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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

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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

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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

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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)

More Eastern Eye Articles

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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]

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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

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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.

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The Good Ol’ Days?

Some dear friends of ours visited us this past week.  We had fun spending time together.  And, yes, we probably ate too much and went to sleep later than normal, but isn’t that what usually happens when people visit?  The four of us certainly had no complaints.

One of the highlights for me was Wednesday night out on the patio.  First, it was a blessing just to be able sit out on the patio in late August.  Daytime temperatures the week before were around 115 degrees, and still very warm after sunset. But this past week we were blessed with rain and some unusually cooler temperatures.

The four of us sat talking for about 2 hours about a number of past events.  I know some people think that reminiscing about the past is just trying to live back in the “good ol’ days,” when everything was so much better.  I understand that the “good ol’ days,” as well as the “bad ol’ days,” are indeed in the past. You can’t go back and live in the past and you can’t live in the future; so I choose to live in the present.

What We Talked About

But this particular conversation was not about how good certain things were in the past, or wishing we were there, or feeling sorry for ourselves.  Rather, we were recounting events about God: things that God did for each us, and mostly things that He did in a very remarkable fashion.

It was inspiring to reminisce about how God had done things for each of us in a very personal way, and so many times in a way that we would have never guessed.  We experienced blessings, miracles and deliverance.

For example, how does one drive in the middle of the night for four hours with the gas tank on empty?  (The widow woman in the Bible with only a handful of meal that lasted over a year would understand.) How is it possible to be healed of an incurable disease? (The man born blind could certainly relate!)

What Hasn’t Changed?

The times have changed for all of us, in one way or another.  Perhaps there is a time in your life that you look back on with very fond memories, and maybe even wish things could be like they used to be. Those days are long gone, and some people try to reconstruct those “good ol’ days,” but it never really is the same. The times, the people, and the situations have changed.

But one thing hasn’t changed, and never will change.  God is a constant that you can always depend upon.  He has not and will not change.

His ability and His willingness to help, bless and deliver has not diminished.  He has lost none of His power.  And, nothing can separate you from His love.

As I mentioned, our conversation last Wednesday night was inspiring.  We basically reminded ourselves of how great and wonderful our God is.  It was encouraging to all four of us to continue to trust God regardless of the days and times we are living in.

And although we shared some of our favorite incidents from the past, special blessings had happened to us last week as well.  Our God is still a God of power and might, and He loves each one of us unconditionally.

Years from now the times we are living in today will become the “old days.”  Our trust and confidence in God today will determine whether they become the “bad ol’ days,” or the “good ol’ days.”  And when that time comes, we can choose to trust God and start the cycle all over again.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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2 Really Big Keys In Receiving More of God’s Favor

It’s Another Podcast!

I believe these are the two biggest keys in receiving more of God’s favor.

Grab a piece of paper and a pen before you click the play button; I’ll ask you to write something down.

This information could really change your life.  Do you have about 7 minutes?

Enjoy the podcast!

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

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Do You Blog?

Special Message For Bloggers

Lots of people these days have a blog.  I’m sure many visitors to this site are into blogging, for fun or profit.

If you’re looking for step by step guidance on how to build your blog and/or turn it into an online business, you should definitely check this out.

I have learned a lot about blogging from Gideon Shalwick, and now he and Yaro Starak, and Leslie Samuel are offering a great course: Become A Blogger.

Very limited time left to get in – Friday at 8PM EST to be exact.  Go to this link and check it out – it could very well be just what you are looking for to either start a blog, or, take yours to the next level.

Become A Blogger

https://oi106.infusionsoft.com/go/blogsecretsenroll/mikev

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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Break The Vicious Cycle of Discouragement And Defeat

Some people repeatedly endure a vicious cycle of defeat and discouragement.  If you have ever experienced this, then you know it is certainly no picnic.  This article will help you break the cycle of defeat and discouragement.

The vicious cycle goes something like this: “I know that God is able. I know what He promised. I really do believe that He will, but, you know, I just haven’t prayed as much as I should. I haven’t read the Bible enough; I haven’t been as loving as I should. I haven’t really done enough for Him lately…”

Praying, reading the Bible, and loving others are wonderful things you can do.  But, what are all of those things?  They are good works.

I am highly in favor of praying.  The same is true with reading the Bible, and loving others and doing good things.  But, they are all works.

Many Christians believe that being right and worthy in God’s eyes is dependent upon their actions: what they will do, or won’t do.  The more they do good or godly things, the more right and worthy they think they will be in God’s eyes.  And then of course, their prayers will be answered, right?

Hold On A Minute

Take a step back for a moment or two and consider a couple of things written in the Bible. You read in the scriptures that nothing that can separate you from God’s love. In other words, His love for you is unconditional.

His love for you does not change if you pray a little or if you pray a lot.  I know for some that almost sounds like blasphemy, but the scriptures proclaim that we simply cannot be separated from His love.  We love Him, the Bible says, because He first loved us, therefore our works do not affect His love for us.

And what about being right, or righteous in His eyes?  Our being made right in God’s eyes has nothing to do with our works, but rather it is from the completed work of Christ.  If we could, by our own works, make ourselves righteous then we would have never needed a savior.

You don’t become more righteous in God’s eyes if you read more of the Bible, and less righteous if you don’t read the Bible, because as a Christian you have already been made righteous.  God sees you as His righteous child and nothing will ever separate you from His love. Nothing.

Yes, it’s great to do things that enhance your spiritual growth and walk. But you must remember none of those things will make you more acceptable in His sight. The Bible says that you already are holy and accepted.

The Cycle

Now here’s how that cycle of defeat and discouragement happens.   Someone does a lot of good things, and then, because of all their good works, they feel really right in God’s eyes.  They go to sleep that night with a lot of confidence, knowing that God really loves them.

But what happens the next day when they don’t do as much as they did the day before?  Maybe they didn’t pray as much, or even read the Bible at all.  At the end of the day they realize that they didn’t do as much as they did the day before, which leads to discouragement.

So the next day, they try even harder. But how can you or I ever do enough good things to make us right in God’s eyes and deserving of His unending love?  To even think that we could come close is pretty egotistical when you stop and think about it, isn’t it?

And what happens when you have a bad day?  On the days when you mess up and really fall short, it’s very easy to feel condemned and discouraged.  At that point many feel they need to try to “pay for what they have done wrong,” by again, doing more works.

It becomes nothing but a vicious cycle of defeat and discouragement.  But when you really think about it logically, if you are doing works to be right in God’s eyes and to be worthy of receiving his promises, just how much would you really have to do in order to arrive at that point?

What is it that we could do, or refrain from doing, that would earn His love and His willingness to provide what He has promised?

Break Free!

Here’s a suggestion that will really help you end the vicious cycle of defeat and discouragement.  Why not just believe what the Bible says and accept God’s unconditional love for you.  Believe that you already are righteous in His eyes!  No, you didn’t earn it, and neither did I, but we both can decide to accept and believe it, and say, “thank you.”

Getting to that place will have a great impact on your life.  Your confidence in God to fulfill His promises to you will increase because you are no longer doing good works to make yourself loved and right in His eyes.  Instead, you will be doing good works out of gratitude for what He has done for you.

It will make a dynamic impact on your self esteem and self image, because you will be free of sin consciousness and condemnation, knowing Jesus Christ paid the price for your sins and there is no more price to be paid.

It may take a little time to put off the old way of thinking, and put on the new.  But it is well worth the effort.  When you do, it will really help you to accept that He is not only able to do for you what He has promised, but that He is also willing to do for you what He has promised, because you are right in His sight, and He loves you unconditionally.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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