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I’m Tired Of It All

I once heard a story of someone visiting a man. As they talked on the porch he noticed an old dog sitting there whining every half minute or so.  He asked the man what was wrong with the dog.

The man answered, “He is sitting on a nail.” Puzzled, the visitor replied, “Why doesn’t he get up?”  The man then told him the reason, which is a great lesson in life.  “Because,” he said, “It doesn’t hurt badly enough yet.”

Many times people get to a place in their lives where they are depressed and say, “I’m just tired of it all!”  Do you know someone like that?  Maybe you’ve been then before; maybe you are there now.

People arriving at a state of being depressed and “tired of it all,” have a choice to make.  They can either give up, or, they can get up and actively look for solutions.  Or sadly, too often, like the dog, they can wait until they can’t take the hurt any longer.

How Did You Get There?

There is a progression that can bring us to the point of being “tired of it all.” It starts with a disappointment; something did not go the way we planned or thought it would.  But we all know that is part of life and it happens to us all, doesn’t it?

After a number of disappointments, we can find ourselves disgusted.  Anger or resentment builds up when things are not going well. While it may seem easy to go from disappointments to being disgusted, it is still a choice that we make.

After being disgusted for a period of time, discouragement sets in.  Fear of more disappointments restrains us from looking for other solutions.  But again, allowing ourselves to get discouraged and live with fear is also a choice.

Those who stay discouraged long enough become depressed.  They end up blaming other people and circumstances for their plight.  In desperation, they throw their hands up say, “I’m tired of it all!”

Some will just endure the pain for a lifetime; they will sit on the nail forever.  Others, not able to take the pain any longer, will get up and try to find some solutions.  The later is always the best course of action.

Even though it may be a tough road back, requiring consistent effort, taking action is the only way things will change.  Being solution minded starts the necessary mental activity to get us back on the right track.  With God’s help, there is no situation too far gone or too bleak.

We Have A Choice

But consider for a moment that in each of the above stages, at every crossroads, we each have a choice.  When a disappointment comes our way, as it always will, we choose how we respond.  If we respond negatively, that choice sends us down the path that leads to disgust.

But, even if we end up disgusted, we still have a choice to turn things around.  When we realize we’re disgusted, what will we choose?  Will we look for solutions, or will we head down the path to discouragement?

And even if we find ourselves really discouraged, we still have a choice to make.  We can start looking for solutions and other options.  Or, we can stay discouraged which will take us down the path to depression.

So, wherever you may be today, with God’s help there is great hope for tomorrow.  But, it is up to you to first make the right choice.  Regardless of your circumstances, your mental thoughts will set your sails.

Looking to God for help, guidance and direction means you are moving forward, not sitting on a nail and whining.   Pray and ask for answers and solutions, then move forward, looking for and expecting those answers.  If you are focused on how lousy things are today in your life, you are just sitting on the nail.

If the answers and solutions do not appear in one minute or one day, keep moving forward the best that you can.  Refuse to live with fear, disgust and discouragement.  Instead, be convinced that there are other options and solutions ahead, and, that you will get there.  Refuse to allow your mind to consider otherwise.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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Is Your Ship Coming In?

It’s Another Podcast!

Some people say, “When my ship comes in, things are going to be a whole lot better!”  Are you expecting your ship to come in?

Today’s podcast [3:03] is from Mike’s Pep Talks, Volume 2. Try this if you are expecting a ship to come in.

Enjoy the podcast!

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

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Attraction Requires Action

Many books and presentations discuss the Law of Attraction.  Hearing what some say could lead one to think it is a magical formula for success.  It is not.

Some people propound that if you just concentrate long enough and keep your focus from wavering, you will attract that which you are focusing on.  They say the universe will bring it to you.  I disagree.

Now I do believe God can bring people and situations into your life as a result of His grace and mercy.  He is a God of answered prayers.  And, I might add that He is unlimited in His resources too.

But, that aside, I do not believe that the Law of Attraction somehow, magically sets the whole universe in motion so as to bring to you your desires.  Perhaps the Law of Attraction should have been called by another name, because the principle does work.

By the way, this concept is far from being something new.  Many years ago, Emerson wrote, “Concentration is the secret of strengths in politics, in war, in trade, in short in all management of human affairs.”  But even much longer prior to that, there are verses in the Bible describing it as well: “Guard your heart with all diligence for out if are the issues of life.”

So How Does It Work?

Let’s say you have never had a pick up truck and decided you want to buy one. You check out a number of things and decide on a Blue, Ford F-150.  You might even have a picture of it with you as you anticipate the day you will get it.

