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How to Get the Results You Desire

The choices you have made and the actions you have taken have produced the results that you see in your life right now. A lot of people might totally disagree with that statement, but I believe it is very true.  Your results are directly produced by the decisions that you have made.

I understand that we are living in an, “it’s not my fault” society.  Today, very few people take responsibility for their own actions.  And, if you listen to what some people say, you might think that we are all victims!

But the truth of the matter is that the results in our own lives are because of our own choices and actions.  We make a decision.  We choose a particular course or action and then we reap the results.

Take Me Out To The Ballgame

Here’s an illustration.  Let’s say you find yourself one beautiful summer afternoon sitting in a stadium enjoying a baseball game.  How did you arrive at that particular result in your life?  Did you go to sleep the night before and then just wake up sitting in the stands, cheering for your team?

Well, of course not.  Somewhere along the line, you thought about going to a baseball game.  Then, you eventually made a decision to go to the game.  Just what got you to the point of making that decision?  Your feelings did.

At some point, you began to think about going to a baseball game.  If you’re like I am, and really like baseball, going to a baseball game is a happy pleasant thought.   But, just having a quick thought about going to a baseball game usually will not yield the result of actually going to that game.

I have not gone to a game this year.  Yet, plenty of times I’ve had a quick thought like, “One of these days I’m going to go the stadium and watch a game.” But then, that thought is quickly gone, replaced by some other thoughts.

However, if you really start to think about something for more than just a second or two, you will get some feelings about those thoughts. Try it out.  If you don’t really like baseball, think about going somewhere that you’d really enjoy.  It might be to the ocean, the mountains, fishing or whatever.  Stop for a few minutes and really picture it in your mind.

Thinking about something very pleasant to you will produce pleasant feelings.  That’s because feelings are a result of thoughts. That is how the Creator designed us.  So, if you have lousy thoughts, then guess what?  You are going to have lousy feelings.  If you have pleasant thoughts, then those thoughts will produce pleasant feelings.

Your Results

What does all that have to do with the results in your life?  It has a lot to do with it.  Our feelings so many times play a big roll in our decision-making and subsequent actions.

Our feelings lead to decisions and actions.  These actions bring results in our lives.  That’s why I said, “The results in your life are because of your own choices and actions.”

And here’s the good news!   If you don’t like the results that you are getting in your life, realize it is because of your choices and actions.  Understand that choices and actions are a result of your feelings.  And, your feelings are a product of your own thoughts. So, if you really want to see a change in the results, start by changing your thoughts.

Choose what you are going to think about, and choose what you are not going to think about. Focus on your desires, not on your shortcomings, lack or failures.  Recognize the thoughts you have that are contrary to what God has promised you in the Scriptures; consciously put those thoughts out, and replace them with the promises.

Thoughts of failure will produce feelings of failure.  Feelings of failure will result in decisions and actions that will bring more failure results into your life.

Thoughts of success will produce feelings of success.  Feelings of success will result in decisions and actions that will bring success results into your life.

Take control of your own thoughts, because you are the only one who can!  The Creator designed you with freedom of will to choose the thoughts you want to think, and to focus on the things you want to focus on.  His desire for your life is success.

The results you get in your life are a product of your thoughts, your emotions, your choices and your actions.

If you’re tired of trying, and tired of settling, change your attitude.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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How To Change Your Attitude!

Has anyone ever told you that you need to change your attitude?  I have been told that a few times in the past.  Honestly, at those times, they were absolutely right.

Do you realize how much your attitude affects your life?  Few do.  If they did, they would work a lot harder on their own thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Then they would on improving their skills, capabilities, and competence.

Lots of people work very hard at improving what they do; that’s a good thing.  We all need to continue to grow in our abilities in order to reach our potential. While some people work really hard on various skills, very few choose to improve their own attitude.

What is attitude?  For me, a simple definition of attitude is your consistent mental outlook. Basically, your attitude is either negative or positive.

