What Am I Supposed To Learn From This?

Have you ever been in a trying or difficult situation and thought, “What am I supposed to learn from this?”  If you have, or know others who have, it is because that kind of thinking is propounded by some people.  But, why is that?

Now of course you and I learn many things from various difficult situations that we face in our lives, no doubt.  We all make mistakes, and, hopefully, we learn from them.  I’m not denying that.

But posing the question, “What am I supposed to learn from this,” results in subtle undertones that the situation itself was given to me for the sole purpose that I need to learn something.  I do not ascribe to that kind of thinking, and I’ll tell you why.

Trying Times Are Not Fun

First of all, being in a difficult situation is never pleasant. Whether it is through my own mistakes, or something outside of my control, those situations are never a lot fun.  Wouldn’t you agree?

But then, if I then add to the current misery that this situation was given to me so that I could learn something, I have to wonder who gave it to me. Don’t you?  And there are some well meaning religious people quick to inform you that God is the one who gave you this misery, because you are supposed to learn something.

I believe that is foolish.  If you’ve ever read about the man Job in the Bible, then you know that he experienced an extremely difficult time.  He lost all his children, all of his wealth, and, almost all his health in a very short amount of time.  It was so bad that his wife encouraged him to just curse God and die.  But the record says that Job never charged God foolishly.

Whether openly, which some people do, or subtly, it disgusts me to hear God being blamed for troubles, hardships and evil.  The nature of the one true God is love and light, not hate and darkness.  To think that difficult times are engineered by Him so that you can learn something is very degrading to the Almighty.

The truth is that in difficult situations we certainly might learn something valuable, but on the other hand we might not.  A better question might be, “What can I learn from all of this?”  Of course, if we’re honest, we all know that in those difficult situations, what we learn is not our primary focus, is it?  The learning usually takes place once we’ve discovered a solution or resolution and we look back and reflect.

His Nature

The one true God is a God of love, light and deliverance; a very present help in time of need.  He does not send sickness, tragedy, or difficult times because you need to learn a few things.  However, there is another god mentioned in the Bible who has quite a different agenda.  He comes to steal, kill and destroy.

The evil in this world originates from, as the Bible calls him, “the god of this world,” among other names.  There is day coming when he will be completely destroyed.  But even so, I am also not one of those who constantly refer to the devil. I don’t say, “The devil did that; look what the adversary did to me now; Satan is really attacking this time,” or anything similar.

Even though I know that all the evil can be traced back to him, I refuse to even give him credit for his evil. Instead, I choose to put my focus on my loving God and Father.  The one true God is a God of solutions, even miraculous solutions at times.  The Bible states, “If God be for us, who can be against us?”

It’s Your Choice

As we go through this life we ought to continue learn and grow.  And certainly in difficult situations there are things we can learn.  But why not choose to keep your focus on the Giver, the Supplier, and the Healer? Focus on the truth in the Bible that nothing can separate you from His love.

By the way, the man Job had some friends who in his time of trouble tried very hard to get him to admit that his situation was the result of sin in his life.  But, once they were all done jawing, God asked Job to pray for them!  You would have thought it would be the other way around, right?

Then God not only healed Job, but He gave him double of everything that he lost.  God doesn’t steal, He gives; He doesn’t kill, He heals.

And, one more thought, just for fun.  Have you ever noticed that when something really good is happening in your life, no one ever says, “What are you supposed to learn from this?”

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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Money Matters Two

It’s Another Saturday Night  Podcast!

Money isn’t everything. I know that, but in our culture today we need money for just about everything.

Few understand the second part of the great Law of Giving and Receiving.  In this podcast, [19:55] I take a brief look at both parts of this law; it is something we all need to understand especially in light of what we are witnessing today; an economic crisis that is worldwide.

Our deep seated core beliefs concerning money and finances play a big part of our financial prosperity. Find out if you should really expect to receive back when you give;  find out how to tap into the unlimited resources of God Almighty.

Enjoy the podcast!

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24 Hours

Do you watch a lot of TV?  How much is a lot?  It’s probably nobody’s business how much you watch, anyway, right?

I was curiously searching the other day and found that we Americans watch TV on average 5 hours a day. Wow. That’s 35 hours a week in front of the tube (not counting another 10 hours a week on the internet.)

Then I found, from people who like calculating numbers, that it is estimated that by age 65 a person will have spent around 9 years of their life in front of the television.  Even if that figure is high, it is startling to think that you and I could spend even one year of our lives watching TV, isn’t it?

This intrigued me, so I searched some more and found some statistics from 2010.  One said that 66 percent of US households have three or more TV sets. Another said that said that 49 percent of Americans think they watch too much TV.

Don’t worry, I’m not going to go off on a rant similar to Peter Finch in 1976 in his role as Howard Beale, in the movie Network.  Nor am I judging anyone or being critical.  We all make our own decisions on what we do with each twenty four hours we are given every day.

Increased Ratings = Increased Revenues

I’ve heard it said a number of times in a few different ways, but the essence is still the same:  when we watch TV we are watching other people living their dreams, having fun and making money.  That was one of those statements that when I heard it for the first time, I wished that I hadn’t heard it.

