I have probably shared before that Trish will tell you that I am brutally honest. I hope that more emphasis can be placed on "honest" than on "brutal". Now, it's not that I haven't told lies; if I claimed that, that would be a LIE. I have just gotten better with age at telling the truth, brutal or not.
One thing I have learned, and it has proven true time and again, is that if you start with a lie, you will have to tell more lies and more lies and more lies. And, before long, you have told so many lies to so many people that you can't remember what you have told to whom. Then, one things leads to another and, eventually, you have a mess. Lying is especially prevalent when we are trying to cover up a sin...
Today's word is Proverbs 10:19, and I love the NLT translation, which reads, "Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut."
When we start trying to impress, to be something that we are not, or we try to cover up something, we have a tendency to talk too much. And, the more we talk, the deeper the hole gets. The more we talk, the more we are apt to get caught up in sin. Not that talking in and of itself is a bad thing, it's not. But, too much talk will give us a false sense of belonging or a false sense of self-worth (everyone is interested in me).
Then, as with all other things that cause that euphoric feeling, we find ourselves needing more. So, in order to sound more interesting, we find ourselves telling things that aren't exactly true. I know. I've been there. Eventually, we leave the conversation thinking, "I should have shut up before I said...". Or, "I shouldn't have said..." The verse today has some great advice for each of us - "Be sensible and keep your mouth shut."
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Push Back
I seem to have had a lot of no win situations lately. It's not that I have had more than anyone else or that I am complaining about the ones I have had to face; I am just saying that it seems that I have had an abundance of situations lately that there really seems to be no good answer, no good fix. But, we all have those, right?
So, where do you turn when you face a difficult task, a difficult situation, a dilemma so to speak? It is good to ask advice, if you have someone that you trust enough to ask, and if they have some experience in a similar situation. It is good to seek articles and such from creditable resources that may help in the decision making process. BUT, why not turn to the ONE that knows all and can really give you the answer you need?
Today's word is Psalm 44:5, NLT, which reads, "Only by Your power can we push back our enemies; only in Your name can we trample our foes."
Sometimes, the best thing you can do when you are challenged on every side is to push back. Now, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about it. And, trust me, I have done it wrong more times than I care to admit. However, there will come those times, those challenges, those moments when we need to stand down and let things work themselves out. There will also be those times that we need to stand up and push back.
When it is time to push back, we need to do it correctly, wisely, and with GOD'S assistance. We need to pray and seek His will and, then, to act accordingly. We need to know what to do, then, do it. We need to allow Him to direct us, then, act. BUT, only if that is His will. And, if it is, He will give us the strength to push back.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
So, where do you turn when you face a difficult task, a difficult situation, a dilemma so to speak? It is good to ask advice, if you have someone that you trust enough to ask, and if they have some experience in a similar situation. It is good to seek articles and such from creditable resources that may help in the decision making process. BUT, why not turn to the ONE that knows all and can really give you the answer you need?
Today's word is Psalm 44:5, NLT, which reads, "Only by Your power can we push back our enemies; only in Your name can we trample our foes."
Sometimes, the best thing you can do when you are challenged on every side is to push back. Now, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about it. And, trust me, I have done it wrong more times than I care to admit. However, there will come those times, those challenges, those moments when we need to stand down and let things work themselves out. There will also be those times that we need to stand up and push back.
When it is time to push back, we need to do it correctly, wisely, and with GOD'S assistance. We need to pray and seek His will and, then, to act accordingly. We need to know what to do, then, do it. We need to allow Him to direct us, then, act. BUT, only if that is His will. And, if it is, He will give us the strength to push back.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, November 27, 2017
Don't blame GOD
There is a lot of blame and finger pointing going on in our society today, and some it rightfully so. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of GOD; I know I certainly have. Some, though, are being pointed out for heinous things that they tried to cover up for years. The Bible also reminds us to be sure that our sins will find us out.
