Here on Halloween Eve, there is no shortage of scary movies available for your viewing pleasure. Almost every channel is advertising, every ad on your homepage is providing listings, everywhere there is opportunity to see a horror movie. I know some people really like horror movies, I am not particularly a fan, and not for the reason you are probably thinking.
Horror movies do not usually "scare" me. Most of the time, horror movies are boring. They are gory, poorly acted, and predictable. It is always the jock that will look around and see four (4) of the folks they came with missing and say, "I'll go look for them." But, for some folks, horror movies really scare them. I have a verse for you, if you have something scaring you today.
Today's word is Psalm 56:3, ESV, which reads, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You."
We have talked before that FEAR is just False Evidence Appearing Real. Often, we fear things that aren't real because our minds start telling us that what we see is real. It is easy to allow this to happen because of all the evil things we see in our world every day. There is absolutely no doubt that there are evil people committing evil deeds in our world each and every day. And, you don't have to watch a horror movie to see it, just watch the news. BUT...
But, when I am afraid, I draw closer to GOD. If I will concentrate on Him and His goodness, He will comfort me, remind me of His goodness, and allay those fears. So, today, and every day, we have nothing to fear. However, if you start to feel those pangs of fear rising, draw closer to GOD!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Monday, October 28, 2019
He will Rescue us
Our local football team has had a rather disappointing year, which happens from time to time. They have played hard but the results, as for wins and loses, have been less than they would like. It is a challenge to keep fighting when it seems that no matter how hard you work it just doesn't seem to get you anywhere.The key though is to keep fighting.
This past week, apparently there was a scuffle that broke out during the game and one of the teams' managers got involved because they were trying to rough up his teammate and friend. Now, this manager wasn't very big but he wasn't going to stand there and watch them try to hurt his friend.
Today's word is Jeremiah 1:19, NIV, which reads, "They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you, " declares the LORD.
It is great to have friends that will come to our rescue; I know we can all use more of them. What is even better, though, is that we have a GOD that will fight for us and rescue us. This world has a tendency to beat us down and to try and defeat us. However, as today's word tells us, it will not overcome us because we have GOD on our side.
Maybe things aren't going exactly like you thought they would. Maybe because of circumstances beyond your control, or maybe because of the evil efforts of others, you are feeling defeated and deflated. Rest assured, though, that the evil of this world will not overcome. We have a SAVIOR that has defeated death, hell, and the grave. He is with us, and He will rescue us.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
This past week, apparently there was a scuffle that broke out during the game and one of the teams' managers got involved because they were trying to rough up his teammate and friend. Now, this manager wasn't very big but he wasn't going to stand there and watch them try to hurt his friend.
Today's word is Jeremiah 1:19, NIV, which reads, "They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you, " declares the LORD.
It is great to have friends that will come to our rescue; I know we can all use more of them. What is even better, though, is that we have a GOD that will fight for us and rescue us. This world has a tendency to beat us down and to try and defeat us. However, as today's word tells us, it will not overcome us because we have GOD on our side.
Maybe things aren't going exactly like you thought they would. Maybe because of circumstances beyond your control, or maybe because of the evil efforts of others, you are feeling defeated and deflated. Rest assured, though, that the evil of this world will not overcome. We have a SAVIOR that has defeated death, hell, and the grave. He is with us, and He will rescue us.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Harmony - worth the effort
Do you have people that get on your nerves? I mean, really get under your skin? I am sure we all do. I am sure I am one of those people for others. I am absolutely positive that there are people in my life that when I ask, "How ya doin'," they take it as a personal offense.
We all have people in our lives that are difficult to be around. I know there are some folks in this world that absolutely bring out the worse in me, and vice versa. There are a select few in this world that the second I see them my blood pressure begins to rise. However, I am trying to work on not being that person for others. The reason?
Today's word is Psalm 133:1, NLT, which reads, "How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!"
I know others are watching how I treat others and how I respond to others. As Christians, we know that others are watching us because we should be different than others in this world. Yet, we are humans. We have those who just grate us and can get to us like no one else. We have those that just seem to take pleasure in our displeasure. But, as I said, I know others are watching, and I want to be a good example. But, it doesn't just stop there...
As our verse tells us, it is wonderful and pleasant to get along with others. Yeah, I know, sometimes it isn't practical because the other person doesn't want it. However, as much as possible, I want to try to get along with others and to live in harmony with others. No, it's not easy. No, it won't be possible with some. But, to live in harmony, I think it is worth the effort.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
We all have people in our lives that are difficult to be around. I know there are some folks in this world that absolutely bring out the worse in me, and vice versa. There are a select few in this world that the second I see them my blood pressure begins to rise. However, I am trying to work on not being that person for others. The reason?
Today's word is Psalm 133:1, NLT, which reads, "How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!"
I know others are watching how I treat others and how I respond to others. As Christians, we know that others are watching us because we should be different than others in this world. Yet, we are humans. We have those who just grate us and can get to us like no one else. We have those that just seem to take pleasure in our displeasure. But, as I said, I know others are watching, and I want to be a good example. But, it doesn't just stop there...
