Anxiety can certainly paralyze us from time to time. If all we do is sit and watch the news and listen to everyone tell us how bad things are and how much worse they are going to get, it is easy to feel a bit anxious. And, listen, there are some things that are very trying and taxing right now.
People are out of work. Children are out of school but still in school. Parents are suddenly "homeschooling" their children, with each teacher using a different platform, thus making the parents remember multiple usernames, passwords, etc. Then, of course, the COVID -19 that is ravaging parts of our world and country, which is absolutely devastating and heartbreaking.
Our word for the day is Psalm 34:4, KJV, which reads, "I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."
There is no doubt that our anxiety is heightened, and certainly worsened, by all the things we listen to and watch. If all we watch and listen to are things that make us more anxious, we are going to find ourselves more anxious. Things are bad, heartbreaking, and they can make us anxious. BUT, have you sought the comfort and security of being in GOD'S presence, being held in His arms?
Today's word is a reminder that when we seek the LORD, He hears us. He is listening to the cries and pleas of His children. He knows what is going on. He knows how it is going to end. He sees the big picture. He wants to hear from us. And, when we seek Him, not only does He hear us, He will deliver us from ALL our fears. Want to reduce your anxiety? Seek Him - He Delivers.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
He is our Hope
Times have certainly been a little different lately, and I know that I am not telling you anything you don't know. So many in my family are without work currently, which we all hope will be very temporary. Things are difficult to find at the supermarket, which we hope will be very temporary, too. The biggest thing, however is taking precautions to protect the ones we love.
We are certainly trying to take every precaution, and trying to follow guidelines and suggestions but, every now and then, we feel the need to get out, especially our two (2) little ones. So, when that urge hits, we have been known to jump in the vehicle and go look at empty houses in our area. It is outside, the is no one else around, we get to move a little, and we see something different, what little you can see through a window that is.
Today's word is Psalm 38:15, NKJV, which reads, "For in You, O LORD, I hope: You will hear, O LORD my GOD."
During this time of extreme uncertainty and uneasiness, as in all other times, my faith is in the LORD. Did He cause the pandemic we are in? NO. Will He see us through and help us navigate through it? YES. Our only hope is in Him.
While we continue to progress through this period, I will continue to trust and hope in my LORD. He hears us, He knows our needs, He is our provider and sustainer, He is our hope.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
We are certainly trying to take every precaution, and trying to follow guidelines and suggestions but, every now and then, we feel the need to get out, especially our two (2) little ones. So, when that urge hits, we have been known to jump in the vehicle and go look at empty houses in our area. It is outside, the is no one else around, we get to move a little, and we see something different, what little you can see through a window that is.
Today's word is Psalm 38:15, NKJV, which reads, "For in You, O LORD, I hope: You will hear, O LORD my GOD."
During this time of extreme uncertainty and uneasiness, as in all other times, my faith is in the LORD. Did He cause the pandemic we are in? NO. Will He see us through and help us navigate through it? YES. Our only hope is in Him.
While we continue to progress through this period, I will continue to trust and hope in my LORD. He hears us, He knows our needs, He is our provider and sustainer, He is our hope.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Brag about Him
I don't have much to boast about. I have shared before that I am pretty average: average intelligence, average looking, average build, not a lot of talent in any particular area - just average. Now, I have been a part of some pretty exciting and unexpected things but, again, nothing I did personally is worth bragging about.
I am not saying that I don't have things to brag about. I have a beautiful and godly and wonderful wife. We have two (2) beautiful and talented and healthy children that amaze us each and every day. We have been blessed beyond measure; I certainly have. So, allow me to boast a little - on GOD.
Today's word is Psalm 44:8, NKJV, which reads, "In GOD we boast all day long, And praise Your name forever."
I do want you to know that I boast about my GOD, my SAVIOR, my LORD. He has done so much for me that I can't help but tell you about it. Yes, He has given me my wife and children and health and everything else. But, more than that, He has provided a way for me to be adopted into His family and to become His child. I am a child of THE KING - that is something to boast about!
Things are certainly in a state of turmoil and uncertainty right now. I don't know that anyone knows what we are doing, what we are going to do, even what we need to do. What I do know is that none of this caught GOD by surprise. He is still GOD. He is still working it all out. He is still working it all out for my good. He is still on the throne. He is still in control. He is still providing grace for each day. Go brag about Him!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I am not saying that I don't have things to brag about. I have a beautiful and godly and wonderful wife. We have two (2) beautiful and talented and healthy children that amaze us each and every day. We have been blessed beyond measure; I certainly have. So, allow me to boast a little - on GOD.
