The Power of the LORD

Has GOD ever done anything absolutely amazing in your life? For me, the list is endless. Obviously, I begin with the fact that He died for my sins and forgave me of my sins and gave me the gift of salvation. That is enough said. However, He has given me so much more...

GOD has blessed me with a godly and great wife. She is the perfect wife for me, perfect. He has blessed us with great children, a good home, good health, good employment, and so much more. Why has He chosen to do so much for us? Why has He chosen to do such mighty and powerful works in our lives?

Today's word is Joshua 4:24, NLT, which reads, "He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the LORD'S hand is powerful, and so you might fear the LORD you GOD forever."

GOD had brought the Israelites through so much. And, He had done it in ways that no one had to wonder how it was happening. He had sent plagues upon Pharaoh, the death angel, parted the Red Sea, and so much more. He had given them visual reminders. Those reminders were fore the Israelites, those around them, and for us. They remind us that the LORD'S hand is powerful!

I can easily see the miracles that GOD has performed in my life. I am humbled and amazed at His mighty works. I am in awe of His goodness and grace. I am thankful for His blessings and goodness and miracles. Can you see the power of the LORD?

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Wherever you go

We have our challenges. The Good LORD knows that most of Trishia's challenges are probably related to me in some form or another. What I mean is that we have not arrived, we still live in a broken and fallen world. And, sometimes, this world causes challenges that are difficult, challenging, hard, and unyielding. Yet, in the midst of all the challenges, I can see GOD working and growing and blessing us.

Yes, I am blessed and highly favored; more than I could ever express. I can look back on my life and see GOD in so many instances. Of course, He brought Trish and me together. He has given us two very strong and strong-willed children that will go out and conquer this world one day. Pray with me that they will come to know CHRIST and serve Him; that is our ultimate prayer. GOD has given us good health, good employment, a good home, good family, good friends, and so much more. All we have to do is look around to see GOD'S marvelous work.

Today's word is Deuteronomy 28:6, NLT, which reads, "Wherever you go and whatever you do, you will be blessed."

GOD had delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. They had seen Him work in many mighty and powerful ways. They had seen Him roll back the sea and send them food from Heaven. Now, He was telling His people that wherever they went and whatever they did, they would be blessed. However, there is a requirement for the blessing...

Verse two of Deuteronomy 28 reads, "You will experience all these blessings if you obey the LORD your GOD." IF we will just follow the LORD, IF we will just obey His commandments, IF we will just allow Him to direct and guide us, He will bless us beyond imagination. And, those blessings will be wherever you go.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Leave them there

There are, and have been, times in my life when I feel as if I am asked to carry more than my share. Now, where that comes from I do not know. I mean, how do we know how much is our share? How do we determine that we are doing more than others, or that others aren't doing as much as we are? But, suffice it to say that I, too, have my days when I feel as if I am being asked to bear more than my fair share of the load.

So, how do you combat the feeling of being over-used, over-expected, over-burdened? What do you do to make yourself feel less so? I know, without a doubt, that I have those days that I feel as if no one understands and that no one cares. I have those days that I might complain about it and grip about it. BUT, nothing works as well as praying about it.

Today's word is Numbers 11:14, NLT, which is a passage where we can see Moses struggling with the weight of leading the Israelites. It reads, "I can't carry all these people by myself! The load is far too heavy!"

Moses was feeling the weight of governing, directing, deciding for all the children of Israel. It had gotten to a point that no matter what Moses was doing, no matter the decision he made, he was questioned and folks complained about it. GOD had used Moses to lead His people, the children of Israel, the Israelites, from Egyptian bondage. Yet, they would complain about how they had it better under bondage.

When Moses got to the point that complaining wasn't helping, that gripping wasn't fixing it, that frustration wasn't working, he asked GOD to help. GOD told Moses what to do. Moses did what he was told, and things got better. 

