It is the afternoon of Christmas day and I am starting to wind down. Actually, I may be worn out. It has been a really good weekend but busy. However, I am always grateful to be able to see my family.
It is always nice to get gifts, but more enjoyable to give them. I, as always, received far more than I deserved, or ever will for that matter. I am always humbled and utterly amazed at how nice folks are to me.
This year, the little one is fifteen months old so he was a little more able to rip open presents and really play with things. I can NEVER express how amazing it is to see a little one enjoy themselves at Christmas. I know I enjoy myself immensely.
Well, Christmas, that's what we're talking about. Christmas, the day we set aside to celebrate the birth of my SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST. Yeah, I am not arguing birthday, etc. I said, we set aside the day to celebrate His birth; that is what Christmas is all about.
My SAVIOR was born. His birth gave me life; His life gives me strength; His death brought me salvation; His resurrection gives me hope; His ascension gives me an advocate with the Father and assurance that I will see my loved ones again. We will spend eternity with our loved ones with JESUS in Heaven. WOW! That is what Christmas is all about!
Yeah, all the stuff is good. But, NOTHING COMPARES TO THE SAVIOR! Merry CHRISTMAS!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
This is not the day
Well, today is December 21st, 2012, the day many feared would be this world's last. They based their fears on an ancient Mayan calendar that someone interpreted today as the end. Allow me to day that this is not the day.
For the Mayans, the end of their civilization came. The problem was that the calendar maker missed the end of their society by about 500 years. I'm not a smart guy but I would have to say that that is a pretty substantial miss.
Why everyone worries about the end of the world, I do not know. We should each be concerned about the end of our own respective world. My world could end today: I could get killed in an auto accident or have a heart attack or a massive stroke or countless other things that could end my world today. Instead of being so concerned with the world's demise, we should be more concerned with making sure that we are ready if today is our day.
Today's word comes from Matthew 24:36, NIV, which reads, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."
If the angels and JESUS don't know when the end of this world is coming, why would anyone think that a Mayan calendar maker would know? The Mayan calendar was made hundreds of years ago. Maybe the calendar maker got tired of making it. Maybe he retired. Maybe he passed on. Maybe he figured the calendar was hundreds of years advanced so why continue on. Regardless, the calendar maker had no idea when the end would come, and neither does anyone else.
We must live our lives as though today may be the end of the world. If not for everyone, for us. No one knows. Not the angels, not the Son, but the Father only. Don't fret about what everyone predicts. Give your life and your soul to JESUS and He'll take care of the travel plans.
One final note, I usually only do this on school days. However, I will post a couple of times each week for the next two weeks (the Christmas break).
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
For the Mayans, the end of their civilization came. The problem was that the calendar maker missed the end of their society by about 500 years. I'm not a smart guy but I would have to say that that is a pretty substantial miss.
Why everyone worries about the end of the world, I do not know. We should each be concerned about the end of our own respective world. My world could end today: I could get killed in an auto accident or have a heart attack or a massive stroke or countless other things that could end my world today. Instead of being so concerned with the world's demise, we should be more concerned with making sure that we are ready if today is our day.
Today's word comes from Matthew 24:36, NIV, which reads, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."
If the angels and JESUS don't know when the end of this world is coming, why would anyone think that a Mayan calendar maker would know? The Mayan calendar was made hundreds of years ago. Maybe the calendar maker got tired of making it. Maybe he retired. Maybe he passed on. Maybe he figured the calendar was hundreds of years advanced so why continue on. Regardless, the calendar maker had no idea when the end would come, and neither does anyone else.
We must live our lives as though today may be the end of the world. If not for everyone, for us. No one knows. Not the angels, not the Son, but the Father only. Don't fret about what everyone predicts. Give your life and your soul to JESUS and He'll take care of the travel plans.
One final note, I usually only do this on school days. However, I will post a couple of times each week for the next two weeks (the Christmas break).
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, December 20, 2012
You're not going to believe this
In our Youth Group discussion last night, we talked about Joseph and his part in the birth of our SAVIOR. We also had our annual Christmas party, which is a highlight of the year for me. I love Christmas and the fellowship and family time associated with it. I don't, however, lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of the SAVIOR. The birth of JESUS epitomizes fellowship - it gave us the bridge necessary to fellowship eternally with our LORD.
Anyway, we were discussing Joesph and his part in GOD'S great plan. Can you imagine being told that your fiance, whom you have had no "relations" with, is pregnant? Obviously, it isn't yours. What are you going to do?
The willingness of the young Jewish girl, Mary, to be obedient to GOD'S will is astounding. But, can you imagine her telling her fiance, Joseph, what it is all about? I bet her explanation began with, "You are not going to believe this..."
I can only imagine the difficulty in believing the story; I am human. We know Mary was telling the truth, we know GOD'S plan, but Joseph had no idea at the time. One young man last night said, "Yeah, but it won't happen again so, if it is my fiance, I will know it's not true." My reply was, "Yeah, and for Joseph, it had never happened before so you could understand his apprehension."