Today's word is Psalm 44:8, NKJV, which reads, "In GOD we boast all day long, And praise Your name forever."
I do want you to know that I boast about my GOD, my SAVIOR, my LORD. He has done so much for me that I can't help but tell you about it. Yes, He has given me my wife and children and health and everything else. But, more than that, He has provided a way for me to be adopted into His family and to become His child. I am a child of THE KING - that is something to boast about!
Things are certainly in a state of turmoil and uncertainty right now. I don't know that anyone knows what we are doing, what we are going to do, even what we need to do. What I do know is that none of this caught GOD by surprise. He is still GOD. He is still working it all out. He is still working it all out for my good. He is still on the throne. He is still in control. He is still providing grace for each day. Go brag about Him!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, March 23, 2020
Including You
There are lots of things in this world that try to get our attention, our focus. Man, have you heard some of the vehicle offers going on right now? How about offers for travel? There is always some offer for a new credit card or a new line of credit. Oh, and don't forget about all the premium channels on television that you can get a special deal on (this month only).
We are bombarded by things every day that are meant to attract our attention. We see things and hear things multiple times each day that can easily distract us, if we allow them to. These distractions, in and of themselves, are not bad. They can actually be a welcomed respite from all that is happening around us from time to time. However...
Today's word is 1 John 2:16, KJV, which reads, "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."
When we allow the distractions to draw our attention, our focus, off of JESUS and His will for our lives, they become a problem. There is nothing wrong with wanting a new vehicle, a new house, the latest kitchen gadget, but, when we allow those things to become more important than serving the LORD and doing His will, we have allowed those things to become our GOD.
With all that is going on around us at this particular time and season, it is easy to get distracted and discouraged. BUT, don't let the things of this world, the good nor the bad, distract you from the One that has it all and holds it all in the palm of His hand, including you.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
We are bombarded by things every day that are meant to attract our attention. We see things and hear things multiple times each day that can easily distract us, if we allow them to. These distractions, in and of themselves, are not bad. They can actually be a welcomed respite from all that is happening around us from time to time. However...
Today's word is 1 John 2:16, KJV, which reads, "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."
When we allow the distractions to draw our attention, our focus, off of JESUS and His will for our lives, they become a problem. There is nothing wrong with wanting a new vehicle, a new house, the latest kitchen gadget, but, when we allow those things to become more important than serving the LORD and doing His will, we have allowed those things to become our GOD.
With all that is going on around us at this particular time and season, it is easy to get distracted and discouraged. BUT, don't let the things of this world, the good nor the bad, distract you from the One that has it all and holds it all in the palm of His hand, including you.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
I want to earn it
I have worked all for what seems like all my life, as I am sure most of us have. All I know is to work for, and to earn things. I have been very blessed to be able to work and earn a living; a blessing many would love to have. And, over time, Trish and I have been able to purchase a home and provide for our children. We pay our tithes, and GOD has tremendously blessed the rest.
We have never had a lot of money, and certainly never a lot at once. We have never cashed a check for thousands of dollars, never won any kind of sweepstakes or lottery, never had a large sum of money fall into our laps. We have also never stolen anyone's money, never run a ponzi scheme, never tried to take anything that isn't ours.
Today's word is a simple reminder about working for and earning things. Proverbs 13:11, NLT, which reads, "Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time."
I've known several people who have come into rather large sums of money from settlements and such that didn't have a single penny of it within weeks. I think it is easy to get rid of money we don't have to "work" for, the ol' "found money". But, I also believe it is a little easier to hold onto the money we toil for. And, as our passage reminds us, the wealth from hard work grows over time.
I don't really know what had me on this subject today, other than I read the verse and thought it was a good reminder. Look, there is nothing wrong with working hard and earning a living. There is nothing wrong with striving to be good stewards of what GOD gives us. I don't want to take what belongs to someone else. As long as GOD allows me to be physically able, I want to earn it.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
We have never had a lot of money, and certainly never a lot at once. We have never cashed a check for thousands of dollars, never won any kind of sweepstakes or lottery, never had a large sum of money fall into our laps. We have also never stolen anyone's money, never run a ponzi scheme, never tried to take anything that isn't ours.
Today's word is a simple reminder about working for and earning things. Proverbs 13:11, NLT, which reads, "Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time."
I've known several people who have come into rather large sums of money from settlements and such that didn't have a single penny of it within weeks. I think it is easy to get rid of money we don't have to "work" for, the ol' "found money". But, I also believe it is a little easier to hold onto the money we toil for. And, as our passage reminds us, the wealth from hard work grows over time.
