I tell our kids often that trash in will equal trash out. Whatever we allow in us, through what we see, what we hear, what we watch, what we listen to, will influence and affect what comes out of our mouths. We can never be too careful with protecting what goes in so that we can protect what comes out.
There is no doubt that "times, they are a changing" fits today's current state of affairs. Yes, our parents thought that we were wild and rebellious and edgy. The problem today, though, is that kids have access to more with one search on the internet than my generation could learn in years. And, the ones making the "noise", being listened to, being quoted do not have their own best interest at heart, much less our children's.
Today's word is John 7:38, NKJV, which reads, "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."
We have to be diligent and intentional about what we allow into our minds because, eventually, that is what will come out. If we fill our minds, our thoughts, with things that are not pleasing to GOD, then, we will tell things that are not pleasing to GOD. Why? Because that is all we have to draw from.
When you drop the bucket into the well, you draw what is in the well. But, as Christians, our bucket should be drawing from the well of Living Water. As Christians, we have been filled with the Holy Spirit and we should dispense the water of life to others. What goes in will eventually come out. I want to dispense the water of Life.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, February 17, 2020
Friday, February 14, 2020
Valentine's Day 2020
It is Valentine's Day. A day that we celebrate love, which is really unnecessary but, hey, we will go with it. What I mean by that is that I don't have to celebrate love; I love and am loved every day of my life. I don't need a specific day to celebrate it.
Before you get all huffy, I know it celebrates St. Valentine, who performed wedding ceremonies even after he was forbidden to do so. And, I am not diminishing that in the least. I am just pointing out that, much like Forrest Gump, I know what love is.
Today's word is a quote from Helen Keller that says, "The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart."
It is hard to explain what love is. It is impossible for me to find adequate words to describe or define what love means. It is impossible for me to tell you what Trish and our kids mean to me. What I do know, though, is that it is LOVE. I love Trish like no one else in this world, always have, always will. I love our kids like no one else in this world, always have, always will. And, those feelings can't be seen or heard, but, they are certainly felt.
Go tell the ones you love that you love them, not just today but every day. Happy Valentine's Day!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Before you get all huffy, I know it celebrates St. Valentine, who performed wedding ceremonies even after he was forbidden to do so. And, I am not diminishing that in the least. I am just pointing out that, much like Forrest Gump, I know what love is.
Today's word is a quote from Helen Keller that says, "The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart."
It is hard to explain what love is. It is impossible for me to find adequate words to describe or define what love means. It is impossible for me to tell you what Trish and our kids mean to me. What I do know, though, is that it is LOVE. I love Trish like no one else in this world, always have, always will. I love our kids like no one else in this world, always have, always will. And, those feelings can't be seen or heard, but, they are certainly felt.
Go tell the ones you love that you love them, not just today but every day. Happy Valentine's Day!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Direction from GOD
Have you ever had a tough decision to make? I am sure that we all have. So, how did you make the decision? What did you use? What did you rely on? How did you come to the decision in your mind? Did you ask others? Did you go with your "gut"? Did you call the psychic hotline? They knew you were going to, right?
Some decisions are tough to make. Some decisions can be languished and lingered over, with still no clear cut answer or direction. People will look to flipping a coin, or eeny meeny miny moe to help them but that is really taking your chances. Others will seek the counsel of others, which is excellent, if you a prudent in the counsel sought. So, what do I do? I am glad you asked...
Today's word is Proverbs 2:6, NASB, which reads, "For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding."
When I have a tough decision to make, I take it to the LORD. First, I pray, which is two-way communication. GOD already knows my desires and my needs but I take it to Him, asking for direction. And, while I pray, He "talks" to me, through giving me thoughts and clarity and impressing upon my heart a feeling of peace.
Then, I read "The Book". Every answer we will ever need is found in the Word of GOD, the Holy Bible. In the Bible, we can find direction for everything and anything we might ever face. You want to know how to treat others? It is in the Book. You want to know how to handle your money? It is in the Book. Every answer you will ever need can be found by seeking direction from GOD.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Some decisions are tough to make. Some decisions can be languished and lingered over, with still no clear cut answer or direction. People will look to flipping a coin, or eeny meeny miny moe to help them but that is really taking your chances. Others will seek the counsel of others, which is excellent, if you a prudent in the counsel sought. So, what do I do? I am glad you asked...
Today's word is Proverbs 2:6, NASB, which reads, "For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding."