As our verse tells us, it is wonderful and pleasant to get along with others. Yeah, I know, sometimes it isn't practical because the other person doesn't want it. However, as much as possible, I want to try to get along with others and to live in harmony with others. No, it's not easy. No, it won't be possible with some. But, to live in harmony, I think it is worth the effort.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
How Blessed we truly are
Anyone who has children has heard the response, "Why?" when said child has been asked to do something. It doesn't matter what the something is: picking up clothes from floor, not talking about others, walking outside in twenty-degree weather with no shoes, when asked not to do something, the little one will ask, "Why?"
I think it is human nature not to be told/commanded to do things. We like to do things our own way, in our own time. But, just as our parents told us, we tell our children to help them avoid certain outcomes. We want to help them avoid certain outcomes, certain consequences, certain potential formed habits that will hinder his/her growth and health.
Today's word is Psalm 112:1, NIV, which reads, "Praise the LORD. Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in His commands.
We teach/instruct our children to pick his/her clothes up so that they aren't slobs when they get older. We teach them not to talk about others because we should try to be kind and respectful, just as we want others to be of us. We teach them not to go outside barefoot when it is twenty degrees because we love them and don't want them to suffer the possibility of being sick. We teach them because we love them.
GOD has given us commands and commandments to keep us from the pitfalls and the consequences of poor choices and to help us grow and mature into the creations He has meant us to be. He commands us because He loves us. And, just as we are trying to teach our children how to do things right and proper and appropriately, GOD, too, is trying to teach us to do things right and proper and appropriately. And if we will obey His commands, we will see how blessed we truly are.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I think it is human nature not to be told/commanded to do things. We like to do things our own way, in our own time. But, just as our parents told us, we tell our children to help them avoid certain outcomes. We want to help them avoid certain outcomes, certain consequences, certain potential formed habits that will hinder his/her growth and health.
Today's word is Psalm 112:1, NIV, which reads, "Praise the LORD. Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in His commands.
We teach/instruct our children to pick his/her clothes up so that they aren't slobs when they get older. We teach them not to talk about others because we should try to be kind and respectful, just as we want others to be of us. We teach them not to go outside barefoot when it is twenty degrees because we love them and don't want them to suffer the possibility of being sick. We teach them because we love them.
GOD has given us commands and commandments to keep us from the pitfalls and the consequences of poor choices and to help us grow and mature into the creations He has meant us to be. He commands us because He loves us. And, just as we are trying to teach our children how to do things right and proper and appropriately, GOD, too, is trying to teach us to do things right and proper and appropriately. And if we will obey His commands, we will see how blessed we truly are.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, October 21, 2019
Imitate Him
They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, which is probably true. Thankfully, I don't have anyone trying to imitate me. Well, they don't mimic my good qualities anyway. I have seen times in my life when I have tried to imitate others. Whether it was a singer, an athlete, a movie star, a profession, I would try to act like, to imitate, those I "admired".
In today's society, we have a lot of people imitating a lot of bad examples. It was no different when I was younger, we just didn't take it as far. And, listen, I am not passing judgement in any way, shape, form, or fashion. Why? Because the truth is, I should be imitating some far less and I should be imitating the One A LOT more.
Today's word is Ephesians 5:1, NASB, which reads, "Therefore be imitators of GOD, as beloved children."
We all know that our children will imitate us; all the wrong habits and hang ups anyway. I have seen myself in our two children more times than I care to count, and SELDOM is it something that I think, "Wow, that is me." No, usually, it is , "Oh no, that is me." The point is, though, we imitate the ones that we admire or that we love, and who should we admire or love more than JESUS?
I want to work on my imitations. I want to be more like JESUS in everything that I do. I have a long ways to go but, if I truly work on it and really try, I know I can improve. Imitation is truly the sincerest form of flattery. I want to work on flattering my SAVIOR. I want to imitate Him.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
In today's society, we have a lot of people imitating a lot of bad examples. It was no different when I was younger, we just didn't take it as far. And, listen, I am not passing judgement in any way, shape, form, or fashion. Why? Because the truth is, I should be imitating some far less and I should be imitating the One A LOT more.
Today's word is Ephesians 5:1, NASB, which reads, "Therefore be imitators of GOD, as beloved children."
We all know that our children will imitate us; all the wrong habits and hang ups anyway. I have seen myself in our two children more times than I care to count, and SELDOM is it something that I think, "Wow, that is me." No, usually, it is , "Oh no, that is me." The point is, though, we imitate the ones that we admire or that we love, and who should we admire or love more than JESUS?
I want to work on my imitations. I want to be more like JESUS in everything that I do. I have a long ways to go but, if I truly work on it and really try, I know I can improve. Imitation is truly the sincerest form of flattery. I want to work on flattering my SAVIOR. I want to imitate Him.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Glorious Destiny
I am sure that we have all felt slighted and mistreated. I am sure we have all had times when we felt we went the extra mile, put forth the extra effort, did the extra work, only to receive no extra. Should we have expected extra? Probably not; there is no guarantee of any extra. But, we may have felt it was justified, it was warranted.
