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Do You Have A Don’t List?

A “don’t list?” Most of us have “to do” lists.  But what about having a, “don’t,” or a, “stop doing” list?

Relax; this article is not about bad habits, although it could apply. Rather, it’s about what to do when there is too much on your plate.  It is about saying, “No.”

Recently, reading an article, I saw the following quote by Steven Covey.  He sums up this point really well.

You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage – pleasantly, smilingly, non-apologetically – to say “no” to other things. And the way you do that is by having a bigger “yes” burning inside. The enemy of the “best” is often the “good.”

Have you ever bitten off more than you can chew?  Have you ever taken on more than you could really handle well, or put so much on your plate that it spills all over the place?  At one time or another, we all have.

It’s Time To Stop And Say, “No.”

Our current economy is not helping the situation.  Many people are working more than one regular job, and millions of people have some sort of “side job.”  For lots of people, just generating needed income fills their plate.

And yet, so many people when asked, “Can you do this for me?” answer affirmatively.  I do love to help people, and saying, “No,” used to be very difficult for me.  But, I learned the hard way that there are times when the best thing for me is to say, “No.”

For example, I’ve been invited out to dinner, but graciously excused myself because the two or three hour time commitment was just too much at that time.  There are times when someone asks for some help, but I need some rest. I’m not thirty anymore.

I’ve told myself, “No,” to staying up late and watching a movie, which would have been fun and relaxing, but getting my rest was best for me at that moment. The point is, I believe it is more beneficial for me, and for those who count on me, not to get fatigued and burned out because I take on too much.

How can a mom be her best for her husband and children if she puts too much on her plate?  How can a dad be his best for his spouse and children if he is maxed out?  Yes, there are things on our plate that just have to be there right now, but there are other things we could put on our, “stop doing” list.

It Will Shock You!

If you want to shock yourself, write down the time you spend on everything you do each day.  Do this for three weeks.  The results will not only amaze you, but it will give you some choices to put on your, “stop doing,” list.

Seeing how much time we invest in everything is very helpful in making choices that are best for us.  For example, someone could say, “Do I really want to watch 40 hours of TV every week?”  Maybe I could say, “No” to some of that and instead do some exercise.

In this electronic age, there are lots of things we do, like texting, emails, posting on Facebook and Twitter, etc.  But many times those activities can turn into distractions that can overflow our plate.  After posting something on Facebook, is it really an important priority to check and recheck, and recheck again, to see if someone “liked” it or commented on it?

Every one of us receives twenty four hours every day.  No more, or no less.  We choose each day what we put on our own plate.  But can we also say, “No?”

What Will People Think?

When it comes to extending ourselves to others, one of the big problems is that we care too much what others think of us.  We dare not say, “No,” because, what will they think?  If we can oblige, that’s great; if we cannot, then why do we care more about what they think than what is best for ourselves?

This is a real dilemma among some Christians. Some say, “God first, others second, and I am willing to be third.”  Yes, God first, always and in everything.  And, yes, I am willing to put others ahead of myself.  But, is it God’s will for me to do that which results in my own physical and mental detriment?  I think not.

Yet, there are some Christians who preach that unless you attend every function, participate in every activity, and lend a helping hand to everybody you see, then you are a second rate believer.  Why some of my brothers and sisters are so quick criticize and condemn is beyond me. Aren’t we all reading the same Bible?

In the New Testament, Eppaphras nearly died over doing service that others should have been doing. Paul didn’t write and say that everyone should overdo it, burn themselves out and die!  In fact, in I Corinthians he wrote that if you do burn out in service, and don’t do it with the love of God, it means nothing.

There was a time in my life when I wouldn’t refuse anyone’s request, whether I was tired or not, whether it meant missing a meal or not, whether it meant canceling family time or not. I rarely ever said, “No.”  But, over time, living like that every day, took its toll.