If you're like me and get in the mullygrubs and feel like a lone ranger from time to time, take the time to pray. Not only does GOD know what you're going through, He can fix it. Take your burdens to the LORD and leave them there.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

His very own

I have shared before that our children, especially our son, is taking on some of my habits. He has some movements, some gestures, some posturing that is much like mine. He also mimics some of my actions, seldom the good ones, but he is good at imitation. And, when others see him do some of these things, especially Trish, they say, "Just like his daddy."

Now, before we get too far into this, I realize that one day he won't want to act anything like me and that he will cringe any time someone says he does. But, with that being said, we have a tendency to mimic those that we admire, those that we love. This desire explains leggings and parachute pants and Members Only jackets (you may have to look that up). Needless to say, we try to look like and act like those we admire.

Today's word is Leviticus 20:26, NLT, which reads, "You must be holy because I, the LORD, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be My very own."

We are GOD'S children. And, as we have discussed before, we should look like it; we should act like it. Others should be able to see that we are His, that we want to honor Him, that we have His habits and gestures and nuances. GOD took it a step further and said that we must be holy. Why? Because our Father is holy. We should reflect Him.

The final part of the verse reminds us that GOD has set us apart (Yes, I know this was given to the Israelites, but, it is for all GOD'S children). He has made a way for us to be His. He has made us to be an heir with JESUS CHRIST. He has set us apart to be His very own.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Who is like Him?

One of my favorite movies is Facing the Giants. One of my favorite scenes from the movie is in the locker room after winning the championship when coach Grant Taylor begins asking his players, "So, tell me, what's impossible with GOD?' Absolutely NOTHING is impossible with GOD. NOTHING.

I believe that GOD can do whatever He wants, however He wants, whenever He wants. Now, that doesn't mean that He will. I believe that He allows us to go through consequences for our decisions and actions. I believe that He allows this world and its societies to face the reality of their disobedience. But, I also believe, without any doubt, that GOD can do anything. And, He is worthy of our praise.

Today's word is Exodus 15:11, NLT, which reads, "Who is like You among the gods, O LORD--glorious in holiness, awesome in splendor, performing great wonders?"

There are a lot of people that worship all kinds of things, false gods. There are those that believe that GOD is His creation. No, GOD is the Creator. There are those that believe that we are all "gods". No, we were not created to Be god; we were created By GOD. Do you know of anyone that can MAKE a tree? They may grow one from a seed, BUT, where did they get the seed? Did the make the seed? Did they create the tree? Did they form an object? NO. They grew a tree from the tree that GOD created.

My GOD is AWESOME! All you have to do is look around at all that He created and be in complete awe of Him. He isn't a god. He is THE GOD. He is glorious and awesome and worthy of all our praise. Who is like Him?

He sees, and He cares

Have you felt as if you were completely invisible? I mean, that no one knows who you are or what you do? That no one seems to see your hard work and efforts? That everyone is oblivious to your existence?

It is easy to get the feeling that no one sees us, that no one knows us, that no one knows what is going on with us in this busy, electronically-driven world in which we live. It is easy to believe that no one knows your struggles nor, more important, that no one cares.

Today's word is Genesis 16:13, ESV, which reads, "So she called the name of the LORD Who spoke to her, 'You are a GOD of seeing,' for she said, 'Truly here I have seen Him Who looks after me.'"

Hagar was struggling; she was wondering if anyone cared, if anyone knew she was struggling. Hagar wondered if anyone could see her predicament, if anyone even knew she existed. Then, she found out that GOD was there. He didn't sugar coat anything. He didn't condone the things that were against His will. YET, He met her need.

If you are feeling as if no one is there, that no one cares, that no one sees your efforts, trust me, GOD sees. He has anything and everything you could ever need. He loves you more than anyone ever could. He wants a relationship with you more than words can express. He will meet your needs in ways that no one else ever could. Call on Him; He sees, and He cares.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

GOD will faithfully sustain

I run into a lot of tired people, including myself. It seems as if everyone is burning the proverbial candle at both ends. It seems that everyone has enough going on for two people and they are taking on more. There is a lot to get done; there doesn't always seem to be enough people working to accomplish the tasks. On the other hand, sometimes, there is no one else to help.