Now when I say, “positive,” I am not talking about ignoring opportunities and problems and simply saying, “Everything is fine.”  That’s not being positive; that’s denial. And on the other hand, if something comes up that upsets you, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have a negative attitude.

What Kind Of Attitude Do You Have?

Here’s the question.  What is your consistent outlook, your projection, your desired result?  Recognizing what kind of dominant attitude you have is really quite easy.  However, changing from a negative to a positive attitude takes a little bit of effort and that effort can be life changing for you.

When negative or unpleasant things come across our path, and they always will, some look at them and say things like, “I knew that was going to happen;” or, “It figures,” or, “I never get a break.”  Consistently uttered, those, and similar comments, are evidence of a negative attitude.

Meanwhile, when positive and pleasant things come, those kind of people will feel like they are lucky, or, just “caught a break,” or perhaps feel like it’s about time something good came their way.  Again, this is evidence of a negative attitude.

On the other hand, some people encounter negative or unpleasant things and say things like, “What’s the solution here?” or, “How can we turn this around?” or, “What can I do to change this situation? That is evidence of a positive attitude.

And, when positive and pleasant things come across their path, they will say, “That’s what I thought would happen,” or, “That’s what I’ve been praying for,” or, “That is just what I was expecting.” Again, it is evidence of a positive attitude.

It Is Not Just About Changing What You Say

Changing from a negative attitude to a positive attitude is not just about changing what you say.  Those with a negative attitude don’t think of something negative to say, they just say it because it is part of them.  The same is true of people with a positive attitude, they too just say what they say because it is a part of who they are.

Attitude has more to do with vision, your outlook, your projection or your desired results.  You can call it goals or dreams, but either way, your attitude really is all about vision.

People who have no clear goals, who have given up on their dreams, have a lousy outlook on life.  They may hope that things for them will improve, but they know that is not going to happen. They tried and failed, again and again, only to finally give up and settle.

Being around people like that is not very inspiring, is it?  Their negative attitude doesn’t encourage anyone.

On the other hand, people with clearly defined goals know where they want to go. they know how to handle setbacks, disappointments and failures with confidence.  They refuse to quit; they look for another path; they choose to stay determined to get to their destination.

People like that are very inspiring, aren’t they?  Their positive attitude encourages many people. Wouldn’t you prefer being around people like that?

How To Change Your Attitude

First, think clearly about what you want for your life.  The Bible says that where there is no vision the people wander aimlessly. Focus on the details of your vision], and write them down so you can look at them consistently every day.

Second, refuse to quit, no matter what.  God has not only promised that He would give you the desires of your heart, but also that He would direct your steps and light your path. If you are sitting on the side of the road, there are no steps to direct and no path to lighten; get moving and refuse to quit.

Third, pay close attention to what you think and what you say.  The Bible says that death and life are in the power of the tongue.  Now that you have a clear projected destination, align your thinking and speaking to harmonize with your goal.

When you think or speak something negative or something that does not encourage and inspire you toward your goal, then consciously replace it with something that does.  Release and let go of defeating thoughts and words and replace them with empowering words of hope and expectation.

Can you see how changing from a negative attitude to a positive attitude can dramatically change your whole life?  In doing so, you become solution-oriented which greatly benefits all of your endeavors.  And, you will be inspiring and encouraging those around you.

Here’s a quote from John Maxwell that sums up attitude.  “There is very little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.”

If you’re tired of trying, and tired of settling, change your attitude.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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Those Three

It’s Another Podcast!

Here is something (4:00) I remind myself of on a regular basis.  I think it’s a pretty big deal.  What do you think?

Enjoy the podcast!

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

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The Greatest Love
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One Word Can Change Everything

For many years, many successful people have been writing down their goals and affirmations.  Then, they discipline themselves to read those goals or affirmations every day.  This is one proven method of getting information into your belief system.

Once something is in your belief system, it will become evident in your life. It’s not magic; it’s just the way God designed our minds.  We will always evidence in our lives what we hold in our belief system.

