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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!

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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

Leave A Comment!
Do you have some thoughts about this?  We’d love to hear what you think.  To leave a comment if you are receiving this post via email or RSS, just click the title above and scroll to the bottom of the post and type in your comment.  If not, just scroll to the bottom of this post and type in your comment.

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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In The Clouds

Have you ever seen lenticular clouds?  I show you some.

Many Christians hold to a very true hope that God’s Son, Jesus Christ will return.  The scriptures say that we will all meet him in the clouds.

I was thinking about that a couple of months ago on a flight from Charlotte to Phoenix.  Gazing out the window, somewhere over the Mid West, I saw some awesome, majestic clouds.  I have flown many times over the years, but have never seen gigantic clouds like these.  It lasted for almost ten minutes.  They were not, however, lenticular clouds.

Seeing those clouds I couldn’t help but think about what it will be like when Christ does return and we all meet him in the clouds.  I wondered if the clouds on the day he does return will look like what I was seeing. Clouds always remind me that one day…

Even More Spectacular

Yesterday I received an email with pictures of some spectacular clouds in the state of Washington from several weeks ago. These were multiple lenticular cloud formations at Mount Rainier, near sunset, on Wednesday, September 21. I thought you might enjoy seeing some pictures.

If you want some scientific explanation about lenticular clouds and how they are formed, check out this link at wiki.

So the next time you look up and see clouds in the sky, whether they are lenticular, cumulus, or whatever it was that I saw on the plane, remind yourself that someday you will meet him in the clouds.

Mike Verdicchio
2011

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You Might Also Enjoy:
He Promised
The Great Giver

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I Guess It’s Just Me

Boo!

Okay, I guess it’s just me.  I don’t care for Halloween.  I know, lots of people have lots of fun, but, sorry, I am not interested.

What about the kids?  They have so much fun wearing costumes and getting lots of candy, don’t they?  Yes, they certainly do!

I told you, it’s just me.  People can do whatever they like to do; I’m not criticizing anyone.  As a youngster, Halloween seemed to me like the “funnest” day of the year.  I was really into it.

Then when I got older, it was just a fun day for the kids.  But in recent years, it has become a really big day for adults too; more about that in a minute.

So why do I sound like such a party pooper?  Talk about raining on the parade!

Last Year

Perhaps, for me it was finding out about the origins of Halloween.  Few know about it, and almost no one dares to talk about it because they would be labeled a party pooper too.  Last year I did a post on the Origins of Halloween.  You’re welcome to read if it you dare.

October 31 is also the anniversary of the Reformation, led by Martin Luther.  I posted some good history on that last year as well in a post called, October 31.

Some Interesting Stats

National Retailer Federation, and many others, have given their predictions for Halloween spending this year.  Spending for the Halloween holiday is second only to Christmas spending!

According to NRF’s 2011 Halloween Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey conducted by BIGresearch, seven in 10 Americans (68.6%) plan to celebrate Halloween, up from 63.8 percent last year and the most in NRF’s nine-year survey history. Those celebrating are expected to spend slightly more too; the average person will shell out $72.31 on decorations, costumes and candy, up from $66.28 last year. Total Halloween spending is expected to reach $6.86 billion.

Excuse me; 72 bucks a person?  Is there a boom going on in our economy that I am not aware of?  The article talks about specific increased spending this year over last year.

The survey found this year’s celebrations will be far from tempered as more people plan to dress in costume (43.9% vs. 40.1% in 2010), throw or attend a party (34.3% vs. 33.3% last year) and visit a haunted house (22.9% vs. 20.8% in 2010.) Additionally, half (49.5%) will decorate their home/yard and 14.7 percent will dress their pets in costume. Other traditional celebratory activities include handing out candy (73.5%), carving a pumpkin (47.8%) and taking children trick-or-treating (32.9%).

I know someone personally who is on a very tight budget yet planning to buy costumes for her children.  I asked her about the costumes she bought last year.  The answer was, “They need new ones this year.”  I replied, “Why not make the costumes”  “I’ll think about that idea,” was her reply.

When I was growing up my parents never bought a costume; we always made something.  And that was a lot of fun being inventive and resourceful; using what was already around the house.

How Much Does That Costume Cost?

As I said before, this holiday is not just for the kids, not by a long shot.  The article went on to talk about the cost of costumes for both children and adults.

This year, Americans will spend $1 billion on children’s costumes, up from $840 million last year, and $1.21 billion on adult costumes, up from $990 million last year. Additionally, pet owners will shell out $310 million on pint size devils, pumpkins and witch costumes.

Okay, so we’ve got the kids in costumes, the adults in costumes, and the pets in costumes. What’s missing?  Oh, yeah, the candy, the decorations and the cards!

When it comes to decorations, more people this year than in the survey’s history will buy life-size skeletons, extra large inflatable pumpkins and fake cob webs, spending an average of $19.79. Spending on Halloween décor is second only to spending on Christmas decorations. Festive celebrants will also buy candy ($21.05) and greeting cards ($4.96.)

Consumers aren’t completely blowing caution to the wind this year, however. According to the survey, nearly one-third (32.1%) say the state of the U.S. economy will impact their Halloween plans. To compensate, most say they will try to spend less overall (87.1%). Others will make a costume instead of purchasing one (18.9%), use last year’s costume (16.6%) and buy less candy (40.2%.)

Trick Or Treat!

So, from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, some 2,000 years ago, to our modern day, with Muffy dressed up like a witch, another Halloween holiday is upon us.

Enjoy the day; and whatever you do, have fun and be safe; but don’t expect me in disguise knocking on your door hoping to get some candy.   But again, that’s just me.

Mike Verdicchio
2011

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You Might Also Enjoy:
October 31
Origins Of Halloween

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What’s Your Name?

It’s Another Podcast

In the Bible, Moses asked God, “What is your name?”  Why did Moses ask for a name in the first place?  God said, “I am that I am.”

In this short podcast [8:08] find out the meaning behind God’s answer to Moses, and find out why Moses needed a name.

Enjoy the podcast!

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

Don’t Be Shy – Leave A Comment!
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You Might Also Enjoy:
How Do You Address Him?
Is He Willing?
How To Build Trust In God

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