Hebrews 11:1 tells us that "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." It is hard to explain faith; it truly is something that is easier felt than described. To put it simply, faith is knowing that you know that you know. I know JESUS CHRIST is LORD and SAVIOR. Period.
There are several instances in the Bible where JESUS had to question peoples' faith, including His disciples, who, yes, were chosen by JESUS but were just plain, old, humans such as we are. And, when the human side of us becomes stronger than the spiritual side of us, it is easy for us to allow our faith to become weaker.
Today's word is John 20:29, NLT, which reads, "Then JESUS told him, 'You believe because you have seen ME. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.'"
Thomas had missed JESUS'S visit eight days earlier. The disciples had told Thomas that JESUS was alive and that He had visited them. However, Thomas said that unless he touched JESUS'S wounds, he wasn't going to believe. Often, we have a tendency to judge Thomas for his unbelief, but, don't forget that no one had ever seen someone come back to life. But, they had...
JESUS had brought Lazarus back from the dead, and the disciples witnessed it, along with many others. Yet, Thomas allowed his human nature to take over his faith. Even still, JESUS showed Himself to Thomas and the others. Thomas believed because He had seen. JESUS told Thomas that those who believe in Him, without physically seeing Him, will be blessed. I praise His name for His blessings!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, July 15, 2019
Friday, July 12, 2019
Walk in humility
I have probably shared before that my wife thinks I can do anything, which is flattering and also humbling. She thinks that because I can do a little electrical, if necessary. I can do a little plumbing, if necessary. I have built things from time to time. I have moments when I am fairly mechanical. But, I am not great at any of those things. However, there have been times that I have thought I was.
When people are building you up, you can have a tendency to start to believe you really are as great as they are saying you are. Well, I can anyway. But, if I will just take the time to do some self-assessment, I see that, while they are being super nice and encouraging, the fact is that I am not all that.
Today's word is Proverbs 27:2, NASB, which reads, "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips."
Today's word reminds me that I shouldn't go around singing my own praises. As I've mentioned before, the older I get, the better I was. But, the truth is that no one else is telling about my athletic prowess when I was younger; maybe I shouldn't either. If there is any good in me, if there is some unique ability I possess, first it comes from GOD; second, someone else should be telling about it, not me.
I pray that I will get better at being GOD'S humble servant. I pray that I will get better at just doing what He would have me do. I pray that I will do what He wants and not worry about get praised for it. I pray that He will give me the grace to walk in humility.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
When people are building you up, you can have a tendency to start to believe you really are as great as they are saying you are. Well, I can anyway. But, if I will just take the time to do some self-assessment, I see that, while they are being super nice and encouraging, the fact is that I am not all that.
Today's word is Proverbs 27:2, NASB, which reads, "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips."
Today's word reminds me that I shouldn't go around singing my own praises. As I've mentioned before, the older I get, the better I was. But, the truth is that no one else is telling about my athletic prowess when I was younger; maybe I shouldn't either. If there is any good in me, if there is some unique ability I possess, first it comes from GOD; second, someone else should be telling about it, not me.
I pray that I will get better at being GOD'S humble servant. I pray that I will get better at just doing what He would have me do. I pray that I will do what He wants and not worry about get praised for it. I pray that He will give me the grace to walk in humility.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, July 11, 2019
Share wisdom with others
I remember as a younger person, especially my teenage years, when people would tell me things and I would really just sort of blow them off. They were just old folks trying to keep me from having fun. They were just jealous of my youth and wanted to make sure they could keep me from enjoying it, too.
They would tell me things that I should do and things that I shouldn't. They would say that they were speaking from experience and that they knew. But, hey, what could they tell me? I mean, between the ages of 14 and 25, you know everything; there really is no need to tell someone in that age group much because they already know it.
Today's word is Proverbs 9:11, NLT, which reads, "Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life."
As I got older, and lived a little longer, and experienced some of the troubles and heartaches those old folks were trying to help me prevent, I realized just how wise they really were. They were speaking from experience and they were trying to teach me and help me. As the old saying goes, "The older I get the smarter my parents become."
