Men are usually not afraid for their physical safety.  Even in war men tend to think of, who they will be leaving behind before the fact… they might die.  Women on the other hand are normally acutely aware of the fact they are smaller and weaker. The threat they might die is always present. So, women look intently for a provider and protector.  Even if we have money and education, they/we still act like cave woman--hunt, protect and gather. "Find a man who will protect and provide for us", our inner woman shouts, but when we find them, we fight them.  Why is it we have this love/hate relationship with the opposite sex?

Life is challenging.  When we women have to “buck up” and be the protector and provider and Caveman comes back into the picture he becomes the threat. Maybe he just comes home from work, but in our mind he is the threat.  We women have to remind ourselves, “Hey we are cave woman not caveman”.  Men you need to remind us to go take a bath or get a pedicure and relax. You are home and we can resume the role of cave woman.

See we women can go either way.  That is the way God wired us. It was God’s idea we be the “help meet”.  Whatever needs doing we help meet.  It’s time we try to start understanding and appreciating one another and stop making our differences a point on contention and start making the differences a part of our connection.

Genesis 2:18 (KJV) “And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”

Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Did you remember to wear green? When I was a kid in school they pinched you if you weren’t wearing green.  What was up with that?  Not being Irish I often wondered how this ever got into the holidays we celebrate. Here is what I have learned: http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/common/st-patrick-day 

But what about us Italians do we get a holiday? Indians? Germans? Well if you Google anything now-a-days you can learn a few things for sure. Check this out about Italians: http://www.seattleweekly.com/home/954922-129/enraged-about-columbus-day-italian-americans

So with all this being said, there is a day coming which no one will be able to argue with.  Judgement Day found in the Bible. Judgement Day is about those receiving favorable judgment that will live on earth and will enjoy everlasting life in perfect conditions. (Revelation 21:3, 4) However it also talks about those who will be judged and found to be unfavorable.  Thus, Judgment Day helps to accomplish God's original purpose for humans and the earth. God's appointed Judge is Christ Jesus. The Bible says that Jesus will “judge the living and the dead.” 

Revelation 21:8 (KJV) “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Revelation 20:15 (KJV) “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

When preparing for days whether it is a birthday, retirement day, anniversary day, wedding day, it seems to me this is a day we need to plan for.  Judgement day is going to trump all days on our calendars. 

Matthew 25:41(KJV)” Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:”

Matthew 25:46 (KJV) “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” 

As people we plan a lot of festivities around certain days.  We invite people to be part of significant days. Today let’s plan for Judgement Day.  Who needs to know how to prepare? If you know won’t you share with someone who doesn't? If you don't know, ask someone who does I am sure they would love to tell you.

Happy Judgement Day.  Not sure the day or the hour but I am sure it is coming.

I recently heard a story that truly impacted me.  I believe hearing this story changed my life. No it wasn’t from the bible it was from a real life situation. A situation that many of us have, but don’t handle—at least we do not handle well.

There was this funny guy who was always telling jokes. He was funny and the jokes were always funny, but they were at the expense of another person—always the same person.  Eventually the guy who was the brunt of the jokes decided to do something. On the occasion of the next joke he asks the joker a question. “Are we friends?” The joker responded, “Yes, we’re friends.” To which the other asked yet another question. “Is this how friends treat one another?” This same scenario happened a few more times. One day however the joker simply replied after being asked the very same questions for the third time, “I got it”.  The joker didn’t quit telling jokes but he did quit making his friend the brunt of his jokes, he “got it”. 

Friends don’t treat friends unkindly even in jest.  In fact the Bible tells us we are kings and priest.

Revelation 5:10 (NKJV) “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” 

The Bible also tells us that we being kings shouldn’t joke.  

Ephesians 5:4 (KJV) “Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” 

More is caught than taught and if we are to be a kinder nation we need to begin to be more kind to those closest to us…our family and our friends.  This week I challenge you to guard yourself.  When you begin to treat others in an unfavorable light even in a kidding manner, stop. Ask yourself, “Are we friends?” “Is this how friends treat friends?” If not choose rather to do as Ephesians 5”4 says, “…give thanks.” 

Today I watched as a squirrel did his best at trying to consume the seeds from a bird feeder.  He slapped the round ball like feeder around till he was frustrated and tired.  When the birds came to eat from the round shiny feeder prepared for them, he tried to scare them off.  When the other squirrels came around he fought them off as well.  Then back to his slamming and banging and thrashing to retrieve the thing he wanted—the seeds.

Sometimes I feel like that squirrel.  Maybe that’s where the saying comes from about being “Squirrely”.  I’m not sure about the origin of the phrase, but I can say I have been a bit “squirrely” myself.  Wanting what was not for me and still banging away at getting it anyway.  Oh, surely not…  Yes, I am sorry to say it is part of our nature as humans.  Way back in the garden Eve knew better than to go after that forbidden fruit, but she went after it and took it anyway.  Sin always needing an increase drew her husband into that squirrely act as well.

