Category Archives: Posts

Posted on

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!
Do you have some thoughts about this?  We’d love to hear what you think. Just scroll to the bottom of this post and type in your comment. (If you are receiving this post via email or RSS, just click the title above and then scroll to the bottom of the post and type in your comment.)

You Might Also Enjoy:
Are Weeds Growing In Your Head?
Opposite Thoughts
Stop Looking Back!

Share This!
Do you want to share this on your website or Blog?   To share on social media, like Facebook or Twitter, there are buttons below.

There’s More!
For past articles, click on the, “Posts” tab above.  For past videos and podcasts, mouse over the “Posts” tab above.  Look for more videos as well as more podcasts coming soon to Confidence And Joy!

Posted on

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

Leave A Comment!
Do you have some thoughts about this?  We’d love to hear what you think.  To leave a comment if you are receiving this post via email or RSS, just click the title above and scroll to the bottom of the post and type in your comment.  If not, just scroll to the bottom of this post and type in your comment.

Share This Article!
To share this article on social media, like Facebook, or, Twitter, there are links below.

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

Posted on

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

Don’t Be Shy – Leave A Comment!
Do you have some thoughts about this?  We’d love to hear what you think. Just scroll to the bottom of this post and type in your comment. (If you are receiving this post via email or RSS, just click the title above and then scroll to the bottom of the post and type in your comment.)

You Might Also Enjoy:
He Promised
True Comfort In Times Of Sorrow
Another Birthday

Share This!
Do you want to share this on your website or Blog?   To share on social media, like Facebook or Twitter, there are buttons below.

There’s More!
For past articles, click on the, “Posts” tab above.  For past videos and podcasts, mouse over the “Posts” tab above.  Look for more videos as well as more podcasts coming soon to Confidence And Joy!

Posted on

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

Don’t Be Shy – Leave A Comment!
Do you have some thoughts about this?  We’d love to hear what you think. Just scroll to the bottom of this post and type in your comment. (If you are receiving this post via email or RSS, just click the title above and then scroll to the bottom of the post and type in your comment.)

You Might Also Enjoy:
Are You Righteous In His Eyes?
How To Receive More Of God’s Favor
Is He Willing?
Who Wants This $50 Dollar Bill?

Share This!
Do you want to share this on your website or Blog?   To share on social media, like Facebook or Twitter, there are buttons below.

There’s More!
For past articles, click on the, “Posts” tab above.  For past videos and podcasts, mouse over the “Posts” tab above.  Look for more videos as well as more podcasts coming soon to Confidence And Joy!

Posted on

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!
Do you have some thoughts about this?  We’d love to hear what you think. Just scroll to the bottom of this post and type in your comment. (If you are receiving this post via email or RSS, just click the title above and then scroll to the bottom of the post and type in your comment.)

You Might Also Enjoy:
How To Receive More Of God’s Favor
Is He Willing?
Who Wants This $50 Dollar Bill?

Share This!
Do you want to share this on your website or Blog?   To share on social media, like Facebook or Twitter, there are buttons below.

There’s More!
For past articles, click on the, “Posts” tab above.  For past videos and podcasts, mouse over the “Posts” tab above.  Look for more videos as well as more podcasts coming soon to Confidence And Joy!

 

Posted on

It Is A New Year

(This time of year, many people are talking about setting goals.  There are countless articles, books, and courses about goals. This article is about why some people do not even consider setting goals for the New Year.)

There are lots of people who don’t get very excited about another new year They simply expect another year of the same with a different date attached to it.  But there is a reason why they do not anticipate anything new and exciting in the days and weeks ahead.

One of the main reasons that people do not anticipate new and exciting things for the New Year is that they are very discouraged by where their lives are today.  Not only that, but they see no way for things to improve.  They have allowed disappointments and discouragements in the past to steal their hopes and dreams.

How can you arrive at the place in your life where you will no longer be disappointed or face any discouragement?  You can’t.  Everyone faces disappointments and discouragements.

