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Are You Willing?

Across the country, springtime flowers are in bloom. Each one of them will hopefully grow and reach its potential.  Here in Arizona our citrus trees are in full bloom; we certainly anticipate them reaching their potential.

Without sounding too philosophical, isn’t life all about growth and potential?  The question is, are we willing to change. I am. Are you?

When you bring a new puppy home, you know it will not be a puppy forever.  You train the little doggy and it soon grows and hopefully reaches its potential.  And if you’ve ever had the honor of bringing home a new baby, well, then, you know the baby is going to grow up to be an adult.

Now of course it’s lots of fun to talk about flowers and trees, and little babies and puppies.  But let’s take a look at human adults. We’ve all grown up physically, but what about spiritually, mentally, socially?  Have we all reached our potential?

If trees and flowers are nurtured in a good environment they will grow and reach their full potential.  The same is true with little puppies. And, to a degree the same is true with little babies.  But there is however, an important variable for humans. God gave us free will to choose, and for us, that changes things dynamically.

A child may grow up in a lousy environment and yet, because of free will choices, the child can still grow and matures to full potential.  On the other hand, another child may grow up in a very good environment, but because of free will choices, that child will not reach positive full potential.

That’s Nice, But What About Me?

How about you and me today? Is there any room for growth?  Have you reached your full potential?  Have I? Is there something about myself that I need to change? What about you?

There are two general opinions about the need for change.  They are opposites.  One recognizes the need to change, while the other denies it.

For some people, they do not want to even consider changing.  They are happy where they are.  They say things like, “I am fine in my own skin. I like me just the way I am; This is who I am.”

It’s not a question of knowing who you are right now, or being fine in your own skin.  The question is, have you reached your potential; and if not, do you want to grow and reach it?

It’s Too Much Work

For lots of people the thought of change means work. The truth is, many people become comfortably lazy.  They looked around one day and discovered there was no school teacher or parent keeping them accountable for their growth.  They then made a free will decision:  I have arrived and I like where I am. No more homework for me!

I am not trying to be critical of people who have no desire to change or improve their lives.  That is their choice and they are free to choose how to live their lives. Nor am I saying that we should all be engaged in daily activities that rival the training of Olympic athletes, or those pursuing a doctor’s degree.

I am simply asking if there something in my life that I can change and improve.  Or, have I reached my full potential?  I would like to think that since I am still alive there is still room for growth.

For those who truly desire to continue to grow and develop and change, it is not about beating yourself up. It is not looking in the mirror with disgust and disappointment and feeling like a failure.  Rather, it is looking in the mirror knowing there is more for you, and, that you are willing to change to get it.

It Takes Courage

One of the few places courage is talked about is you in front of a mirror. That’s because no one sees that courage but you.  Do you have the courage to take action to change something in your life?  Are you willing?

It takes real courage to be honest with ourselves and tell ourselves, “I need to change that; this is what I am going to do.”  That is not beating yourself up and feeling sorry for yourself. It is loving yourself enough to recognize a change is needed, and then being willing to take the necessary action to grow and change.

God designed the life that we see with our own eyes every day.  Springtime is a reminder to me of starting over: new flowers, new shoots, new buds and new growth.  And yet, every day can be springtime because we have been given free will to choose the thoughts we will think every day.

For each of us, in addition to areas we might like to change, there might be areas in our lives where we haven’t reached our full potential.  Why not live the life God gave us to its fullest?  Why not explore the possibilities of continued growth?  Are you willing?

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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The Choice Is Yours

Each day, we all make choices from the time we wake up until the day ends. At this moment you are reading this article because you made a choice to do so. I Hope you choose to read the whole article.

Looking at choices on a bigger scale, your life today is a sum total of the choices that you have made.  In other words, your life, and mine too, is a combination of years and years of choices.  We can all look back and see some bad choices as well as good choices.

Now some people disagree with this kind of thinking.  They do not accept that their own life and destiny is in their own hands.  They fail to see that their choices of thoughts and actions have anything to do with where their life is today.

