Posted on Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Live It

A friend of mine sent a story to me recently. I don’t know if it is tre, but it makes a very good point. What do you think about it.

A Christian

Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston, Texas. Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area.

When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change.. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, “You’d better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.”

Then he thought, “Oh, forget it, it’s only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a ‘gift from God’ and keep quiet.”

When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, and then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, “Here,you gave me too much change.”

The driver, with a smile, replied, “Aren’t you the new preacher in town?”

“Yes,” he replied.

“Well, I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I’ll see you at church on Sunday.”

When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, “Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter.”

Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is an example of how much people watch us as Christians! Always remember that you carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself a “Christian.”

Watch your thoughts; they become words.

Watch your words; they become actions.

Watch your actions; they become habits.

Watch your habits; they become character.

Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

Again, I don’t know if the story is true or not, but don’t you think that it makes an excellent point? It reminds me of a line from a poem I heard many years ago: “I rather see a sermon than hear one any day.” In other words, if you believe it, then live it everywhere you go.

(Chere, thanks for sending this to me)

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It’s His Birthday

We both knew it was getting close, very close. But where was the doctor? I told Kathy that I would go and try to find him again. We had been up all night, and now it was morning; around 6:00.

Returning to the room, without the doctor, I reassured her. “Don’t worry, it will be okay; he’ll be here.”

It was now around 6:25. We decided to pray that the doctor, wherever he was, would get to our room as quickly as possible.

There was a point when I thought that I might just have to deliver the baby myself. That thought caused me to pray again for the doctor. It was now 6:30 and Kathy was “all systems go!”

The doctor walked in. He was at the end of his 18 hour shift. “I was taking a little nap,” he said. “I woke up a couple of minutes ago, and thought that I better come and check on you.” I replied, “We couldn’t find you, so we prayed, and God woke you up for us.”

He sat down on his stool, and within 2 minutes of his arrival in the room, there was another arrival; our son, Michael Paul, was born at 6:35.

Last night, Kathy and I took Michael and his wife, Jacey, out to dinner for his birthday. And, like always, I once again repeated the story of praying for the doctor to make it in time for the delivery.

Of course we have other “early days” stories about him as well as about our daughter, Paula. If you have children, then I’m sure you have stories as well. Do you tell them over and over and over like I do?

It is indeed a great blessing to have children. We love our children; we would do anything that we could for them. And that is, in itself, a constant reminder to me that our heavenly Father loves His children too.

I know how much I love my kids; but my love pales in comparison to the love that God has for each one of us. And God has clearly declared that there is nothing that can ever separate us from His love.

And just as I enjoy hanging out and having a relationship with my children, so our heavenly Father desires to have a personal relationship with each one of us. We can talk to Him any time, day or night, knowing His ears is always open to us, His children.

Last night the fellowship was sweet, the food was good, and until Christ returns, we look forward to celebrating more birthdays with our children and grandchildren.

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Posted on Thursday, August 12, 2010

A Special Day

Yesterday was a special day for me. It was the 28th anniversary of my ordination to the Christian ministry. As I recount in This Is My Story, there was a gorgeous sunset on that evening, August 11, 1982.

These past 28 years have been exciting, challenging, and ever changing. I did spend a good chunk of those years doing full time ministry work. But, regardless of the times and the circumstances in my life, I have always tried to hold true to the words on my ordination certificate.

It says “a minister of the Gospel of Deliverance of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” The English word “minister” in the New Testament comes from the Greek word that means “to serve.” “Gospel” means “good news.” So, I have endeavored to do my best in serving the good news concerning Jesus Christ that brings deliverance.

Being a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ gives me great flexibility and freedom. I am not bound by the rules or traditions of a particular denomination. I have the freedom to continue to examine the Scriptures and grow in my understanding. I am free to teach and share anywhere anyone invites me.

I am aware that I am responsible for what I teach and share. I have always done my best to share and teach what I believe is the truth and accuracy of God’s Word, the Bible. But if and when I learn something new, I am not afraid to change and move forward.

I really love and enjoy doing this blog. It is yet another avenue for me to reach out to people. The day may come when I will have a lot more time to devote here. I look forward to that day!

But until then, I am delighted to continue to contribute what time allows me, in hopes that it is both inspiring and encouraging. I want to continue helping people to have more confidence in God and to enjoy the life God has given each of us to live.

Thanks for visiting this blog and allowing me to serve you some good news.

Mike Verdicchio

Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2010

What Is Truth?

It’s Another Podcast!

