Posted on Thursday, April 14, 2011

A Shutdown?

I believe that our God is a personal God. I believe that He can help each one of us personally and individually. I believe that God can reveal specific things to us that are just for us. Do you?

Knowing that our God is a personal God was the reason behind the content in yesterday’s article in, “The Pep Letter.” The economic crisis in our country is not a joke. Our leaders really do need to make some very sound decisions; would you agree?

And not only are there problems here in my country, but there are problems around the world. I was blessed to get several emails from those who read yesterday’s article. Here is one that I received:

Thanks so much for this.

It come as a right time. My country (Nigeria) is election period and everybody is looking for the quality to vote for. Hoping so much in our leader for a better Nigeria. It is big relive for me now, that while praying for our leader, all my hope and trust should be in God.

Thanks

I decided that I would post that article here on the blog. Yes there is some history in it to consider. Yes, there is a reminder to pray for our leaders. But most importantly there is a reminder to look to God and trust Him completely.

A Shutdown?

I got up Saturday morning and checked to see if my government had been shut down. It hadn’t. Of course, the current economic situation should have been handled by the politicians last fall, but it was not because midterm elections were coming up, and everyone wanted to be re-elected.

Our confidence, our absolute reliance must always be in our God. Regardless of what politicians do, regardless of what the consequences of their decisions bring, none of it ever shuts down God.

There are some who liken the discontent in the United States today with the discontent in the 1700’s, which led to the American Revolution. While people today may indeed be tired of an oppressive, controlling and arrogant government, like the people were before the Declaration of Independence, there are some important differences.

The men we refer to as our “Founding Fathers” were men of exceptional talents and abilities. When you think of the minds of Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, Madison, and others, all converging at the same time, in the same place on this earth, it is nothing less than astounding. Many people, including myself, see that as divine favor from God.

Yes, I know there are those who find faults and criticize these men. But who can deny what they accomplished? The Declaration of Independence, as well as the Constitution, rooted in biblical principles, both have stood the test of time.

It is remarkable to look at how drastically different elected officiald serving today are than their predecessors. When the United States first started, those who were elected to serve the people did so at their own expense, even paying for their own food and housing. They came in, took care of the people’s business, and then returned back to their own business.

But you and I know, things changed a long time ago. In fact, it is very accurate to say that things have changed drastically. What was once a brief period of time to serve your country has turned into a lifetime career; something the founding fathers never wanted for this country.

Once, those who served gave of their own time, being away from their own business or occupation. Politics today however, is a big business of its own. Imagine what the founding fathers would think today of lawmakers not only spending the country into trillions of dollars of debt, but granting themselves a raise whenever they feel like it.

Recently, as the two major political parties in the United States tried to figure out where to cut spending so that the United States government would not shut down, it got ugly and downright sickening. How could they justify saying some of the things they said? How could some of the lawmakers even consider stopping pay for our military, but not their own pay, should the government have to shut down?

Why were those politicians not in immediate and total agreement that if the government did in fact shut down, their own pay would stop? It’s no wonder people are frustrated. It’s no wonder people are angry.

Keep in mind that back in the 1700’s, the cry for independence was not just about having independence. The Declaration of Independence was the result of the collective anger of the colonists. They were frustrated, angry and fed up, and what followed was the American Revolution.

Over the course of history there have been times when countries faced great economic crisis that led to major leadership changes. When the Chinese economy collapsed, Mao took over. The same is true for France with Napoleon, and, for Germany with Hitler. Those changes were disasters for the people of those nations.

But, when this country, ill treated by England, resisted to the point of revolution, it was divine favor that we had men of tremendous caliber who worked together to form this great nation. They did not always agree. But I shudder to imagine what would happen if the leaders we have today were faced with the same situation.

However, the Bible directs us to pray for our leaders, and that we should do, regardless of what country we live in. We can pray for them to make the right decisions for our country, and not just for their re-election. Yes, by all means, our leaders do need our prayers.

