We have talked about the "Attitude of Gratitude" before but I want to sort of touch on it again. There is something to being grateful for everything we have. There is something more to being thankful and grateful to the One Who gives us all we have.
I think we can all have a tendency to forget that every good and perfect gift comes from GOD. I think, especially for me, that I can get so wrapped up in all that is going on that I fail to give GOD the praise and the honor and the thanks that He deserves. I don't do it on purpose; I just don't do it as often or as much as I should.
Today's word is Psalm 44:8, ESV, which reads, "O GOD, we give glory to You all day long and constantly praise Your name."
Not that we should be "so Heavenly minded that we are no earthly good," but, we can certainly be more intentional with our praise and thanksgiving, or at least I can. GOD is so good and does so much for me every day of my life; I want others to know the goodness of my LORD. More important, though, is I want others to know Him in a real and personal way so that they can experience His goodness, too.
Not that I could ever give GOD the glory and praise He deserves, but I certainly want to try. I want others to know how wonderful my LORD is.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
Monday, June 10, 2019
When life is unfair, GOD is good
We began attending another Vacation Bible School (VBS) last night. Last night's lesson was about how life is often unfair. Some of the kids shared about a time in his/her life when things didn't seem fair: when a sibling got a toy and they didn't. When someone was chosen for something and they weren't. When someone got to do something and they didn't. Life isn't always fair.
Then, we heard a story about a young boy from Zambia, Africa, who has to walk to get clean water, who lives with four others in a tiny, little hut, who has to walk a mile and a half to go to a community school. He certainly has his challenges, and, when compared to what we have been blessed with here in America, it certainly seemed unfair.
Today's word is the theme from last night's VBS, which simply said, "Even when life seems unfair, GOD is good."
GOD is Good all the time. And, all the time, GOD is Good. We may not think that things are just or fair or equal but that doesn't change the fact that GOD is working all thing for our good, or that He has a plan for us, or that He died for us to give us a future. I deserved to die for my sins, yet, JESUS sacrificed Himself for me. I didn't deserve that either but He gave it to me anyway.
We will all have those moments in our lives when things are just flat out unfair. There will be those moments when it seems that everyone else is getting ahead while we are being left behind. But, the truth is, when we think about all we have, especially all we have to come, we can truly say, "Even when life seems unfair, GOD is good.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Then, we heard a story about a young boy from Zambia, Africa, who has to walk to get clean water, who lives with four others in a tiny, little hut, who has to walk a mile and a half to go to a community school. He certainly has his challenges, and, when compared to what we have been blessed with here in America, it certainly seemed unfair.
Today's word is the theme from last night's VBS, which simply said, "Even when life seems unfair, GOD is good."
GOD is Good all the time. And, all the time, GOD is Good. We may not think that things are just or fair or equal but that doesn't change the fact that GOD is working all thing for our good, or that He has a plan for us, or that He died for us to give us a future. I deserved to die for my sins, yet, JESUS sacrificed Himself for me. I didn't deserve that either but He gave it to me anyway.
We will all have those moments in our lives when things are just flat out unfair. There will be those moments when it seems that everyone else is getting ahead while we are being left behind. But, the truth is, when we think about all we have, especially all we have to come, we can truly say, "Even when life seems unfair, GOD is good.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, June 7, 2019
Grow a backbone
I recently read the story where a pastor of a mega church in Virginia prayed for the President of the United States before his congregation, which should have been a good thing. It is mentioned in the Bible that we should pray for our leaders. However, apparently, his praying for the President of the United States offended some of his congregants. These congregants felt that this pastor had made a political stance by praying for the President of the United States because the President of the United States represents a certain political party.
What has this nation come to? I put emphasis on the President of the United States because this pastor wasn't praying for a particular person or a particular political party; he was offering a prayer for the person holding the position of oversight for OUR country, which, again, is mentioned/recommended/required/commanded IN THE BIBLE.
Today's word is Proverbs 11:14, NASB, which reads, "Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory."
The President of the United States, regardless of political party affiliation, needs our prayers. The person that holds this position needs godly people praying for him/her and providing guidance, especially biblical. And, if you take offense to that, you really need to talk to GOD about it.
Let me finish by saying the saddest part of this whole story is that the pastor felt compelled to apologize to his congregation, and DID. Now, he has probably prayed for folks going through health crises, marital problems, employment issues, but he isn't supposed to pray for the President of the United States? Not only does that congregation need prayer, this pastor needs prayer to grow a backbone.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
What has this nation come to? I put emphasis on the President of the United States because this pastor wasn't praying for a particular person or a particular political party; he was offering a prayer for the person holding the position of oversight for OUR country, which, again, is mentioned/recommended/required/commanded IN THE BIBLE.