In all the finger pointing, everyone is looking for someone to blame, something to blame besides self. I have mentioned before that there are things in my life that I wish I had never done, NEVER. However, all I can do is ask forgiveness, learn from the failures, and move on - remorseful, repentant, refocused.
Some folks, in their desire to place blame, want to blame GOD for some of the atrocious acts being committed. GOD is not to blame. We have allowed so many things, tolerated so many things, accepted so many things, that we are to blame. When you allow and accept everything and anything, you will eventually see and receive everything and anything. GOD isn't to blame for the evil that befalls us; human nature and free will is.
Today's word is Job 1:22, ESV, which reads, "In all this Job did not sin or charge GOD with wrong."
Job had just received word that he had lost everything: all his flocks, all his livestock, all his servants, even all his children. It would have been easy to stand there and blame GOD for all the calamity. It would have been easy to stand there and blame GOD for all the losses. However, Job recognized that GOD had given it all to him to begin with. Job stated that he had come into the world with nothing, and he would leave this world with nothing (You don't take any of it with you).
Job also knew that GOD is Good, and He has our best interest at heart. He knew that we live in a broken and sinful world and that it rains on the just and the unjust. He knew that GOD would see him through, and that He wasn't to blame. Don't let satan talk you into blaming GOD for his doings. Don't let satan talk you into blaming GOD for the mess you got yourself into. Praise GOD. Serve GOD. Don't blame GOD.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
In all the finger pointing, everyone is looking for someone to blame, something to blame besides self. I have mentioned before that there are things in my life that I wish I had never done, NEVER. However, all I can do is ask forgiveness, learn from the failures, and move on - remorseful, repentant, refocused.
Some folks, in their desire to place blame, want to blame GOD for some of the atrocious acts being committed. GOD is not to blame. We have allowed so many things, tolerated so many things, accepted so many things, that we are to blame. When you allow and accept everything and anything, you will eventually see and receive everything and anything. GOD isn't to blame for the evil that befalls us; human nature and free will is.
Today's word is Job 1:22, ESV, which reads, "In all this Job did not sin or charge GOD with wrong."
Job had just received word that he had lost everything: all his flocks, all his livestock, all his servants, even all his children. It would have been easy to stand there and blame GOD for all the calamity. It would have been easy to stand there and blame GOD for all the losses. However, Job recognized that GOD had given it all to him to begin with. Job stated that he had come into the world with nothing, and he would leave this world with nothing (You don't take any of it with you).
Job also knew that GOD is Good, and He has our best interest at heart. He knew that we live in a broken and sinful world and that it rains on the just and the unjust. He knew that GOD would see him through, and that He wasn't to blame. Don't let satan talk you into blaming GOD for his doings. Don't let satan talk you into blaming GOD for the mess you got yourself into. Praise GOD. Serve GOD. Don't blame GOD.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
GOD'S Favor
I have a good friend of mine that made a comment once that still resonates with me. He said that he hoped that when he stands before GOD that his good outweighs his bad. Now, of course, we all hope that can be said of us but, this gentleman was telling me that in lieu of accepting JESUS as SAVIOR and LORD. I told him that it didn't work that way - you must be born again.
I can tell you that my goodness is as filthy rags. I could NEVER do enough good to earn GOD'S salvation. I could NEVER earn enough to pay for GOD'S salvation. It is a free gift. It is available to all who will believe and accept. The only thing that makes me worthy enough to spend eternity in Heaven is the blood of JESUS CHRIST that covers ALL my sins. Period.
Today's word is Esther 5:2a, ESV, which reads, "And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight..."
Esther had taken her life into her own hands to try and save her people, the Jews. Going before the king without permission could get you killed. If the king was having a bad day or if things just rubbed him the wrong way and he didn't hold out the scepter, granting you favor, he could have you imprisoned or killed. The king loved Esther but it was still a chance.