But our trust, our confidence, our absolute reliance must always be in our God. Regardless of what politicians do, regardless of what the consequences of their decisions bring, none of it ever shuts down God. There will never, ever be a shutdown of God’s love and power to help you.

Michael Verdicchio
2011

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Posted on Wednesday, April 6, 2011

How To Receive More Of God’s Favor

I was teaching recently and asked the audience who they thought really deserved God’s favor. I then told them to take a piece of paper sometime, and write down a list of people that they thought really ought to receive favor from God.

“If your name is not on that list,” I said, “Well, why not?” “Why do you think that you really shouldn’t receive favor from God?” “Is it because of what you have done, or is it because of what you haven’t done?”

Who Really Deserves It?

When you stop and just think about it for a minute, who really deserves God’s favor? Who could possible earn favor from God? And yet the Scriptures are plain that God has freely extended His grace and favor.

If you are a fan of the Bible and you have read from the New Testament, then you have undoubtedly read many, many promises; promises of health, prosperity, all your needs being met, help, and deliverance. None of those promises come with stipulations, do they? Are there certain rules and restrictions? Of course not.

Those promises are God’s offer of His grace and favor. He has freely extended His grace and favor. We, on the other hand, so many times, object to His good favor. Object? Yes. How?

We really would love to receive what God has promised, but something inside of us is saying, “You don’t deserve it. You are not good enough. You haven’t prayed long enough. You haven’t done this; but you have done a lot of that.”

In other words, our feelings of unworthiness cause us to object to or reject the kind favor He is extending to us. Instead of having arms out and palms up ready to receive His blessings, we push the blessings away. We do this because we do not feel worthy.

Are We Really Imposing?

Have you ever offered something to someone and they responded by saying, “No thank you, I don’t want to impose?” For example, inviting someone to dinner, who was indeed hungry, only to have them say that they didn’t want to impose upon your kind hospitality. They objected because of how they feel about themselves. They not only feel unworthy, but they also feel like they have not really earned a spot at your table.

When it comes to God’s favor and His grace and blessings, it has nothing to do with earning it. It has nothing to do with being worthy of it. It has nothing to do with earning it.

His grace and favor have been extended to us. He is the One who made the promises. He is the One who will keep His word. He is the One who has extended Himself to us, regardless of our response.

No, you cannot earn His favor. Neither can I. No, you do not deserve His favor. Neither do I. But it has been extended to us. We can accept it or reject it.

Here’s A Great Key

The first key in receiving more of God’s favor in your life is to accept and believe who God says that you are. As a Christian, the Bible says that you are not only saved, but that you have been made righteous. That simply means you are now right in His sight; you belong.

So, do you feel righteous? Do you feel all right to be in His presence? Or, do you feel ashamed and unworthy? Do you feel guilty and condemned?

If you feel guilty and condemned or ashamed and unworthy, then just ask for forgiveness. He will forgive you. The Bible says that if our heart doesn’t condemn us, then we will have confidence toward God.

Another Key

The second key in receiving more of God’s favor is to simply expect it; anticipate it. Believe you are who the Bible says that you are. Stay convinced of God’s love for you. The Scriptures tell us that nothing can separate us from God’s love.

Anticipate, look for and expect God’s favor in your life and on your life. And if you write down a list of people who you think really, really ought to receive God’s favor, make sure your name is at the top of the list.

Do you have some thoughts about this? We’d love to hear what you think. Type in your comment below.

Posted on Wednesday, March 30, 2011

What’s Your Name?

I don’t claim by any stretch of the imagination to be a poet. The only “poems” I have ever written were some lines to try and impress my wife.

But I have been thinking a lot about the love of God for about a week. Yesterday morning I felt inspired and wrote some lines.

I debated about whether or not to put it here on the blog. Well, today I decided to go ahead and post it. What do you think?

What’s Your Name?

His name was criticism,
He chopped and chopped until the tree fell down.

