There are times in life when it is easy to get discouraged. I have shared many times that we all will be faced with discouragement, one of satan's greatest and most utilized tools. He knows that if he can discourage us, in our own strength, we will become willing to down and quit. Hey, we have all been there, or we are headed that way.
Discouragement is a nasty thing. It doesn't take much discouragement to undo years and years of encouraging words. It doesn't take much discouragement to bring the biggest, strongest, hardest hitter to his/her knees. But, thankfully, we have friends that will lift us up and sustain us. We also know that GOD is working everything for our good.
Today's word is 1 Corinthians 16:13, NIV, which reads, "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."
In today's passage, we are reminded that we can defeat courage by being on our guard. We have to watch for satan's darts flying towards us. We have to know that he is going to launch his attack, and he loves to do it at our weakest moments. We have to know that he will use anything and everything in his arsenal to try and take us down. Be on you guard.
We also know that we have to stand firm in the faith. We have to know that we know that we know that GOD is working everything for our good. We have to faithfully move forward and not back down. We have to know that GOD is fighting for us; we just have to remain faithful. If we will do that, we can be courageous and strong. satan is out there, waiting for the opportunity to take a shot - be on your guard!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Give them one
We all know someone who needs a kind word. If not, then, we may be the one in need of a kind word, or two. As a matter of fact, I would dare say that we could all use a kind word from time to time, maybe even every day. There is something encouraging, sustaining, soul-lifting in a timely kind word.
Helping to coach youth sports has taught me a little here and there. Now, I have a lot to learn - A LOT. What I do know, though, is that there are times that you need to be demanding but, there are more often times when the kid needs to hear something kind and encouraging.
Today's word is Proverbs 16:24, NLT, which reads, "Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."
The first part of this passage tells us that kind words are nourishment, they feed us. Every one of us needs a kind word from time to time to remind us that we are loved and cared for and doing what GOD has intended us to do. And, just as food nourishes our body, kind words nourish our soul.
The last part tells us that kind words are not only nourishing, they are healthy. Just as we try to exercise and eat right, we need kind words to make us healthy - mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually. And, so do others. As you go about your day today, try to find someone that looks like they need a kind word - then, give them one.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Helping to coach youth sports has taught me a little here and there. Now, I have a lot to learn - A LOT. What I do know, though, is that there are times that you need to be demanding but, there are more often times when the kid needs to hear something kind and encouraging.
Today's word is Proverbs 16:24, NLT, which reads, "Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."
The first part of this passage tells us that kind words are nourishment, they feed us. Every one of us needs a kind word from time to time to remind us that we are loved and cared for and doing what GOD has intended us to do. And, just as food nourishes our body, kind words nourish our soul.
The last part tells us that kind words are not only nourishing, they are healthy. Just as we try to exercise and eat right, we need kind words to make us healthy - mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually. And, so do others. As you go about your day today, try to find someone that looks like they need a kind word - then, give them one.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, August 12, 2019
Throughout
Well, my lovely wife had a birthday last Friday. I had been busy planning it for the last couple of months; not her birthday, it happens without planning, but the little party and presentation. I wanted to make her feel special and to know how special she is to me. I hope she felt that.
Anyway, one truth is that we are all getting older. I believe it was Kris Kristofferson that said, "The old are getting older and the young are doing the same." I heard a wise man once say, "It is usually only the birthdays that end in zero that give us trouble." There is something about aging that reminds us of our mortality. However, GOD has a reminder for us, too...
Today's word is Isaiah 46:4, NLT, which reads, "I will be your GOD throughout your lifetime - until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you."
I think we often get so caught up on aging that we forget to live; and I really mean me. But, if we just remember that we are GOD'S, we can more enjoy the journey. GOD reminds us in today's passage that He made us and that He will care for us - throughout our lifetime. We know that He will NEVER leave us nor forsake us. NEVER.