We don't have to worry about coming before the King of Kings if we have accepted JESUS as our SAVIOR. If we are saved, when the day comes for us to stand before GOD, He will reach out His hand and say, "Welcome home My good and faithful servant." If you're not saved, there will come a day when you hear the LORD say, "Depart from Me, for I never knew you." Don't rely on you good outweighing your bad - it won't. Accept JESUS as LORD and SAVIOR, and win eternal life and GOD'S favor.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I can tell you that my goodness is as filthy rags. I could NEVER do enough good to earn GOD'S salvation. I could NEVER earn enough to pay for GOD'S salvation. It is a free gift. It is available to all who will believe and accept. The only thing that makes me worthy enough to spend eternity in Heaven is the blood of JESUS CHRIST that covers ALL my sins. Period.
Today's word is Esther 5:2a, ESV, which reads, "And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight..."
Esther had taken her life into her own hands to try and save her people, the Jews. Going before the king without permission could get you killed. If the king was having a bad day or if things just rubbed him the wrong way and he didn't hold out the scepter, granting you favor, he could have you imprisoned or killed. The king loved Esther but it was still a chance.
We don't have to worry about coming before the King of Kings if we have accepted JESUS as our SAVIOR. If we are saved, when the day comes for us to stand before GOD, He will reach out His hand and say, "Welcome home My good and faithful servant." If you're not saved, there will come a day when you hear the LORD say, "Depart from Me, for I never knew you." Don't rely on you good outweighing your bad - it won't. Accept JESUS as LORD and SAVIOR, and win eternal life and GOD'S favor.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
My Part
I once knew a guy that thought GOD would do everything for him. Now, don't get me wrong, I KNOW that GOD does everything for me. But, this guy took it to a whole different level. He believed that GOD would doe everything for him even when he (this guy) was doing stupid stuff. An example...
This guy had a car that would backfire through the carburetor. The car was in dire need of a new timing chain and gears but this guy would just adjust the distributor and, after several backfires through the carburetor, would get the vehicle running and proceed to drive it anywhere. When this guy was told that he needed to get it fixed or it was going to either leave him stranded or catch fire and burn up, his reply was, "GOD will take care of me."
Today's word is Nehemiah 4:9, NLT, which reads, "But we prayed to our GOD and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves."
Nehemiah and the Israelites were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and it made some folks angry. Verse 7 of Nehemiah 9 tells us that Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites were angry. They decided that they were going to go down and stop the rebuild. Nehemiah knew that what he and the Israelites were doing was not a popular thing. He knew that it made the surrounding communities angry. He knew that GOD had called them to do this great work. He knew that GOD would take care of them while they carried out this task. He also knew that he had to do his part. So, they prayed AND they guarded the city day and night to protect themselves.
As I said, I know that GOD can do all things. I know that He is working all things for my good. BUT, I also know He made me smart enough to do my part. He expects me to pray and seek His will. AND, He expects me to earnestly do my part.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
This guy had a car that would backfire through the carburetor. The car was in dire need of a new timing chain and gears but this guy would just adjust the distributor and, after several backfires through the carburetor, would get the vehicle running and proceed to drive it anywhere. When this guy was told that he needed to get it fixed or it was going to either leave him stranded or catch fire and burn up, his reply was, "GOD will take care of me."
Today's word is Nehemiah 4:9, NLT, which reads, "But we prayed to our GOD and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves."
Nehemiah and the Israelites were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and it made some folks angry. Verse 7 of Nehemiah 9 tells us that Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites were angry. They decided that they were going to go down and stop the rebuild. Nehemiah knew that what he and the Israelites were doing was not a popular thing. He knew that it made the surrounding communities angry. He knew that GOD had called them to do this great work. He knew that GOD would take care of them while they carried out this task. He also knew that he had to do his part. So, they prayed AND they guarded the city day and night to protect themselves.
As I said, I know that GOD can do all things. I know that He is working all things for my good. BUT, I also know He made me smart enough to do my part. He expects me to pray and seek His will. AND, He expects me to earnestly do my part.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, November 20, 2017
He is good
It is the week of Thanksgiving, and I love it. I LOVE Thanksgiving. Not because of the food, though it's some seriously good food. Not because of family get-togethers, though I am always grateful to have another chance to get together with family. No, I love Thanksgiving because of what it means.