How can you be sure when it comes to spiritual matters that what you believe is the truth? Lots of people allow the packaging and presentation to convince them that what they are hearing is indeed the truth.

In this short podcast (10:37) I talk about how you can absolutely know whether something is true or not.

Enjoy the podcast!

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

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Related Posts:
Do You Deserve God’s Favor?
Should You Do Or Should You Be?
Is He Willing?

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Posted on Friday, August 6, 2010

Around The World

The Stats

I publish this blog from here in the United States. And according to some statistics that I looked at recently, there are people all over the world who are enjoying the blog.

I’m grateful for all who visit this site. But I wanted to say a special, “Thank You,” to those outside of the U.S. who are enjoying Confidence And Joy.

In case you are curious, here are the top 10 countries visiting this blog:

1. United States
2. Netherlands
3. Spain
4. Great Britain
5. Canada
6. Saudi Arabia
7. Russian Federation
8. Germany
9. Belarus
10. Nigeria

Victory Square - Minsk

Belarus

If you are not familiar with Belarus, according to what I found online, it is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe.

Horses grazing Minsk province

It is bordered clockwise by Russia to the northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest.

Its capital is Minsk. It is a country of approximately 80,000 square miles with a population of around 10 million.

From what I read, Belarus has historically leaned to different religions, mostly Orthodox,

The Resurrection Church of Brest is the largest church in Belarus. Over 5000 people can attend services

Catholicism (mostly in western regions), different denominations of Protestantism (especially during the time of union with Protestant Sweden).

Sizable minorities practice Judaism and other religions. Many Belarusians converted to the Russian Orthodox Church after Belarus was annexed by Russia after the partitions of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. As a consequence, the Russian Orthodox Church now has more members than other denominations.

There are many other countries as well. Perhaps from time to time I will post the “Top 10,” just for fun.

To all in Belarus, and all over the world, thanks for visiting Confidence And Joy.

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 Wednesday, August 4, 2010

How About Some Pizza?

Last week at the office at my day job, an employee from a popular Pizza chain down the street stopped in. He gave us coupons for special deals for pizza. He was hitting all the business in the neighborhood.

Yesterday, a couple of employees from a not so popular pizza joint walked in with four small pizzas. They told us about their “great deals” and then asked if we wanted to buy some of their pizzas that they said were hot and fresh.

Have You Noticed?

Have you noticed that a number of businesses are doing a lot more to drum up business in these shaky economic times? Many are doing things they never had to do before to stay in business.

Some are offering some really good deals. Others have really kicked their “friendly service” up several notches. Still others are thinking outside of the “nine dots” and finding new ways to reach customers.

Perhaps this is something good coming out of these troubled times. Maybe these are things that people used to do, but just got comfortable and lazy. Business was decent and they didn’t need to put forth those kinds of efforts.

Expanded Thinking

The fact is that many people are realizing in one way or another that they do need to expand their thinking. And, after all, this is America, and thank God we still have some freedom to do some of these things.

There are those who are searching for viable ways to sustain their income by looking into alternate means, such as home businesses. Statistics are showing that working from home is continuing to increase in popularity. With the volatile workplace environment, many are looking at those avenues as a more secure means of earning the income they need.

God, I Need Help!

If you have read the Bible at all, then you know that God is certainly not confined to the “nine dots.” Many times He has provided solutions that no one would have even thought about. Do you believe that asking for His guidance and help in your endeavors can be rewarding?

But, make sure that if you do ask that you are ready to roll up your sleeves and put some effort into what you do. Our loving heavenly Father is always able and willing to do His part. But we must be ready to do our part.

Michael A. Verdicchio

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Posted on Thursday, July 29, 2010

The Stethoscope

My friend, Dave, sent me a link to the video below. He thought its was pretty cool and so do I.

Take a couple of minutes and watch and see if you think it’s cool too.

It’s called, “The Stethoscope.”

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Posted on Monday, July 26, 2010

How To Build Trust In God

It’s Another Podcast!

I’m catching a flight back home in about 3 hours, but I wanted to get this posted now. Why?

The topic of trusting God is so often misunderstood. And, in the days we are living in it is very critical that you understand what it means to really trust God.

The information in this podcast is very timely, very practical, and applying it could change your life. In other words, this is a big deal!

Discover in this podcast (23:27) how to build your trust in God, from a biblical perspective. Find out if you have been relying on misconceptions. Get the solid information that you need to trust God regardless of the uncertainty of our times.

Enjoy the podcast!

