Category: Personal Interest

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Clue #3: He does this, EVEN when you’re not around!

He will take actions that ensure your well-being in the long term, whether that means making financial decisions with you in mind, considering your needs in his career choices, or simply making sure that the life you build together is one of stability and security. A man who is reckless with his future is also reckless with yours, and that is not a sign of love. It is a sign of immaturity.

But here’s the thing; protection is a two-way street. A relationship is not a scenario where one person does all the shielding, while the other remains passive. A woman who is truly worthy of this of kind of love will also offer protection in return, not in the same physical sense perhaps, but in the way she nurtures his mind, his emotions, and his Spirit. She will create a safe space for him to express himself without fear of judgment. She will protect his confidence, just as he protects hers. She will stand by him when he faces the inevitable hardships of life rather than retreating at the first sign of trouble.

At the core of it, love is about having each other’s backs. It’s about making the conscious choice to be a source of strength rather than a source of stress. If a man loves you, you will feel safe, not just physically, but in every way that matters. You will not have to question whether he will be there for you in moments of weakness. You will not have to wonder if he will shield you from unnecessary pain, and that is what real love looks like.

It is not just merely passion or attraction. It is the willingness to stand beside someone to bear some of their burdens to ensure that, no matter what life brings they never have to face it alone. When a man loves and adores a woman, it manifests not only in his words, but in his consistency, his unwavering presence, his reliability, his ability to be counted on, even in the smallest moments.

This is one of the most overlooked, yet most telling aspects of true love. It’s easy to be affectionate when emotions are high, when passion is burning, when everything is smooth but love, real love is demonstrated in the steady commitment to show up again and again, regardless of the circumstances. Consistency is a form of devotion. It signals that a man is not just emotionally invested in a passing moment but rather in the long-term stability of the relationship, and what does that look like?

It means he keeps his word. If he says he’ll call, he calls; if he promises to be there, he is. There is no ambiguity, no last-minute changes that leave you wondering where you stand. A man who truly adores you doesn’t leave you in a perpetual state of uncertainty. He makes it clear through his actions, not just his words, that you are a priority, not an afterthought.

This kind of consistency provides a woman with something invaluable; security. And not just in the obvious sense. Yes, there is security in knowing that someone will be there when they say they will, but there is also emotional security, the kind that allows a woman to open up fully, to trust deeply, to love without hesitation. A man who is inconsistent, who is there one moment and distant the next, creates an emotional environment filled with doubt.

A woman in that position is left questioning, analyzing, second guessing; that is not love! That is emotional chaos and love in its truest form, does not create chaos. It creates stability, but consistency goes beyond just being present.

It is also about emotional reliability. Does he react to conflict with the same level of respect and composure each time, or does his temperament and level of affection shift unpredictably conditional on how the day is going for him. A man who truly loves and adores you, will not be emotionally erratic. He will not make you feel like his love depends on whether things are easy or difficult. He will make it clear that he is committed, no matter what.

And it’s not just about the big moments; anyone can be consistent in the grand gestures; anniversaries, birthdays, celebrations, but true consistency shows up in the every-day in the simple habits that signal love and commitment. The text message to check in, not because he has to, but because he genuinely wants to know how your day is going. The way he remembers the small things, your favorite drink, the way you like your coffee, the song that always makes you smile, the way he asks about the details of your life, not as a formality, but because he truly cares.

A man’s consistency is a reflection of his Integrity. A man who is consistent in his love is a man who understands responsibility, who does not take relationships lightly, who recognizes that love is not about grandiose words but about showing up every single day. He does not withdraw his affection when things become difficult. He does not retreat when life becomes stressful. He remains steady because he understands that love is a foundation, not a fleeting emotion, and perhaps most importantly, consistency is the antidote to insecurity.

When a woman knows with absolute certainty that her man is there for her, not just when it’s convenient, but always, she is freed from the need to constantly seek reassurance. She does not have to wonder if he will leave when things get hard. She does not have to question if he truly cares. She knows, because he has shown her repeatedly through his actions. This is what separates a fleeting connection from a lasting bond. It’s what allows relationships to deepen, to grow, to evolve into something unbreakable, because at the end of the day, love is not just about feelings, it’s about action.

It’s about the daily choice to be there to care to remain steady in a world that is anything but. And so, if a man loves and adores you, you will not have to question his presence in your life. He will not be a mystery, a puzzle you are constantly trying to solve. He will be there, again and again, without question, without hesitation, without fail, because love, real love is not uncertain. It is sure steady and unwavering.

NEXT UP: Clue #4 The Most Powerful Way He Shows His Love – Truly Unguarded Vulnerability!

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CLUE TWO: His Unexpected Action, Consistency,  Proves His Love

But it’s not just about the long term, it’s about the everyday. Love is not built in moments of passion alone. It’s built in consistency. Does he make an effort to check in on you, not just when he wants something, but simply because he cares? Does he listen when you speak truly absorbing what you say rather than waiting for his turn to respond? Does he make space for you in his schedule, even when he’s busy? A man who prioritizes you will make sure that you feel valued in his presence.

