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HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023

Starting The New Year With Gratitude

I began this “New” Year with an “old” habit.  I take some time at the beginning of a new year to thank God for what He’s done for me.  I continue to update an ongoing list of His blessings, adding to it not only things that happen during the current year, but other blessings I remember from the past that were not on this list. 

The result? Great gratitude to God for His love, grace, and kindness.

When a difficult and challenging year ends, it is all too easy to reflect back on what one has endured.  It’s common to hear phrases like, “I’m glad this year is over,” along with, “I hope this New Year will be a lot better.” 

In everyone’s life there are challenges.  Some years we face more than other years.  But has there ever been a year with no challenges, no setbacks, or no difficulties?  Of course not. It’s just part of life.

But regardless of any and all challenges, taking a little time to write down some of the blessings from God during the year is not only very encouraging, but very helpful in the New Year ahead. Here’s why.

Remind Yourself

The more you remind yourself of His gracious blessings in your life, reminding yourself of His His help and His goodness toward you, it builds confidence and trust in Him.

Remembering those blessings allows you to go to God with your requests and petitions with greater expectations because you remember what He has already done for you.  If He blessed you then, He can certainly bless you now.   

And, even more importantly, God gets the gratitude and recognition He so deserves. We thank Him, remembering what He did for us, giving Him the credit for the blessings in our lives.  And, again, as we do this, our confidence in His help in the coming days, weeks, and months ahead continues to grow.

Psalm 69:30
I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.  

When we thank God, we magnify Him, we recognize His greatness; we give Him the thanks and appreciation He deserves. We remind ourselves of His care, His grace and His help. 

What You Think

If all we ever think and talk about are our troubles, our mind stays fixed on the sad parts of life.  The Bible says,  “As a man thinks in his heart so is he;” and, “Guard your heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life.”  Staying focused on the problems and challenges hinders our expectations of God’s help. 

On the other hand, when our minds stay fixed on His blessings, His goodness, and His help and care, we lay our petitions before Him, looking for and expecting His blessings.  The more we think that way, the more we are reminded of His goodness. 

God does not bring us troubles and tragedies.  God, because of His love, His grace, and His mercy, brings us deliverance. 

Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

God wants us to let His peace rule in our hearts – He says, “Be thankful.”  Reminding yourself of His blessings brings peace to your heart.

Pray With Confidence

Philippians 4:6 & 7
Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

God does not want us to be anxious or stressed. So we go to Him with our requests, with thanksgiving – remembering what He has already done for us.  And as a result, God’s peace will guard our hearts.

Starting a New Year with anticipation for a better year is a good idea.  Writing down goals or resolutions along with an action plan for the coming New Year is a good, positive strategy for the days ahead. Reviewing them throughout the year keeps one focused and on track, especially if the past year was challenging or difficult.

But take some time as this New Year begins to thank God for His blessings on your life.  As this new year unfolds, write down His blessings and answers to your prayers.  Let them be a reminder to you that God is still on the throne.

God is still able to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think. He is still able to make all grace abound toward you, that you always have all sufficiency in all things.  

Have a Happy and Blessed New Year!

Psalm 103:2
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

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THE WISE MEN FROIM THE EAST

How Did They Know?


This time of year, many Christians all over the world remember the birth of Jesus Christ. The story is retold in a variety of ways.  There are sermons, nativity scenes, plays, songs, etc.  One of the elements associated with this story is the record of the “wise men” from the Gospel of Matthew.  

Some of what you read in this article does not agree with some traditions. I invite you to take the time to consider this exciting information. The Scriptures rightly understood give us the truth and traditions must always take a back seat to the Word of God.

Where Did They Come From?

The only account of the “wise men” coming to Bethlehem in the Bible is recorded in the gospel of Matthew. (That record is printed in full at the end of this article.)

The Bible says that they came from the “East.”  This would indicate the area of Persia. The “wise men” are also referred to in some circles as, “The Three Kings.” In this article I am using the word “Magi” instead of “wise men.”  

In the gospel of Matthew, the words “wise men” are from one Greek word, “magos.”  This is the name given by the Babylonians (Chaldeans), Medes, Persians, and others, to the wise men, teachers, priests, physicians, astrologers, seers, interpreters of dreams, augers, soothsayers, sorcerers etc.”

There are many who regard this word as having its origins in Babylon.  That is very interesting because in the Greek translation of the Old Testament, this word, “magos,” is found in the book of Daniel, where it is translated “magicians.”

