I doubt anyone under the age of thirty can really relate to this. On the other hand, if you are under thirty, this article may help you understand some of us who are a little older. The title of this article is from
Thank God It’s…
Friday? No, this is not about the popular phrase, “Thank God it’s Friday.” In this short [4:51] podcast you will discover one of the great benefits of being grateful. Do you know what it is?
Enjoy The Podcast!
[If you cannot see the player below, just click the title above]
Don’t Be Shy – Leave A Comment!
Do you have some thoughts about this? We’d love to hear what you think. Just scroll to the bottom of this post and type in your comment. (If you are receiving this post via email or RSS, just click the title above and then scroll to the bottom of the post and type in your comment.)
You Might Also Enjoy:
The Great Giver
Break The Vicious Cycle of Discouragement And Defeat
Pressure
Share This Podcast!
Do you want to share this podcast on your website or Blog? To share on social media, like Facebook or Twitter, there are buttons below.
There’s More!
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!
Do You Feel Like Giving Up?
There are times in life when almost everyone has thought about giving up. Frustrated and feeling like nothing is working for them, a person can get to the point of saying, “What’s the use in trying anymore?”
Reaching that point in life, most of the time a person chooses one of two courses. If someone is really discouraged, they can choose to accept their “plight in life.” They see their dreams or goals as unattainable. They believe that for them, “This is just the way that it is.”
But others choose a different path. Yes, they too may be discouraged. They may very well be very frustrated and feel like giving up. But, instead, they choose not to give up. They choose to keep trying.
Why Bother?
Life is not without challenges and setbacks no matter who you are. With the current economic situations many of those challenges seem to be magnified. It can be tempting to think, “Why bother trying anymore?”
This is not only true with economic challenges, but with relationships, illness, special projects; it’s true with any number of different things. But no matter what it is you are thinking about “giving up” on, before you do, consider two important questions.
First, why was this important to you in the first place? Whether it is a relationship, a job promotion, a dream of yours, a new business, moving to a new city, etc., why was it important to begin with? Really be honest in answering this question.
Secondly, do you feel like quitting because it is no longer important to you, or, because it hasn’t worked out yet like you expected it to? Here’s an important key in answering this second question: if it no longer important to you, then it really isn’t a big deal to abandon it. But, on the other hand, if you feel sad and remorseful giving up on something, then it may very well still be important to you.
If something is important to you, I don’t believe you ever have to quit. Your goals and your dreams are yours. The desires of your heart are deeply personal and they are very important because they are yours. The Bible states that God will give you the desires of your heart, so He must think they are important as well.
So, if something is still important to you then you can either give up, or, you can refuse to quit. I know that refusing to quit is easier said than done. I’ve been there in my life many times.
Where Is Your Focus, Honestly?
It really takes no more effort to focus on a negative than it does to focus on a positive. So many times when we are ready to give up and quit we are focusing only on the problems. All we see is that we do not have what we desire. That tempts us to complain and blame.
Put your focus back on your goal, back on what you desire. Yes, you need to track your accomplishments, but keep your main focus on your desire.
Dismiss and let go of worry, doubt and fear. The greatest detriment to success is fear of failure. Put your trust in God. His message to you is, “Fear not.” So, when you have those feelings of fear, toss them out and replace them with thoughts of confidence; Say, “I can do this!”
You Need A Plan
Next, write down a plan, any kind of a plan. It doesn’t have to be 10 pages long. As a matter of fact, if you can only write one or two things down that’s fine. That’s your plan for right now.
This is really helpful especially if you feel like you are at the end of your ropes and that you have already tried everything. That doesn’t matter now. You have decided not to quit, so you are now re-grouping. Just write something down. You can add to it later, but you need to start somewhere.
Writing your plan helps to eliminate the worries of how and what and where. Instead of looking at past setbacks you are now focusing on a solution. Here is what I am going to do right now.
Try It Today
For example, you may simply write down, “pray.” That’s fine. Maybe that’s all you can do right now, today. Then tomorrow, you add to your plan, “Evaluate what I have been doing.”
