Ever get up in the middle of the night for one reason or another and, trying to be conscientious to others, not turn on the lights? Many times, this scenario plays out well and everything goes exactly according to plant. HOWEVER, occasionally, you walk into a wall, a door, or snag your pinkie toe on a door jamb or a bed corner. When that happens, all conscientiousness towards others ceases.
We hop around and try to muffle screams and stifle tears. We do everything we can to try not to let others know we have made a mistake but, eventually, the inner weakness defeats the outer strength and we have to let it out. All of this could have been avoided with just a little light.
Today's word is 1 John 1:7, NIV, which reads, "But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of JESUS, His Son, purifies us from all sin."
Just as a little light can prevent pinkie toe injuries and the awakening and offending of our loved ones, walking in the light of our SAVIOR will keep us from offending one another. Yeah, we will still have those moments when we get on each others last nerve but we'll see that we are all family, and that is what families do. So, walking in the Light will keep us from faltering and floundering.
Walking with JESUS will also purify us from all sin. GOD sent His Son, JESUS, to be the sacrifice to cover all our sins. Once we accept His gift, our sins are gone and His blood purifies us. WOW!
Look, walk in the Light! You'll not only save your pinkie toe, you'll save your soul!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, November 30, 2015
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Where to find TRUE LOVE
Folks have been searching for "true love" for as long as folks have been searching. And, many have had their hearts broken because they have given it to someone who couldn't handle such a precious gift. For many true love seems impossible to find and incomprehensible to hold.
So many people have looked for love in all the wrong places (that would make a good country song, huh?). They've tried to find it in situations, relations, libations, and infatuations but true love isn't found there. The only way to find true love is to go to the source...
Today's word is 1 John 4:16, NIV, which reads, "And so we know and rely on the love GOD has for us. GOD is LOVE. Whoever lives in love lives in GOD, and GOD in them."
The only way to find TRUE LOVE is to go to the source of TRUE LOVE - GOD! GOD is LOVE! Don't miss that - GOD IS LOVE. You aren't going to find love from any source but GOD. Yeah, you might find something that emulates love, or simulates love, or imitate love but to find TRUE LOVE, you have to go to GOD, Who is Love.
If you're searching for the love of your life, the dearest love you could ever feel, the type of love that surpasses all understanding, there is only One place to find it - GOD! Hey, GOD LOVE YOU like no one or nothing ever could or ever will. For GOD IS LOVE!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
So many people have looked for love in all the wrong places (that would make a good country song, huh?). They've tried to find it in situations, relations, libations, and infatuations but true love isn't found there. The only way to find true love is to go to the source...
Today's word is 1 John 4:16, NIV, which reads, "And so we know and rely on the love GOD has for us. GOD is LOVE. Whoever lives in love lives in GOD, and GOD in them."
The only way to find TRUE LOVE is to go to the source of TRUE LOVE - GOD! GOD is LOVE! Don't miss that - GOD IS LOVE. You aren't going to find love from any source but GOD. Yeah, you might find something that emulates love, or simulates love, or imitate love but to find TRUE LOVE, you have to go to GOD, Who is Love.
If you're searching for the love of your life, the dearest love you could ever feel, the type of love that surpasses all understanding, there is only One place to find it - GOD! Hey, GOD LOVE YOU like no one or nothing ever could or ever will. For GOD IS LOVE!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Give and take
There's a lot of negative things to be said about give and take, especially when it comes to a lot of our political representatives. It seems that they are elected by promising to give something in return for what they got, and that isn't always a good thing.
There's also the good give and take. Any relationship requires some amount of give and take. Sometimes, you have to be the stronger one and give more in a relationship because, eventually, you are going to be the weak one and need to take. That is a good give and take.
Still thinking about Thanksgiving, today's word is a quote I came across that says, "Life is full of give and take. Give thanks and take nothing for granted."