Today's word is Proverbs 11:14, NASB, which reads, "Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory."
The President of the United States, regardless of political party affiliation, needs our prayers. The person that holds this position needs godly people praying for him/her and providing guidance, especially biblical. And, if you take offense to that, you really need to talk to GOD about it.
Let me finish by saying the saddest part of this whole story is that the pastor felt compelled to apologize to his congregation, and DID. Now, he has probably prayed for folks going through health crises, marital problems, employment issues, but he isn't supposed to pray for the President of the United States? Not only does that congregation need prayer, this pastor needs prayer to grow a backbone.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, June 6, 2019
We have hope
Have you ever hoped for something? Maybe a certain toy when you were younger? Maybe an "A" on a certain test? Maybe for someone special to ask you out? I think we have all hoped for things at one time or another. We all have things that we would like to have or that we think we would like to see come to fruition.
Have you ever hoped in anyone? Maybe you were waiting for someone to come and "rescue" you. Maybe you were hoping that someone you love would change something in his/her life. Maybe you were hoping that someone would come along and change your circumstances so dramatically that your life would be forever different.
Today's word is Psalm 31:24, NIV, which reads, "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD."
With GOD on our side, we can be strong and courageous, knowing that He is working all things for our good. We can gain strength from just knowing that He has in the palm of His hand even in the midst of the raging storms. He is own our side - be strong and courageous!
And, if our hope is in the LORD, He will certainly come to our rescue. And, it is not that we need to change something in His life; we need Him to change something in ours. Finally, He can change your circumstances so dramatically that it won't only change your life forever, you will live with Him in Heaven forever, if you will put your faith and trust in Him. Be strong and take heart, for with the LORD, we have hope.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Have you ever hoped in anyone? Maybe you were waiting for someone to come and "rescue" you. Maybe you were hoping that someone you love would change something in his/her life. Maybe you were hoping that someone would come along and change your circumstances so dramatically that your life would be forever different.
Today's word is Psalm 31:24, NIV, which reads, "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD."
With GOD on our side, we can be strong and courageous, knowing that He is working all things for our good. We can gain strength from just knowing that He has in the palm of His hand even in the midst of the raging storms. He is own our side - be strong and courageous!
And, if our hope is in the LORD, He will certainly come to our rescue. And, it is not that we need to change something in His life; we need Him to change something in ours. Finally, He can change your circumstances so dramatically that it won't only change your life forever, you will live with Him in Heaven forever, if you will put your faith and trust in Him. Be strong and take heart, for with the LORD, we have hope.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
What is ahead
We like to watch AFV. I don't know what it is about watching others' failures that is so amusing but we like to watch it, and AFV has been a fixture for over twenty-five years. A lot of times, people end up falling or tripping because they are focused on what is behind them instead of seeing the obstacle in front of them (e.g., the sign, the post, the tree, etc.). And, that doesn't just happen on AFV.
There have been times that I have walked into some obstacle because I was focused on what was behind instead of what was in front. I was so distracted by what I had already passed, that I missed the danger ahead. Luckily for me, though, no one was around with a video recorder to show my miscue to everyone else.
Today's word is Proverbs 4:25, NLT, which reads, "Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you."
We have all had those times that we have been so focused on what was behind us that we missed or almost missed what was ahead. We have used the analogy before of the rear view mirror. The rear view mirror is so small when compared to a windshield because we should glance behind us but we need to focus on what is ahead.
Not much we can do about the past. We can learn from it, grow from it, try not to repeat it, but we can't change it, can't fix it, can't undo it. We must fix our eyes on what is ahead.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
There have been times that I have walked into some obstacle because I was focused on what was behind instead of what was in front. I was so distracted by what I had already passed, that I missed the danger ahead. Luckily for me, though, no one was around with a video recorder to show my miscue to everyone else.
Today's word is Proverbs 4:25, NLT, which reads, "Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you."
We have all had those times that we have been so focused on what was behind us that we missed or almost missed what was ahead. We have used the analogy before of the rear view mirror. The rear view mirror is so small when compared to a windshield because we should glance behind us but we need to focus on what is ahead.
Not much we can do about the past. We can learn from it, grow from it, try not to repeat it, but we can't change it, can't fix it, can't undo it. We must fix our eyes on what is ahead.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
I want to be flexible
Physically speaking, I am not very flexible. I am usually stiff as a board. There is really no need to ask me to do a back handstand. None. Our little girl can do them with EASE. She is very flexible. I really have to stretch and stretch to become flexible enough to touch my toes. I guess you could say that I am not very flexible.
