No one condemns me more than I do myself. I am sure that is probably true with the majority of us. No matter how much I think others would condemn me, their condemnation pales in comparison to mine. Now, I am not talking about sins that we think of as heinous and deplorable. What I am talking about is any sin; GOD sees sin as sin, and no one condemns me for my sins more than I do.
Do you find yourself there? Do you think you have to be perfect for GOD to really love you? I think we all feel that way from time to time. However, the truth is that even while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us. GOD loved us, when we were the vilest of sinners, enough to send His Son to die for our sins; that is LOVE.
Today's word is 1 John 3:20, NIV, which reads, "If our hearts condemn us, we know that GOD is greater than our hearts, and He knows everything."
GOD knows EVERYTHING. We can try to cover it up, but GOD knows. We can try to justify it, but GOD knows. We can try to sugarcoat it, but GOD knows. We can try to convince ourselves that it is okay, but GOD KNOWS. And, once we realize that GOD knows, we begin to condemn ourselves. BUT...
But, if we will truly repent and turn from our sins, GOD will forgive us. He is greater than our sins and greater than our hearts that condemn us. It is He, and He alone that can cleanse us and mend our hearts. We will all fail from time to time. We will all make huge blunders and sins from time to time. However, if you are GOD'S child, and IF you will ask His forgiveness and turn from your sin, He will forgive. And, we can rid ourselves of our self-condemnation.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, December 12, 2016
Thursday, December 8, 2016
The Right Words
I have probably shared before that I have a tendency of only opening my mouth in order to change feet. I seem to have an innate ability to put my foot in my mouth, to trip over my own tongue, to say the wrong thing at the wrong time. I would love to say I have learned to control it but it really seems to get worse all the time.
I mention this because I try to remind myself about the power of words. So many problems and contentions and troubles have come over words. In my case, I have caused problems not by what I said but by the way I said it, or by the way the person hearing it took it. Words are extremely powerful, and we should always be cognizant of that.
Today's word is a reminder of the power of our words. Proverbs 18:20, NLT, reads, "Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction."
Have you ever had the opportunity to say something to someone that ended up being the exact thing they needed to hear? When this occurs, the look of satisfaction and contentment that comes across their face is an expression of the fullness within their soul. The right words at the right time can nourish the soul as much as a good meal nourishes the body.
I really try to think of how my words will impact and affect those hearing them. While I have a tendency to say the wrong things at the wrong times, I am more cognizant each day of the power of my words. I want GOD to use me to help others. I pray He will always help me say the right words.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I mention this because I try to remind myself about the power of words. So many problems and contentions and troubles have come over words. In my case, I have caused problems not by what I said but by the way I said it, or by the way the person hearing it took it. Words are extremely powerful, and we should always be cognizant of that.
Today's word is a reminder of the power of our words. Proverbs 18:20, NLT, reads, "Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction."
Have you ever had the opportunity to say something to someone that ended up being the exact thing they needed to hear? When this occurs, the look of satisfaction and contentment that comes across their face is an expression of the fullness within their soul. The right words at the right time can nourish the soul as much as a good meal nourishes the body.
I really try to think of how my words will impact and affect those hearing them. While I have a tendency to say the wrong things at the wrong times, I am more cognizant each day of the power of my words. I want GOD to use me to help others. I pray He will always help me say the right words.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Freedom has to be achieved
Today is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Just before 8 AM on December 7, 1941, Japanese fighter planes attacked the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. While the attack lasted only about two hours the devastation was astounding: nearly 20 naval vessels, including eight battleships, destroyed, over 2,000 American soldiers and sailors killed, over 1,000 more wounded. More than two years after the conflict had started, we entered World War II.
We have seen the results of countless skirmishes and wars in our time. We have been drawn into the majority of them and have entered others to protect our freedoms, or the freedoms of others. I think we often think that what we have, the freedoms we enjoy, are just by chance - they are not. GOD has certainly blessed us with great freedom, and that freedom is protected and ensured by the sacrifices and achievements of brave men and women the world over.
Today's word is a quote from former President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was in office during the attack on Pearl Harbor and petitioned Congress to enter World War II in order to protect our American freedoms. Today's word is FDR's quote about freedom, which reads, "In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved."
While we enjoy the freedoms this great country affords us daily, we should remember that we enjoy them because others have been willing to ensure them. While it may seem that these freedoms have been bestowed upon us, that we were just blessed enough to be born into it (and, GOD has certainly blessed us with freedom), again, we remember that it is because others have fought to achieve the freedom that we enjoy.