It's important that we give thanks for the many blessings we have been given. If I started naming them one by one, it would take to the end of my life and I would still miss some and not finish the list. We have all been blessed far more than we often give credit or thought to. I know I have. So, give GOD thanks for all that He has given you - every good and perfect gift.
Then, take nothing for granted. We never know when things are going to go bad in the cruel and evil world. Yet, we can be thankful that when it does, GOD is by our side, guiding us through the storm. Let's give thanks and take nothing for granted.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
There's also the good give and take. Any relationship requires some amount of give and take. Sometimes, you have to be the stronger one and give more in a relationship because, eventually, you are going to be the weak one and need to take. That is a good give and take.
Still thinking about Thanksgiving, today's word is a quote I came across that says, "Life is full of give and take. Give thanks and take nothing for granted."
It's important that we give thanks for the many blessings we have been given. If I started naming them one by one, it would take to the end of my life and I would still miss some and not finish the list. We have all been blessed far more than we often give credit or thought to. I know I have. So, give GOD thanks for all that He has given you - every good and perfect gift.
Then, take nothing for granted. We never know when things are going to go bad in the cruel and evil world. Yet, we can be thankful that when it does, GOD is by our side, guiding us through the storm. Let's give thanks and take nothing for granted.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, November 23, 2015
A Father's Delight
I have probably never been known as a wise son. I have been known as a wise guy, and a couple of other things that use wise as an adjective. But, don't you know that parents must really be proud of their children that make good decisions and do the right things? I know I would be.
We were discussing Thanksgiving in the preschool Sunday School class yesterday, when Blake, our four-year-old, began to explain to us how Thanksgiving came about. He told us that the pilgrims came on the "Sunflower", and that they came here because the King wouldn't let them go to church. I cannot begin to tell you how proud I was; he has been listening.
Today's word is Proverbs 23:24, NIV, which reads, "The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him."
This verse is true of earthly fathers but don't you know it is also true of our Heavenly Father? He wants to rejoice in our wise decisions. He wants us to make righteous choices and to do the right things. GOD wants us to grow closer to Him and to pattern our actions after His; He rejoices over His righteous and wise children.
Thanksgiving is coming up, and I will always be grateful for the many blessings in my life, which include Trish and my children. I pray daily that I make wise and righteous decisions and that they can see that I am doing my best. My Father rejoices when I do, and I so want to please Him.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
We were discussing Thanksgiving in the preschool Sunday School class yesterday, when Blake, our four-year-old, began to explain to us how Thanksgiving came about. He told us that the pilgrims came on the "Sunflower", and that they came here because the King wouldn't let them go to church. I cannot begin to tell you how proud I was; he has been listening.
Today's word is Proverbs 23:24, NIV, which reads, "The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him."
This verse is true of earthly fathers but don't you know it is also true of our Heavenly Father? He wants to rejoice in our wise decisions. He wants us to make righteous choices and to do the right things. GOD wants us to grow closer to Him and to pattern our actions after His; He rejoices over His righteous and wise children.
Thanksgiving is coming up, and I will always be grateful for the many blessings in my life, which include Trish and my children. I pray daily that I make wise and righteous decisions and that they can see that I am doing my best. My Father rejoices when I do, and I so want to please Him.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, November 20, 2015
Let's be Honorable
When you hear the word, "honorable," what comes to mind? I think of someone being named "Honorable Mention". They didn't make the first team or even the second team but, they are worthy of mention. Don't you want to be worthy of mention?
I am sure that I am mentioned in a lot of conversations; probably just before someone spits. But, in all honesty, I think it is a desire of us all to be honorable and worthy of mention. Yet, I think we sometimes forget that in order to be worthy of mention, we must be honorable.
Today's word is 2 Corinthians 8:21, NLT, which reads, "We are careful to be honorable before the LORD, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable."
I think there are some really insightful words in this verse if we break it down a little. The first part is that we are careful to be honorable before the LORD. I think we all find ourselves on our best behavior at church, around "church folk", around those things that are godly. But, are we as careful with the last part, "BUT, we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable."
