Category Archives: Posts

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HOW YOU CAN OVERCOME OBSTACLES

3 Practical Keys You Can Use Right Now!

There are times in life we all face obstacles. Discover 3 great keys in overcoming obstacles in this short video (6 minutes). You’ll also find out what is the most destructive of the non pharmaceutical narcotics.

I recorded this video a number of years ago, and, yes, it’s a bit grainy.  But, I’m posting it again because it could have a major impact on your life today!

For more videos like this, check out my YouTube Channel; over a hundred  inspiring and encouraging videos for practical Christian living. (most under 2 minutes!)
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IN THE DAYS OF COVID, THERE WERE RIOTS IN THE STREETS

What I’ve Been Doing and a Wake Up Call

For many people, 2020 began like all new years begin, with anticipation of a better year, goals, aspirations, dreams, etc. And then, seemingly overnight, the whole world changed – a global pandemic. The days of covid were upon us.

And then, just as we were all starting to get a grasp of the whole covid thing, a police officer in Minnesota murdered a suspect and it was captured live on video. While that heinous and devilish act was horrific, what resulted and continues is equally heinous and devilish.

During these days of the covid and riots in the streets, like so many people, I’ve spent most of my time at home. As a result, some very positive things have occurred in my life. Below are a few of the things I’ve been doing, followed by some things I’ve learned, that may, to some, be a wake up call.

First, and most important, like many people, I’ve spent a lot more time in prayer. I’m sure you’d agree, these days there is lots to pray about.

Secondly, I’ve spent considerable more time reading and studying the “Good News,” the Bible, as well as having more opportunities to teach. Our small weekly “home fellowship” switched to an online fellowship. And much to my surprise, people began joining in from 7-10 other states from time to time as well, even from Germany a couple of times.

I’m also doing an online fellowship for the folks at Desert Winds Retirement Center twice a month. For weeks on end those elderly folks have been confined to their apartments. In addition, utilizing video technology, I’ve had the opportunity on Saturday evenings to teach the men at the Phoenix Rescue Mission. And hosting weekly video prayer nights on Tuesdays has been a very special time.

Thirdly, instead of going to the gym twice a week, I exercise at home, including a 2 mile walk every morning. As of late, with the Arizona heat this time of year, walking needs to be early as temperatures are 90 degrees or so around 6 AM. It’s a quiet time to pray and get some much needed, albeit very hot, sunlight, which is so important in the days of covid.

Fourthly, I have been doing my best to avoid “going down the rabbit hole” from all the information coming from a multitude of directions concerning both the covid and the riots. It takes a conscious effort to be selective in what you see and hear, and most importantly, to not allow emotions to dismiss reason.

And, finally, in light of so much chaos and noise, instead of just swallowing any and all narratives, I have looked for answers beyond what we all see and hear. And while the actions of people in the streets have been so shockingly sad, it’s equally shocking and sad what many people are buying into.

Information is readily available, if you’re willing to put emotions aside and take an honest look. When it comes to the riots in the streets, I have. It’s very sad to me that some of those who call themselves Christians find themselves so emotionally driven that they accept and support a new political group, whose founders openly admit they are, “trained Marxists.”

On their very own website it shows their intent and beliefs, including Marxist diatribes against the traditional family, capitalism, and by extension the idea of progress. 

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Information is not only out there, it’s in plain sight! What we see in our streets is not about racism; it’s not about police brutality; it’s not about white supremacy; it is clearly about the overthrow of this country. And, as usual, the end result, promised by those who appear to be running the show, is utopia – a wonderful and beautiful new world where everything will be fair for everyone!

But even beyond that, it’s really not just about the overthrow of this country; it’s about the overthrow of God, His Word, and His Son! The end game for socialism, communism, and totalitarianism is, the state is now god, period!

Ignorance! Ignorance I say! Too many Christians are ignorant of what is really going on in the streets. But even worse, they are ignorant of the Scriptures, God’s Word!