When these occasions happen, the occasions where we feel slighted, treated unfairly, we can do one of three (3) things: we can wait and let it seethe until we explode; we can voice our displeasure BUT recognize that there may be consequences for voicing such; or we can wait and rest in the fact that GOD sees what we are doing and He will make things right by and by.
Today's word is Psalm 73:24, NLT, which reads, "You guide me with Your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny."
When things aren't going exactly the way we think they should, maybe we should be willing to ask ourselves, "Why do we feel that we deserve special treatment?" I know it is easy to get into the rut of feeling sorry for ourselves; I do it as well as anyone. However, we also should know and understand that we live in a broken and fallen and human guided world, where, sometimes, things just seem a little unfair. And, yes, it is easy to say, "Well, nobody ever said that life is fair." Right, it isn't, but, there are times when it seems more unfair than usual. However, it's not about where we are; it is about where GOD is taking us.
As our scripture reminds us today, "...leading me to a glorious destiny." We can be certain that JESUS has gone to prepare a place for us in Heaven, and that He will one day come and get us to go live eternally with Him. We can also be certain that in this life, regardless of circumstance, regardless of fairness, His plan is to give us a glorious end, even here. Keep your head up. GOD is leading you to a glorious destiny.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
When these occasions happen, the occasions where we feel slighted, treated unfairly, we can do one of three (3) things: we can wait and let it seethe until we explode; we can voice our displeasure BUT recognize that there may be consequences for voicing such; or we can wait and rest in the fact that GOD sees what we are doing and He will make things right by and by.
Today's word is Psalm 73:24, NLT, which reads, "You guide me with Your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny."
When things aren't going exactly the way we think they should, maybe we should be willing to ask ourselves, "Why do we feel that we deserve special treatment?" I know it is easy to get into the rut of feeling sorry for ourselves; I do it as well as anyone. However, we also should know and understand that we live in a broken and fallen and human guided world, where, sometimes, things just seem a little unfair. And, yes, it is easy to say, "Well, nobody ever said that life is fair." Right, it isn't, but, there are times when it seems more unfair than usual. However, it's not about where we are; it is about where GOD is taking us.
As our scripture reminds us today, "...leading me to a glorious destiny." We can be certain that JESUS has gone to prepare a place for us in Heaven, and that He will one day come and get us to go live eternally with Him. We can also be certain that in this life, regardless of circumstance, regardless of fairness, His plan is to give us a glorious end, even here. Keep your head up. GOD is leading you to a glorious destiny.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Rejoice in the LORD
We got away for a few days. I had a short conference down on the gulf and Trish and the kids got to go with me. It is always nice to spend time with those that you love, and the resort the conference was held at is one that really caters to getting away and spending time. I think our kids had a blast.
I have probably shared before that hearing waves crash on the shore is really relaxing to me. It can be from a boat going down the river to the the ocean on the beach; I just really enjoy hearing the waves crash. It doesn't hurt that, most of the time, wherever as wave can crash, it is usually really pretty scenery: open spaces, blues, scenic landscapes. I stand in awe at GOD'S creations.
Today's word is Psalm 104:34, NLT, which reads, "May all my thoughts be pleasing to Him, for I rejoice in the LORD."
After leaving such a beautiful, relaxing, serene venue, we have to drive back home. The drive in normally a little over five (5) hours. Yesterday, driving through some pretty heavy rain, some really crazy motorists, and a few crashes (no one appeared hurt, praise the LORD), the drive took almost six and one half hours. And, there were a few times that I probably didn't have the best thoughts of my fellow motorists, not at all. But, today's verse reminds me that GOD knows my every thought.
I do thank Him for allowing us the time together as a family to get out and see His great creation. I stand in awe of His goodness, mercy, and grace. I pray that all my thoughts will be pleasing to Him. I truly rejoice in the LORD.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I have probably shared before that hearing waves crash on the shore is really relaxing to me. It can be from a boat going down the river to the the ocean on the beach; I just really enjoy hearing the waves crash. It doesn't hurt that, most of the time, wherever as wave can crash, it is usually really pretty scenery: open spaces, blues, scenic landscapes. I stand in awe at GOD'S creations.
Today's word is Psalm 104:34, NLT, which reads, "May all my thoughts be pleasing to Him, for I rejoice in the LORD."
After leaving such a beautiful, relaxing, serene venue, we have to drive back home. The drive in normally a little over five (5) hours. Yesterday, driving through some pretty heavy rain, some really crazy motorists, and a few crashes (no one appeared hurt, praise the LORD), the drive took almost six and one half hours. And, there were a few times that I probably didn't have the best thoughts of my fellow motorists, not at all. But, today's verse reminds me that GOD knows my every thought.
I do thank Him for allowing us the time together as a family to get out and see His great creation. I stand in awe of His goodness, mercy, and grace. I pray that all my thoughts will be pleasing to Him. I truly rejoice in the LORD.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
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