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Connecting Face To Face

It’s Another Podcast!

Over the Thanksgiving Holiday, I experienced something that I have known for a long time. I’m sure you probably know it too, but the more I thought about it the more I wanted to put it on this blog.

Should I write an article, do a video, or, a podcast?  Gee, so many different ways to communicate, right?  I settled on a short podcast [6:41] since I could not personally sit down with everyone who reads this blog.

You’ll understand what that means when you listen.

Enjoy the podcast!

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

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You Might Also Enjoy:
In The Clouds
The Great Giver
He Promised

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Jonah And The Whale

Are the stories you read in the Bible really true?  Did those things really happen?   Did Jonah really survive for three days inside of a whale?

Some people think that many incidents recorded in the Bible did not happen. They feel that these stories are just too unbelievable.  Because of that kind of thinking, they are quick to dismiss the whole Bible.

A lot of records in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, are considered “children’s stories” by some.  For years, Sunday school teachers have used those incidents from the Bible to teach children.  As a result, many of those accounts are looked upon as simply, children’s stories.

What we read in the Bible is not only true, but it is for children of all ages.  But, far too often, records in the Bible are not understood and thus erroneously taught.  It is the lack of understanding, and subsequent teaching that many times causes people to doubt; such is the case of the account of Jonah and the whale.

(Note: In the Old Testament it is translated as a, “great fish.”  In the New Testament is translated as a, “whale.”)

He Was Alive?  Really?

Most people teach that Jonah was somehow alive inside of a whale for three days and three nights.  I have even see drawings for little children where Jonah is inside the big fish, sitting at a table with a candle on the table.  No wonder people think that it’s ridiculous.

The real problem comes from not understanding what is written.  The Bible tells us that Jonah was swallowed by a great fish and was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights.  Then, we learn that God spoke to the fish, and the fish vomited out Jonah and he ends up on dry ground.

Chapter one of the book of Jonah gives us the details of how Jonah ended up in the water, and the last verse of chapter two tells of how Jonah got back to dry ground.  But far too many miss the details in chapter two of what happened to Jonah in the water, before he was swallowed by the great fish.

God had asked Jonah to go the city of Nineveh and cry against it.  Jonah did not want to go.  Nineveh was not part of Israel, but rather the capital of Assyria.

So, instead, Jonah got on a ship headed away from Nineveh, bound for Tarsus.  On the journey, a great storm came up, and the others on board began praying to their gods.  Then they decided to cast lots to see who was responsible for this deadly storm.

It is interesting that a long-established expression among sailors uses the term, “a Jonah,” as meaning a person (either a sailor or a passenger) whose presence on board brings bad luck and endangers the ship

Jonah informed them that he was fleeing from the Lord God.  He told them to throw him overboard and the storm would calm.  He was in a great state of despair for having refused to do what God asked him.

Don’t Miss These Details

But when you read the details in chapter two, you get a glimpse of his prayer while alive in the water, just before he died.  Yes, Jonah died, and I’ll reference a very reliable source to corroborate that in a minute.

After Jonah’s prayer, he died, and then God sent a great fish and it swallowed him.  After three days and three nights God spoke to the fish and it vomited out Jonah and he was back to dry ground.  He then went to Nineveh.

Now I know there are those who say that Jonah was alive in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, and that was the miracle.  For that to happen, God would have had to change many of His natural laws, or, turn the great fish into a submarine.  The truth is, Jonah was dead; I have that on great authority.

Jesus Was Right

Jesus Christ said, “For as Jonas [Jonah] was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”  So if Jonah did not die, then neither did Jesus!  Jesus Christ also stated that he would be crucified and die, but then be raised from the dead.

Jesus Christ used an incident, a true event from the Old Testament, to show that he would be dead and buried for three days and three nights.  Just like Jonah was dead for three days and three nights, Jesus would also be dead, and buried for three days and three nights.

So, Jonah did not hang out in the belly of the whale for three days, sitting at his table with the candle.  That is ridiculous.  But when people hear things taught like that, they can quickly dismiss the Bible as incredible, and relinquish what is written as merely, “children’s stories.”

Yes, the Bible was written for children of all ages.  And isn’t it just great that God did raise Jesus from the dead, to die no more?  And, not only that, but God has promised to send him back to gather together all those who believe in Christ!

