Right before he died, Jesus Christ cried out in victory, “It is finished!” He had completed mankind’s redemption. He paid the full price for the sins of the whole world.
Then, three days and three nights later, an angel spoke three more victorious words: “He is risen.” Jesus Christ was raised from the dead.
Today, believers all around the world
This coming Sunday believers around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
It was on a Sunday morning over 2,000 years ago when an angel uttered those three words: He Is Risen!
For this week, I have some related links to
Maybe it happens when I read or hear more of the latest news. At least, I notice it less when I hear less of what’s going on. But even a very small portion of what the newsroom is dishing out is cause for concern, isn’t it?
No, this is not an article about how negative the news is, and how it can and does affect you and me. I’ve written about that before. This is about another perspective; this is about reaching for my compass.
Okay, yes, it’s true the more news you read or hear, the easier it is to be afraid of what’s coming next. I mean is Iran going to soon have a nuke and use it on Israel? Is North Korea really serious about attacking the United States?
I will not add any more to the list as I digress from my point of intent. Besides the horrible and horrific events that could happen, there are disturbing events that are happening. Culture changes cause me to grab my compass, which is my Bible.
Yes, I am one of those who believe the Bible is the Word of God and that it contains the truth. Jesus himself said God’s Word is truth. But there are plenty of people today who believe neither Jesus nor the Bible.
I was talking to someone the other day and I said, “What part of the Bible is not true? And who gets to decide what part is true or not? Based on what?”
Simply put, for me anyway, if the Bible is not true, then what is the standard for truth? Is it what a person really believes in the depth of their heart is right and true? That is the way of thinking for lots of people today; live your life and do what you think is right.
What Is The Standard For Truth?
When it comes to truth, it doesn’t matter what you and I think or believe. What you and I think or believe cannot change what is true. You can believe with all your heart and soul that the sun goes around the earth every day, but that is not true; it is a lie.
Recently I heard a talk show host on a local radio station, in talking about a certain controversial issue, say, “Oh well, the Bible has a lot of things in it.” He then went on to basically say that it didn’t matter what the Bible said about that issue.
What’s Your Standard?
What do you use for a compass on controversial issues? If you’ve ever been lost in the woods, a compass helps you find the right course and points you in the right direction. Someone could tell you, “No, that’s not really north; this is the direction we need to go, and besides, everybody else is heading that way.”
Regardless of the current media working overtime to help bring about 
cultural change, truth is still truth. Movies and TV shows will continue to depict acceptance of things that are not true, but they don’t change the truth. No matter how widely circulated and accepted lies are, they still aren’t true.
As culture changes before your eyes, it can be discouraging. There may even be times when you’re tempted to think your compass might be broken. You may even think you’re crazy, but you’re not.
With humility, not arrogance, you and I can allow the compass to guide and direct us. We can still love people regardless of what they believe. And we can show our compass to whomever wants to consider. Maybe, just maybe, we can help and lead them down the right path.
Mike Verdicchio
2013
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There’s a man you can read about in the Bible who did some pretty awful things. He was very religious and very committed to his cause, qualities that some would call commendable. But he killed God’s children.
He was responsible for finding out where God’s people were, arresting them, and then
Have you ever asked someone, “How was your day?” Did you ever get the response, “Oh, just another day, nothing really happened today.” Hmmm…Nothing happened today?
Let’s back up for just a moment. Are we under the impression that it would be very unusual if
[This is a great day to talk about “love!” Don’t you think so? Actually, every day is a good day to talk about love. Be sure to link to some previous posts below, and have a Happy Hearts Day!]
Has anyone ever told you, “God loves you”? Maybe at times you yourself have said that to others; I certainly have said it to people many, many times. But why does God love you and me? What is it we need to do so that
I’ve never heard anyone say, “I can’t wait to get older!” We all want to stay young. In fact we want to live forever, don’t we? Why is that?
Is there something in our genes that makes us
Sometimes situations force us to make changes. At other times, we get so tired of our current results that we initiate change. Sometimes in life we know we need to change, but just refuse to change.