Some scholars have concluded from studying ancient records that the earliest Magi lived in the Persia area.  They were a religious sect predating Zoroaster, who founded the Zoroastrian religion.  The Magi then adopted the Zoroastrian religion and became the priesthood for that religion.

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THANKSGIVING 2022

This Thursday is the holiday we call, “Thanksgiving Day.”  Being grateful to God is something we do each and every day. For Christians, every day is a Thanksgiving day!. 

Have you noticed?  People who choose to recognize even the smallest blessing and make gratitude a habit, are happy, positive people.  Because they focus on God supplying, they have confidence in God and trust He will continue to provide blessings. And He does!

People who choose to only look at negative situations and make complaining a habit, are miserable people.  Because the focus on what they don’t have, they lack confidence in God to provide and supply what they need.

What you think about and the habits you make are choices.  And what you choose will bring you results.  Choose to make gratitude a habit!  There is always so much we can thank God for!

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Check out my 2 latest podcasts – they are both about gratitude!
#79 – A Great Benefit Of Gratitude (4:07)
In this podcast discover a great side benefit that comes with being thankful to God.
#80 – Don’t Forget Them All (4:14)
In this podcast I share two ways I have used to develop and increase my gratitude to God.

Below are some links to past Thanksgiving posts from ConfidenceAndJoy.com 

Some forgotten history of the pilgrims 

A Psalm for Thanksgiving 

What Washington and Lincoln said

Lots of history related to the pilgrims and Thanksgiving

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Check out His Word podcasts, all under 5 minutes!  You can access all of them right here. And, you’ll find links to share individual ones you think might bless someone.  There’s also a list of platforms you can use to subscribe, and it’s free.

Check out my YouTube channel;  recent video zoom teachings and over a hundred (most under 2 minutes) inspiring and encouraging videos for practical Christian living.  “Like” them!   Subscribe!   Share!  Thank you!

OVER 1,000 DOWNLOADS – THANK YOU!

His Word podcast has over 1,000 downloads!  Big thanks to all who are enjoying and sharing these short podcasts! (all under 5 minutes) 

You can access all of them right here. You’ll also find links to share individual ones you think might bless someone.  If you haven’t already, subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode.   His Word podcasts are free and available on most platforms. See list below.

THANK YOU!

Platforms Where You Can Subscribe

Buzzsprout:  https://hisword.buzzsprout.com

Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/0RJH4qKhrrCmbmoE46oz5T

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xOTAxOTU5LnJzcw== 

Amazon:  https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/da81f13f-3401-4e23-8c14-be9b25e29ac9/his-word 

Stitcher:  https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/his-word

iHeart:  https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-his-word-91241573/ 

Podcast Addict:  https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/3771666 

Podchasher:  https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/his-word-3787726 

Pocket Cats:  https://pca.st/7mgh5cd0 

Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/us/show/3286132 

Listen Notes:  https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/his-word-mike-a-verdicchio-UJRNtnygFPT/ 

Player FM:  https://player.fm/series/his-word 

Podcast Index:  https://podcastindex.org/podcast/4683991 

TuneIn: http://tun.in/pk3LG  

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ELECTION DAY 2022


Tuesday, the 8th, is Election Day here in the USA.

Regardless of the outcomes of the election, it will not change God’s Word.  It may result in some better people in our government, or it may not. We can pray for better people to be in office.  We can also pray for those who are not good for our country to no longer be in power.  We can do what God said to do in I Timothy:

I Timothy 2:1-4
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

And We Can Vote.

Meanwhile,  Christians with a knowledge of God’s Word have a great message to speak! We can lead people to the new birth!  We can help people to realize and understand their rights, privileges and abilities God has given each born again one!

We can pray to have open doors to speak God’s Word to those who want to know.  And we can pray for people to turn to God.

Regardless of the outcome of the election on Tuesday, it doesn’t change God’s Word. You are who God says you are, you have what God’s Word says you have, and you can do what God’s Word says you can do!

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Check out His Word podcasts, all under 5 minutes!  You can access all of them right here. And, you’ll find links to share individual ones you think might bless someone.  There’s also a list of platforms you can use to subscribe, and it’s free.

Check out my YouTube channel;  recent video zoom teachings and over a hundred (most under 2 minutes) inspiring and encouraging videos for practical Christian living.  “Like” them!   Subscribe!   Share!  Thank you!

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CHEERING FOR?