The Bible clearly shows us that the god of this world, your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about seeking whom he may devour. Jesus said the thief comes not but for to steal, and to kill and to destroy. God tells us plainly we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. We are told to not be ignorant of Satan’s devices! *

The Bible tells us our adversary is a liar and the father of lies; he is a deceiver! Swallow the lies, be led by your emotions, and he will have you hooked.

Are some of my brothers and sisters so naive, so duped that when they see a few churches burned, and a few statues of Jesus destroyed, they think those are just the actions of some overzealous protesters? Make no mistake, it is only the beginning, with the end game to take away your freedoms, including your freedom to worship. If you think it can’t happen, gaze upon your brothers and sisters in danger for their faith every day in China, North Korea, etc. etc.

If this country falls, it will not be utopia, it will be devastating for the people of this land, and for the people of the rest of the world. If you don’t believe that, then you were never accurately taught history.

During these days of the covid and riots in the streets, for me personally there have been some wonderfully positive results in my life. I’m grateful for those. But at this moment, the future of the United States of America is uncertain.  So, I strongly implore my brothers and sisters to join me in getting your head in the Book, and praying much for this country.

And, speak up! Look for opportunities to courageously speak the Truth of God’s Word with all the love in your heart. The light of God’s Word is so needed, now, today, in our country! Preach the delivering power of God! Preach the love of God! Preach the resurrected Christ! The Truth sets people free.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
II Chronicles 7:14

* For added understanding concerning this topic, under the tab, Recent Teachings, listen to 6-28-2020 The Spiritual Battle (39:24)

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OUR COUNTRY NEEDS GOD’S HELP!

Independence Day 2020


Our country desperately needs a lot of prayer. In these deeply troubling days, we need help from God Almighty; we sorely need His wisdom. I join many other Christians who continue to ask Him for His help.  Meanwhile, today more than ever before, there are those in our country who are hell bent on completely overthrowing this country and what it truly stands for.

At the end of this short article you will find some quotes from our Founding Fathers. While haters of America seek to find any of their shortcomings, and thus denounce them all as bad, evil people, read their own words concerning their faith.

None of us is without faults. And who among us, at the end of our lives, or in future days, would like for people to note our faults or shortcomings, having only those to define us?

This weekend our country celebrates our freedom. Independence was formally declared on July 2, 1776, On July 4, 1776, Congress approved the final text of the Declaration.

It is a time for celebration! John Adams wrote, “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty; it ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

What followed was a brutal 8 ½ year war with England. After the Revolutionary War ended, in 1783, before the official Constitution was finally ratified in 1791, The Bill of Rights, was added – the first ten amendments. This was adopted to place specific limits on government power. It was seen as necessary to safeguard individual liberty.

In later years, John Adams would write, “Posterity! you will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make a good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven that I ever took half the pains to preserve it.”

The United States is not and has not been a “perfect country.” We can, and we are still improving, in order to “form a perfect union.” But it is still the greatest nation on earth.

In an article by Norman Podhoretz, called, Is America Exceptional? he writes, “…more freedom and more prosperity to be enjoyed by more of its citizens than in any other society in human history. It follows that what liberals—who concentrate their attention on the relatively little that is wrong with America instead of the enormous good embodied within it—seek to change or discard is precisely what conservatives are dedicated to preserving, reinvigorating, and defending.”

He went on to talk about who could ever estimate the value to the world from this country over the last 100 years. Truly, where would the world be without the help and aid from the USA? The United States has spilled blood and treasure to liberate and protect many millions of people: World War I, World War II, Korea, then the cold war against communism, and since 9/11 we have spilled yet more blood and treasure fighting against radical Islamic terrorism. And economic aid continues to this day in the billions of dollars.

And who could ever measure the impact of the Gospel reaching out to other countries all over the world as a result of our freedoms in the USA?

I take great comfort knowing and believing the exceptional freedoms God gives to every born again believer, because of the completed work of Jesus Christ, far outweighs any freedoms granted by governments or institutions.  No government can ever undo or take away those freedoms. If this country as we know it fails, we must never lose sight that the freedom resulting from Christ’s completed work, is so much bigger than the freedom we have as US citizens. I will preach that message this Sunday.

