A New Start?

It’s Another Podcast!

How do you feel when you are faced with starting over?  It could be something major like moving across country, or, maybe a habit that you have decided again to start over and really  do something about it.  It could even be because of no fault of your own.

In this short podcast (8:16) I’ll give you three simple but powerful keys that will be very helpful for your new beginning.

Enjoy the podcast!

[If you cannot see the player below, just click the title above]

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Having Trouble Forgiving Others?
If He Could Forgive
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Renewed Like The Eagle

From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”

[The Bible is an “Eastern” book. It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.”  As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.

In understanding the Scriptures it is important for us to understand the culture, but it doesn’t mean that we should necessarily follow that culture. Rather, it is in the understanding of the Eastern culture that we gain light and understanding about many things in the Bible.]

In the fifth verse of Psalm 103, God promises to satisfy us with good things so that our youth is renewed like the eagle is renewed.  In order to understand this verse of Scripture, let’s first consider the eagle.

It is both interesting as well as noteworthy that eagles are mentioned and used as a comparison numerous times in the Bible. The eagle, like other comparisons, is mentioned in places where its characteristics help make the point. Understanding some characteristics of eagles helps us to understand the comparisons.

For instance, Deuteronomy Chapter 32 refers to God as an eagle, fluttering over the young, spreading out His wings, and then bearing them on His wings.

A mother eagle will stir up the nest and let the babies drop and then catch them with her wings.  This is how she teaches them to fly.  God wants us to fly and soar.  He is so willing to catch us, help us, and carry us until we can indeed fly.

In Exodus 19:4, God reminds Moses that He bore the nation of Israel on eagle’s wings.  In other words, He carried the whole nation on His wings, just as a mother eagle would carry her young on her wings.  That is quite a picture of God’s great power, care, and concern.

There are numerous comparisons in the Bible using the eagle.  One such case is Psalm 103, where it talks about our youth being renewed as an eagle is renewed.  How is the youth of an eagle renewed?

I have read of different methods that different types of eagles have to shed their old feathers.  One method I read was that of the eagle plucking out every feather on his body until he is completely bare. He stays in a hiding place until he has grown new feathers, then he can come out.

Another method I have read about is when an eagle will shed his old cumbersome feathers by entering into a body of water.  At that point the old feathers are shed.  The eagle then stays close to shore protecting himself and eating what food he can, waiting for new feathers.  Once he has his new feathers, his strength is renewed, and it is compared to his youth being renewed.

The book of Isaiah says that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Our “youth,” or specifically, our spiritual walk with God, can be renewed, as we shed the old, and get the new.  There are a number of verses in the New Testament that refer to putting off, and putting on.  We are to put off the old man and put on the new man.

Just like the eagle cannot get his new feathers until he gets rid of his old feathers, we too must put off, cast down, or lay aside the old and then put on the new.

We make a conscious mental effort to put off the actions of the old nature.  We determine mentally that those old things will no longer be a part of our lives.  And then we replace them with what the Bible declares to be our new nature.

For example, in Ephesians it says to put away lying and speak every man truth with his neighbor.  Lying is part of the old nature.  Speaking the truth is a characteristic of the new nature.

So we can mentally determine to put away lying; we can shed those old feathers. And in it’s place we make a conscious mental decision to speak the truth. In doing so, we can then walk with God unencumbered by the old.

As we shed the old feathers and put on the new in their place, we are renewed.  We can walk with Him and not faint.  We can run with Him and not be weary. We can be renewed and mount up with wings of eagles.

Psalm 103:5
Who satisfies your mouth with good things; so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Deuteronomy 32:9-12
For the Lord’s portion is His people; Jacob is the lot of His inheritance.

He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; He led him about, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye.

As an eagle stirs up her nest, flutters over her young, spreads abroad her wings, takes them, bears them on her wings:

So the Lord alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him.

Exodus 19:4
You have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.

Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Ephesians 4:22- 25:
That you put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.

II Corinthians 10:5
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Hebrews 12:1
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

Mike Verdicchio

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Resources
There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the Eastern culture in which the Bible was written.  The best I know of were written by Bishop K. C. Pillai.  I have had the pleasure of listening to many recorded teaching by him.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced.  But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)

More Eastern Eye Articles

ARE YOU GETTING OLDER?

New eBook Will Inspire You!