However, when it comes to attitude, I try to be flexible, to overcome and adapt. Oh, don't get me wrong, I am not always; there are times when I will dig my heels in and make a mess of things. But, for the most part I try to be flexible. I try to do the will of GOD. I try to do what He wants me to do. I want to find more ways to accomplish His will and less excuses not to.
Today's word is Psalm 40:8, NASB, which reads, "I delight to do Your will, O my GOD; Your Law is within my heart."
Being flexible means that you are willing to be challenged and changed, including submitting to the plans of others, when they are part of GOD'S will. It isn't always easy to give up control or to give in to others' plans. But, if we are committed to GOD and to doing His good will, we usually find peace in serving others and helping others complete what GOD has given them.
Look, you may be really physically flexible. And, if you are, it must be nice. While I would like to be more physically flexible, my true desire is to be found flexible to GOD. I truly want to do His will and to be found useful and usable. I want to try to complete the tasks, the calling that He has on my life. And, when things aren't necessarily going the way I "think" they should, I want to be flexible.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
However, when it comes to attitude, I try to be flexible, to overcome and adapt. Oh, don't get me wrong, I am not always; there are times when I will dig my heels in and make a mess of things. But, for the most part I try to be flexible. I try to do the will of GOD. I try to do what He wants me to do. I want to find more ways to accomplish His will and less excuses not to.
Today's word is Psalm 40:8, NASB, which reads, "I delight to do Your will, O my GOD; Your Law is within my heart."
Being flexible means that you are willing to be challenged and changed, including submitting to the plans of others, when they are part of GOD'S will. It isn't always easy to give up control or to give in to others' plans. But, if we are committed to GOD and to doing His good will, we usually find peace in serving others and helping others complete what GOD has given them.
Look, you may be really physically flexible. And, if you are, it must be nice. While I would like to be more physically flexible, my true desire is to be found flexible to GOD. I truly want to do His will and to be found useful and usable. I want to try to complete the tasks, the calling that He has on my life. And, when things aren't necessarily going the way I "think" they should, I want to be flexible.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, June 3, 2019
Even if you're in a tree
In Luke 19, we can read the story of Zacchaeus, a wealthy and seemingly unscrupulous tax collector. JESUS was passing through and Zacchaeus, who was short in stature wanted to see him, so, Zacchaeus climbed a tree, a sycamore tree.As JESUS passed by, He looked up in the tree and told Zacchaeus to come down because He was going to dine with him that day. Zacchaeus came down quickly and took JESUS to his house.
Those who witnessed this event began to murmur and bad-mouth JESUS'S decision to dine with Zacchaeus because Zacchaeus was not a good man. However, JESUS came to seek out those who need a SAVIOR. Zacchaeus knew something was missing; he climbed a tree to see the SAVIOR. JESUS knew Zacchaeus was searching, He came to where he was.
Today's word is Luke 19:10, NIV, which reads, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
If anyone ever wonders why JESUS came to earth in human form, lived a perfect life, and died a horrendous death, this verse sums it up - He came to save us. JESUS took on a human body, lived on this earth, and died a death in order to pay a price that we couldn't. He did it for us. And, if we, like Zacchaeus will earnestly seek Him, He is there.
The story of Zacchaeus is a powerful reminder that JESUS is seeking those who need a SAVIOR, those who need to be saved. If you don't know Him as your personal SAVIOR, if you have not committed your life and your soul, your heart, to Him, may today be the day. Call upon His name and be saved. He is waiting on you, even if you're in a tree.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Those who witnessed this event began to murmur and bad-mouth JESUS'S decision to dine with Zacchaeus because Zacchaeus was not a good man. However, JESUS came to seek out those who need a SAVIOR. Zacchaeus knew something was missing; he climbed a tree to see the SAVIOR. JESUS knew Zacchaeus was searching, He came to where he was.
Today's word is Luke 19:10, NIV, which reads, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
If anyone ever wonders why JESUS came to earth in human form, lived a perfect life, and died a horrendous death, this verse sums it up - He came to save us. JESUS took on a human body, lived on this earth, and died a death in order to pay a price that we couldn't. He did it for us. And, if we, like Zacchaeus will earnestly seek Him, He is there.
The story of Zacchaeus is a powerful reminder that JESUS is seeking those who need a SAVIOR, those who need to be saved. If you don't know Him as your personal SAVIOR, if you have not committed your life and your soul, your heart, to Him, may today be the day. Call upon His name and be saved. He is waiting on you, even if you're in a tree.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)