Gracious and Attractive

I have probably shared before that it isn't usually "what" I say, it is usually "how" I say it. Inflection, intonation, the sound of your voice can carry a lot of emotion and say something other than what you are trying to say. I try to remain very cognizant of "how" I say things.

However, the "what" we say carries just as much, if not more, weight than "how" we say it. We all know that you can really damage someone's reputation by saying something that ought not be said. We all know that you can really hurt someone's self-esteem, his/her self-confidence if we aren't saying the right things. If we don't say the right things to folks who are lost and bound for hell, how are they going to know the Truth?

Today's word is Colossians 4:6, NLT, which is a good reminder of knowing what we are saying, and how to say it: "Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone."

Paul reminded the Colossians, and us, that we need to make sure that our conversations are gracious and attractive. Saying nice things, gracious things, is the "what" we say. And, having our conversations "attractive" means they are nicely said - the "how" we say it. If we say the right things the right way, people will listen. AND...

It doesn't stop there -  if we use gracious and attractive speech, we will have the right response for everyone. Everyone needs a good word, which can include telling others the truth, and the Truth. And, folks will be more apt to listen and respond when we say the right things the right way. People are probably listening to us far more than we realize - give them speech that is gracious and attractive.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

You'll be glad you did

We go to church. Yes, there are times when I may be traveling for work, or we may be out of town on a vacation, or something of that nature, but, if we are in town, we are at our church. And, lots of times, when we are on vacation, we seek out a church. We go to church.

And, we go to church on Sunday morning, Sunday night if something is going on, Wednesday nights, during revivals, whenever there is something happening at the church, we try to be there, including "business meetings". Not only do we go to church, we NEED to go to church.

Today's word is Hebrews 10:25, NLT, which reads, "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near."

We need to go to church because it is where we can meet with fellow believers and draw, and give, encouragement. This world can be a difficult place to navigate. It can beat you down, tear you up, and leave you lonely and hurting. But, at church, you can find others that will help you shoulder your load, and that will lift you up and encourage you. We are here for one another.

If you aren't a regular member of a church, I encourage you to find one. Find a good, Bible-preaching, Bible-teaching, GOD-honoring congregation and become a part of it. Get involved; you'll be glad you did.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Sing praises to His name

Around our house, we love to sing. Now, other folks may not enjoy it as much as we do but we love to sing. There is just something that gets you moving or that moves your spirit when you sing a joyful song. After all, the Bible tells us to make a joyful noise unto the LORD. Even if others may find it a little less appealing than you, if you are joyfully making it, then, make it.

And, what better to sing about than our LORD? He has done everything for us. Shouldn't we be telling others about His goodness and mercies? And, again, one of the best ways to do that is to sing His praises.

Today's word is Psalm 135:3, NASB, which reads, "Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing praises to His name, for it is lovely."

There is so much in this verse: we have a reason to sing praises to the LORD - for the LORD is good! When you have good news, don't you love to share it with others? I mean, we will share gossip and hearsay and bad news at the drop of a hat. Why not share about the goodness of the LORD just as easily, just as quickly?

And, we sing praises to His name, for it is lovely. You might be thinking, "My singing is not lovely." To that, I refer back to making a joyful noise. Here, though, "it is lovely" is referring to the fact that the name of the LORD, "His name", is lovely. We sing because He is worthy of our praise. Sing praises to His name!

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Eternal Security

We all know people that have a lot of stuff: big houses, nice cars, LOTS of money. They have the advantage that they can go anywhere they want, whenever they want. They are financially well enough that when one of his/her central AC units goes out, it is no big deal. They have A LOT.

Now, don't get me wrong, I am not at all envious, jealous, or covetous. Good for those who have worked hard and obtained a lot. But, I am concerned for a lot of them, and lots of others, that they put more worth in the STUFF than in the SAVIOR.

Today's word is Mark 8:36, NASB, which reads, "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?"