Today, I still say, “Yes,” many times, but I also say, “No.”  I recently said, “Yes,” to an invitation to travel this fall to perform a wedding in Minnesota.  After thinking it through and considering the time in preparation as well as time from home, I decided it would be a blessing for the couple and I could put it on my plate.

Identify your highest priorities and responsibilities.  These are different for everyone; some people are single, others are married, and others are parents.  Certainly those with children have many more responsibilities than those without children.

Your priorities and responsibilities will change from time to time; sometimes day to day.  Jobs, shopping, cooking, keeping your home tidy, and spending quality time with those you live with are certainly very high on the list.  Be committed each day to your highest and most important priorities.

Next, take an honest look and consider what you have on your plate. Look and see what you either can stop doing, or, stop spending as much time doing, so that you don’t end up with too much on your plate. This will put you in control of your life instead of having life control you.

Finally, make sure there is room on your plate for you to rest, recharge, and do whatever you need to be your best for you and for those around you. Have the courage to say, “No,” so that you can keep your priorities.

Having too much on your plate day after day is stressful.  It will take a toll on you personally, as well as on those around you.  Love yourself, and love those around you, by taking charge of your life and doing what is best. Just say “No!”

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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No One Appreciates Me

I was talking to someone recently about being appreciated at his job.  We agreed that when you receive appreciation for your work, it inspires you to not only do your best, but go beyond.  What happens when you don’t get any appreciation?

Lots of people today in the work force feel unappreciated.  They are working hard and think they are doing a good job.  But many times words of appreciation for a good job are few and far between.

Smart managers and leaders know and understand the value of praise and recognition.  They know showing someone that their efforts are appreciated and valued goes a long way in increasing productivity.  Those receiving recognition are much more apt to increase their performance because they feel appreciated.

But sadly, appreciation in the work place today is not prevalent.  This is evidenced more drastically in our downturn economy because so many people are looking for jobs. Management knows that if an employee doesn’t work out, there are plenty of other people they can hire to take their place.

Many people in management have the attitude that their employees should be thankful for having a job.  If they are doing a good job, they get paid for it and don’t need any praise or recognition for doing what they were hired to do.  However, they fail to recognize that recognition inspires and motivates and results in a person wanting to do a better job.

So what do you do when you are doing your best but getting no praise or recognition which makes you feel unappreciated?  In the conversation I mentioned earlier, I told this person that he needs to do his work as if he was receiving praise and recognition.  There’s a really important reason why.

Far too many people who feel unappreciated have decided to just do their job. They just do enough to get by and then clock out.  They say to themselves, “My boss doesn’t really care about me, so I don’t really care about this job. Just give me my paycheck.”  However, they fail to realize that in doing that, they themselves are the real losers.

No matter who you work for, your skills and abilities are what you have to offer; that’s what you bring to the table wherever you work.  Why would you not want to continue to improve your skills and abilities?  Doing that gives you more value and worth, more to offer.

I asked this particular person how he would go to work on Monday if he had been told that his supervisor thought he was doing a great job and that they were so glad to have him working there. What if they had said that they wished they could pay him more, and hopefully in the future they would?

He said he would be so inspired, and feel so appreciated, that he would do better than his best.  He would look for ways to excel and improve his skills.  Doing that would certainly benefit his company, but it would also benefit him individually as he continued to improve his own skills and abilities.

I went on to tell him that he could not allow any apparent lack of appreciation to lower his standards of excellence.  I told him to do whatever he could to inspire himself and continue to grow and improve his abilities.  Maybe all his hard work would not necessarily be rewarded today, but it would be in the future.

How about you?  Do you feel unappreciated?  Do not allow lack of appreciation to lower your standards.  Do whatever it takes to inspire yourself and improve your talents and skills.  That will benefit you the rest of your life, and, it will also keep you in control of your own life instead of being controlled by others. You should appreciate you.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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Was It A Coincidence?

We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Tomorrow marks the 236th anniversary of the United States of America.  I am still amazed that a few men of such beliefs, education, dedication and commitment somehow ended up at a particular place in time and agreed on what was called, “The America Experiment.”