There’s A Lot Of Cheering Going On These Days

There seems to be a lot of noise and cheering going on these days.  And alongside all the noise and cheering, there is also a lot of confusion, fear, and anxiety. Our country is  very divided. 

There are some who are excited and cheering that soon we will all be driving electric cars; maybe free college; free healthcare and, who knows, maybe free food for all! 

On the other hand there are others who are excited and cheering that come voting time there will be a wave of new representatives who will make everything right and save our country. 

It’s true, economic times are not going well. Anyone who buys anything knows they are paying a lot more. On top of that hardship there are disturbing words that the economy may be headed for even more dire times. And we see and hear about other serious issues as well.

But…

But it’s sad that in these turbulent times, there is little cheering for God. Instead of trusting and relying on Almighty God and His precious promises, far too many people are living with fear about their future. As born again Christians we do not have to live with fear.  “I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4   

A good starting point in the midst of all the noise, cheering, and confusion would be to first of all accept that God’s Word is true, period.  Trusting and believing God means trusting and believing His Word.

Do you believe God is still able and willing to do for you what He has promised in His Word? God has not lost any of His power and ability.  Concerning His promises, God is always reliable. Now that’s something to cheer about!

There will always be facts, situations, and challenges.  But none of that ever changes God’s promises to you and me. Nothing that happens to us or around us ever changes or negates God’s promises to us.

We hear about inflation, recession, the government’s doing this and doing that, but does any of that change what God has promised us?  No!  God is still both able and willing to bring His promises to pass in your life. Regardless of the noise and the cheering, we can choose to believe and trust God!  It doesn’t mean what’s going on around us isn’t real.  It means that God’s Word is always true.

Look What He Said!

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:19

That is something to cheer about!

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.  II Corinthians 9:8 

Yes!

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,  Ephesians 3:20 

Yay God!

Those promises, and many others, are worth cheering about!  But more importantly, they are well worth believing!  It is by believing God’s promises that we receive them into our lives.  Jesus said, “Fear not; only believe.”  

We can choose to get caught up in all the noise, confusion, fear and anxiety. Or, we can choose to put our focus on what God has promised us and believe Him!  And we not only have many exceeding great and precious promises in God’s Word, but we can read in His Word about others who believed Him and received His help and deliverance.  

Now that’s something to cheer about!

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Check out His Word podcasts, all under 5 minutes!  You can access all of them right here. And, you’ll find links to share individual ones you think might bless someone.  There’s also a list of platforms you can use to subscribe, and it’s free.

Check out my YouTube channel;  recent video zoom teachings and over a hundred (most under 2 minutes) inspiring and encouraging videos for practical Christian living.  “Like” them!   Subscribe!   Share!
Thank you!

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RECESSION FEARS

Who Do You Trust In Difficult Times?


There’s been lots of chatter for many months on the news, social media, and around the dinner table, about the economy. Inflation. Recession. Gas prices. Unemployment. Stock market. Interest rates. Etc. None of the talk we hear these days is very positive, joyful, or encouraging.

Everyone realizes the highest gas prices ever not only makes filling our vehicles more expensive, but it affects the cost of everything we buy. Some try to define or explain the words used to describe what’s going on. But the bottom line is, we all know it is costing all of us a lot more to live.

Meanwhile, politicians will never cease to make promises. However, it is much more beneficial for us to trust the promises of God! The Bible says, “God is not a man that He should lie…”

In difficult times, rather than trying to understand definitions of economic terms, or have high hopes in a politician’s promise, we can choose to believe God’s Word. The Bible says, “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

The Bible also says, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” (II Corinthians 9:8)

Some may hear or read those great promises and others like them, and say “Well that sounds really good, but what can God do in my situation? I don’t have enough to make ends meet.” Or. “Getting a raise at work is out of the question.” Or, “I’m on a fixed income.” Or, “I just lost my job!”

Not only does God’s Word tell us that God does not lie, and therefore all His promises are all true, and He will bring them to pass for us when we believe Him, but there’s something else to keep in mind.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8 & 9.

Just how high are the heavens? No one knows! God’s thoughts and His ways are that much higher and greater than our thoughts and ways. In other words, God has solutions you and I would never even think of! And guess what? We can read about that all over the Bible! God brought about solutions that were so fantastic! He did things people would have never even dreamed of.