Are you getting older?

Harold works around 20 hours a week.  He’s 100 and wants to live to 105.

Charles is 95, and in 2015 he set a world indoor record.

Carroll has been wearing a costume for over 45 years as a character on “Sesame Street.” He’s 81 and has no plans of retiring.

In 2007, Nola, at age 95, became the oldest colleges graduate in the USA.

Dave is 78. He donated his massive woodworking tool collection and now helps others to use his tools on their projects.

Pictures and stories of these “seniors,” and, over a dozen more, in my new eBook, The Encouraging Word – Getting Older.

Plus, in Chapter Two, you’ll discover, “9 Keys on how to keep on bearing fruit and flourishing in old age.”

  1. Keep On Learning

The brain was designed to learn – learning is an exciting adventure! A lazy brain is a decaying brain; an active brain is a sharp brain.

Keep on learning about God and His Word. Keep on learning about how to stay healthy, what to eat, etc. Keep on learning about the new technology etc. Keep your mind active! Keep on learning!

And Chapter One is filled with dynamic and inspiring verses from the Bible, about getting older.  A number of “seniors” from the Bible are also mentioned.

Are you concerned about getting older? Baseball great Yogi Berra coined the phrase, “It ain’t over ’till it’s over.”  Your life ain’t over ’till it’s over!  This book will inspire you to live and enjoy the life you have today!

100% Guarantee! If this eBook doesn’t make you feel younger, or, at the least, inspire you, send me an email for a full refund – no questions asked!

Price is $5.99 – Click Here 

HE IS THE GOD OF ALL MY DAYS

This Song Is So Inpiring

I’ve posted this song before, but it is so inspiring – The God of All My Days.  With the release of my new eBook about getting older coming soon, this song says a lot! (The lyrics are printed below the video)

There’s a great line in this song: “My seasons change, You stay the same.”

The song is by Casting Crowns.

I came to You with my heart in pieces
And found the God with healing in His hands
I turned to You, put everything behind me
And found the God who makes all things new
I looked to You, drowning in my questions
And found the God who holds all wisdom
And I trusted You and stepped out on the ocean
You caught my hand among the waves
‘Cause You’re the God of all my days

Each step I take
You make a way
And I will give You all my praise
My seasons change, You stay the same
You’re the God of all my days

I ran from You, I wandered in the shadows
And found a God who relentlessly pursues
I hid from You, haunted by my failure
And found the God whose grace still covers me
I fell on You when I was at my weakest
And found the God, the lifter of my head
And I’ve worshiped You
And felt You right beside me
You’re the reason that I sing
‘Cause You’re the God of all my days

Each step I take
You make a way
And I will give You all my praise
My seasons change, You stay the same
You’re the God of all my days

In my worry, God You are my stillness
In my searching, God You are my answers
In my blindness, God You are my vision
In my bondage, God You are my freedom
In my weakness, God You are my power
You’re the reason that I sing
‘Cause You’re the God of all my days

Each step I take
You make a way
And I will give You all my praise
My seasons change, You stay the same
You’re the God of all my days

In my blindness, God You are my vision
In my bondage, God You are my freedom
All my days

IS IT TRUE?

What You Can Do In These Troubled Times

Growing up my dad read the morning paper and watched the 6 o’clock evening news on TV. When the radio was on during the day, there was always a newscast at the top of the hour. That’s how almost everyone stayed up to date on events going on in the world.

Today, there are hundreds and hundreds of sources disseminating what is called “news and information,” 24/7. We often gladly boast this is the “information age.” Sadly, this has come to us at a great cost.

It is commonplace today for so called “news outlets” to proclaim a person has been a victim of a crime, or that someone else has committed a crime, without a judge, trial, jury or verdict. Is it true simply because they said it is true? Far too often we hear many so called news reporters justifying their reports with the qualifier, “according to unnamed sources.” But, is it really true?

Breaking News

In an effort to be the “first” to get the story out there, many once reputable news outlets have been wrong, time and time again. The long standard practice of, “get it out first, but, get it right first,” has been almost totally abandoned. As a result, their lack of responsibility fuels fears and in many cases promotes hysteria.

A number of entertainers have freely put aside their entertainment to be spokespeople for certain popular opinions, confidently telling their audiences what is “true,” often with no proof, as they simply run with the talking points of the day.

