I've been watching a show lately that fuels my inner child. The Dude Perfect Show is a show about five (5) guys who met in college, challenged each other to some really difficult trick shots, made a youtube video, and became "famous" for their love of sports and competition. Now, I did a really poor job of summarizing but you get the gist.
However, it is much deeper than that. If you take the time to explore who each of these guys are, individually, you will find that they are all Christians. If you take the time to listen to each of their testimonies, you will find that they, collectively, know that GOD has brought all of this to fruition and they want to use this platform that He has given them to glorify and promote Him. Refreshing.
Today's word is one that I am sure I have used before but I just wanted to use it for a self reminder that everything I do should glorify, honor, and promote my SAVIOR: Psalm 19:14, NASB, reads, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer."
I want everything I do to be pleasing in GOD'S sight. Is it? Goodness no. I mess up all the time. I wish I could go a day where everything was pleasing but I have yet to make it through an entire day. I am not saying that bragging, I am saying that in complete and total openness and honesty. However, that doesn't stop me from trying to make sure what I do is pleasing and glorifying my SAVIOR.
My prayer is that I will be useful to my LORD. I pray that He can find a way to use me wherever I am, whatever I am doing. I pray that I will glorify Him and honor Him, and promote Him in whatever I am doing. And, if you haven't seen it, check out The Dude Perfect Show.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Monday, April 29, 2019
A Fork
Have you ever been afraid? I mean, really scared? There is no feeling like being scared. Yes, it is usually irrational and unfounded but we have all been there; we have all at some time or another been scared. If you haven't you will.
I remember, as a young child, having a nightmare about someone chasing me with a fork, yes, a fork. This person in my dream chased me all over our neighborhood until I finally ran in through my parents' back door. As I closed the door, I caught the fork holders arm in between the door and the jamb and slammed the door on the arm several times until the fork fell to the ground. I locked the door and went into the living room, sweaty, panting, and sat down in a chair facing the front door. Finally catching my breath, the front door flies open and there stands the figure that had been chasing me holding a spoon. Then, I woke up.
Today's word is Psalm 56:3, NASB, which reads, "When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You."
For years, that dream about being pursued by someone with utensils was very real and would scare me from time to time when I thought about it. Unrealistic, yes. But, as a young person, it was still very scary. However, we know that we can trust GOD no matter what. We can rest assured that He has things under control and that He will take care of us. Sometimes, we need a little reminder that He is always on the alert, always providing protection.
We all get scared from time to time. We all need to know that someone has our backs. When you find it hard to sleep, or stay asleep, or go back to sleep, find peace in the fact that you can trust GOD to take care of everything. Even someone chasing you with a fork.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I remember, as a young child, having a nightmare about someone chasing me with a fork, yes, a fork. This person in my dream chased me all over our neighborhood until I finally ran in through my parents' back door. As I closed the door, I caught the fork holders arm in between the door and the jamb and slammed the door on the arm several times until the fork fell to the ground. I locked the door and went into the living room, sweaty, panting, and sat down in a chair facing the front door. Finally catching my breath, the front door flies open and there stands the figure that had been chasing me holding a spoon. Then, I woke up.
Today's word is Psalm 56:3, NASB, which reads, "When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You."
For years, that dream about being pursued by someone with utensils was very real and would scare me from time to time when I thought about it. Unrealistic, yes. But, as a young person, it was still very scary. However, we know that we can trust GOD no matter what. We can rest assured that He has things under control and that He will take care of us. Sometimes, we need a little reminder that He is always on the alert, always providing protection.
We all get scared from time to time. We all need to know that someone has our backs. When you find it hard to sleep, or stay asleep, or go back to sleep, find peace in the fact that you can trust GOD to take care of everything. Even someone chasing you with a fork.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, April 26, 2019
Truly Successful
If you know me, you probably know that I am a very average guy. I got the results back on the blood work performed as part of my most recent annual check up and, with just a couple of exceptions, I fell into the middle of the range for all the parameters. Just average. I am average height, average weight, maybe average intelligence, hopefully average looks. Just average.
Now, if you look at my lovely wife, my beautiful kids, you will know that there must be something to being average. I mean, I have been really blessed: GOD is better to me than I deserve. Truth be known, I am sure that lots of people wonder what is wrong with Trish. I can tell you that she was made for me, and she likes average.
Today's word is a quote from Albert Einstein that says, "Strive not to be a success but rather to be of value."
Some people live their whole lives trying to be "successful" but can't even define what success is to them. Maybe you think success is a bank account full of money or a six figure salary or a $10,000 vacation, but, is that really the definition of success. Isn't being successful truly defined by the fact that we provide some value: to our SAVIOR, to our family, to our country, to our company, to our dog or cat? I can guarantee you have value to our SAVIOR, He died for you.