His name was criticism,
He chopped the fallen tree into small pieces.

His name was criticism,
He tossed all the small pieces into the fire.

His name was criticism,
He walked away with nothing left but all the ashes

His name is criticism,
And in the distance, he gazed upon another tree.

Her name was love,
She watered and watered the tree, giving it strength.

Her name was love,
She carefully pruned the tree, helping it grow and expand

Her name was love,
She tenderly nourished the tree on to the road to full potential.

Her name was love,
She walked away protected by the tree’s massive shadow.

Her name is love,
And in the distance, she gazed upon the whole forest.

What’s your name?

Michael Verdicchio
2011

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Posted on Monday, March 28, 2011

Does God Want You To Suffer?

It’s Another Podcast!

The title of this short podcast (8:08) is the same title from last weeks Pep Letter. This is a touchy topic to some people.

God is not illogical and mysterious. Like the article, this podcast is very logical. Do you think God wants you to suffer?

Enjoy the podcast!

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

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Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2011

This Is My Story – Update #2

On May 21, 2009, I posted, This Is My Story. Then, in January of 2010 I posted an update. I think another update is long overdue, so here is Update #2. (I’m really excited about my “New Adventure!)

This Blog

I continue to post to this blog. Actually, it is one of the things that I love doing the most. It is my passion to teach and share information that is both helpful and inspiring. My prayer is that the day will come when I will have much, much more time to devote to Confidence And Joy, and other inspiring projects as well.

Subscriptions to Confidence And Joy continue to grow and those that do subscribe (it’s free) will receive a lifetime membership to the site, Enriching Your Life Now.

Hits to Confidence And Joy continue to rise as well. Again, my purpose in doing this blog is to reach people with some practical and inspiring information that will be helpful and beneficial for those who don’t want to live their lives in fear. I do look forward to the day when I will have more time to devote to Confidence And Joy. (More about that a little later.)

Teaching

I continue to teach on Sundays here in Glendale at our Glendale Fellowship. And, like posting on the blog, it too is one of the things that I love doing the most. Several times a year I teach at the Phoenix Rescue Mission. I am also invited on occasion to teach elsewhere, but with the time constraints that I currently have, I cannot always accept. (I do have a plan for all that to change.)

I continue to write my weekly newsletter, called, The Pep Letter. Subscriptions to that continue to grow as well (it’s free details on the Home page) Those articles are later published to numerous ezine sites all over the web. Again, that is something that I love doing.

I have on occasion posted teachings that I have recorded here on Confidence And Joy. I’m not sure yet if I should do that on a regular basis or not. Perhaps I will post a poll question sometime and see if that is something visitors to this blog would like.

Counseling

I do spend time helping and encouraging people over the phone or by email. I do wish that I had more time to give to people, but you just have to do the best you can with the time that you do have. However, I am working towards having the time to do the things that I really desire to do.

Employment

As I mentioned in Update#1, in the summer of 2009 I began doing the “books” for my dear friend’s new company. Last spring we rented an office here in Glendale and I began working there instead of from home. We also hired a secretary as things continue to grow.

I am very thankful for the employment. The work continues to be a challenge; learning new things, overcoming obstacles, and always, always trying to get caught up. I work full time; many weeks over 40 hours.

In addition to that, I was called back to the radio station that laid me off in 2008. Well, sort of called back. I am doing some very minimal part time work in the evenings. But, as you and I know, in these days we are living in, you do what you have to do.

I have also since the last update picked up several free lance voice jobs, and that is always a blessing. But the bottom line is that I am, like a lot of people, very, very busy with a whole lot on my plate.

A New Adventure!

With all that is currently on my plate, why in the world would I even consider adding more? Well, believe it or not, even though all that I am involved with takes 60+ hours a week, I have since added more. a new adventure. But there is a very good reason for it too.

I do not have a retirement plan in place, do you? That means if I continue with the employments that I currently have, I will need to continue to do those jobs for the rest of my life. That means I will never be able to retire.