How about crossing the Red Sea on dry ground. Dry ground! Who would have ever thought of that as an option? How about the widow who all she had left was a pot of oil? God multiplied that oil so that when she sold it she had enough to pay all of her debts and live off of the rest! How about Jesus Christ feeding thousands and all he had was five barley loaves and two small fishes! And they ended up with twelve baskets of leftovers!

In many places in God’s Word we see those who did not, with their own talents and resources, have enough. But when we put our absolute confidence and trust in God, no matter what we have, it is enough!

Politicians may make promises. Economists may make predictions. News outlets and social media may promote gloom and doom. Who do you choose to trust? Why not trust God and go to Him in prayer.

God’s Word is true, He does not lie. He is completely trustworthy and His promises are true. In difficult times, we can go to God in prayer, casting all our cares on Him because He cares for us.

We stay persistent in prayer, confidently trusting His promises, expecting to receive from Him, because,

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”              Isaiah 55:8 & 9.

You might be interested in the latest “His Word” podcast, #56, “Do You Have Enough?

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A SMALL PODCAST MILESTONE

Podcast #50 Has Posted!

A couple of days ago I posted His Word, Episode #50.  It’s a small milestone for this podcast. 

Thanks to all who have listened to one or even all 50 of these short, (under five minutes) podcasts, both here in the USA as well as eight other countries. If you haven’t listened yet, just click here.

On this occasion, I thought it might be appropriate to tell you just why I’m doing these podcasts.   

First of all, to shed some light from the Bible, His Word, on certain topics. As I always say at the beginning, “topics you might be interested in.”  With my nearly 50 years of studying His Word, sharing some of what I have learned and continue to learn may be helpful. It may be encouraging.  It might connect some dots.  It might inspire one to look further in His Word for even more understanding. That’s why I end each podcast with the phrase, “Enjoy reading His Word.”

Secondly, they are intentionally under five minutes, which makes them easy to share with someone. I say “easy,” because so often when someone shares a link, whether it’s an article, a video, or a podcast, the one receiving the link will many times first look to see how long it is.  So, 5 minutes? That’s short enough for the recipient to check it out.  And so, thus, it affords the sender the opportunity of sharing some of God’s Word with someone! 

Oh, and I do realize on all the podcast platforms there is a share button, but I’ve also dedicated a page here on this website – It has each and every His Word podcast, with a specific link for each one if you want to copy/paste.  So, please by all means, join me in sharing His Word. 

And, thirdly, there is so much negativity online, news feeds, social meidat – lots of  fear, hate, division, frustration, sadness, and so on, that I thought hearing some Good News online might be a bit of fresh air.  A break from all the gloom and doom.

So here we are at #50 –  650 downloads from nine countries, including the USA. I’m very grateful – I think that’s a good start for a new podcast.  

By the way, Episode #50 is about the greatest freedom ever given to human beings!  Check it out, and, enjoy reading His Word!

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THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

246 Years - Will We Continue?

On Monday, July 4th, we celebrate the 246th anniversary of the United States of America. It is a great blessing to live in this country with all the freedoms that we have. Many Christians pray that we can continue to keep the freedoms our US Constitution affords us. However, the greatest Freedom ever extended to mankind is the freedom we have from the completed work of Jesus Christ. God has given those who believe in Jesus eternal life, which is freedom from death! 

In July of  1776 the American colonies declared their independence. In the late 1780s, the Constitution of the United States of America was ratified. That constitution included the Bill of Rights. 

There are those today who deny the Christian heritage of our country. Below is a link to a rather exhaustive article that examines that topic quite thoroughly. While a number of articles I have read in the past simply included some quotes as proof of our Christian beginnings, this article cites many sources, including authors, correspondences, and accurate historical facts. It includes a very interesting section of the much contested “separation of Church and State” debate.  

I encourage you to take some time to read it. Below is most of the conclusion of the article. Here’s the link to the entire article.

Excerpt from the article, Did America have a Christian Founding,”   by Mark David Hall, Ph.D.

Conclusions:

So did America have a Christian Founding? History is complicated, and we should always be suspicious of simple answers to difficult questions. As we have seen, there is precious little evidence that the Founders were deists, wanted religion excluded from the public square, or desired the strict separation of church and state. On the other hand, they identified themselves as Christians, were influenced in important ways by Christian ideas, and generally thought it appropriate for civic authorities to encourage Christianity.

What do these facts mean for Americans who embrace non-Christian faiths or no faith at all? Although the Founders were profoundly influenced by Christianity, they did not design a constitutional order only for fellow believers. They explicitly prohibited religious tests for federal offices, and they were committed to the proposition that all men and women should be free to worship God (or not) as their consciences dictate.