But it’s true isn’t it?  The more people that watch a certain show, the better the ratings and income for those involved.  But what does watching a TV show do to improve our lives?  Yes of course we need to relax and “chill out,” but we still all only receive 24 hours every day.

Now again, I’m not judging or telling anyone what to do.  I don’t watch very much, but I do like the History Channel and sports once in awhile. My wife Kathy likes Dancing with the Stars.  But what if someone decided to cut out just one hour a day of TV watching and instead did something to improve their life?

Imagine what you could learn or develop in just one year after putting 365 hours into it.  Even one hour a week would yield you 52 hours of learning and growing.  What could you learn?

What’s Your Suitcase Look Like?

Once, many years ago when I felt I too overloaded with not enough time, someone said something to me that I have never forgotten.  They said that each day we all get a 24 hour suitcase; some people have just learned how to pack better than others. Too often you hear people say, “If I just had more time…”  The truth is we never get any more time than the 24 hours we are given every day.

It is always a good exercise to stop and take a look at how we are using our 24 hours.  Evaluate your time and then make some decisions.  Make the time to do something that will improve and enhance your life, spiritually, mentally, and physically.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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Money Matters

It’s Another Podcast!

Remember in the movie, It’s a Wonderful Life , when George Bailey asked Clarence, “You wouldn’t happen to have $8,000, would you?”  He answered, “Oh no; we don’t use money up there.”  Then George said, “Well it comes in pretty handy down here, bub!”

In our culture, we all need money.  And in the times we live in, we are witnessing an economic crisis that is worldwide.  Our deep seated core beliefs concerning money and finances play a big part of our financial prosperity.

Having a lot of money is not an indication of one being spiritual, just as lacking money and living on a shoe string is also not an indication of one being spiritual.  But did you know that certain attitudes and beliefs will prevent you from accepting and receiving God’s abundance?

In this podcast, [15:52] I take a brief look at something that is not only foundational to understanding the topic of, “Receiving God’s Abundance,” but it is often overlooked by many, many people.

Enjoy the podcast!

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Who Want To Be A Millionaire?
How Much Money Do You Make?
We Are Reminded Every day

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You Are What You Think

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “You are what you eat.”  That’s true in a sense.  But you know what is even truer?  You are what you think.

No question that our physical diet directly affects us, right?  I have found that as I age, my body doesn’t seem to respond very well to things I could eat when I was younger.  When I was younger I was really not that concerned with what I ate; but I am now.

However, equally, if not even more so, we all ought to be very concerned with what we are feeding our minds, or, what our minds are feeding upon.   Most people feed on a consistent diet of negatives, and in addition actually anticipate negatives.

Want An Example?

What do you expect to hear when someone asks you, “Did you hear what happened?”   Are you expecting to hear something really good and positive?  Are you expecting to hear of a miracle and someone receiving healing?  Are you expecting to hear something really good?

I wonder what the person asking would think if you responded to that question by saying, “If it’s something negative I don’t want to hear about it.”  They might look at you like you’re crazy or something.

But honestly, outside of something negative happening to family and close friends, what good does it do you to hear yet another negative?  And we hear them all day long, don’t we?  On the news, at work, with family and friends, we constantly hear about negative events.

How Much?  Try This Out.

Take a piece of paper and pen with you wherever you go, and for just one day, make a check mark every time you hear something that is negative.  And make a check mark on the other side of the paper every time you hear something that is positive, uplifting, or encouraging.

Try it for one day.  You will be amazed.  Talk about a diet of junk food!  And guess what?  That does not even include any negative self talk, or the negative things you think and say to yourself, about yourself.

Now I realize that everyone is different; some people hear less negatives in a day than others; others have trained themselves to eliminate destructive self talk.  But, if you know someone who is very, very negative, now you know why.

Room For Improvement

All of us, myself included, no matter where we are today, can improve our attitude, and thus improve our lives.  Start by listening a lot closer to your own self talk.  Is there more positive self talk, or more negative self talk?

Some people go as far as to suggest that you shouldn’t listen to any negative thoughts that you are having, but I disagree. Whatever those thoughts are, you need to get to the bottom of it. Once you do, you will be able to change your core beliefs.

For example, if you are having thoughts of failure; thoughts of not being able to do this or do that, then the question is, why do you think that way?  Ask yourself that question. Then, listen to the answers.

Whatever the answers are, you next need to ask yourself why you think those are valid answers or reasons.  And, then do the same with the next answers.  The point is, keep digging until you get to the bottom of it.  

I can guarantee you that when you get to the bottom of it, whatever it is, it will be opposite to what God promises you in the Bible, and who He made you to be as a Christian.  At that point, make a conscious effort to release it, put it off, cast it down, and then replace it with God’s promises.

Make The Time

You may need to repeat this simple exercise over and over for specific issues.  It may take some time and effort.  But what you are really doing is changing your core beliefs, and our lives are a direct result of our own core beliefs.  So, isn’t it worth it to make the time and effort to get our core beliefs to work for us and not against us?