Is your life in a mess today because of the economy?  Are things difficult for you because of what the government is doing?  Have the actions of other people caused you to suffer?

Life Without Challenges?

We all face challenges.  And of course there are many things outside of our control that can and do affect us.  But for someone who chooses to take responsibility for his or her life, they see those things as simply challenges.  It is an opportunity for them to choose to overcome the challenges and be successful.

But instead, some continue to choose to whine, complain and blame. It is a real day of awakening when a person realizes that their thoughts and actions are a result of their own choices.  People choose to whine, complain and blame.

But those who choose to take responsibility to overcome their challenges will be successful. Those who choose to whine and complain and blame will continue to sit in misery.  Each one of us really chooses our own destiny.

Why Is It Easier For Some?

Why does it seem so much easier for some people to be solution oriented while others feel hopeless and helpless?  The answer is choices.  Years of choices mold us into who we are today.

Over the years, you and I have chosen to think certain thoughts.  Over the years, we have chosen to nurture certain emotions.  And over the years, we have chosen to do certain things.

All of those choices have actually fashioned and molded us into who we are this very moment. It’s why we think the way we think and act the way we act.  That’s also why it can seem to be difficult to think differently.

If we have “programmed” ourselves by choosing certain thoughts and actions over the years, what about choices today?  How can we choose a different way of thinking if we have already set our mental program to think a certain way?  Do we really have a choice now?

The Brain

I continue to marvel at how God designed the human brain.  It is absolutely fantastic.  Scientists say that even with all that we now know about the brain, we still know very little.

Yes, we do indeed have a choice, every day, to think the thoughts we want to think.  The thoughts that we think that are contrary to our current belief system, our minds will try to reject. We mentally resist thoughts and ideas that we do not believe to be true.

For example, a person who sees himself as a failure with no possibility of ever rising above poverty will meet any thought of being successful with resistance.  Yes, the idea might sound really good at first, but then their core beliefs kick in and negate it, saying something like, “Come on now; you know that is not for you; you know who you really are.”

But just as we built our current belief system one thought and one action at a time, we can change that belief system, one thought and one action at a time.  When we choose to introduce new thinking we need to listen to the resistance and objections from our own mind.  We must then consciously kick those thoughts of rejection out.

Put Off And Put On

The Bible refers to this process as “putting off and putting on.”  We have a choice.  We can choose what to put off and what to put on.  We do it with our clothing every day, right?  Well why not do it with our thinking every day?

We can choose to continue to put off mentally the thoughts we don’t want and replace them with the thoughts we do want.  At the same time, we can act or carry ourselves in accordance with the new choices that we are making.  We will see a change if we consistently choose to put off the wrong thoughts, and instead choose to think the right thoughts.

One thought at a time, and one action at a time we can build for ourselves the life we desire to live, despite the challenges that we are faced with.  The choice is ours.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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Choices
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Go To The Source

We have known Missy for twenty years.  She is loving and kind, and looks for open doors to share God’s Word. She lets her light shine.  Recently, at the shelter where she works, a lady asked her how it was that she has so much faith.  She answered, “I pray.”

She wasn’t expecting the next question.  However, when Missy heard it, she knew it was perfectly logical according to what the lady asking her believed.  The lady asked her, “Who do you pray to?”

Some people pray to one of the many various recognized “saints.”  Others petition Mary, the mother of Jesus.  Others pray to Jesus.

But Missy shocked the lady, when she answered, “God.” “What?” the lady exclaimed, “You mean you go right to the source?”  “Yes I do!” Missy replied with a smile.

Why Not?

Well, why not go right to the source?  Doesn’t the Bible talk about God being our Father?  Why not talk with your Father on a very regular basis?  Think about it.  How can you develop any relationship without talking and spending time together?

Some people have been taught to pray, worship, and give their religious devotion elsewhere than the Father.  But, I often say, “Why do you believe what you believe?  Is it based on what the Scriptures teach? If not the Scriptures, then what?”

I grew up believing some things that were not at all biblical.  They looked and sounded very religious and spiritual, but they had no scriptural authority.  When I saw what the Bible said about those things, I had a choice to make.