Now retirement may mean something different to me than it does to you, and that’s fine. We all have our own dreams and goals. But let me tell you what retirement means to me.

For me, retirement means that I will have all the time and the resources that I need so that I can do that which is my true passion. I want to have the time to teach and develop materials that will inspire and bless people. Whether it is live or on the blog, or the newsletter, my passion is to do my ministry full time. I have projects sitting on the back burner that I can’t wait to get to.

Retirement to me means having the time and the resources to travel to teach if I’m invited, to see family and friends, and, to enjoy my sunset years with my wife. After all, I am going to be 61 in a couple of months! That is what retirement means to me.

How?

So, how do I plan to get to the point of having the time and the resources to do my passion full time? I recently became an independent representative for the world’s largest direct selling telecommunications and home services provider. This very reputable and successful company, which has been around for over 18 years, has a very doable 3 to 5 plan where I can retire with lifetime residual income.

It’s funny; I don’t remember being taught about residual income in school, do you? Maybe I missed it.

We all know what it is, don’t we? If you get a book published, then every time someone buys your book, you receive some money – residual money. You do the work once and you continue to get paid.

I have nothing against traditional jobs. Working a job means you trade your time for money, whether you work hourly, salary, or commission. I have done all three of those. I am currently working two jobs right now. But the truth is, if you don’t work, then you don’t get paid.

So, in the little bit of “spare time” I work this new business as an independent representative. I am working with some very positive and inspiring people. And, I like the fact that really in order to be successful, you have to help others to be successful too.

It’s not complicated either. I really only do two things. I share what I have found with other people looking for other means of income. If they are interested, I personally help them. The other thing is to redirect telecom and home services (like cell phones, Internet, Satellite TV etc.) that people already pay for, oftentimes saving them money.

Primetime TV

What I am really excited about, and what distinguishes this company from any other company that I’ve worked with, is that on March 27, Donald Trump is featuring us on the Celebrity Apprentice! Check it out at 9PM EST!

Now perhaps you’ll forgive me for taking so long to post an update. I have put it off because I am so busy. Chuckle, chuckle; who isn’t? Lousy excuse isn’t it.

Oh, and, speaking of excuses – I heard this line recently: “Even valid excuses are never impressive.” I like that, do you?

Okay, here’s another one liner I heard the other night: “Stop worshiping your problems.” I like that one too.

That’s it for this update. Continue to build your trust and confidence in God; He will never let you down.

Mike Verdicchio
January 2010

You Might Also Enjoy:
This Is My Story
This Is My Story – Update #1

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Posted on Sunday, March 20, 2011

Bookmarks

Happy Spring!

Well it looks like I missed posting a St. Patty’s Day greeting this year. That day has come and gone and now today is the first day of Spring.

That doesn’t mean much to us here in Glendale, Arizona. We already had a couple of 90 degree days last week. We just hope those triple digits don’t come too early this year.

By the way, I met Maurice and Karen from San Diego recently. They have a web site called, A Joyful Creation with some inspirational products for sale. They offer things like scripture cards, greeting cards, and bookmarks.

They were kind enough to give me some bookmarks and I like them. Actually, they gave me 12 bookmarks. Each has a theme and then scriptures that follow the theme of that bookmark.

If you are interested in seeing what they have, here is the link to their web site.

Have a blessed week – I hope to be doing more podcasts sometime soon.

Mike Verdicchio

Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2011

How Tall Are You?

I mentioned on Sunday that this week I am going to post a couple of articles that I published 3 or 4 years ago. I hope you enjoy them, and thanks again for visiting my blog.

How Tall Are You?

It is my understanding that as of this writing the tallest players in the NBA, Shawn Bradley and Yao Ming, are both seven feet six inches tall. That is really, really tall! It is almost as tall as an eight-foot ceiling. You’ve no doubt heard many times that to play in the NBA, you have to be tall, right?