Some call it “belief system,” while others refer to it as “core beliefs.”  The Bible refers to it as the “heart.”  In fact, one verse states, “As he thinks in his heart, so is he.”

Regardless of how you choose to label it, this is the way the mind works.  As a result, people have been writing down their goals for many years, in order to get information into their heart.

They write things like, “I am going to be successful,” or, “I will weigh 140 pounds by this summer.” They say, “I am going to do this,” or “I’m going to be that.”

A Really Big Key

I know that writing and reciting goals and affirmations is simply a method some use.  There are other methods that are used successfully as well.  However, here is a really big key.

When you write down your goals or affirmations, use the word, “because.” The word, “because” is a very important element in things that we believe.  Now, those last two statements probably didn’t have much of an impact on you, and I agree.

Here’s why. Without a good reason, the mind often disputes the affirmation. The word, “because” is a very important element in things that we hear.  If I add the word, “because,” my statement now has a logical reason to be believed.

Studies show that when someone goes to a location with a long line and then asks someone in line if they can get in front of them that about 50% of the time the person asked would agree, and say, “Okay.”

However, if, when asking to cut in line they add the word, “because,” the acceptance jumps from 50% to 90%!  “Can I get in front of you because I am really in a big hurry?” Or, “Can I get in front of you because I am already ten minutes late?”  The studies found that even if it was a lousy reason that followed the word, “because,” 90% of the people would still let the person asking go ahead of them.

Our minds are trained and conditioned so that when we hear a statement followed by the word, “because,” we assume that a very logical explanation will follow; we know a justifiable reason for the statement must exist.  That’s how our minds react to the word, “because.”  We will much more readily accept a statement that’s followed by the word, “because.”

Try It Yourself

You can try it out right now!  I’m going to give you a statement, first without the word, “because,” and then, the same statement with the word, “because.”  You decide which one has more impact.  First, here’s the statement without using the word, “because.”

Using positive affirmations can change your life. Honestly, that statement had very little impact to your brain.  But, now, pay attention to the impact it has on you when the word, “because” is added.

Using positive affirmations can change your life because you will change your core beliefs and thusly change you outlook, interpretation and reactions to life.

Do you see the difference?  Using that little word, “because,” makes your goals or affirmations real and believable. Our minds perceive it as a very good reason to believe the statement.

Writing down your goals or affirmations is a good method because it helps to get that information into your mind and eventually into your heart, your belief system.

Adding the word, “because” allows your mind to accept that information more readily, because your mind perceives it as justifiable.

Once that information is in your heart, it will become evident in your life, because, “as he thinks in his heart so is he.”

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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Are You Clear
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Do You Have A Don’t List?

A “don’t list?” Most of us have “to do” lists.  But what about having a, “don’t,” or a, “stop doing” list?

Relax; this article is not about bad habits, although it could apply. Rather, it’s about what to do when there is too much on your plate.  It is about saying, “No.”

Recently, reading an article, I saw the following quote by Steven Covey.  He sums up this point really well.

You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage – pleasantly, smilingly, non-apologetically – to say “no” to other things. And the way you do that is by having a bigger “yes” burning inside. The enemy of the “best” is often the “good.”

Have you ever bitten off more than you can chew?  Have you ever taken on more than you could really handle well, or put so much on your plate that it spills all over the place?  At one time or another, we all have.

It’s Time To Stop And Say, “No.”

Our current economy is not helping the situation.  Many people are working more than one regular job, and millions of people have some sort of “side job.”  For lots of people, just generating needed income fills their plate.

And yet, so many people when asked, “Can you do this for me?” answer affirmatively.  I do love to help people, and saying, “No,” used to be very difficult for me.  But, I learned the hard way that there are times when the best thing for me is to say, “No.”

For example, I’ve been invited out to dinner, but graciously excused myself because the two or three hour time commitment was just too much at that time.  There are times when someone asks for some help, but I need some rest. I’m not thirty anymore.

I’ve told myself, “No,” to staying up late and watching a movie, which would have been fun and relaxing, but getting my rest was best for me at that moment. The point is, I believe it is more beneficial for me, and for those who count on me, not to get fatigued and burned out because I take on too much.