Today's word is from Matthew 1:24, NIV, which reads, "When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the LORD commanded him and took Mary home as his wife."
It is hard to believe anything when someone starts with, "Hey, you're not going to believe this..." I have to admit that when someone starts a conversation with that phrase, I am usually thinking, "You are absolutely right." I also have to admit that there have been rare occurrences when it turned out true and I was embarrassed for not believing to begin with. Do you know when those times have happened? When the LORD has spoken to me through His Word, or a friend, or a message, or a song, or through a visual. He still does miracles. He still shows us things that are hard to believe. I want to be like Joseph and faithfully serve the LORD.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Anyway, we were discussing Joesph and his part in GOD'S great plan. Can you imagine being told that your fiance, whom you have had no "relations" with, is pregnant? Obviously, it isn't yours. What are you going to do?
The willingness of the young Jewish girl, Mary, to be obedient to GOD'S will is astounding. But, can you imagine her telling her fiance, Joseph, what it is all about? I bet her explanation began with, "You are not going to believe this..."
I can only imagine the difficulty in believing the story; I am human. We know Mary was telling the truth, we know GOD'S plan, but Joseph had no idea at the time. One young man last night said, "Yeah, but it won't happen again so, if it is my fiance, I will know it's not true." My reply was, "Yeah, and for Joseph, it had never happened before so you could understand his apprehension."
Today's word is from Matthew 1:24, NIV, which reads, "When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the LORD commanded him and took Mary home as his wife."
It is hard to believe anything when someone starts with, "Hey, you're not going to believe this..." I have to admit that when someone starts a conversation with that phrase, I am usually thinking, "You are absolutely right." I also have to admit that there have been rare occurrences when it turned out true and I was embarrassed for not believing to begin with. Do you know when those times have happened? When the LORD has spoken to me through His Word, or a friend, or a message, or a song, or through a visual. He still does miracles. He still shows us things that are hard to believe. I want to be like Joseph and faithfully serve the LORD.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
He's Waiting
For those of you who are parents, you know the feeling you get when you arrive home and your little run gets up/gets down from where he/she is and comes running towards you, arms outstretched. There is nothing like it.
When I arrive home and see our little one go "crazy" wanting me, it thrills my heart like no one can understand. WOW! Here is this little guy who thinks I am worth all this fuss. I won't tell him I'm not, he'll figure that out on his own in ten or so years. Or less. lol
To see him stand up from playing or to get down off the couch or chair and come running towards me saying, "DaDa," with his little arms outstretched speaks to me volumes of love that endless books could never describe. I cannot put into words the feelings it gives me; it is truly better felt than talked about.
Today's word comes from Luke 15:20b, NIV, which reads, "But while he was still a long ways off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him."
While I know this story is the opposite, the father runs to the son, I think it expresses the love I am trying to convey. However, as much as I love our little one, as much as he loves me, our love doesn't come close to the love GOD has for each of us.
You may be wandering in the desert. You may have lost your direction. You may be wondering if anyone loves you. If you will just decide to go to the Father, He will come running to you. He is longingly waiting for your return to Him. There is nothing that will ever fill that gaping hole of love in your heart besides the love of the Father. Go to Him. He'll come running!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
When I arrive home and see our little one go "crazy" wanting me, it thrills my heart like no one can understand. WOW! Here is this little guy who thinks I am worth all this fuss. I won't tell him I'm not, he'll figure that out on his own in ten or so years. Or less. lol
To see him stand up from playing or to get down off the couch or chair and come running towards me saying, "DaDa," with his little arms outstretched speaks to me volumes of love that endless books could never describe. I cannot put into words the feelings it gives me; it is truly better felt than talked about.
Today's word comes from Luke 15:20b, NIV, which reads, "But while he was still a long ways off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him."
While I know this story is the opposite, the father runs to the son, I think it expresses the love I am trying to convey. However, as much as I love our little one, as much as he loves me, our love doesn't come close to the love GOD has for each of us.
You may be wandering in the desert. You may have lost your direction. You may be wondering if anyone loves you. If you will just decide to go to the Father, He will come running to you. He is longingly waiting for your return to Him. There is nothing that will ever fill that gaping hole of love in your heart besides the love of the Father. Go to Him. He'll come running!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Some things you should never do
There are things in this world that you should just never do. Ever. I am sure that we know the old Jim Croce song that says that you don't tug on Superman's cape, you don't spit into the wind, you don't pull the mask off the ol Lone Ranger, and you don't mess around with Jim. Yeah, there are things you should never do.
I think of other things that we should never do like never trust everything you hear; there are some folks out there that would rather climb a tree and lie to you than stand on flat ground and tell you the truth. These folks write for magazines that you can purchase at the checkout aisles in grocery stores.
Today's word is a quote from Will Rogers that says, "Never slap a man who is chewing tobacco."
There are so many things that we should never do. We shouldn't play in busy streets. We shouldn't exceed the speed limit. We shouldn't drive without wearing our seat belts. We shouldn't be mean and hateful to others. Lots of things that we shouldn't do.
