If you read the story of Gideon in the Bible, you will find that Gideon needed a little encouragement, a little assurance that he was doing what GOD wanted him to do the way GOD wanted him to do it. I find that I need a little sign from time to time (actually, more often than not). I need GOD to remind me that He has it under control; I just need to step out in faith and trust Him.
I am much like Gideon. If you read the account in Judges Chapter 6, you will find me. Gideon asked for a sign, for the fleece to be wet with dew and everything else to be dry, which GOD did. Then, Gideon said, (my paraphrasing, of course) "Alright GOD. I don't want to make you angry but could you show me one more? This time make everything wet and the fleece dry." And, GOD did.
Today's word is Judges 6:12, ESV, which reads, "And the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, 'The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor."
With encouragement like that, how can you not feel confident. Listen to the encouragement...first, the angel lets Gideon know that GOD is with him. The LORD is with you! I tell people all the time that I am never alone because wherever I go, GOD goes with me. You can feel confident that everything will be alright when GOD is with you.
Then, the angel calls him, "mighty man of valor". Valor is "great courage in the face of danger." The angel was letting Gideon know how GOD had made him - courageous! There is nothing to fear because GOD is with you and you are courageous. That would be extremely encouraging.
As we go about our daily grind, let's remember that GOD is with us, the LORD is with us, and we are meant to be courageous!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
GOD will do amazing things
Probably most people that know me have heard me say that it does not amaze me what GOD does - He's GOD. It does, however, amaze me at what He does for me. I don't deserve anything He gives me. Yet, He has given me all this and Heaven too.
I am truly a blessed man. Not that we have everything in the world (and, we don't need everything in the world). Therein is the truest statement - I have EVERYTHING I need and then some. I have a wife who loves me, children who, for now, adore me, a good job, good health, a place to live, and I can go on and on. Then, as I said, the best part is that I am a child of GOD and will one day spend all of eternity in Heaven. Yes, GOD has done amazing things in my life.
Today's word is Joshua 3:5, NLT, which reads, "Then Joshua told the people, 'Purify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do great wonders among you.'"
GOD does amazing and wonderful things in our lives all the times. We don't always acknowledge it but He is doing it. Just the fact that you have the ability to get up in the morning and do the things you do is a blessing that we so often take for granted. Look around at all the amazing things GOD has done and is doing.
Don't lose sight of the first part, the requirement, - "Purify yourselves." GOD gives us all blessings, but He wants us to be His children, His clean and pure children. If we will purify ourselves, we will be amazed at what GOD will do for us. Let's purify ourselves and see the wonders of GOD!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I am truly a blessed man. Not that we have everything in the world (and, we don't need everything in the world). Therein is the truest statement - I have EVERYTHING I need and then some. I have a wife who loves me, children who, for now, adore me, a good job, good health, a place to live, and I can go on and on. Then, as I said, the best part is that I am a child of GOD and will one day spend all of eternity in Heaven. Yes, GOD has done amazing things in my life.
Today's word is Joshua 3:5, NLT, which reads, "Then Joshua told the people, 'Purify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do great wonders among you.'"
GOD does amazing and wonderful things in our lives all the times. We don't always acknowledge it but He is doing it. Just the fact that you have the ability to get up in the morning and do the things you do is a blessing that we so often take for granted. Look around at all the amazing things GOD has done and is doing.
Don't lose sight of the first part, the requirement, - "Purify yourselves." GOD gives us all blessings, but He wants us to be His children, His clean and pure children. If we will purify ourselves, we will be amazed at what GOD will do for us. Let's purify ourselves and see the wonders of GOD!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Why did this happen?
There are times in our lives when bad things happen and we just cannot figure out why; there will always be those times. We have experience those times when things just don't make sense, and where we feel that we are being treated unfairly and unjustly. When these things happen, and they will, we have a tendency to ask, "Why?"
"Why did GOD allow this?" "Why am I having to go through this?" "Why did GOD do this to me when I am being faithful and dedicated and trying to serve Him?" Really good questions, and tough ones to answer.
Today's word is Deuteronomy 32:4, which reads, "He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful GOD Who does no wrong, upright and just is He."