I want GOD to find me worthy. I also want others to see that I am worthy of GOD'S blessings and goodness. Let's strive to be honorable - before GOD and others.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I am sure that I am mentioned in a lot of conversations; probably just before someone spits. But, in all honesty, I think it is a desire of us all to be honorable and worthy of mention. Yet, I think we sometimes forget that in order to be worthy of mention, we must be honorable.
Today's word is 2 Corinthians 8:21, NLT, which reads, "We are careful to be honorable before the LORD, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable."
I think there are some really insightful words in this verse if we break it down a little. The first part is that we are careful to be honorable before the LORD. I think we all find ourselves on our best behavior at church, around "church folk", around those things that are godly. But, are we as careful with the last part, "BUT, we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable."
I want GOD to find me worthy. I also want others to see that I am worthy of GOD'S blessings and goodness. Let's strive to be honorable - before GOD and others.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Encourage One Another
Trish comforted a lady recently that was going through a difficult patch. I certainly won't tell her woes but suffice it to say that the wears and tears of life had her down. Trish listened and comforted and encouraged this lady. We all need that from time to time.
Blake is one who encourages. I have seen him many times watch Olivia do something and say, "Good Job Livie! Good Job!" Who knows what that does to a three-year-old? I would dare say that our encouragement of others does far more than we will ever know. So, why don't I do more of it?
Today's word is the first part of Hebrews 3:13, NIV, which reads, "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today'..."
We need to make a conscious effort to encourage one another. The impact that an encouraging word could make on a life will forever remain unknown if it is never spoken. Look, I'm a guy with a CAPITAL G. Sometimes, we find it hard to offer encouragement because it may make us look or sound mushy or foolish or whatever, but, we should try to encourage one another.
And, we should do it today. We should encourage when it comes to mind, when it is on our heart, when it is fresh. If we wait until tomorrow, it won't mean as much. Let's try to encourage those that we see that need encouragement. Let's do it TODAY. We may never know the impact and influence those words may have!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Blake is one who encourages. I have seen him many times watch Olivia do something and say, "Good Job Livie! Good Job!" Who knows what that does to a three-year-old? I would dare say that our encouragement of others does far more than we will ever know. So, why don't I do more of it?
Today's word is the first part of Hebrews 3:13, NIV, which reads, "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today'..."
We need to make a conscious effort to encourage one another. The impact that an encouraging word could make on a life will forever remain unknown if it is never spoken. Look, I'm a guy with a CAPITAL G. Sometimes, we find it hard to offer encouragement because it may make us look or sound mushy or foolish or whatever, but, we should try to encourage one another.
And, we should do it today. We should encourage when it comes to mind, when it is on our heart, when it is fresh. If we wait until tomorrow, it won't mean as much. Let's try to encourage those that we see that need encouragement. Let's do it TODAY. We may never know the impact and influence those words may have!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, November 16, 2015
Pay attention
This weekend has been another reminder of the state of this world and the possibility of evil lurching at your very doorstep. I don't know how you can brainwash and coerce someone into committing suicide and taking innocent others with them in the name of some religion. I guess I never will.
Those who know me will tell you that I am about as dumb as a bag of hammers but I know that we are to love one another, and we should choose our friends very carefully. We have to watch and make sure we don't allow ourselves to be entangled and ensnared in things that our "friends" tell us are good.
Today's word is Proverbs 12:26, NLT, which reads, "The godly give good advice to their friends, the wicked lead them astray."
Pay attention to what your "friends" are telling you. I know I've said it before but make sure you weigh it against what GOD tells us. There are a lot of folks out there telling their "friends" all the wrong things. There's a lot of advice out there and most of it is straight from hell and smells like smoke. Be Careful.