It Happens To All Of Us

People who are discouraged and feel trapped hardly ever consider that everyone else in the world faces disappointments and discouragements, too.  We all face challenges, obstacles, disappointments, rejections, setbacks, etc.  Since we all face them, then it is our response to what comes our way that determines our futures.

You and I know people who seem to wallow in their troubles.  Looking at the New Year ahead, they often say things like, “I sure hope I have a better year than I did this last year.”  That statement, alone by itself, is not a statement of hope for the New Year, with a clear vision of what one wants to see happen, but rather it is a focus on the disappointments of the past year. What they are really saying is that they just don’t want any more disappointments coming to them in the coming year.

Now who doesn’t want a better year?  Of course, we all do.  But a better year than last year means different things to different people.

What’s Your Response?

For some, a better year is a year without disappointments. Others take an honest look at what they accomplished in the year ending, and decide where they want to go in the coming New Year.  Regardless of the disappointments and setbacks they experienced, their response is to keep dreaming big; they have vision and hope for the days ahead.

There is a big difference in the response, isn’t there?  One hopes that nothing bad happens, and the other hopes that something good happens.  Just like in all of life, our response is our own choice; we choose to respond and those responses really do determine our future.

Those with hopes and dreams for a brighter future have expectations for the coming year.  Many people like to break down the “big expectation” into smaller pieces so that they see their progress over short periods of time.  Some like to put dates on these short range expectations to further help them keep their eyes on what they are expecting for the year.

Shattered Dreams

A man recently shared with me some of what has happened to him in the past few years.  As unpleasant as it was, he was not complaining or looking for sympathy. We were having a discussion about the possibility of him doing something different that has great potential financially.

It was sad to see that he had lost the vision he once had for his life. He is not alone; I see people who desire to only have enough to pay their bills and buy their food.  Many have accepted that they will work until they die, or try to live off of social security.

A New Year?  What’s The Big Deal?

So, when it comes to a New Year, lots of people say, “What’s the big deal?” because they are not only discouraged at where their life is today, but they see no way for things to get any better. They need to stop and realize that while everyone faces disappointments, it is always the response to what life throws at you that is critical to your future.

Once you see and believe that, then you can stop allowing disappointments and discouragements to steal your hopes and dreams.  You can move forward knowing that God said that He will never leave you nor forsake you, that He will direct your path and that He will give you the desires of your heart!

You know, you just might be excited to write down some goals too!

Mike Verdicchio
2011

Don’t Be Shy – Leave A Comment!
Do you have some thoughts about this?  We’d love to hear what you think. Just scroll to the bottom of this post and type in your comment. (If you are receiving this post via email or RSS, just click the title above and then scroll to the bottom of the post and type in your comment.)

You Might Also Enjoy:
Are You Clear?
What Happened To Your Dreams?
Don’t Give Up!

Share This!
Do you want to share this on your website or Blog?   To share on social media, like Facebook or Twitter, there are buttons below.

There’s More!
For past articles, click on the, “Posts” tab above.  For past videos and podcasts, mouse over the “Posts” tab above.  Look for more videos as well as more podcasts coming soon to Confidence And Joy!

Posted on

Is It Just Meant To Be?

It must be hard to dream for the people who believe in fate.  For those who accept that everything is meant to be, it is pointless to imagine.  Subscribing to fate and the “everything is meant to be” philosophy stifles one’s imagination and negates possibility thinking, doesn’t it?

God gave human beings something far beyond what He gave the animals.  We have the ability to reason and choose our own thoughts.  And very few realize just how powerful our own thoughts are, and how dramatically our own thoughts effect our lives.

Those who are locked into fate can only hope that they are on the right track.  In other words, nothing they do will ultimately change their lives. All they can do is hope that their life is not as bad as other people’s lives.  That is not really living, is it?

But, those who understand that they don’t have to settle, and that they can have hope for something better, have genuine goals and desires. They have imagination and inspiration.  They grab hold of life and say, “Let’s see how far I can go!”

That kind of thinking, along with subsequent related actions, is possibility thinking, inspired by the freewill to choose thoughts. Possibility thinkers understand how vital and critical their own thoughts really are.  They are aware that they determine their own barriers or limits.

