Ever tried to get something from the top shelf, especially at the super market or one of the big box stores? It seems that you just do not have enough reach: you stand on your tip toes, you do the one-legged, tip toe to allow even more reach, yet, it is just out of reach. So, you revert to climbing the shelves in order to get what you need; or, maybe that's just me.
Have you ever felt like that item on the top shelf, just out of GOD'S reach? It seems that you have gone too far, that you have done too much, that you are so far gone that GOD just cannot reach you. Maybe it has been a time when you have sunken down deep into the abyss of sadness or rejection or dejection; you feel you are so deep in the canyon that GOD cannot reach you. Jonah felt that way too...
Today's word is Jonah 2:6, NIV, reads, "To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But You, LORD my GOD, brought my life up from the pit."
Jonah had been directed by GOD to go and preach to Nineveh but he was afraid, maybe a little apathetic, and decided to go somewhere else. BUT, GOD got his attention. And, while Jonah was about as low as he could get, when it seemed that he could get no lower and that he was beyond the limits of GOD'S reach, Jonah realized that no matter how low he got, no matter how far away he moved, no matter how deeply he sank, GOD could still reach him and save him from himself.
No matter what you have done. No matter how bad you have been. No matter how low you have sunk. No matter how far you have run. No matter what - GOD can reach you. All you have to do is call out to Him and He will pull you up from the lowest pit. You are NEVER beyond GOD'S reach.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Acrophobia
Acrophobia is the fear of heights, and some folks are really scared of heights. I am not particularly scared of heights, it doesn't bother me to climb ladders or stand on roofs or things of that nature. With that being said, though, while I am not afraid of heights, I don't like the idea of landing should I fall.
Just as some are afraid of physical heights, others relish the thought of being supremely higher than others. Some people live for the chance to "lord" over someone, to look down their noses at others. I really think some people strive to get to a position of superiority just so they can belittle and look down on others. It is this type of people that today's verse is talking to...
Today's word is from Obadiah 1:3, ESV, which reads, "The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, 'Who will bring me down to the ground?'"
It is when we allow the pride of our heart, the superiority complex to invade our lives that we are going to find ourselves falling. The Bible is very clear that pride comes before a fall. It's inevitable that if you walk around with your nose up in the air, looking down at everyone else, that you are going to trip over something and come crashing down; no one is immune to it.
While I am not fearful of physical heights, I am fearful of allowing myself to fall into the evil of pride. There is nothing wrong with being proud of who you are or what you have accomplished but it becomes wrong when you begin to believe that because of those things you are better than, more superior, than someone else. It is when we lift ourselves above others that we will find ourselves falling from our self-made pedestals. Maybe when it comes to self-pride, we all need a healthy dose of acrophobia.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Just as some are afraid of physical heights, others relish the thought of being supremely higher than others. Some people live for the chance to "lord" over someone, to look down their noses at others. I really think some people strive to get to a position of superiority just so they can belittle and look down on others. It is this type of people that today's verse is talking to...
Today's word is from Obadiah 1:3, ESV, which reads, "The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, 'Who will bring me down to the ground?'"
It is when we allow the pride of our heart, the superiority complex to invade our lives that we are going to find ourselves falling. The Bible is very clear that pride comes before a fall. It's inevitable that if you walk around with your nose up in the air, looking down at everyone else, that you are going to trip over something and come crashing down; no one is immune to it.
While I am not fearful of physical heights, I am fearful of allowing myself to fall into the evil of pride. There is nothing wrong with being proud of who you are or what you have accomplished but it becomes wrong when you begin to believe that because of those things you are better than, more superior, than someone else. It is when we lift ourselves above others that we will find ourselves falling from our self-made pedestals. Maybe when it comes to self-pride, we all need a healthy dose of acrophobia.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, July 11, 2016
Walking Together
I love to walk with Trish. We don't have to have anywhere in particular to go or anything in particular to see; I just love to walk with her. There is something truly special about walking with her, holding her hand, and just enjoying her company.
