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Independence Day 2011

Today, here in the United States of America, we celebrate our 235th year.

For this occasion in 2009, I posted a very moving video called, “God Bless The USA” And under the video, some great quotes from Jefferson and Adams.

Last year, I posted a video that captured something no one was expecting.  I also put up some really great history about Adams and Jefferson, who both died on July 4th, 1826, the 50th anniversary of United of America.

This year I have a video from a girl from the same city I live in, Glendale, Arizona.  She was the winner in season 6 of American Idol.  She did a fabulous job of singing the national anthem at Super Bowl XLII.

Happy Independence Day and may our God continue to shed His grace on this country.

Michael Verdicchio
2011

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Why?

At a business conference last weekend in San Jose, we had the pleasure of having Darren Hardy speak to us.  Darren is the publisher and editorial director of Success magazine.  There were many “gems” in his presentation, and I thought I would briefly share one with you.

He told how beneficial it would be for us personally if we found three habits that are hindering us, and then uprooted them.  Now this doesn’t just apply to being a business owner.  It is applicable to all of life.

Bad habits are easy to develop and hard to lose.  Good habits are hard to develop and easy to lose.  I think it all comes down to the choices we make and the effort we are willing to put forth.

Darin pointed out that will power is not the way to uproot a bad habit. Focusing on “not doing something” is simply re-focusing on the activity and that does not bring about any change. The real motivation comes in your desire to change; it is all about your “why?”

Why?

If your “why?” is big and important enough to you, then you will be motivated.  For example, someone might want to lose some weight, but why?  If their burning desire is so that that they can be healthier, live longer, have more energy, feel better about themselves, and, that is their reason, then they will have the motivation to do what they need to do to accomplish it.

In uprooting bad habits that hinder loosing weight, remembering the “why?” will be the motivation at those times when it’s not so easy, and a few cookies sound mighty good!

Now, Mr. Hardy did not discuss weight loss, but I thought it is a simple example we could all relate to.  It really doesn’t matter what dreams and goals you have. But, having a very, very strong “why?” is very important.

Take a few minutes to revisit your dreams and goals, and ask yourself why it is important to you.  Whether it is a deeper relationship with God, loosing weight, a stronger marriage, greater income, or any number of goals, make sure your “why?” is powerful.  Make sure your “why?” is a clear picture, filled with emotion – your “why?” should make you cry.

I think it is very noteworthy that the scriptures say to acknowledge God in all your ways and He will give you the desires of your heart.  The desire of your heart is really the combination of the goals and dreams that you have, and a very strong “why?”  And our loving God is very concerned with the desires of your heart.

Michael Verdicchio
2011

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Trumps

A couple of years ago I posted an article on, “Enriching Your Life Now,” called, Trump It.  Using a card game as an anlogy, a very important point is made.  See if you agree.

Trump It

I have heard people say, “Well, these are the cards that I’ve been dealt.”  They are not talking about a card game.  They are usually talking about things they perceive as success-limiting.

Regardless of your current status, I do not think that any circumstance or situation ought to be viewed as “the cards you have been dealt.”  To look at it that way indicates that there is nothing that you can do about your situation.  That is just not true.

Let me show you a better way to look at life using a card game as an analogy.

Have you ever played the card game, “Hearts?” Over the years my wife and I have played it with different couples.  It really is a lot of fun.

The way we play it is normally in teams of two. In every round, each player plays one card, and the player with the highest card wins that round for his team.  The exception is when a card in the “heart” suit is played.

In the game of “Hearts,” any heart card outranks all the other suits.  Even a deuce of hearts will defeat and win over an ace of spades. When that happens in the course of play, it is called “trumping.”  In this case, the deuce of hearts “trumps” the ace of spades.

This past weekend I was sharing just that with someone.  I was using this silly game of “hearts” as an analogy.  I told her that no matter what you hear, the promises of God can “trump” any and everything that we are faced with.

I am not talking about ignoring or refusing to acknowledge what we are faced with.  Just like in the card game, the Ace of spades is very real, and in fact it is the highest card in the deck. No other card can beat it, except a “trump card.”

But, on the other hand, if you in turn play a deuce of hearts and don’t know or forget that the suit of hearts is the trump suit, then that ace of spades will beat you.

If you play the deuce of hearts and the one playing the Ace of spades thinks that he or she won that round, you may have to speak up and say, “No!  My trump card beats your Ace!”