How can a mom be her best for her husband and children if she puts too much on her plate?  How can a dad be his best for his spouse and children if he is maxed out?  Yes, there are things on our plate that just have to be there right now, but there are other things we could put on our, “stop doing” list.

It Will Shock You!

If you want to shock yourself, write down the time you spend on everything you do each day.  Do this for three weeks.  The results will not only amaze you, but it will give you some choices to put on your, “stop doing,” list.

Seeing how much time we invest in everything is very helpful in making choices that are best for us.  For example, someone could say, “Do I really want to watch 40 hours of TV every week?”  Maybe I could say, “No” to some of that and instead do some exercise.

In this electronic age, there are lots of things we do, like texting, emails, posting on Facebook and Twitter, etc.  But many times those activities can turn into distractions that can overflow our plate.  After posting something on Facebook, is it really an important priority to check and recheck, and recheck again, to see if someone “liked” it or commented on it?

Every one of us receives twenty four hours every day.  No more, or no less.  We choose each day what we put on our own plate.  But can we also say, “No?”

What Will People Think?

When it comes to extending ourselves to others, one of the big problems is that we care too much what others think of us.  We dare not say, “No,” because, what will they think?  If we can oblige, that’s great; if we cannot, then why do we care more about what they think than what is best for ourselves?

This is a real dilemma among some Christians. Some say, “God first, others second, and I am willing to be third.”  Yes, God first, always and in everything.  And, yes, I am willing to put others ahead of myself.  But, is it God’s will for me to do that which results in my own physical and mental detriment?  I think not.

Yet, there are some Christians who preach that unless you attend every function, participate in every activity, and lend a helping hand to everybody you see, then you are a second rate believer.  Why some of my brothers and sisters are so quick criticize and condemn is beyond me. Aren’t we all reading the same Bible?

In the New Testament, Eppaphras nearly died over doing service that others should have been doing. Paul didn’t write and say that everyone should overdo it, burn themselves out and die!  In fact, in I Corinthians he wrote that if you do burn out in service, and don’t do it with the love of God, it means nothing.

There was a time in my life when I wouldn’t refuse anyone’s request, whether I was tired or not, whether it meant missing a meal or not, whether it meant canceling family time or not. I rarely ever said, “No.”  But, over time, living like that every day, took its toll.

Today, I still say, “Yes,” many times, but I also say, “No.”  I recently said, “Yes,” to an invitation to travel this fall to perform a wedding in Minnesota.  After thinking it through and considering the time in preparation as well as time from home, I decided it would be a blessing for the couple and I could put it on my plate.

Identify your highest priorities and responsibilities.  These are different for everyone; some people are single, others are married, and others are parents.  Certainly those with children have many more responsibilities than those without children.

Your priorities and responsibilities will change from time to time; sometimes day to day.  Jobs, shopping, cooking, keeping your home tidy, and spending quality time with those you live with are certainly very high on the list.  Be committed each day to your highest and most important priorities.

Next, take an honest look and consider what you have on your plate. Look and see what you either can stop doing, or, stop spending as much time doing, so that you don’t end up with too much on your plate. This will put you in control of your life instead of having life control you.

Finally, make sure there is room on your plate for you to rest, recharge, and do whatever you need to be your best for you and for those around you. Have the courage to say, “No,” so that you can keep your priorities.

Having too much on your plate day after day is stressful.  It will take a toll on you personally, as well as on those around you.  Love yourself, and love those around you, by taking charge of your life and doing what is best. Just say “No!”

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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I Don’t Get No Respect

It’s Another Podcast!

After posting the article, No One Appreciates Me, last Thursday, I thought of the comedian, Rodney Dangerfield!  The title of this podcast [5:53] is a line he used all the time.

Here is a little more on the subject, and two short clips of Rodney.

Enjoy the podcast!

