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Do You Care?

This might be kind of blunt; what do you think? I’m not pulling any punches on this one.

In this short podcast [7:05], there are two things you either care about, or don’t care about.  The question is do you really care?

Enjoy the podcast!

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

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You Might Also Enjoy:
The Choice Is Yours
Are You Righteous In His Eyes?
How To Face Another Day

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Are You Willing?

Across the country, springtime flowers are in bloom. Each one of them will hopefully grow and reach its potential.  Here in Arizona our citrus trees are in full bloom; we certainly anticipate them reaching their potential.

Without sounding too philosophical, isn’t life all about growth and potential?  The question is, are we willing to change. I am. Are you?

When you bring a new puppy home, you know it will not be a puppy forever.  You train the little doggy and it soon grows and hopefully reaches its potential.  And if you’ve ever had the honor of bringing home a new baby, well, then, you know the baby is going to grow up to be an adult.

Now of course it’s lots of fun to talk about flowers and trees, and little babies and puppies.  But let’s take a look at human adults. We’ve all grown up physically, but what about spiritually, mentally, socially?  Have we all reached our potential?

If trees and flowers are nurtured in a good environment they will grow and reach their full potential.  The same is true with little puppies. And, to a degree the same is true with little babies.  But there is however, an important variable for humans. God gave us free will to choose, and for us, that changes things dynamically.

A child may grow up in a lousy environment and yet, because of free will choices, the child can still grow and matures to full potential.  On the other hand, another child may grow up in a very good environment, but because of free will choices, that child will not reach positive full potential.

That’s Nice, But What About Me?

How about you and me today? Is there any room for growth?  Have you reached your full potential?  Have I? Is there something about myself that I need to change? What about you?

There are two general opinions about the need for change.  They are opposites.  One recognizes the need to change, while the other denies it.

For some people, they do not want to even consider changing.  They are happy where they are.  They say things like, “I am fine in my own skin. I like me just the way I am; This is who I am.”

It’s not a question of knowing who you are right now, or being fine in your own skin.  The question is, have you reached your potential; and if not, do you want to grow and reach it?

It’s Too Much Work

For lots of people the thought of change means work. The truth is, many people become comfortably lazy.  They looked around one day and discovered there was no school teacher or parent keeping them accountable for their growth.  They then made a free will decision:  I have arrived and I like where I am. No more homework for me!

I am not trying to be critical of people who have no desire to change or improve their lives.  That is their choice and they are free to choose how to live their lives. Nor am I saying that we should all be engaged in daily activities that rival the training of Olympic athletes, or those pursuing a doctor’s degree.

I am simply asking if there something in my life that I can change and improve.  Or, have I reached my full potential?  I would like to think that since I am still alive there is still room for growth.

For those who truly desire to continue to grow and develop and change, it is not about beating yourself up. It is not looking in the mirror with disgust and disappointment and feeling like a failure.  Rather, it is looking in the mirror knowing there is more for you, and, that you are willing to change to get it.

It Takes Courage

One of the few places courage is talked about is you in front of a mirror. That’s because no one sees that courage but you.  Do you have the courage to take action to change something in your life?  Are you willing?

It takes real courage to be honest with ourselves and tell ourselves, “I need to change that; this is what I am going to do.”  That is not beating yourself up and feeling sorry for yourself. It is loving yourself enough to recognize a change is needed, and then being willing to take the necessary action to grow and change.

God designed the life that we see with our own eyes every day.  Springtime is a reminder to me of starting over: new flowers, new shoots, new buds and new growth.  And yet, every day can be springtime because we have been given free will to choose the thoughts we will think every day.

For each of us, in addition to areas we might like to change, there might be areas in our lives where we haven’t reached our full potential.  Why not live the life God gave us to its fullest?  Why not explore the possibilities of continued growth?  Are you willing?

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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You Might Also Enjoy:
What’s Your Potential?
Delete
Who Is Stopping You?

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Remembering

This time of year many people pause to remember and reflect on the sufferings and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  All this week, whether privately, a fellowship in a home, or at a church building, many Christians  will consider the savior of mankind.

Then, this Sunday, many will also recognize and remember.  Jesus Christ gave his life for you and for me, paying the full and complete price for our sins, and, paying the full and complete price for our physical healing as well.  And, three days and three nights after he was buried, God raised him from the dead!