Add social media to the mix, a gigantic platform promoting even more fear, hatred and hysteria. And far too many of our elected officials, using every outlet possible, concerned with their own power, and their own political party lines, continue to fuel the fires of discord and uncertainty ravaging our country.

As morals continue to erode in this country, many Christians feel discouraged and helpless. Those with seemingly louder and uninterrupted voices quickly shut down anyone and everyone who dares to speak up for what they believe is true.

What Can You Do?

There is, however, great encouragement in God’s Word, written in the pages of the Bible. Rightly understood, those words are true. God does not lie. We can trust His Words to be the truth.

There are a number of biblical references of individuals and groups of ungodly people, who, by their words and their actions, endeavored to sway public opinion. God does not look favorably on those who sow discord.

Meanwhile, the blessings of God on the United States of America are undeniably obvious. As a result of His blessings, this country has rendered humanitarian aid and protection to countless other countries around the world, more than any other country in the history of the world combined.

Add to that the great missionary work spreading the gospel to all parts of the world from this country of ours.

As Bible believing Christians, we must never forget the real battle is not with flesh and blood, political parties, or ideologies, but it is indeed a spiritual fight. Jesus said the thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy.

Examples We Can Follow

We can take the example of Ezra and others, and pray, asking God to forgive the sins of our country. We can go to God in prayer like Hezekiah and others, asking for God’s help in situations we have no idea of how to solve.

We are encouraged by God in His Word to pray for those in charge of our government. We can pray for godly solutions to our problems. We can pray that those who oppose and desire to alter our constitutional republic can be thwarted. We can pray that evil people in our government, whoever they may be, can be exposed.

May we Christians remember the motto of the United States of America is still, “In God we trust!”

It isn’t necessarily true because you heard an entertainer, politician, newsperson, or your best friend say it. It isn’t true because you saw it on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. It isn’t true because you Googled it. And, it isn’t necessarily true because a lot of people think it is true.

Be encouraged knowing God’s Word, rightly understood, is true. Jesus said, “Thy Word is truth.”

__________________

If you’d like a signed copy of my new book, “What Does It Mean?  Click Here

Check out my YouTube channel;  over a hundred (most under 2 minutes) inspiring and encouraging videos for practical Christian living.  “Like” them!   Subscribe!   Share!  Thank you!

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Whether someone is simply interested in the culture of Bible times, a casual reader of the Bible, a serious student of the Scriptures, or a teacher, in the pages of What Does It Mean? they will discover gems of hidden truths and delight in understanding previously difficult sections of the Bible.

What Does It Mean? not only sheds light on over four dozen hard to understand verses of the Bible, but also offers some simple practical application for our day and time.

Would you like a signed copy!?  Use the “Add to Cart” button below and purchase with PayPal or your credit card. Cost is $18.00, includes shipping and handling. Ships in 2-3 days!




(after clicking the “Add to Order” above, you will be able to continue shopping for other items on this site, or proceed to checkout.)Order by December 6 for guaranteed delivery by December 23!

 

Or, you can order non signed books from the following:

From Amazon – Click Here For Paperback!
From Amazon – Click Here For Kindle!
From Clickbank – Click Here For PDF eBook!

[For discounts on orders of 5 or more, contact me personally]

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

A bottle in the smoke,” what does it mean?  That is what I wondered the first time I heard that phrase.  The Bible is full of expressions like this.  Mike has written an easy to read explanation of many of these Eastern culture idioms. The book is both interesting for the casual reader wanting to know about ancient Eastern Custom and a great resource for anyone studying to show themselves approved before God as a workman of the Scriptures. You will not be disappointed.  Rev. Roger Braker, author of Poverty Vs Wealth, and, Braker’s Rules for Contractors

If the Bible is an old friend or a new acquaintance, this book by Michael Verdicchio will reward the reader with insight and understanding of the Word of God. With a researcher’s eye for detail, and the wisdom of a seasoned teacher, Michael brings to life Bible passages that may be difficult to understand in a refreshing and satisfying way. Enjoy it as I have!  Rev. Steven Armstrong, President, Christian Information Center, Inc.