Mike Verdicchio
2011

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You Might Also Enjoy:
Children’s Stories
He Is Willing.  Are You?
A King’s Decree And The Brave Three

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Thanksgiving 2011

There’s a lot going on tomorrow. It is Thanksgiving Day!

First of all, there are not one or even two, but three NFL games.  That means that you can literally watch football all day long.  (“Let’s enjoy our big Thanksgiving meal in front of the TV!”)

Speaking of the Thanksgiving meal, lots of time and effort will be spent preparing the big feast.  Kudos to all those who prepare the big feast; that is a big job.  But have you ever noticed after hours and hours of preparation, once people sit down to eat, it’s all over within about twenty minutes?

And let’s not forget about preparations for the day after, Black Friday.  Plans need to be made about where you will shop and what time you will be at each gigantic sale.  How early will you get up to go get the sales before they run out?

Oh, and let’s not forget to find some time to give thanks. After all, it is Thanksgiving Day, isn’t it?  Or does that just get lost in the shuffle?

Things today in our culture here in the USA are a lot different than they were years ago.  We are not pilgrims living in Plymouth, and the year is not 1621.  Times have changed.

Speaking of the Pilgrims, there is a great lesson that they learned that I posted last year called, A Forgotten History Lesson.  http://confidenceandjoy.com/a-forgotten-history-lesson/  If you haven’t read it, it speaks pretty loudly to things going on in our world today.

Thanksgiving Day, now celebrated here in the USA on the fourth Thursday in November, has officially been an annual tradition since 1863, when during the Civil War, on October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving to be celebrated on Thursday, November 26.

Part of Lincoln’s proclamation stated:

I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.

And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.

Years before, on October 3, 1789, President George Washington had a Thanksgiving Proclamation.  Part of what he stated was:

Now therefore, I do recommend and affirm Thursday the twenty-sixth day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed;– for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;– for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;– and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions;– to enable us all, whether in publick or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Let’s enjoy whatever we do tomorrow, whether it’s football, a big feast or time with family.  But let’s also take a little time to reflect not only on the history and background of Thanksgiving Day, but on our loving and giving God.

Shouldn’t every day be a day of expressing some gratitude toward our heavenly Father?  Even if things in our lives at the moment may not be where we would like for them to be, are there not countless things we can remember to thank Him for?

And, as you read above in both proclamations, we really ought to pray for our country and ask God for His help.  His kindness and mercy has been extended to this great land for many, many years.  We can certainly ask Him to pardon us, and to continue to extend His kindness and mercy on our land.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving Day!

Mike Verdicchio
2011

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You Might Also Enjoy:
A Forgotten History Lesson
Happy Thanksgiving

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God Cannot Do It

It’s Another Podcast!

“Why did God let that happen?”  “Don’t worry, God’s in charge; everything will turn out just fine.”  “God is just testing your faith with these trials.”

How many times have you heard phrases like that?  Have you ever followed that kind of thinking to a logical conclusion?  Guess where you end up?  Are you sure you want to end up there?

In this short podcast, [8:10] find out what conclusion that kind of thinking brings.  Find out what God cannot do!  And, do you know what it is that God gave each one of us that we really need to remember?  If not, find out!

Enjoy the podcast!

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

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You Might Also Enjoy:
God Is Not In Charge
Why Does God Let Things Happen?
He Is Willing. Are You?

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The Cursed Fig Tree

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 is an incident in the Gospel of Mark where Jesus saw a fig tree and went over to the tree, hoping to find something to eat.  But the record says that he found nothing but leaves.  It was not the time or season for figs.  So Jesus cursed that tree by saying, “No man eat fruit of thee hereafter forever.”

One might wonder why Jesus would go over to a tree when it was not the season for fruit.  Certainly you or I would not approach a fruit tree hoping for fruit when it was not the season for that particular fruit, would we?  But once again, understanding the life and times of the Bible make it more than clear.

This type of fig tree is the one referred to as “the people’s tree,” meaning anyone may help themselves to the fruit.  The figs on the tree mature in June.  However, in early spring, there are buds (which later turn into mature figs) on the tree.  These buds are very sweet and make a nice snack.