When bad things happen, it's not GOD who is doing it. Bad things happen because we live in a world full of evil. The devil is the prince of this world and he is hard at work trying to destroy individuals, families, churches, GOD'S people. Sometimes, bad things happen just because bad things happen. But, when bad things happen, we can rest in the fact that GOD is steady, never changing. And, that He is perfect and just. He doesn't cause bad things to happen; He gives us the strength to get through them if we will just rely on Him.
The next time something happens, it's okay to ask, "Why GOD is this happening?" It's okay to sit in the misery for a few minutes and think that we are receiving unfair and unjust treatment. Then, remember what JESUS went through, and know that, while He isn't the cause, He will see us through. His works are perfect, His ways are just, He is faithful, and He does no wrong.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
"Why did GOD allow this?" "Why am I having to go through this?" "Why did GOD do this to me when I am being faithful and dedicated and trying to serve Him?" Really good questions, and tough ones to answer.
Today's word is Deuteronomy 32:4, which reads, "He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful GOD Who does no wrong, upright and just is He."
When bad things happen, it's not GOD who is doing it. Bad things happen because we live in a world full of evil. The devil is the prince of this world and he is hard at work trying to destroy individuals, families, churches, GOD'S people. Sometimes, bad things happen just because bad things happen. But, when bad things happen, we can rest in the fact that GOD is steady, never changing. And, that He is perfect and just. He doesn't cause bad things to happen; He gives us the strength to get through them if we will just rely on Him.
The next time something happens, it's okay to ask, "Why GOD is this happening?" It's okay to sit in the misery for a few minutes and think that we are receiving unfair and unjust treatment. Then, remember what JESUS went through, and know that, while He isn't the cause, He will see us through. His works are perfect, His ways are just, He is faithful, and He does no wrong.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, May 23, 2016
GOD is not human
Many folks seem to think that we are "like" GOD. Now, we are certainly to try to become more CHRIST-like; that is certainly our goal, and should be our desire. However, while we are made in His image, we are not GOD, though some seem to think they are.
GOD is GOD. I know that is redundant but I want to get it across that GOD made us, not vice versa. He gave us minds and bodies and thoughts and comprehension but He is GOD. While we may be pretty smart and have loads of intelligence, we will NEVER think like GOD. NEVER.
Today's word is Numbers 23:19, NIV, which reads, "GOD is not human, that He should lie, not a human being, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?"
The very first part of the verse tells us how unlike us GOD is - He does not lie. We tend to lie pretty much all the time, to keep ourselves out of trouble, to make ourselves appear better than we are, to make others believe something that isn't true. GOD doesn't do that.
Then, He doesn't change His mind. When GOD formulated the plan of salvation, He didn't tweak it and change it and redo it; He followed through. He doesn't decide to love us today and not love us tomorrow. He doesn't decide that we are worth saving today and not worth it tomorrow. He doesn't change His mind. He has always loved us; He always will.
Finally, we note that what He says He will do He does. And, what He promises, He fulfills. I don't know about you but I am full of good intentions. I plan to do things. I even commit to doing things but, every now and again, I can't fulfill those promises. Yet, GOD says it and does it; He promises it and fulfills it.
Don't let others act as if they are GOD. Yes, we are striving to more like Him every day but I know that it is only because of His loving Grace that I am worthy enough to be His child. And, I praise Him for that.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
GOD is GOD. I know that is redundant but I want to get it across that GOD made us, not vice versa. He gave us minds and bodies and thoughts and comprehension but He is GOD. While we may be pretty smart and have loads of intelligence, we will NEVER think like GOD. NEVER.
Today's word is Numbers 23:19, NIV, which reads, "GOD is not human, that He should lie, not a human being, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?"
The very first part of the verse tells us how unlike us GOD is - He does not lie. We tend to lie pretty much all the time, to keep ourselves out of trouble, to make ourselves appear better than we are, to make others believe something that isn't true. GOD doesn't do that.
Then, He doesn't change His mind. When GOD formulated the plan of salvation, He didn't tweak it and change it and redo it; He followed through. He doesn't decide to love us today and not love us tomorrow. He doesn't decide that we are worth saving today and not worth it tomorrow. He doesn't change His mind. He has always loved us; He always will.