What Does it Mean? is a key that unlocks many passages in the Bible that are difficult to understand. Mike has done an excellent job of not only explaining these Scriptures from the perspective and understanding of the Eastern culture but also in showing how many of them can be applied to our everyday lives. This is an excellent book for all who want to increase their understanding of the Bible. Rev. Donald L. Lamb, author of What About Giants in the Bible?

I especially enjoyed chapter 34, “Beware of the Leaven.” Perusing the purity of His Word and grace is so important to us!   Michael has done a great service to students of the Word by explaining many misunderstood scriptures through their Eastern windows. I look forward to reading it for years to come and recommend What Does it Mean? to all who desire to share God’s Word in a meaningful way.  Pastor Phillip L. Hamilton, Grace Fellowship Church, North Augusta, S.C.

What Does it Mean? is such a great book! I love the way Mike warmly walks us through the culture of now and then and brings new understanding and breathes new life into the Western scriptural dogma. Proverbs 2:10-11 reads “For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.” Please your soul with new-found knowledge in What Does it Mean? and wisdom will surely follow. Tim (Doc) Maranville, General Manager, 102.5 The Vine

From Amazon – Click Here For Paperback!
From Amazon – Click Here For Kindle!
From Clickbank – Click Here For PDF eBook!
[For discounts on orders of 5 or more, contact me personally]

HOLIDAY SEASON 2018

This time of year,  Jesus is supposed to be reason right? Isn’t all of this about the savior coming into the world? In some places he gets some attention, while in others, maybe just an honorable mention. But, at the very least, there is some attention on God sending His Son, the savior of the world!

Wherever you may be, I sincerely hope you have a joyful season filled with God’s love, remembering the greatest gift ever given to mankind: the savior of the world, God’s only begotten Son.

And it is worth remembering that for some people you may encounter, it is not “the most wonderful time of the year.” I posted an article about that last year.

Below are some links to past posts, including topics like the Magi, Christmas trees, swaddling clothes, Simeon and Anna and even holiday stress!

Have A Very Blessed Season And A Great New Year!

holly-bowA Social Network Christmas
A video about Joseph and Mary on Facebook. And while Facebook has changed dramatically, this is still one of my favorites!

holly-bowHoliday Stress
Short article with some helpful hints to avoid holiday stress

holly-bowSimeon And Anna
From “The Eastern Eye” the great blessing to these senior believers in seeing the Christ child. A song about them by Lisa Tracy at the end of the article.

holly-bowThe Christmas Dilemma, and, ‘Twas the night before…
Do you say, Merry Christmas, or, Happy Holidays? Some thoughts on that, and some other choices.

holly-bowChristmas Tree Or Holiday Tree?
A podcast with some history of the “tree,” and, find out about a Jewish man who does not like it referred to as a Holiday tree.

holly-bowWho Were The Magi? Part 1
Who Were The Magi? Part 2
A couple of articles explaining who they were, where they came from, how they knew, what they saw, etc.

holly-bowSwaddling Clothes
What were they? What’s the significance?

BY HIS STRIPES YOU WERE HEALED

Understanding the "Broken Body and Shed Blood"

During the weeks leading up to the remembrance and recognition of Jesus Christ being raised from the dead (this year on April 1), many Christians reflect on his sufferings.  Jesus Christ not only paid the price for our sins, but he also paid the price for our healing.  Below is a chapter from my book, Healing from God is Available.  

Chapter 4 –
By His Stripes You Were Healed

I Peter 2:24:
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should
live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

We have looked at a number of records in the Scriptures where both sin and sickness are in the same verse or same context. This verse from I Peter was noted in Chapter 2. This verse tells us that Jesus Christ bore our sins. Earlier we covered that Jesus Christ, paid the full price, not only for our sins, but also for the sins of the whole world.

This verse also says that it was by his stripes that we were healed. So then it was his death that paid the price for sins, and it was his stripes, the physical punishment he went through that paid for our healing. By reading the Gospel records carefully one can see the horrendous physical torture that Jesus Christ endured for our healing: the beatings by the chief priests and Sanhedrin, the cruelty from Herod’s men, the beatings from Pilate’s soldiers; the thorns in his head, the mocking, the humiliation, and finally being nailed to the tree and hanging there for six hours! Pictures we have seen of Jesus do not begin to tell the story of the physical punishment and sufferings that he went through.

There is a verse in Isaiah that foretold of his sufferings.

Isaiah 52:14:
As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:

The Revised Standard Version has the latter part of this verse as follows: “…his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the sons of men.”