I don't know about you, but, when I start getting really tired, physically exhausted, I can find myself in the midst of a pity party. Again, I am not advocating that pity parties are bad. We all get down from time to time; this world knows how to knock us down and drag us around. It's okay to have a pity party. It is completely unacceptable and unproductive to remain in a pity party.

So, how do we bring ourselves out of our doldrums? How do we defeat the negativity inside our own heads? How do we find the strength to push through another tiring and trying day? How do we keep on keeping on? All good and legitimate questions. Today's word is a reminder that GOD will provide what we need when we need it.

Today's word is Jeremiah 31:13b, NLT, which reads, "...I will turn their mourning into joy. I will comfort them and their sorrow for rejoicing."

It is when we are at our lowest that we have to fight our hardest. Rest assured that our efforts, our determination, our fight does not go unnoticed. GOD sees our situation. He sees the effort that is expended. He sees the exhaustion that is endured. He sees our struggles. He also has a plan. Today's word reminds us that if we faithfully fight, GOD will faithfully sustain.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Guard your heart

So, I have been gone the last few days to a training conference. It is good to hear others talk about their experiences and for them to share their knowledge. Then, maybe, we can glean something from one another that we can take back to our respective workplaces and make our jobs better and/or more efficient.

While at this conference, there was some entertainment that, to me, was anything but. I found the entertainment to be a bit crude and maybe a little inappropriate for an audience that included young children. Now, it wasn't overly offensive but, it did have some talk about alcohol and drugs and a few words that most parents would blush if they heard their six-year-old repeat, especially in front of the pastor. I don't know how it ended because, about five minutes into it, I left.

Today's word is Matthew 15:19, NLT, which reads, "For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander."

Now, I am not saying that the folks performing the other night were bad people; I don't even know them. They were trying to be funny and entertaining, which I am sure they probably were. However, I didn't need to allow the negative and inappropriate things to enter my ears. Why? Because, what enters my ears will eventually find its way to my heart, which will eventually enter my thoughts, which will eventually become part of my speech and behavior. Remember, Trash In = Trash Out.

We have to guard our hearts. We have to protect what is allowed to infiltrate our thoughts. We have to prohibit things from entering our ears and our eyes. If we aren't careful with what we allow in, we will eventually not care about what we allow out. Guard your heart!

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Move forward

I have probably shared a lot about our U6 soccer team this fall. Our team is a fiery bunch, with a determination to do their best, which is very encouraging and humbling. These youngsters, all six or younger, have played really hard and fearless.

This past weekend, we faced a team that had some fairly tall and athletic kids. These kids knew how to play soccer, how to get from point A to B, and how to get there in a pretty big hurry. During one of the quarter breaks, our kids were commenting that the other team was big and fast. They were sizing them up correctly. BUT...

Today's word is a passage I have used before but it reminds me that GOD has called us to complete a mission. Today's word is 2 Timothy 1:7, NLT, which reads, "For GOD has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."

I mentioned to the kids that they were correct, the other team was big and fast, BUT, so were we. And, we knew our positions, we knew where we needed to be, we knew our game plan. We just had to be brave and play our game. We had to continue doing what we knew to do. We had to keep doing our best. And, if we do that, if we face our fears and do what we are called to do, GOD will take care of the rest.

I think we all have fears and concerns. For some of us, those fears are others. For some, those fears are financial. For some, those fears are about the future. But, this verse tells us that GOD has not given us that spirit of fear; that spirit is from satan, who is causing doubts and fears. BUT, GOD has given us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. If we will follow GOD, His Spirit will lead us to face all the challenges life offers. By the way, it wasn't easy but our kids pulled out a victory! GOD didn't call us to fear; He called us to move forward!

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Even at our worst

We hear about relationships falling apart all the time because of irreconcilable differences, which means that the two people in the relationship haven't been unusually cruel or bad but that the two of them have decided that they are no longer compatible. And, it also means that the couple has agreed that neither is entirely at fault; they just don't want to repair what they had.