I have a couple of comments, but first, take a moment to read some of the words from the founding fathers of this great nation.

George Washington
It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.

Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable. – Thanksgiving Proclamation 1789

Oh, eternal and everlasting God, direct my thoughts, words and work.  Wash away my sins in the immaculate blood of the Lamb and purge my heart by Thy Holy Spirit. Daily, frame me more and more in the likeness of Thy son, Jesus Christ, that living in Thy fear, and dying in Thy favor, I may in thy appointed time obtain the resurrection of the justified unto eternal life. Bless, O Lord, the whole race of mankind and let the world be filled with the knowledge of Thee and Thy son, Jesus Christ.

Samuel Adams
We have this day [Fourth of July] restored the Sovereign to whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in Heaven, and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let His Kingdom come.

John Adams and John Hancock
We recognize no sovereign but God, and no King but Jesus.

John Adams
The Declaration of Independence laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity.

The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.

The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected, in one indissoluble bond, the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.

Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.

I have examined all religions, and the result is that the Bible is the best book in the world.

Our Constitution is designed only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for any other.

The Christian religion is, above all the religions that ever prevailed or existed in ancient or modern times, the religion of wisdom, virtue, equity and humanity.

Patrick Henry
It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great Nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Benjamin Franklin
“Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God.”

Thomas Jefferson
God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever.

The Christian religion is the best religion that has ever been given to man

James Madison
We have staked the whole future of our new nation, not upon the power of government; far from it. We have staked the future of all our political constitutions upon the capacity of each of ourselves to govern ourselves according to the moral principles of the Ten Commandments.

Congress
“The Congress of the United States recommends and approves the Holy Bible for use in all schools.” – Resolution passed by Congress, 1782

By Law the United States Congress adds to US coinage: “In God We Trust”- United States Congress 1864

John Jay, First Chief-Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court
Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is their duty – as well as privilege and interest – of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.

United States Supreme Court Decision, 1892
Our laws and our institutions must necessarily be based upon and embody the teachings of The Redeemer of mankind. It is impossible that it should be otherwise; and in this sense and to this extent our civilization and our institutions are emphatically Christian…This is a Christian nation.

Do you think any of those men would have a chance today of winning an election?  Can you imagine hearing something similar from our Congress today like you just read?  What would happen if the current Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court would make a statement like John Jay did?

There are many, many quotes from the signers of the Declaration of Independence, as well as former presidents and others you can read. By the way, in reading the above, and other quotes, isn’t obvious the Founder’s did not want to sepearte God from the government?  They did not want the government to dictate any specific religion, but it is very clear they believed that God, Christianity specifically, was to be an intregal part of our givernment.

Was it just a coincidence that those men, with all their talents and abilities, and their faith, should be alive and live in such close proximty to one another, at such a critical time in the Colonies?  Or, was there Divine intervention in the affairs of man?  For the last 236 years I believe that God has truly shed His grace on this nation, but, we are at a critical point.

From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress. And I have one final Founding Father quote, from John Adams, who, along with Thomas Jefferson, both died on July 4th, the 50th anniversary of the United States of America.

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.

Because of the current state of the economy here in the United States, as well as very dry conditions, hundreds of fireworks and other celebrations are not happening this Fourth of July.  Nevertheless, we can still thank God for His blessings on our nation, and pray that He would continue to be kind and gracious and merciful.  I really believe we are at a point that without His intervention, we could be headed for very difficult days.  Why don’t we pray every day for our country?

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
II Chronicles 7:14

GOD BLESS THE USA

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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I’m Tired Of It All

I once heard a story of someone visiting a man. As they talked on the porch he noticed an old dog sitting there whining every half minute or so.  He asked the man what was wrong with the dog.

The man answered, “He is sitting on a nail.” Puzzled, the visitor replied, “Why doesn’t he get up?”  The man then told him the reason, which is a great lesson in life.  “Because,” he said, “It doesn’t hurt badly enough yet.”

