As I have probably mentioned before, I believe that love is an action verb, not just an emotion. You show someone that you love them by the things that you do, not by the things that you say you'll do. Not that you are trying to "buy" someone's love but you prove that you love someone by doing. I think we often miss this in our day to day lives. Love is action.
Love is also a choice. GOD allows us to choose who we love, who we will spend the rest of our lives with. Then, we have a choice each day to continue to choose to love that special someone. For one reason or another, countless people wake up one day and choose not to, their choice.
GOD also gives us the same choice when it comes to loving Him. We can choose to love GOD or we can choose not. He didn't make us spiritual robots with no freedom; He gave us free will, and we can use that free will to choose to love Him or not. Now, why anyone would choose not to love GOD, I do not know. I do know there are serious consequences for not loving Him, but, I love Him because He is my Great Father. And, He has loved me continually from the beginning.
Today's word is Jeremiah 31:3, NIV, which reads, "The LORD appeared to use in the past, saying, 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness."
Not only does GOD choose to love us, He has made that choice from the beginning, every single second of every single day. It is often overused, especially by me, but has it ever occurred to you that there is nothing you can do to make GOD love you more; and, there is absolutely nothing you can do to make GOD love you less. GOD has chosen to love us from the beginning, forever. That is love.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Monday, April 8, 2019
A guy my age
Well, I have reached the age that, when I have my annual check ups, my doctor always says something like, You are in perfect health, " or, "You are in great shape," and it would be perfectly fine if it ended there. However, there seems to always be the disclaimer, "...for a guy your age." Again, I don't really know what that means.
I mean, am I in good shape, or am I not? Am I in perfect health, or am I not? What does the disclaimer, "for a guy your age" really mean? When I shared this with a friend of mine, he laughed and said, "It means you could die any second." Then, I thought, "He is right. But, isn't that true for any of us?"
Today's word is Psalm 62:1, NIV, which reads, "Truly my soul finds rest in GOD; my salvation comes from Him."
It is true that we don't know when our time on this earth may come to a very abrupt end. As a child of GOD, though, we really have no need to be concerned with any of that. We can rest safely, surely, confidently that to be absent from the body is to be present with the LORD.
It is a good feeling knowing that when this life is over, hopefully, many years down the road, that my eternity is with JESUS, in Heaven, for eternity. We can find rest in that. We can find peace in that. We can find assurance in that. We can feel great and confident about that, especially a guy my age.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I mean, am I in good shape, or am I not? Am I in perfect health, or am I not? What does the disclaimer, "for a guy your age" really mean? When I shared this with a friend of mine, he laughed and said, "It means you could die any second." Then, I thought, "He is right. But, isn't that true for any of us?"
Today's word is Psalm 62:1, NIV, which reads, "Truly my soul finds rest in GOD; my salvation comes from Him."
It is true that we don't know when our time on this earth may come to a very abrupt end. As a child of GOD, though, we really have no need to be concerned with any of that. We can rest safely, surely, confidently that to be absent from the body is to be present with the LORD.
It is a good feeling knowing that when this life is over, hopefully, many years down the road, that my eternity is with JESUS, in Heaven, for eternity. We can find rest in that. We can find peace in that. We can find assurance in that. We can feel great and confident about that, especially a guy my age.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, April 5, 2019
Friday Breakfast
The kids and I sort of have a standing date for Friday breakfast. Not every Friday, sometimes other things arise, but most Friday's, they get up a little earlier than usual, get ready for school, and we go have breakfast together before I deliver them to the school. I cannot truly express how much I cherish that part of my week.
Now, the breakfast is nothing extravagant; it is usually a fast food breakfast, with way too many calories, an ample serving of oil, and may be followed with some heartburn. BUT, the fact that I get a few minutes with my kids, making a memory is worth every bit of it. I don't want to sound too mushy or soft, but, I realize that they aren't going to be children long, and everything we do, everything everyone does, will leave a lasting impression.
Today's word is a Chinese proverb that reminds me how important it is to put good things into my children: "A child's life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark."