Continue to add things to your plan such as: what you will continue to do, what might need adjusting, what new things you can do, what additional information you need to learn and who can you get help from.
If something is indeed important to you, then don’t quit. Have confidence in God and stay persistent. The learning when you stay on the journey is invaluable, and as many have said, many times more fulfilling than actually achieving the goal or dream.
Finally, refuse to think or utter anything negative about your dream or goal. Always speak positively about it. I will get there. I am making progress. I am moving forward. It doesn’t matter how slow the progress, what matters is that I am moving forward because I refuse to quit.
Mike Verdicchio
2012
Don’t Be Shy – Leave A Comment!
Do you have some thoughts about this? We’d love to hear what you think. Just scroll to the bottom of this post and type in your comment. (If you are receiving this post via email or RSS, just click the title above and then scroll to the bottom of the post and type in your comment.)
You Might Also Enjoy:
Are You Discouraged?
Are You Afraid To Trust God?
Get Up And Get Dressed
Share This!
Do you want to share this on your website or Blog? To share on social media, like Facebook or Twitter, there are buttons below.
There’s More!
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!
A Cool Morning
Last Sunday, at a business conference, I sat and listened to John Maxwell for around an hour and a half. He was very excited about his new book, as any author would be, of course. But of his seventy some books, he said he believed this one was his most important.
Knowing a little bit about what is in that new book, I mentioned it on my last post. I’ve ordered it. But, last Sunday morning turned out to be a real treat; let me tell you why.
John told us we were the first group he was speaking to about his new book. He told us it was not going to be a “polished” presentation, but he was enthusiastic because he believes the information can, “change people’s lives.”
So, casually but with great conviction, he gave us some highlights, and I wanted to share a few things with you from my notes. While I am a very good “note taker,” and some of this may very well be verbatim, don’t consider these direct quotes.
Some Nuggets
He talked about the “Law of Intentionality” as the foundation of the book. I mentioned that law in my last post when I was talking about growing spiritually. Growth, in any category doesn’t just happen; it is not an automatic process.
Most people want to change their circumstances, but they don’t want to improve themselves, therefore they remain bound.
When you grow and change then things will get better. It starts with self-improvement. He talked about how everyone knows people they’d like to change, but really, the person they need to change is themselves.
The longer you wait to do something that you should do now, the greater the odds you won’t do it.
Most people get up each day and accept their life instead of getting up each day and leading their life.
The Mirror
I really liked when he talked about who and what you see in the mirror. I’ve mentioned that before on this blog a few times. I think it is very important. He said that when you look in the mirror, you must see value, worth and potential. The Creator made you for success, not failure. See yourself greater.
12% – Are You Kidding Me?
When it comes to personal growth, we all have room to grow. He gave a statistic I had not heard before. Researchers say that most people only reach 12% of their potential.
12%? If we are going to tap into that other 88% we need to change how we think. We need to change what we do.
So, those are a few highlights of a very exciting morning with John Maxwell.
Mike Verdicchio
2012
Don’t Be Shy – Leave A Comment!
Do you have some thoughts about this? We’d love to hear what you think. Just scroll to the bottom of this post and type in your comment. (If you are receiving this post via email or RSS, just click the title above and then scroll to the bottom of the post and type in your comment.)
You Might Also Enjoy:
How To Grow Spiritually
What Do You See?
Who Do You See In The Mirror?
Are You Willing?
Share This!
Do you want to share this on your website or Blog? To share on social media, like Facebook or Twitter, there are buttons below.
There’s More!
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!
How To Grow Spiritually
John Maxwell talks a lot about growth in his upcoming book, The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth. I haven’t read the book, but look forward to it. I do know the first law he talks about in the new book is the Law of Intentionality.
Talking about his new book, John wrote, “The first law is the Law of Intentionality: Growth doesn’t just happen. We don’t improve by simply living. We have to be intentional about it. And the sooner you make the transition to becoming intentional about your personal growth, the better it will be for you, because growth compounds and accelerates as you remain intentional about it.”
I believe those statements hold true regardless of the arena one desires to see growth in their life. Whether it’s deepening your walk with God, improving a work skill, or even strengthening your marriage, becoming intentional is a very import key.