Find some godly folks to give you good advice. Everyone knows I am full of opinions and advice and dispense it willingly and, probably, way too often. But, I pray I never dispense advice that is aimed to hurt; I want to share the love of GOD and lead people to Him. Make sure what you listen to has the same intent. Pay attention!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Those who know me will tell you that I am about as dumb as a bag of hammers but I know that we are to love one another, and we should choose our friends very carefully. We have to watch and make sure we don't allow ourselves to be entangled and ensnared in things that our "friends" tell us are good.
Today's word is Proverbs 12:26, NLT, which reads, "The godly give good advice to their friends, the wicked lead them astray."
Pay attention to what your "friends" are telling you. I know I've said it before but make sure you weigh it against what GOD tells us. There are a lot of folks out there telling their "friends" all the wrong things. There's a lot of advice out there and most of it is straight from hell and smells like smoke. Be Careful.
Find some godly folks to give you good advice. Everyone knows I am full of opinions and advice and dispense it willingly and, probably, way too often. But, I pray I never dispense advice that is aimed to hurt; I want to share the love of GOD and lead people to Him. Make sure what you listen to has the same intent. Pay attention!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, November 13, 2015
Noble Plans
If you were to look up the definition of noble, you would find that noble means, "having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles and ideals." GOD has called us to be noble. We are, in fact, part of a Royal Priesthood; we should be noble and honorable.
We have examples of people acting less than noble. They like to develop ponzi schemes and steal other people's money. They like to slip things into other people's drinks and take advantage of them. They like to devise plans to destroy someone in order to make themselves look better. They use any means necessary to gain an unfair advantage over everyone else. Yes, there are lots of examples of people being less than noble.
Today's word is Isaiah 32:8, NIV, which reads, "But the noble make noble plans, and by noble deeds they stand."
Are you making noble plans? Are you developing plans that bring honor and glory and aid and assistance? Or, are you developing plans that will bring YOU accolades and advantages? I have mentioned before that I have to really watch myself to see what is truly my motivation. I can sometimes get wrapped up in ignoble plans just to fuel my own ego, my own selfish desires.
I want to make noble plans and stand by noble deeds. I want to be one that others know my motivation is truly for what is best. I want to be noble so that others will see GOD'S love. May GOD help us all be noble.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
We have examples of people acting less than noble. They like to develop ponzi schemes and steal other people's money. They like to slip things into other people's drinks and take advantage of them. They like to devise plans to destroy someone in order to make themselves look better. They use any means necessary to gain an unfair advantage over everyone else. Yes, there are lots of examples of people being less than noble.
Today's word is Isaiah 32:8, NIV, which reads, "But the noble make noble plans, and by noble deeds they stand."
Are you making noble plans? Are you developing plans that bring honor and glory and aid and assistance? Or, are you developing plans that will bring YOU accolades and advantages? I have mentioned before that I have to really watch myself to see what is truly my motivation. I can sometimes get wrapped up in ignoble plans just to fuel my own ego, my own selfish desires.
I want to make noble plans and stand by noble deeds. I want to be one that others know my motivation is truly for what is best. I want to be noble so that others will see GOD'S love. May GOD help us all be noble.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, November 12, 2015
The Brave
Yesterday was Veteran's Day, and I had the blessing of spending it with my wife and children. It was a beautiful day that allowed us to get outside and enjoy GOD'S beauty. If you could pick the weather for a day off in November, it couldn't have been much better than yesterday's.
While enjoying my family, though, I couldn't help but stop and think about all the brave men and women that have served and sacrificed in order to allow me that blessing. I think we so often take for granted the freedoms we have, how those freedoms are preserved, and those who do the preserving. I never take it for granted.
With Veteran's Day in mind, today's word is a quote from the great General Omar Nelson Bradley: "Bravery is the capacity to perform properly even when scared half to death."
Our service men and women are super brave! In some of the worst circumstances, in some of the worst places, in some of the worst situations, they perform properly and flawlessly. That's bravery!