He won’t leave you guessing about where you stand. He won’t make you feel like you’re fighting for scraps of his attention. And if you find yourself constantly questioning whether you’re important to him, that itself is an answer.

Many people fall into the trap of excusing neglect in relationships. They rationalize it telling themselves, he’s just bad at communication or going through a lot right now. And while it’s true that life can be complicated and people have different ways of expressing love, there is one fundamental truth that remains.

When a man values something, he takes care of it. He protects it. He nurtures it, and he does not allow it to feel neglected. Now, here’s where this becomes even more critical. A man’s willingness to prioritize you is directly linked to his respect for you. Love without respect is. unsustainable. If a man sees you as truly valuable, he will treat you as such, he won’t take you for granted. He won’t expect you to always be available while he remains distant and detached. Instead, he will ensure that his actions reflect his appreciation for you, not just in words, but in how he structures his life around the relationship.

And this is why self-respect is crucial on your end as well. If you allow yourself to accept a position of constant secondary importance in someone’s life, you are reinforcing the idea that it is acceptable. If you tolerate inconsistent effort, you are teaching him that minimal effort is sufficient. Love cannot thrive in an environment where one person is always compromising, and the other is always benefiting.

So, what’s the takeaway here? It’s simple. If a man loves and adores you, you won’t have to question whether you matter to him. He will show you day in and day out through his actions, his presence, and his choices. And if you find yourself constantly having to convince him to make space for you in his life, then you’re not his priority. You’re an option, and you should never settle for being an option.

 One of the most telling signs that a man truly loves and adores you is the way he protects you, not just physically but emotionally, psychologically, and even spiritually. Protection in its deepest sense is not about dominance or control. It’s about care. It’s about the conscious effort to shield you from harm; to create an environment where you feel safe, valued and supported.

This instinct to protect is deeply wired into men. Historically, men have been the guardians of the tribe, the defenders of the home, the ones who stood between danger and those they loved. And while the threats may look different in the modern world; no wild animals, no enemy tribes at the gates, the instinct remains.  A man who loves you will not be indifferent to your suffering. He will not allow you to face life’s battles alone while he remains passive; he will be invested in your well-being, in your emotional security, in the quality of your life.

But let’s make something clear. This kind of protection is not about solving all of your problems for you. A good man doesn’t see his woman as helpless. He sees her as capable. He doesn’t take away her autonomy or make her dependent on him. Instead, he stands beside her ready to bear some of the burden when the weight of the world becomes too much. He is there, not to rescue her, but to support her.

This is evident in how he responds when you’re in distress. When life throw’s challenges your way, whether it’s stress at work, difficulties with friends or family, or internal struggles with self-doubt, does he show up for you? Does he take the time to listen to understand to reassure you that you’re not alone? Or does he dismiss your concerns, minimize your emotions, or make you feel as though your struggles are an inconvenience to him? A man who loves you will not let you suffer in silence. He will notice when you’re in pain, even when you try to hide it, and he will do what he can to make things easier for you.

And let’s not forget emotional protection. This is where many men fail without realizing it. A man who truly adores you will not play with your emotions. He will not manipulate you, make you feel insecure, or engage in mind games that leave you questioning his commitment.

Instead, he will offer you stability. He will communicate with honesty and clarity. He will not make you feel like love is something you have to earn more that his affection is conditional on your ability to please him. This emotional protection also means safeguarding your confidence and self-worth. A loving man does not belittle the woman he adores. He does not make cruel jokes at her expense. He does not criticize her in a way that erodes her self-esteem.

On the contrary, he lifts her up. He speaks to her with respect. He acknowledges her strength and even when he has to address a problem or conflict, he does in a way that is constructive, not destructive.

And then there’s the social aspect of protection. When a man loves a woman, he will not tolerate disrespect toward her. He won’t stand by while others demean her; whether it’s friends, family members, or even strangers. He will make it clear through both words and actions that she is someone he values deeply and that he expects others to treat her with the same respect.

A man’s protective nature is also evident in the way he plans for the future. If he truly sees you as his partner, he will think beyond the present moment.

NEXT UP:

CLUE #3: He does This EVEN WHEN YOU’RE NOT AROUND

PRAYER REMINDERS:

Post 4/19/25: Aron Lee Ralston; that Aron hears Christ’s call & fulfills his life’s destinies for himself, his children – Leon & Elisabetta, as well as his life’s motto, “There are possibilities in our problems, transformation in our trauma, and blessings in our boulders” and the His best for them is yet to come!

Post 04/21/25: Glendon, Simon and the persecuted Christians in Nigeria, Africa, and Asia..

THANK YOU

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CLUE # 1: His Priorities Shift Exclusively To You

This is the second post in a five post series on The Intracasies of Male Female Relationships. FYI, this “wordy” document is a 6400 words in length, averaging 1280 words per post; some longer, some shorter. And yes, I’m sure it could be powerfully condensed, but I have not the time, inclination and especially, the skill to spiritually mesh the missing spiritual dimensions. Any volunteers? It possesses a worthy start for someone to build on…

Love isn’t about occasional intensity. It’s about sustained commitment, and that means showing up when it’s difficult, not just when it’s easy. This is where so many relationships falter. People mistake intensity for love. They mistake desire for devotion, but real love doesn’t manifest in dramatic moments alone. It’s in the quiet, unremarkable acts of care and attention, the way he checks in on you after a stressful day; the way he supports you in your ambitions, the way he listens not just to the words you say, but to the emotions behind them.