This week I decided to put  links to 4 previous posts:

How Brutal Was It?  A short video with three different versions of Isaiah 52:14, a verse that graphically prophesied the extreme physical punishment that Jesus would endure for all of mankind.

Was It A Lie?   An article about a lie that has been going around for centuries.  It is the biggest lie ever told.

The Women Found Out First  A podcast about a very unique point concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ, that almost no one mentions.

3 Words  A podcast about 3 words spoken on two different occasions.

Not only is Jesus Christ alive, but one day he is coming back!

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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The Other Thing

It’s Another Podcast!

Several days ago I did a podcast called, Two Things.  I shared something personal – two things that I thank God for every morning and why.

I mentioned on that podcast that there were actually three things, but I wanted to focus on the Two Things.  Well today, this short podcast [4:35] is about the other thing, and I’m sharing it because I think you will be very inspired.

Enjoy the podcast!

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

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You Might Also Enjoy:
Live Today
Who Is Stopping You?
Moving Forward

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The Choice Is Yours

Each day, we all make choices from the time we wake up until the day ends. At this moment you are reading this article because you made a choice to do so. I Hope you choose to read the whole article.

Looking at choices on a bigger scale, your life today is a sum total of the choices that you have made.  In other words, your life, and mine too, is a combination of years and years of choices.  We can all look back and see some bad choices as well as good choices.

Now some people disagree with this kind of thinking.  They do not accept that their own life and destiny is in their own hands.  They fail to see that their choices of thoughts and actions have anything to do with where their life is today.

Is your life in a mess today because of the economy?  Are things difficult for you because of what the government is doing?  Have the actions of other people caused you to suffer?

Life Without Challenges?

We all face challenges.  And of course there are many things outside of our control that can and do affect us.  But for someone who chooses to take responsibility for his or her life, they see those things as simply challenges.  It is an opportunity for them to choose to overcome the challenges and be successful.

But instead, some continue to choose to whine, complain and blame. It is a real day of awakening when a person realizes that their thoughts and actions are a result of their own choices.  People choose to whine, complain and blame.

But those who choose to take responsibility to overcome their challenges will be successful. Those who choose to whine and complain and blame will continue to sit in misery.  Each one of us really chooses our own destiny.

Why Is It Easier For Some?

Why does it seem so much easier for some people to be solution oriented while others feel hopeless and helpless?  The answer is choices.  Years of choices mold us into who we are today.

Over the years, you and I have chosen to think certain thoughts.  Over the years, we have chosen to nurture certain emotions.  And over the years, we have chosen to do certain things.

All of those choices have actually fashioned and molded us into who we are this very moment. It’s why we think the way we think and act the way we act.  That’s also why it can seem to be difficult to think differently.

If we have “programmed” ourselves by choosing certain thoughts and actions over the years, what about choices today?  How can we choose a different way of thinking if we have already set our mental program to think a certain way?  Do we really have a choice now?

The Brain

I continue to marvel at how God designed the human brain.  It is absolutely fantastic.  Scientists say that even with all that we now know about the brain, we still know very little.

Yes, we do indeed have a choice, every day, to think the thoughts we want to think.  The thoughts that we think that are contrary to our current belief system, our minds will try to reject. We mentally resist thoughts and ideas that we do not believe to be true.

For example, a person who sees himself as a failure with no possibility of ever rising above poverty will meet any thought of being successful with resistance.  Yes, the idea might sound really good at first, but then their core beliefs kick in and negate it, saying something like, “Come on now; you know that is not for you; you know who you really are.”

But just as we built our current belief system one thought and one action at a time, we can change that belief system, one thought and one action at a time.  When we choose to introduce new thinking we need to listen to the resistance and objections from our own mind.  We must then consciously kick those thoughts of rejection out.

Put Off And Put On

The Bible refers to this process as “putting off and putting on.”  We have a choice.  We can choose what to put off and what to put on.  We do it with our clothing every day, right?  Well why not do it with our thinking every day?

We can choose to continue to put off mentally the thoughts we don’t want and replace them with the thoughts we do want.  At the same time, we can act or carry ourselves in accordance with the new choices that we are making.  We will see a change if we consistently choose to put off the wrong thoughts, and instead choose to think the right thoughts.

One thought at a time, and one action at a time we can build for ourselves the life we desire to live, despite the challenges that we are faced with.  The choice is ours.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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You Might Also Enjoy:
Choices
Are You Discouraged?
Stop Looking Back!