[If you cannot see the player below, just click the title above]
http://confidenceandjoy.com/wp-content/audio/Podcast/No

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No One Appreciates Me

I was talking to someone recently about being appreciated at his job.  We agreed that when you receive appreciation for your work, it inspires you to not only do your best, but go beyond.  What happens when you don’t get any appreciation?

Lots of people today in the work force feel unappreciated.  They are working hard and think they are doing a good job.  But many times words of appreciation for a good job are few and far between.

Smart managers and leaders know and understand the value of praise and recognition.  They know showing someone that their efforts are appreciated and valued goes a long way in increasing productivity.  Those receiving recognition are much more apt to increase their performance because they feel appreciated.

But sadly, appreciation in the work place today is not prevalent.  This is evidenced more drastically in our downturn economy because so many people are looking for jobs. Management knows that if an employee doesn’t work out, there are plenty of other people they can hire to take their place.

Many people in management have the attitude that their employees should be thankful for having a job.  If they are doing a good job, they get paid for it and don’t need any praise or recognition for doing what they were hired to do.  However, they fail to recognize that recognition inspires and motivates and results in a person wanting to do a better job.

So what do you do when you are doing your best but getting no praise or recognition which makes you feel unappreciated?  In the conversation I mentioned earlier, I told this person that he needs to do his work as if he was receiving praise and recognition.  There’s a really important reason why.

Far too many people who feel unappreciated have decided to just do their job. They just do enough to get by and then clock out.  They say to themselves, “My boss doesn’t really care about me, so I don’t really care about this job. Just give me my paycheck.”  However, they fail to realize that in doing that, they themselves are the real losers.

No matter who you work for, your skills and abilities are what you have to offer; that’s what you bring to the table wherever you work.  Why would you not want to continue to improve your skills and abilities?  Doing that gives you more value and worth, more to offer.

I asked this particular person how he would go to work on Monday if he had been told that his supervisor thought he was doing a great job and that they were so glad to have him working there. What if they had said that they wished they could pay him more, and hopefully in the future they would?

He said he would be so inspired, and feel so appreciated, that he would do better than his best.  He would look for ways to excel and improve his skills.  Doing that would certainly benefit his company, but it would also benefit him individually as he continued to improve his own skills and abilities.

I went on to tell him that he could not allow any apparent lack of appreciation to lower his standards of excellence.  I told him to do whatever he could to inspire himself and continue to grow and improve his abilities.  Maybe all his hard work would not necessarily be rewarded today, but it would be in the future.

How about you?  Do you feel unappreciated?  Do not allow lack of appreciation to lower your standards.  Do whatever it takes to inspire yourself and improve your talents and skills.  That will benefit you the rest of your life, and, it will also keep you in control of your own life instead of being controlled by others. You should appreciate you.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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It’s Another Day – Big Deal

It’s Another Podcast!

Is today just another day, or, is today a really big deal?  How did you feel when you woke up this morning?

Today’s podcast [3:24] is from Mike’s Pep Talks, Volume 2.

Enjoy the podcast!

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

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Laying Money At Their Feet

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.In the book of Acts you read about people bringing gifts of money to the apostles, and laying the gifts at their feet.  In our culture, that sounds strange.  If we were giving someone a gift of money, we would hand it to them.

In the lands and times of the Bible, when a man of God was leaving a home after visiting, he would pray with the people and bless their home.  The people of that house would then hand him a tray, which contained fruits and flowers.  He could then pick what he wanted from the tray before leaving the house.

However, if they were giving him money, they did not put it on the tray.  Instead, it would be wrapped and placed at his feet.  This they did as an indication that money was only a servant; money was not their God.

There is nothing evil about money.  Money is not the root of all evil; the love of money is the root of all evil.  In our culture today, we need and utilize money to carry out the daily affairs of our lives.

Problems arise when a person begins to love money for the sake of seeing how much money he can accumulate.  Then, money ceases to be a necessary servant, but rather a god.  And, while there are numerous wonderful believers in the Bible who had great wealth, their wealth was not their God.