And here’s something else to consider. A man who truly loves you doesn’t just align his actions with his words when things are good. He does it when challenges arise. He doesn’t withdraw when you need him most. He doesn’t become defensive or dismissive when you express your concerns. Instead, he engages. He takes responsibility. He recognizes that love isn’t just about feeling good. It’s about doing the work required to make the relationship strong. Love in its healthiest form requires integrity, and integrity is the alignment of words and actions. If a man tells you he loves you, but his behavior causes you to feel uncertain, confused, or undervalued, then his words are meaningless.

Love should not be a source of deep anxiety. It should not leave you in a constant state of questioning. When a man truly adores you, you will know it, not because he says it, but because everything he does affirms it. At the end of the day, love isn’t just about attraction or chemistry. It’s about trust. And trust is built through reliability through the certainty that a person means what they say and follows through on it; that’s the foundation of any meaningful relationship when you can trust, not just a person’s words, but their commitment to those words. That’s when you know love is real.

So, ask yourself, are his actions telling the same story as his words? If they are, then you are with a man who truly loves you. If they aren’t, then it’s time to stop listening to what he says and start believing what he shows you.

When a man truly loves and adores a woman, one of the clearest indicators is his willingness to prioritize her, not just in the grand, sweeping gestures that society romanticizes, but in the daily, often mundane aspects of life. Love in its most meaningful form isn’t a fleeting feeling or a dramatic proclamation. It’s a continual act of choosing someone over and over again, even when it’s inconvenient. People often misunderstand what prioritization really means in a relationship. It’s not about grandiosity. It’s not about constant attention or unhealthy dependence.

It’s about where he chooses to invest his energy, his time, and his presence. A man who adores you isn’t just physically present. He is mentally and emotionally engaged, and that engagement isn’t conditional. It doesn’t disappear when life becomes stressful, or when distractions arise. It remains because he sees you as an essential part of his world. Think about it. We always make time for what we truly value. If something is important to us, whether it’s our career, our health, or a deeply held personal goal, we structure our lives around it. We don’t let it become an afterthought. We don’t engage with it only when it is convenient.

The same principle applies to love if a man consistently makes excuses for why he can’t show up, if he repeatedly allows work, hobbies, or external pressures to take precedence over his commitment to you. Then you are not his priority, and that is something you need to recognize before you invest any deeper.

Now, there’s an important distinction to make here. Prioritization doesn’t mean obsession. It doesn’t mean abandoning everything else in life. A strong man, a man who is truly capable of loving deeply, still has his own goals, his own aspirations, his own purpose beyond the relationship. In fact, that’s what makes him worth being with in the first place. But when he loves you, he integrates you into that purpose. He considers your needs, your desires, your well-being, not as an afterthought, but as a crucial part of his decision-making process, you see this in the way he plans for the future. Does he include you in his long-term vision? Does he seek your input when making big decisions? Does he make an effort to align his path with yours in a way that allows both of you to grow. These are the questions that truly reveal where you stand in his life.

NEXT UP: Clue Two: This Unexpected Action, Consistency, Proves His Love

PRAYER REMINDERS:

Post 4/19/25: Aron Lee Raltston; that Aron hears Christ’s call & fulfills his life’s destinies for himself, his children – Leon & Elisabetta, as well as his life’s motto, “There are possibilities in our problems, transformation in our trauma, and blessings in our boulders” and the His best for them is yet to come!

Post 04/21/25: Glendon, Simon and the persecuted Christians in Nigeria, Africa, and Asia..

THANK YOU

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THE INTRACASIES OF MALE / FEMALE RELATIONSHIPS

This is the first in a series of five posts that I received a week after the original READ WEEP PRINT & KEEP of the Orlando FL editorial posted Saturday April 5 . Such outstanding documents are indeed rare and I do hope you readers will forward me any such that you think qualify for this distinction. I’ll reveal its author with the fifth post. I am in awe of its commonsense content even though I find not a shred of scriptural influence or reference. Enjoy.

If you want to truly know if a man really loves you, listen to what he says. Watch what he does. Words are easy. They can be crafted, manipulated, and delivered with precision, often without any real substance behind them.

Actions, on the other hand, tell a story that words alone never could. A man who loves you doesn’t leave you wondering about his feelings because his behavior consistently aligns with his words. And that’s a critical distinction. People often talk about love as if it’s this grand mysterious emotion that suddenly overtakes you, something you feel deeply but can’t quite explain.

But love in its most functional and healthy form is far more practical than that. It’s a pattern of behavior, an ongoing commitment, a set of choices made over and over again. A man who loves you is a man who acts in accordance with that love. He doesn’t just declare that he cares. He demonstrates it in ways that are tangible, observable, and consistent.

