Whenever someone asks me, "What do you think I should do," my reply is "Read the Book." The Book I am referring to, of course, is the Holy Bible, GOD'S Word. In the Bible, you will find answers to every question you may ever have. You will find a solution to every problem you will ever face. You will find wisdom for every dilemma.
It seems to me that there are many that know the answers are in GOD'S Word but they refuse to read it, or, they refuse to accept it. Here's the deal, for me anyway, I am a servant of the ALL knowing, ALL wise, ALL loving, ALL caring, ALL everything, my LORD, JESUS CHRIST. If I trust Him for my eternity, I can certainly trust Him for my day to day.
Today's word is just a saying/quote that I came across several years back that reminds me to "Read the Book": "The voice of GOD will never contradict the Word of GOD."
There are those that will say, "GOD told me..." or, "GOD has revealed to me..." or, "GOD spoke to me and said...", and, when you hear someone say something of that nature, compare what they say to what the Bible tells you. IF what they are saying isn't fully grounded and supported by the Word of GOD, ALWAYS go with the Word of GOD.
I believe it is more important in our current society than ever before in history to be diligent and discerning. There are lots of people trying to lead LOTS of people astray by misinterpreting or misrepresenting what the Word says. The simple thing to do, though, is to Read the Book.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Just stay calm
Have you ever "gotten ahead of yourself"? You know, acted before you thought? It is really easy to do sometimes. Things are happening all around you, there is a lot of noise and clamor, you are in an uncomfortable spot, and you start making decisions, start acting in ways that are unproductive and inefficient.
I've seen people make bad decisions because they are quick to push the "panic button". Hey, I know, I, too, have pressed that button because I hadn't taken the time to evaluate and think things through. It is easily done.
Today's word is Exodus 14:14, NLT, which reads, "The LORD Himself will fight for you. Just stay calm."
We all know that staying calm is often much easier said than done. But, I can tell you from experience that I don't make the best decisions when I am in a panic. And, I would venture to say that most people can say the same. I have found, again, through experience, that if I will take a breath and evaluate the situation, I usually make much better decisions. Besides, I know that GOD is with me and He always helps.
The next time you find yourself in a sticky, prickly, tight, tough situation, remember today's word: "The LORD Himself will fight for you." GOD is right beside you, helping you through. He will fight for us and show us the answers we need. The best thing we can do is just stay calm.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I've seen people make bad decisions because they are quick to push the "panic button". Hey, I know, I, too, have pressed that button because I hadn't taken the time to evaluate and think things through. It is easily done.
Today's word is Exodus 14:14, NLT, which reads, "The LORD Himself will fight for you. Just stay calm."
We all know that staying calm is often much easier said than done. But, I can tell you from experience that I don't make the best decisions when I am in a panic. And, I would venture to say that most people can say the same. I have found, again, through experience, that if I will take a breath and evaluate the situation, I usually make much better decisions. Besides, I know that GOD is with me and He always helps.
The next time you find yourself in a sticky, prickly, tight, tough situation, remember today's word: "The LORD Himself will fight for you." GOD is right beside you, helping you through. He will fight for us and show us the answers we need. The best thing we can do is just stay calm.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, February 25, 2019
GOD forgives me every time
We completed our Sunday school study in Genesis yesterday with Joseph reconciling with his brothers. I know you know the story of Joseph: he was hated by ten (10) of his brothers, sold into slavery, imprisoned, became governor of Egypt, and saved his people (GOD'S divine plan) from starvation.
It worked out as GOD had planned but Joseph had to go through some things. I won't try to speak for Joseph, but, I can imagine there were moments of anger and disbelief and thoughts of revenge for his brothers. Then, again, maybe Joseph never thought about revenge because in chapter 50 of Genesis Joseph tells his brothers that what they had meant for evil, GOD had meant for good, to save them all.
Today's word is Mark 11:25, NLT, which reads, "But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in Heaven will forgive your sins, too."