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Beware Of The Leaven

From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”

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

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

There was an occasion when Jesus told his followers, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.”  On another occasion, he compared the kingdom of God to leaven.  Understanding the leaven of Bible times gives us great insight to what he was communicating to them.

When reading the word “leaven” in the Bible, many people think of the properties of yeast, that which causes the dough to rise. But that is not the purpose of the leaven used in Bible times.  In fact, their bread was flat and as such, causing the dough to rise was not a concern.

Leaven was very thin dough, made from flour and water; kind of a soupy substance. They would take this thin dough and put it into a two or three gallon pot, and tie off the top with a piece of linen.

For eleven days they put that pot outside in the sun from 6 am to 6 pm.  After the eleven days, the pot was then brought into the kitchen.  Whenever they would bake bread, they added two or three spoonfuls of leaven to the dough.

Why Did They Add Leaven?

The leaven was added to the dough to sweeten the bread.  The two or three spoonfuls would permeate the dough.  It quite literally changed the dough.

The dough they prepared for bread was no longer just pure dough.  The properties of the leaven sweetened the dough.  It is important to recognize that leaven changes something.

In our modern dictionary, there are a number of definitions for the word “leaven.”   Most people think leaven and yeast are the same thing. However, one of the definitions that I have found says, “an element that produces an altering or transforming influence.” That definition is very accurate when considering the leaven used in Bible times.

Beware!

When Jesus gave his warning about the leaven of the Pharisees as recorded in the gospel of Matthew, his disciples got a little confused, and thought he was talking about bread.  However, he explained to them that he was talking about the “doctrine of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.”

Jesus compared their doctrine to leaven. They were supposed to be teaching people about God and the things of God.  Jesus quite clearly indicated that they had added their own ideas to the pure right doctrine of God.

In fact, you can read of Jesus confronting the religious leaders of his day and time directly.  On one occasion, he told them that they were worshiping in vain, teaching as doctrine the commandments of men.  Their message, what they were teaching, was no longer pure; they had changed it.

What Happened?

Have you ever wondered what happened to the pure doctrine of Christianity taught in the first century?  So many things that Paul taught and that are recorded in the epistles have changed.  How did that happen?

What happened to the pure doctrine in the book of Romans that says that nothing can separate us from the love of God?  Or, that there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus?  And what happened to the pure doctrine recorded in Ephesians that states that we are saved by grace, “not of works?”

Through the years and even unto this day, leaven – the ideas, theories and commandments of men – continue to be added to the pure Word of God.  That is why we ought to ask ourselves why we believe what we believe.  Is it because someone said it, or is it because we can read and understand it from the Scriptures?

Another Comparison

Jesus also used the comparison of leaven with the kingdom of heaven.  The kingdom of heaven, sometimes referred to as the kingdom of God, includes all that God made available through the completed work of Christ. Because God so loved the world, the results of what Christ accomplished, has changed and continues to change the lives of men and women.

By accepting Christ as lord of all men and believing that God raised him from the dead, someone lost and without hope becomes saved.  They are forever changed.  They are now born from above, a child of God!

Specific information and details for those who are born again are found in the Church Epistles: Romans through Thessalonians.   In the book of Galatians, Paul, endeavoring to help them believe rightly, addressed some errors in their thinking and actions.

He told them that they had been doing well, but then something happened.  They were now thinking that they were right before God by doing the works of the Law; in other words, that they were made righteous by their good works.

In correcting that error, Paul pointed out to them that this kind of thinking came in from somewhere else.  It had permeated that group of believers.  Paul then told them, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump. “

We ought to do our best to rightly understand the Scriptures that are addressed to us as Christians.  We really need to ask ourselves, “Why do I believe what I believe?”  We can take Jesus’ warning seriously, and, at the same time, rejoice that his accomplishments continue to bring great change to those who are lost and without hope.

Matthew 16:6, 11, 12
Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

How is it that you do not understand that I spoke it not to you concerning bread, that you should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?

Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

Matthew 15:7-9
You hypocrites, well did Esaias [Isaiah]prophesy of you, saying,

This people draws nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honors Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me.

But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Romans 8:38 and 39
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus

Ephesians 2:5, 8 and 9
Even when we were dead in sins, has quickened us together with Christ, (by grace you are saved;)

For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Matthew 13:33
Another parable spoke he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid [mixed] in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

Romans 10:9
That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved.

Galatians 5:6-9
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works [is energized] by love.