So, today, as I remember those that fought so hard and sacrificed so much to ensure the freedoms that we have, and those that continue to fight to protect them, I say, "Thank You!" May I never forget that the blessing of freedom is enjoyed only because others fight to achieve it.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
We have seen the results of countless skirmishes and wars in our time. We have been drawn into the majority of them and have entered others to protect our freedoms, or the freedoms of others. I think we often think that what we have, the freedoms we enjoy, are just by chance - they are not. GOD has certainly blessed us with great freedom, and that freedom is protected and ensured by the sacrifices and achievements of brave men and women the world over.
Today's word is a quote from former President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was in office during the attack on Pearl Harbor and petitioned Congress to enter World War II in order to protect our American freedoms. Today's word is FDR's quote about freedom, which reads, "In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved."
While we enjoy the freedoms this great country affords us daily, we should remember that we enjoy them because others have been willing to ensure them. While it may seem that these freedoms have been bestowed upon us, that we were just blessed enough to be born into it (and, GOD has certainly blessed us with freedom), again, we remember that it is because others have fought to achieve the freedom that we enjoy.
So, today, as I remember those that fought so hard and sacrificed so much to ensure the freedoms that we have, and those that continue to fight to protect them, I say, "Thank You!" May I never forget that the blessing of freedom is enjoyed only because others fight to achieve it.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
He sends rain
We have been abnormally dry around these parts for a majority of this year. We have experienced a severe drought, though GOD has provided us with a very ample supply from which to produce potable water.
Everyone's grass has withered, we've been under a "no burn" order for months, which is absolutely necessary. When I mowed the leaves that had fallen a few weeks ago it looked as if I was Pigpen, with a cloud of dust following me all over the yard. It was during this long, sustained drought that many wondered if it would rain again...and, if so, when.
Today's word is Job 5:10, NLT, which reads, "He gives rain for the earth and water for the fields."
We are now experiencing some rain. In the last few days, we have had several inches of rain, and it won't be long before everyone has forgotten about he drought we experienced this past summer and fall. Why? Because we take for granted the goodness of GOD and all His provisions.
Isn't it amazing that He sends the rain exactly when we need it? The grass that withered is now receiving the necessary nourishment for it to come back strong and full next spring. The trees that struggled to keep leaves through the last few weeks of autumn are now receiving the necessities to grow new leaves next year. Just as GOD provides for the leaves and the grass and the birds and every living creature, He provides for us - exactly what we need, exactly when it is needed. He sends rain...
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Everyone's grass has withered, we've been under a "no burn" order for months, which is absolutely necessary. When I mowed the leaves that had fallen a few weeks ago it looked as if I was Pigpen, with a cloud of dust following me all over the yard. It was during this long, sustained drought that many wondered if it would rain again...and, if so, when.
Today's word is Job 5:10, NLT, which reads, "He gives rain for the earth and water for the fields."
We are now experiencing some rain. In the last few days, we have had several inches of rain, and it won't be long before everyone has forgotten about he drought we experienced this past summer and fall. Why? Because we take for granted the goodness of GOD and all His provisions.
Isn't it amazing that He sends the rain exactly when we need it? The grass that withered is now receiving the necessary nourishment for it to come back strong and full next spring. The trees that struggled to keep leaves through the last few weeks of autumn are now receiving the necessities to grow new leaves next year. Just as GOD provides for the leaves and the grass and the birds and every living creature, He provides for us - exactly what we need, exactly when it is needed. He sends rain...
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
The Inner Struggle
I have found myself more and more lately trying to figure out what folks are doing. It seems that we will raise a ruckus and a fuss over most anything. It is almost as if everyone else is doing everything they can to undercut and undermine everything and everyone else. Sound familiar? Seem that way to you?
So, where does all the turmoil and strife come from? Is it that others are being subjected to more wrong than others? Is it that some folks are more mistreated than others? Some folks are. Yet, it seems that the ones most mistreated are not the ones stirring up strife. So, where does the anger and discontent come from?
Today's word is a quote I came across that may help us: "You can't change what's going on around you until you start changing what's going on within you."
My biggest challenge isn't the things that people do but the things that I do about the things that others do. It is the inner struggle between doing what I should and doing what I want. It is the inner struggle between doing GOD'S will and revenging MY wrongs. It is the inner struggle between doing what is right and doing what is self-righteous. It is the inner struggle that is the biggest battle.
If we want to see true change, if we really want to see things in our world improve, it begins withing each of us. We must fight the inner battles, correct the inner turmoil, right the inner wrongs before we can change our surroundings. We must fight the inner struggle.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
So, where does all the turmoil and strife come from? Is it that others are being subjected to more wrong than others? Is it that some folks are more mistreated than others? Some folks are. Yet, it seems that the ones most mistreated are not the ones stirring up strife. So, where does the anger and discontent come from?