Consider this! When someone is truly invested in something, they don’t neglect it. You can see it in the way they prioritize their time, and the way they handle conflict, and the way they take responsibility. If a man claims to love you but repeatedly cancels plans, avoids difficult conversations, or fails to support you in moments of need, then his actions contradict his words and contradictions and behavior are revealing. They indicate a lack of Integrity in the emotional foundation of the relationship. A man who genuinely adores you, makes an effort to please you by remembering those important small details, not because he’s required to, but because he longs to. If something is important to you, it becomes important to him. He takes note of your preferences, your struggles, your dreams, and he engages with them in a way that demonstrates genuine care.

Now that doesn’t mean he has to be perfect, but it does mean that his love is evident in the way he shows up, not just when it’s convenient, but consistently. Consistency, in fact, is one of the strongest indicators of love. It’s easy to make a grand gesture every-once-in-a- while to plan an elaborate date to say something deeply romantic in a moment of passion, but none of that matters if the exotic events, are not backed up by quiet meaningful everyday efforts.

NEXT UP: His Priorities Shift Exclusively To You

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 Strictly FYI & YPS! (Your Prayer Support)

I received an email April 10 from a friend I’ve named anonymously Glendon, who has been a faithful mentor to me for going on three decades. He has frequently been Jesus in “real skin” for me over the years and I marvel at how God has both protected and prospered this elderly gentleman throughout his numerous trying times. Early on, Glendon had confided in me the details of a mission tour he joined in Nigeria, and how his first visit there coincided with a group of Muslims attacking Christians the day before he arrived!

The next day after the attack my friend Glendon accompanied Simon, a young native Christian, to the hospital witnessing a young woman sitting at the entrance with her hand cut off at the wrist being bandaged up by the hospital doctors. Inside the hospital beds were filled with the wounded from machete attack! Arms and hands were cut off, deep wounds across their backs, chests and even some legs. Of course, Glendon had never witnessed anything like this on any prior mission trips, but this time he had, and as a consequence, his life was never the same.

Later that week when the mission tour personnel learned Glendon had toured the hospital, they scolded him and said it was wrong for him to have visited there. In fact, he was told to never report anything that he had seen at the hospital! And for 30 plus years, up until the April 10th email, he has been as he says, shamefully silent, except for sharing earlier on with me, the events details  

He was told then people do not understand Muslims and drawing attention to this event would not be good. The tour personnel tried to explain away the prior day’s event as just being a land problem that had little or nothing to do with religion, being Muslim or Christian. Glendon having already discussed with Simon the situation, knew the tour personnel representing worldwide Christian Churches were lying, and for the decades since, nothing has been said, but Glendon reports neither are those worldwide churches or their mission works prospering.

The good news about this dark Nigerian event in Glendon’s life was that spiritually, it was a turning point for developing in him an awareness to look beyond the obvious to discern God’s truths in the world’s chaos, such as we are increasingly encountering during these last days. And equally important, it was on this tour trip Glendon first met Simon.

At that time, Simon was a young Nigerian man searching to find his place to serve God in his home community and had just recently married. His wife was a school teacher with a salary of $300.00 dollars a year, but often, she did not even get paid. Simon wanted more Bible education in order to teach others. So Glendon with his connections arranged for him to attend and graduate from Bible college. But then he still had no income, and the American mission agency that had arranged the tour Glendon had joined had no interest in helping Simon spread the gospel.

Long story short, Glendon to this day is still arranging support for Simon and his family. He began early on sending Simon money from time to time and he began buying roofing tin and eventually built a small two room cement block building. His home is without electricity and no plumbing that works. The last time Glendon stayed with Glendon he bathed from a bucket of water which came from a cistern while standing in a tub.

Today his wife has diabetes and often suffers from bouts with malaria. Simon’s oldest son is married with 2 children. His other five dependents are now either in school or university. Glendon over the years has remained knowledgeable of their names, ages, and the schools they are attending. Beginning now in April, the Nigerian government requires that two of his daughters must drop out of university and become soldiers for two years. Recently robbers broke into the girl’s dorm and stole their rice, beans and clothing. Life there is very difficult.

Until now when Glendon just gave me permission to share Simon’s last email with you readers of this blog post, no one else except I, had an inkling of this situation, remaining only between God, Glendon & Simon.

Simon now is an evangelist preacher who travels around his area teaching and preaching. A few weeks ago, he estimated once there were over 600 in his audience. As Simon continues to minister to his Christian brothers and sisters in and about his community, he comes and goes with little to spare, but still gives to others who are starving, sick or widows, out of what Glendon provides him. Glendon prays daily and requests you blog readers do the same for this little mission enclave thanking God that Simon can so function there because God is still blessing Glendon as he is soon entering his nineties with good health and the financial means to share with Simon.