Meanwhile, I am proud to be an American, and will celebrate it this weekend. And, again, I join many, many others praying for God’s help in these deeply troubled days. With God’s help, we can get through all the problems facing our nation.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways;
then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin,
and will heal their land.
II Chronicles 7:14

Mike Verdicchio  July 2, 1010

Take a few moments to read some quotes you may not have heard…

While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.  George Washington

God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever..  Thomas Jefferson

Suppose a nation in some distant Region should take the Bible for their only law Book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited! Every member would be obliged in conscience, to temperance, frugality, and industry; to justice, kindness, and charity towards his fellow men; and to piety, love, and reverence toward Almighty God … What a Eutopia, what a Paradise would this region be.  John Adams

Resistance to tyranny becomes the Christian and social duty of each individual. … Continue steadfast and, with a proper sense of your dependence on God, nobly defend those rights which heaven gave, and no man ought to take from us.  John Hancock

Here is my Creed. I believe in one God, the Creator of the Universe. That He governs it by His Providence. That He ought to be worshiped.  Benjamin Franklin

And as it is our duty to extend our wishes to the happiness of the great family of man, I conceive that we cannot better express ourselves than by humbly supplicating the Supreme Ruler of the world that the rod of tyrants may be broken to pieces, and the oppressed made free again; that wars may cease in all the earth, and that the confusions that are and have been among nations may be overruled by promoting and speedily bringing on that holy and happy period when the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ may be everywhere established, and all people everywhere willingly bow to the sceptre of Him who is Prince of Peace.  Samuel Adams

The hope of a Christian is inseparable from his faith. Whoever believes in the divine inspiration of the Holy Scriptures must hope that the religion of Jesus shall prevail throughout the earth. Never since the foundation of the world have the prospects of mankind been more encouraging to that hope than they appear to be at the present time. And may the associated distribution of the Bible proceed and prosper till the Lord shall have made ‘bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God’ (Isaiah 52:10).  John Quincy Adams

I do declare to the whole world that we believe the Scriptures to contain a declaration of the mind and will of God in and to those ages in which they were written; being given forth by the Holy Ghost moving in the hearts of holy men of God; that they ought also to be read, believed, and fulfilled in our day; being used for reproof and instruction, that the man of God may be perfect. They are a declaration and testimony of heavenly things themselves, and, as such, we carry a high respect for them. We accept them as the words of God Himself.  William Penn

It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.
The Bible … is a book worth more than all the other books that were ever printed.  Patrick Henry

By conveying the Bible to people thus circumstanced, we certainly do them a most interesting kindness. We thereby enable them to learn that man was originally created and placed in a state of happiness, but, becoming disobedient, was subjected to the degradation and evils which he and his posterity have since experienced.
The Bible will also inform them that our gracious Creator has provided for us a Redeemer, in whom all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; that this Redeemer has made atonement ‘for the sins of the whole world,’ and thereby reconciling the Divine justice with the Divine mercy has opened a way for our redemption and salvation; and that these inestimable benefits are of the free gift and grace of God, not of our deserving, nor in our power to deserve. John Jay

Previous Independence Day Posts:

Independence Day 1019

Independence Day 2018

Remembering Our Independence 

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WHAT CAN YOU DO IN THESE DARK DAYS?

Here’s Two Vitally Important Things You Can Do!

In these troubled and dark days, many are looking to God for His help. I truly believe we can get through these dark days here in the United States, but not without the help of God Almighty.

Many Bible believing Christians see the great need to pray, and now find themselves praying more than perhaps they ever have in the past. That’s a good thing – never underestimate the power of prayer. You might be mindful of certain verses concerning prayer; there are many, like this one:

II Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

In these dark days, information comes to us from every direction, non stop. Emotions by many are at fever pitch. How many make the time to take the time to turn it all off and pray?  David wrote in Psalm 55, “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice.”