I could either hold on to my tradition, even though I could now see that it was not biblical, or, I could change my belief.  And so, over the years, on a number of different topics and issues, I have, after careful examination of the scriptures, changed my beliefs.  What I believe today, to the best of my ability, is based on an accurate understanding of what the Bible says.

What Did Jesus Teach?

Jesus Christ spoke often about God being our Father.  He said he came to declare and make known the Father.  He came so that we, through him, could come unto the Father.

He told his followers that the Father Himself loved them.  He told them that when he was gone they should ask, or pray, to the Father in his name.  Jesus even told them not to pray to him, but rather to the Father because the Father loved them.

Isn’t it comforting as well as encouraging that the Scriptures say that you and I have been invited to the throne room of God’s grace where we can obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need?  The Bible also talks about letting your requests be made know unto God.  And what about verses that show or explain that God is at work in you by way of His spirit?

For me, it is simply overwhelming that the Creator of the universe dwells in us by way of the spirit that He has freely given us.  It is mind blowing that nothing can separate us from His love.  It’s almost inconceivable that God Almighty wanted a relationship with us whereby He could be our Father, and we His children.

Through no work of our own, but rather the completed work of Christ, we are permanently connected to God. The Bible says it is incorruptible seed; it is eternal life.  Those born again are indeed the children of the Creator.

God almighty, the Creator, is unlimited in His power and resources.  He is quite literally, the Source. He is our source.  The lady was astounded that Missy prayed to “the Source.”  We should not only pray, but have a close working relationship with the Source, our heavenly Father, on a daily basis.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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Are You Righteous In His Eyes?
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Your Attitude: Asset Or Liability

What is your attitude about the direction of your life?  How do you feel about your life today, right now?  For most people, if things are going well, their attitude is good.  But when things are not going well, their attitude is bad.

It’s true that we are living in some very troubling economic times not only here in the United States, but around the world.  But regardless of what’s going on elsewhere, for those going through difficult times, their real concern is about their own life; and rightly so.

Much has been written and taught about attitude, and I’m sure you’ve heard different things over the years yourself.  Someone once said, “Our attitude determines our altitude.” My question is, if you are going though some challenging times, what is your attitude?

Bad Times And Feeling Low

It seems for most people, during difficult times, their attitude becomes pretty low; it bottoms out.  How can you possibly have a good attitude when things are lousy in your life?  How in the world can you stay positive and happy when you are trying to deal with so much pressure?

Have you ever noticed that when things in your life are going really well you don’t need to work on having a better attitude, do you?  Life is great, things are going well, and your attitude is just terrific.  But in facing adversities our attitude slips, doesn’t it?

But here’s a great key that few realize.  Most people wait for things to get better before they change their attitude. But the fact is, attitude has a direct correlation in how long their adversity will last.  Our attitude can either be an asset or a liability, a help or a hindrance, a friend or an enemy.

Because of the way God designed our minds to work and function, our own attitude can be one of our greatest assets, or one of our greatest liabilities.  The choice is ours.  We really can change our attitude, regardless of our circumstances.

To discover if you need an attitude adjustment, think about how you think, act, and talk when things are going really well.  Now, if you are going through some difficult times, what are you thinking, how are you acting, and what are you saying?  Is there a difference?

Is Attitude Really That Big Of A Deal?

Attitude is defined as our disposition, our emotions, our mood, or how we feel.  Our disposition, emotions, mood, and feelings are a product of our thoughts.  And I’ve heard people say things before like, “Oh, I’ve tried that being positive stuff; it doesn’t work for me.”  To that I would say that you may want to stop and evaluate that kind of thinking, actions and speech.

John Maxwell has often said, “Attitude isn’t everything, but it’s the main thing that makes a difference in a person’s life.”  Will your attitude turn the global economy around?  No. But always remember that it’s not what happens to us, but what happens in us, that determines the outcome in our lives.

