What are you good at? It is a question that we have all probably been asked countless times, in countless different ways. In sports, it may be what position do you play. In a job interview, it may be what special skills do you have. In a building project, it may be are you better at nailing or at cutting?
We all know what we are "good" at. I can tell you that my list is fairly small, and the older I get the smaller it gets. Plus, things that I used to be fairly good at, I am not as good at anymore. However, as I have lost some abilities in some areas, I have gained abilities in others. I may not be as fast as I used to be but I am more clever, quicker even, to get to the spot I need to be in time. Experience is a great teacher.
Today's word reminds us to focus on the positives: "Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are."
We all have a tendency to focus on what we are not. I am not the best looking guy in the world - never have been, never will be. I am not able to bench press a refrigerator - never have been, never will be. The point is that there are lots of things that I am not, and I could focus on all the things I am not and feel miserable all the time.
Instead, I want to focus on what I am. I am GOD'S child, and will spend eternity with Him. I am the husband to the loveliest, sweetest lady GOD ever created. I am the father to the two greatest kids any father could ever have. I am a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend. There is more value in what I am than in what I am not. There is so much more to what I have than to what I have lost. Put the emphasis, the focus on what is important - you are an incredible masterpiece, and a work in progress all at the same time; there is great value in that.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Him Only
There are a lot of things that people worship: false gods, the gym, money, etc. What they most often find, though, is that none of those things have eternal significance. When our time on this earth is over, we will be taking none of the money we have amassed with us. There will come a time in our lives that physical strength will wane. And, I would hate to think about entering into eternity without the One True GOD.
It seems that people will make a god out of anything. Some folks love to "worship" creation instead of the Creator. Isn't the One that created it more significant, more worthy of praise than what has been created?
Today's word is Luke 4:8, ESV, which reads, "And JESUS answered him, 'You shall worship the LORD your GOD, and Him ONLY shall you serve."
JESUS was in the desert being tempted by satan, when satan tells Him that if He would just worship him that he would give JESUS authority over things and give Him things of this earth. But, JESUS, GOD Himself, knew that anything satan could offer far paled in comparison with what GOD would give His children. Nor only an abundant life here, but eternity in Heaven.
What are you chasing? Are you spinning your wheels, going nowhere fast? Are you stuck in a rut with no way out. Are you looking for that magic bullet that will make everything better? Are you thinking that more money, more stuff, more whatever is going to fill the void you feel? There is only One that can fill that void and make you feel satisfied - His name is JESUS. Worship Him ONLY.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
It seems that people will make a god out of anything. Some folks love to "worship" creation instead of the Creator. Isn't the One that created it more significant, more worthy of praise than what has been created?
Today's word is Luke 4:8, ESV, which reads, "And JESUS answered him, 'You shall worship the LORD your GOD, and Him ONLY shall you serve."
JESUS was in the desert being tempted by satan, when satan tells Him that if He would just worship him that he would give JESUS authority over things and give Him things of this earth. But, JESUS, GOD Himself, knew that anything satan could offer far paled in comparison with what GOD would give His children. Nor only an abundant life here, but eternity in Heaven.
What are you chasing? Are you spinning your wheels, going nowhere fast? Are you stuck in a rut with no way out. Are you looking for that magic bullet that will make everything better? Are you thinking that more money, more stuff, more whatever is going to fill the void you feel? There is only One that can fill that void and make you feel satisfied - His name is JESUS. Worship Him ONLY.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Two things that may change your life
I have often said that it isn't usually what I say but how I say it. I have a tendency to sprinkle most everything with a pinch of sarcasm. And, I have absolutely no doubt that there are those who get sarcasm, but the majority do not. So, if I have to end up trying to explain the sarcasm, it really loses its emphasis and humor. It isn't usually what I say but how I say it.
The flip side of my sarcastic self is the fact that I am not harder on anyone than I am myself. I am an OCD (CDO) perfectionist. I walked in one afternoon from work several years ago and Trish was watching a show that had a "perfectionist quiz". We both took the quiz. If you scored 100 or more points, out of a possible 200, you were a perfectionist. I scored like a 196. So, as hard as I may seem on others, I am more hard on myself. Both can be counterproductive.
Today's word is something to remind us to be kind to ourselves and to watch what we say around others: "Two things to remember in life: Take care of your thoughts when you are alone; and, take care of your words when you are with others."
We can really be overly critical with ourselves when we are alone. We will tell ourselves that we are things that we are not, that we are worth far less than we are, and that we will never be something that we don't need to be anyway. What we need to remember is that we are a child of the King of Kings and He has a promised future for us.
When we are with others, we need to be equally cautious. Not only can our words cause them to have negative thoughts about themselves, they can cause others to tell things on us that are not true. All it takes is a few words said to the wrong person to change your life. So, when you are alone, guard your thoughts. When you are with others guard your words. You may just be surprised at how much those two things may change your life.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
The flip side of my sarcastic self is the fact that I am not harder on anyone than I am myself. I am an OCD (CDO) perfectionist. I walked in one afternoon from work several years ago and Trish was watching a show that had a "perfectionist quiz". We both took the quiz. If you scored 100 or more points, out of a possible 200, you were a perfectionist. I scored like a 196. So, as hard as I may seem on others, I am more hard on myself. Both can be counterproductive.