When I have a tough decision to make, I take it to the LORD. First, I pray, which is two-way communication. GOD already knows my desires and my needs but I take it to Him, asking for direction. And, while I pray, He "talks" to me, through giving me thoughts and clarity and impressing upon my heart a feeling of peace.
Then, I read "The Book". Every answer we will ever need is found in the Word of GOD, the Holy Bible. In the Bible, we can find direction for everything and anything we might ever face. You want to know how to treat others? It is in the Book. You want to know how to handle your money? It is in the Book. Every answer you will ever need can be found by seeking direction from GOD.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Get some SONshine
Man, I am tired of this rain. It seems that it has rained all but a few days for the last month. Everything around is muddy. There is not a dry spot of ground within probably 40 miles of here. And, I don't know about you, but, the rainy, dreary weather wears me out physically. I mean, I am physically tired, too.
GOD made our bodies with the need, the desire, for vitamin D, which we get from the sun. Vitamin D is important, especially for our bone health, and for my mental outlook. Just seeing the sun, and being out in the sun, can change attitudes and outlooks. So, what do we do, when we can't see anything but dreary, rainy weather, and no sun?
Today's word is Psalm 105:4, NLT, which reads, "Search for the LORD and for His strength; continually seek Him."
The best thing that we can do every day is to bask in the SON. More than the sun, we need the SON for our spiritual health, which is far more important. The Bible tells us that GOD will supply all our needs, including vitamin D. So, even when we can't see the sun, we can always feel the SON, Who will provide us the strength to persevere.
It has been raining A LOT. The dark, wet, dreary weather can really wear you down. When you start feeling like you need a pick me up, get some SONshine!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
GOD made our bodies with the need, the desire, for vitamin D, which we get from the sun. Vitamin D is important, especially for our bone health, and for my mental outlook. Just seeing the sun, and being out in the sun, can change attitudes and outlooks. So, what do we do, when we can't see anything but dreary, rainy weather, and no sun?
Today's word is Psalm 105:4, NLT, which reads, "Search for the LORD and for His strength; continually seek Him."
The best thing that we can do every day is to bask in the SON. More than the sun, we need the SON for our spiritual health, which is far more important. The Bible tells us that GOD will supply all our needs, including vitamin D. So, even when we can't see the sun, we can always feel the SON, Who will provide us the strength to persevere.
It has been raining A LOT. The dark, wet, dreary weather can really wear you down. When you start feeling like you need a pick me up, get some SONshine!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, February 10, 2020
He will never stop loving us
It has been one (1) of those weekends. Today, I feel as if I have tried to bench press a truck - 100 times. I am so sore, and don't know why, that I can't express where all I am sore. And, I really can't point out why, other than I haven't felt great all weekend.
I battled, what I have diagnosed, as a case of food poisoning over the weekend. It wasn't a stomach virus; I never had a fever. It wasn't some other bug that may be going around; I didn't really feel bad. I just had issues every time I ate or drank something, which this weekend was as seldom as possible.
While today's word has nothing to do with today's introduction, today's word is Psalm 86:5, NLT, which reads, "O LORD, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for Your help."
We serve a GOD that is so, so good. He gives us things that I don't deserve, and will never deserve. I am a blessed man, with more than I could have ever thought possible. GOD has given me a beautiful wife, wonderful children, good health, a good life. BUT, He didn't stop there. He has given me salvation and eternal life through the sacrifice of His Son, JESUS CHRIST. How do we receive that?
By asking. Our verse today tells us that GOD is good, full of love, and ready to forgive "All who ask..." If you feel as if things are falling apart, that things are spiraling out of control, that you need some help, why not ask the One that can truly help? Not only is He ready to help, He is good (He is on your side). And, He is full of unfailing love. He will never stop loving us. Never.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I battled, what I have diagnosed, as a case of food poisoning over the weekend. It wasn't a stomach virus; I never had a fever. It wasn't some other bug that may be going around; I didn't really feel bad. I just had issues every time I ate or drank something, which this weekend was as seldom as possible.
While today's word has nothing to do with today's introduction, today's word is Psalm 86:5, NLT, which reads, "O LORD, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for Your help."
We serve a GOD that is so, so good. He gives us things that I don't deserve, and will never deserve. I am a blessed man, with more than I could have ever thought possible. GOD has given me a beautiful wife, wonderful children, good health, a good life. BUT, He didn't stop there. He has given me salvation and eternal life through the sacrifice of His Son, JESUS CHRIST. How do we receive that?