I salute you all! Thank you so much for your sacrifices in service to our country! May GOD protect and keep you. May He bless your families and bring you safely back to them. And, thank you veterans for your willingness to protect the freedoms that I so richly enjoy!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
While enjoying my family, though, I couldn't help but stop and think about all the brave men and women that have served and sacrificed in order to allow me that blessing. I think we so often take for granted the freedoms we have, how those freedoms are preserved, and those who do the preserving. I never take it for granted.
With Veteran's Day in mind, today's word is a quote from the great General Omar Nelson Bradley: "Bravery is the capacity to perform properly even when scared half to death."
Our service men and women are super brave! In some of the worst circumstances, in some of the worst places, in some of the worst situations, they perform properly and flawlessly. That's bravery!
I salute you all! Thank you so much for your sacrifices in service to our country! May GOD protect and keep you. May He bless your families and bring you safely back to them. And, thank you veterans for your willingness to protect the freedoms that I so richly enjoy!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Self-righteousness
I hate politics. Hate it. Now, don't get me wrong, I am all about government; we have to have those who overlook things locally, state-wide, nationally, and internationally. No doubt, though, that we are no longer a government of the people, FOR the people, and by the people. It seems that we are a government of those who a good speakers and can persuade others to back them with funding, and who, in return for that backing, promise the moon and will sell themselves out to deliver. But, I digress...
The reason I hate politics is all the mud-slinging. It seems that you can never get anyone to tell the truth about themselves; they only want to tell the untruths of others. I have to refer back to the scripture that tells us to confess YOUR sins. We don't have to go around telling everyone how bad we are, there seems to be enough people out there that will confess it for you; thus, my problem with politics.
Today's word is Habakkuk 2:4, NLT, which reads, "Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to GOD."
So many people are trusting that they may be bad but at least they aren't as bad as someone else. While that may get you elected, it won't fly when you stand before GOD and give an account. Look, I've said before that if you compare your sinfulness to mine, you'll come out looking pretty good. But, we don't compare our righteousness to someone else's, we compare ourselves to GOD'S righteousness.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
The reason I hate politics is all the mud-slinging. It seems that you can never get anyone to tell the truth about themselves; they only want to tell the untruths of others. I have to refer back to the scripture that tells us to confess YOUR sins. We don't have to go around telling everyone how bad we are, there seems to be enough people out there that will confess it for you; thus, my problem with politics.
Today's word is Habakkuk 2:4, NLT, which reads, "Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to GOD."
So many people are trusting that they may be bad but at least they aren't as bad as someone else. While that may get you elected, it won't fly when you stand before GOD and give an account. Look, I've said before that if you compare your sinfulness to mine, you'll come out looking pretty good. But, we don't compare our righteousness to someone else's, we compare ourselves to GOD'S righteousness.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, November 9, 2015
A little ray of sunshine
We have had a couple of weekends that have been cooler and rainy. Now, this is typical fall/winter weather for those of us around here: it rains, it cools, it begins to warm up, it rains, it cools, it begins to warm up, etc. It is during these types of rainy events that just a little sunshine peeking through, just a little short time frame for outdoor activities, just a little brightness in the day makes a huge difference.
This morning, the preschool director gave me a little sunshine. She said that our kids were "old school", and she meant that as a huge compliment. She went on to say that they are kind and considerate, have feelings and a conscience, and are remorseful and quick to apologize. I have to admit that it made my day! It is nice to hear that our kids are doing things the right way; I pray that is always the case. But, just those few words really meant a lot to me.
Today's word is just a reminder of how our words can really affect others. Today's word says, "Today, give someone one of your smiles. It may be the only sunshine they see all day."
We may never know how one little action can change someone's day. Much like the preschool director's words this morning, a simple smile or a kind word could go a long ways in making someone else feel as if they are doing something right. You may come across those that when you smile at them, they just snarl at you. But, your smile still had an impact that you will never know.