The Bible shows us in many places, like Psalm 5, prayers for the wicked and wickedness to cease; for those who lay traps to fall in them, for deceitful mouths to stop, etc. I encourage you to make time to take time to pray and pray and pray!

Never underestimate the power of prayer!

In addition to much needed prayer, The Bible exhorts us to speak the truth in love. Will we speak it?  Will we shine as lights in the midst of this crooked and perverse world? Jesus said, “The Truth shall make you free!” He also said the thief (the devil) comes “to steal, and to kill and to destroy,” but he came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly. We can speak words that promote God’s goodness and deliverance.

Christian who have their eyes open know this is a spiritual battle. Ephesians tells us, “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” The Bible tells us we are not to be ignorant of Satan’s devices.

The media has and always will promote conflict. In purposefully adding “fuel to the fire,” they so often distort facts. One of the many ways they do this is by adding selective adjectives to the facts.

Yes, it’s a fact, there are racists in this country and, for that matter, in every country; as long as there are people in a country, there will always be wicked bigots. So, it is a fact, there is racism in America. But they add to that “fact” words like, “rampant,” and, “unredeemable.”

Without question there are issues that need to be addressed, but looting and burning is not the answer. Beating and killing people is not the answer. Getting rid of an entire nation’s police force is not the answer. Most police who put their lives on the line everyday for people they don’t even know are not racists. Why not do whatever is necessary to root out the bad apples and bad practices?

The last three months have been painfully devastating. Sadly, many Christians are agonizingly divided, taking positions from one political side or the other. Proverbs 6 should serve as a moment of pause for some, as it says, the Lord hates a false witness that speaks lies, and he that sows discord among brethren.

Since the end of March, while in the “lock down,” we’ve been doing our Sunday Bible fellowship via phone conferencing, I have posted those teachings. The underlying theme in those teachings is looking to God and trusting Him in dark days, or, at any time. I pray they not only help you, but give you some light of God’s Word you can share with others to help them.

Never underestimate the power of God’s Word!

And finally, a reminder to ALL born again Christians. Some have either forgotten or have never been taught that we are called, in the Bible, “the Church of God.” It is His Church. And God said we are ALL part of ONE body, with Jesus Christ as the head.

Furthermore, the Bible also says, for us, there is no longer Jew or Gentile, male or female, bond or free – that means no more black or white! We are ALL members of the ONE body of Christ. And we are told to have the same care one for another. Oh how lax the Christian Church has been in preaching and living that message!

Pray! Then pray more. Never underestimate the power of prayer!

Speak God’s Word! Never underestimate the power of the Word of God!

Below are two videos. The first is Jack Brewer, a former NFL safety, speaking a few days ago at a round table discussion. It is about 6 minutes, and he addresses problems from a spiritual point of view.

The second is a song by Casting Crowns, titled, “What If His People Prayed?

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PENTECOST 2020

This Sunday, May 31, many Christians will celebrate Pentecost, remembering the events recorded in Chapter 2 of the book of Acts.  But what is it really all about?

Some Christians don’t see the great significance of Pentecost. Actually, it’s even hard to find it included on printed calendars.  And yet,  just 8 days before it happened,  Jesus specifically spoke about about it right before he ascended.

The article below, “What Is Pentecost All About”  gives great insight about that momentous event recorded in Acts 2. Perhaps after reading it you might consider that Pentecost really is a big deal!

What Is Pentecost All About?

There are a number of popular celebrations on the Church calendar. The biggest and most popular of course, is Christmas. People understand they are celebrating the birth of Christ.

When it comes to Pentecost, what exactly are we remembering?  Some say it’s all about commemorating the descent of the holy spirit upon the Apostles. That event, along with details of what followed is recorded in Acts Chapter 2.

But was that original Day of Pentecost of even greater importance and significance than the birth of Christ? Is it possible it was the greatest event to date in the history of mankind? What’s the real significance

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MEMORIAL DAY 2020

Tomorrow is Memorial Day. Sometimes people get confused – Veterans Day, which is in November, is when we remember everyone who has served our country, at any time in any capacity.  Memorial Day, formerly known as, “Decoration Day,” commemorates men and women who died while in military service to the United States.