Aging is part of life. I tell people all the time that I am blessed to still be aging; it is something that not everyone gets to do. I am blessed to live the life that GOD has allowed. I am blessed to live this life with my wife and children. I also know that GOD is with me; He made me, and He will care for me, throughout.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Anyway, one truth is that we are all getting older. I believe it was Kris Kristofferson that said, "The old are getting older and the young are doing the same." I heard a wise man once say, "It is usually only the birthdays that end in zero that give us trouble." There is something about aging that reminds us of our mortality. However, GOD has a reminder for us, too...
Today's word is Isaiah 46:4, NLT, which reads, "I will be your GOD throughout your lifetime - until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you."
I think we often get so caught up on aging that we forget to live; and I really mean me. But, if we just remember that we are GOD'S, we can more enjoy the journey. GOD reminds us in today's passage that He made us and that He will care for us - throughout our lifetime. We know that He will NEVER leave us nor forsake us. NEVER.
Aging is part of life. I tell people all the time that I am blessed to still be aging; it is something that not everyone gets to do. I am blessed to live the life that GOD has allowed. I am blessed to live this life with my wife and children. I also know that GOD is with me; He made me, and He will care for me, throughout.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, August 7, 2019
First day of school
Well, today begins another school year; this year we have a second grader and a first grader. Man, where does the time go? It literally seems like just the other day they were little babies. Time moves really fast. As a friend of mine used to tell me, "With kids, the days are long but the years are short."
We try to remind our children that they have to work hard and study hard. They have the opportunity to go to school and learn, which they should take advantage of and soak up all they can. We try to remind them that it is all about a firm foundation; what you learn today strengthens and prepares you for what you learn tomorrow. Same goes for our Christian walk.
Today's word is 2 Timothy 2:15, KJV, which reads, "Study to show thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed..."
This just simply means that we should make every effort to do GOD'S work, what He has called us to do. We should study and prepare and be diligent in our efforts to learn all we can and, then, to apply what we have learned for the work of GOD and for His glory. Just like school work, we should be diligent in our Christian walk/work.
We pray daily for our kids, and all kids and teachers and everyone that has a part in our children's education. We also try to make sure that each day our kids hear about GOD, through stories and His word. We want them to be prepared in their school work and in GOD'S. Have a great first day of school!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
We try to remind our children that they have to work hard and study hard. They have the opportunity to go to school and learn, which they should take advantage of and soak up all they can. We try to remind them that it is all about a firm foundation; what you learn today strengthens and prepares you for what you learn tomorrow. Same goes for our Christian walk.
Today's word is 2 Timothy 2:15, KJV, which reads, "Study to show thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed..."
This just simply means that we should make every effort to do GOD'S work, what He has called us to do. We should study and prepare and be diligent in our efforts to learn all we can and, then, to apply what we have learned for the work of GOD and for His glory. Just like school work, we should be diligent in our Christian walk/work.
We pray daily for our kids, and all kids and teachers and everyone that has a part in our children's education. We also try to make sure that each day our kids hear about GOD, through stories and His word. We want them to be prepared in their school work and in GOD'S. Have a great first day of school!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
GOD is all mighty
I have played a lot of sports, most of it bad, but I have played. Now, I coach a lot of sports, again, probably bad, but, I coach. You always have those on the team(s) that think they are the greatest thing since ramen noodles. There is no one that compares to them.
I have to remind them, especially the little running backs that are running through holes big enough for me and not getting touched for fifteen yards, that they may run the ball but there is someone else that made the hole. We may think we are big and bad but we are always stronger together.
Today's word is Psalm 62:11, ESV, and reminds us from whence comes true strength: "Once GOD has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to GOD."
It truly is that we can do nothing without GOD. It is from Him and through Him that we have the strength to do anything. However, we can read in the Bible that through Him we can do all things - all things that are in His will and that He is calling us to do.
The point is that we may think we are all that and a bag of chips but the truth is that whatever ability we have, whatever strength we have, what ever we accomplish is only through the power, strength, and desire of GOD. I have to remind myself of this from time to time; my strength is futile and failing but GOD is all mighty.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I have to remind them, especially the little running backs that are running through holes big enough for me and not getting touched for fifteen yards, that they may run the ball but there is someone else that made the hole. We may think we are big and bad but we are always stronger together.