In our early years of marriage, when we had even less than we do now, we would get out in the evenings and walk. We didn't have much money but, about once a week, we would walk to a convenience store about half a mile from the house and buy a 99 cent ICEE each. It was a pretty big deal to buy the ICEE, but it was a greater joy just walking together.
Today's word is Amos 3:3, KJV, which reads, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?"
If, on our walks, Trish and I couldn't decide on which way to go, it would have been difficult for either of us to be happy about the trip. If we hadn't agreed on the path, we never would have experienced our once a week ICEE purchase. If we hadn't have agreed on the direction, we have been in constant turmoil and a constant struggle and getting nowhere. So many people live their spiritual lives this way.
Why do we so often fight GOD'S direction? And, notice, I ask, "Why do WE..." because I am as guilty as anyone. If we would only agree with GOD to follow His path and to follow His direction, we will find that the journey is every bit as fun and enjoyable as the destination. Yeah, getting the ICEE was sweet but just walking with Trish was even better.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
In our early years of marriage, when we had even less than we do now, we would get out in the evenings and walk. We didn't have much money but, about once a week, we would walk to a convenience store about half a mile from the house and buy a 99 cent ICEE each. It was a pretty big deal to buy the ICEE, but it was a greater joy just walking together.
Today's word is Amos 3:3, KJV, which reads, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?"
If, on our walks, Trish and I couldn't decide on which way to go, it would have been difficult for either of us to be happy about the trip. If we hadn't agreed on the path, we never would have experienced our once a week ICEE purchase. If we hadn't have agreed on the direction, we have been in constant turmoil and a constant struggle and getting nowhere. So many people live their spiritual lives this way.
Why do we so often fight GOD'S direction? And, notice, I ask, "Why do WE..." because I am as guilty as anyone. If we would only agree with GOD to follow His path and to follow His direction, we will find that the journey is every bit as fun and enjoyable as the destination. Yeah, getting the ICEE was sweet but just walking with Trish was even better.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, July 8, 2016
You are strong!
Blake will soon be five and is as strong as an ox. He is on pace to be the largest and strongest guy in our family, which isn't saying much but still. He can do some amazingly strong things for such a young boy. He can push some rather heavy objects, lift things that I probably couldn't lift until I was fifteen, and, no, we don't let him overdo or run the risk of hurting himself. I am just saying he is physically strong.
That's a good point though. Being physically strong can often cause us to try to lift more than we should, or to try to do something that we shouldn't. But, because we are physically strong, we often feel as if we can do anything. We should also feel that way spiritually...
Today's word is Joel 3:10, KJV, which reads, "Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears; let the weak say, 'I am strong'."
When we rely on GOD to provide us the strength we need to overcome obstacles and to accomplish His will, we will find that we are always stronger than we ever thought we were, or could be. It is when we are trying to accomplish things in our own strength, or trying to overcome obstacles on our own that we find our strength insufficient and quickly waning. With GOD providing us strength, though, we should feel as if we can do anything.
When satan puts an obstacle before us, let's remember that GOD is providing us the strength to overcome. When life is hitting us from all sides and there seems to be no relief in sight, let's remember that GOD will provide us the strength to endure. Because, you see, with GOD, you are strong!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
That's a good point though. Being physically strong can often cause us to try to lift more than we should, or to try to do something that we shouldn't. But, because we are physically strong, we often feel as if we can do anything. We should also feel that way spiritually...
Today's word is Joel 3:10, KJV, which reads, "Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears; let the weak say, 'I am strong'."
When we rely on GOD to provide us the strength we need to overcome obstacles and to accomplish His will, we will find that we are always stronger than we ever thought we were, or could be. It is when we are trying to accomplish things in our own strength, or trying to overcome obstacles on our own that we find our strength insufficient and quickly waning. With GOD providing us strength, though, we should feel as if we can do anything.
When satan puts an obstacle before us, let's remember that GOD is providing us the strength to overcome. When life is hitting us from all sides and there seems to be no relief in sight, let's remember that GOD will provide us the strength to endure. Because, you see, with GOD, you are strong!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Are you wise?