Let's try to be nice to folks and allow a little sunshine to brighten up our world. Let's also not be afraid to bask in the sunshine emitted by others. And, I praise GOD each day that my kids have such a good Mom to model themselves after!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
This morning, the preschool director gave me a little sunshine. She said that our kids were "old school", and she meant that as a huge compliment. She went on to say that they are kind and considerate, have feelings and a conscience, and are remorseful and quick to apologize. I have to admit that it made my day! It is nice to hear that our kids are doing things the right way; I pray that is always the case. But, just those few words really meant a lot to me.
Today's word is just a reminder of how our words can really affect others. Today's word says, "Today, give someone one of your smiles. It may be the only sunshine they see all day."
We may never know how one little action can change someone's day. Much like the preschool director's words this morning, a simple smile or a kind word could go a long ways in making someone else feel as if they are doing something right. You may come across those that when you smile at them, they just snarl at you. But, your smile still had an impact that you will never know.
Let's try to be nice to folks and allow a little sunshine to brighten up our world. Let's also not be afraid to bask in the sunshine emitted by others. And, I praise GOD each day that my kids have such a good Mom to model themselves after!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, November 6, 2015
Good News Friday!
There's a lot of bad news out there. It seems that you can hardly turn any media device to any news content without being bombarded with bad news. Here's a fact for you - we live in a broken, callous, sinful, ungodly world, therefore, there will be bad news. Now, even if you're a believer, you are affected by the events of this ungodly world because you are in it; you cannot escape it.
It actually appears that there are some folks out there that try to take evil to the next level. Whatever someone does that seems so heinous and ungodly that you can't even fathom it, someone will come along and "top" that. Yep, there's some bad things going on: unemployment, financial woes, horrendous crimes, etc. BUT...
Today's word is good news! I quote Matt Anderson, who said, "GOD is still in charge and in control! He is beside you, behind you, before you, and for you! No doubt about it, no way around it - His plan is good, His power is great, and His best is yet to come!"
Things are bad, and bad things keep happening BUT, GOD is still GOD, He still has everything under control, He has us in His hand, and He is working all things for our good! Keep those good words with you. Keep remembering that while this world is headed for a definite disastrous end, GOD is still guiding our steps and protecting our backs!
Yeah, there's some really bad news out there. It's hard to find anyone or anything spreading the good news. However, GOD is still on the throne. His plan is perfect, His protection is powerful, and His peace is plentiful. And, that is good news!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
It actually appears that there are some folks out there that try to take evil to the next level. Whatever someone does that seems so heinous and ungodly that you can't even fathom it, someone will come along and "top" that. Yep, there's some bad things going on: unemployment, financial woes, horrendous crimes, etc. BUT...
Today's word is good news! I quote Matt Anderson, who said, "GOD is still in charge and in control! He is beside you, behind you, before you, and for you! No doubt about it, no way around it - His plan is good, His power is great, and His best is yet to come!"
Things are bad, and bad things keep happening BUT, GOD is still GOD, He still has everything under control, He has us in His hand, and He is working all things for our good! Keep those good words with you. Keep remembering that while this world is headed for a definite disastrous end, GOD is still guiding our steps and protecting our backs!
Yeah, there's some really bad news out there. It's hard to find anyone or anything spreading the good news. However, GOD is still on the throne. His plan is perfect, His protection is powerful, and His peace is plentiful. And, that is good news!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Flies and honey
The old saying is that you get more flies with honey than with vinegar. It is absolutely true that you draw more people to you by being someone that they would want to be around instead of someone that is all standoffish and abrasive. We all like to be around folks who seem to care about us, don't we?
GOD loves us so much: always has, continues to, and always will. His love for us is so deep and so personal and so fervent that He sent His only Son to die on the cross in order to make a way for us to come to Him. It amazes me that people can't see the love of GOD.
Today's word is Jeremiah 31:3, NIV, which reads, "The LORD appeared to us in the past saying: 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness."
