In honor of an event that occurred on February 8, 1910, we dedicate this post. It was on this date 107 years ago that Chicago publisher William Dickson Boyce filed incorporation papers to create the Boy Scouts of America. The Boy Scouts motto is "Be Prepared".
It's important to be prepared; you never know what's going to happen. Trish will tell you that I always have a Plan A, and Plan B, and Plan C, and Plan D, etc. It's important that with preparation comes flexibility and adaptability. Without preparation, things can catch you by surprise and leave you wondering what to do next. However, if you are always prepared, others will think you are using some kind of snake oil or lucky charm. The fact is, though, that with preparation we can help create our successes.
Today's word is a simple quote that says, "Luck is when preparation meets opportunity".
While today's post isn't about spiritual things, I think there is a lot of spiritual lessons that can be learned through preparation. We need to be prepared to meet our SAVIOR (get saved). We need to be prepared to share with others the message of CHRIST JESUS. We must be prepared to go and serve and to do what GOD calls us to do. There are lots of spiritual things that we need to prepare ourselves for.
However, today we are talking about being prepared when the opportunity arises. When successes come, some may say that you are really lucky. I will say again, I'm not lucky; I'm blesses. But, looking at it from secular eyes, when your successes come, some may say how lucky you are. The truth of the matter is that you put in the effort, you did the work, you prepared, and when the opportunity presented itself your preparation put you in a position to be successful. Yes, GOD gave us the opportunity to be successful but we can only be if we are prepared. GOD is going to send opportunities, be prepared.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
What does it profit
We had a friend and church member pass away recently that thousands of people had been praying for, literally thousands. He had been raised in church but had never gotten saved. He had lived his life on his terms and didn't want any part of a close relationship with JESUS. It was killing his parents, who are salt of the earth, godly people. So, we prayed that GOD will get his attention. And, He did.
This gentleman was diagnosed with cancer several years ago and underwent years of treatment, yet, he still gave his parents any indication of submitting to CHRIST. Then, recently, he took a turn for the worse and ended up in the hospital again. This time, though, there was little they could do for him; they sent him home with hospice.
Today's word is Mark 8:36, KJV, which reads, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
This gentleman wasn't a bad person. As a matter of fact he was a really good person: lovable, jolly, full of life, generous, friendly. He had a lot of earthly possessions: a nice home, a good job (prior to becoming ill), lots of "toys". As a matter of fact, at the funeral home, the line was long and continued that way for the entire visitation. He was a really good person, with lots of things, but you take none of this with you into eternity.
However, the week before he passed, he told the pastor that he had found JESUS! He had committed and submitted; he was saved. He, too, came to the realization that it doesn't profit us to have everything here; it is most profitable to make our calling and election sure and lay up our treasures in Heaven. Praise the LORD, before it was everlastingly too late, he too realized the most important thing! Don't lose your soul. What does ti profit?
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
This gentleman was diagnosed with cancer several years ago and underwent years of treatment, yet, he still gave his parents any indication of submitting to CHRIST. Then, recently, he took a turn for the worse and ended up in the hospital again. This time, though, there was little they could do for him; they sent him home with hospice.
Today's word is Mark 8:36, KJV, which reads, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
This gentleman wasn't a bad person. As a matter of fact he was a really good person: lovable, jolly, full of life, generous, friendly. He had a lot of earthly possessions: a nice home, a good job (prior to becoming ill), lots of "toys". As a matter of fact, at the funeral home, the line was long and continued that way for the entire visitation. He was a really good person, with lots of things, but you take none of this with you into eternity.
However, the week before he passed, he told the pastor that he had found JESUS! He had committed and submitted; he was saved. He, too, came to the realization that it doesn't profit us to have everything here; it is most profitable to make our calling and election sure and lay up our treasures in Heaven. Praise the LORD, before it was everlastingly too late, he too realized the most important thing! Don't lose your soul. What does ti profit?