For me, defining spiritual growth is really all about developing a closer relationship with God. Over the years I continue to be concerned about having a closer, more intimate relationship with God. When you look at God’s relationship with some of the believers mentioned in the Bible, it’s obvious we have plenty of room for growth.
But what is really necessary to deepen or increase your personal relationship with God? Is it doing more works: going to Church more, praying more or studying more? What is involved?
Where Do You Start?
So, how do you begin, in this case, to develop a closer, more intimate relationship with God? First, determine just how far you can go with this; what’s the limit? The answer to that can be found in the Bible by observing the relationships others had with God.
I know, many times it is mind blowing to read what a close relationship some had with God. Have you ever read the conversation of God and Abraham concerning Sodom and Gomorrah? Abraham was a guy who didn’t go to Church every Sunday, or read the Bible every day (there was no Bible to read). And, it doesn’t say that he prayed for hours on his knees.
But the Bible declares he is the “father of all them that believe.” That is quite a distinction. The Scriptures also say that he was the “friend of God.” Like I said, we have plenty of room for growth.
In looking at examples in the Scriptures to determine just how far you can go, do not say, “Oh, that was Abraham,” or “That was Moses, they were special.” Are you not as special as they were?
We who are born again Christians, according to the New Testament Scriptures, are in God’s eyes accepted, righteous, forgiven, holy and without blame, inseparable from God’s love, and a lot more. We have been given eternal life and we have His spirit within us.
Actually, we have been blessed with a lot more than the Old Testament believers had. So, logically, couldn’t we go as far as they went? Jesus said about those who believe in him, “The works that I do shall you do also, and greater works than these shall you do.” I would say his relationship with the Father was the apex, the pinnacle of having a relationship with God.
Start Today, Not Tomorrow!
Once you are clear on just how far you can go, begin today; no more procrastinating. Decide that you will put forth some effort every single day building and developing a closer relationship with your heavenly Father. You decide what you will put your efforts into, but just make sure that you are intentionally putting your effort into something every single day.
Obviously talking to the Father on a consistent basis would be very beneficial. If you are not “hearing back,” don’t worry about it, because eventually you will! Get into the habit of talking to your Father throughout the day; open your heart completely; share everything with Him.
I am closer to my wife than any other human being. I can tell Kathy everything including my highs and my lows, my victories and my failures. She knows my strengths and my weaknesses because I talk to her.
In my mind, prayer is talking to God, not reading or reciting a preprinted prayer. It is thanking Him, yes, but also telling Him where I think am, what I am going through and what I desire. It is communicating with Him. Have you ever read some of the prayers in the book of Psalms?
This brings up my second suggestion. Search the Scriptures to see the heart of God. The Bible is God’s communication to mankind; it reveals who He is. If we are going to have a relationship with Him, you and I need to know Him.
Again, it is up to you what to do every day in order to build and develop a closer relationship with your heavenly Father. As a starting point, these two suggestions should help to get you moving in the right direction. And, keep in mind that you and I have our whole lifetime to continue to grow in our personal and intimate relationship with Him.
Mike Verdicchio
2012
Don’t Be Shy – Leave A Comment!
Do you have some thoughts about this? We’d love to hear what you think. Just scroll to the bottom of this post and type in your comment. (If you are receiving this post via email or RSS, just click the title above and then scroll to the bottom of the post and type in your comment.)
You Might Also Enjoy:
Go Into Your Closet
Go To The Source
Are You Righteous In His Eyes?
Share This!
Do you want to share this on your website or Blog? To share on social media, like Facebook or Twitter, there are buttons below.
There’s More!
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!
What To Do When You Run Into A Roadblock
No matter who you are, how old you are, or what you do, at times you face roadblocks or obstacles. We all do. In the future we will all face more roadblocks and obstacles; it’s just a part of life.
I think of obstacles as small interruptions or interferences, perhaps like a pot hole in the road. Roadblocks are something much bigger; the road itself is closed. Both interrupt our momentum, but how we respond to them is very important.