I don't really know what had me on this subject today, other than I read the verse and thought it was a good reminder. Look, there is nothing wrong with working hard and earning a living. There is nothing wrong with striving to be good stewards of what GOD gives us. I don't want to take what belongs to someone else. As long as GOD allows me to be physically able, I want to earn it.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Got Questions? Ask GOD
Man, I am, sometimes, not very wise. I have made some really bad, bone-headed decisions in my life. None that I am proud of, none that I would recommend, none that I will probably repeat, but, the fact is that I have made aplenty.
We all make bad decisions. We all make mistakes. As I have shared before, show me someone who doesn't make mistakes and I will show you someone who doesn't do anything. But, what I have learned from all the mistakes I have made is that I could use a lot of wisdom, especially when it comes to decision making. So, where do we get wisdom?
Today's word is very familiar. It is James 1:5, NLT, which reads, "If you need wisdom, ask our generous GOD, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking."
I remind myself all the time that every answer you will ever need is in the Holy Bible. And, if I can't figure out a passage, what it is trying to speak to me, I can ask others, and get his/her opinion(s). OR, I can ask GOD, the Author of the Bible, and He will reveal to me what the passage is saying to me. And, He is a loving Father, Who doesn't mind my asking. He expects it and welcomes it.
Got some decisions to make? Well, while I am the worst about giving advice, and taking it, please allow me to ask, "Have you prayed about it?" Our Father, in Heaven, cares about us and wants the best things for us. If we will ask Him what He wants us to do and where He wants us to do it and how He wants us to do it, He will tell us. Got Questions? Ask GOD.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
We all make bad decisions. We all make mistakes. As I have shared before, show me someone who doesn't make mistakes and I will show you someone who doesn't do anything. But, what I have learned from all the mistakes I have made is that I could use a lot of wisdom, especially when it comes to decision making. So, where do we get wisdom?
Today's word is very familiar. It is James 1:5, NLT, which reads, "If you need wisdom, ask our generous GOD, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking."
I remind myself all the time that every answer you will ever need is in the Holy Bible. And, if I can't figure out a passage, what it is trying to speak to me, I can ask others, and get his/her opinion(s). OR, I can ask GOD, the Author of the Bible, and He will reveal to me what the passage is saying to me. And, He is a loving Father, Who doesn't mind my asking. He expects it and welcomes it.
Got some decisions to make? Well, while I am the worst about giving advice, and taking it, please allow me to ask, "Have you prayed about it?" Our Father, in Heaven, cares about us and wants the best things for us. If we will ask Him what He wants us to do and where He wants us to do it and how He wants us to do it, He will tell us. Got Questions? Ask GOD.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, March 16, 2020
I have everything
Continuing from the last post, things have certainly progressed. We are starting to see the number of COVID-19 cases accelerate. Now, that is to be expected. Basic math and human behavior tells us that if twenty (20) people are sick, and those 20 know ten (10) people each, and those 10 know 10, then, the number of cases are going to accelerate.
The uncertainty of schools closing, parents looking for childcare alternatives, businesses trying to best protect their employees and customers, churches having to make decisions about services and whether or not to congregate all makes for some really trying and difficult times. You add to this the fact that people are hoarding food and essential supplies and it can become almost overwhelming.
Today's word is Psalm 34:10b, NIV, which reads, "but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing."
For me, when things seem to be spiraling out of control and there doesn't seem to be much we can do to help the situation, I know that GOD has it all under control. He is not surprised by the COVID-19 virus, or by the reaction of others towards it. He is not surprised by the selfish nature of others in the name of "self-preservation". He is not surprised at the panic of others. He is still on the throne, and He is still providing for and meeting our every need.
I don't know how much worse the situation will get before it starts to become better. What I do know, without any doubt, is that GOD is still on my side, and He is still working all things for my good. With JESUS, I have everything.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
The uncertainty of schools closing, parents looking for childcare alternatives, businesses trying to best protect their employees and customers, churches having to make decisions about services and whether or not to congregate all makes for some really trying and difficult times. You add to this the fact that people are hoarding food and essential supplies and it can become almost overwhelming.
Today's word is Psalm 34:10b, NIV, which reads, "but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing."
For me, when things seem to be spiraling out of control and there doesn't seem to be much we can do to help the situation, I know that GOD has it all under control. He is not surprised by the COVID-19 virus, or by the reaction of others towards it. He is not surprised by the selfish nature of others in the name of "self-preservation". He is not surprised at the panic of others. He is still on the throne, and He is still providing for and meeting our every need.
I don't know how much worse the situation will get before it starts to become better. What I do know, without any doubt, is that GOD is still on my side, and He is still working all things for my good. With JESUS, I have everything.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
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