The New English Bible reads as follows: “…his form, disfigured, lost all the likeness of a man, his beauty changed beyond human semblance.”

Take the time to see the details regarding what Jesus Christ went through from the time of his arrest to the time of his death (some 40 hours). When you really look closely, it is almost too much to take.

Shortly before Jesus Christ was arrested, during what is referred to as the “Last Supper”, he taught and showed his disciples many things. It was during this time with them that he instituted a memorial, or, a remembrance. The Apostle Paul in writing to the Corinthian believers reminded them of that memorial.

I Corinthians 11:23-30:
For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come.

Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

In the Bible there are a number of times when God utilizes the word “sleep” to mean death. Such is the case in verse 30. The reason there were many in Corinth who were weak and sickly, and many dying (obviously prematurely) was due to “not discerning the lord’s body”. It was from not understanding what Jesus Christ endured in his physical body.

In this section of God’s Word, we see mention of what is commonly referred to as, “Holy Communion”. Jesus Christ on the night he was betrayed took bread, broke it, and blessed it, and said, “This is my body which is broken for you.” He then told them to do this “in remembrance of me”. Through the centuries all over the world there have been and still are many memorials. There are memorials that call to remembrance people and events. But the sum total of all the memorials there have ever been, or ever will be, cannot even come close to the memorial that Jesus Christ instituted.

When he said, “This is my body”, that did not mean that the bread was, or, that it became his physical body. Taking something that was common to every meal, in this case, bread, he broke it, or tore it, and said, “This is my body”, meaning, “This represents my body which is broken for you” – do this in remembrance of me!

Do what? What were they doing? They were eating a meal. Jesus Christ asked them that as often as they ate bread and drank wine, two very common items at meals at that time, as often as they did that, to do it in remembrance of him.

Jesus Christ never instituted a formal ceremony. He instituted this memorial in a common, every day situation – a meal! So, every time they ate, if they wanted to, they could remember what he accomplished. And since most of us eat at least once a day, we can remember the completed work of Jesus Christ every day!

There were two very distinct elements to this memorial: the bread and the wine. The wine represented Christ’s blood. The word “blood” is used numerous times in the Bible as a figure of speech meaning to die, or to give your life. When it says in I Peter 1:19 that we were redeemed with the “precious blood of Christ”, it does not mean his literal blood. It is speaking figuratively; it means that we were redeemed by Christ giving his life for us.

I John 1:7:
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

So when Jesus Christ said, “This cup is the new testament in my blood”, he was referring to what his death would accomplish: the payment for all sins. Whether or not we drink wine with our meal, we usually drink something. And every time we do, we can remember that Jesus Christ died for our sins. He paid the price for us. The reason we can get forgiveness is because Jesus Christ paid the price for us! Jesus Christ said, “…this do ye as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me”.

Every time we have a meal and have something to drink, we can stop and reflect on what our Lord Jesus Christ accomplished for us. And how beneficial is it for us to do that? Since we are not perfect, and we fall short from time to time, what a blessing to remember that he paid the price for our sins.

And when we think and reflect upon that great accomplishment, we can avoid sin consciousness and condemnation for our shortcomings. We can avoid living with guilt and feelings of unworthiness. How thankful we can be at every meal as we drink our beverage, remembering what a wonderful savior we have and how he gave his life for us. This memorial that Jesus Christ instituted was not intended to be a big public ceremony to be held at a specifically scheduled time. It was a memorial instituted at a meal, making it common for all, as well as very personal.

While the wine represented his giving of his life for the sins of the world, the bread represented his physical body and all the punishment that he endured.

Isaiah 52:14:
As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:

I Peter 2:24:
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Just like with the wine, whenever we eat, we can remember that it was his stripes, his broken, bruised, beaten body that paid for our healing. As we eat, if we want to, and he said that we ought to, we can think about, consider, remember, and remind ourselves of the truth that our healing has been paid for. Our sins have been paid for, and, our healing has been paid for!

The opportunity being dealt with in I Corinthians was that they were not discerning the lord’s body. They did not understand; they were not remembering that he paid for their healing! Because of that, many were weak and sickly among them, and many were dying prematurely.

