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What Am I Supposed To Learn From This?

Have you ever been in a trying or difficult situation and thought, “What am I supposed to learn from this?”  If you have, or know others who have, it is because that kind of thinking is propounded by some people.  But, why is that?

Now of course you and I learn many things from various difficult situations that we face in our lives, no doubt.  We all make mistakes, and, hopefully, we learn from them.  I’m not denying that.

But posing the question, “What am I supposed to learn from this,” results in subtle undertones that the situation itself was given to me for the sole purpose that I need to learn something.  I do not ascribe to that kind of thinking, and I’ll tell you why.

Trying Times Are Not Fun

First of all, being in a difficult situation is never pleasant. Whether it is through my own mistakes, or something outside of my control, those situations are never a lot fun.  Wouldn’t you agree?

But then, if I then add to the current misery that this situation was given to me so that I could learn something, I have to wonder who gave it to me. Don’t you?  And there are some well meaning religious people quick to inform you that God is the one who gave you this misery, because you are supposed to learn something.

I believe that is foolish.  If you’ve ever read about the man Job in the Bible, then you know that he experienced an extremely difficult time.  He lost all his children, all of his wealth, and, almost all his health in a very short amount of time.  It was so bad that his wife encouraged him to just curse God and die.  But the record says that Job never charged God foolishly.

Whether openly, which some people do, or subtly, it disgusts me to hear God being blamed for troubles, hardships and evil.  The nature of the one true God is love and light, not hate and darkness.  To think that difficult times are engineered by Him so that you can learn something is very degrading to the Almighty.

The truth is that in difficult situations we certainly might learn something valuable, but on the other hand we might not.  A better question might be, “What can I learn from all of this?”  Of course, if we’re honest, we all know that in those difficult situations, what we learn is not our primary focus, is it?  The learning usually takes place once we’ve discovered a solution or resolution and we look back and reflect.

His Nature

The one true God is a God of love, light and deliverance; a very present help in time of need.  He does not send sickness, tragedy, or difficult times because you need to learn a few things.  However, there is another god mentioned in the Bible who has quite a different agenda.  He comes to steal, kill and destroy.

The evil in this world originates from, as the Bible calls him, “the god of this world,” among other names.  There is day coming when he will be completely destroyed.  But even so, I am also not one of those who constantly refer to the devil. I don’t say, “The devil did that; look what the adversary did to me now; Satan is really attacking this time,” or anything similar.

Even though I know that all the evil can be traced back to him, I refuse to even give him credit for his evil. Instead, I choose to put my focus on my loving God and Father.  The one true God is a God of solutions, even miraculous solutions at times.  The Bible states, “If God be for us, who can be against us?”

It’s Your Choice

As we go through this life we ought to continue learn and grow.  And certainly in difficult situations there are things we can learn.  But why not choose to keep your focus on the Giver, the Supplier, and the Healer? Focus on the truth in the Bible that nothing can separate you from His love.

By the way, the man Job had some friends who in his time of trouble tried very hard to get him to admit that his situation was the result of sin in his life.  But, once they were all done jawing, God asked Job to pray for them!  You would have thought it would be the other way around, right?

Then God not only healed Job, but He gave him double of everything that he lost.  God doesn’t steal, He gives; He doesn’t kill, He heals.

And, one more thought, just for fun.  Have you ever noticed that when something really good is happening in your life, no one ever says, “What are you supposed to learn from this?”

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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24 Hours

Do you watch a lot of TV?  How much is a lot?  It’s probably nobody’s business how much you watch, anyway, right?

I was curiously searching the other day and found that we Americans watch TV on average 5 hours a day. Wow. That’s 35 hours a week in front of the tube (not counting another 10 hours a week on the internet.)

Then I found, from people who like calculating numbers, that it is estimated that by age 65 a person will have spent around 9 years of their life in front of the television.  Even if that figure is high, it is startling to think that you and I could spend even one year of our lives watching TV, isn’t it?

This intrigued me, so I searched some more and found some statistics from 2010.  One said that 66 percent of US households have three or more TV sets. Another said that said that 49 percent of Americans think they watch too much TV.

Don’t worry, I’m not going to go off on a rant similar to Peter Finch in 1976 in his role as Howard Beale, in the movie Network.  Nor am I judging anyone or being critical.  We all make our own decisions on what we do with each twenty four hours we are given every day.

Increased Ratings = Increased Revenues

I’ve heard it said a number of times in a few different ways, but the essence is still the same:  when we watch TV we are watching other people living their dreams, having fun and making money.  That was one of those statements that when I heard it for the first time, I wished that I hadn’t heard it.

But it’s true isn’t it?  The more people that watch a certain show, the better the ratings and income for those involved.  But what does watching a TV show do to improve our lives?  Yes of course we need to relax and “chill out,” but we still all only receive 24 hours every day.