Many times people get to a place in their lives where they are depressed and say, “I’m just tired of it all!”  Do you know someone like that?  Maybe you’ve been then before; maybe you are there now.

People arriving at a state of being depressed and “tired of it all,” have a choice to make.  They can either give up, or, they can get up and actively look for solutions.  Or sadly, too often, like the dog, they can wait until they can’t take the hurt any longer.

How Did You Get There?

There is a progression that can bring us to the point of being “tired of it all.” It starts with a disappointment; something did not go the way we planned or thought it would.  But we all know that is part of life and it happens to us all, doesn’t it?

After a number of disappointments, we can find ourselves disgusted.  Anger or resentment builds up when things are not going well. While it may seem easy to go from disappointments to being disgusted, it is still a choice that we make.

After being disgusted for a period of time, discouragement sets in.  Fear of more disappointments restrains us from looking for other solutions.  But again, allowing ourselves to get discouraged and live with fear is also a choice.

Those who stay discouraged long enough become depressed.  They end up blaming other people and circumstances for their plight.  In desperation, they throw their hands up say, “I’m tired of it all!”

Some will just endure the pain for a lifetime; they will sit on the nail forever.  Others, not able to take the pain any longer, will get up and try to find some solutions.  The later is always the best course of action.

Even though it may be a tough road back, requiring consistent effort, taking action is the only way things will change.  Being solution minded starts the necessary mental activity to get us back on the right track.  With God’s help, there is no situation too far gone or too bleak.

We Have A Choice

But consider for a moment that in each of the above stages, at every crossroads, we each have a choice.  When a disappointment comes our way, as it always will, we choose how we respond.  If we respond negatively, that choice sends us down the path that leads to disgust.

But, even if we end up disgusted, we still have a choice to turn things around.  When we realize we’re disgusted, what will we choose?  Will we look for solutions, or will we head down the path to discouragement?

And even if we find ourselves really discouraged, we still have a choice to make.  We can start looking for solutions and other options.  Or, we can stay discouraged which will take us down the path to depression.

So, wherever you may be today, with God’s help there is great hope for tomorrow.  But, it is up to you to first make the right choice.  Regardless of your circumstances, your mental thoughts will set your sails.

Looking to God for help, guidance and direction means you are moving forward, not sitting on a nail and whining.   Pray and ask for answers and solutions, then move forward, looking for and expecting those answers.  If you are focused on how lousy things are today in your life, you are just sitting on the nail.

If the answers and solutions do not appear in one minute or one day, keep moving forward the best that you can.  Refuse to live with fear, disgust and discouragement.  Instead, be convinced that there are other options and solutions ahead, and, that you will get there.  Refuse to allow your mind to consider otherwise.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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Attraction Requires Action

Many books and presentations discuss the Law of Attraction.  Hearing what some say could lead one to think it is a magical formula for success.  It is not.

Some people propound that if you just concentrate long enough and keep your focus from wavering, you will attract that which you are focusing on.  They say the universe will bring it to you.  I disagree.

Now I do believe God can bring people and situations into your life as a result of His grace and mercy.  He is a God of answered prayers.  And, I might add that He is unlimited in His resources too.

But, that aside, I do not believe that the Law of Attraction somehow, magically sets the whole universe in motion so as to bring to you your desires.  Perhaps the Law of Attraction should have been called by another name, because the principle does work.

By the way, this concept is far from being something new.  Many years ago, Emerson wrote, “Concentration is the secret of strengths in politics, in war, in trade, in short in all management of human affairs.”  But even much longer prior to that, there are verses in the Bible describing it as well: “Guard your heart with all diligence for out if are the issues of life.”

So How Does It Work?

Let’s say you have never had a pick up truck and decided you want to buy one. You check out a number of things and decide on a Blue, Ford F-150.  You might even have a picture of it with you as you anticipate the day you will get it.