That’s why I don’t like the phrase, “These are the cards that I’ve been dealt.” People say that to indicate that they are lacking or limited.  I simply see it another way.

The cards that we as Christians have been dealt are all “trumps!”  The things that we have to face in life are all the other cards that are played. And even if the ace of spades is played, we still have all the “trump cards” in our hand; we have all the promises of God!

But, it is up to us to understand that “our cards” are indeed, “trump cards.”  We can’t think, “Gee, this little deuce could never defeat that big ace.”  And, likewise, when we play our “trump card,” we must refuse to allow anyone else to claim victory over us; we must remain convinced that God has given us the victory!

Just ask yourself this question:  “Who can defeat a super conqueror?”  No one; they are more than a conqueror.  That’s why the Bible says, “If God be for us, who can be against us?”  We have all the trump cards; we are more than conquerors!

We need to understand that the promises in the Bible are real and they are true, regardless of any and every situation in life that we are faced with.  We “trump” the circumstances we are faced with by claiming the victory based on those promises. We must refuse to allow anyone or anything else to claim victory over us.

So, the next time you are faced with a circumstance, big or small, “trump it” with the promises of God.

Michael Verdicchio
2009

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Father’s Day

Today is the day set aside for us dads.  Last year, and also in 2009, I posted some interesting information about, “Father’s Day.”

My dad is not alive, so, I can’t give him any personal praise or recognition, or even say, “Thanks.”  But, I am sure many dads today will hear from their children; as a dad, I know how exhilarating that is!

There are of course lots of father’s.  And there are also founding fathers and forefathers.  But it was Jesus who introduced the concept to the world of God, the Creator of the heavens and earth, being our Father. I recently did a podcast about that, called, How Do You Address Him?

On this Father’s Day, 2011, I have some quotes I thought you would enjoy.

To all the Dads, Happy Father’s Day!

We never know the love of our parents for us till we have become parents.
– Henry Ward Beecher

My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.
– Clarence Budington Kelland

By profession, I am a soldier and take pride in that fact. But I am prouder – infinitely prouder – to be a father. A soldier destroys in order to build; the father only builds, never destroys. The one has the potentiality of death; the other embodies creation and life. And while the hordes of death are mighty, the battalions of life are mightier still. It is my hope that my son, when I am gone, will remember me not from the battle field but in the home repeating with him our simple daily prayer, ‘Our Father who art in Heaven.’
– Douglas Macarthur

None of you can ever be proud enough of being the child of such a Father who has not his equal in this world – so great, so good, so faultless. Try, all of you, to follow in his footsteps and don’t be discouraged, for to be really in everything like him none of you, I am sure, will ever be. Try, therefore, to be like him in some points, and you will have acquired a great deal.
– Queen Victoria of England

The greatest gift I ever had
Came from God; I call him Dad!
– Author Unknown

A wise son brings joy to his father
– Proverbs 10:1a (NIV)


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A New Start?

It’s Another Podcast!

How do you feel when you are faced with starting over?  It could be something major like moving across country, or, maybe a habit that you have decided again to start over and really  do something about it.  It could even be because of no fault of your own.

In this short podcast (8:16) I’ll give you three simple but powerful keys that will be very helpful for your new beginning.

Enjoy the podcast!

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

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Blind Bartimaeus

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 record in the Gospel of Mark about a blind man receiving healing from Jesus.  The man’s name was Bartimaeus.  There are some very interesting details in the record that are often overlooked due to misunderstandings of the Eastern culture.

Beggars In The Bible

In our modern world it is common to see people on various corners holding up signs asking for help.  It is rightly assumed that these people are begging for money.  But in the lands and times of the Bible, there were people who begged who did not have a financial need.  So, when we read about someone begging in the Scriptures, we cannot automatically assume that they were in financial need.

There were three main areas where it was common to find beggars: at the gate of a temple, holy rivers, or other bodies of water, and, on the highway or public thoroughfares.  The latter is where Bartimaeus was begging when he called out to Jesus.

In the lands and times of the Bible, people who did not have a financial need would beg for their healing.  The Scriptures tell us that Bartimaeus was blind, but was he poor?

The Scriptural account says, “Blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.”  If he were begging out of financial need, in other words, poor and destitute, there would have been no mention of his lineage; his father’s name would have not been given.

Therefore, Bartimaeus was on the highway begging for his healing.  People in the lands and times of the Bible did this to obtain mercy from God.  They became as low as a beggar in a public place, hoping that a holy man might pass by and they could receive healing.