I was once told the story of why there is usually only one worm hole in an apple.  I always figured that little worm was still in there.  I guessed he must have crawled in there and died.  Funny thing was I never found him in there.  I could only see where he had been.  Then a wise apple farmer shared with me that he sprayed his apple trees when they bloomed.  If he failed to do so the apple would form with the live worm inside.  The poor little worm would just have to eat himself out, hence the one worm hole.

Sin is inside of all of us.  It cannot wait to begin to eat at us from the inside and mar us on the outside.  Then when it is fully manifested it continues to drive us to consume what doesn’t belong to us. Others see our squirrely behavior and our marred exteriors and begin to treat us according to what they can see rather than who Christ died to make us…free.

John 8:36 (KJV) “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

We are God’s garden.  We are trees of righteousness.  Christ is the best defense against the enemy of our soul and the sin that so easily tries to destroy us. Allow Him access to you while you are blooming into what He has called you to become. When you catch yourself thrashing and grabbing and fighting for something that doesn’t belong to you or isn’t for you, ask yourself, “Where is this squirrely behavior coming from?”  “Why am I fighting others for what does not belong to me?” Then ask the Lord to help you.

Romans 8:34 (NKJV) “Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.”

Our creator has a lot more for us than frustration. You may see where sin has been eating away at your life but Christ sees you whole.  Today quit fighting to have your way and ask Him to have His way.

When we are faced with a crisis it is very easy to blame. I suppose we learned it from the garden experience and have just been repeating it ever since. It was the serpent I say. No it was the wife you gave me.  Blaming comes natural. But let’s say you prefer to be made whole, then what?

John 5:1-15 (KJV) “1 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep [a]market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in, was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case,he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?'7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.'9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.'12 Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?'13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away,[b]a multitude being in that place.14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.'15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.

When you want to be made whole you have got to take an action.  This action may be something you have never done before and it will almost always be out of your comfort zone.  You will have to give up something that you held tight to. In this case it was his bed. His place of comfort-- was also his place of confinement.  

Let go of whatever is keeping you from stepping into your destiny. Let go of what seems comfortable.  Listen to Jesus and He will set you on your path to freedom.

Choices or Consequences

In life we all have choices and all choices have consequences.  Good choices then there will hopefully be good consequences.  Unfortunately life is not a dependable slot machine that what goes in comes out.  Oh, how we all wish life was that easy.  It doesn’t even work in laboratories with rats because sometimes the rat just doesn’t get it right, he got distracted, he was hungry, and he was frightened so he went the wrong way.

There are four different what I call coping mechanisms we can turn to.  They are Avoider, Blamers, Controllers, Protector.  The avoider will avoid all circumstances at all cost to keep them safe from harm.  The blamer will make the choice to blame others for whatever has occurred.  The bad thing is since it is everyone else’s fault then the one that is blaming never learns anything.  Controllers try to keep everything perfect.  They attempt to keep everyone and everything perfect so no one will know that things are not perfect.  Finally the protector is he or she that takes the responsibility to protect everyone else around them including themselves.  The will do anything to protect themselves from others and so no one really gets to get in, or get to know these personality types.

Have you recognized yourself in any of the above? Can you see others fitting into these four coping mechanisms? As humans we are created to protect ourselves and most of the time to protect others. Choose today to try something different. Stop and think for a moment and realize that you are free.  The devil is a liar. You are free to make choices and all choices will have consequences.  God wants what is best for us.  Jesus died for us.  Jesus did not die so we could live in fear and control.  Remember the ole song, “God is in Control?” Then let’s let Him have control.

Here is the scripture to help you throughout your day:

1 Peter 2:11-2511 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority,14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.22“He committed no sin ,and no deceit was found in his mouth.”23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”25 For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Some people desire excellence others desire things done, checked off the list. Then there are those who for fear of not being good enough fail to even try.  Life is made up of all those people.  So what do you do about who you are?  Many perform so that they can fit in. Others numb the pain of isolation of not fitting in with drugs, alcohol, food, entertainment, sex and the endless list of “go to’s” of coping with life.  I have chosen to forge ahead.

Philippians 3:13  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

The list of regrets that can stack up in one’s life are too numerous to count. I wish I’d taken more chances, I wish I would have finished this or started that.  My mantra is, “do it afraid.”  Do it afraid of failure. Do it afraid of ridicule.   Do it afraid of success.  Just do it.  I have found that it really is not as bad as our inner voices have screamed it will be.  “Don’t do it”, our conscious mind screams, and yet our spirit man says, “Soar above the storm.”  Success is listening to the spirit man and silencing the voice of the flesh—the one who thinks he/she knows it all.  There is but one who is the “all knowing” and He, Himself has chosen to make His abode within this mortal man.

Colossians 1:27 (NKJV) “27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

Inside of me resides a power much greater than any force that I alone am able to expel.  Inside of you is an untapped resource that can move mountains and dispel darkness and even calm raging seas.  Harnessed and directed we are invincible warriors.  It is time for us to arise as the mighty arm we are.  Begin today.  Get up today and begin to fight again.  You are victorious.