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, February 6, 2017
That is no secret
I believe that I am pretty good at keeping a secret; I have been trained to. There are things that will go to my grave with me because I was sworn to keep them secret, which is what I intend to do. Now, as I get older, it's not as much that I keep things secret as I just can't seem to remember anymore.
The other part of secrecy is that we try to keep things secret. We do everything in our power to keep our sins hidden from everyone else. Trust me, I do to. We don't like our secrecy but we know we must continue in it because we have no desire for others to find us out. We also know we are doing things we ought not to do because we try so hard to keep it hidden from everyone else. But, there is one more secret place I want to mention...
Today's word is Matthew 6:6, ESV, which reads, "But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
If you feel the need to tell that juicy secret, tell it to JESUS. He knows everything anyway; it's not like you are keeping anything hidden from Him. And, even though He knows all about our sin, He loves us anyway! So, confess those secret things to the One who is with you, even in your secrecy.
Then, pray for others that GOD will guide and direct them to find the peace and understanding and love that can only be found in Him. We all need each other. We need others to encourage us and lift us up and to pray for us, even pray for those things we ought not be doing. If we will earnestly pray one for another, GOD will reward us all, and that is no secret.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
The other part of secrecy is that we try to keep things secret. We do everything in our power to keep our sins hidden from everyone else. Trust me, I do to. We don't like our secrecy but we know we must continue in it because we have no desire for others to find us out. We also know we are doing things we ought not to do because we try so hard to keep it hidden from everyone else. But, there is one more secret place I want to mention...
Today's word is Matthew 6:6, ESV, which reads, "But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
If you feel the need to tell that juicy secret, tell it to JESUS. He knows everything anyway; it's not like you are keeping anything hidden from Him. And, even though He knows all about our sin, He loves us anyway! So, confess those secret things to the One who is with you, even in your secrecy.
Then, pray for others that GOD will guide and direct them to find the peace and understanding and love that can only be found in Him. We all need each other. We need others to encourage us and lift us up and to pray for us, even pray for those things we ought not be doing. If we will earnestly pray one for another, GOD will reward us all, and that is no secret.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, February 3, 2017
Humility
What is humility? A simple definition is, "not thinking too much of yourself; not placing undue importance upon yourself." We don't see a lot of humility in today's society. It seems that the only way to advance is to sell yourself as being the best at whatever is going on. I'd love to say that I am good for something but I am really not very good at many things.
Some people tend to see humility or humbleness as a weakness. I find it quite refreshing and a great character strength. Yes, you have an important position or a big title but the fact is that the place ran before you got there and it will run after you leave. It is when we recognize that we have important jobs, but that doesn't make us important, that we truly begin to be able to fulfill the roles that have been bestowed upon us.
Today's word is Proverbs 11:2, NIV, which reads, "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."
This verse reminds us that when we start to think too highly of ourselves, of our positions, we are only one step away from becoming a failure. Not that I am proud of it but I have been there. It is when I start thinking that I am all that, that I start believing all the hype, when I start feeling like I am worthy and deserving of all the accolades, that I am about to fall. The truth of the matter is that I am what I am, where I am, because of GOD'S goodness and mercy.
I like the second half of the verse, "...but with humility comes wisdom." Some of the wisest folks I know would never let you think that they are. The depth and breadth of knowledge is astounding but they know that they still no so little in the overall scheme of things. It is true that the longer I live, the more I realize how little I know. And, it is truly the wise man that realizes how little he knows.
My prayer is that if I am ever in a position to dispense what little knowledge I have that I can do so with humility. My prayer is that if anyone ever thinks that I deserve some accolade that I can remind them that every good and perfect gift comes from above. My prayer is that I can become wiser by showing true humility.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Some people tend to see humility or humbleness as a weakness. I find it quite refreshing and a great character strength. Yes, you have an important position or a big title but the fact is that the place ran before you got there and it will run after you leave. It is when we recognize that we have important jobs, but that doesn't make us important, that we truly begin to be able to fulfill the roles that have been bestowed upon us.
Today's word is Proverbs 11:2, NIV, which reads, "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."