I am well aware of how little time, during a typical week, I get of my children's awake hours, when compared to school and extra curricular activities. I am not complaining about either of those things, but, I am aware that I need to be leaving the best marks on my children's papers. I want them to know that they are loved, supported, and have parents that they can come to.
I am also aware that everyone else is leaving marks on their papers, too. I want to be able to erase all the bad ones I can, if I can. I want them to know that just because someone says it, that doesn't make it true. I want them to know that GOD loves them more than they could ever imagine, and I want them to see the Father's love through their own flawed, earthly Dad. And, maybe I can do some of that by sharing Friday breakfast.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Now, the breakfast is nothing extravagant; it is usually a fast food breakfast, with way too many calories, an ample serving of oil, and may be followed with some heartburn. BUT, the fact that I get a few minutes with my kids, making a memory is worth every bit of it. I don't want to sound too mushy or soft, but, I realize that they aren't going to be children long, and everything we do, everything everyone does, will leave a lasting impression.
Today's word is a Chinese proverb that reminds me how important it is to put good things into my children: "A child's life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark."
I am well aware of how little time, during a typical week, I get of my children's awake hours, when compared to school and extra curricular activities. I am not complaining about either of those things, but, I am aware that I need to be leaving the best marks on my children's papers. I want them to know that they are loved, supported, and have parents that they can come to.
I am also aware that everyone else is leaving marks on their papers, too. I want to be able to erase all the bad ones I can, if I can. I want them to know that just because someone says it, that doesn't make it true. I want them to know that GOD loves them more than they could ever imagine, and I want them to see the Father's love through their own flawed, earthly Dad. And, maybe I can do some of that by sharing Friday breakfast.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, April 4, 2019
Boldly and Confidently
I have a prayer request. I don't know who reads this blog but I hope you will do me a huge favor. There is a young girl, a third grader that is battling leukemia. It had gotten better, but it has come back, a complete relapse. Her parents' and her resolve and faith are strong but I know they would be grateful for your prayers. So, please pray for Rozlyn.
I am grateful that I can take my prayers, my concerns, my problems to the LORD directly. We can pray to GOD through our advocate, our intermediary, our SAVIOR, JESUS. The Bible tells us that He sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us. He makes our requests, even when we can't put it into words. I am more humbled than I could ever express that I can talk directly to GOD.
Today's word is Ephesians 3:12, NLT, which reads, "Because of CHRIST and our faith in Him, we can now come boldly and confidently into GOD'S presence."
There are lots of places in this world that I wouldn't be welcome or that I wouldn't fit in: I am not the right type, don't possess the proper intelligence, don't have enough money. But, praise the LORD, because of my faith in JESUS CHRIST, because He is my SAVIOR and LORD, I can talk directly to the King of kings and the LORD of lords. How amazing is that?
You, as His child, have the same privilege, the ability to talk directly to the Father. And, today's word tells us that we can enter into His presence boldly and confidently. Not because of anything we have done or anything we could ever do,but, because, we are His. So, in your spare moment today, please pray for Rozlyn, her family, her doctors, her treatment. Take it to the Father boldly and confidently. Thanks.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I am grateful that I can take my prayers, my concerns, my problems to the LORD directly. We can pray to GOD through our advocate, our intermediary, our SAVIOR, JESUS. The Bible tells us that He sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us. He makes our requests, even when we can't put it into words. I am more humbled than I could ever express that I can talk directly to GOD.
Today's word is Ephesians 3:12, NLT, which reads, "Because of CHRIST and our faith in Him, we can now come boldly and confidently into GOD'S presence."
There are lots of places in this world that I wouldn't be welcome or that I wouldn't fit in: I am not the right type, don't possess the proper intelligence, don't have enough money. But, praise the LORD, because of my faith in JESUS CHRIST, because He is my SAVIOR and LORD, I can talk directly to the King of kings and the LORD of lords. How amazing is that?