I think it’s really great that on all our money, paper or coin, that we use here in the United States, you can read, “In God We Trust.”  What a wonderful reminder to us, every time we use money that we should trust in our God, not in our money.

Acts 4:35
And laid [them] down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

Acts 4:37
Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Acts 5:2
And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

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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Was It A Coincidence?

We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Tomorrow marks the 236th anniversary of the United States of America.  I am still amazed that a few men of such beliefs, education, dedication and commitment somehow ended up at a particular place in time and agreed on what was called, “The America Experiment.”

I have a couple of comments, but first, take a moment to read some of the words from the founding fathers of this great nation.

George Washington
It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.

Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable. – Thanksgiving Proclamation 1789

Oh, eternal and everlasting God, direct my thoughts, words and work.  Wash away my sins in the immaculate blood of the Lamb and purge my heart by Thy Holy Spirit. Daily, frame me more and more in the likeness of Thy son, Jesus Christ, that living in Thy fear, and dying in Thy favor, I may in thy appointed time obtain the resurrection of the justified unto eternal life. Bless, O Lord, the whole race of mankind and let the world be filled with the knowledge of Thee and Thy son, Jesus Christ.

Samuel Adams
We have this day [Fourth of July] restored the Sovereign to whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in Heaven, and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let His Kingdom come.

John Adams and John Hancock
We recognize no sovereign but God, and no King but Jesus.

John Adams
The Declaration of Independence laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity.

The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.

The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected, in one indissoluble bond, the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.

Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.

I have examined all religions, and the result is that the Bible is the best book in the world.

Our Constitution is designed only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for any other.

The Christian religion is, above all the religions that ever prevailed or existed in ancient or modern times, the religion of wisdom, virtue, equity and humanity.

Patrick Henry
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.

Benjamin Franklin
“Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God.”

Thomas Jefferson
God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever.

The Christian religion is the best religion that has ever been given to man

James Madison
We have staked the whole future of our new nation, not upon the power of government; far from it. We have staked the future of all our political constitutions upon the capacity of each of ourselves to govern ourselves according to the moral principles of the Ten Commandments.

Congress
“The Congress of the United States recommends and approves the Holy Bible for use in all schools.” – Resolution passed by Congress, 1782

By Law the United States Congress adds to US coinage: “In God We Trust”- United States Congress 1864

John Jay, First Chief-Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court
Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is their duty – as well as privilege and interest – of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.

United States Supreme Court Decision, 1892
Our laws and our institutions must necessarily be based upon and embody the teachings of The Redeemer of mankind. It is impossible that it should be otherwise; and in this sense and to this extent our civilization and our institutions are emphatically Christian…This is a Christian nation.

Do you think any of those men would have a chance today of winning an election?  Can you imagine hearing something similar from our Congress today like you just read?  What would happen if the current Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court would make a statement like John Jay did?

There are many, many quotes from the signers of the Declaration of Independence, as well as former presidents and others you can read. By the way, in reading the above, and other quotes, isn’t obvious the Founder’s did not want to sepearte God from the government?  They did not want the government to dictate any specific religion, but it is very clear they believed that God, Christianity specifically, was to be an intregal part of our givernment.

Was it just a coincidence that those men, with all their talents and abilities, and their faith, should be alive and live in such close proximty to one another, at such a critical time in the Colonies?  Or, was there Divine intervention in the affairs of man?  For the last 236 years I believe that God has truly shed His grace on this nation, but, we are at a critical point.

From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress. And I have one final Founding Father quote, from John Adams, who, along with Thomas Jefferson, both died on July 4th, the 50th anniversary of the United States of America.

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. 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.

Because of the current state of the economy here in the United States, as well as very dry conditions, hundreds of fireworks and other celebrations are not happening this Fourth of July.  Nevertheless, we can still thank God for His blessings on our nation, and pray that He would continue to be kind and gracious and merciful.  I really believe we are at a point that without His intervention, we could be headed for very difficult days.  Why don’t we pray every day for our country?

If my people, who are called by my name, will 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

GOD BLESS THE USA

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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God Bless The USA
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