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

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Posted on Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Why Are People Poor?

Today I am posting an article that I published a couple of years ago about poverty. Just like then, I am sure today there will be people who will not agree with what I have to say. So, see what you think.

I believe what I wrote two years ago is still true, even during these very uncertain economic times we are living in.

Poverty

The cause of poverty is not a lack of money. Does that statement shock you? It’s true. A lack of money may be an effect of poverty, but it is not the cause of poverty.

The cause of poverty is poverty thinking. Poverty comes from poverty beliefs and poverty attitudes; it comes from a poverty mindset.

Not having Money Is Not Poverty

Here’s another statement that might shake you. Not having money does not mean you’re impoverished. Let me explain. Suppose your checkbook gets all the way to zero. You are flat broke now. But, being flat broke now does not mean that you will be flat broke permanently. It absolutely does not guarantee that you will forever stay flat broke.

There are countless millionaires who at one time or another were flat broke. Why didn’t they stay flat broke? Some have even confessed going broke a number of times. A lack of money is not the issue. What’s in your mind is the issue.

Why Are People In Poverty?

Have you ever asked someone who is indeed in poverty why they are in that state? They will tell you exactly why. They will give you one poverty-minded statement after another. They will point out every lack that they have.

They come from a poor family. They lack education. Good jobs are hard to come by these days. The price of everything today is too high. They never get a decent break like a lot of other people do. The government doesn’t really care about them enough.

They have ingrained these thoughts into their minds and hearts. They have allowed that kind of thinking to actually take root in their heart, and become their belief system.

Is There A Choice?

What we choose to believe is what we will manifest in our lives. This universal law works with accuracy and precision no matter who the person is and no matter what the circumstances are.

I have visited a number of foreign countries. It is just amazing to me how anyone in the United States can stay in poverty. There is so much wealth, abundance and opportunity in the United States that it staggers the mind.

Now just above the poverty line there are those who are just struggling to get by. Many are working very hard to make ends meet each month. Some work two and three jobs. They are labeled as the “lower middle class.”

They may put forth a great effort, but they still seem to get nowhere except just above the poverty line. They will stay there because that’s what they choose to believe.

Life Is Not Luck Or Fate

So, is that their fate? Nothing could be farther from the truth. Are we to believe that some people are just blessed with a better life than others? Does the God show more favor on some but less on others? No!

Once you identify and accept that you are in a certain category in life and you really believe that in your heart, that is where you will stay. It really makes no difference where you are today. Whether you qualify as in poverty, just above poverty, lower middle class or middle class, none of those descriptions really mean anything unless you continue to accept them as true for your life.

The point is, where you are today is a result of your own belief system. Wherever you are today in life is a direct result of what you have decided to believe.

You Can Change Your Life

If you can accept that truth, you can change your circumstances because you recognize what very few ever recognize. The power to change your life is in your brain. The thoughts that you consistently entertain will form your own personal belief system.

Change your life and your circumstances by first changing your thoughts, hour by hour and day by day. Fill your mind with thoughts of where you want to go, not where you are today.

You may not be in poverty, but, are you where you really desire to be in your life? If not, why not? Do you need to change your thoughts to form a new belief system?

Get honest with yourself and really examine your thoughts. A good indication of your thoughts is what comes out of your mouth.

You can change your life and your circumstance by changing your belief system. And you can change your belief system by changing your thinking, one thought at a time.

Michael A. Verdicchio
2008

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Related Posts:
Opposite Thoughts
Are you Going To A Pity Party?
What The World Really Needs Now

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Posted on Friday, July 9, 2010

Choose Your Friends Wisely

When I was growing up my dad used to say, many times, “Choose your friends wisely.” I passed on the same advice to my children as well. But it still holds true for adults as well.

The weekend is here and usually people have a little more time to spend with family and friends. But whether it’s the weekend, a weekday, or even a lunch hour, we ought to always choose our friends wisely.

Being around positive people inspires us because they give us hope and possibilities and anticipation of good things to come. For them, the glass is not just half full, but rather, “There must be even more water around here someplace!”

And that’s why we like to be around positive people.

On the other hand, it is depressing to be around negative people. I’m not talking about when you’re trying to help and inspire someone who is lacking hope. I’m talking about hanging out with negative people who relate one negative defeating story after another.

It is just too depressing. It certainly doesn’t encourage or inspire you does it?

Choose your friends wisely. And, try to be an inspiration to other people. Think of the positive impact that you can have on the people you hang out with this weekend.