Here is part of Simon’s April 10th email

The herdsmen here behave like wild animals
The Muslims are using them in disguise to fight their jihad
This is one of their strategies to wipe out Christianity, just so you know what happened in Afghanistan, Egypt, Ethiopia, Lebanon and the rest.
That is also their strategies against America as they have captured Europe, especially Great Britain
The want to Islamize the whole world.
Yemen, Iran etc. are their sponsors who are sponsoring the terrorists.
Christians must be wise but innocent as a doves.
We must watch out very carefully
There are several places in Nigeria that are captured and now are under their control whereby before were Christian controlled areas
They have expanded their territories very fast in Nigeria.
Recently in one of the local government area in plateau state is under serious attack and siege.
Last week they attacked and killed hundreds of people.
Dead bodies are still being recovered
Only God knows the mission and evil they have against Christians.
You on your end may not know how much evil is planned against Christians.
Only God can help.
We are fine
I’m grateful to God to hear that you people are doing good
Praise to God for who He is
Praise God I was able to extend hands to about 5 people of various needs
Thanks so very much Glendon
Remain ever blessed under the Fire of God.
Thanks for praying for me always
It means a lot for me and our ministry.
Greetings to your beloved wife and children.

The new clip below was sent me by my mentor friend Glendon taken from opendoorsuk.org/news 12:30 pm April 20, 2025

Christians among 113 killed in latest spate of attacks in Nigeria

A devastating spate of attacks in Nigeria has killed around 113 people, including Christians. With Easter approaching, believers in Nigeria are even more vulnerable to attack. Please pray for their protection and for other believers worldwide as they mark Holy Week….. Tim   Open Doors Team

            Christian communities in Nigeria have again been devastated by militant attacks. Around 113 people, including some Christians, have been killed in another spate of horrific attacks in Plateau State, Nigeria, with thousands more displaced. Since the end of March, Fulani militants attacked at least eight communities in the local government associations of Bokkos and Bassa. Alongside those killed (and the number could be higher), a further six are missing and many others injured. Over 300 homes have been destroyed, leaving more than 3,000 people displaced.

            The most recent attack was on Sunday night (13 April) in a Christian community in Bassa. “Forty-three people were killed, several houses were burnt down with people inside,” says a local contact. Amongst the other attacks, three Christian farmers were cultivating their land on 24 March when they were killed. Three days later, the militants killed 11 Christians who had gathered for a funeral, including a pregnant woman and ten-year-old girl. On 2 April, at least five Christian women were killed as they gathered for fellowship.

            The attacks in Bokkos come as Christian communities continue to recover from a series of attacks in 2023, including one on Christmas Eve in which around 200 believers were killed. A coordinated security response is in place to tackle the ongoing spate of attacks in affected communities.

            “Our people are living in fear,” says Titus Ayuba Alams, who serves as a special adviser to the local authorities on workers’ welfare and corporate affairs. “Children no longer go to school, even worship in churches you can’t do it, because you are running for your life.”

Why are the attacks happening now?

            The attacks come at the onset of the rainy season, which lasts until October. It’s a crucial time for subsistence farmers, who need to get crops in the ground in preparation for the dry season. Many of those attacked and now displaced rely on their farms for survival, and with many men amongst those killed, women and children have lost their breadwinner, leaving them especially vulnerable. Attacks like these are often tactical and targeted, aimed at crippling families and communities in the long-term. When Christian villages are attacked, it is often intended to fatally undermine and destroy the local church. “Children no longer go to school, even worship in churches you can’t do it, because you are running for your life”

            Those displaced are now among the millions of Christians displaced by violence and conflict, not just in Nigeria but throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Many end up at displacement camps that are dangerously ill-equipped to care for people. Through the Arise Africa campaign, your gifts are lifeline to so many of our brothers and sisters, but the need remains acute.

            “Let’s pray that the Lord will make provision, because we have four IDP [internally displaced person] camps: one in Bokkos, one in Gombe and two in Hurti. And in Bokkos, we have more than 2,000 IDPs. In Hurti, we have more than 4,000 and the same in Gonde,” says Reverend Arum, the CAN (Christian Association of Nigeria) chairman of Bokkos lower government authority. “Let’s pray that the Lord will make provision, and the body of Christ will support the church through prayers and, if they can, support them financially.”

Petition and prayer

The Arise Africa campaign is not only about raising money and prayers – it’s also about raising your voice. If you haven’t already, please sign and share the petition. The aim is to take this to the UK government, United Nations, European Union and African Union, calling for protection, justice and restoration for our brothers and sisters affected by rising violence in sub-Saharan Africa – including those whose lives have been rocked by this latest spate of attacks. Go to opendoorsuk.org for details

            And with Holy Week underway, please remember believers across the world as they mark Easter under the heightened risk of pressure and persecution. The attack on Christians in Bokkos during Christmas 2023 is a sobering reminder that Christian celebrations can be targeted by militant groups. Meanwhile, those who attend services can face hostility from their own communities and families. Please pray for God’s peace and presence to surround our persecuted family at this time.

Please pray:

 For God’s unsurpassing love, comfort and peace to engulf all those affected by these   attacks, and that the forthcoming Easter weekend will breathe precious hope into their hearts.

For the provision of food, shelter safety for the displaced.

For the protection of all gatherings in Nigeria, and elsewhere worldwide, during Holy Week.