My advice to all of us, regardless of age, is to seek wisdom. The Bible tells us to ask GOD for it and He will supply it. My prayer is that I will seek Him and His wisdom, and that I will apply what I learn and that I will share that with others.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
They would tell me things that I should do and things that I shouldn't. They would say that they were speaking from experience and that they knew. But, hey, what could they tell me? I mean, between the ages of 14 and 25, you know everything; there really is no need to tell someone in that age group much because they already know it.
Today's word is Proverbs 9:11, NLT, which reads, "Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life."
As I got older, and lived a little longer, and experienced some of the troubles and heartaches those old folks were trying to help me prevent, I realized just how wise they really were. They were speaking from experience and they were trying to teach me and help me. As the old saying goes, "The older I get the smarter my parents become."
My advice to all of us, regardless of age, is to seek wisdom. The Bible tells us to ask GOD for it and He will supply it. My prayer is that I will seek Him and His wisdom, and that I will apply what I learn and that I will share that with others.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, July 9, 2019
His goodness
I was recently sharing with someone that I don't know why bad things happen to good people nor why good things happen to bad people. I mean, it is simple to say that we live in a broken and fallen world and that is just the way it is but that doesn't help those that are hurting. Sometimes, it is just hard to understand why things happen the way they do.
However, I know that I know that I know that even when our circumstances, even when our situations aren't what we would like them to be, aren't what we think they should be, GOD is still good. He still loves us, He still cares about us, He still wants to work all things for our good.
Today's word is Psalm 27:13, NIV, which reads, "I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living."
David wrote that he was confident; He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was going to see the goodness of GOD. We, too, can be confident that GOD will show His goodness to us daily, all we have to do is look. Sometimes, we get so caught up in our circumstances that we miss GOD'S goodness.
Again, I don't know why things happen the way the do sometimes. I just know that GOD is always good. I also know that if I will just look around, if I will just look up, I will see the His goodness.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
However, I know that I know that I know that even when our circumstances, even when our situations aren't what we would like them to be, aren't what we think they should be, GOD is still good. He still loves us, He still cares about us, He still wants to work all things for our good.
Today's word is Psalm 27:13, NIV, which reads, "I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living."
David wrote that he was confident; He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was going to see the goodness of GOD. We, too, can be confident that GOD will show His goodness to us daily, all we have to do is look. Sometimes, we get so caught up in our circumstances that we miss GOD'S goodness.
Again, I don't know why things happen the way the do sometimes. I just know that GOD is always good. I also know that if I will just look around, if I will just look up, I will see the His goodness.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, July 8, 2019
Physically and Spiritually
I love to see people succeed. Well, people who are doing good things, especially those who are doing good things humbly. But, I digress. I love to see people be successful. It is good to watch someone's hard work and determination lead to success, especially those we love.
I have seen our two (2) children successfully complete tough assignments. I have seen them overcome their fears, the odds, the elements and succeed, and they are 7 and 6. I can only imagine what they may accomplish throughout their lives, if they will work hard and follow GOD'S lead.
Today's word is 3 John 1:2, NLT, which reads, "Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit."
Just as John was writing to his friend, my prayer for each and every one of my friends and loved ones is that GOD will bless them with good health and a good, happy life. Now, does that mean that everything is going to be god all the time? No, of course not. But, I pray that GOD will help them to see the good things, even when things don't seem good.
Finally, today's word says, "...healthy in body as you are strong in spirit." I believe that each of us will be have better days by keeping our relationship with JESUS at the forefront of everything we do. I bet we would be amazed at how doing that would strengthen us both physically and spiritually.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I have seen our two (2) children successfully complete tough assignments. I have seen them overcome their fears, the odds, the elements and succeed, and they are 7 and 6. I can only imagine what they may accomplish throughout their lives, if they will work hard and follow GOD'S lead.
Today's word is 3 John 1:2, NLT, which reads, "Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit."