You, as His child, have the same privilege, the ability to talk directly to the Father. And, today's word tells us that we can enter into His presence boldly and confidently. Not because of anything we have done or anything we could ever do,but, because, we are His. So, in your spare moment today, please pray for Rozlyn, her family, her doctors, her treatment. Take it to the Father boldly and confidently. Thanks.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Family of Faith
We are approaching the Easter Holiday, the day we celebrate the empty tomb, the resurrection of our LORD and SAVIOR. It is very humbling to me to even think that GOD thought I was worth the trouble; that I was worth giving up His only begotten Son, to make a way for me to go to Heaven. I am forever grateful that someone shared with me His love and the plan of salvation.
Here at Easter season, we collect a special offering, the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, which goes to help "home" missions. Annie had a heart for missions and wanted everyone to know the love of JESUS and to hear the plan of salvation. She worked tirelessly for those things that she believed, including sharing the message of CHRIST.
I have often thought about missionaries and the difficult task they undertake. I can't imagine the anticipation and the anxiety that goes along with being a missionary. To be called somewhere that you have probably never been, to start a church, to plant seeds, to talk to hundreds, maybe thousands, of people that really have no reason to listen. Being a missionary is certainly GOD-called, and I pray for each of those that answer the call.
Thinking of missionaries and their tireless efforts led me to today's word: Galatians 6:10, NLT, reads, "Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone--especially to those in the family of faith."
I guess what I am getting at, or what is getting through to me today, is that GOD has provided a way for us to take part in the Great Commission. Now, we are to go and share the Message with those that GOD puts in our path, but, we can also have a part in missions locally and world-wide by giving to those called to be where GOD put them, those in our family of faith.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Here at Easter season, we collect a special offering, the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, which goes to help "home" missions. Annie had a heart for missions and wanted everyone to know the love of JESUS and to hear the plan of salvation. She worked tirelessly for those things that she believed, including sharing the message of CHRIST.
I have often thought about missionaries and the difficult task they undertake. I can't imagine the anticipation and the anxiety that goes along with being a missionary. To be called somewhere that you have probably never been, to start a church, to plant seeds, to talk to hundreds, maybe thousands, of people that really have no reason to listen. Being a missionary is certainly GOD-called, and I pray for each of those that answer the call.
Thinking of missionaries and their tireless efforts led me to today's word: Galatians 6:10, NLT, reads, "Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone--especially to those in the family of faith."
I guess what I am getting at, or what is getting through to me today, is that GOD has provided a way for us to take part in the Great Commission. Now, we are to go and share the Message with those that GOD puts in our path, but, we can also have a part in missions locally and world-wide by giving to those called to be where GOD put them, those in our family of faith.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Success
We took a trip to the zoo yesterday. Trish had to work, unfortunately, but the kids and I went to the zoo, which was a fun and adventurous trip. They really didn't stop to look at the animals a whole lot. I mean, we would look at the giraffes or the elephants or whatever but only as we were passing by, on our way to whatever they were looking for, which they eventually found.
We spent a couple of hours riding the train that went around the zoo and going down a slide at the zoo. We are blessed with a couple of really cool, really active kids. They like seeing things, such as animals you don't see every day, but, they would rather be doing something. There is a lot to be said for folks who like to do things. I pray that they will always be doers, go-getters, hard workers.
Today's word is just a quick reminder that hard work is prosperous in so many different ways: "Some people dream of success, while others wake up and work hard at it."
Success seems to come naturally to some, and seems to always elude others. But, the truth is, if you are working hard, for the right reasons, you are more successful than you give yourself credit. Being successful has nothing to do with the size of your bank account, your house, your vehicle, or your ego. Being successful means that you apply yourself usefully.
I look at my two children and am humbled and amazed at how diligent and determined they are. I am glad that they love to learn by doing, and aren't afraid to do. Of course, their knowing and growing in GOD is the most important. I am grateful that I get the blessing of watching them grow and learn and explore. My prayer is that I can help them be successful in whatever they choose to try to accomplish; that I can help foster and nurture their spirit and creativity. My prayer is that I can help them be successful.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
We spent a couple of hours riding the train that went around the zoo and going down a slide at the zoo. We are blessed with a couple of really cool, really active kids. They like seeing things, such as animals you don't see every day, but, they would rather be doing something. There is a lot to be said for folks who like to do things. I pray that they will always be doers, go-getters, hard workers.