Taken from opendoorsuk.org/news 12:30 pm April 20, 2025

Strictly FYI & YPS! (Your Prayer Support)

Post 4/19/25: Aron Lee Raltston; that Aron hears Christ’s call & fulfills his life’s destinies for himself, his children – Leon & Elisabetta, as well as his life’s motto, “There are possibilities in our problems, transformation in our trauma, and blessings in our boulders” and the His best for them is yet to come!

Post 04/21/25: Glendon, Simon and the persecuted Christians in Nigeria, Africa, and Asia…

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Revealing Signs of My Times: BENCHMARKERS?

Since my 60’s I’ve been tracking my physical limitations by noting those physical tasks increasingly requiring I use a ladder to reach, a pliers to grip, a ramp to roll an implement up, etc. Mentally as well, Pastor Karl challenged us years ago to memorize the Fruits of the Spirit, certainly a worthy task for observing the depth/maturity of our current spirituality. Just understand it has been my continual goal for years to quickly rattle off those nine descriptive words with no conclusive success. Only after forcing myself each morning since this New Years before reading my daily Proverbs chapter, have I accomplished this, and that with the crutch of the acronym of first letters L J P P K G F G S! I possess a strange mind indeed! See why I hallucinate at thinking I’ll ever learn Spanish?

So, as we age and become aware of these revealing and distressing benchmarks, we speak of our “new normals,” which are actually our compensations, in my case, too often excuses for laziness, as Loretta lovingly and patiently reminds me. Actually, God has really blessed me in the fact that after reading Scripture as I do frequently, He then inspires a worthy thought or a concept and I begin to write, and just as the MSG Gal. 5:22 below says that “fruit appears in an orchard,” thus far at least for me, my thoughts appear on the screen. Never mind, how slow they appear, or how long I struggle for particular words, etc.

FYI, I do understand that crossword puzzles and even writing are worthy deterrents for my innocuous less threatening terminology for my brain fog, “new normal” or not! However, I passionately avoid puzzles, both crossword and jigsaw. I presume it’s an expression of a genetic anabaptist workaholic modified gene?

BOTTOM LINE: Reading through Galatians this Sunday, though scuttling my walk, I was greatly encouraged by the directness and the simplicity of Paul’s encouragement to us from Ch 6:9-10 to utilize His resources before our individual & cultural benchmarkers will be removed by the sands of time, actually, even the planet:

9. So, let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit.

10. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.

Galatians 5:4, 13-26 (MSG)

4. I suspect you would never intend this, but this is what happens. When you attempt to live by your own religious plans and projects, you are cut off from Christ, you fall out of grace.

13. It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows.

14. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom.

15. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?

16. My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God’s Spirit. Then you won’t feed the compulsions of selfishness.

17. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness. These two ways of life are antithetical, so that you cannot live at times one way and at times another way according to how you feel on any given day.

18. Why don’t you choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence?

19. It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness;

20. trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits;

21. the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on. This isn’t the first time I have warned you, you know. If you use your freedom this way, you will not inherit God’s kingdom.

22. But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments,

23. not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way.

24. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.

25. Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives.

26. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.

Galatians 6:1-10 (MSG) 

1. Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out.

2. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law.

3. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.

4. Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others.

5. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.

6. Be very sure now, you who have been trained to a self-sufficient maturity, that you enter into a generous common life with those who have trained you, sharing all the good things that you have and experience.

7. Don’t be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—

8. harvests a crop of weeds. All he’ll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God’s Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.

9. So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit.

10. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.

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READ, WEEP, PRINT AND KEEP!

Every once in a blue moon I am sent something that literally demands an immediate audience. You know I avoid politics like the mRNA plague now consuming our rear view mirrors. You also know I quit posting Sunday mornings to avoid distracting your worship preparation. But this Charley Reese’s Final column (and sadly who I never heard of prior) is just First Class, and I’m betting it’s certainly worthy of being the first ever Memorable Serious Saturday Night Reflection(mSSNR)!

The following should be on the front page of every newspaper and on all social media platforms.

Charley Reese’s Final column!

A very interesting column. COMPLETELY NEUTRAL.
Be sure to Read the Poem at the end..

Charley Reese’s final column for the Orlando Sentinel… He has been a journalist for 49 years. He is retiring and this is HIS LAST COLUMN.

Be sure to read the Tax List at the end.

This is about as clear and easy to understand as it can be. The article below is completely neutral, neither anti-republican or democrat. Charlie Reese, a retired reporter for the Orlando Sentinel, has hit the nail directly on the head, defining clearly who it is that in the final analysis must assume responsibility for the judgments made that impact each one of us every day. It’s a short but good read. Worth the time. Worth remembering!

545 vs. 300,000,000 People
-By Charlie Reese

Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.

Have you ever wondered, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?

Have you ever wondered, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?

You and I don’t propose a federal budget. The President does.

You and I don’t have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.

You and I don’t write the tax code, Congress does.

You and I don’t set fiscal policy, Congress does.

You and I don’t control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one President, and nine Supreme Court justices equates to 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.

I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.

I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a President to do one cotton-picking thing. I don’t care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator’s responsibility to determine how he votes.

Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.

What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits.. ( The President can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.)