Then, suddenly, out of seemingly nowhere, you are seeing Ford F-150’s everywhere!  Do you really believe that because of your focus and concentration the “universe” put all those trucks in front of you?  Of course not.

God designed our brains magnificently.  When you begin to focus and concentrate on something, your brain registers that as something important.  All those F-150’s were there all along, but now, because your brain knows they are important to you, your brain tells you, “Look, there’s another one.”

The Bible states that as you think in your heart, you will be.  How many successful people go around feeling like a failure?  That’s why it is critical for those going through a difficult or challenging time to be very aware of how they see themselves.

Take Action

Just as our mental focus on trucks opened our eyes to see all the trucks around us, putting our mental focus on other areas of life will also open our eyes to those possibilities around us.  But, the “universe” is not going to give you the keys to the truck.  You have to take action.

Too often, people let opportunities float right by them.  They focus on certain changes in their life, their eyes are open to see the opportunities, but for one reason or another, they are afraid to take any action.  Fear shackles them and in the end, dissolves their dreams.

But it is never too late to start over and begin to dream again.  It is never too late to take advantage of an opportunity.  It doesn’t matter what has happened in the past, today is a brand new day.

Would you like to change some things in your life]  Spend some time in prayer, and then decide, as best you can, what you desire.  Then, put some aggressive mental focus to work, every single day – start dreaming again!

Finally, be ready to take some action.  It’s one thing to desire a pick up truck, and then see trucks everywhere, but quite another to purchase one.  So, put your focus on purchasing one.

Refuse to think about your past failures or your present inadequacies.  Instead, get up, look up, and start walking forward looking for the opportunities.  Put your trust in God, keep your eyes and ears open, and refuse to live with fear.as you take action.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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There Is No God?

It’s Another Podcast!

Someone asked me the other day what to tell someone who says, “There is no God.”  This very short podcast [4:05] is what I told her.

What do you think?

Enjoy the podcast!

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

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Father’s Day 2012

It’s Another Video! (Actually, 2 videos!)

Happy Father’s Day to all dads!  It’s great to be a dad and I love my two kids.

Today I have two videos for you – both from Andy Andrews.

Enjoy the videos!

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The Biggest Price

What is the greatest thing you want to obtain?  Is it worldwide fame and recognition?  Is it being a member of the “billionaire” club?  What is the highest achievement you want to reach?

Most people think that if they obtain enough money, not only will all their problems disappear, they will gain all the fame and recognition they desire.  Many people work hard to increase their finances, hoping to someday arrive at a very comfortable destination.  Some make it; others don’t.

I am a believer in being all you can be. I believe in developing your skills and abilities in order to reach your personal potential.  I also believe in finding ways to increase your finances.  I do not find it greedy to look for and implement ways to improve any area of life.

But what is the biggest prize you or I could ever obtain?  If money can’t buy happiness, being happy and fulfilled would be life’s greatest achievement.  But we could go a step further and decide that being the greatest benefactor, sharing millions or billions with those less fortunate would be a pinnacle.

Giving of your abundance to help others is a wonderful thing to do.  True givers continue to give more as they increase.  Some of the wealthiest people in the world are some of the biggest givers.

But We Know What Happens

While life expectancy has recently edged up a few years, how many people do you know who are 120 years old?  None, I am sure.  I think the oldest person living today, that they know of, is around 114, but none of us will reach 120.

No matter how much wealth you amass, no matter how much you give away, no matter how happy and fulfilled your life is, all of us someday will die. So, what price would you be willing to pay in order to live forever?

If the price tag were one million dollars in gold, wouldn’t you work your entire life to obtain it?  Of course, we all would, because once we obtained it, then we would live forever. Wouldn’t that be the biggest prize of all?

Think how much money is spent every year just to look a little younger.  It is a billion dollar per year industry.  All that money is spent to sort of prolong the inevitable just a little bit longer.

Few people believe that we really lived as long as it says they lived in the early portion of the Bible.  But even those people, who lived around eight hundred and nine hundred years, still died. When you consider living far, far beyond nine hundred years, can we really even attempt to put a price tag on eternal life?

What If Eternal Life Is A Gift?

What if the Bible is true and eternal life is a gift from God?  What if our loving God designed a plan whereby anyone could obtain eternal life?  What if the price has already been paid and the gift is now free?

The Bible is true, but, sadly, so many times religious thinking steps in and muddies the waters. “Yes, it’s a gift from God, but, you have to earn it.  There are things you must do to deserve it before you can obtain it.”

Countless, sincere people try to do the best they can, hoping they will “make it.”  They try to do enough “good things” so that they will earn eternal life.  What they “must do” depends upon which school of religious thinking gives out the regimen.

