No doubt, there are some things to be concerned about. We have a very serious health condition that is ravaging our world. Whether it is a pandemic or an outbreak or whatever, the truth is that it is very serous and it seems to be spreading. And, every day, we hear of more and more cases and the ability of its spread.
With the spread of this health concern, the stock market has taken, and continues to take, a significant hit/dip. Some people have lost significant gains in their retirement funds. It is disheartening to think you are on track for something you have been planning for years and, then, see your retirement take hit after hit after hit.
I've been traveling this week, and one (1) of the conversations I have overheard during dinner this week, concerned Social Security and whether or not folks my age would see a penny of it. That, too, can go back to the previous concern about retirement accounts taking hit after hit after hit. But, look, Social Security may be the only retirement most of us will have. What do you mean it won't be here when I get there?
There are conflicts and wars, making ends meet, health concerns, financial concerns, just A LOT that can cause us stress, which is another health concern. But, listen, there is little we can individually do to influence any of these things; there is little I can do to prevent or halt any of these things from happening or not happening. I can protect my family and myself by practicing good hygiene and staying away from certain areas. I can try to protect our investments by diversifying and not taking too many risks. But, the single biggest thing I can do is...let GOD handle it.
Today's word is Philippians 4:19, NASB, which reads, "And my GOD will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in CHRIST JESUS."
GOD possesses it all, protects it all, and will provide it all.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, February 28, 2020
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Fulfilling and Rewarding
Life is short. We have probably heard that all of our lives but it is a fact. Even if you live to be 120, it still seems pretty short. I want to try to make the most of the time that GOD blesses me with here on this earth. I want to try to teach our children the importance of knowing GOD and being saved; there is no other decision that affects our eternity.
I want to spend time with my loved ones enjoying each others' company and making memories. I look back at times with my grandparents, my parents, my family and I realize how special and fleeting those moments were/are. I want to be wise in everything I do.
Today's word is Psalm 90:12, ESV, which reads, "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."
Moses was going up the mountain, knowing that he was going to see the Promised Land but would not be stepping foot into it. GOD was merciful in letting him see it. Moses was reflecting on his life and the things of life as I am sure we all do from time to time. He knew that life was short.
I think knowing that our time is very limited causes us to make wise choices and decisions, which is what today's word is reminding us to do. I am not trying to be a downer today. I just want to remind myself that life is short; let's make the most of it. Let the little things be the little things. Pray that GOD will give us wisdom, which will make us more useful. And, will make life more fulfilling and rewarding.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, February 21, 2020
He is Excellent
I was showing a friend of mine at work some "sky" pictures yesterday. The particulars we were looking at were so vivid in color that they were hard to describe. We both agreed that they were colors that only GOD could create.
When I look around at all His creations, I can't help but thank GOD for them all. I have been blessed to see and experience so many of them. I have been blessed with a beautiful wife and kids, and we have seen some of GOD'S creations. While there are so many more to see, the ones we have seen are enough to know that Heaven will be spectacular!
Today's word is a very familiar passage. Psalm 8:9, KJV, reads, "O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!"
GOD is worthy and deserves our praise. Spirits flee when they hear His name. Captives are set free by just speaking His name. It is only through Him, and His plan of salvation, by Grace through Faith in JESUS CHRIST, that we can experience true life. He is indeed worthy of all praise and honor and glory.
As you go about your day, and weekend, look around; He is excellent!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
When I look around at all His creations, I can't help but thank GOD for them all. I have been blessed to see and experience so many of them. I have been blessed with a beautiful wife and kids, and we have seen some of GOD'S creations. While there are so many more to see, the ones we have seen are enough to know that Heaven will be spectacular!
Today's word is a very familiar passage. Psalm 8:9, KJV, reads, "O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!"
GOD is worthy and deserves our praise. Spirits flee when they hear His name. Captives are set free by just speaking His name. It is only through Him, and His plan of salvation, by Grace through Faith in JESUS CHRIST, that we can experience true life. He is indeed worthy of all praise and honor and glory.
As you go about your day, and weekend, look around; He is excellent!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, February 20, 2020
We Stand Firm
It is easy to be shaken in this world; there is so much going on. I have talked before about all the things that go on each and every day. You can't turn on an electronic device or listen to a newscast or look at any news feed without seeing that we live in a broken and fallen world.