Then, suddenly, out of seemingly nowhere, you are seeing Ford F-150’s everywhere!  Do you really believe that because of your focus and concentration the “universe” put all those trucks in front of you?  Of course not.

God designed our brains magnificently.  When you begin to focus and concentrate on something, your brain registers that as something important.  All those F-150’s were there all along, but now, because your brain knows they are important to you, your brain tells you, “Look, there’s another one.”

The Bible states that as you think in your heart, you will be.  How many successful people go around feeling like a failure?  That’s why it is critical for those going through a difficult or challenging time to be very aware of how they see themselves.

Take Action

Just as our mental focus on trucks opened our eyes to see all the trucks around us, putting our mental focus on other areas of life will also open our eyes to those possibilities around us.  But, the “universe” is not going to give you the keys to the truck.  You have to take action.

Too often, people let opportunities float right by them.  They focus on certain changes in their life, their eyes are open to see the opportunities, but for one reason or another, they are afraid to take any action.  Fear shackles them and in the end, dissolves their dreams.

But it is never too late to start over and begin to dream again.  It is never too late to take advantage of an opportunity.  It doesn’t matter what has happened in the past, today is a brand new day.

Would you like to change some things in your life]  Spend some time in prayer, and then decide, as best you can, what you desire.  Then, put some aggressive mental focus to work, every single day – start dreaming again!

Finally, be ready to take some action.  It’s one thing to desire a pick up truck, and then see trucks everywhere, but quite another to purchase one.  So, put your focus on purchasing one.

Refuse to think about your past failures or your present inadequacies.  Instead, get up, look up, and start walking forward looking for the opportunities.  Put your trust in God, keep your eyes and ears open, and refuse to live with fear.as you take action.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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The Biggest Price

What is the greatest thing you want to obtain?  Is it worldwide fame and recognition?  Is it being a member of the “billionaire” club?  What is the highest achievement you want to reach?

Most people think that if they obtain enough money, not only will all their problems disappear, they will gain all the fame and recognition they desire.  Many people work hard to increase their finances, hoping to someday arrive at a very comfortable destination.  Some make it; others don’t.

I am a believer in being all you can be. I believe in developing your skills and abilities in order to reach your personal potential.  I also believe in finding ways to increase your finances.  I do not find it greedy to look for and implement ways to improve any area of life.

But what is the biggest prize you or I could ever obtain?  If money can’t buy happiness, being happy and fulfilled would be life’s greatest achievement.  But we could go a step further and decide that being the greatest benefactor, sharing millions or billions with those less fortunate would be a pinnacle.

Giving of your abundance to help others is a wonderful thing to do.  True givers continue to give more as they increase.  Some of the wealthiest people in the world are some of the biggest givers.

But We Know What Happens

While life expectancy has recently edged up a few years, how many people do you know who are 120 years old?  None, I am sure.  I think the oldest person living today, that they know of, is around 114, but none of us will reach 120.

No matter how much wealth you amass, no matter how much you give away, no matter how happy and fulfilled your life is, all of us someday will die. So, what price would you be willing to pay in order to live forever?

If the price tag were one million dollars in gold, wouldn’t you work your entire life to obtain it?  Of course, we all would, because once we obtained it, then we would live forever. Wouldn’t that be the biggest prize of all?

Think how much money is spent every year just to look a little younger.  It is a billion dollar per year industry.  All that money is spent to sort of prolong the inevitable just a little bit longer.

Few people believe that we really lived as long as it says they lived in the early portion of the Bible.  But even those people, who lived around eight hundred and nine hundred years, still died. When you consider living far, far beyond nine hundred years, can we really even attempt to put a price tag on eternal life?

What If Eternal Life Is A Gift?

What if the Bible is true and eternal life is a gift from God?  What if our loving God designed a plan whereby anyone could obtain eternal life?  What if the price has already been paid and the gift is now free?

The Bible is true, but, sadly, so many times religious thinking steps in and muddies the waters. “Yes, it’s a gift from God, but, you have to earn it.  There are things you must do to deserve it before you can obtain it.”