We cannot control things that happen to us.  But can absolutely control what’s going inside us.  We can choose the thoughts we think, which will evoke emotions, which then fuel the actions we take, or don’t take.

In difficult times, work harder at being much more selective of the thoughts you choose to entertain.  You can look at your present situation and declare that you are in this mess because of something.  Or, you can look at your present situation and declare that you will absolutely succeed in spite of everything.

An Awesome Advantage

And here’s the really good news.  Saint and sinner alike can utilize the way God designed the brain to work and get results.  But we who are Christians, knowing that God is our Father, have a great advantage.  We can pray and ask for His help and His guidance.

God won’t make us think the right thoughts.  But when we choose to do just that, we can certainly be anticipating His help and solutions regardless of the circumstance or the odds.

Is your attitude an asset for you right now, or is it a liability? If the latter, then stop and make some mental changes right away.  The Bible says to guard your heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life.  Each one of us determines whether our attitude is an asset or a liability, a help or a hindrance, a friend or an enemy.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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Stop Looking Back!
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What Did She Do?

It’s Another Podcast!

Guess what happened to my wife on the way to the post office the other day?  It has probably happed to you too.  It has happened to me as well.

But, what was her response?  Find out in this short [5:29] podcast.  You will find it very practical the next time it happens to you!

Enjoy the podcast!

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

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Get Up And Get Dressed
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The Garden Of Your Mind

For most of the country, spring planting will be in a couple of months.  Here in Arizona, we start early.  In the past, Kathy and I purchased little plants, but this year, we are planning to grow some things from seeds.

Coincidentally, while listening to a business conference call recently, I heard a reference made to thoughts using the analogy of seeds. Perhaps you too have heard this reference. I have talked and taught about thoughts being like seeds before many times.

I Never Heard That Before

However, also during that call, gratitude was called something I had never heard it called before.  Have you ever noticed that if someone shares a topic you are very familiar with, in a different way, it can give you even greater insight?  That’s what happened to me.

I have studied and taught about gratitude for years.  There was even a time when consistently for years I kept a daily gratitude journal, endeavoring to grow in that very important area of my life.  And yet, considering gratitude as a seed communicated the truths of gratitude even greater to me.

We all have many plants growing in the garden of our minds. Thoughts really are seeds in our minds.  Those seeds will grow into plants as we nourish them.  However, not all of the plants in our garden are profitable to us. Some are weeds and we need to consistently tend to our garden.

We nourish the garden of our mind by reinforcing certain thoughts.  For example, a person may have a failure plant in his garden.  He helps that plant grow by reaffirming that he is a failure; he helps it grow by reliving and remembering his past failures.

What Are You Manifesting?

What we manifest in our lives is a direct result of the garden of our minds.  It doesn’t matter what you want in life; what you sow you will reap.  Our belief system and our core beliefs are a direct result of the plants that we have and continue to nourish.

Fleeting thoughts are like seeds blown in from a breeze.  They do not get planted, watered and nourished unless we chose to do so.  And likewise, we can remove whatever plants we choose to in the garden of our mind.

On my conference call, gratitude was referred to as a seed for increase.  What a fabulous way to look at being grateful.  I know there are some who preach that you better be thankful for what you have because that’s the right thing to do, but that’s not the true heart of gratitude.

Gratitude is not going through the motions and doing what you are,”supposed to do.”  True gratitude is much more than saying, “Thank you.”  It is recognizing what you have, and having true, heartfelt gratefulness.

Here’s What Happens

When your focus is not on what you lack, but rather on what you have, your thoughts are about the blessings that have come into your life.  Being truly grateful is actually planting a seed for increase because your focus is on what God has increased to you.  As you nourish that in the garden of your mind, it becomes a very beautiful plant that manifests itself in your life with more abundance.

Now of course, that doesn’t mean that you ignore or never address the needs that you do have.  But having a dominant attitude of gratitude changes your focus. You can actually eliminate the negative thoughts about the things that you need.  Instead, you can remain cognizant of what you do have and that gives you confidence that God can and will provide the things you need now.