Barriers

It is really impossible to go beyond the barriers or limits that you build in your own mind and choose to believe. Regardless of the reason why, your mental barrier is yours; you built it and you own it.  You may have all kinds of reasons to justify your barrier, including others who concur, but it is still the barrier or limit that you built.

Countless examples exist of people who because of the odds, physical limitation, or any number of variables, would have been completely justified in building a barrier or limit in their mind. But they did not. They faced and overcame their challenges.  We all have a choice to think whatever thoughts we choose to think.  Those thoughts will either construct barriers, or construct possibilities; the choice is always ours.

What did Michael Jordan construct in his mind after he was cut from his high school basketball team?  He could have accepted his “fate” and moved on.  But he is now one of the greatest basketball players of all time.  He once said, “Whenever I was working out and got tired and figured I ought to stop, I’d close my eyes and see that list in the locker room without my name on it, and that usually got me going again.”

Want to know who failed sixth grade? He was subsequently defeated in every election for public office until he became Prime Minister of Great Britain at the age of 62. His name was Winston Churchill and he wrote, “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never – in nothing, great or small, large or petty – never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never, never, never, never give up.”

Abraham Lincoln’s life was anything but success for many, many years.  He failed in business and he was defeated in public elections, over and over.  And yet, today he remains one of the greatest presidents of the United States.

A young boy wanted to be the ball boy for a Davis Cup tennis match.  He was rejected on the grounds that he was too awkward and clumsy.  That young boy was Stan Smith who went on to win Wimbledon, the U. S. Open, and, eight Davis Cups.

What Is Your Opinion?

The opinions we carry of ourselves, along with the things that we say to ourselves about ourselves, who we are and what we can do, are literally life changing.  And, as Christians, we not only have the ability to build mental possibilities instead of mental barriers, but God has given us His spirit.  That means that He can communicate to us and give us the wisdom we need for our journey in life.

We can just accept our fate and choose to believe that everything that happens is just, “meant to be.” Or, with God on our side, we can choose to put in the effort and determination to make our dreams come true.  What’s your choice?

Mike Verdicchio
2011

Don’t Be Shy – Leave A Comment!
Do you have some thoughts about this?  We’d love to hear what you think. Just scroll to the bottom of this post and type in your comment. (If you are receiving this post via email or RSS, just click the title above and then scroll to the bottom of the post and type in your comment.)

You Might Also Enjoy:
Do You Rely On Luck Or Fate?
What’s In Your Fortune Cookie?
What’s Your Fate?

Share This!
Do you want to share this on your website or Blog?   To share on social media, like Facebook or Twitter, there are buttons below.

There’s More!
For past articles, click on the, “Posts” tab above.  For past videos and podcasts, mouse over the “Posts” tab above.  Look for more videos as well as more podcasts coming soon to Confidence And Joy!

Posted on

Jonah And The Whale

Are the stories you read in the Bible really true?  Did those things really happen?   Did Jonah really survive for three days inside of a whale?

Some people think that many incidents recorded in the Bible did not happen. They feel that these stories are just too unbelievable.  Because of that kind of thinking, they are quick to dismiss the whole Bible.

A lot of records in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, are considered “children’s stories” by some.  For years, Sunday school teachers have used those incidents from the Bible to teach children.  As a result, many of those accounts are looked upon as simply, children’s stories.

What we read in the Bible is not only true, but it is for children of all ages.  But, far too often, records in the Bible are not understood and thus erroneously taught.  It is the lack of understanding, and subsequent teaching that many times causes people to doubt; such is the case of the account of Jonah and the whale.

(Note: In the Old Testament it is translated as a, “great fish.”  In the New Testament is translated as a, “whale.”)

He Was Alive?  Really?

Most people teach that Jonah was somehow alive inside of a whale for three days and three nights.  I have even see drawings for little children where Jonah is inside the big fish, sitting at a table with a candle on the table.  No wonder people think that it’s ridiculous.

The real problem comes from not understanding what is written.  The Bible tells us that Jonah was swallowed by a great fish and was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights.  Then, we learn that God spoke to the fish, and the fish vomited out Jonah and he ends up on dry ground.