Just as John was writing to his friend, my prayer for each and every one of my friends and loved ones is that GOD will bless them with good health and a good, happy life. Now, does that mean that everything is going to be god all the time? No, of course not. But, I pray that GOD will help them to see the good things, even when things don't seem good.
Finally, today's word says, "...healthy in body as you are strong in spirit." I believe that each of us will be have better days by keeping our relationship with JESUS at the forefront of everything we do. I bet we would be amazed at how doing that would strengthen us both physically and spiritually.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, July 2, 2019
True Liberty
I like to think of myself as being a pretty independent guy. My Mom will tell you that I am her independent child. I have always tried to do things on my own and to make my own way. BUT, I also know, without any doubt, that I am completely dependent on GOD. Without Him I can do nothing.
I believe that true independence, true freedom, true liberty can only come through a personal relationship with JESUS CHRIST. You can't be truly free without being one of His. While that may sound counterintuitive to some, the truth, the fact is that it is through CHRIST that we are free from all bondage.
Today's word is 2 Corinthians 3:17, NASB, which reads, "Now the LORD is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the LORD is, there is liberty."
It is only through JESUS that we experience true freedom from sin and all that sin entangles us. We cannot do it on our own. We cannot make it right on our own. It is through His sacrifice, and our receiving of the free gift that He offers that we can experience true liberty/freedom.
If you are looking to be free from all the things that this world uses to tear you down and wear you out, it can only be found through JESUS CHRIST. Give Him your heart, your soul, your life, and experience true liberty.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I believe that true independence, true freedom, true liberty can only come through a personal relationship with JESUS CHRIST. You can't be truly free without being one of His. While that may sound counterintuitive to some, the truth, the fact is that it is through CHRIST that we are free from all bondage.
Today's word is 2 Corinthians 3:17, NASB, which reads, "Now the LORD is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the LORD is, there is liberty."
It is only through JESUS that we experience true freedom from sin and all that sin entangles us. We cannot do it on our own. We cannot make it right on our own. It is through His sacrifice, and our receiving of the free gift that He offers that we can experience true liberty/freedom.
If you are looking to be free from all the things that this world uses to tear you down and wear you out, it can only be found through JESUS CHRIST. Give Him your heart, your soul, your life, and experience true liberty.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, July 1, 2019
Provide what you can
My Pops, rest his soul, never made a lot of money but he always worked hard to provide for his family. We never had the name brand anything but we never lacked anything. We may have never eaten filet mignon or lobster but we were never hungry.
There is lots to be said for someone who provides for his/her family. In our current society, there seems to be so many that don't really care about his/her family. Yes, times are tough. It is a tough economy. Things cost way more than they used to. But, we are called to take care of our families.
Today's word is 1 Timothy 5:8, NASB, which reads, "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."
Paul was very straightforward with Timothy, teaching him about what our responsibilities are to our family. Not that Timothy needed to be reminded, but Timothy was a young preacher and would need to know how to instruct his flock. Paul simply reminded Timothy, and us, that those that don't provide for his/her family is worse than an unbeliever; they aren't a good witness and example.
We have a plaque hanging in our kitchen that reads, "The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the most of everything." You don't have to make lots of money to be a good provider. You just have to use what you make to provide what you can.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
There is lots to be said for someone who provides for his/her family. In our current society, there seems to be so many that don't really care about his/her family. Yes, times are tough. It is a tough economy. Things cost way more than they used to. But, we are called to take care of our families.
Today's word is 1 Timothy 5:8, NASB, which reads, "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."
Paul was very straightforward with Timothy, teaching him about what our responsibilities are to our family. Not that Timothy needed to be reminded, but Timothy was a young preacher and would need to know how to instruct his flock. Paul simply reminded Timothy, and us, that those that don't provide for his/her family is worse than an unbeliever; they aren't a good witness and example.
We have a plaque hanging in our kitchen that reads, "The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the most of everything." You don't have to make lots of money to be a good provider. You just have to use what you make to provide what you can.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)