Take some time on a regular basis to just think of or write down your blessings.  Train your mind to focus on what God has already blessed you with and give Him true and heartfelt gratitude.  Cultivate and nourish your gratitude, realizing it is indeed a seed of increase that can become a solid oak in the garden of your mind.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

Don’t Be Shy – Leave A Comment!
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You Might Also Enjoy:
Are Weeds Growing In Your Head?
Opposite Thoughts
Stop Looking Back!

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Go Into Your Closet

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.]

There is an abundance of verses in the Bible relating to the topic of prayer.  Jesus spoke of it often.  In the Matthew’s gospel, Jesus talked about praying in your closet.

When he spoke about going into a closet, he was not referring to a literal closet,  but he was making a very great point about our prayer life.  Right before suggesting going into the closet, he told them how not to pray.

He told them to not be like the religious hypocrites of the day, those who loved to have everyone see them pray.  Those who prayed like that wanted people to see just how “spiritual” they were.  Jesus said that was their reward.

Where Is Your Closet?

But he then told his followers to go into their own closet, shut the door and then pray.  The closet is the closet of your mind where you can be quiet – not just physically quiet, but more importantly, mentally quiet.

The spirit of God dwells in us and we can get quiet.

Shutting the door refers to getting rid of, or shutting out, foreign thoughts, negative thoughts, worrying thoughts and wandering thoughts.  In getting rid of those thoughts, we can then keep our minds stayed upon God.  We can talk with Him and listen for His still small voice.

You would probably agree that there are times when it may be a little difficult to simply shut the door.  Situations we are dealing with can cause stress and anxiety.  Obstacles we face can cause worries and fears.

How Can You Close The Door?

When you are faced with challenges that make it difficult for you to get quiet mentally, so that you can go into your closet and shut the door, you need to “cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you.”  There are two different words translated “care” in that verse.  The first word “care” means anxiety, mental pressure.

The second word, “care,” means to take the action necessary so as to provide what it is needed.  So we cast, throw out, give all our anxiety, worry, fears, etc to God.  He then observes the situation and we are confident that He will provide a solution.

The Bible talks about putting off and then putting on, casting down, laying aside, etc.  When we are endeavoring to go to our closet and shut the door, we may need to put off the worries and fears by casting them all upon our God.  Then we replace those damaging and discouraging thoughts with the truth, the words of God.

We can get quiet by first addressing the negative thoughts of worry and fear; we release those thoughts by casting them upon our loving God and Father, knowing He cares for us.  We replace them with the truth of what God’s Word says about us.  Then we can have quiet prayer time with our Father, talking and listening.

Shutting the door would also include wandering thoughts.  Our minds do like to jump here and there and everywhere sometimes.  When you are in prayer time in your closet, keep the door closed; don’t let your mind wander.

What a much better method it is to pray this way, instead of like the hypocrites Jesus talked about who just loved for people to see them praying.  Which method would you rather do?  Which method do you think produces better results?

Mathew 6:5 – 7
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites [are]: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen [do]: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

I Peter 5:7
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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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

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Live Today

Not a day goes by that we do not hear the news of someone dying.  Whether it is a single fatality or multiple, we hear about death every day.  Most of the time, we do not know those who have lost their lives; there are other times when we do hear of someone we know who has died.

Regardless of whether I know who has lost life, it always saddens me to hear that kind of news.  You probably feel the same way.  The Bible says that death is an enemy, but one day it will be destroyed.

This past weekend, someone close to me shared in a letter that someone close to her, whom I didn’t know, was gone. Then, I heard a very similar situation on the phone as well.  In addition, I also found out this past weekend that my uncle died.

It is never pleasant news to me, whether I know the person or not.  And, of course, when I do know the person, it becomes very unpleasant news.  Perhaps that is because it is so final. When someone dies, there are no more options; life is over.  Yes, this life is over, but there is a life to come.

The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthians said that “if in this life only we have hope, we are of all men most miserable.”  Honestly, if this life was all there was, and nothing else beyond, then what would be the point of anything?  If there was no hope of a future life, truly, there would no reason to live.