GOD is such a loving GOD, such a caring GOD that He continues to try to draw people to Him with unfailing kindness. He gives us so much good stuff and keeps so much bad stuff from us. Does that mean that bad things never happen? Of course not. Bad things happen to believers all the time. But, even in the midst of those bad things, we can rest assured that GOD loves us and that He continues to be kind to us. It may be hard to see in the middle of those storms but if we will truly take the time to reflect upon our blessings we will see GOD'S everlasting love and unfailing kindness.
GOD tries to draw all men unto Himself with unfailing kindness. Yet, some refuse to accept His wonderful gift and everlasting love. Why I do not know. I guess some people just like vinegar; I prefer honey.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
GOD loves us so much: always has, continues to, and always will. His love for us is so deep and so personal and so fervent that He sent His only Son to die on the cross in order to make a way for us to come to Him. It amazes me that people can't see the love of GOD.
Today's word is Jeremiah 31:3, NIV, which reads, "The LORD appeared to us in the past saying: 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness."
GOD is such a loving GOD, such a caring GOD that He continues to try to draw people to Him with unfailing kindness. He gives us so much good stuff and keeps so much bad stuff from us. Does that mean that bad things never happen? Of course not. Bad things happen to believers all the time. But, even in the midst of those bad things, we can rest assured that GOD loves us and that He continues to be kind to us. It may be hard to see in the middle of those storms but if we will truly take the time to reflect upon our blessings we will see GOD'S everlasting love and unfailing kindness.
GOD tries to draw all men unto Himself with unfailing kindness. Yet, some refuse to accept His wonderful gift and everlasting love. Why I do not know. I guess some people just like vinegar; I prefer honey.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Feet to your prayers
I have shared with others that I am not an optimist. I am also not a pessimist. I am a realist. I don't see the glass as half full nor do I see it as half empty. I see water in a glass, and if you are thirsty, YOU must pick up the glass and drink. You have to do your part.
I am blessed with a great job. I have said before that I like what I do. I like the folks I work with. I like the folks I work for. I have been very blessed my employment. However, they didn't come knocking on my door and asking me if I wanted to work for them; I had to put in an application, interview, and pray that the opportunity came.
Today's word is a quote from Dale Partridge, which says, "Do not ask GOD to guide your footsteps if you're not willing to move your feet."
We cannot expect GOD to direct us to His next big thing, His next blessing in our lives, if we aren't willing to get up and go to it. Sometimes, GOD brings the blessing to your doorstep. Most of the time, though, the blessing is waiting around the corner. And, to receive the blessing you have to be willing to go outside, take a chance, get out of your comfort zone, and move towards it.
I pray that GOD will guide my every footstep. I also pray that I will move my feet at the right time, in the right direction, and in the right manner. Keep praying! Then, put some feet to those prayers!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I am blessed with a great job. I have said before that I like what I do. I like the folks I work with. I like the folks I work for. I have been very blessed my employment. However, they didn't come knocking on my door and asking me if I wanted to work for them; I had to put in an application, interview, and pray that the opportunity came.
Today's word is a quote from Dale Partridge, which says, "Do not ask GOD to guide your footsteps if you're not willing to move your feet."
We cannot expect GOD to direct us to His next big thing, His next blessing in our lives, if we aren't willing to get up and go to it. Sometimes, GOD brings the blessing to your doorstep. Most of the time, though, the blessing is waiting around the corner. And, to receive the blessing you have to be willing to go outside, take a chance, get out of your comfort zone, and move towards it.
I pray that GOD will guide my every footstep. I also pray that I will move my feet at the right time, in the right direction, and in the right manner. Keep praying! Then, put some feet to those prayers!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
My splendor
I have had the opportunity in recent years to become more visible in certain areas. It seems that some people actually think I have something worth saying, and listening to. I hate to tell them that I don't so I play along. So, how did all this come about? I kept living.