Finally, what do we allow our minds to feed on?  I know we can’t lock ourselves in a closet with our fingers in our ears.  But, we can control how much of the “news” we listen to, and instead, replace that with an uplifting, encouraging inspiring book.  (I’m highly in favor of the Bible, by the way!)

If you’re driving you obviously can’t read a book at the same time.  Instead, utilize a media player of some sort so that you can expose and feed your mind that which is uplifting, encouraging and inspiring.  It’s your time and it’s your mind.

Most everyone knows what changes can happen when we have a very good physical diet.  But very few have ever explored how dramatically ones life can change from a very good mental diet.  Every day, every minute, every thought, the choice is ours.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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He Shook Off The Viper

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.]

On his way to Rome, the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked and ended up on the island of present day Malta, which is referred to as Melita in the Bible.   It was miraculous that in the midst of a horrendous storm, everyone made it to shore safely.

On that cold, rainy night, Paul and others were gathered around a fire to warm themselves.  The barbarous people of the island kindled the fire.  Barbarous simply means that they spoke a different language.

The account in Acts 28 goes on to say that Paul gathered a bundle of sticks, but after putting them on the fire, a viper came out of the fire and fastened itself on his hand.

In the lands and times of the Bible, those warmed by a fire were expected to contribute to the firs.   This is why Paul contributed to the fire by placing a bundle of sticks on it.

A Deadly Viper

This viper that attacked Paul was very deadly; it was six to eight inches long with a very pointed head.  According to Bishop Pillai, these vipers could sink their fangs an inch deep into your skin, and then release their deadly poison.  After this type of viper strikes, it dies.  It is very difficult to pull the viper out even after it is dead.

Easterners believed if a man murdered and then ran away, escaping the law, a viper would hunt him, find him, and justice would be served.  That is why when the people of Malta saw the viper hanging from Paul’s hand, they assumed he was a murderer who had escaped justice and was now getting what he deserved: death.

But Paul did not die; he operated a power that is far greater than deadly viper poison – the power of God.  The record says he simply shook off the viper into the fire and felt no harm.  It was miraculous to shake it off, considering how vipers attach to the skin, and it was also miraculous that he was not harmed at all from the viper.

Can We Shake Off?

What about the circumstances and situations that we are confronted with?  Can we shake off the venomous vipers of negatives and remain unaffected by them?  We have the ability to put off, or cast down, whatever thoughts we choose, and then to replace those thoughts with the truth of God’s Word.  We also have the ability to operate the power of God.

The type of viper which bit Paul would typically leave the victim dead within 20 minutes after the strike. There was no cure, and there was no way to pull the viper off.  And yet, Paul just shook it off, and the people of the island couldn’t believe that he didn’t fall over dead.

It was after a period of time, when Paul showed no signs of any harm, that the natives changed their minds and declared that Paul was a god.  That is certainly understandable, isn’t it?  They believed that their god would send a viper to execute justice, and since in this case the deadly viper had no effect, they concluded the man must be a god.

Stranded For Three Months

Paul and those with him were stranded on that island for three months waiting for another ship.  But Paul ministered to the people on the island, including bringing healing to the father of the chief man on the island.  The incident with the viper certainly opened some doors for Paul to minister and teach.

A number of years ago, while briefly visiting the island of Malta, I took a trip to what is called, St. Paul’s Bay, the area they believe Paul and the rest from the ship landed.  It was exciting to be where Paul may have been in what was an awful, life threatening situation.

But, God delivered him and everyone else on the ship from a very deadly storm.  He ended up on the shore, obviously soaking wet on a cold rainy night.  Then, as he tried to get warm by a fire, a viper attached to his hand!

What happened in Paul’s mind in the few seconds from the attacking to the shaking off, I do not know.  I do know that in one sense, because of everything that had just happened, it wouldn’t seem like the ideal time to be peaceful.  But he obviously trusted and believed God.

And even though we may not end up with a viper hanging on our hand, we still do face our own circumstances and situations, some more serious than others.  We must choose to mentally shake off the fear and worries, and replace them with the promises from God.  We have the ability to put off whatever thoughts we choose, and then to replace those thoughts with the truth of God’s Word.

Acts 28:1-11
And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.

And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffers not to live.

And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.

Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.

And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:

Who also honored us with many honors; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.

And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.

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

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!

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The Choice Is Yours
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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

Don’t Be Shy – Leave A Comment!
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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]

Don’t Be Shy – Leave A Comment!
Do you have some thoughts about this?  We’d love to hear what you think.  Just scroll to the bottom of this post and type in your comment. (If you are receiving this post via email or RSS, just click the title above and then scroll to the bottom of the post and type in your comment.)

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Moving Forward

Share This Podcast!
Do you want to share this podcast on your website or Blog?   To share on social media, like Facebook or Twitter, there are buttons below.

There’s More!
For past articles, click on the, “Posts” tab above.  For past videos and podcasts, mouse over the “Posts” tab above.  Look for more videos as well as more podcasts coming soon to Confidence And Joy!