Do you handle the roadblocks and obstacles of life differently than you handle the roadblocks and obstacles on the road? Have you ever thought of how you respond when the road you want to travel is blocked? The answer of course is simple; you take the detour until you can get back headed to where you want to go, right?
With an obstacle in the road, whether it is a pot hole, or a stalled vehicle, we simply maneuver around it and proceed on our merry way. There are also times when all traffic just stops temporarily. We have no options to go anywhere and so we’re stuck. It can be a real lesson in patience, perhaps.
At times in life, things may stop and we need to be patient. Other times there are obstacles we need to go around. Then there are times we face real roadblocks preventing us from moving forward in the direction we want to go.
When things in life come to a temporary halt, some people get very irritated and impatient. They expend all their energy in frustration and disgust. They act just like some drivers do when all the traffic stops; those people are easily identified by their car horns blaring.
In life, when faced with obstacles, some people get upset because they have to change course slightly. The obstacle forced them out of their comfort zone because things are not moving ahead smoothly without any hitches. Some people make the slight adjustment necessary, while others waste time and energy wondering how the obstacle got there, who’s responsible to move it and why it is still there.
Then at other times in life, we all experience roadblocks. We can no longer continue on the path we are on. On the journey of enjoying life today and planning for the future, downsizing and layoffs have presented many people with a huge roadblock. While there are plenty of other situations equally equated with a roadblock, today this is one of the most common.
Don’t You Think It’s Silly?
Driving on the road, when faced with a roadblock, wouldn’t you think it silly for someone to turn around and go home because the road they want to take is blocked? And isn’t almost unheard of for someone to just sit there in front of the roadblock in disbelief and despair? Yet, when it comes to roadblocks in life, that’s exactly what some people do.
When I lost my job of nearly 17 years back in 2008, being unemployed was a major roadblock; that avenue for income was now closed. What was I to do? Clearly I needed to find a new road, a different avenue for income.
What I didn’t do was spend my time and energy wondering why it happened. I never do that while driving, so why do it on the road of life? I chose to not be bitter or resentful, although that took a little bit of mental effort and shifting. I also refused to attend pity parties with others in the same plight.
I have heard people over the years, who have lost their jobs, exclaim, “Now I can collect all that unemployment money I have been paying all these years.” First of all, the employee doesn’t pay unemployment tax, the government makes the employer pay it. And secondly, how can anyone get excited about receiving a very, very small check every week instead of finding a new job?
It Helps, But…
Yes, of course getting an unemployment check can help while searching for a new avenue for employment. It helps; it helped me for a few weeks. But to rely on it and hope it continues indefinitely is like keeping your car parked in front of a road block; it doesn’t solve the problem.
I am not being critical, nor am I unaware of current conditions. I know available jobs are not at a premium today. But I also know, and am convinced, that regardless of the current economy, God is not out of business.
When you face a roadblock in your life, whatever it may be, waste 
no time and energy trying to figure out why it is happening to you. Waste no energy being bitter and resentful. Refuse to feel sorry for yourself. These are all completely unproductive actions which do nothing to get you back on an open road.
Instead, admit and recognize it for what it is: it is a roadblock. Every day pour your heart out to God, telling Him how you feel and asking Him for His help. Then, take as much action as you possibly can, every day, keeping your eyes and ears open, expecting to find your new avenue.
Mike Verdicchio
2012
Don’t Be Shy – Leave A Comment!
Do you have some thoughts about this? We’d love to hear what you think. Just scroll to the bottom of this post and type in your comment. (If you are receiving this post via email or RSS, just click the title above and then scroll to the bottom of the post and type in your comment.)
You Might Also Enjoy:
Having Some Problems?
The #1 Cause Of Failure
What Direction Are You Going?
Share This!
Do you want to share this on your website or Blog? To share on social media, like Facebook or Twitter, there are buttons below.
There’s More!
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!
Why Did He Tell Joseph He Was Pharaoh?
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.
If you are not familiar with the record in the Bible of Joseph, then you can read it in the book of Genesis. It is a truly remarkable account. If you are familiar, then you know that Pharaoh called for Joseph, who was in prison, to interpret Pharaoh’s dream.