What about the shortest player? That would be Earl Boykins of the Milwaukee Bucks who stands five feet five inches. He is the second shortest player in NBA history.

So, I can honestly and truthfully say that I am indeed taller than an NBA player. Seven inches taller in fact! But would I dare to play a little one on one with Earl Boykins? Not hardly.

What’s It Like?

But have you ever thought about what it is like for Earl when he plays against Shawn and Yao? They are a little over two feet taller than he is! Now that’s not to say it would be any easier when Earl plays against the average NBA height of 6’7″! But what would it be like playing a very competitive game against someone two feet taller than you are?

It could be reasonably assumed that if you were 5 feet 5 inches tall many people would tell you that you could never play in the NBA. If by some wild circumstance you did make it into the NBA, being so short and playing against players so much bigger than yourself, it would be most difficult to perform, right?

Earl doesn’t let that stop him. He is the shortest player in NBA history to score thirty points in a game! He has done it on a number of occasions! If you know anything about the NBA then you know that if any player scores thirty points in a game it has been a terrific night. But for someone who is 5’5″ to score thirty points in a game on a number of occasions is remarkable!

He Didn’t Listen To Them

I’m sure there were plenty of people who told him, “Earl, basketball is for big people, and the NBA, well, that’s for professional giants, certainly not you.”

And, of course being five feet five inches tall Earl has heard all the derogatory “short people” remarks his whole life.

But there he stands, five feet five inches tall, playing successfully in the NBA. It’s not how much talent and natural ability you have, but rather what you do with what you have. It’s what you choose to do with your life.

Are You Waiting For Their Approval?

You will never, ever get everyone’s “okay” and approval for the things you desire to do in your life. In fact, those who have not succeeded are the first ones to tell you that you can’t succeed either.

Have you noticed that the world lacks people who constantly encourage others? The sad reality is that people are quick to point out all your shortcomings and slow to give you any praise for your accomplishments.

But regardless of what any one else says, it is still up to you to decide to do with your life. Do you think Earl had to work hard? I would say that perhaps he had to work even harder than the taller players did.

And yet, so many times in life, those with lots of talent don’t need to push as hard. It makes you wonder sometimes where they would be if they did. But, many people with less natural ability and talent push and work harder, and as a result, develop their full potential.

Don’t let anyone talk you out of your dreams, goals and desires. Don’t talk yourself out of them either. Live life with excitement and push toward your full potential.

By the way, Earl Boykins is not the shortest person to ever play in the NBA. That honor goes to Muggsy Bogues, who is five feet three inches tall. And Muggsy is also the shortest player in the NBA to dunk the basketball!

So, how tall are you?

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Posted on Sunday, March 13, 2011

Stop Saying That!

Have you ever had “one of those days?” It seems like I have had “one of those days” for three weeks now. Busy, busy, busy, and a little under the weather too.

So, if you don’t mind, this week I am going to post a couple of articles that I published 3 or 4 years ago. I hope you enjoy them, and thanks again for visiting my blog.

Stop Saying That!

Standing by the desk in my office one day, I suddenly blurted out, “I am really getting frustrated over this!” And I was, too!

About five or six seconds after saying that, I caught myself, and said, “I need to stop saying that! Why in the world do I want to admit, agree, confess and focus on all the frustration that I am having here?” I knew that by putting my focus and attention on that, I would simply attract more frustration.

After a short prayer, I decided to stop thinking about the dissatisfaction I was experiencing, and instead start telling myself that a breakthrough was coming soon. I simply made a decision to change what I was thinking. Once I changed my thoughts, my attitude changed, and I was in a much better mood.

Emotions

Emotions follow our thinking. That’s the way we were designed and built. Try it out. Close your eyes and think for a few minutes on your most favorite food. See it in your mind, taste it, go ahead have another bite! Wow, that is good!

And just how do you feel after doing that? Are you angry and upset? No. Thinking pleasant thoughts will evoke pleasant emotions. Be careful though, because food thoughts can get you feeling hungry too!