Finally, we note that what He says He will do He does. And, what He promises, He fulfills. I don't know about you but I am full of good intentions. I plan to do things. I even commit to doing things but, every now and again, I can't fulfill those promises. Yet, GOD says it and does it; He promises it and fulfills it.
Don't let others act as if they are GOD. Yes, we are striving to more like Him every day but I know that it is only because of His loving Grace that I am worthy enough to be His child. And, I praise Him for that.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Would you do it?
Ever play the game, "If you knew there was absolutely no way you would ever get caught, would you...?" A lot of people play that game every day without realizing how dangerous it is and that it's not a game.
I overheard a discussion not long ago where two people were talking about money, and one asked the other if there was absolutely no way he would ever get caught would he steal a million dollars. The person that had been asked replied that they would probably do it. The person who asked said, "Even if you don't get caught, you still took something that belongs to someone else."
Today's word is Leviticus 25:17, ESV, which reads, "You shall not wrong one another, but you shall fear your GOD, for I am the LORD your GOD."
It seems that in this world, especially lately, everyone wants to "wrong" someone. It seems that everyone feels that if "everyone else is doing it", then, they want to get their part and participate too. Well, first, as you have heard me say before, not everyone is doing it (I'm not, and I know several who aren't). Secondly, if there is a majority of people seemingly doing it, it makes it no less wrong. You absolutely cannot do wrong and be right.
I pray that I will go through my life one day at a time purposely looking to not wrong anyone. I will try to right the wrongs I commit and try to prevent the ones that I control. Whether anyone will ever know or not is irrelevant; GOD knows. And, whether anyone is watching or not doesn't matter; you cannot do wrong and be right. So, would you do it?
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I overheard a discussion not long ago where two people were talking about money, and one asked the other if there was absolutely no way he would ever get caught would he steal a million dollars. The person that had been asked replied that they would probably do it. The person who asked said, "Even if you don't get caught, you still took something that belongs to someone else."
Today's word is Leviticus 25:17, ESV, which reads, "You shall not wrong one another, but you shall fear your GOD, for I am the LORD your GOD."
It seems that in this world, especially lately, everyone wants to "wrong" someone. It seems that everyone feels that if "everyone else is doing it", then, they want to get their part and participate too. Well, first, as you have heard me say before, not everyone is doing it (I'm not, and I know several who aren't). Secondly, if there is a majority of people seemingly doing it, it makes it no less wrong. You absolutely cannot do wrong and be right.
I pray that I will go through my life one day at a time purposely looking to not wrong anyone. I will try to right the wrongs I commit and try to prevent the ones that I control. Whether anyone will ever know or not is irrelevant; GOD knows. And, whether anyone is watching or not doesn't matter; you cannot do wrong and be right. So, would you do it?
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, May 16, 2016
Get out from under the Covers
As a child, I would hide my head under the covers when something startled me or scared me or if I awoke from a bad dream. It still makes me smile to think that I thought hiding under the covers was the answer; that the thin sheet was a force shield against the perceived evil.
Eventually, you outgrow those infantile fears and begin to realize that there truly are things in this world to fear. I am amazed at how evil some people can be. I am amazed at how often truly unimaginable things happen. I am utterly amazed at how diabolical some folks are. And, if we allow these things to possess us, we will never have any peace. Moses found this outlook in the children of Israel...
Today's word is Exodus 14:13, NLT, which reads, "But Moses told the people, 'Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again.'"
GOD fights for us. We really have nothing to fear. In the words of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." It is that fear that freezes us from moving closer to GOD. It is that fear that keeps us in a bad situation. It is that fear that puts us into worse situations. It is that fear that causes us to run around like a chicken with its head cut off and bang into everything and never accomplish anything. Isn't it time we face the facts? The fact is that GOD is on our side, that He is fighting for us, that all we have to do is trust in Him.
Look back at what Moses told the Israelites. He first said, "Don't be afraid." Again, it is that fear that paralyzes us and keeps us from moving forward. Then, Moses said, "Just stand still and watch..." Instead of running around like chickens with their heads cut off, stand still and watch. It is when we see GOD working that we are bolstered up and strengthened and encouraged and we begin to realize that all we have to do is follow Him!