Jesus wasn’t ignorant of the fruit trees in his land, nor was he confused by what season it was, thinking that it was summer time.  He simply approached the tree for a little snack.  However, this tree had no buds.

No Buds

Having no buds meant that it would have no fruit.  This tree had become a fruitless barren tree.  His cursing of the tree was not in disappointment of not finding any sweet buds.  Rather, his statement was true of that tree, but there was a deeper meaning as well.

The nation of Israel, God’s chosen people, is represented figuratively by the fig tree many times in the Old Testament.  This particular incident recorded in the Gospel of Mark occurred shortly before the arrest and execution of Jesus Christ.  God sent His Son to Israel and they rejected him.  Israel had become spiritually fruitless and barren.

All Have Been Invited

Not long after Jesus Christ completed mankind’s redemption and salvation, God’s people were no longer solely inclusive to the nation of Israel, as all others outside of Israel were invited to be part of God’s family.  God literally threw the doors wide open: “…whosever believes in him [Jesus] should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Even further, because of the completed work of Christ, the Bible declares that now it doesn’t make any difference if you are a Jew or a Gentile, bond or free, male or female.

The invitation is to every person on earth.  All those who confess Jesus as lord and believe that God raised him from the dead are saved, have eternal life, and are now literally children of God.

Mark 11:13 and 14
And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.

And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek [Gentile], there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Mike Verdicchio
2011

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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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What Does God Really Think Of You?

It’s Another Podcast!

The title to this short (8:21) podcast might at first seem a little confronting.  But really, it ought to be encouraging.

Find out why.

Enjoy the podcast!

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

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You Might Also Enjoy:
No One Can Pluck You Out Of His Hand
How Do You Address Him?
Is He Wiling?

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The Song, Amazing Grace

It’s Another Video!

At Carnegie Hall, gospel singer Wintley Phipps delivered a very powerful rendition of the song, Amazing Grace.  But prior to his very moving rendition, he gave some very interesting history of not only Negro Spirituals, but of the song itself.

It is truly amazing who wrote the song, Amazing Grace.

Enjoy the video.

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

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You Might Also Enjoy:
Amazing Grace
How Great Thou Art
Ten Pieces Of Silver

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Veteran’s Day 2011

Happy Veteran’s Day To All Veterans!

Thank You For Your Service To Our Country!

This morning I once again woke up in a free country.  The price for the freedoms I enjoy here in the USA everyday didn’t cost me a dime.  That price has been paid for me, many, many times, over many, many years, by brave men and women in our Armed Forces.

I am grateful to live in this free country.  But, that doesn’t mean that everything is supposed to be free, or, that somehow I deserve to have some of what others have worked for and earned.  Here in the USA, our constitution says that God has given each of us certain unalienable rights, among those are life, liberty and the pursuit of happines.

I am grateful that because we are free, I can then choose to live, have the liberty to think and make my own choices, and, I have the right to pusue my own happiness.  Happiness is not my right, but rather, my pursuit of happiess, that is my right.

Take some time today to say, “Thank you,” to a veteran.  In fact, anytime, and any day, show your gratitude to a veteran.

You might want to watch the video I posted on Veteran’s Day back in 2009. And, you might also like to watch this very inspiring video.

Thanks again to all our veterans, and may God continue to be gracious and bless my country, the United States of America.

Mike Verdicchio
2011

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You Might Also Enjoy:
Veteran’s Day 2009
A High School Teacher Imparts A Lesson

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Coals Of Fire

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 is a verse in the book of Romans that talks about doing some things for your enemy that will “heap coals of fire on his head.”  Some think that this is referring to some sort of revenge.  No, it means nothing of the sort.

Understanding the culture and how coals from a fire were carried unlocks this simple verse.  A young boy would take hot coals in the morning from the first fire in the village.  Those coals would be put into a piece of pottery.

The young boy would then carry the pottery, with the hot coals inside, balanced upon his head to the other households.  They would in turn take a hot coal to start their own fire.  The young boy would then go to the next family so they could get a coal to start their fire.

Doing this task on cold mornings would be a very pleasant task.  The heat from the coals in the pottery would warm the young boy.  As he went from family to family, he was very warm while performing this simple duty.