Chapter one of the book of Jonah gives us the details of how Jonah ended up in the water, and the last verse of chapter two tells of how Jonah got back to dry ground.  But far too many miss the details in chapter two of what happened to Jonah in the water, before he was swallowed by the great fish.

God had asked Jonah to go the city of Nineveh and cry against it.  Jonah did not want to go.  Nineveh was not part of Israel, but rather the capital of Assyria.

So, instead, Jonah got on a ship headed away from Nineveh, bound for Tarsus.  On the journey, a great storm came up, and the others on board began praying to their gods.  Then they decided to cast lots to see who was responsible for this deadly storm.

It is interesting that a long-established expression among sailors uses the term, “a Jonah,” as meaning a person (either a sailor or a passenger) whose presence on board brings bad luck and endangers the ship

Jonah informed them that he was fleeing from the Lord God.  He told them to throw him overboard and the storm would calm.  He was in a great state of despair for having refused to do what God asked him.

Don’t Miss These Details

But when you read the details in chapter two, you get a glimpse of his prayer while alive in the water, just before he died.  Yes, Jonah died, and I’ll reference a very reliable source to corroborate that in a minute.

After Jonah’s prayer, he died, and then God sent a great fish and it swallowed him.  After three days and three nights God spoke to the fish and it vomited out Jonah and he was back to dry ground.  He then went to Nineveh.

Now I know there are those who say that Jonah was alive in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, and that was the miracle.  For that to happen, God would have had to change many of His natural laws, or, turn the great fish into a submarine.  The truth is, Jonah was dead; I have that on great authority.

Jesus Was Right

Jesus Christ said, “For as Jonas [Jonah] was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”  So if Jonah did not die, then neither did Jesus!  Jesus Christ also stated that he would be crucified and die, but then be raised from the dead.

Jesus Christ used an incident, a true event from the Old Testament, to show that he would be dead and buried for three days and three nights.  Just like Jonah was dead for three days and three nights, Jesus would also be dead, and buried for three days and three nights.

So, Jonah did not hang out in the belly of the whale for three days, sitting at his table with the candle.  That is ridiculous.  But when people hear things taught like that, they can quickly dismiss the Bible as incredible, and relinquish what is written as merely, “children’s stories.”

Yes, the Bible was written for children of all ages.  And isn’t it just great that God did raise Jesus from the dead, to die no more?  And, not only that, but God has promised to send him back to gather together all those who believe in Christ!

Mike Verdicchio
2011

Don’t Be Shy – Leave A Comment!
Do you have some thoughts about this?  We’d love to hear what you think. Just scroll to the bottom of this post and type in your comment. (If you are receiving this post via email or RSS, just click the title above and then scroll to the bottom of the post and type in your comment.)

You Might Also Enjoy:
Children’s Stories
He Is Willing.  Are You?
A King’s Decree And The Brave Three

Share This!
Do you want to share this on your website or Blog?   To share on social media, like Facebook or Twitter, there are buttons below.

There’s More!
For past articles, click on the, “Posts” tab above.  For past videos and podcasts, mouse over the “Posts” tab above.  Look for more videos as well as more podcasts coming soon to Confidence And Joy!

Posted on

Thanksgiving 2011

There’s a lot going on tomorrow. It is Thanksgiving Day!

First of all, there are not one or even two, but three NFL games.  That means that you can literally watch football all day long.  (“Let’s enjoy our big Thanksgiving meal in front of the TV!”)

Speaking of the Thanksgiving meal, lots of time and effort will be spent preparing the big feast.  Kudos to all those who prepare the big feast; that is a big job.  But have you ever noticed after hours and hours of preparation, once people sit down to eat, it’s all over within about twenty minutes?

And let’s not forget about preparations for the day after, Black Friday.  Plans need to be made about where you will shop and what time you will be at each gigantic sale.  How early will you get up to go get the sales before they run out?

Oh, and let’s not forget to find some time to give thanks. After all, it is Thanksgiving Day, isn’t it?  Or does that just get lost in the shuffle?