This verse reminds us that when we start to think too highly of ourselves, of our positions, we are only one step away from becoming a failure. Not that I am proud of it but I have been there. It is when I start thinking that I am all that, that I start believing all the hype, when I start feeling like I am worthy and deserving of all the accolades, that I am about to fall. The truth of the matter is that I am what I am, where I am, because of GOD'S goodness and mercy.
I like the second half of the verse, "...but with humility comes wisdom." Some of the wisest folks I know would never let you think that they are. The depth and breadth of knowledge is astounding but they know that they still no so little in the overall scheme of things. It is true that the longer I live, the more I realize how little I know. And, it is truly the wise man that realizes how little he knows.
My prayer is that if I am ever in a position to dispense what little knowledge I have that I can do so with humility. My prayer is that if anyone ever thinks that I deserve some accolade that I can remind them that every good and perfect gift comes from above. My prayer is that I can become wiser by showing true humility.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Those who trust
I had a friend challenge me the other day about some things that I had allowed to continue bothering me, things that I have no control over, things that I can influence very little. Yet, I was still allowing them to occupy way too much of my time, energy, and outlook.
So, anyway, this friend began to tell me the story of Abraham and Isaac. Abraham was to take Isaac and sacrifice him. Isaac was the chosen son, he was to be the father of many, Abraham and Sarah had waited one hundred years and ninety years, respectively, for this promised child. If Abraham was to sacrifice him, how were all these promises going to be fulfilled?
Today's word is Psalm 125:1, NLT, which reads, "...Those who trust in the LORD are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever."
Abraham didn't know how GOD was going to work it all out but he had faith that GOD was going to work it all out. If he followed GOD'S directive, did as he was asked to do, he knew GOD was going to work it all out. He may not have known HOW GOD was going to work it out but he had faith that GOD WOULD. I find myself too often on the HOW, and not often enough on the fact that HE WILL.
Whatever you may be going through right now, just know that GOD has a plan, and His plan is perfect. Don't be like me and get hung up on the HOW. Be like Abraham and faithfully trust that HE WILL. GOD has us securely in His hand and we will not be defeated. This is what GOD does for those who trust.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
So, anyway, this friend began to tell me the story of Abraham and Isaac. Abraham was to take Isaac and sacrifice him. Isaac was the chosen son, he was to be the father of many, Abraham and Sarah had waited one hundred years and ninety years, respectively, for this promised child. If Abraham was to sacrifice him, how were all these promises going to be fulfilled?
Today's word is Psalm 125:1, NLT, which reads, "...Those who trust in the LORD are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever."
Abraham didn't know how GOD was going to work it all out but he had faith that GOD was going to work it all out. If he followed GOD'S directive, did as he was asked to do, he knew GOD was going to work it all out. He may not have known HOW GOD was going to work it out but he had faith that GOD WOULD. I find myself too often on the HOW, and not often enough on the fact that HE WILL.
Whatever you may be going through right now, just know that GOD has a plan, and His plan is perfect. Don't be like me and get hung up on the HOW. Be like Abraham and faithfully trust that HE WILL. GOD has us securely in His hand and we will not be defeated. This is what GOD does for those who trust.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, January 30, 2017
Bubble Wrap
It's National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day! We love bubble wrap! There is just something therapeutic about popping those little air pockets. The old saying is, "I wonder how anything ever gets done at the bubble wrap factory." It is fun to pop bubbles.
It's necessary to pop a bubble from time to time. I'm talking about the ones that others, including myself, often inflate their egos with. Every now and again, we need someone to burst our bubble and remind us that we have not arrived, we are not all that and a bag of chips, we are truly just a legend in our own minds. I'm not saying that folks are going to like it but we all need to be reminded that we all bring something to the table.
Today's word is a quote that reminds me of how blessed I have been to have met the people I have met: "I'm glad I've met everyone in my life, the good and the bad. The good make me thankful; the bad have taught me valuable lessons."