What About His Robe?

When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by, he cried out saying, “Jesus thou son of David, have mercy on me.”  And then those around him told him to shut up.  But instead he kept crying out for Jesus to have mercy on him.

Jesus then stopped and called for the man.  Those who had been telling him to shut up were now telling him, “Be of good comfort, rise; he calls you.”  (I guess they were wrong in telling him to shut up before!)

The Scriptural account next includes another detail that is often overlooked, but has great significance.  The Bible says, “And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.” No one told him to cast away his garment.

The garment he cast away was his robe.  Those who begged for healing as opposed to financial need often wore their robes.  Seeing someone begging in a robe instead of rags would be a very obvious indication the person was begging for healing.

A person’s robe indicated his status, his authority, his position in the community, his standing, as well as his dignity.  When Jesus called for Bartimaeus, he cast away his robe and went to Jesus, empty.  He came before Christ empty of all pride, dignity, standing, and status; he stood before him with great humility, to obtain mercy.

Cast Away Your Pride

Isn’t it inspiring to see Bartimaeus choosing to lay aside all his pride?  No one told him he should do that.  It was his choice.

You and I can do the same thing.  We can choose to empty ourselves of pride.  We can approach our loving Father with humility.  And yes, even though we are His dear children, we can still choose to get rid of our ego and self righteous bravado.

The Bible teaches us that God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.  Being humble does not mean being a doormat that every one walks on all day.  Bartimaeus going before Jesus, empty of all pride, is a great example of humility.

We can approach our God with the confidence and open entrance that we have as His children, and with the humbleness of Bartimaeus.

Mark 10:46-52
And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.

And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calls you.

And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.

And Jesus answered and said unto him, What will you that I should do unto you? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.

And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

I Peter 5:5b-7:
For God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.

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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How Do You Address Him?

It’s Another Podcast!

Very simply stated, prayer is talking to God.  Do you think when we talk to God, that it ought to be from our own heart, rather than from what someone else wrote?  I do.

In this short podcast (7:16), I’ll tell you why you can address the Almighty, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, as, “Father.”  And I’ll explain what the word, “abba” means.

Enjoy the podcast!

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

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Remembering…

This is Memorial Day Weekend.

There will be barbecues, visiting friends, road trips, great sales, and of course, the Indy 500.  Some people will even have a long weekend, as they get Monday, Memorial Day, off from work.

Hopefully, we here in the United States can take a few moments some time this weekend to remember them.

Formerly known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day commemorates men and women who died while in military service to the United States. First enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War, it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.

Let us never forget those who paid the ultimate price.

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Is It Possible?

It’s Another Podcast!

Is it really possible for your dreams to come true?

This short podcast (6:29) is about how to get rid self pity, discouragement and apathy.  It is about how you can see your dreams become reality.

Enjoy the podcast!

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

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Are We All Still Here?

Hello?

Any one out there?

You mean to say that the world did not end yesterday as predicted?

Starting today there will be plenty of people yukking it up because the prediction of the end of the world did not happen.  On the other hand there were people who bought into it and were convinced that yesterday was going to be the end.

Two Takes

I have two takes on this.  And I’d love to hear what you have to say.

First, whenever these predictions come out it makes Christianity look stupid.  Someone claiming to “know from the Bible” that the world will end on a certain day.  Somebody told me that the man who predicted yesterday’s doom had predicted it before in 1994.

He’s not the only one.  It seems every 10 years or so someone is predicting “the end.”  They claim that they “know” from prophecy and calculations from the Bible.  Well, it looks like the calculations were wrong again.  And not only do they look stupid, but it makes all of Christianity look pretty silly.

Secondly, why don’t people actually read all the sections in the Bible that pertain to the topic?  Actually, they wouldn’t have to read very much.  They could simply read what an excellent authority had to say about it.

Jesus himself said that of that day and that hour no man knows.  He went on to say that the angels do not know, and neither does the Son know.  Only the Father knows.

End Of Discussion

I don’t know about you, but that settles it for me.  End of discussion. The angels don’t know, and, Jesus doesn’t know, but you do?  Then, if the Bible is true, and you know, then you must be the Father!

Yes there is plenty of scripture describing what is coming in the future. (In a recent post, I put what I’m excited about.)  But the reality is that no one knows when.  So then why don’t we live each day to the fullest, to the best of our ability?

Michael Verdicchio
2011

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