It is not only interesting, but really remarkable, that in the Bible many times death is referred to as the word, “sleep.”   Using the word, “sleep” not only softens the harshness of the word “death,” but it also communicates the hope that we as Christians have.

For us, when we die, we are simply sleeping; we will wake when God’s Son from heaven returns.  Until then, as the Bible declares, the dead know nothing, until he returns and then we shall be made alive again.  This time, we shall all be changed; the corrupting in the grave to incorruptible, and those mortals alive at his coming shall be changed to immortals.

The great Hope that Christians have is not a myth, a pipe dream, or some fantastical wish.  It is very real; it is a Hope that is very much alive.  Jesus Christ is going to come back one day, and when he does all those who are born again will meet him in the air, and so shall we ever be with him for all eternity!

So, yes, the news of someone dying is sad, and it does indeed bring sorrow.  But as the Bible says, our sorrow is not like those who sorrow with no hope.  We are sad, but we know, with absolute certainty, what is coming in the future.

He really is coming back.  Today, we are one day closer to that magnificent day that we all so anticipate.  But, until then, we go on living, doing our best to live and enjoy the life God has given us to live, today.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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Free Or Under The Law?

[If you haven’t read the previous article, Are You Righteous In His Eyes,  reading it first will give you much greater understanding of this follow up article]

In the last article, I talked about how the Bible shows that we cannot become righteous by our own works.  Rather, because of the completed works of Christ, we as born again Christians have been made righteous.  We are righteous in His eyes. The Bible says that nothing can separate us from His love.

I then asked, if that is true, then what happens when we fall short and do something that is not right?  That question usually brings out two different groups:  the “legalists” and the “free in Christ” group.  And both groups adamantly believe that they are right.

Guess What Happened To My Friend?

In addressing this issue, let me briefly share an incident with you.  I recently heard from an old friend that I have not seen or spoken to for around thirty years.  I performed his wedding back in the eighties, and we simply lost touch with each other.

He told me that it has been on his and his wife’s heart for many years to own their own home.  Recently, a very loving and giving believer gave them a substantial monetary gift.  They used the gift to purchase a home.

They were able to pay the full price for a home that was selling as a short sale.  They bought the home, free and clear, for 20% of what it was worth four years ago.  It is bought and paid for.

So What’s The point?

I share that incident with you to make a very important point.  We learn from the scriptures that Jesus Christ paid the price for all sins.  It was one payment, once and for all, for all sins.  The price has been paid in full.

Do you think it would be silly for my old friend to now make payments for the house he owns, that is completely paid for?  What would you think if he were to do that, month after month?  I think we can all agree that it would not be necessary for him to do so, and we would try to show him that the house is indeed paid for.

So why do some Christians think that we still have to pay for our sins when the Bible is so clear that Christ has already paid the price for all sins?  Now of course most don’t say it in just those words, but what they are saying indicates that one needs to do something to become righteous in God’s eyes.

Ever Asked Yourself This Question?

Here’s a question that ought to really make you think. What is God’s forgiveness of our shortcomings based on?  Is it based on how bad we feel for doing something that was not right?  Is it based on promising to not do it again?  Is it based on doing as many righteous acts as possible in order to atone?

Or, is it based on Jesus Christ paying the price and obtaining forgiveness for us all?  The Bible states that as a born again one, we have redemption; we have been made righteous. We have forgiveness.  For many Christians, what Jesus Christ accomplished for every single believer is far too misunderstood.

Do I then believe that we have a license to sin?  We don’t need a license to sin!  We have free will to do whatever we chose to do.  The more you see, understand and believe what Christ accomplished for you, the more you will do good things out of a heart of love and gratitude to our Father and to His Son.

Isn’t it quite obvious that none of us are perfect and that we all have and all will fall short from time to time.  But never let anyone tell you that your shortcomings can undo what Christ has already accomplished for you.  Nothing you do, or don’t do, can separate you from the Father’s love.

What You Do, Or, Don’t Do, Has Nothing To Do With It!