Things today in our culture here in the USA are a lot different than they were years ago.  We are not pilgrims living in Plymouth, and the year is not 1621.  Times have changed.

Speaking of the Pilgrims, there is a great lesson that they learned that I posted last year called, A Forgotten History Lesson.  http://confidenceandjoy.com/a-forgotten-history-lesson/  If you haven’t read it, it speaks pretty loudly to things going on in our world today.

Thanksgiving Day, now celebrated here in the USA on the fourth Thursday in November, has officially been an annual tradition since 1863, when during the Civil War, on October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving to be celebrated on Thursday, November 26.

Part of Lincoln’s proclamation stated:

I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.

And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.

Years before, on October 3, 1789, President George Washington had a Thanksgiving Proclamation.  Part of what he stated was:

Now therefore, I do recommend and affirm Thursday the twenty-sixth day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed;– for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;– for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;– and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions;– to enable us all, whether in publick or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Let’s enjoy whatever we do tomorrow, whether it’s football, a big feast or time with family.  But let’s also take a little time to reflect not only on the history and background of Thanksgiving Day, but on our loving and giving God.

Shouldn’t every day be a day of expressing some gratitude toward our heavenly Father?  Even if things in our lives at the moment may not be where we would like for them to be, are there not countless things we can remember to thank Him for?

And, as you read above in both proclamations, we really ought to pray for our country and ask God for His help.  His kindness and mercy has been extended to this great land for many, many years.  We can certainly ask Him to pardon us, and to continue to extend His kindness and mercy on our land.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving Day!

Mike Verdicchio
2011

Don’t Be Shy – Leave A Comment!
Do you have some thoughts about this?  We’d love to hear what you think. Just scroll to the bottom of this post and type in your comment. (If you are receiving this post via email or RSS, just click the title above and then scroll to the bottom of the post and type in your comment.)

You Might Also Enjoy:
A Forgotten History Lesson
Happy Thanksgiving

Share This!
Do you want to share this on your website or Blog?   To share on social media, like Facebook or Twitter, there are buttons below.

There’s More!
For past articles, click on the, “Posts” tab above.  For past videos and podcasts, mouse over the “Posts” tab above.  Look for more videos as well as more podcasts coming soon to Confidence And Joy!

Posted on

Veteran’s Day 2011

Happy Veteran’s Day To All Veterans!

Thank You For Your Service To Our Country!

This morning I once again woke up in a free country.  The price for the freedoms I enjoy here in the USA everyday didn’t cost me a dime.  That price has been paid for me, many, many times, over many, many years, by brave men and women in our Armed Forces.

I am grateful to live in this free country.  But, that doesn’t mean that everything is supposed to be free, or, that somehow I deserve to have some of what others have worked for and earned.  Here in the USA, our constitution says that God has given each of us certain unalienable rights, among those are life, liberty and the pursuit of happines.

I am grateful that because we are free, I can then choose to live, have the liberty to think and make my own choices, and, I have the right to pusue my own happiness.  Happiness is not my right, but rather, my pursuit of happiess, that is my right.

Take some time today to say, “Thank you,” to a veteran.  In fact, anytime, and any day, show your gratitude to a veteran.

You might want to watch the video I posted on Veteran’s Day back in 2009. And, you might also like to watch this very inspiring video.

Thanks again to all our veterans, and may God continue to be gracious and bless my country, the United States of America.

Mike Verdicchio
2011

Don’t Be Shy – Leave A Comment!
Do you have some thoughts about this?  We’d love to hear what you think. Just scroll to the bottom of this post and type in your comment. (If you are receiving this post via email or RSS, just click the title above and then scroll to the bottom of the post and type in your comment.)

You Might Also Enjoy:
Veteran’s Day 2009
A High School Teacher Imparts A Lesson

Share This!
Do you want to share this on your website or Blog?   To share on social media, like Facebook or Twitter, there are buttons below.

There’s More!
For past articles, click on the, “Posts” tab above.  For past videos and podcasts, mouse over the “Posts” tab above.  Look for more videos as well as more podcasts coming soon to Confidence And Joy!