Today's word is something to remind us to be kind to ourselves and to watch what we say around others: "Two things to remember in life: Take care of your thoughts when you are alone; and, take care of your words when you are with others."
We can really be overly critical with ourselves when we are alone. We will tell ourselves that we are things that we are not, that we are worth far less than we are, and that we will never be something that we don't need to be anyway. What we need to remember is that we are a child of the King of Kings and He has a promised future for us.
When we are with others, we need to be equally cautious. Not only can our words cause them to have negative thoughts about themselves, they can cause others to tell things on us that are not true. All it takes is a few words said to the wrong person to change your life. So, when you are alone, guard your thoughts. When you are with others guard your words. You may just be surprised at how much those two things may change your life.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, October 8, 2018
You will never be the same
As I probably mentioned, last week I was in New Orleans for a conference. There are tons of places to have conferences, this one happened to be there. And, I could go on and on about all the things that you shouldn't do there but I am reasonably sure most of you know what you ought not to do. We all do.
The point I want to make, however, is that while I was there, I was watching the local informational channel and they were interviewing one of the local bar owners. The bar owner was telling the interviewer that on Sundays her establishment played more "spiritual" music, and a good time was had by all. She went on to say that everyone didn't have to worship the way she did, and that whatever god you worshipped was just fine, and you could still have a good time at her establishment.
Today's word is Acts 4:12, KJV, which reads, "Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
Much like many pop stars and movie stars and celebrities, in general, that want to be politically correct and not offend anyone, people will try to tell you that everyone is okay as long as they worship "some god". I am here to tell you that they are wrong. I am here to tell you that, if they know JESUS as his/her personal SAVIOR, they will give an account for allowing others to go astray and for telling them that they are alright no matter what. There is only ONE TRUE LIVING GOD.
Don't let anyone try to convince you that anything other that JESUS will do. There is only one way to eternal life in Heaven, and that is there accepting JESUS CHRIST as your LORD an SAVIOR. GOD will accept you just like you are. BUT, once you meet Him, you will never be the same!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
The point I want to make, however, is that while I was there, I was watching the local informational channel and they were interviewing one of the local bar owners. The bar owner was telling the interviewer that on Sundays her establishment played more "spiritual" music, and a good time was had by all. She went on to say that everyone didn't have to worship the way she did, and that whatever god you worshipped was just fine, and you could still have a good time at her establishment.
Today's word is Acts 4:12, KJV, which reads, "Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
Much like many pop stars and movie stars and celebrities, in general, that want to be politically correct and not offend anyone, people will try to tell you that everyone is okay as long as they worship "some god". I am here to tell you that they are wrong. I am here to tell you that, if they know JESUS as his/her personal SAVIOR, they will give an account for allowing others to go astray and for telling them that they are alright no matter what. There is only ONE TRUE LIVING GOD.
Don't let anyone try to convince you that anything other that JESUS will do. There is only one way to eternal life in Heaven, and that is there accepting JESUS CHRIST as your LORD an SAVIOR. GOD will accept you just like you are. BUT, once you meet Him, you will never be the same!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
I want to be an influence
I had a very interesting and engaging conversation with a friend and fellow believer last night about how I want to be an example for my kids and others. I fail miserably at times, but, I so want to be a good example. I want to be someone that they can look up to and know that I try to serve my LORD and SAVIOR the very best I can.
The conversation hinged on the fact that I don't partake of alcoholic drinks of any kind, in any way. I won't, purposefully, order a dessert with an alcohol-based glaze or sauce. Not that I think it is wrong or that it will cause me to become "drunk", but, because I don't want others to see me and cause them to give in to a temptation that they fight every day. I want to be an example.
Today's word is another quoted. I apologize for having two days of quotes but this one sums up what I try to get through to my kids and others: "You will NEVER influence this world by trying to be LIKE it." And, I'll aid, "Or, by trying to be liked BY it."
As Christians, we are called to come out from among them and to live differently. I know we have covered this before, and I apologize for digressing, but, it bears repeating. We are children of GOD, a royal priesthood, an heir with JESUS CHRIST, we shouldn't live like we belong to the king of this world. We should try to live in such a way that others know that our Father is not of this world.
I am really talking to myself, reminding myself, today. I want to be an example. As I said, I want my wife, my kids, my family, my friends, my coworkers, and everyone else to know that JESUS CHRIST permeates every facet of my life. I want them to know that I serve Him and that I try my best to do His will. I want them to see a good example. I want to be an influence.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
The conversation hinged on the fact that I don't partake of alcoholic drinks of any kind, in any way. I won't, purposefully, order a dessert with an alcohol-based glaze or sauce. Not that I think it is wrong or that it will cause me to become "drunk", but, because I don't want others to see me and cause them to give in to a temptation that they fight every day. I want to be an example.