The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House?( John Boehner. He is the leader of the majority party. He and fellow House members, not the President, can approve any budget they want. ) If the President vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to. [The House has passed a budget but the Senate has not approved a budget in over three years. The President’s proposed budgets have gotten almost unanimous rejections in the Senate in that time. ]

It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted — by present facts — of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can’t think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.

If the tax code is unfair, it’s because they want it unfair.

If the budget is in the red, it’s because they want it in the red.

If the Army & Marines are in Iraq and Afghanistan it’s because they want them in Iraq and Afghanistan ..

If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it’s because they want it that way.

There are no insoluble government problems.

Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power.
Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like “the economy,” “inflation,” or “politics” that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.

Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible. They, and they alone, have the power.

They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses. Provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees… We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!

Charlie Reese is a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper.

What you do with this article now that you have read it… is up to you.
This might be funny if it weren’t so true.
Be sure to read all the way to the end:

Tax his land,
Tax his bed,
Tax the table,
At which he’s fed.

Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes
Are the rule.

Tax his work,
Tax his pay,
He works for
peanuts anyway!

Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.

Tax his ties,
Tax his shirt,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.

Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he
Tries to think.

Tax his cigars,
Tax his beers,
If he cries
Tax his tears.

Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways
To tax his ass.

Tax all he has
Then let him know
That you won’t be done
Till he has no dough.

When he screams and hollers;
Then tax him some more,
Tax him till
He’s good and sore.

Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in
Which he’s laid…

Put these words
Upon his tomb,
‘Taxes drove me
to my doom…’

When he’s gone,
Do not relax,
Its time to apply
The inheritance tax.
Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service Charge Tax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
Sales Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Nonrecurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax

STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?
Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, & our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.

What in the heck happened? Can you spell ‘politicians?’
I hope this goes around THE USA at least 545 times!!! YOU can help it get there!!!

GO AHEAD. . . BE AN AMERICAN!!!

SEND THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW

REALIZE WE ARE BEING PLAYED BIG TIME AS NEVER BEFORE IN HISTORY!!

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Birth of Hypocrisy: Our Unhinged Tongues

I grew up as a child knowing that even before our births, God had already spoken blessings over our lives. It really makes me wonder now how I as a child could grow up in such a loving Christian home with literally a spiritual silver spoon in my mouth, be known as a “favorite son” of sorts, and yet, spend so many years as a blasphemer in the church?

Strange introduction perhaps, but it’s the truth, and the title “Birth of Hypocrisy” does set the stage, whether for me, or the church. Perhaps hypocrisy is learned in stages, like language. We have both experienced and observed the ease of learning becoming a negative person, likely from the Father of Lies.

The idea of the quantity or scale of negativity we’ve spewed forth verbally, whether private or public, since we learned to talk or cobb an attitude, is really immaterial. Sometimes negativity is directed at or of very specific intention, but when the chips are down, negativity will abound!

Given that common denominator, we as Christ Follower’s know well that our Lord and Savior has, and is, speaking a Fullness over our lives, but too often, we’re the ones, intentionally or not, literally being goaded into rejecting either His blessings or our Fullness, such that, when we look in the mirror, we’ll tell ourselves, “I knew I was no good at this. No good ever comes to me, no matter how hard I try. I’m always just missing everything up.”

When you go into that Charlie Brown mode, you are renouncing what God spoke over you. First, you must understand, you’re the only one that ever has a right to reject the intimacies the Father has spoken over you. Nobody else has that authority. Absolutely nobody!

Next, be aware there are things happening around you attempting to trick or confuse you into speaking against what God has spoken over you. Satan’s minions are continually attempting to get you to renounce the goodness your Father has spoken over your life. If and when that is accomplished, and darkness gets the better of you, you’re going revert into the Charlie Brown mode, and you’ll begin saying, “What’s the use? No good is coming to me. My life is always going to be like this.”

Saying phrases like that, confirms you’re speaking words opposite of your Father, literally destroying His intimate words of destiny for you! That’s what evil has been doing in your life. Can you see that? Because every time evil gains another stronghold area of influence in your life, what do you end up doing? You end up “getting hung by your tongue” rendering the blessings of the Living God in your life in-effective.

Consider KJV Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” or the MSG, “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose,” bringing forth encouragement, love, & healing, OR causing hurt, division, & destruction.

NEXT UP: Hung by the Tongue

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Remember, Yesterday We Ended With Jesus Poised To Speak Truth To This Dear Woman:

“ I who you speak to am he.” (v. 26)

Jesus did exactly what she expected the Messiah to do… he told her all things. Sometimes even without saying everything, our God addresses all things. Be still my heart. Our Christ, the anointed one, often answers our questions about worship by telling us the truth about ourselves. In one fell swoop, he exposed foolish traditions and cuts away human reasoning with his sword of truth. Who wouldn’t drop their water jar and run after hearing this? That is our Jesus. He doesn’t shame the shamed. He takes them into his confidence and shares with them the noble things the Pharisees (and even his disciples at times) refused to hear.