Nothing you do, or don’t do can cause you to lose eternal life. If it could, it wouldn’t be called “eternal,” would it?  Nothing you do, or don’t do, can make you righteous.  God has already made you righteous, not because of your works, but because of the complete work of Christ.

Yes, when we fall short we feel lousy and can begin to feel those emotions of guilt and condemnation.  But we must not allow those feelings to rule in our hearts.  We must believe and accept God’s forgiveness, pick ourselves up and keep moving forward. We must believe that we really are who God says that we are, and, that we really do have what He said that we have.

The more you focus your attention on your faults and weaknesses, the more you will be disappointed, and the more distant you will feel from God.  The more you focus on who God made you to be, the more grateful you will be and the closer you will feel to God.

You are not only righteous in God’s eyes, but His Son has made you free; free indeed!

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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Are You Righteous In His Eyes?
How To Receive More Of God’s Favor
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Are You Righteous In His Eyes?

Guilt and condemnation are two of the most defeating and deflating emotions we experience.  When we do something that we know is not right we feel guilty.  Then, we condemn ourselves, and as a result, our confidence toward God diminishes because we no longer feel righteous in His eyes.

But what is it that makes us righteous in His eyes?  Is it doing all the right things? Righteous, biblically means to be acceptable and blameless according to an established legal standard. In this context it would be God’s established legal standard.

So what is it that makes us righteous in the eyes of God?  Many religious people will say that doing right things makes you righteous and doing wrong things makes you unrighteous.  That would mean that we are made righteous by our own works.

Promoting Guilt And Condemnation

Those who adopt this view have doctrines that actually promote guilt and condemnation.  They make sure you hear the long, long list of deeds that will make you unrighteous.   They preach God’s disappointment and displeasure with your actions.  And of course, none of us are perfect, and so we feel guilt and condemnation.

The solution, people are told, is to try harder and do more good works so they can be righteous in His eyes.  Pray more; read the Bible more; give more; in other words, do, do, do.  And so then people resolve to do better and try harder, and do more good works, but then, they fall short, again.

This cycle is repeated over and over with very sad results.  Some people just give up, ashamed, feeling like they can never stand before God.  Others spend their whole lives doing and doing and they never have any time to develop a personal relationship with God.  But something very critical is missing from this picture.

But What Does The Bible Say?

The scriptures plainly tell us that we, by our own works, can never be righteous in God’s eyes, so why do people keep trying and trying?  No works, no matter how many or how great, will ever grant you salvation.  Works never make you righteous in God’s eyes.

The Bible is clear that salvation is a gift from God, “…not of works lest anyone should boast.”  Eternal life and God’s spirit are gifts that cannot be earned.  And in addition, to the shock of some people, the Bible also declares that those who are born again, are righteous in God’s eyes because of Christ’s complete redemptive work.

Now, logically, if we are indeed righteous in His eyes and have eternal life, because of what Jesus Christ did for us, can we lose it by doing something wrong?  No! If we could lose it, then it would not be eternal life.  If we could lose it, then Christ’s completed work was incomplete and he would need to come again.

Jesus Christ completed his Father’s work.  Shortly before he gave his life for you and me, he said, “It is finished.”

We Just Can’t

We can not on our own make ourselves righteous, nor can we on our own obtain eternal life; he already did it for us. And now, as a result, the Bible states that nothing can separate us from God’s love.

If that is all true, then what happens when we fall short and do something that is not right?  That question usually brings out two different groups:  the legalists and, the free in Christ group.  And both groups adamantly believe that they are right.

To the legalistic, falling short means that what you did wrong is sin and that separates you from God, otherwise you would have a license to sin.  The other group, those who see themselves as free in Christ, believe that they are free to do as they please without any laws.

I will address this conflict next time.  In the meantime, know that you are righteous in God’s eyes because of the completed work of his son, Jesus Christ.  If you have a comment, go ahead and post it below.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

Don’t Be Shy – Leave A Comment!
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You Might Also Enjoy:
How To Receive More Of God’s Favor
Is He Willing?
Who Wants This $50 Dollar Bill?

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