Then, look at the last part, "...The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again." Whatever demon you are fighting, whatever is keeping you from moving forward, whatever is stopping you in your tracks and causing you to bury your head in the sand, is NOTHING compared to my LORD. And, when we allow Him to defeat our enemies, our fears, they are defeated FOREVER - they will NEVER be seen again.
Get out from under the covers and watch GOD defeat your fears!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Eventually, you outgrow those infantile fears and begin to realize that there truly are things in this world to fear. I am amazed at how evil some people can be. I am amazed at how often truly unimaginable things happen. I am utterly amazed at how diabolical some folks are. And, if we allow these things to possess us, we will never have any peace. Moses found this outlook in the children of Israel...
Today's word is Exodus 14:13, NLT, which reads, "But Moses told the people, 'Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again.'"
GOD fights for us. We really have nothing to fear. In the words of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." It is that fear that freezes us from moving closer to GOD. It is that fear that keeps us in a bad situation. It is that fear that puts us into worse situations. It is that fear that causes us to run around like a chicken with its head cut off and bang into everything and never accomplish anything. Isn't it time we face the facts? The fact is that GOD is on our side, that He is fighting for us, that all we have to do is trust in Him.
Look back at what Moses told the Israelites. He first said, "Don't be afraid." Again, it is that fear that paralyzes us and keeps us from moving forward. Then, Moses said, "Just stand still and watch..." Instead of running around like chickens with their heads cut off, stand still and watch. It is when we see GOD working that we are bolstered up and strengthened and encouraged and we begin to realize that all we have to do is follow Him!
Then, look at the last part, "...The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again." Whatever demon you are fighting, whatever is keeping you from moving forward, whatever is stopping you in your tracks and causing you to bury your head in the sand, is NOTHING compared to my LORD. And, when we allow Him to defeat our enemies, our fears, they are defeated FOREVER - they will NEVER be seen again.
Get out from under the covers and watch GOD defeat your fears!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, May 13, 2016
I cannot hide
I like to dispense advice probably more than most folks. Now, my advice is about as worthless as it comes but I dispense it freely anyway. When I run into young folks that are just starting out, I like to tell them two things: "You don't have to know everything; you just need to know where to find the answers. And, always have someone to blame."
Of course, I am kidding about the second one. The first one is absolutely true, you don't have to know everything; you just need to know where to find the answers. I am blessed to work with and know some very intelligent and knowledgeable people that I can go to when I need an answer. While the first piece of advice is valuable, the second piece is the one that most people adhere to.
Today's word is Proverbs 28:13, NLT, which reads, "People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they will confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy."
While we often look for someone to blame or a way to hide what we have done, the fact is that we cannot hide. We may hide it from others but we never escape the watchful eye of GOD. We may try to blame others for our mistakes and failures and sins but the truth is that we are to blame. And, we will never have peace until we acknowledge our sins and turn from them.
Look, I have admitted before that I am a complete failure on my best day. I make enough mistakes for most everyone combined. I pray that I always admit my sins instead of trying to blame someone else. I pray that I will confess and turn, for that is the only way to receive forgiveness and mercy. I pray that I always realize that I cannot hide.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Of course, I am kidding about the second one. The first one is absolutely true, you don't have to know everything; you just need to know where to find the answers. I am blessed to work with and know some very intelligent and knowledgeable people that I can go to when I need an answer. While the first piece of advice is valuable, the second piece is the one that most people adhere to.
Today's word is Proverbs 28:13, NLT, which reads, "People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they will confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy."
While we often look for someone to blame or a way to hide what we have done, the fact is that we cannot hide. We may hide it from others but we never escape the watchful eye of GOD. We may try to blame others for our mistakes and failures and sins but the truth is that we are to blame. And, we will never have peace until we acknowledge our sins and turn from them.
Look, I have admitted before that I am a complete failure on my best day. I make enough mistakes for most everyone combined. I pray that I always admit my sins instead of trying to blame someone else. I pray that I will confess and turn, for that is the only way to receive forgiveness and mercy. I pray that I always realize that I cannot hide.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
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