I heard someone say that we are never farther from GOD than when we don't forgive. For, when we don't forgive someone, we are "saying" that we are better than GOD - GOD forgives us all, and we won't forgive. On the other hand, we are never more like GOD than when we forgive someone - for, GOD forgives us all. It is often hard to forgive someone who had really hurt us but GOD forgives us for everything we have ever done. But, it is still hard...
I want to keep in mind, though, that I want GOD to forgive me: fully, completely, entirely. I don't want my prayer life hindered and hampered. I want to be as close to GOD as possible, and vice versa. I want to work on forgiveness; there's no feeling like it. No, I am not going to let someone hurt me over and over, but, I can forgive them for doing it the first time. Because, GOD forgives me every time.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
It worked out as GOD had planned but Joseph had to go through some things. I won't try to speak for Joseph, but, I can imagine there were moments of anger and disbelief and thoughts of revenge for his brothers. Then, again, maybe Joseph never thought about revenge because in chapter 50 of Genesis Joseph tells his brothers that what they had meant for evil, GOD had meant for good, to save them all.
Today's word is Mark 11:25, NLT, which reads, "But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in Heaven will forgive your sins, too."
I heard someone say that we are never farther from GOD than when we don't forgive. For, when we don't forgive someone, we are "saying" that we are better than GOD - GOD forgives us all, and we won't forgive. On the other hand, we are never more like GOD than when we forgive someone - for, GOD forgives us all. It is often hard to forgive someone who had really hurt us but GOD forgives us for everything we have ever done. But, it is still hard...
I want to keep in mind, though, that I want GOD to forgive me: fully, completely, entirely. I don't want my prayer life hindered and hampered. I want to be as close to GOD as possible, and vice versa. I want to work on forgiveness; there's no feeling like it. No, I am not going to let someone hurt me over and over, but, I can forgive them for doing it the first time. Because, GOD forgives me every time.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Cheese stick or fish stick
Have you ever picked up something, thinking it was one thing but later finding out it was another? I may have shared this before but it bears repeating. I am not a fish and seafood guy; I have never been a fan of it, probably never will be. I wish I liked fish; it's supposedly really healthy. But I am just one of those folks who have never developed a taste and a desire for it. Sorry.
However, I was eating at a particular style of buffet restaurant several years ago, and came upon an item that the tag on the sneeze guard read, "Cheese Stick". I really like cheese, so, I picked one up and planned to eat it while I was completing the filling of my plate. One bite, though, let me know that what I had was not a cheese stick at all; it was a fish stick, a very fishy tasting fish stick. Sometimes, what we think we see is not what something really is.
Today's word is Revelations 3:1b, ESV, which reads, "...I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead."
The church at Sardis, whom is being talked to in today's passage, had the appearance of being a church on fire for GOD, and some, a few, of the members were. What was really going on, though, and GOD knew, was you had a few really working and striving to do His will, while the rest were lost in their sins and telling everyone that they were members of the Church of Sardis.
The same thing(s) is happening in today's church. Don't get me wrong, I am not judging, and certainly not pointing fingers; I have my own faults and failures. BUT, GOD knows the heart; He knows the ones that are trying to do His will and those that are just there to be able to say that they are there. He knows the ones that are truly His and those that want others to "think" that they are His. And, in today's passage, we are warned that He knows.
I use this passage today as a reminder to myself that I need to be doing what GOD has called me to do for one reason and one reason only - to Glorify Him and to try to let His light shine through me. I want to be found faithful. I want to be a cheese stick, not a fish stick.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
However, I was eating at a particular style of buffet restaurant several years ago, and came upon an item that the tag on the sneeze guard read, "Cheese Stick". I really like cheese, so, I picked one up and planned to eat it while I was completing the filling of my plate. One bite, though, let me know that what I had was not a cheese stick at all; it was a fish stick, a very fishy tasting fish stick. Sometimes, what we think we see is not what something really is.