1 John 4:4 (KJV) “4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

I pray this song will bless you:  Giants Come To Die  by Jasmine Tate’s new release coming soon.  She is a powerful worship leader and woman of God. Here is a song that is out http://www.jasminetate.com/media/

Often times when I read the Bible I come across a scripture that really bothers me.  I try my hardest to figure out why it’s written and what it means.  This has happened many times throughout the thirty years I have been reading my Bible through in a year. Today was no different.  Here is the verse: 

Luke 13:16 (NKJV) “So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound—think of it—for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath? 

Now most of you readers know me fairly well and some know me very well, and if that is you—you know numbers are important to me. So why after thirty years did this jump off the page?  When I read eighteen years it said this to me, (ten=to accept or reject) and (eight=new beginnings).  In other words this woman was given an opportunity to accept or reject her healing, her new beginning. Stay with me here.  When we have been given a diagnosis, or the devil has come to steal, kill and destroy we may or may not accept his offer. In the same way we may or may not accept the word of God.  Many choose to believe the world rather than the word. Leaving out one letter (L) changes everything.  When I saw that I thought, “Yes, Love changes everything and Jesus is Love.”  Just life the “Mother May I” game we played as children—"no devil you may not!"  When you are sick do you want petted and pitied or do you want to be powerful and war against the devil?  The choice is ours.  

1 Peter 5:8 (KJV) “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” 

Seeing this scripture in this light caused faith to rise up inside of me for healing.  It was confirmed after church when I had the opportunity to pray for someone and God indeed healed them.

Numbers are so interesting. For example five means grace but it also means unity or government. When you think about it without grace there can be no unity,  and if there is no unity there is no government.  Four means to rule or reign. Thirteen means rebel. Eleven means last lap or the end. For more information on this subject check out this book:  http://www.christianbook.com/understanding-the-dreams-you-dream/ira-milligan/9781560432845/pd/0432845?dv=c&en=google-pla&event=SHOP&kw=christian-living-0-20&p=1179710&gclid=CjwKEAiAg_CnBRDc1N_wuoCiwyESJABpBuMXLK98AlrCdKmEkxhHF4_ivU97NX8XMCp_Y3xBPVpwPRoCl_jw_wcB  

I hope you enjoy  Understanding the Dreams You Dream By: Ira Milligan

People get all out of shape when they find out they have been replaced.  Someone else got the contract, the job, the girl, the guy—and the list goes on.  Come on you fly in late and there is so and so making the presentation you were supposed to make. How does it feel to be replaced? I know not good.

Luke 19:40 (NKJV) “But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.” 

In the scripture above Jesus is making His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. You know the story. It’s right before He gets the donkey and rides in on the Halleluiah’s.  You have seen and heard the Palm Sunday story many times.  Jesus was saying if we don’t praise Him, He will get someone else to take our place.

I got to thinking about this and it dawned on me. Rocks and the stuff Adam was made out of was the same stuff. Dirt. The Bible tells us we were made from the dust and to the dust we will return.

Genesis 3:19 (NKJV) “… For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.” 

I believe what Jesus was saying is, “if you don’t do what you were created to do I will find someone just like you to do the job.”   Talk about missing an opportunity.  Anytime we get an opportunity to do something for Jesus I believe we have a short window.  If we don’t take that opportunity we miss out. I refuse to let anything or anyone take my place.  I much prefer to duplicate myself in others and teach them to do what God has requested of us.

Some people only praise God when they feel moved. I praise God because He moved me from death to life.  I am purpose moved not feeling moved,  because my feelings can lie to me. Feelings are part of my fallen nature not my renewed mind and spirit.  My purpose is to be obedient. 

Psalm 146:1 (NKJV) “Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. Do not put your trust in princes, Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. ...” 

Praise God when you feel like it and when you don’t.  Do not allow a rock to take your place, rather “ROCK” the world with extravagant praise and see where God takes you.  He does inhabit our praises and He is worthy to be praised.

1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV) “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” 

Come on and say “thank You Lord” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VekXjd9SAe0&list=PL145B9EB093C5521A&index=16

Matthew 6:25 (NKJV) “25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?”  

Worry means literally to divide into parts. When we feel pulled in two different directions, distracted, pressured, or are full of anxiety we often worry.    The Bible tells us worry does not profit us. It tells us about how the birds and the lilies and the grass are taken care of and that we are worth more than those things.    We are created for positive reinforcement not negatives. For example child educators encourage parents to re-direct their children. Rather than saying, “Don’t do that”, we are encouraged to say, “You may not do ­­­­­­_____ but you may do _________." For example the child may be told they may not throw the ball in the living room but they may throw the ball in the yard.  

God being a good father redirects His children as well.  We are told not to worry but…   

Matthew 6:31-33 (NKJV) 31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”  

We are to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.  Then He even adds some incentive—you’re going to get something if you listen.  What a great Dad.  So, “Don’t worry-be happy”.  

                                              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nDClh9NpZw