You did run well; who did hinder you that you should not obey the truth?

This persuasion comes not of Him that called you.

A little leaven leavens the whole lump.

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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Two Things

It’s Another Podcast!

This short podcast [16:17] is a little bit personal. But, I do this every day.  I think you’ll see why.

Enjoy the podcast!

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

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You Might Also Enjoy:
John 3:16 Compilation
No One Can Pluck You Out Of His Hand
Having Trouble Forgiving Others?

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Go To The Source

We have known Missy for twenty years.  She is loving and kind, and looks for open doors to share God’s Word. She lets her light shine.  Recently, at the shelter where she works, a lady asked her how it was that she has so much faith.  She answered, “I pray.”

She wasn’t expecting the next question.  However, when Missy heard it, she knew it was perfectly logical according to what the lady asking her believed.  The lady asked her, “Who do you pray to?”

Some people pray to one of the many various recognized “saints.”  Others petition Mary, the mother of Jesus.  Others pray to Jesus.

But Missy shocked the lady, when she answered, “God.” “What?” the lady exclaimed, “You mean you go right to the source?”  “Yes I do!” Missy replied with a smile.

Why Not?

Well, why not go right to the source?  Doesn’t the Bible talk about God being our Father?  Why not talk with your Father on a very regular basis?  Think about it.  How can you develop any relationship without talking and spending time together?

Some people have been taught to pray, worship, and give their religious devotion elsewhere than the Father.  But, I often say, “Why do you believe what you believe?  Is it based on what the Scriptures teach? If not the Scriptures, then what?”

I grew up believing some things that were not at all biblical.  They looked and sounded very religious and spiritual, but they had no scriptural authority.  When I saw what the Bible said about those things, I had a choice to make.

I could either hold on to my tradition, even though I could now see that it was not biblical, or, I could change my belief.  And so, over the years, on a number of different topics and issues, I have, after careful examination of the scriptures, changed my beliefs.  What I believe today, to the best of my ability, is based on an accurate understanding of what the Bible says.

What Did Jesus Teach?

Jesus Christ spoke often about God being our Father.  He said he came to declare and make known the Father.  He came so that we, through him, could come unto the Father.

He told his followers that the Father Himself loved them.  He told them that when he was gone they should ask, or pray, to the Father in his name.  Jesus even told them not to pray to him, but rather to the Father because the Father loved them.

Isn’t it comforting as well as encouraging that the Scriptures say that you and I have been invited to the throne room of God’s grace where we can obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need?  The Bible also talks about letting your requests be made know unto God.  And what about verses that show or explain that God is at work in you by way of His spirit?

For me, it is simply overwhelming that the Creator of the universe dwells in us by way of the spirit that He has freely given us.  It is mind blowing that nothing can separate us from His love.  It’s almost inconceivable that God Almighty wanted a relationship with us whereby He could be our Father, and we His children.

Through no work of our own, but rather the completed work of Christ, we are permanently connected to God. The Bible says it is incorruptible seed; it is eternal life.  Those born again are indeed the children of the Creator.

God almighty, the Creator, is unlimited in His power and resources.  He is quite literally, the Source. He is our source.  The lady was astounded that Missy prayed to “the Source.”  We should not only pray, but have a close working relationship with the Source, our heavenly Father, on a daily basis.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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You Might Also Enjoy:
Are You Righteous In His Eyes?
How To Receive More Of God’s Favor
No One Can Pluck You Out Of His Hand

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Calling Someone A Fool

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 our culture, there are things we say and do that are insulting.  We call people “stupid,” or “idiot.” In the lands and times of the Bible, there were also insults.

Jesus said calling someone, “Raca,” is in danger of the council.  The word “raca” is an Aramaic word.  It was such an insult to say this to a Judean that you could end up in court and go to jail.

To say “raca,” was considered the same as spitting in someone’s face.  To them it was extremely degrading.  The offense was punishable by the ruling council, the Sanhedrin.

However, Jesus indicated that calling someone a “fool” was even worse.  “Fool” in the Bible times, and even in some places today, means “bald head.”  It has nothing to do with how much hair one has, but rather with having nothing in the head; no sense, no intelligence.  In other words, it is a way to call someone an idiot.

In that culture, they believed that God was in them.  So, to call someone a fool was not only insulting the person, but since God was in them, it meant that God was also an idiot, which would obviously be a great insult to God.