As evidenced by George Washington’s 1790 letter to a “Hebrew Congregation” in Newport, Rhode Island, the new nation was to be open to a wide array of individuals who were willing to assume the responsibilities of citizenship:

Yet it does not follow from this openness that Americans should simply forget about their country’s Christian roots. Anyone interested in an accurate account of the nation’s past cannot afford to ignore the important influence of faith on many Americans, from the Puritans to the present day.

Christian ideas underlie some key tenets of America’s constitutional order. For instance, the Founders believed that humans are created in the image of God, which led them to design institutions and laws meant to protect and promote human dignity. Because they were convinced that humans are sinful, they attempted to avoid the concentration of power by framing a national government with carefully enumerated powers. As well, the Founders were committed to liberty, but they never imagined that provisions of the Bill of Rights would be used to protect licentiousness. And they clearly thought moral considerations should inform legislation.

America has drifted from these first principles. We would do well to reconsider the wisdom of these changes.

The Founders believed it permissible for the national and state governments to encourage Christianity, but this may no longer be prudential in our increasingly pluralistic country. Yet the Constitution does not mandate a secular polity, and we should be wary of jurists, politicians, and academics who would strip religion from the public square. We should certainly reject arguments that America’s Founders intended the First Amendment to prohibit neutral programs that support faith-based social service agencies, religious schools, and the like.

Finally, we ignore at our peril the Founders’ insight that democracy requires a moral people and that faith is an important, if not indispensable, support for morality. Such faith may well flourish best without government support, but it should not have to flourish in the face of government hostility.

Link to the article:
Did America have a Christian Founding,”   by Mark David Hall, Ph.D.

May the light of God’s Word live in the hearts and lives of the people of the United States of America. God, please help us, for we certainly do need your help!. May God give us representatives who will indeed uphold the Constitution of the United States of America. 

Previous posts:

Independence Day 2019

Independence Day 2018

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FATHER’S DAY 2022

Happy Father’s Day, Dads!

For Father’s Day this year, I’m posting both the audio and the transcript from a podcast from His Word, called, “Who Is The Father?”

Some people say all the people on this earth are children of God. Is that true?  In this short podcast (4:03), I shared a tremendous truth about who “the Father” is.


Transcript:
Welcome to His Word – short podcasts about what God has to say about topics you might be interested in – not my words, but His Word.  Today’s podcast: Who is the Father?

If you’re even a little bit familiar with His Word,  the Bible, you probably notice that in the Old Testament, God almighty is referred to as God, or the Lord God. Like in the very first verse of the Bible, in the beginning God created the heavens and the Earth.

However in the New Testament we see God many many times referred to as Father. That is something you don’t see in the Old Testament but you do see quite often in the New Testament.

In reading the Gospels, Jesus Christ many times referred to God Almighty, the Creator of the heavens and the Earth, as Father. He said things like, “my Father, the Father, your Father” and so on. He introduced to the world that God almighty could be called Father. 

In the New Testament, for those who are born again,  His Word often speaks of God being our Father. Now one might ask, is this figurative, or is it literal? Is God really our Father, literally?

There are some who teach that we are all God’s children, all the people on earth are God’s children and therefore God is Father to all of us.  But His Word does not agree with that.

In a previous podcast, #4, I mentioned a discussion Jesus had with a religious leader named Nicodemus.  Jesus told him plainly that unless a person gets born again they cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven. Jesus said, “you must be born again.” 

In the Epistles of Peter, His Word speaks of the believers as being begotten of God, and, being born again of incorruptible seed. When a person gets saved, or born again, at that moment, God becomes your Father, literally – you are saved, you are born again.  And God made that so easy – confess or acknowledge the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, and His Word says, you shall be saved!  You have eternal life, you are born again and God is now literally your Father.

That’s why in a number of places in the New Testament, His Word speaks about those who believe in Jesus, those who are born again, that God is our Father.  And His Word also says, obviously,  we in turn are His children, children of God, sons and daughters of the Most High God!  What an awesome privilege!

So, who is the Father?  For those who are born again, the Creator of the heavens and the earth is literally our Father.  And His Word says we, His children, now have access to the Father.

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For more His Word podcasts, click the podcasts tab above.  From that page you can access all of them, and find links to share individual ones with someone else.  There’s also a list of platforms you can use to subscribe, and it’s free.