My point is, that soon after I changed my thinking, and my attitude changed, I did have a breakthrough, and yes, that was so much better than all the frustration I had been trying to deal with.

It Happens To All Of Us

No one has reached nirvana. Everyone faces obstacles and challenges. But we can still choose how we are going to think in challenging situations. And we certainly ought to make an effort to stop blurting out defeating phrases.

I have from time to time quoted Orison Swet Marden, and I’d like to offer you another excerpt from one of his writings.

“No matter what comes to you, defeat, threatened failure, never lose your victorious consciousness. I am a winner!

The more trying your situation, the harder the way it looks to you, the darker the outlook, the more necessary it is to carry the victorious consciousness. If you carry the down-and-out expression, if you confess by your very face that you are beaten, or that you expect to be, you are a goner. The victorious idea of life, not the failure idea, the triumphant, not the thwarted ambition, is the thing to keep uppermost in the mind, for it is this that will lead you to the goal you aspire to reach.

Have faith in your God-given power to succeed in a worthy ambition. Concentrate your efforts on its realization, and nothing on earth can keep you back from success. Such an attitude will make you a winner.

The conviction that you are born to win is a tremendous creative force in your life, just as the conviction that you are a failure will keep you down till you change the model of yourself. Life is not a losing game. It is always a victorious game when properly played.”

Good Advise, Isn’t It?

Those are some really inspiring words, aren’t they? It is quite obvious that we are the ones who decide which thoughts we will entertain. Consistent thoughts of victory will produce victory in our lives. Consistent thoughts of failure will produce failure in our lives.

Far too many people have chosen to think thoughts of failure and they cloak it with being a victim. Being a victim or a victor is a choice. Being a failure or a success is a choice. God’s desire for all Christians is to be victorious in every area of life.

Keep thinking and speaking victory, day by day!

Michael Verdicchio
2007

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Posted on Thursday, March 3, 2011

Love Heals!

What’s Love Got To Do With Healing?

Whenever someone close to me is sick, I pray for their healing. Often times in doing that, I think about the many records in the Bible where people received deliverance and healing. Perhaps you do the same thing, too.

I know and believe that healing from God is available; I wrote a book about it. But there is something in that book that I certainly pointed out, but really didn’t elaborate or expand upon as much as I could have: the healing power of love.

Take a few minutes to consider the concept of “love heals.” There are those in the medical profession who know and understand this. They have literally seen patients healed by love, and I’ll share with you a great quote about that in just a bit.

Let’s Start With You

Do you ever doubt at times whether God really loves you? If you do, then stop it. The truth is that God loves all of mankind. The Bible says that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. So, if you are a part of the human race, guess what? God loves you.

I know, lots of people don’t buy into that. To some, it might sound nice, but there are plenty of people who would ask the question of “Why?” Some think, “What have I ever done to deserve God’s love? I really don’t deserve His love.” Thoughts of unworthiness continue to keep people from receiving what God wants them to have, including healing.

Can we please get logical here? If you think that God’s love is dependent upon the things that you do, or the things that you don’t do, just how good would you have to be, consistently, to earn the love of the Creator of the heavens and earth? Who could ever be good enough? No one, and that’s the point.

Who Initiated Love?

God’s love to us was not in response to our love toward Him. The Bible says that He loved us first. In other words, He is the One Who initiated love. Why? Because love is His nature; God is love. And He demonstrated His love by giving His only begotten Son so that we could have eternal life.

How Do You Define God’s Love?

God’s remarkable love is composed of three main elements. First, the love of God is giving. If you are going to love with the love of God, then it is an act of giving. God so loved the world that He gave…

Second, love is giving whether it is earned or deserved. Love is not a reward; love is freely given even if it is not earned or deserved. The Bible says that God loved us even while we were yet sinners; we didn’t earn or deserve God’s love.