I don't know about you but I want to be wise; I'm not very but I want to be. The old saying is that wisdom comes with age, yet, I seem to be the exception to that rule. However, I do know that I am far wiser today than I was in my teen years, and I continue to get a little wiser each day.
People seek wisdom, they want to be wise. People will read all kinds of books and listen to all kinds of podcasts for a little piece of advice that will make them wiser, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. We should try to seek wisdom and find the better way wherever we can.
Today's word is Hosea 14:9, NLT, which reads, "Let those who are wise understand these things...The paths of the LORD are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them..."
I have probably used this statement before but it certainly bears repeating, "You want to be wise? Follow GOD!" It really is that simple. Now, does that mean you are immediately going to know how to solve quadratic equations or speak fluent Latin? No. We aren't talking about being intelligent; we are talking about being wise. Intelligence can help with accumulating knowledge; wisdom is having the knowledge and good judgement and using it.
We can continue to seek our own will and do our own thing and make mistake after mistake, which isn't very wise or very smart. Or, we can walk in the will of GOD; His paths are true and light. If you walk into a dark room, in order to not trip over something or to not stub your toe, you turn on the light. GOD'S path is light; why continue to walk in darkness? Understand that walking with GOD is the best life you will ever live. Understand that righteous people live by GOD'S will and walk in His ways. If you will do that, you will be truly wise.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
People seek wisdom, they want to be wise. People will read all kinds of books and listen to all kinds of podcasts for a little piece of advice that will make them wiser, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. We should try to seek wisdom and find the better way wherever we can.
Today's word is Hosea 14:9, NLT, which reads, "Let those who are wise understand these things...The paths of the LORD are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them..."
I have probably used this statement before but it certainly bears repeating, "You want to be wise? Follow GOD!" It really is that simple. Now, does that mean you are immediately going to know how to solve quadratic equations or speak fluent Latin? No. We aren't talking about being intelligent; we are talking about being wise. Intelligence can help with accumulating knowledge; wisdom is having the knowledge and good judgement and using it.
We can continue to seek our own will and do our own thing and make mistake after mistake, which isn't very wise or very smart. Or, we can walk in the will of GOD; His paths are true and light. If you walk into a dark room, in order to not trip over something or to not stub your toe, you turn on the light. GOD'S path is light; why continue to walk in darkness? Understand that walking with GOD is the best life you will ever live. Understand that righteous people live by GOD'S will and walk in His ways. If you will do that, you will be truly wise.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
The Protector
The story found in Daniel 6 is one of my favorites, and probably one that most people have heard at some time or another. It is the story of Daniel being thrown into the lions' den. King Darius was influenced to make an official decree that no one was to pray to anyone or anything other than King Darius for thirty days; egos can make us do some really stupid things.
Well, ol' Darius passed the decree and, of course, Daniel did not stop praying to and worshiping the One, True GOD. The administrators who convinced Darius to pass the decree immediately went and told on Daniel, and reminded the King that the punishment for not following the decree was to be thrown into the lions' den. As much as Darius hated to do it, he had to follow his own decree; he had Daniel thrown into the lions' den.
Today's word is Daniel 6:22, NIV, which is the morning after Daniel spent the night in the lions' den, and reads, "My GOD sent His angel, and he shut the mouth of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in His sight..."
Darius hadn't slept well the night before, if he slept at all. The story tells us that he spent the evening fasting. Early the next morning, Darius went to the lions' den to see if Daniel had made it. Don't you know he expected to find nothing left of Daniel. In verse 20 of Daniel 6, Darius asks if Daniel, servant of the living GOD, had been rescued. And, he had.
Daniel's faithfulness was rewarded by GOD'S protection. Yet, that isn't the end of the story. GOD protecting Daniel had such a profound effect on ol' King Darius that he issued a new decree that all his kingdom was to worship the GOD of Daniel, the GOD that Daniel worshiped. GOD'S protection of Daniel in the lions' den ended up protecting countless others from an eternity in hell. GOD is truly the Great Protector.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Well, ol' Darius passed the decree and, of course, Daniel did not stop praying to and worshiping the One, True GOD. The administrators who convinced Darius to pass the decree immediately went and told on Daniel, and reminded the King that the punishment for not following the decree was to be thrown into the lions' den. As much as Darius hated to do it, he had to follow his own decree; he had Daniel thrown into the lions' den.