The moment is over. The disciples return and are troubled by the discovery that Jesus had been talking to a woman who is only worthy of their disdain. But their reception no longer matters to her. Once you have been received by God … what is the rejection of man to you? It is interesting to note that not one of the disciples had invited the Samaritans out to see Jesus. That was okay because Jesus had already sent his messenger. She was the one he had in mind all along.

So, the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” They went out of the town and were coming to him. (vv. 28-30)

On close examination we will find she is intentional with her words. She doesn’t call him a prophet or mention that he is a Jew, knowing that both of these might cause the townspeople to reject him. She uses her own testimony to open the way for them. I love that our friend invites them to come and see rather than suggest they come and hear. Seeing can mean believing, and when your eyes are opened, you want everyone else to see as well.3

I love that Jesus chose to reveal something so preemptive, precious, and holy to a woman who others saw as tainted, common, and soiled. By speaking the mysteries of God to someone others considered the lowest of the low, he threw the door open for all of us. For this very reason, I have visited her story in more than one of my books. I always see their interaction from a different angle, but never with an indifferent heart.

For years I have loved this intimate encounter that made the shamed outsider an ultimate insider. For a time, I even liked the fact that she was nameless; that way I could easily insert my name into her story. That was until I learned to know her by Photina, the enlightened. She started evangelizing that very day in Samaria, but as you now know, her reach extended far beyond the that region’s borders.

Her story shall encourage each of us who are deep wells living shallow lives. What else could possibly explain a wayward woman conversing with a prophet about worship? Her well was not only deep … it was also dry. She’d had five husbands and two sons and yet the longing remained. This woman with huge capacity had poured herself out completely until the very marrow of her bones ached.

Suddenly, it was different. She knew the gift. Jesus had invited her, and she boldly asked for living water. This magnificent Messiah knew her completely and loved her unreservedly. So, at his invitation this daughter without rival drank deeply of his living water and went on to become Photina, evangelist and apostle, who walked into danger with unshakable resolve.

BOTTOM LINE:  Woman with a past, will you follow her lead?

NEXT UP:

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Really Now, Can You Imagine Being Five Times A Failure?

This woman is so broken now that she is willing to live with a man whom she shares a bed but not a name. Her life is consumed by appetites that refused to be satisfied. Her spirit is broken but yet she hopes, as evidenced by her statement to Jesus in John 4:19 continues: “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet.”   

Prophets were also referred to as seers. Everywhere Jesus went he opened up eyes of understanding. When she chose to view Jesus as a prophet, she looked to her future and asked Jesus where she should worship. I can only imagine she was weary of her old life with its old ways. She had no way of knowing that a new hour was upon her that would redefine worship as a person rather than a place.

Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is now coming when neither on this mountain or in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.” (v. 21)

In The Passion Translation, the Aramaic opens this verse up a bit further for us with:

Believe me, dear woman, the time has come when you won’t worship the Father on a mountain nor in Jerusalem, but in your heart.

 She honors Jesus as the prophet he truly is, and in return Jesus calls forth what she truly is, dear. This term means “beloved and cherished, prized, precious, and priceless, valued and treasured.” I have to wonder how long it had been since she had been called by any term of endearment. He was rebuilding her broken heart and wounded spirit with words of destiny.

Even now I hear Jesus inviting each and every one of his daughters, “believe me, my valued, treasured, and loved woman, your time has come …” Your time to believe is now. Pause a moment. What has he whispered to your soul?

Our God is not closest to you on a mountain, in a city, or even a church. No individual can keep you from his presence. Thankfully, no mistake can separate you from what abides within you. Jesus awaits your worship at the well of your heart. The Scriptures remind us that our God is as close as a whisper:  

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.” (Rom 10:8)

Jesus shared this revolutionary concept with a woman at her lowest. Who had ever heard of a God without the limits of location? A God who was willing to meet with her wherever she was? Imagine how wonderful this news would have been to her. She is an outcast from her people and an outsider to the Jews, but God had made a place for himself within the sanctuary of her heart. Just as she had been forthright and revealed who she is, the Son of God is about to be just as open and revealing with her. Her choices had pushed her to the outer limits of life. Jesus invites her in. Jesus goes on to explain:

You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:22-24)

Jesus shatters her traditions with truth. If what this rabbi was saying is true, then she is just the type of worshiper his Father is looking for: those who long to worship both in spirit and truth.

We miss the irony of it because we know and accept all of what Jesus was unpacking as understood truth, but at that moment, these concepts were radical. More than likely she had never hear of God the Father. The Passion Translation of John 4:22-23 reads:

From here on, to worship the Father, is not a matter of the right place, but with the right heart. For God is a Spirit, and he longs to have sincere worshipers who worship and adore him in the realm of the Spirit and in truth.

She could connect with a God who longed. I believe at this very moment she was conflicted with glorious hope in the face of what she had known as an oppressive religion. She is not sure what to believe; her heart is trembling with hope, confusion, and wonder, but the one thing she knows she shares.

The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called the Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” (v. 25)

I wonder if Jesus found her childlike faith irresistible. He couldn’t hold the good news of the truth back from her any longer. I picture him holding her gaze as he whispers:

NEXT UP:  I who you speak to am he. (v. 26)

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