So, on this Friday, as we wrap up another week and prepare for another weekend, go out and provide value. If you do that, you may just find that you are truly successful.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Now, if you look at my lovely wife, my beautiful kids, you will know that there must be something to being average. I mean, I have been really blessed: GOD is better to me than I deserve. Truth be known, I am sure that lots of people wonder what is wrong with Trish. I can tell you that she was made for me, and she likes average.
Today's word is a quote from Albert Einstein that says, "Strive not to be a success but rather to be of value."
Some people live their whole lives trying to be "successful" but can't even define what success is to them. Maybe you think success is a bank account full of money or a six figure salary or a $10,000 vacation, but, is that really the definition of success. Isn't being successful truly defined by the fact that we provide some value: to our SAVIOR, to our family, to our country, to our company, to our dog or cat? I can guarantee you have value to our SAVIOR, He died for you.
So, on this Friday, as we wrap up another week and prepare for another weekend, go out and provide value. If you do that, you may just find that you are truly successful.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Make the wait easier
Are you a good waiter? And, I don't mean someone who serves others; I mean, waiting on things. I am not a good waiter. I have shared before that if patience is truly a virtue, I am not a very virtuous person. I am fairly impatient, and for no particular reason.
We all know that GOD gives us three (3) answers to prayer: yes, no, and wait. We all want to hear, "Yes". We may be disappointed but eventually we realize that "No" was the right answer and that GOD certainly has our best interest in mind. BUT, those times that He tells us to "Wait" are often difficult to deal with. We like answers, and we like them now. But, there is a reason to wait.
Today's word is Lamentations 3:25, NASB, which reads, "The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the person who seeks Him."
While we don't like waiting, there is always a reason. Perhaps, we need to grow before we get what we have requested. Maybe there is something coming up in our lives (remember, GOD sees the BIG picture) that we need to get through prior to our prayer being answered. Maybe GOD knows that we just aren't ready for what we are asking, and we need to wait.
But, look, there is good news for us if we will wait on the LORD. Today's word tells us that the LORD is GOOD to those who wait for Him. I certainly want GOD to be good to me; He always is but I want His blessings. Don't you? Well, today's word tells us that He will be good to those who wait on Him. So, I am not a good waiter, but, I think, if I keep in mind that GOD has good things in store for my patience, it will make the wait easier.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
We all know that GOD gives us three (3) answers to prayer: yes, no, and wait. We all want to hear, "Yes". We may be disappointed but eventually we realize that "No" was the right answer and that GOD certainly has our best interest in mind. BUT, those times that He tells us to "Wait" are often difficult to deal with. We like answers, and we like them now. But, there is a reason to wait.
Today's word is Lamentations 3:25, NASB, which reads, "The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the person who seeks Him."
While we don't like waiting, there is always a reason. Perhaps, we need to grow before we get what we have requested. Maybe there is something coming up in our lives (remember, GOD sees the BIG picture) that we need to get through prior to our prayer being answered. Maybe GOD knows that we just aren't ready for what we are asking, and we need to wait.
But, look, there is good news for us if we will wait on the LORD. Today's word tells us that the LORD is GOOD to those who wait for Him. I certainly want GOD to be good to me; He always is but I want His blessings. Don't you? Well, today's word tells us that He will be good to those who wait on Him. So, I am not a good waiter, but, I think, if I keep in mind that GOD has good things in store for my patience, it will make the wait easier.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Successful Planning
I have admitted before that I am a planner; I have a plan for planning. I usually begin any adventure with plan A, B, C, D, etc., Yes, I know, if plan B was any good, it would be plan A. However, I just feel better if I have a plan of action. How about you?
Have your plans always worked out? I know mine certainly haven't. I have made what I thought were absolute, fool-proof plans, only to see that I am the fool that could foil them. I have made what I thought were concrete plans, only to see that they were nothing more than a giant mud hole. I always make my worst planning mistakes when I don't include the LORD in them.
Today's word is Proverbs 16:3, NLT, which reminds us that we need to include the LORD in all of our plans: "Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed."
More often than not, when I don't seek GOD'S will and advice in my planning, it is because I feel like I can handle it or that it is too small to concern GOD with. However, we all know that if it concerns us, it concerns Him. If we are having to make a plan for something, we should start our plans by seeking His will and His desire. I can guarantee you that if we do, our plans will be successful, if they are in His will.
Take a little advice from someone who has made a lot of plans, and a lot of bad ones. If you want things to be successful, if you want things to work out, seek GOD. Ask Him to direct your plans and your actions. Seek to do His will, and watch your plans succeed.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Have your plans always worked out? I know mine certainly haven't. I have made what I thought were absolute, fool-proof plans, only to see that I am the fool that could foil them. I have made what I thought were concrete plans, only to see that they were nothing more than a giant mud hole. I always make my worst planning mistakes when I don't include the LORD in them.
Today's word is Proverbs 16:3, NLT, which reminds us that we need to include the LORD in all of our plans: "Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed."