Today's word is Daniel 6:22, NIV, which is the morning after Daniel spent the night in the lions' den, and reads, "My GOD sent His angel, and he shut the mouth of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in His sight..."
Darius hadn't slept well the night before, if he slept at all. The story tells us that he spent the evening fasting. Early the next morning, Darius went to the lions' den to see if Daniel had made it. Don't you know he expected to find nothing left of Daniel. In verse 20 of Daniel 6, Darius asks if Daniel, servant of the living GOD, had been rescued. And, he had.
Daniel's faithfulness was rewarded by GOD'S protection. Yet, that isn't the end of the story. GOD protecting Daniel had such a profound effect on ol' King Darius that he issued a new decree that all his kingdom was to worship the GOD of Daniel, the GOD that Daniel worshiped. GOD'S protection of Daniel in the lions' den ended up protecting countless others from an eternity in hell. GOD is truly the Great Protector.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, July 1, 2016
It will be on me
You've probably heard me mention before that if you compare yourself to me, you will probably come out looking pretty good. However, I am not the example, the measuring stick, the barometer you should be comparing yourself to. We will all be judged according to our own selves, our own actions or inactions, our own sins.
It's easy and often that we find ourselves looking at the sins of others and thinking, "Well, at least I'm not as bad as they are." Yet, sin is sin. While some sins are more heinous and more revolting, the fact is that all sin is sin - all sin is disobedience to the will of GOD. So, I truly try not to judge others; one day I will stand before the One Holy and Just GOD and give an account for everything I've done.
Today's word is Ezekiel 18:20b, NLT, which reads, "...Righteous people will be rewarded for their own righteous behavior, and wicked people will be punished for their own wickedness."
I won't give an account for anyone but myself, and neither will you. However, we will give an account for ourselves, individually. Whatever I have done in this life, good or bad, I will give an account for. And, those things I have done, good or bad, aren't compared to the majority, they are compared to JESUS and the will of GOD. If what I have done is in GOD'S will, it will be counted unto me as righteousness. If what I have done is outside of GOD'S will, it'll be counted unto me as wickedness (sin). Same goes for you.
We have all sinned and come short of the glory of GOD - ALL. However, if you have confessed your sins and turned from your sinful ways, GOD will forgive you and cleanse you. You see, it's not about how you stack up against me or how I stack up against you. You won't give an account for me, and vice versa. I pray for GOD'S forgiveness because what I have done will be on me.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
It's easy and often that we find ourselves looking at the sins of others and thinking, "Well, at least I'm not as bad as they are." Yet, sin is sin. While some sins are more heinous and more revolting, the fact is that all sin is sin - all sin is disobedience to the will of GOD. So, I truly try not to judge others; one day I will stand before the One Holy and Just GOD and give an account for everything I've done.
Today's word is Ezekiel 18:20b, NLT, which reads, "...Righteous people will be rewarded for their own righteous behavior, and wicked people will be punished for their own wickedness."
I won't give an account for anyone but myself, and neither will you. However, we will give an account for ourselves, individually. Whatever I have done in this life, good or bad, I will give an account for. And, those things I have done, good or bad, aren't compared to the majority, they are compared to JESUS and the will of GOD. If what I have done is in GOD'S will, it will be counted unto me as righteousness. If what I have done is outside of GOD'S will, it'll be counted unto me as wickedness (sin). Same goes for you.
We have all sinned and come short of the glory of GOD - ALL. However, if you have confessed your sins and turned from your sinful ways, GOD will forgive you and cleanse you. You see, it's not about how you stack up against me or how I stack up against you. You won't give an account for me, and vice versa. I pray for GOD'S forgiveness because what I have done will be on me.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
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