It is quite apparent that the longer you live the more people inquire about your opinion; they think you possess wisdom. Why? Because you have lived life, you have been through some things, you have been there, done that, got the tee shirt. Some people relish this, like they have suddenly become smarter than the average bear, like they are suddenly a guru on life. Let me tell you the truth...
Today's word is Proverbs 20:29, NIV, which reads, "The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old."
If I start to think that I have arrived, that I have become suddenly intelligent and wise, all I really need to do is look in the mirror and see why everyone is interested in what I have to say. It's not because they can see the wisdom in my crow's feet; it's because they can see my gray hair, which is an indication that I have been there, done that.
Oh, don't get me wrong, I am certainly honored when they ask. I am humbled that anyone would be interested in my thoughts. I am privileged to give an answer. But, it is certainly not because I am an expert - it's because I am old. And, getting old is certainly SPLENDID!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
It is quite apparent that the longer you live the more people inquire about your opinion; they think you possess wisdom. Why? Because you have lived life, you have been through some things, you have been there, done that, got the tee shirt. Some people relish this, like they have suddenly become smarter than the average bear, like they are suddenly a guru on life. Let me tell you the truth...
Today's word is Proverbs 20:29, NIV, which reads, "The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old."
If I start to think that I have arrived, that I have become suddenly intelligent and wise, all I really need to do is look in the mirror and see why everyone is interested in what I have to say. It's not because they can see the wisdom in my crow's feet; it's because they can see my gray hair, which is an indication that I have been there, done that.
Oh, don't get me wrong, I am certainly honored when they ask. I am humbled that anyone would be interested in my thoughts. I am privileged to give an answer. But, it is certainly not because I am an expert - it's because I am old. And, getting old is certainly SPLENDID!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, November 2, 2015
Crop of Love
If you look up "righteousness" in a dictionary, you will probably find a definition that states something to the effect of, "the quality of being morally right or justifiable." Then, I guess some would ask themselves, "What is morally right?" To that, I will say that if you have to ask yourself that question, you need to find the right barometer to test your righteousness.
There are a lot of things going on in our current society, and some people seem to think that moral righteousness is individual and situational. And, allow me to say that if that is what you think, I have to ask what you use to justify or qualify or measure the "rightness" of your individual righteousness? I want to be right with GOD. Period.
Today's word is Hosea 10:12, NLT, which reads, "Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the LORD, that He may come and shower righteousness upon you."
Just as you can't plant cucumbers and expect to grow corn, you can't grow righteousness if you don't plant righteousness. There is only one way to plant seeds of righteousness, you have to obtain them from the Righteous One. And, notice what will happen if we plant the good seeds of righteousness, we will harvest a crop of love.
You can't plug into a water spigot and expect the lamp to light. You also can't seek self-righteousness and grow a crop of love. Unless, of course, it is just more love of self. Let's plow up the hard ground of our hearts. It is time to seek the LORD. If we will do that, He will rain righteousness upon us and we will sow that seed and harvest love.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
There are a lot of things going on in our current society, and some people seem to think that moral righteousness is individual and situational. And, allow me to say that if that is what you think, I have to ask what you use to justify or qualify or measure the "rightness" of your individual righteousness? I want to be right with GOD. Period.
Today's word is Hosea 10:12, NLT, which reads, "Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the LORD, that He may come and shower righteousness upon you."
Just as you can't plant cucumbers and expect to grow corn, you can't grow righteousness if you don't plant righteousness. There is only one way to plant seeds of righteousness, you have to obtain them from the Righteous One. And, notice what will happen if we plant the good seeds of righteousness, we will harvest a crop of love.
You can't plug into a water spigot and expect the lamp to light. You also can't seek self-righteousness and grow a crop of love. Unless, of course, it is just more love of self. Let's plow up the hard ground of our hearts. It is time to seek the LORD. If we will do that, He will rain righteousness upon us and we will sow that seed and harvest love.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)