It began as a way to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War. Later, it was extended, after World War I, to honor all American military who died in all wars –  we remember those who gave their life in service to our country.

Congress actually established an exact minute of remembrance. The National Moment of Remembrance Act, adopted in December of 2000, encourages every citizen to pause each Memorial Day at 3:00 p.m. local time to remember the brave men and women who died serving this country.

Take a little time this weekend to thank God for the freedoms and liberty we have in this country – because over the years so many gave their lives.  And, without getting political, it is startling to see in a number of places in our country, how quickly liberty and freedoms can evaporate.  Continue to pray for our country to re-open, and for us to maintain the freedoms and liberties so many gave their lives for.

If you don’t live here in the United States, take some time to pause and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for your country.

And, regardless of where we live, how thankful we are for the ultimate sacrifice made by our Lord Jesus Christ – bringing us eternal life – the ultimate freedom – freedom from death itself!

Below are 3 very moving videos that help put this remembrance into perspective.

 

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MOTHER’S DAY 2020

rose - 1Happy Mother’s Day to all Moms!

In these strange and unprecedented days, some moms will not be with their children on Mother’s Day.  Yes, some will be able to see mom via video, but it’s not the same as hugging mom, is it?  And,, since last Mother’s Day, some moms are no longer with us.

But, I’m still very glad there is a day set aside to honor moms.

 I’m re-posting the following for Mother’s Day, because
Mom’s are very, very special!  If you like it, share it with someone!

MOM

Some governments use the word “ministry” to describe various functions, like ministry of finance, or ministry of education. The word “ministry” means service. Therefore, the minister of education would be one who serves the country with regards to education.

I believe being a mom is a ministry, a very, very unique service.

No woman can ever study hard enough or prepare long enough to be ready to be a mom. Moms surely need God’s gracious help and encouragement with the responsibilities and challenges.

It actually begins nine months before she is

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HE IS RISEN!

God Raised Jesus Christ From The Dead!

Even as a stunned world tries to cope with social distancing during this crisis, the words of the angel at the tomb over two thousand years ago still ring loud and clear: “He Is Risen!”

And on that glorious day, the angel rolled away the stone, not so Jesus could get out, but so others could look in.  “He Is Risen!”

Before he died, Jesus cried out, “It Is Finished!”  After three days and three nights, God Almighty raised him from the dead. “He Is Risen!”  Today, believers around the world joyfully remember and celebrate the foundation of Christianity: the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God!

Below, are two music videos, followed by a  short YouTube video of mine, and a couple of short 7 minute podcasts, I posted a number of years ago.

Rejoice! He Is Risen! And, He Is Coming Back!

How Brutal Was It?   (Video)
A short video with three different versions of Isaiah 52:14, a verse that graphically prophesied the results of the extreme physical punishment the Messiah would endure for all of mankind.

The Women Found Out First  
A short 7 minute podcast about a very unique, and mostly overlooked point concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ, that few notice or mention.

3 Words   (Podcast)
A short podcast (under 7 minutes) about 3 words spoken on two different occasions.

Rejoice! He Is Risen! And, He Is Coming Back!

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

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Accessing God’s Protection

How To Access God’s Protection

The Bible speaks of God’s magnificent protection.  This past Sunday, on our “conference call” fellowship, we looked at Psalm 91. This Psalm not only shows God’s protection, but how to access it. Very timely for the days we are living in today! The recording of that teaching is below.

 

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COVID-19: WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Some Practical And Timely Solutions For The Days We Are Living In

For nearly 28 years we have hosted a Bible Fellowship in our home. But with the Covid-19 restrictions, like many other fellowships and churches, yesterday was a virtual meeting via phone conferencing.

Below, you can listen to the teaching portion of our meeting –  it is both very practical and very timely for the days we live in. It is titled, Now What?

God bless you, and stay safe!