Now again, I’m not judging or telling anyone what to do.  I don’t watch very much, but I do like the History Channel and sports once in awhile. My wife Kathy likes Dancing with the Stars.  But what if someone decided to cut out just one hour a day of TV watching and instead did something to improve their life?

Imagine what you could learn or develop in just one year after putting 365 hours into it.  Even one hour a week would yield you 52 hours of learning and growing.  What could you learn?

What’s Your Suitcase Look Like?

Once, many years ago when I felt I too overloaded with not enough time, someone said something to me that I have never forgotten.  They said that each day we all get a 24 hour suitcase; some people have just learned how to pack better than others. Too often you hear people say, “If I just had more time…”  The truth is we never get any more time than the 24 hours we are given every day.

It is always a good exercise to stop and take a look at how we are using our 24 hours.  Evaluate your time and then make some decisions.  Make the time to do something that will improve and enhance your life, spiritually, mentally, and physically.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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You Are What You Think

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “You are what you eat.”  That’s true in a sense.  But you know what is even truer?  You are what you think.

No question that our physical diet directly affects us, right?  I have found that as I age, my body doesn’t seem to respond very well to things I could eat when I was younger.  When I was younger I was really not that concerned with what I ate; but I am now.

However, equally, if not even more so, we all ought to be very concerned with what we are feeding our minds, or, what our minds are feeding upon.   Most people feed on a consistent diet of negatives, and in addition actually anticipate negatives.

Want An Example?

What do you expect to hear when someone asks you, “Did you hear what happened?”   Are you expecting to hear something really good and positive?  Are you expecting to hear of a miracle and someone receiving healing?  Are you expecting to hear something really good?

I wonder what the person asking would think if you responded to that question by saying, “If it’s something negative I don’t want to hear about it.”  They might look at you like you’re crazy or something.

But honestly, outside of something negative happening to family and close friends, what good does it do you to hear yet another negative?  And we hear them all day long, don’t we?  On the news, at work, with family and friends, we constantly hear about negative events.

How Much?  Try This Out.

Take a piece of paper and pen with you wherever you go, and for just one day, make a check mark every time you hear something that is negative.  And make a check mark on the other side of the paper every time you hear something that is positive, uplifting, or encouraging.

Try it for one day.  You will be amazed.  Talk about a diet of junk food!  And guess what?  That does not even include any negative self talk, or the negative things you think and say to yourself, about yourself.

Now I realize that everyone is different; some people hear less negatives in a day than others; others have trained themselves to eliminate destructive self talk.  But, if you know someone who is very, very negative, now you know why.

Room For Improvement

All of us, myself included, no matter where we are today, can improve our attitude, and thus improve our lives.  Start by listening a lot closer to your own self talk.  Is there more positive self talk, or more negative self talk?

Some people go as far as to suggest that you shouldn’t listen to any negative thoughts that you are having, but I disagree. Whatever those thoughts are, you need to get to the bottom of it. Once you do, you will be able to change your core beliefs.

For example, if you are having thoughts of failure; thoughts of not being able to do this or do that, then the question is, why do you think that way?  Ask yourself that question. Then, listen to the answers.

Whatever the answers are, you next need to ask yourself why you think those are valid answers or reasons.  And, then do the same with the next answers.  The point is, keep digging until you get to the bottom of it.  

I can guarantee you that when you get to the bottom of it, whatever it is, it will be opposite to what God promises you in the Bible, and who He made you to be as a Christian.  At that point, make a conscious effort to release it, put it off, cast it down, and then replace it with God’s promises.

Make The Time

You may need to repeat this simple exercise over and over for specific issues.  It may take some time and effort.  But what you are really doing is changing your core beliefs, and our lives are a direct result of our own core beliefs.  So, isn’t it worth it to make the time and effort to get our core beliefs to work for us and not against us?

Finally, what do we allow our minds to feed on?  I know we can’t lock ourselves in a closet with our fingers in our ears.  But, we can control how much of the “news” we listen to, and instead, replace that with an uplifting, encouraging inspiring book.  (I’m highly in favor of the Bible, by the way!)

If you’re driving you obviously can’t read a book at the same time.  Instead, utilize a media player of some sort so that you can expose and feed your mind that which is uplifting, encouraging and inspiring.  It’s your time and it’s your mind.

Most everyone knows what changes can happen when we have a very good physical diet.  But very few have ever explored how dramatically ones life can change from a very good mental diet.  Every day, every minute, every thought, the choice is ours.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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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

Don’t Be Shy – Leave A Comment!
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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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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!
The Garden Of Your Mind
Are Weeds Growing In Your Head?
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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]

Don’t Be Shy – Leave A Comment!
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You Might Also Enjoy:
Get Up And Get Dressed
Who Is To Blame?
Having Some Problems

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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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There’s More!
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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