We need to think clearly regarding these very important matters. If all that was required for mankind’s redemption and salvation was for Jesus to die, then why did God allow him to go through all of that unspeakable torture and punishment? His death paid the price for all sins, and his physical punishment bought and paid for all healing.

If Jesus Christ is the propitiation, full payment, for all sins, what price is there left to pay for sins? None. They have been paid for.

If Jesus Christ paid the price for our healing, then what price is there left to pay for your healing? None. It has been paid. Then do you have to be good enough to receive it? No. The price has already been paid.

This memorial that Jesus Christ instituted is so vital for us, especially so in our modern world with so much electronic communication.

When was the last time you spent a whole day without hearing anything about sickness and ill health? There are many commercials on radio and TV that are health related, and they are usually fear motivated. Newspapers, magazines, people you talk to – we are just bombarded daily with information about sickness! It’s no wonder it can be a challenge to believe God’s Word at times.

Can you imagine just one day of being bombarded with information about God’s healing instead? A newspaper headline about someone who got healed of an incurable disease! A radio broadcast about a blind person who can now see! A highway billboard that says, “Remember, if God could heal Naaman of leprosy, He can surely heal you. Have a great day!” Someone at work tells you about a friend who was in a wheel chair for five years and is now walking! What a positive impact that kind of a day would have on our lives!

Instead, we are reminded of sickness and disease every day. But, we can, if we choose to, remind ourselves daily of what Jesus Christ has accomplished for us. God’s healing is still available!

We have already covered where sickness comes from. Colossians 1 tells us that God has delivered us from the power of darkness.

Colossians 1:13:
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

A big key in receiving healing from God is to put into our minds that which is true. We have been delivered from the power of darkness by our lord and savior Jesus Christ. What a powerful statement to put into our minds! Put the Word of God concerning healing into your mind.

Stop dwelling on the negatives concerning health – yours and the rest of the world. Romans 10 says that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. The negatives will never get us to the place of believing God, but will only build fear and unbelief.

Depending on the situation, we may need to flood our minds with the truth of God’s Word regarding healing. And, whenever we eat, we can stop and remind ourselves that through his death, Jesus Christ paid for our sins, and by his stripes we were healed!

(If you are interested in getting copy of the book, Healing from God is Available, paperback, ebook, or audio, click here.)

MORE THAN A DIFFERENCE OF OPINIONS

Right or Left? Liberal or Conservative? Democrat or Republican?


There has always been a difference of opinions in this country. There always will be. However, the divisiveness and intolerance for opposing views has escalated, and in some cases to the extreme.

Concerning the hot social issues in this “information age” we live in, there is an abundance of information, as well as misinformation, promoted on many fronts. From social media, to online news services, to 24 hour cable news outlets, platforms providing information continue to grow.

I was talking with someone a few weeks ago

HOLIDAY SEASON 2017

It's That Time Of The Year Again

The “Christmas Season” is here once again.  I wrote in the last post that Jesus is supposed to be reason right? Isn’t all of this about the savior coming into the world? In some places he gets some attention, while in others, maybe just an honorable mention. But, at the very least, there is some attention on God sending His Son, the savior of the world!

Below are some links to past posts, including topics like the Magi, Christmas trees, swaddling clothes, Simeon and Anna and even holiday stress!

Have A Very Blessed Season And A Great New Year!

holly-bowA Social Network Christmas
A video about Joseph and Mary on Facebook. And while Facebook has changed quite a bit, this is still one of my favorites!

holly-bowHoliday Stress
Short article with some helpful hints to avoid holiday stress.

A Sad Time of the Year for Some

Short article – for some, for various reasons, this is not the most wonderful time of the year.

holly-bowSimeon And Anna
From “The Eastern Eye” the great blessing to these senior believers in seeing the Christ child. A song about them by Lisa Tracy at the end of the article.

holly-bowThe Christmas Dilemma, and, ‘Twas the night before…
Do you say, Merry Christmas, or, Happy Holidays? Some thoughts on that, and some other choices.

holly-bowChristmas Tree Or Holiday Tree?
A podcast with some history of the “tree,” and, find out about a Jewish man who does not like it referred to as a Holiday tree.

holly-bowWho Were The Magi? Part 1
Who Were The Magi? Part 2
A couple of articles explaining who they were, where they came from, how they knew, what they saw, etc.

holly-bowSwaddling Clothes
What were they? What’s the significance?