More often than not, when I don't seek GOD'S will and advice in my planning, it is because I feel like I can handle it or that it is too small to concern GOD with. However, we all know that if it concerns us, it concerns Him. If we are having to make a plan for something, we should start our plans by seeking His will and His desire. I can guarantee you that if we do, our plans will be successful, if they are in His will.
Take a little advice from someone who has made a lot of plans, and a lot of bad ones. If you want things to be successful, if you want things to work out, seek GOD. Ask Him to direct your plans and your actions. Seek to do His will, and watch your plans succeed.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Human Anger
Do you ever get angry? I mean, really angry? I know I have. I have been angry at things, at occurrences, at drivers, at coaches, at umpires, at people in general. I am quite competitive, which can be a good thing at times, but, can also lead to angry outbursts at times. I can blame it on being part Irish, or that my family has those moments, but, the truth is, it is on me. I should do better at controlling it.
I read a story of a mother that drug her child while he held onto the door handle of the car because he didn't want to go to school. She drug her son about 50 feet, he fell, she ran over him. Her son, who didn't want to go to school, is now permanently damaged and changed. It is easy to allow our anger to get the best of us; if we are not careful, though, our anger will get the best of someone else, maybe even someone we love.
Today's word is James 1:20, NIV, which reads, "because human anger does not produce the righteousness that GOD desires."
I would doubt that anyone will ever say that I was displaying GOD in one of my angry outbursts. As a matter of fact, I would doubt that anyone saw anything remotely close to GOD and His goodness in any of my anger. I am ashamed to admit that I am absolutely sure that any anger I have displayed has done far more harm than good, for the glory of GOD, for others and for me.
I want to work harder on controlling angry outbursts. I want others to see JESUS through me, which happens very seldom already. I want to display the goodness of GOD. I want to produce the righteousness that GOD desires.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I read a story of a mother that drug her child while he held onto the door handle of the car because he didn't want to go to school. She drug her son about 50 feet, he fell, she ran over him. Her son, who didn't want to go to school, is now permanently damaged and changed. It is easy to allow our anger to get the best of us; if we are not careful, though, our anger will get the best of someone else, maybe even someone we love.
Today's word is James 1:20, NIV, which reads, "because human anger does not produce the righteousness that GOD desires."
I would doubt that anyone will ever say that I was displaying GOD in one of my angry outbursts. As a matter of fact, I would doubt that anyone saw anything remotely close to GOD and His goodness in any of my anger. I am ashamed to admit that I am absolutely sure that any anger I have displayed has done far more harm than good, for the glory of GOD, for others and for me.
I want to work harder on controlling angry outbursts. I want others to see JESUS through me, which happens very seldom already. I want to display the goodness of GOD. I want to produce the righteousness that GOD desires.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, April 22, 2019
Earth Day 2019
Have you ever had someone borrow something of yours and break it? Or, someone borrowed something of yours and when you got it back, it wasn't exactly the way it was when you loaned it? Or, they didn't even bother to give it back? We have those in our society who treat everything as theirs, and everything is disposable.
Today is "Earth Day". It is a day that we should do something good for our planet, which is what I think we should do every day. Before you go thinking that I am something that I am not, allow me to assure you that I am not an extremist. I just think doing little things each day will add up. And, this Earth is a temporary home that we are borrowing.
Today's word is Psalm 24:1, NLT, which reads, "The earth is the LORD'S, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to Him."
So, the earth is the LORD'S; we are just borrowing it for a little while. Are we being good stewards of it while it is ours. I try not to litter. I try to not leave a mess wherever I go. I know that I don't like cleaning up others' messes and I don't want my children, my grandchildren, future generations to have to clean up after me. Again, not a radical, just practical.
I truly want to leave things better than what I found them. I want my kids to live in a nicer, safer, cleaner world than I grew up in. I doubt that is possible but I am going to try to do my part to ensure it. And, as with everything the LORD blesses me with, I want to be a good steward, which includes trying to take care of those things He has allowed me to borrow.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Today is "Earth Day". It is a day that we should do something good for our planet, which is what I think we should do every day. Before you go thinking that I am something that I am not, allow me to assure you that I am not an extremist. I just think doing little things each day will add up. And, this Earth is a temporary home that we are borrowing.
Today's word is Psalm 24:1, NLT, which reads, "The earth is the LORD'S, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to Him."
So, the earth is the LORD'S; we are just borrowing it for a little while. Are we being good stewards of it while it is ours. I try not to litter. I try to not leave a mess wherever I go. I know that I don't like cleaning up others' messes and I don't want my children, my grandchildren, future generations to have to clean up after me. Again, not a radical, just practical.
I truly want to leave things better than what I found them. I want my kids to live in a nicer, safer, cleaner world than I grew up in. I doubt that is possible but I am going to try to do my part to ensure it. And, as with everything the LORD blesses me with, I want to be a good steward, which includes trying to take care of those things He has allowed me to borrow.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
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