Third, love is giving without requiring anything in return. God gave His Son for all of mankind and in doing so what if all of mankind will not accept His Son? What about those who would not respond back to Him? Has everyone accepted Christ? No, but that didn’t stop God from giving His Son.

God’s love is giving, regardless of whether it is deserved or not, and love is expecting nothing in return. That is how God, Who is love, initiated His love to us in sending His Son to die for our sins so that we could have eternal life.

That’s why the Bible says that we love Him because He first loved us. Sadly, a lot of people have it backwards; they think that God loves them only when they love God first and do all the right things, and never make a mistake. Not so! He loved us first; we then can choose to love Him because He first loved us.

But What About All My Mistakes?

Some people think, “How can God love me? Look what I’ve done. I’ve messed up again. I really don’t deserve His love.” Who really deserves God’s love? Which of us could ever be good enough to earn it?

We have to remember that God’s love is unconditional. He willingly gave His love to all. The Bible says that there is nothing that can separate you from His love. Why not accept that great truth? Why not accept His love?

How Powerful Is Love?

In his book Love, Medicine, and Miracles, Bernie S. Siegel makes two statements: “I am convinced that unconditional love is the most powerful known stimulant of the immune system. If I told patients to raise their blood levels of immune globulins or killer T cells, no one would know how.

But if I can teach them to love themselves and others fully, the same changes happen automatically. The truth is, love heals.” And second, he says, “Remember I said love heals. I do not claim love cures everything, but it can heal and in the process of healing, cures occur also.”

So just how powerful is the love of God? It is so very powerful, and it is a choice, it is a decision; we choose to love with the love of God.

Check This Out

I made reference to the scripture in John 3:16. A lot of people have heard this verse. Many times at sporting events, you see someone in the stands hold up a sign that says, “John 3:16.” I was looking at the Bible in a hotel room a few years ago, and it had that scripture in about 75 different languages in the back of that Bible.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

I have a nice framed calligraphy of that verse hanging in my home, with a really neat explanation of that verse. It says:

For God — the greatest lover

So loved – to the greatest degree

The world – the greatest number

That He gave – the greatest act

His only begotten Son – the greatest gift

That whosoever – the greatest invitation

Believes – the greatest simplicity

In him – the greatest person

Should not perish – the greatest deliverance

But – the greatest difference

Have – the greatest certainty

Everlasting life – the greatest possession

Remember…

Always remember that God is the One Who initiated love; He loved you first. You did nothing to earn or deserve His love. His love for you is unconditional and nothing will ever separate you from His love.

Because of His love to us, we love Him because He first loved us. And, if God so loved us, then we ought to love others also. Jesus said that by this shall all men know that you are my disciples if you have love one to another.

The Bible also says that when it comes to believing, hope and love, the greatest of those three is love. Think of the great impact that you can have on others if you will simply love them like God loves you! And, think of how you can play a very important part in someone receiving their healing because of your commitment to love them.

Love heals!

Michael Verdicchio
2011

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Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Good Job!

Recognition at the workplace. I know it and you know it.

How long has it been since someone told you, “You’re doing a good job?”

I was thinking about that last night. I was doing some announcements for an awards banquet. It was a managers conference for a company of over 30,000 employees. This particular conference was for around 800 of their managers.

They received awards for safety, production, performance and other categories. Very few of the recipients spoke, but those who did were very gracious. As I watched many of them walk by our sound booth, carrying their trophy, it was obvious how good they felt to be recognized in such a way.

It made me think about the different places where I have worked over the years when someone told me that I was doing a good job. I know, we should do a good job whether anyone notices or not, right? But you and I both know that it feels good when someone compliments you for your work, shakes your hand or pats you on the back.

However, on other hand, I remember someone saying that if you wait for people to compliment you or show appreciation, you’re going to be waiting a long time. Just always work heartily and do your best. God remembers all the good that you do and He will bless your life. That’s a lot better than a pat on the back, isn’t it?

Michael Verdicchio
2011

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