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Devouring Widows’ Houses

From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”

[The Bible is an “Eastern” book. It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.”  As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.

In understanding the Scriptures it is important for us to understand the culture, but it doesn’t mean that we should necessarily follow that culture. Rather, it is in the understanding of the Eastern culture that we gain light and understanding about many things in the Bible.]

There are a number of places in the Gospels where Jesus criticizes the Scribes and Pharisees.  They, as the religious leaders of their day and time, should have

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What Kind Of Day?

What kind of day are you having?  Can you really decide what kind of day you’re going to have?

You can’t always prevent what happens to you, but you can always determine what happens in you. This short video is about deciding what kind of day you are going to have.

Enjoy the video!

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

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That Is Some Body

This morning during my exercise time, I was of course more aware of my body, as I’m sure most people are when they are in that mode.  Like a lot of folks, I know I need a little more consistency in this area of my life.  As I get older it becomes more obvious to me.

But with Easter still fresh in my mind, I began thinking about the resurrected body of Jesus Christ.  All we really know about it is

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A God Of Convenience

I believe God can and does work differently with different people.  I didn’t say, “mysteriously.” God cannot and does not ever do anything that contradicts His own written Word.

In talking to people over the years I have discovered there are some who have created their own God.  In other words, they

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We Have The Victory

Right before he died, Jesus Christ cried out in victory, “It is finished!”  He had completed mankind’s redemption.  He paid the full price for the sins of the whole world.

Then, three days and three nights later, an angel spoke three more victorious words: “He is risen.” Jesus Christ was raised from the dead.

Today, believers all around the world

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This Sunday

This coming Sunday believers around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

It was on a Sunday morning over 2,000 years ago when an angel uttered those three words: He Is Risen!

For this week, I have some related links to

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How To Handle The Changes

Maybe it happens when I read or hear more of the latest news.  At least, I notice it less when I hear less of what’s going on.  But even a very small portion of what the newsroom is dishing out is cause for concern, isn’t it?

No, this is not an article about how negative the news is, and how it can and does affect you and me.  I’ve written about that before.  This is about another perspective; this is about reaching for my compass.

Okay, yes, it’s true the more news you read or hear, the easier it is to be afraid of what’s coming next.  I mean is Iran going to soon have a nuke and use it on Israel?  Is North Korea really serious about attacking the United States?

I will not add any more to the list as I digress from my point of intent.  Besides the horrible and horrific events that could happen, there are disturbing events that are happening.  Culture changes cause me to grab my compass, which is my Bible.

Yes, I am one of those who believe the Bible is the Word of God and that it contains the truth.  Jesus himself said God’s Word is truth.  But there are plenty of people today who believe neither Jesus nor the Bible.

I was talking to someone the other day and I said, “What part of the Bible is not true?  And who gets to decide what part is true or not?  Based on what?”

Simply put, for me anyway, if the Bible is not true, then what is the standard for truth?  Is it what a person really believes in the depth of their heart is right and true?  That is the way of thinking for lots of people today; live your life and do what you think is right.

What Is The Standard For Truth?

When it comes to truth, it doesn’t matter what you and I think or believe.  What you and I think or believe cannot change what is true.  You can believe with all your heart and soul that the sun goes around the earth every day, but that is not true; it is a lie.

Recently I heard a talk show host on a local radio station, in talking about a certain controversial issue, say, “Oh well, the Bible has a lot of things in it.”  He then went on to basically say that it didn’t matter what the Bible said about that issue.

What’s Your Standard?

What do you use for a compass on controversial issues?  If you’ve ever been lost in the woods, a compass helps you find the right course and points you in the right direction.  Someone could tell you, “No, that’s not really north; this is the direction we need to go, and besides, everybody else is heading that way.”

Regardless of the current media working overtime to help bring about cultural change, truth is still truth.  Movies and TV shows will continue to depict acceptance of things that are not true, but they don’t change the truth. No matter how widely circulated and accepted lies are, they still aren’t true.

As culture changes before your eyes, it can be discouraging.  There may even be times when you’re tempted to think your compass might be broken.  You may even think you’re crazy, but you’re not.

With humility, not arrogance, you and I can allow the compass to guide and direct us.  We can still love people regardless of what they believe. And we can show our compass to whomever wants to consider.  Maybe, just maybe, we can help and lead them down the right path.

Mike Verdicchio
2013

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How To Forget The Past

There’s a man you can read about in the Bible who did some pretty awful things.  He was very religious and very committed to his cause, qualities that some would call commendable.  But he killed God’s children.

He was responsible for finding out where God’s people were, arresting them, and then

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Good Measure, Pressed Down, Shaken Together And Running Over

From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”

[The Bible is an “Eastern” book. It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.”  As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.

In understanding the Scriptures it is important for us to understand the culture, but it doesn’t mean that we should necessarily follow that culture. Rather, it is in the understanding of the Eastern culture that we gain light and understanding about many things in the Bible.]

Like many other people, I practice the act of giving.  Some call it the tithe; others refer to it as abundant sharing; still others say it is