Countless, sincere people try to do the best they can, hoping they will “make it.”  They try to do enough “good things” so that they will earn eternal life.  What they “must do” depends upon which school of religious thinking gives out the regimen.

Yet, the Bible is very clear that salvation is a gift and eternal life is a gift.  Wages are earned; a gift is not earned.  When your boss pays you, do you thank him for the generous gift?

The Price Has Been Paid

What would you do if someone handed you the keys to a new car?  What if they said, “Here are the keys to your new car; it is bought and paid for.”  Would you then begin making monthly payments for the car?  Of course not! But, that’s exactly what many Christians are trying to do to obtain the gift of eternal life.

After the fall in the Garden of Eden, and the cataclysmic disaster brought upon mankind, God devised a plan to redeem the human race.  In order to complete redemption satisfying any and all claims of justice, it would require the sacrifice of a perfect human being.

The motivation for God rescuing us was love.  His love for humanity, all people, was so great that He willingly gave His only begotten Son.  He created seed inside Mary, and she gave birth to her son, who was literally, the Son of God.

Jesus Christ lived a perfect life.  He went about doing good; healing all those oppressed by the devil, allowing his Father, God Almighty, to work with him.  He taught people about God, and introduced the concept of God being our Father.

He Did It For Us

When the time came, Jesus willingly suffered and endured, and willingly laid down his life for you and for me.  His death was payment in full for all the sins of the world, and opened the door for any and all who believe in him to receive everlasting life.  The Bible declares his one sacrifice, once and for all, the full and complete payment.

God raised Jesus from the dead.  Now, those who choose to believe that Jesus is the savior and the redeemer, lord of all men, raised from the dead by God, the Bible declares are saved.  Salvation is a gift.  Eternal life is a gift.

We don’t try to do enough “good works” to obtain salvation and eternal life.  We already have them.  And the more we recognize what has been freely given to us and who God has made us to be, out of gratitude, not duty, we live our lives for Him.

The price paid for the biggest prize was the highest price ever paid, the life of a perfect man, Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  The Bible says that we are bought and paid for.  If God was willing to pay such a high price for you and for me, then what are we now worth to Him?

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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John 3:16 Compilation
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God’s Timetable

I’ve heard an expression many times over the years: God is never late.  On the other hand, perhaps, a good expression for us would be: we are never patient.  So how can we figure out God’s timetable?

First, let’s admit that we really are impatient.  We have become a product of our modern conveniences.  We microwave “instant” foods that are ready to eat in mere seconds.

It irritates us if our two hour flight, that takes us hundreds of miles, is delayed by ten minutes.  We expect our fully cooked “fast food” to be ready by the time we get to the pick up window.

These and many more examples that you can probably think of, show clearly that we have lost a lot of patience.  And so many times when it comes to asking God for something, if it doesn’t happen very quickly we get frustrated.

So, when you pray and petition God for something, how long are you supposed to wait?  Is He going to answer?  Could I please take a quick peek

at His timetable on this one?

Too often people just think that God either doesn’t hear their requests, or that He just doesn’t want to answer them. Some often wonder if maybe they haven’t been good enough for Him to respond in kind.

No one knows God’s timetable.  In fact, honestly, there is a lot we don’t know about God.  He says in the Bible, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.”  So, maybe we ought not to be so presumptuous to think we have God all figured out, because we don’t.

Let’s take this position. In the situations that we are faced with in our own lives, there is nothing too hard or too big for God.

If we don’t take that position, then it is pointless to continue this discussion.  God is indeed unlimited in His ability and resources.

Let’s also take the position that God does not lie.  The Bible says that His ears are open unto our prayers.  So we know that every time we pray and ask Him for His help, He indeed hears us.

Muller's Orphan Houses

A man who lived in the 1800’s by the name of George Mueller, set out to show people that God answers prayers.  He had

already seen this in his own life, but wanted to give people something tangible that they could see so that they too could tap into answered prayer.