However, the most important thing that we should NEVER do is expect that we can get to Heaven any way except through JESUS CHRIST. If you, or anyone you know is trying to get there any other way, that is something you shouldn't be doing. There is only one way to spend eternity in Heaven and that is by grace through faith in CHRIST JESUS.
Don't do things you shouldn't do. On the other hand, always do those things you should. Why not start with accepting the greatest gift ever given - salvation through JESUS!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I think of other things that we should never do like never trust everything you hear; there are some folks out there that would rather climb a tree and lie to you than stand on flat ground and tell you the truth. These folks write for magazines that you can purchase at the checkout aisles in grocery stores.
Today's word is a quote from Will Rogers that says, "Never slap a man who is chewing tobacco."
There are so many things that we should never do. We shouldn't play in busy streets. We shouldn't exceed the speed limit. We shouldn't drive without wearing our seat belts. We shouldn't be mean and hateful to others. Lots of things that we shouldn't do.
However, the most important thing that we should NEVER do is expect that we can get to Heaven any way except through JESUS CHRIST. If you, or anyone you know is trying to get there any other way, that is something you shouldn't be doing. There is only one way to spend eternity in Heaven and that is by grace through faith in CHRIST JESUS.
Don't do things you shouldn't do. On the other hand, always do those things you should. Why not start with accepting the greatest gift ever given - salvation through JESUS!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, December 17, 2012
Such Pain
I write this morning heavyhearted, as so many in our country is today. I cannot fathom the evil required to perpetrate the events of last Friday. Many ask, "How can someone be that evil?" I have no answer to that. I really don't know how anyone can be that evil.
Well, actually, I do. satan plays a large part in that kind of evil. There is no way a rational individual could ever comprehend doing something so heinous. satan is looking for folks who will allow him to lead them down the paths of destruction. I will say it again, satan will take you farther than you want to go and leave you to die in the gutter. DON'T GO!
My heart breaks for the loved ones who lost their innocent family members and friends to a evil sadistic demon possessed individual. There are no words to comfort or heal. There is nothing that can be said or done to lessen the pain. I just pray that GOD will comfort them as only He can.
Today's word comes from Proverbs 14:32, KJV, which reads, "When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge."
I don't know what to say. I don't know how a parent or loved one recovers from this kind of tragedy. What I do know is that GOD is our Comfort and He will see us through. Calamity came to so many on Friday. But, we can rest assured that the wicked will be brought down. We can be equally sure that those innocent children are safe in JESUS' presence.
May GOD deliver His peace and comfort as only He can.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Well, actually, I do. satan plays a large part in that kind of evil. There is no way a rational individual could ever comprehend doing something so heinous. satan is looking for folks who will allow him to lead them down the paths of destruction. I will say it again, satan will take you farther than you want to go and leave you to die in the gutter. DON'T GO!
My heart breaks for the loved ones who lost their innocent family members and friends to a evil sadistic demon possessed individual. There are no words to comfort or heal. There is nothing that can be said or done to lessen the pain. I just pray that GOD will comfort them as only He can.
Today's word comes from Proverbs 14:32, KJV, which reads, "When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge."
I don't know what to say. I don't know how a parent or loved one recovers from this kind of tragedy. What I do know is that GOD is our Comfort and He will see us through. Calamity came to so many on Friday. But, we can rest assured that the wicked will be brought down. We can be equally sure that those innocent children are safe in JESUS' presence.
May GOD deliver His peace and comfort as only He can.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, December 14, 2012
Leaving it behind
You know what someone leaves behind when they pass from this life into eternity? Everything. We aren't taking anything with us. Everything we have in this world is temporary; GOD has allowed us to use it while we are here.
So many of us seem to want to try to amass some sort of ambiguous fortune. We aren't sure of the exact amount or the exact contents or even to what extent we are vying. We just know that we are supposed to do something and leave something behind.
I will not deny that I want to leave something besides all the payment books and debts that we have amassed. I would like for my family to be secure when GOD calls me to my eternal abode. But, there has to be something more...
Today's word comes from Proverbs 13:22, NIV, which reads, "A good person leaves an inheritance for their children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous."
I think the "good person's inheritance" is far more than the monetary amount left behind. I think it encompasses all the wisdom and the examples they leave behind. Yes, I want to ensure my families financial future should something happen to me. But, more important, I want to leave a legacy of living a life for CHRIST and speaking wisdom.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
So many of us seem to want to try to amass some sort of ambiguous fortune. We aren't sure of the exact amount or the exact contents or even to what extent we are vying. We just know that we are supposed to do something and leave something behind.
I will not deny that I want to leave something besides all the payment books and debts that we have amassed. I would like for my family to be secure when GOD calls me to my eternal abode. But, there has to be something more...
Today's word comes from Proverbs 13:22, NIV, which reads, "A good person leaves an inheritance for their children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous."
I think the "good person's inheritance" is far more than the monetary amount left behind. I think it encompasses all the wisdom and the examples they leave behind. Yes, I want to ensure my families financial future should something happen to me. But, more important, I want to leave a legacy of living a life for CHRIST and speaking wisdom.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
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