Today's word is Revelations 3:1b, ESV, which reads, "...I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead."
The church at Sardis, whom is being talked to in today's passage, had the appearance of being a church on fire for GOD, and some, a few, of the members were. What was really going on, though, and GOD knew, was you had a few really working and striving to do His will, while the rest were lost in their sins and telling everyone that they were members of the Church of Sardis.
The same thing(s) is happening in today's church. Don't get me wrong, I am not judging, and certainly not pointing fingers; I have my own faults and failures. BUT, GOD knows the heart; He knows the ones that are trying to do His will and those that are just there to be able to say that they are there. He knows the ones that are truly His and those that want others to "think" that they are His. And, in today's passage, we are warned that He knows.
I use this passage today as a reminder to myself that I need to be doing what GOD has called me to do for one reason and one reason only - to Glorify Him and to try to let His light shine through me. I want to be found faithful. I want to be a cheese stick, not a fish stick.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Look around
Alright, while I have absolutely no right, I am just going to vent for a moment. I am tired of the rain. It has rained so much this winter season, with a days-long deluge beginning today and ending who knows when. The kids can't get out and play, there is mud and mess everywhere, it is frustrating.
Yes, I know it could be A LOT worse. I know there are areas of our country that have had incessant snow, extreme cold, and a bitter winter season. And, I feel for them, too. It is aggravating at times that we can't get a pretty day, a decent day to go out and enjoy. There have been a few days here and there but it was still extremely muddy. But, I am just complaining, which is neither comely nor productive nor justified.
Today's word is Psalm 55:22, ESV, which reads, "Cast your burden on the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved."
Even when we are having a bad day, a bad season, we can trust that GOD has it all in His hand. He isn't oblivious to our situation. He isn't apathetic to our feelings. He isn't unaware of our frustrations. We may try to hide them and act like everything is just fine, BUT, He knows it all, even those things we complain about in our heads. We can cast our burden, our struggles, our complaints, our frustrations on Him; He will help us through.
Yeah, it has been a frustratingly wet winter. It has had its very dark days. But, we have accomplished some inside work that we had been wanting to get done. We have had a couple of evenings that we could sit down as a family and enjoy a clean, wholesome movie. While all this incessant rain has caused its problems and inconveniences, GOD has given us moments of joy and happiness. It's amazing what you can "see", if you just lift your head and look around.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Yes, I know it could be A LOT worse. I know there are areas of our country that have had incessant snow, extreme cold, and a bitter winter season. And, I feel for them, too. It is aggravating at times that we can't get a pretty day, a decent day to go out and enjoy. There have been a few days here and there but it was still extremely muddy. But, I am just complaining, which is neither comely nor productive nor justified.
Today's word is Psalm 55:22, ESV, which reads, "Cast your burden on the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved."
Even when we are having a bad day, a bad season, we can trust that GOD has it all in His hand. He isn't oblivious to our situation. He isn't apathetic to our feelings. He isn't unaware of our frustrations. We may try to hide them and act like everything is just fine, BUT, He knows it all, even those things we complain about in our heads. We can cast our burden, our struggles, our complaints, our frustrations on Him; He will help us through.
Yeah, it has been a frustratingly wet winter. It has had its very dark days. But, we have accomplished some inside work that we had been wanting to get done. We have had a couple of evenings that we could sit down as a family and enjoy a clean, wholesome movie. While all this incessant rain has caused its problems and inconveniences, GOD has given us moments of joy and happiness. It's amazing what you can "see", if you just lift your head and look around.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, February 15, 2019
Someone who makes the time
According to the National Day Calendar, today is "National No One Eats Alone Day", which is pretty neat, I think. A day set aside to remind us that everyone has a different story and everyone could use someone just to listen to his/her story (now, all of the explanation is just my thought of what it could mean).