There seems to always be some violent scene unfolding every day of our lives. Then, we have the health scares, especially with the corona virus and the flu season. And, if you listen to politicians, and why you would want to do that, I do not know, but, if you do, you will get the impression that we are certainly doomed. But, I have good news...
Today's word is Psalm 16:8, NKJV, which reads, "I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved."
It really comes down to what we are focusing on. If we have our focus continually on all the bad things around us, on all the negativity happening every day, on all the worries and concerns that others want us to have, we will feel like there really is no hope. However, if we will focus on the One Who leads us, protects us, guides us, we will realize that He has it all under control and He is taking us where we need to go.
Furthermore, with our focus on the LORD, with Him leading us and guiding us, we can stand firm that everything is working for our good. So, regardless of the clamor and noise that others are providing, we know that He is on our side and we will stand victorious. Yeah, we may be in shaky days but, with GOD on our side, we stand firm!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
There seems to always be some violent scene unfolding every day of our lives. Then, we have the health scares, especially with the corona virus and the flu season. And, if you listen to politicians, and why you would want to do that, I do not know, but, if you do, you will get the impression that we are certainly doomed. But, I have good news...
Today's word is Psalm 16:8, NKJV, which reads, "I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved."
It really comes down to what we are focusing on. If we have our focus continually on all the bad things around us, on all the negativity happening every day, on all the worries and concerns that others want us to have, we will feel like there really is no hope. However, if we will focus on the One Who leads us, protects us, guides us, we will realize that He has it all under control and He is taking us where we need to go.
Furthermore, with our focus on the LORD, with Him leading us and guiding us, we can stand firm that everything is working for our good. So, regardless of the clamor and noise that others are providing, we know that He is on our side and we will stand victorious. Yeah, we may be in shaky days but, with GOD on our side, we stand firm!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Sky Pictures
I am a guy that likes to take "sky" pictures, especially sunrises and sunsets. There is nothing prettier than the colors displayed by GOD. NO picture, no camera can do these sights justice. I have taken many pictures, and they are pretty to look at but none of them even come close to what my eye actually sees.
It amazes me that others can see these beautiful displays of color and think that they happen by chance, that some big boom created everything and, by chance, we see these amazing displays. I know that GOD created everything, and we see just a little glimpse of what is in store for us in Heaven. Yes, I know there will be no need for sunrises and sunsets in Heaven; I am just saying that the colors are pure and a quick look at what we will see when we get there.
Today's word is Colossians 1:16, ESV, which reads, "For by Him all things were created, in Heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created through Him and for Him."
Today's passage tells us that ALL things were created for and through JESUS. Now, don't go nuts and say, "Oh, so He created sin?" No, of course not. He created us; we committed sin. Let's stick to the point; He created all the beauty we see that so many try to explain away as happenstance or luck or coincidence. No, it is GOD.
When you see something beautiful, and I see a lot of it in my wife and kids and so many other things, know Who is responsible for it all. Give Him praise for His glorious and marvelous and lovely works. Stop and take a sky picture, then, send it to me.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
It amazes me that others can see these beautiful displays of color and think that they happen by chance, that some big boom created everything and, by chance, we see these amazing displays. I know that GOD created everything, and we see just a little glimpse of what is in store for us in Heaven. Yes, I know there will be no need for sunrises and sunsets in Heaven; I am just saying that the colors are pure and a quick look at what we will see when we get there.
Today's word is Colossians 1:16, ESV, which reads, "For by Him all things were created, in Heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created through Him and for Him."
Today's passage tells us that ALL things were created for and through JESUS. Now, don't go nuts and say, "Oh, so He created sin?" No, of course not. He created us; we committed sin. Let's stick to the point; He created all the beauty we see that so many try to explain away as happenstance or luck or coincidence. No, it is GOD.
When you see something beautiful, and I see a lot of it in my wife and kids and so many other things, know Who is responsible for it all. Give Him praise for His glorious and marvelous and lovely works. Stop and take a sky picture, then, send it to me.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, February 17, 2020
Living water
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
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
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
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