His plan was establish orphanages for the many homeless children in Great Britain.  He believed that God would provide everything he needed without having to ask anyone for contributions.  He did just that for 64 years.

During that time he built The Orphanage campus at Ashley Down, where it is reported that he cared for and educated over 18,000 children. He educated over 100,000 more in other schools at the Orphanage’s expense and distributed hundreds of thousands of Bibles and countless tracts, in addition to supporting hundreds of missionaries.

He never ever asked for one penny from anyone.  His children never missed a meal, and he never had a debt.  Perhaps regarding God’s timetable, a quote by Mr. Mueller would be helpful.

George Muller

“I live in the spirit of prayer.  I pray as I walk, when I lie down, and when I rise.  And the answers are always coming.  Tens of thousands of times have my prayers been answered.  When once I am persuaded that a thing is right, I go on praying for it.  The great point is never to give up till the answer comes.  The great fault of the children of God is, they do not continue in prayer; they do not persevere.  If they desire anything for God’s glory, they should pray until they get it.”

When it comes to God’s timetable, let’s not get impatient.  Let’s stay persistent in prayer. As Jesus said, we ought not to faint in prayer.  And, let’s keep looking and expecting an answer, no matter how God chooses to get the job done.

And here is another quote from Mueller that I find both inspiring and encouraging.  I hope you do as well.  “Be assured, if you walk with Him and look to Him, and expect help from Him, He will never fail you.”

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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http://confidenceandjoy.com/your-solutions-or-his/
http://confidenceandjoy.com/are-you-putting-limits-on-god/
http://confidenceandjoy.com/persistent-in-prayer/

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Memorial Day 2012

They paid the ultimate price.   Today, we gratefully remember them.

This morning,  I am honored to be the emcee for the annual Memorial Day program, at the VA’s National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.  The ceremony includes a fly over, patriotic songs, a parade of colors, placing of wreaths, rifle volleys and other remembrances. The National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona program is made possible by the National Memorial Cemetery Support Committee of Arizona.

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Nothing. Really?

I’ve been thinking about a verse in the Bible lately that I have known for years.  I have read it so many times that I have it memorized.  I have shared this verse many times in teachings over the years.

But lately, I have been thinking a lot about it; I’ve been considering just how overwhelming the message really is.  And, in considering what it says, I am almost lost for words.

The verse is found in the book of Romans.  Romans is part of the section known as the Church Epistles. These nine epistles contain specific information given to those who are born again.  Most of what you read in them is directed to the children of God, those who are saved.

It is in these Church Epistles that one discovers what God has given to those who accept His Son, Jesus, as lord and believe that God indeed raised him from the dead.  By acknowledging Jesus as lord (meaning he is lord of all men) and believing that God raised him from the dead, you shall be saved.

The Bible is very clear that eternal life is a gift; salvation is by God’s grace. This means no one could ever obtain it by themselves.  It is the completed work of Christ who made eternal life and salvation, available, and, for anyone to become a child of God.

Who Are You?

In these same Church Epistles that we discover who we really are in God’s eyes, who He has made us to be.  We find out that He made us righteous, which means we are right in His sight.  We are accepted by God; we have been forgiven. We are holy and without blame; we have been given all spiritual blessings.  And, there is a lot more!

Far too many people base their self worth on what others think of them.  They spend their whole lives trying to please anyone and everyone around them.  Too many people base their self image on the opinions of others.

Wouldn’t it be great if we decided to think of ourselves as God thinks of us?  I’m talking about what you read in those epistles, not what some people propound.  God is not angry and disgusted with you. Because of what Jesus Christ accomplished, He made you righteous in His eyes; He loves you.

He Loves You!

That’s my point.  God loves you, unconditionally and without reservation.  The verse in Romans 8 that I have been pondering the last few days is just astounding.  After listing everything possible that could be considered, God tells us that there is nothing that “shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

That is why I said that God loves you, unconditionally and without reservation.  His love for you does not get any greater for you when you do something good.  He doesn’t love you any less when you fall short.  His love for you remains constant and certain.