I am having lunch today with some friends: one, a former boss that lives thirty (30) miles away, the other, a friend traveling about 100 miles just to have lunch. Both of these men are much older, much wiser, and retired. But, still, they are taking the time to travel a fair distance just to sit down for a few minutes and enjoy a little fellowship over lunch.
Today's word is a little something I try to remember when I NEED to be somewhere but I WANT to do something else: "It's not about HAVING time. It's about MAKING time."
There will be those times in life when we really want to finish a project, go to the movies, just veg, but, a friend really needs us to sit and listen. And, when I say "friend", it certainly goes for my wife and kids (FIRST). We may not think that we "HAVE" the time but we know we need to "MAKE" the time. Why? Because, others have and will do it for us.
So, on this "National No One Eats Alone Day", remember what others have done for you and try to make a little time for someone else. I bet you'll receive far more of a blessing than you give. There is something special about someone who makes the time.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I am having lunch today with some friends: one, a former boss that lives thirty (30) miles away, the other, a friend traveling about 100 miles just to have lunch. Both of these men are much older, much wiser, and retired. But, still, they are taking the time to travel a fair distance just to sit down for a few minutes and enjoy a little fellowship over lunch.
Today's word is a little something I try to remember when I NEED to be somewhere but I WANT to do something else: "It's not about HAVING time. It's about MAKING time."
There will be those times in life when we really want to finish a project, go to the movies, just veg, but, a friend really needs us to sit and listen. And, when I say "friend", it certainly goes for my wife and kids (FIRST). We may not think that we "HAVE" the time but we know we need to "MAKE" the time. Why? Because, others have and will do it for us.
So, on this "National No One Eats Alone Day", remember what others have done for you and try to make a little time for someone else. I bet you'll receive far more of a blessing than you give. There is something special about someone who makes the time.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, February 14, 2019
The Greatest
What does "Love" mean? It is definitely a word that is better felt than described, better lived than explained, better shared than discussed. But, it is also a word that is really hard to give a true definition. It is sort of like when I try to explain to my kids that I love them in a way that they will NEVER understand (until they have kids), but I love their Mom, my wife, with a love like no other.
Love is an emotion, yeah, but, it is one that is harder to explain than anger or sadness. It is something that reaches our deepest being, into our very soul. GOD'S word tells us that there is no greater love than to give your life for a friend. And, that GOD loves us so much that He gave His Son as a sacrifice for us! That's LOVE.
Obviously, it is Valentine's Day, a day devoted to expressing our love to others. Now, I will tell you that I try to show Trish love every day, not just on Valentine's Day. I want her to know how much she means to me, how she completes me, how much I LOVE HER every, single day. Same goes for our kids, my family, my friends, everyone.
So, on this Valentine's Day, let others know that you love them and appreciate them. Then, why save it for just one day each year? Try to let those that you love know how special they are, not because they have done anything particularly special but because they are just special.
And, with that, I will end with today's word, which is often used, especially on Valentine's Day, but is always true and relevant. 1 Corinthians 13:13, NLT, reads, "Three things will last forever--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love."
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Love is an emotion, yeah, but, it is one that is harder to explain than anger or sadness. It is something that reaches our deepest being, into our very soul. GOD'S word tells us that there is no greater love than to give your life for a friend. And, that GOD loves us so much that He gave His Son as a sacrifice for us! That's LOVE.
Obviously, it is Valentine's Day, a day devoted to expressing our love to others. Now, I will tell you that I try to show Trish love every day, not just on Valentine's Day. I want her to know how much she means to me, how she completes me, how much I LOVE HER every, single day. Same goes for our kids, my family, my friends, everyone.
So, on this Valentine's Day, let others know that you love them and appreciate them. Then, why save it for just one day each year? Try to let those that you love know how special they are, not because they have done anything particularly special but because they are just special.
And, with that, I will end with today's word, which is often used, especially on Valentine's Day, but is always true and relevant. 1 Corinthians 13:13, NLT, reads, "Three things will last forever--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love."
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
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