We also hear about relationships that end because one party or the other has decided that they "no longer love" the other. I have often wondered about falling out of love. I mean, I know you can; love is a choice. You can either choose to love someone or not. But, and I pray I never have to experience it, I wonder how you just stop loving someone. What brought you together in the first place?

Today's word is Romans 5:8, NIV, a very familiar passage, which reads, "But GOD demonstrates His Own love for us in this:While we were still sinners, CHRIST died for us."

Aren't you glad that GOD doesn't just stop loving us? Aren't you glad that He doesn't reach a point that He "no longer loves us"? GOD doesn't like it when we sin. As a matter of fact, He will not tolerate sin. BUT, even when we sin, HE STILL LOVES US. Even when we turn our backs on Him, HE STILL LOVES US. Even when we find something else to occupy our time and to adore, HE STILL LOVES US. And, if we will just turn back to Him, He is right where we left Him, waiting to receive us back into a restored relationship with Him.

I am amazed out how much GOD loves me. I heard an analogy that summarizes GOD'S great love for us: "If you ever wonder how much GOD loves you, try to catch all the raindrops that fall. The ones you can catch is how much you love GOD; all the ones you can't catch is how much GOD loves you." I think, for me, the best description of GOD'S love is today's verse. GOD loves us so much, even at our worst.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

The perfect plan

Sometimes, no matter how well we plan, things can still go wrong. The old saying, "The best laid plans of mice and men" often holds true. The mouse has a plan to still the cheese. However, the homeowner has placed the cheese on a contraption that will cause the mouse's plan to go horribly awry.

We, too, make plans that don't always work out. Sometimes, the plan is foiled by some unexpected circumstance or influence that we have absolutely no control over. Such as, we may plan a big outdoors party and it rains, which is a major inconvenience, especially without an alternate plan. There are other times, though, when Providence moves in our favor.

Today's word is a quote that reminds me that my plans are often interrupted to protect me: "GOD will wreck your plans when He sees that your plans are about to wreck you."

Sometimes, in our best interest, GOD will step in and foil our plans because our plans are about to wreck us. It's not fun. It's not comfortable. At the time, it is certainly not our desire. BUT, sometimes, in order to protect us from a worse danger, GOD will step in and wreck our selfish plans. Why? Because He loves us.

We need to always ensure that we make plans with the thought of having some flexibility when possible. We also need to understand that there will be times when GOD wrecks our plans because they are contradictory to His plan. I guess the best thing to do is to seek GOD'S will and to follow His plan, the perfect plan.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

When we listen

It's often tough to get people to listen. Hey, I know, I have a tendency not to listen either. I have a saying that I use to describe what a lot of us do: "I heard you but I wasn't listening." Hearing is simply perceiving or detecting sound; listening, on the other hand, is consciously choosing to focus on the sound. I think a lot of us hear but we often fail to listen.

I know I could have avoided a few challenges and obstacles in my life if I had been more diligent to listen. There have been times that someone has told me one thing or another and I heard the sound of a voice but I didn't focus on, I didn't listen to the advice. I have gotten better at listening as I have matured, as I hope most of us have.

Today's word is Proverbs 19:20, ESV, which reads, "Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future."

If we would only listen to advice and accept what others are trying to teach us, we might could save ourselves some hassle, some trouble, some problems, some heartache, some disappointment, some physical hurt. This verse tells us that we not only need to listen but we also need to heed, to accept, the instruction/advice. It doesn't do a lot of good to read the directions, if we aren't going to follow them.

However, if we will listen and accept instruction, we will gain wisdom, not only for the present circumstance but for future instances. It is possible that if we would listen today, we might could prevent something occurring later. If we apply the advice and instruction we are given, we may just be wise enough to avoid a problem today and prevent a mistake later. BUT, it all begins when we listen.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

They will be blessed

The word "integrity" means to be honest and to have and practice good moral conduct. I so want to be a man of integrity. I want to be the comparison, the example, when others mention someone of integrity. I fail sometimes. I have mentioned before that I have to watch myself, to check my own motives. It's really easy to allow selfish ambitions and unrighteous pride to compromise integrity.