Why do we fight and resist change at times?
At some point, we recognize the need for change. Perhaps we see it or someone else points it out to us. But, we all know too well that nothing changes by simply recognizing a need for change.
For example, if you are overweight then you recognize there needs to be a change. You may even desire to weigh a certain amount. The end result of the change is appealing, but changing what needs to change to arrive at that point is not pleasant at all.
Like everything else, change starts in your mind first, and most of the time the mind objects to change. “No, I don’t want to eat smaller portions and cut out unhealthy snacks!” “No! I don’t want to exercise every day. I don’t have enough time! What if I overdo it?”
The mind objects to leaving the comfortable environment that it has become so accustomed to. We all like to be comfortable, and change interrupts our comfort zone. We many times love and protect that comfort zone regardless of the results we are getting.
The mind seems to have some kind of objection whether the possible changes are little changes or big changes. The mind does not want to be interrupted or bothered. In a sense, it protects that comfort zone.
These Keys Work!
So how can you bring about change in your life? Here are two key you can use when you really want to see some change in your life. Number one, you must consistently remind yourself of the reason and end result the change will bring about. For example, say “When I eat smaller portions and cut out some snacks I will lose weight, feel healthier and live longer.”
This first key is important, no matter what kind of change you are pursuing. “Spending the money and time to take this course will improve my skills and abilities and give me much more to offer prospective employers.”
If you don’t keep reminding yourself of why, your mind comes back with a whole lot of reasons why you really don’t need to change anything! “This is too hard; you can’t do this; you really don’t need to go this far; you really need some cookies!”
Just realize that your mind is protecting your comfort zone. Simply respond back with the end result of this change.
And, number two, be patient. Stay the course. Stay consistent and persistent; both pay big dividends. The change will come.
Have You Ever Planted A Garden?
I haven’t planted a garden for awhile, but when I did I learned a lot about patience. After putting the seeds in the ground, I was consistent in watering every day. And it seems like there always came a point where one day I would say, “Well, where is everything?” All this persistent and consistent watering has produced nothing. Were the seeds I planted bad seeds?”
It’s easy to get impatient when you see no noticeable results. But the results will come; stay persistent and consistent. Don’t let your mind suggest that you should quit and head back to your comfort zone.
Again remind your mind of the goal, the place you will arrive as a result of the change. And then, don’t forget that change takes time; be patient.
It’s Just The Way Life Is
Change is really a part of life. When you realize that, life takes on a whole new excitement. You are not stuck in a rut. You can change whatever you set your mind to do. Don’t be afraid of change; instead, embrace it.
The effort needed for change will vary, but the results when you reach your desired destination will greatly outweigh the time and effort you put into the change.
If things in your life are not bringing you the results that you really desire, then it’s time for a change. Are you ready to venture out of your comfort zone? It all depends upon your desire to see real change happen in your life.
Mike Verdicchio
2013
Don’t Be Shy – Leave A Comment!
Do you have some thoughts about this? We’d love to hear what you think. Just scroll to the bottom of this post and type in your comment. (If you are receiving this post via email or RSS, just click the title above and then scroll to the bottom of the post and type in your comment.)
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There’s More!
For past articles, click on the, “Posts” tab above. For past videos and podcasts, mouse over the “Posts” tab above. Look for more videos as well as more podcasts coming soon to Confidence And Joy!
In December of 1971 I accepted a new radio job in Panama City, Florida. We drove there all the way from Denver in our VW Bus. Kathy’s dad let us use his gas card for the trip and that was very helpful. We arrived with around forty or fifty dollars.
It was very close to Christmas, and because of the pay cycle, I would not receive my first check until January 10th. Coincidentally, the owner of the radio station gave everyone a
I was walking through the family room a few days ago while Kathy was watching a movie about Queen Victoria. Not really my cup of tea. (No pun intended.)
But I overheard a line from the movie that caught my attention. Someone giving advice to the young queen told her she was