Blake has been learning about Thanksgiving in school and has shared with us his rendition of the Mayflower and the pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving. It is such a blessing to hear him narrate the story, to hear him describe the first Thanksgiving. That is something I am thankful for.
Today's word is Ezra 3:11a, NIV, which reads, "With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD: 'He is good; His love towards Israel (and us) endures forever...'"
The Israelites had been freed from Egyptian captivity. They had had their difficulties, many of which were brought upon themselves, with enemies and settling in. But, finally, the foundation of the House of the LORD had been laid; it was time for celebration, time for Thanksgiving.
Much like these Israelites, our forefathers, who endured great strife and difficulties to allow us the privileges that we enjoy in this great country, gave GOD praise and thanksgiving. If we will take the time to look around and see all that GOD has done and all that He is doing, and remember all that He is going to do, we should have nothing but thankfulness. We have so much to be thankful for. One reason is because He is good!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Blake has been learning about Thanksgiving in school and has shared with us his rendition of the Mayflower and the pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving. It is such a blessing to hear him narrate the story, to hear him describe the first Thanksgiving. That is something I am thankful for.
Today's word is Ezra 3:11a, NIV, which reads, "With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD: 'He is good; His love towards Israel (and us) endures forever...'"
The Israelites had been freed from Egyptian captivity. They had had their difficulties, many of which were brought upon themselves, with enemies and settling in. But, finally, the foundation of the House of the LORD had been laid; it was time for celebration, time for Thanksgiving.
Much like these Israelites, our forefathers, who endured great strife and difficulties to allow us the privileges that we enjoy in this great country, gave GOD praise and thanksgiving. If we will take the time to look around and see all that GOD has done and all that He is doing, and remember all that He is going to do, we should have nothing but thankfulness. We have so much to be thankful for. One reason is because He is good!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, November 17, 2017
Look to GOD for help
Ever have a decision to make and not know which way to go? We all face those moments when we know that it is an important decision and that no matter which way we go, it will have consequences and pain. It is true that the right thing to do is often the hardest.
When I have decisions to make, I always pray about it. I don't know what else to do. I don't know what others do but that is my first action, to pray. I always want to do what GOD wants me to do. I want to be a good example for my wife and kids. I want them to see that I seek GOD'S will in every decision we make. Besides, that should be our desire when a decision needs making.
Today's word is 2 Chronicles 20:12b, NLT, which reads, "...We do not know what to do, but we are looking to You for help."
It is a really tough position to be in where you don't know what to do. I have faced that decision more times than I care to admit, more times than I care to mention, more times than I care to talk about. It is a tough position to be in and a tough position to find a way out of. UNLESS...
Unless, you allow GOD to direct your decisions. If we will allow GOD to direct us and if we will submit to His will, we will find our answers. We will NEVER go wrong with allowing GOD to direct us. We will NEVER go wrong with allowing GOD to show us what we need to do. When we don't know what to do, we know what to do - Look to GOD for help.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
When I have decisions to make, I always pray about it. I don't know what else to do. I don't know what others do but that is my first action, to pray. I always want to do what GOD wants me to do. I want to be a good example for my wife and kids. I want them to see that I seek GOD'S will in every decision we make. Besides, that should be our desire when a decision needs making.
Today's word is 2 Chronicles 20:12b, NLT, which reads, "...We do not know what to do, but we are looking to You for help."
It is a really tough position to be in where you don't know what to do. I have faced that decision more times than I care to admit, more times than I care to mention, more times than I care to talk about. It is a tough position to be in and a tough position to find a way out of. UNLESS...
Unless, you allow GOD to direct your decisions. If we will allow GOD to direct us and if we will submit to His will, we will find our answers. We will NEVER go wrong with allowing GOD to direct us. We will NEVER go wrong with allowing GOD to show us what we need to do. When we don't know what to do, we know what to do - Look to GOD for help.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
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