By asking. Our verse today tells us that GOD is good, full of love, and ready to forgive "All who ask..." If you feel as if things are falling apart, that things are spiraling out of control, that you need some help, why not ask the One that can truly help? Not only is He ready to help, He is good (He is on your side). And, He is full of unfailing love. He will never stop loving us. Never.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
They can be Blessed, too
I have probably shared before that Trish will say that she is amazed at what I can do. I can't do anything very well but I can do several different things "well-enough". I am not the best at anything but I have probably saved us a little money from time to time by doing things that I can do, much less efficient and much less professionally than others.
I have shared with her that what makes me different from others is that I am not afraid to fail. The fact that I am not afraid to fail should reveal that I have failed OFTEN. I have made tons of mistakes; I have messed up in about every possible way. I have been asked to lead the music on a Sunday morning, which I am poorly qualified to do but, I have tried, and I have failed. But, I think our fear of failure comes from being afraid of what others might say or think of us. Why should that matter?
Today's word is 1 Peter 3:14, NIV, which reads, "But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened."
The passage today isn't necessarily talking about facing our fears of failure but failing to act because we are afraid, afraid because of what others might think of us because of our faith. There are so many in the world today that are unfriendly to the Christian faith. They will use everything in their power to intimidate and belittle. But, don't let that stop you from living the Christian life that GOD has called you to live.
I like the first part of today's word: "Even if you should suffer for what is right, you are BLESSED..." GOD has given, and continues to give, so much to His children. All this and Heaven too. Don't let fear keep you from pursuing what GOD wants you to do. Don't let fear stand in the way of telling others how they can be Blessed, too.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I have shared with her that what makes me different from others is that I am not afraid to fail. The fact that I am not afraid to fail should reveal that I have failed OFTEN. I have made tons of mistakes; I have messed up in about every possible way. I have been asked to lead the music on a Sunday morning, which I am poorly qualified to do but, I have tried, and I have failed. But, I think our fear of failure comes from being afraid of what others might say or think of us. Why should that matter?
Today's word is 1 Peter 3:14, NIV, which reads, "But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened."
The passage today isn't necessarily talking about facing our fears of failure but failing to act because we are afraid, afraid because of what others might think of us because of our faith. There are so many in the world today that are unfriendly to the Christian faith. They will use everything in their power to intimidate and belittle. But, don't let that stop you from living the Christian life that GOD has called you to live.
I like the first part of today's word: "Even if you should suffer for what is right, you are BLESSED..." GOD has given, and continues to give, so much to His children. All this and Heaven too. Don't let fear keep you from pursuing what GOD wants you to do. Don't let fear stand in the way of telling others how they can be Blessed, too.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, February 3, 2020
GOD'S special possession
This world can take a toll on your ego and self-esteem. There is no doubt that when you start to feel as if you have things going your way, something will come up to show you that you don't. And, from time to time, it is easy to allow yourself to get in the dumps about your plight in life. I am sure that we probably all do from time to time.
It is easy to allow ourselves to listen to the lies of others, especially satan, when they tell us how little we have accomplished, how little we are valued, how little we will ever be worth. However, that is not what we need to listen to. We need to listen to our Father, the One Who loved us so much that He gave His Own SON so that we could have a relationship with Him.
Today's word is 1 Peter 2:9a, NIV, which reads, "But you are a chose people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, GOD'S special possession..."
Whenever we start to feel down, beaten by this world in which we live, we need to remember that today does not define us. We are defined by the One that we belong to. Just as I am an American, just as I carry my father's last name, just as I am a member of my church, I am part of GOD'S chosen people, And, so are you.
You are far more than anything you could ever imagine. You have more value than you could ever comprehend. You are more loved than you could ever reciprocate. You are part of "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, GOD'S special possession."
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
It is easy to allow ourselves to listen to the lies of others, especially satan, when they tell us how little we have accomplished, how little we are valued, how little we will ever be worth. However, that is not what we need to listen to. We need to listen to our Father, the One Who loved us so much that He gave His Own SON so that we could have a relationship with Him.
Today's word is 1 Peter 2:9a, NIV, which reads, "But you are a chose people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, GOD'S special possession..."
Whenever we start to feel down, beaten by this world in which we live, we need to remember that today does not define us. We are defined by the One that we belong to. Just as I am an American, just as I carry my father's last name, just as I am a member of my church, I am part of GOD'S chosen people, And, so are you.
You are far more than anything you could ever imagine. You have more value than you could ever comprehend. You are more loved than you could ever reciprocate. You are part of "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, GOD'S special possession."
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
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