Today's word is Psalm 62:11, ESV, and reminds us from whence comes true strength: "Once GOD has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to GOD."
It truly is that we can do nothing without GOD. It is from Him and through Him that we have the strength to do anything. However, we can read in the Bible that through Him we can do all things - all things that are in His will and that He is calling us to do.
The point is that we may think we are all that and a bag of chips but the truth is that whatever ability we have, whatever strength we have, what ever we accomplish is only through the power, strength, and desire of GOD. I have to remind myself of this from time to time; my strength is futile and failing but GOD is all mighty.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, August 5, 2019
We must seek Him
I don't even know where to begin. People simply shopping at walmart on a Saturday, mid-day, and some evil individual opens fire on them. I don't know how to explain it. I don't know how to explain the violence. I don't know how to explain the shooter, other than evil. There are lots of questions, and few answers.
When I have these times, with lots of questions and few answers, all I know to do is turn to the LORD. No, He didn't cause this senseless violence, sin has done that. Satan walks around seeking whom he may devour, and there are countless individuals that will do his work. I will never be able to explain why people seek him and do his work.
Today's word is Psalm 9:10, NIV, which reads, "Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You."
While I don't know why others do what they do, I do know that GOD is still on the throne and still listening. He is wanting people to turn to Him and seek Him. Our verse tells us that He has never forsaken those who seek Him. The problem is that people are seeking everything but Him. Everything.
I want to know more about my JESUS. I want to know more about my LORD. I want to seek Him and do His good will. I want to tell others that He is the only way out of the mess that we find ourselves in. We must seek Him.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
When I have these times, with lots of questions and few answers, all I know to do is turn to the LORD. No, He didn't cause this senseless violence, sin has done that. Satan walks around seeking whom he may devour, and there are countless individuals that will do his work. I will never be able to explain why people seek him and do his work.
Today's word is Psalm 9:10, NIV, which reads, "Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You."
While I don't know why others do what they do, I do know that GOD is still on the throne and still listening. He is wanting people to turn to Him and seek Him. Our verse tells us that He has never forsaken those who seek Him. The problem is that people are seeking everything but Him. Everything.
I want to know more about my JESUS. I want to know more about my LORD. I want to seek Him and do His good will. I want to tell others that He is the only way out of the mess that we find ourselves in. We must seek Him.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, August 1, 2019
One Flesh
I've been away on business for the last few days and I have really missed my family. It's tough being apart. Yes, I know that some time a part can be beneficial but I really love being with them. When someone asks me about my wife and kids, I am more than ready to tell them all about them.
There is nothing like having a great marriage. I am blessed to have a godly wife that loves GOD, me, and our children. Some folks have asked me how it all works and I always tell them that if you will put GOD first, and your spouse second, everything else will fall into place. That doesn't mean there won't be issues and disagreements but, you will find a way to work through and talk through them all.
Today's word is Genesis 2:24, KJV, which reads, "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
I think so many marriages struggle because we allow things to come between us and our spouses, whether that be work, hobbies, even church work. Other than GOD, there is nothing or no one that should come between your spouse and you. This isn't just GOD'S desire, it is His design.
There are so many distractions and obligations that we face and must meet every single day. However, there is also the obligation to carve out time for our spouses and to enjoy one another. My prayer is that I will always be diligent and intentional about spending time with my wife. After all, we are one flesh.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
There is nothing like having a great marriage. I am blessed to have a godly wife that loves GOD, me, and our children. Some folks have asked me how it all works and I always tell them that if you will put GOD first, and your spouse second, everything else will fall into place. That doesn't mean there won't be issues and disagreements but, you will find a way to work through and talk through them all.
Today's word is Genesis 2:24, KJV, which reads, "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
I think so many marriages struggle because we allow things to come between us and our spouses, whether that be work, hobbies, even church work. Other than GOD, there is nothing or no one that should come between your spouse and you. This isn't just GOD'S desire, it is His design.
There are so many distractions and obligations that we face and must meet every single day. However, there is also the obligation to carve out time for our spouses and to enjoy one another. My prayer is that I will always be diligent and intentional about spending time with my wife. After all, we are one flesh.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)