However, as one reads what is recorded after Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream, it seems a bit confusing. Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without you shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.” Why did Pharaoh tell him, “I am Pharaoh?”
At this point in the record, Pharaoh is giving Joseph authority over all of Egypt. He is in fact placing Joseph as second only to himself. This is an extraordinary event which only Pharaoh could command.
Saying, “I am,” is a declaration that what he was speaking was as good as who he was. When someone says, “I am so-and-so,” they are attesting that what they have said is absolutely certain. It is a declaration of one’s prestige, standing, status, power and authority.
Obviously Joseph knew who he was standing before. Pharaoh gave what we might refer to as an executive order. He was making it very clear that there could be no question as to the certainty of what he spoke.
That expression is similar to when someone says, “In the name of.” In that case, it is not the person himself speaking, but someone else on his behalf who has the authority to speak using his name. And again, it would mean all the authority, power, status, standing and prestige of that name.
In our culture here in the United States, in would be a bit awkward in the workplace to say, “In the name of the boss, this project is a priority.” We would simply say, “The boss said to get this done, now!”
Today, born again believers have the authority to utilize the name of Jesus Christ.
In the book of Acts, there are a number of references to believers operating the power of God by utilizing the name of Jesus Christ. We can, and we should, pray in the name of Jesus Christ. We can and we should operate the power of God in the name of Jesus Christ.
Genesis 41:44
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I [am] Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.[For the complete record concerning Joseph, see Genesis 37 – 50]
Acts 3:6, 16
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
Acts 4:10
Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by him doth this man stand here before you whole.Acts 9:34
And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.Acts 8:12
But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.Acts 16:18
And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.Ephesians 5:20
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;Mark 9:39
But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.John 14:13 and 14
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do [it].
John 20:31
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Mike Verdicchio
2012
Leave A Comment!
Do you have some thoughts about this? We’d love to hear what you think. To leave a comment if you are receiving this post via email or RSS, just click the title above and scroll to the bottom of the post and type in your comment. If not, just scroll to the bottom of this post and type in your comment.
Share This Article!
To share this article on social media, like Facebook, or, Twitter, there are links below.
Resources
There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the Eastern culture in which the Bible was written. The best I know of were written by Bishop K. C. Pillai. I have had the pleasure of listening to many recorded teaching by him.
He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced. But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window
Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)
Everybody And Nobody
It’s Another Podcast!
Everybody experiences it.
It is never pleasant.
There is, however, a day coming for us Christians when nobody will ever have to experience it again.
Having recently lost a loved one, I do hope this podcast offers some encouragement and hope to you. We all have to deal with it now, but the day is coming when none of will ever have to deal will it.
And, there is a gospel song for you by Alan Jackson at the end of the podcast.
Enjoy the podcast.
[If you cannot see the player below, just click the title above]
Don’t Be Shy – Leave A Comment!
Do you have some thoughts about this? We’d love to hear what you think. Just scroll to the bottom of this post and type in your comment. (If you are receiving this post via email or RSS, just click the title above and then scroll to the bottom of the post and type in your comment.)
You Might Also Enjoy:
True Comfort In Times Of Sorrow
He Promised
Live Today!
Share This Podcast!
Do you want to share this podcast on your website or Blog? To share on social media, like Facebook or Twitter, there are buttons below.
There’s More!
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!
How Big?
Have you ever seen the big Sequoias in California’s Calaveras Big Tree State Park? A couple of weeks ago Kathy and I saw them up close and personal. Wow!
The park is located 3 miles north of Arnold, off Highway 4, in the Western Sierra Nevada’s. “Big trees” is a bit of an understatement. I would call them huge or gigantic.
The height these trees can reach is staggering. Some grow as high as 325 feet tall. But that is not as impressive as their diameter which can reach up to 33 feet!
On the mile and a half trail we were on, we had dozens of jaw dropping moments. The last tree was the biggest jaw dropper of all. It was so enormous that we actually walked through the tree!
I Thought About Something
Along the trail I had an interesting thought. In my lifetime I have seen many big beautiful trees. I’m sure you have too. In fact, in my front yard, I have a very large pine tree.