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being wealthy - nothing. However, the wealth of this world pales in comparison to eternity in Heaven. One day, we will all stand before a Holy and Just GOD and give an account for everything we have done. When that happens, all the worldly wealth you can imagine will fail to get you into Heaven. Only the blood of my SAVIOR, by Grace through Faith in Him, will make us justified to enter.

If you, or someone you know, has all the wealth in the world, everything you could ever imagine, but you don't have JESUS, you will one day face eternity without the SAVIOR. While the earthly riches make this life a little easier, accepting JESUS as SAVIOR provides eternal security.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Grateful for everything

In the face of full transparency or full disclosure, I want to admit that sometimes I seem like an ungrateful person. I have mentioned before that I can find myself wondering about a different house, a newer truck, a bigger television. What a bunch of first world problems. Lots of folks would love to have any house, any truck, any television; I should be grateful.

I have those other times when I just take things for grated. I have the most beautiful, god-filled wife, lovely, absolutely normal children, a good family, a good job, folks I love that also love me. Yet, I, sometimes, just act like I am supposed to have these things - taking them for granted.

Today's word is just something I came across that reminds me to be grateful: "What if today we were just grateful for everything?"

I want to do my very best today, and every day, to display an attitude of gratitude, and attitude of thankfulness and gratefulness. I have blessed beyond all measure. I have been given more than I could have ever hoped, dreamed, or imagined. And, as I have said before, when this life is over, I will be more alive than ever, living forever with my SAVIOR.

Join me in this endeavor to just be grateful. I am sure I will find myself still being ungrateful or still taking things for granted. But, I want to make a conscious effort to be grateful for all the many, many blessings GOD has so generously given me. What if we were just grateful for everything?

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

We have hope

What is hope? The dictionary/official definition might be something such as, "a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen." When we hope, we have a desire for some particular thing to happen. And, trust me, we all hope for things.

I have faith; faith that GOD is working everything for my good; faith that GOD has it all under control; faith that one day I will live with Him eternally. But, I also have hope; I hope Trish and I will live long, healthy lives; I hope our kids will do well in school, be well rounded, well grounded, and become productive parts of society. I hope that Trish and the kids know how much I truly love them.

Today's word is Psalm 71:14, NIV, which reads, "As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise You more and more."

King David knew that he served the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, and He could do anything. David's hope wasn't in some arbitrary ritual or habit; his hope was the Blessed Hope of GOD. Now, we know David hoped for safety and protection and direction. BUT, it wasn't what he hoped for; it was Who he hoped in. We can rest assured that GOD is still GOD and He will see us through.

Is there anything you are hoping for today? If our hope is in GOD, we can feel positive that He hears and He listens. He will never leave us nor forsake us. He is preparing a home for His children in Heaven. Our present struggles don't even come close to the joys that will one day be experienced. There is no need to get discouraged or down. We have Hope!

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Treatment

I have probably shared before that my wife will say that I play too hard. I am a touch sarcastic and can come across as being a complete and total bear, which is absolutely not true. However, given the opportunity to make someone laugh at another's expense, I usually take it. But, when it comes to someone's true feelings, I always try to treat them the way I want to be treated.

I have always believed that we are to treat others the way we want them to treat us. Yes, it is in the Bible so we should. But, I want others to know that they are loved, just as I a want to know that others love me, which is what this verse tells us.

Today's word is Matthew 7:12, NASB, which reads, "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way want them to treat you..."

Notice that the verse tells us, "In everything..." In our conversation, in our actions, when we are alone, when we are with our friends, when we are trying to impress, when we are praying. In everything we should be aware of how our actions and our words affect others. Why? Because we know how others' actions and words affect us.

I want to be cognizant of what my actions and my words say about my relationship with JESUS. I want to be a blessing to others and represent my SAVIOR well. I want others to know that they are loved by THE ONE AND ONLY GOD. I want them to be able to see Him through me. I want to treat others the way I want to be treated.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T