than our computers, sometimes, we need a thorough system restore.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
It is frustrating when someone downloads something that causes the need to restore. They don't do it personally; I once released a worm by trying to open a resume. I had to restore my computer to the original factory settings, losing everything that was in documents and such. I'm much better at backing up now.
Today's word is a passage that I have used before but is on my mind this morning. Lamentations 5:21, NLT, reads, "Restore us, O LORD, and bring us back to You again! Give us back the joys we once had!"
There are benefits to restoring our computers, it gets rid of some useless things that tie up valuable resources and slow down the good processes. Sometimes, our computers just need a good cleaning out. Sometimes, so do we.
There is a lot going on in our lives. We often allow things in that corrupt our good processes and slow down the progress we should be making. The only way for us to clean out what isn't needed is to allow GOD to do the cleaning. More than our computers, sometimes, we need a thorough system restore.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
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