Today's word is a quote I came across that may help us: "You can't change what's going on around you until you start changing what's going on within you."
My biggest challenge isn't the things that people do but the things that I do about the things that others do. It is the inner struggle between doing what I should and doing what I want. It is the inner struggle between doing GOD'S will and revenging MY wrongs. It is the inner struggle between doing what is right and doing what is self-righteous. It is the inner struggle that is the biggest battle.
If we want to see true change, if we really want to see things in our world improve, it begins withing each of us. We must fight the inner battles, correct the inner turmoil, right the inner wrongs before we can change our surroundings. We must fight the inner struggle.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Give
Today is the National Day of Giving. It is a day we try to reflect on what we have been given and try to share some of that with others. I hope that I don't need a reminder of how much I have been given, nor that it is not mine to keep. GOD gives us things to give, not to hold onto. Again, I add the caveat that you have to be wise and not wasteful; you also have to make sure you take care of you and yours.
So, with the National Day of Giving in mind, I am mindful of how much GOD has given me. I won't try to sit here and name all His blessings because none of us have the time, but suffice it to say that I have been given abundantly more than I could have ever thought, dreamed, or imagined. But, it is all from GOD, and I am not to act like or claim that it is MINE.
Today's word is Luke 6:38, NIV, which reads, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
I LOVE this verse. The very first part of the verse tells us how GOD expects us to use what He has given us and how He will repay us for using what He has given us. "Give, and it will be given to you..." If we will take what GOD has given us and use it wisely and rightly, He will give us even more. How much more? I'm glad you asked...
The second part describes the abundance of His giving to us: "...A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over..." It will be more than we ever thought possible, more than we had before. We will never out give GOD - NEVER.
Don't miss the last part of the verse..."For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." In layman's terms, "What you give is what you'll get." If you try to hold onto everything, you're probably not going to get much more. If you will use what GOD has given you the way He wants you to use it, you will receive more than you ever thought possible. Be wise. Use discernment. Then, remember, GOD didn't give us things to hoard; He gave us things to give.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
So, with the National Day of Giving in mind, I am mindful of how much GOD has given me. I won't try to sit here and name all His blessings because none of us have the time, but suffice it to say that I have been given abundantly more than I could have ever thought, dreamed, or imagined. But, it is all from GOD, and I am not to act like or claim that it is MINE.
Today's word is Luke 6:38, NIV, which reads, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
I LOVE this verse. The very first part of the verse tells us how GOD expects us to use what He has given us and how He will repay us for using what He has given us. "Give, and it will be given to you..." If we will take what GOD has given us and use it wisely and rightly, He will give us even more. How much more? I'm glad you asked...
The second part describes the abundance of His giving to us: "...A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over..." It will be more than we ever thought possible, more than we had before. We will never out give GOD - NEVER.
Don't miss the last part of the verse..."For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." In layman's terms, "What you give is what you'll get." If you try to hold onto everything, you're probably not going to get much more. If you will use what GOD has given you the way He wants you to use it, you will receive more than you ever thought possible. Be wise. Use discernment. Then, remember, GOD didn't give us things to hoard; He gave us things to give.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, November 28, 2016
Unique
I noticed at the preschool today that it is "Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day". I don't really have any unique talent; I am about as average as anyone can be. I can't twirl fire or run a four minute mile. I can't dance (at all) or walk a high wire. I really don't have any particular unique talent. Yet...
Yet, GOD has made us each unique. There is absolutely no one in this world exactly like us. Even identical twins have unique finger prints, tongue prints and foot prints. Doesn't that make you feel special, that you are completely unique? That GOD took the time to make each and every one of us an unique masterpiece? It should.
Today's word is just something to remind each of us that GOD made us special: "GOD is looking at you right now and saying, "I made that one extra special.""
We all have different abilities and capabilities. We all have different talents and gifts that we have been given. We can all use our different gifts, our uniqueness, to make perfect harmony and to show that it is our diversity that makes us the same - unique.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Yet, GOD has made us each unique. There is absolutely no one in this world exactly like us. Even identical twins have unique finger prints, tongue prints and foot prints. Doesn't that make you feel special, that you are completely unique? That GOD took the time to make each and every one of us an unique masterpiece? It should.
Today's word is just something to remind each of us that GOD made us special: "GOD is looking at you right now and saying, "I made that one extra special.""
We all have different abilities and capabilities. We all have different talents and gifts that we have been given. We can all use our different gifts, our uniqueness, to make perfect harmony and to show that it is our diversity that makes us the same - unique.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
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