Now, don't get me wrong, I want to be a person of staunch integrity so that others will find me trustworthy and loyal. But, I really want to be a person of strong integrity so that my children will know that GOD is my LORD and so that they will have an example to follow. I want to be a man of integrity to not bring reproach upon my LORD and to not bring embarrassment to my family.

Today's word is Proverbs 20:7, NLT, which reads, "The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them."

There is a huge earthly reward for being a person of integrity - my children will be blessed. Don't you want your children to be blessed? Don't you want them to come to know JESUS and to serve Him? Don't you want your children to be able to say that they had parents of integrity? I want to walk in integrity to not bring reproach upon my LORD but, also, to not set a bad example for my children. Walking in integrity will keep me in GOD'S will and will BLESS MY CHILDREN! How much more of a reason could you need?

Let's strive to be people of integrity, people that others will look at and say, "You can trust what they say and trust them to do what is right." Why, so that we can get a bunch of  "atta boys" or pats on the back? No, so that our children and grandchildren will have an example to follow. And, so that they will be blessed.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

How's your appetite?

Have you ever been hungry? I mean, REALLY HUNGRY? I have been blessed to have lived a life where I have never known true hunger. Yeah, there have been times that I may not particularly like what is being served, or that I have not eaten right when I wanted, but I have never known true hunger - for food. I have been hungry to know more about JESUS.

There is an old Gospel song that says, "I want to know more about my JESUS. I want to know more about my LORD.." Have you ever been hungry for JESUS? Have you ever wanted to know more about why GOD, Himself, would come to make a way to have a relationship with us? I am a terrible example at times, but I am truly hungry to know more.

Today's word is Luke 6:21, KJV, which reads, "Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh."

When you are hungry, there is only one remedy - to eat. And, there is nothing like the feeling of eating after you have been hungry. There is only One Thing that will fill our spiritual hunger - JESUS CHRIST. There are lots of folks trying to fill that void in their life, in their heart, in their soul with everything and anything when JESUS is the ONLY THING.

Have you ever noticed that even if you just ate a big meal, it wears off. We can have a ginormous dinner and I will awake tomorrow morning wanting breakfast. Yet, in our spiritual lives, we will sup with JESUS and then not commune with Him again until something bad happens or we need an answer NOW. I know, just like my physical hunger, my spiritual hunger should be a constant reminder that I need spiritual sustenance. So, how's your appetite?

Be Blessed,
Mickey T 

Work It

I've been thinking A LOT lately about what GOD wants me to do. I have always tried to seek GOD'S will for my life. Now, I haven't always immediately accepted it. And, I have from time to time tried to run from it. But, as I matured in my Christian faith and walk, I try to follow GOD'S will and call.

Trish and I have young children. I want to be sure that I am being what I am supposed to be as a husband, as a father, as a person. I want to be the one that leads my family, that teaches my children about GOD, and faith, and purpose. I want them to see me living my faith to the fullest. I want them to see me doing GOD'S work for His glory.

Today's word is Genesis 2:15, NIV, which reads, "The LORD GOD took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it."

I think a lot of folks are wandering around trying to find what GOD wants them to do. Why? Because, they don't like what GOD has called them to do. OR, they don't think that what they are doing is "good enough". No, they don't think that their efforts aren't good enough; they think that their calling should be something more glamorous, more visual, more prominent. But, I'll tell you what GOD has called us all to do - WORK.

Maybe you're thinking that GOD can't use you in your work. I want you to know that GOD is using your work for you and for others. Your example of good work, your determination and attitude is a testimony, either positive or negative. GOD put Adam in the Garden of Eden to tend it and take care of it, to WORK it. So, GOD'S calling for this season of your life might have you gardening, or welding, or cooking, or managing, or sweeping, or mowing, or cleaning, or typing, or whatever. His purpose, though, has not changed. He has placed each of us wherever we are to WORK IT.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T