The scripture talks about doing certain things for your enemy, and that by doing those things, you are heaping coals of fire on their head.  This doesn’t mean revenge, but rather, in doing those things you might warm his or her heart and they just might change.

You and I may never know how a smile, a kind word, or a loving action may impact someone else’s life.  As God’s children we endeavor to exhibit our Father’s love to everyone we come in contact with.  The Bible instructs us that, if at all possible, live peaceably with all people.

Romans 12:18-21:
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.

Therefore if your enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing you shall heap coals of fire on his head.

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Mike Verdicchio
2011

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Share This Article!
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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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Who Is To Blame?

Does complaining and blaming really accomplish anything?  This article shows a much more profitable alternative.

Who Is To Blame?

We all experience setbacks, obstacles and disappointments.  It’s part of life.  But some people have a habit of saying that their setbacks, obstacles and disappointments are always someone else else’s fault. They love to sit around and complain.

Have you ever considered that everything you do expends your energy?  Why waste precious energy on complaining?  What does that accomplish, besides maybe getting someone to feel sorry for you?

When someone feels sorry for you, it doesn’t help you, does it?  You might take some comfort knowing that someone cares about you, but how does that really help your situation?  It would be much more profitable for someone to help you arrive at solutions, don’t you think?

When I am going through a difficult time, the last thing I want is for someone to feel sorry for me, and say something like, “Oh, that’s just terrible; I’m so sorry you are going through that.”  I would much rather they suggest that we pray together, and then work on a solution.

Who You Gonna Blame?

And then of course, there’s the blame game.  After a good round of complaining, one realizes that there must be someone at fault. Who is it?  Take your pick.

You can blame the government, the economy, your boss, your parents or even your neighbor.  After all, someone has to be responsible for your misery, right?  But, there you go, expending more of your precious energy on something that produces nothing but more misery.

Today, there are lots of people who are caught up in complaining and blaming.  I in no way mean to belittle their situations or conditions.  Many face real difficulties.  And, it may be true that some of the things they face are due to circumstances that are outside of their control.

However, one can never overcome the difficulties they face by spending their time complaining and blaming.  Focusing on the problems will never bring a solution.  But for many, it is much easier to complain and blame than to take responsibility and find a solution.

It is sad that so many people will not take charge of their own lives.  They wait for governments to change or for the economy to improve. They wait and wait, and complain and blame.

God gave us all a brain so that we could think, learn and grow. You can ask for God’s help and He will guide you and bring you to your desired haven. But He will not just take over your life while you sit on the couch waiting for it to magically happen.

Your life can change, dramatically, once you decide that it is in your power to do so.  God gave all of us free will to make our own decisions.  A person can pray all day long for things to improve, but if they don’t take some action, they will not see any results.

It’s A Lot Easier For People Who Have No Problems, Right?

Some people are under the impression that positive people have no problems and that is why they are so positive.  But think about it for a minute.  Being positive and solution oriented is a choice, isn’t it?  Being negative and complaining, is also a choice, right?

The Bible says that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.  In other words, positive people have learned to think the right thoughts, to say the right words, so that they can get the right results.

Some people choose to rationalize that the reason they complain is because things are not going well. If things were just going well, then they too could be positive.   It does not happen that way.  One must change their thinking first, then change what they say, and then take action while looking for and seeking a solution.

And, for those who are simply, “waiting on God” to do something, He already has. He gave His Son so that we could become His dear children, with His spirit within us.  He has given us His exceeding great and precious promises that we can choose to believe.

Your Mind Can’t Do It

How can one think and dwell on how lousy their situation is and at the same time think and dwell on the promises of God?  You cannot think two opposites.  Try it.  Picture in your mind a car going really fast and really slow.  That’s the point.

Choose your thoughts very carefully.  The Bible says to guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it (your heart), are the issues of life (your life).  We all have a choice in the thoughts we entertain.

God is a very present help in time of need; pray and ask for His help.  Instead of complaining and blaming, turn your focus and energy to pursuing the solutions that you need for your life.  Get up, look up, and take some action.

Mike Verdicchio
2011

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You Might Also Enjoy:
What’s The Solution
God Is Not In Charge
Why Does God Let Things Happen?

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