There is a record in II Kings 2 of some people calling the man of God, Elisha, “bald head.”  This they said that to him as he was on his way to worship God.  That was indeed a very, very grave insult to both Elisha and God.

In our day and time many people say many insulting things to each other.  We ought to remember that because of the completed work of Christ, God is truly in us by way of His spirit which He gave us.  The Bible says that God dwells in you, that God is at work in you.  God’s gift of holy spirit is also described by the phrase, “Christ in you.”

We, as born again Christians, have the spirit of God dwelling in us; it is a part of us.  And while we may at times disagree or even do things that are unkind or unloving, perhaps we should think twice about the names or insults we are tempted to voice to one another.  Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.”

Matthew 5:22
But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

II Kings 2:23
And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children [Idiomatic use – it means, “people,” and in this case most likely, “men.”] out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.

I John 4:13
Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit.

Romans 8:9
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

II Corinthians 6:16
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

Philippians 2:13
For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.

Colossians 1:27
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

John 13:35
By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.

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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Your Attitude: Asset Or Liability

What is your attitude about the direction of your life?  How do you feel about your life today, right now?  For most people, if things are going well, their attitude is good.  But when things are not going well, their attitude is bad.

It’s true that we are living in some very troubling economic times not only here in the United States, but around the world.  But regardless of what’s going on elsewhere, for those going through difficult times, their real concern is about their own life; and rightly so.

Much has been written and taught about attitude, and I’m sure you’ve heard different things over the years yourself.  Someone once said, “Our attitude determines our altitude.” My question is, if you are going though some challenging times, what is your attitude?

Bad Times And Feeling Low

It seems for most people, during difficult times, their attitude becomes pretty low; it bottoms out.  How can you possibly have a good attitude when things are lousy in your life?  How in the world can you stay positive and happy when you are trying to deal with so much pressure?

Have you ever noticed that when things in your life are going really well you don’t need to work on having a better attitude, do you?  Life is great, things are going well, and your attitude is just terrific.  But in facing adversities our attitude slips, doesn’t it?

But here’s a great key that few realize.  Most people wait for things to get better before they change their attitude. But the fact is, attitude has a direct correlation in how long their adversity will last.  Our attitude can either be an asset or a liability, a help or a hindrance, a friend or an enemy.

Because of the way God designed our minds to work and function, our own attitude can be one of our greatest assets, or one of our greatest liabilities.  The choice is ours.  We really can change our attitude, regardless of our circumstances.

To discover if you need an attitude adjustment, think about how you think, act, and talk when things are going really well.  Now, if you are going through some difficult times, what are you thinking, how are you acting, and what are you saying?  Is there a difference?

Is Attitude Really That Big Of A Deal?

Attitude is defined as our disposition, our emotions, our mood, or how we feel.  Our disposition, emotions, mood, and feelings are a product of our thoughts.  And I’ve heard people say things before like, “Oh, I’ve tried that being positive stuff; it doesn’t work for me.”  To that I would say that you may want to stop and evaluate that kind of thinking, actions and speech.

John Maxwell has often said, “Attitude isn’t everything, but it’s the main thing that makes a difference in a person’s life.”  Will your attitude turn the global economy around?  No. But always remember that it’s not what happens to us, but what happens in us, that determines the outcome in our lives.

We cannot control things that happen to us.  But can absolutely control what’s going inside us.  We can choose the thoughts we think, which will evoke emotions, which then fuel the actions we take, or don’t take.

In difficult times, work harder at being much more selective of the thoughts you choose to entertain.  You can look at your present situation and declare that you are in this mess because of something.  Or, you can look at your present situation and declare that you will absolutely succeed in spite of everything.

An Awesome Advantage

And here’s the really good news.  Saint and sinner alike can utilize the way God designed the brain to work and get results.  But we who are Christians, knowing that God is our Father, have a great advantage.  We can pray and ask for His help and His guidance.

God won’t make us think the right thoughts.  But when we choose to do just that, we can certainly be anticipating His help and solutions regardless of the circumstance or the odds.

Is your attitude an asset for you right now, or is it a liability? If the latter, then stop and make some mental changes right away.  The Bible says to guard your heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life.  Each one of us determines whether our attitude is an asset or a liability, a help or a hindrance, a friend or an enemy.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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You Might Also Enjoy:
Stop Looking Back!
The Garden Of Your Mind
Are Weeds Growing In Your Head?
Opposite Thoughts

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