But seeing these particular “big trees” made me think of how big our God is. We all see trees everyday. But, to me, this was like God saying, “If you think you’ve seen trees before, look at these trees I made!”
In the book of Isaiah it says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says 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.”
God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, is so much bigger than our minds can comprehend. And He hasn’t lost any of His power and ability. He is still God Almighty, and that is encouraging.
In our lives, you and I face obstacles that at times seem just too big for us to figure out. We may even think there is no solution possible. But our powerful God specializes in things we may call impossible.
We can feel encouraged to look to Him for help. We can have confidence in His power and ability. We can rely on His reliability.
Plenty Of Reminders
The Bible is full of situations that may have seemed insurmountable at the time. But time and time again, God provided solutions, many times in a very big way. He is still the same God today as He was in the Bible.
You may never have the opportunity to see the big Sequoias up close and personal. But, there is still plenty of God’s handiwork you can see, both in nature and in the human body. Let the work of the great Creator you see be a constant reminder of the awesome power, goodness, and bigness of God Almighty.
Mike Verdicchio
2012
Don’t Be Shy – Leave A Comment!
Do you have some thoughts about this? We’d love to hear what you think. Just scroll to the bottom of this post and type in your comment. (If you are receiving this post via email or RSS, just click the title above and then scroll to the bottom of the post and type in your comment.)
You Might Also Enjoy:
How Big Is His Brain?
How Big Is Your God?
The Biggest Price
Share This!
Do you want to share this on your website or Blog? To share on social media, like Facebook or Twitter, there are buttons below.
There’s More!
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!
Politics? Not Really
My main purpose for this blog has never been about politics, but rather to help others have more confidence in God so they can receive what He has promised. That being said, the USA is at a point where politics are indeed front and center, and will stay there until the November presidential election. Even if you are a casual listener to the news, you know it has been a pretty ugly campaign; it’s very possible the low blow rhetoric will get even worse.
Last week Tampa hosted the Republican National Convention, and this week the Democrats are in Charlotte for their week long festivities. I heard there are around 1500 reporters covering these conventions. Depending on what those reporters see and hear, and then depending on what their bosses dictate, they will continue with their reports this week. It is sad that true journalists are extremely rare these days, in fact they are almost extinct. [pic of donkey elephant]
So why even mention it here on this blog? Where’s the inspiration? Where’s the help in having more confidence in God? Bear with me a minute, because, actually, that really is my point.
Divided
Our country is deeply divided. The differences are much, much greater than thinking one man has a better solution to the problems we face than the other guy. The division is an ideological one, about the proper role of government, which can really stir up emotions on both sides.
Personally, I am really more concerned about what shape our country will be in when my granddaughter, Ava, hits the job market in twenty years. How much freedom will there be for her to pursue her dreams? How much will she have to pay in taxes? [pic of Ava backpack]
Because of the current conditions in both our country and around the world, and the constant rhetoric which continues to stir up emotions, people are putting a lot of confidence in their man. I am very much in favor of exercising my right to vote, as well as praying for our leaders. But I can not, nor will I ever put my complete confidence in a man, or a political party.
Obviously when I vote, it will be for the person I believe will do the best for our country now, and for the future.
Real Confidence
But the far superior confidence I live with each day is a reliance on One who is worth having confidence in, who has a proven record of consistent reliability, and who has, is, and will continue to keep His promises. Putting your complete trust and confidence in anyone or anything above God, will certainly, sooner or later, bring disappointment.
And so, as I mentioned earlier, I will continue pray for our leaders, those in office today, and those who will be in office after the elections. I pray for God to give them wisdom and guidance And I pray for God to raise up men and women with integrity who will adhere to the Constitution of our country.
The problems we face today are serious. They didn’t happen over night and will not be rectified in a few days. That’s why I also pray and ask God to intervene in our affairs and help this nation. But, regardless of what the future holds, I remain confident that God is big enough to personally and individually help, guide, protect and direct all those who call upon Him, and believe and trust Him.
Share This!
Do you want to share this on your website or Blog? To share on social media, like Facebook or Twitter, there are buttons below.
There’s More!
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!