Today's word is another quoted. I apologize for having two days of quotes but this one sums up what I try to get through to my kids and others: "You will NEVER influence this world by trying to be LIKE it." And, I'll aid, "Or, by trying to be liked BY it."
As Christians, we are called to come out from among them and to live differently. I know we have covered this before, and I apologize for digressing, but, it bears repeating. We are children of GOD, a royal priesthood, an heir with JESUS CHRIST, we shouldn't live like we belong to the king of this world. We should try to live in such a way that others know that our Father is not of this world.
I am really talking to myself, reminding myself, today. I want to be an example. As I said, I want my wife, my kids, my family, my friends, my coworkers, and everyone else to know that JESUS CHRIST permeates every facet of my life. I want them to know that I serve Him and that I try my best to do His will. I want them to see a good example. I want to be an influence.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Make others happy too
I have probably shared before that I am a morning person. I know, I am not right. But, I don't mind getting up early. I like the mornings. I like to get up and see the sun rise, exercise, read my Bible. There is something about being up early and getting going. For me, sleeping until 9 AM feels almost as if I have wasted most of my day; that's just me though.
Not only am I a morning person, I am also usually in a good mood. You know the type; some would consider over the top, overly positive too early in the morning. But, it is not a show or a front; I truly am a pretty happy person. Why? Because I know how good GOD has been to me and how much better He is to me each and every day I live. I trust Him with everything.
Today's word is just a little quote I came across that reminds me to be happy: "Be so happy that when others look at you, they become happy too."
Ever smiled at someone that looked really down or really bothered, just to see them smile back. Sometimes, all it takes to make someone else's day is to treat them with a little respect and to smile. Isn't it true that seeing other people happy can make you happy. I know it is true for me. Why not be the one to start the happiness.
There will be hard days that turn into hard weeks that turn into hard months. BUT, if we can find some little something to be happy about, some little positive something to smile about each and every day, it could change our lives, and the lives of countless others. Be happy; make others happy too.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Not only am I a morning person, I am also usually in a good mood. You know the type; some would consider over the top, overly positive too early in the morning. But, it is not a show or a front; I truly am a pretty happy person. Why? Because I know how good GOD has been to me and how much better He is to me each and every day I live. I trust Him with everything.
Today's word is just a little quote I came across that reminds me to be happy: "Be so happy that when others look at you, they become happy too."
Ever smiled at someone that looked really down or really bothered, just to see them smile back. Sometimes, all it takes to make someone else's day is to treat them with a little respect and to smile. Isn't it true that seeing other people happy can make you happy. I know it is true for me. Why not be the one to start the happiness.
There will be hard days that turn into hard weeks that turn into hard months. BUT, if we can find some little something to be happy about, some little positive something to smile about each and every day, it could change our lives, and the lives of countless others. Be happy; make others happy too.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, October 1, 2018
Under His wings
I have probably shared this before, but, if I have, just bear with me for a few moments. As a young child, probably until I was about six or so, I would cover my head up at night so the "boogie man" couldn't see me and get me. Now, about six or so I realized that there was no "boogie man", and if there was, the covers offered very little protection.
But, there was something comforting about hiding under the covers. There is still something comforting, maybe when we are fighting a cold or some other malady, about crawling under the covers and feeling its warmth. There is something strengthening and comforting about being enveloped in a covering.
Today's word is Psalm 61:4, ESV, which reads, "Let me dwell in Your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter or Your wings."
When things are going bad, when the storms are raging, when there seems to be no end in sight, there is nothing more comforting than GOD pulling us close and protecting us. The Bible tells us He envelopes us like a dove will envelope her children under her wings. The peace and comfort that comes from knowing that we are safe and secure in the arms of GOD cannot be explained. It is one of those things that is far better to feel than to talk about.
I pray that you feel GOD wrapping His arms around you; that you can feel Him pull you close and protect you. Because, whether you feel it or not, the truth is that He is doing just that. We can rest comfortably and securely and safely under His wings.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
But, there was something comforting about hiding under the covers. There is still something comforting, maybe when we are fighting a cold or some other malady, about crawling under the covers and feeling its warmth. There is something strengthening and comforting about being enveloped in a covering.
Today's word is Psalm 61:4, ESV, which reads, "Let me dwell in Your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter or Your wings."
When things are going bad, when the storms are raging, when there seems to be no end in sight, there is nothing more comforting than GOD pulling us close and protecting us. The Bible tells us He envelopes us like a dove will envelope her children under her wings. The peace and comfort that comes from knowing that we are safe and secure in the arms of GOD cannot be explained. It is one of those things that is far better to feel than to talk about.
I pray that you feel GOD wrapping His arms around you; that you can feel Him pull you close and protect you. Because, whether you feel it or not, the truth is that He is doing just that. We can rest comfortably and securely and safely under His wings.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
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