Yet, the Bible is very clear that salvation is a gift and eternal life is a gift.  Wages are earned; a gift is not earned.  When your boss pays you, do you thank him for the generous gift?

The Price Has Been Paid

What would you do if someone handed you the keys to a new car?  What if they said, “Here are the keys to your new car; it is bought and paid for.”  Would you then begin making monthly payments for the car?  Of course not! But, that’s exactly what many Christians are trying to do to obtain the gift of eternal life.

After the fall in the Garden of Eden, and the cataclysmic disaster brought upon mankind, God devised a plan to redeem the human race.  In order to complete redemption satisfying any and all claims of justice, it would require the sacrifice of a perfect human being.

The motivation for God rescuing us was love.  His love for humanity, all people, was so great that He willingly gave His only begotten Son.  He created seed inside Mary, and she gave birth to her son, who was literally, the Son of God.

Jesus Christ lived a perfect life.  He went about doing good; healing all those oppressed by the devil, allowing his Father, God Almighty, to work with him.  He taught people about God, and introduced the concept of God being our Father.

He Did It For Us

When the time came, Jesus willingly suffered and endured, and willingly laid down his life for you and for me.  His death was payment in full for all the sins of the world, and opened the door for any and all who believe in him to receive everlasting life.  The Bible declares his one sacrifice, once and for all, the full and complete payment.

God raised Jesus from the dead.  Now, those who choose to believe that Jesus is the savior and the redeemer, lord of all men, raised from the dead by God, the Bible declares are saved.  Salvation is a gift.  Eternal life is a gift.

We don’t try to do enough “good works” to obtain salvation and eternal life.  We already have them.  And the more we recognize what has been freely given to us and who God has made us to be, out of gratitude, not duty, we live our lives for Him.

The price paid for the biggest prize was the highest price ever paid, the life of a perfect man, Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  The Bible says that we are bought and paid for.  If God was willing to pay such a high price for you and for me, then what are we now worth to Him?

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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What Is Vanity?

It’s Another Podcast!

When you think of the word, vanity, you probably think of the common dictionary definitions which include, excessive pride, vain, or conceit.

However, that is not the case in the book of Ecclesiastes, where Solomon used vanity dozens of times. Find out in this short podcast [9:54] the meaning of the word he used so often in that book.

Enjoy the podcast!

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Weaning A Child

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 I Samuel, we read about a lady who was barren; her name was Hannah.  In her culture, having a child was considered a blessing from God.  Giving birth to a boy was the greatest blessing, as they continued to look for and expect the Messiah.  Not bearing a child was not only heartbreaking to a woman, but many thought of it as a disgrace; as it indicated a lack of blessing from God.

Hannah prayed.  She promised God that if He would bless her with a boy, she would give that child to the Temple for God’s service.  That meant that the child would grow up and spend his life in the Temple in service to God.

If you have read the record then you know that God indeed blessed Hannah with a boy, whose name was Samuel.  She honored her vow and brought him to the Temple after he was weaned.  But God multiplied His blessings in answering the prayer of Hannah, by giving her five more children in addition to Samuel!

How Young Was Samuel?

There has been some misunderstanding as to how old Samuel was when Hannah brought him to the Temple.  In reading the record, we gather that his mother brought him to the Temple after he was weaned. That is true, but there are two meanings for weaning.

The first meaning is the time a baby finishes drinking his mother’s breast milk.  Today, that meaning is the most common understanding of weaning. But in Bible culture there was another meaning.

A child was considered weaned when he not only stopped drinking his mother’s milk, but after his mother taught him the milk of the Word of God.  The mother would spend much time teaching her child the basics about God. Isn’t that beautiful?  She would feed her child both physical food and spiritual food.

Weaning from the breast milk varied and it was generally around eight months to a year.  Weaning from the milk of the Word lasted until around five or six years old.  Scientists have discovered the incredible development of a child in ages 2 to 5.  It is a very important time in a child’s life.  No wonder they put forth the effort to instill the basic understanding of God in their children.

So, they brought Samuel, a little boy around 6 years old, to the Temple.  He lived and slept very close to Eli, the high priest and judge of Israel.  He grew and walked with God and became one of the greatest prophets of all time.

I Peter 2:2
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

I Corinthians 2:2
I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able [to bear it], neither yet now are ye able.

I Samuel 2:2 and 21
And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went unto their own home.

And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD

I Samuel 1
1:1 Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:

1:2 And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.

1:3 And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there.

1:4 And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions:

1:5 But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb.

1:6 And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb.

1:7 And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat.

1:8 Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?

1:9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD.