I have a saying that says, "Be leery of the man that everyone speaks well of, because, he's lying to someone." If everyone is singing your praises, you may not have been entirely truthful to everyone. It is important to use tact and diplomacy but it is also important to stand for what you believe and to defend the defenseless. It's okay to tell someone that you don't agree with them and that they are not always right. It's just as okay for someone to tell me that.
I am grateful for all those I have been blessed to have met and to have had interactions with throughout my life. I have been surrounded by so many good people, so many people that love me and encourage me and keep me going. I have also had my share of folks that have taught me far more about how not to behave, how not to treat people, how not to live. When those folks come along, I really try to learn the lesson(s), and I pop bubble wrap.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
It's necessary to pop a bubble from time to time. I'm talking about the ones that others, including myself, often inflate their egos with. Every now and again, we need someone to burst our bubble and remind us that we have not arrived, we are not all that and a bag of chips, we are truly just a legend in our own minds. I'm not saying that folks are going to like it but we all need to be reminded that we all bring something to the table.
Today's word is a quote that reminds me of how blessed I have been to have met the people I have met: "I'm glad I've met everyone in my life, the good and the bad. The good make me thankful; the bad have taught me valuable lessons."
I have a saying that says, "Be leery of the man that everyone speaks well of, because, he's lying to someone." If everyone is singing your praises, you may not have been entirely truthful to everyone. It is important to use tact and diplomacy but it is also important to stand for what you believe and to defend the defenseless. It's okay to tell someone that you don't agree with them and that they are not always right. It's just as okay for someone to tell me that.
I am grateful for all those I have been blessed to have met and to have had interactions with throughout my life. I have been surrounded by so many good people, so many people that love me and encourage me and keep me going. I have also had my share of folks that have taught me far more about how not to behave, how not to treat people, how not to live. When those folks come along, I really try to learn the lesson(s), and I pop bubble wrap.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Obey it
Growing up, there were countless times that my parents had to apply the "board of education" upon my "seat of learning". It wasn't that I was a horrible kid; I just liked to test my boundaries. I can see the same things in our two.
Now, I knew the rules. I knew what I was supposed to do and what I wasn't. I knew that there were certain things that my parents expected, and demanded. I knew that there was a certain code of conduct to be followed. I could quote all the "rules", all the things that were not to be done, along with all the things that were to be done. Yet, it wasn't enough just to know them...
Today's word is Luke 11:28, NIV, which reads, "He replied, 'Blessed rather are those who hear the word of GOD and OBEY IT.'" (My emphasis)
It is good to know the rules, the code of conduct, the rights and wrongs, the expected behavior; it is even better to obey them. It is important that we can quote the things that we should be doing and the things that we shouldn't. But, it means nothing if all we do is quote them and not practice them. Yeah, I know, I sound like an old fuddy-duddy that doesn't want anyone having any "fun". There is nothing more fun than living a proper and productive life.
Today's post is really a reminder to myself that it is great to know what we are to do and not do but it is even better to put those dos and don'ts into practice. Yes, it's good to know GOD'S word; it is better to OBEY IT.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Now, I knew the rules. I knew what I was supposed to do and what I wasn't. I knew that there were certain things that my parents expected, and demanded. I knew that there was a certain code of conduct to be followed. I could quote all the "rules", all the things that were not to be done, along with all the things that were to be done. Yet, it wasn't enough just to know them...
Today's word is Luke 11:28, NIV, which reads, "He replied, 'Blessed rather are those who hear the word of GOD and OBEY IT.'" (My emphasis)
It is good to know the rules, the code of conduct, the rights and wrongs, the expected behavior; it is even better to obey them. It is important that we can quote the things that we should be doing and the things that we shouldn't. But, it means nothing if all we do is quote them and not practice them. Yeah, I know, I sound like an old fuddy-duddy that doesn't want anyone having any "fun". There is nothing more fun than living a proper and productive life.
Today's post is really a reminder to myself that it is great to know what we are to do and not do but it is even better to put those dos and don'ts into practice. Yes, it's good to know GOD'S word; it is better to OBEY IT.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)