Today's word is just a quick reminder that hard work is prosperous in so many different ways: "Some people dream of success, while others wake up and work hard at it."
Success seems to come naturally to some, and seems to always elude others. But, the truth is, if you are working hard, for the right reasons, you are more successful than you give yourself credit. Being successful has nothing to do with the size of your bank account, your house, your vehicle, or your ego. Being successful means that you apply yourself usefully.
I look at my two children and am humbled and amazed at how diligent and determined they are. I am glad that they love to learn by doing, and aren't afraid to do. Of course, their knowing and growing in GOD is the most important. I am grateful that I get the blessing of watching them grow and learn and explore. My prayer is that I can help them be successful in whatever they choose to try to accomplish; that I can help foster and nurture their spirit and creativity. My prayer is that I can help them be successful.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, April 1, 2019
Above all things
We were discussing in our small group yesterday about how many people seem to want to "say" they want a relationship with GOD, yet, they continue doing the things they are doing. And, listen, before you think I am judging, I am not. We have ALL sinned and fallen short of the glory of GOD. What I am talking about this morning, though, is those that try to say that GOD has changed and that He will accept our sins. And, I can tell you that He will not.
The Bible tells us that GOD does not change: He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Whatever was wrong in Genesis is still wrong in 2019. The Bible will cause one of two reactions in people: the Bible will either change you to try to follow the teachings of the Bible. OR, people will try to change the Bible to fit whatever sin they are committing. I can tell you, without a single doubt, that the former is the only way the Bible works.
So, what causes us to want to have a relationship with GOD, yet, refuse to follow His teachings, refuse to give Him Lordship of our lives, refuse to commit to Him? It is a heart problem. You see, there are tons of people with a head knowledge of GOD but, until He changes the heart, you have no personal relationship with Him. Why is this so difficult? Well, the answer can be found in today's word...
Today's word is Jeremiah 17:9 KJV, which reads, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"
We allow our hearts to decide that our will is better, more important, more beneficial, more righteous than GOD'S. We allow our hearts to decide that what we want is more important, more correct, more holy than what GOD wants. We allow our hearts to determine that we will miss eternity in Heaven with JESUS CHRIST because what we want to do is more important than having a real, personal relationship with Him. Why?
Because, we refuse to give up our sins, our desires, our wants. We refuse to give our heart to the GREATEST and hold on to the worst. We allow our hearts to tell us that what we want, what we think, what we want to do is far better, far greater, far more important than spending eternity with the SAVIOR. We have to be careful what we allow our heart to tell us; it is deceitful - above all things.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
The Bible tells us that GOD does not change: He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Whatever was wrong in Genesis is still wrong in 2019. The Bible will cause one of two reactions in people: the Bible will either change you to try to follow the teachings of the Bible. OR, people will try to change the Bible to fit whatever sin they are committing. I can tell you, without a single doubt, that the former is the only way the Bible works.
So, what causes us to want to have a relationship with GOD, yet, refuse to follow His teachings, refuse to give Him Lordship of our lives, refuse to commit to Him? It is a heart problem. You see, there are tons of people with a head knowledge of GOD but, until He changes the heart, you have no personal relationship with Him. Why is this so difficult? Well, the answer can be found in today's word...
Today's word is Jeremiah 17:9 KJV, which reads, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"
We allow our hearts to decide that our will is better, more important, more beneficial, more righteous than GOD'S. We allow our hearts to decide that what we want is more important, more correct, more holy than what GOD wants. We allow our hearts to determine that we will miss eternity in Heaven with JESUS CHRIST because what we want to do is more important than having a real, personal relationship with Him. Why?
Because, we refuse to give up our sins, our desires, our wants. We refuse to give our heart to the GREATEST and hold on to the worst. We allow our hearts to tell us that what we want, what we think, what we want to do is far better, far greater, far more important than spending eternity with the SAVIOR. We have to be careful what we allow our heart to tell us; it is deceitful - above all things.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
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