1:10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.

1:11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

1:12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth.

1:13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

1:14 And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.

1:15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.

1:16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.

1:17 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.

1:18 And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.

1:19 And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.

1:20 Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.

1:21 And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.

1:22 But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever.

1:23 And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.

1:24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young.

1:25 And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli.

1:26 And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.

1:27 For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:

1:28 Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.

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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God’s Timetable

I’ve heard an expression many times over the years: God is never late.  On the other hand, perhaps, a good expression for us would be: we are never patient.  So how can we figure out God’s timetable?

First, let’s admit that we really are impatient.  We have become a product of our modern conveniences.  We microwave “instant” foods that are ready to eat in mere seconds.

It irritates us if our two hour flight, that takes us hundreds of miles, is delayed by ten minutes.  We expect our fully cooked “fast food” to be ready by the time we get to the pick up window.

These and many more examples that you can probably think of, show clearly that we have lost a lot of patience.  And so many times when it comes to asking God for something, if it doesn’t happen very quickly we get frustrated.

So, when you pray and petition God for something, how long are you supposed to wait?  Is He going to answer?  Could I please take a quick peek

at His timetable on this one?

Too often people just think that God either doesn’t hear their requests, or that He just doesn’t want to answer them. Some often wonder if maybe they haven’t been good enough for Him to respond in kind.

No one knows God’s timetable.  In fact, honestly, there is a lot we don’t know about God.  He says in the Bible, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.”  So, maybe we ought not to be so presumptuous to think we have God all figured out, because we don’t.

Let’s take this position. In the situations that we are faced with in our own lives, there is nothing too hard or too big for God.

If we don’t take that position, then it is pointless to continue this discussion.  God is indeed unlimited in His ability and resources.

Let’s also take the position that God does not lie.  The Bible says that His ears are open unto our prayers.  So we know that every time we pray and ask Him for His help, He indeed hears us.

Muller's Orphan Houses

A man who lived in the 1800’s by the name of George Mueller, set out to show people that God answers prayers.  He had

already seen this in his own life, but wanted to give people something tangible that they could see so that they too could tap into answered prayer.

His plan was establish orphanages for the many homeless children in Great Britain.  He believed that God would provide everything he needed without having to ask anyone for contributions.  He did just that for 64 years.

During that time he built The Orphanage campus at Ashley Down, where it is reported that he cared for and educated over 18,000 children. He educated over 100,000 more in other schools at the Orphanage’s expense and distributed hundreds of thousands of Bibles and countless tracts, in addition to supporting hundreds of missionaries.

He never ever asked for one penny from anyone.  His children never missed a meal, and he never had a debt.  Perhaps regarding God’s timetable, a quote by Mr. Mueller would be helpful.

George Muller

“I live in the spirit of prayer.  I pray as I walk, when I lie down, and when I rise.  And the answers are always coming.  Tens of thousands of times have my prayers been answered.  When once I am persuaded that a thing is right, I go on praying for it.  The great point is never to give up till the answer comes.  The great fault of the children of God is, they do not continue in prayer; they do not persevere.  If they desire anything for God’s glory, they should pray until they get it.”

When it comes to God’s timetable, let’s not get impatient.  Let’s stay persistent in prayer. As Jesus said, we ought not to faint in prayer.  And, let’s keep looking and expecting an answer, no matter how God chooses to get the job done.

And here is another quote from Mueller that I find both inspiring and encouraging.  I hope you do as well.  “Be assured, if you walk with Him and look to Him, and expect help from Him, He will never fail you.”

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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You Might Also Enjoy:
Your Solutions Or His?
Are You Putting Limits On God?
Persistent In Prayer

http://confidenceandjoy.com/your-solutions-or-his/
http://confidenceandjoy.com/are-you-putting-limits-on-god/
http://confidenceandjoy.com/persistent-in-prayer/

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Be Thou My Vision

Do you have a favorite?  There are certain songs that we all have that inspire us.  When it comes to spiritual, or, as some like to call them, gospel songs, my favorite is, Be Thou My Vision.

I have heard the song over the years, both instrumental as well as vocal.  But there is no one I have ever heard sing it better, and with more feeling and heart for the words, than Lisa Tracy.

I have known Lisa for many years, and she has a gift from God to minister with song.

Be Thou My Vision, with full orchestration, was on Lisa’s album, Paths Leading Home, back in 1997.  However the version I am posting here today is an acoustic version recorded by Bill Niemi at Euphonic Studio in January of this year. He really captured how delicate the guitar playing is on this song.

Enjoy!
http://confidenceandjoy.com/wp-content/audio/Podcast/Be

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