We all know that we don’t deserve His love, and that we could never do enough to obtain His love.  Yet, He loves us. He loves you and He loves me, and that does not change, ever!

Why Do We Love God?

We don’t love God so that He will love us back.  The Bible says that we love Him because He first loved us.  The more we think about and focus on God’s unconditional and unchanging love for us, the more we cannot help but to love Him back.

The more we see who He has really made us to be, because of His great unchanging love, the more we can begin to accept and believe who we really are.  And, as we grow in that acceptance, we will grow in our genuine love for others.

Nothing can separate you from the love of God.  Nothing? Really?  Nothing!

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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Are You Afraid To Trust God?

There are a number of different reasons why some people are afraid to trust God for His help.  But it seems that in the troubling days we are living in, a few more people each day are at least considering the possibility of receiving help from God.  Perhaps this article can be of great assistance to those wondering if they really can trust God to help them.

Why are some people afraid to trust God? Some are afraid of the answer they might receive.  Others are afraid that they are not worthy of receiving His help.  Still others fear that God may not give them what they really need.  But are these really valid reasons, or are they just suppositions or assumptions based on falsehoods?

Some are afraid to trust God because they have heard that God gives you sicknesses or problems just to test your faith.  It’s pretty hard to put your trust in someone who just might bring disaster in your life, isn’t it? I don’t believe that God brings misery and tragedy into your life to test you.  That is not the action of a loving God.

Others have a hard time trusting God because they just don’t feel like their life has measured up to the standard that they think warrants having God’s blessing on their life.  In other words, they are afraid that they don’t deserve God’s help or His blessings, because they haven’t been as “good” as someone else said that they should be.  Some sincere religious soul has duped them into thinking that they must earn God’s love.

Others are afraid that God’s answer might bring them help in a way that they would not like.  In other words, if they ask and trust God for housing that they need, they are afraid that His answer might be a one room apartment and that they would then need to be thankful and just accept it.  But that is just the opposite of what is promised in the Bible. The Bible says that God supplies all that we need.

He Is Not Testing Your Faith

God does not rain problems down on your life to test your faith.  God does not bestow His love and blessings on those who have earned it and deserve it.  (Who would qualify?)  And, God does not answer our prayers with inferior results that do not supply our needs.  Those assumptions are erroneous, and those who teach such are teaching error and are actually preventing people from receiving from a loving and kind God.

So, we are left with a decision.  We can either choose to not trust God based on what people say, or we can choose to trust God based on what He says.  There are countless scriptures where God encourages us to trust Him.  The Bible is full of exhortation for us to call upon Him for help.  And, He has made promise after promise that He will indeed help us.

What does it really mean to trust Him?  Is it some kind of blind faith?  Is it more than just saying that we are trusting in Him?  What can we expect from Him when we do indeed trust Him?

How To Trust God

To trust God is to have absolute confidence in Him and simply accept and believe what He has promised us.  It is not a casual request to someone who may or may not be interested in helping.  It is not going through some religious motion or notion of saying a prayer and then hoping for the best.

Trusting God means that we have no doubts; we are convinced.  We recognize that He is unlimited in His resources to supply.  We recognize that He is the One Who said that we ought to ask for His help.  We accept and believe that what He has promised He is willing and able to perform on our behalf.  That is how to trust God.

We have many examples in the scriptures of those who believed and trusted God and received genuine help from Him.  Those examples cover aspects of life including healing, finances, peace and safety, to name a few  If they trusted God and received the help that they needed, so can we.

We each choose what we are going to believe. We can choose to believe some sincere soul who claims to speak for God but is in fact not speaking truthfully according to the scriptures.  Or, we can choose to accept what God says and take Him at His Word, putting our complete trust and confidence in Him.  If we truly want the results that we are looking for, we would be wise to trust in God.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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