"But you, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head high."
Psalm 3: 3 NLT
If there is one thing that I desperately need, it is divine protection. Often, I walk, drive, and enjoy life without a thought of the enemy’s attacks. Without notice trouble hits my soul broadside. My enemy knows that I’m vulnerable without divine protection. How powerful is the LORD’s protection?
In the corner of my family room, Twitty sings. A metal cage surrounds this American songbird. Secure in his world, Twitty sings with joy. Without thought of harm, Twitty enjoys the gentle breezes from an open window. His life is secure and happy. Until, Patches and Tiger invaded his world of leisure. The natural instinct of a tabby cat is my feathered friend. It didn’t take long before Patches took a leap from the couch to the metal cage. Wham! Hit broadside by a flying cat, Twitty shook with fear. With a tasty meal on Patches’s mind, he climbs to the top of Twitty’s cage. Without notice Twitty’s world of leisure ended.
Even with Patches’ desire for Twitty, the metal cage fends off each attempt. Tiny paws can’t reach my feathered friend. Twitty understands that without this metal cage, he is lunch. Patches and Tiger, also, understand the need to hunt.
It doesn’t matter which cat attempts this feat, Twitty’s leisure world ended with my two new fury friends. So it is with my soul and Satan’s attempts to invade my leisure world. Without the LORD’s shield, I’m Satan’s lunch. It doesn’t matter how or when; a broadside attack is unavoidable. But, this I know, the LORD’s shield is secure against Satan attempts.
Copyright 2007 Patricia Charlton
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
A Chair By The Window
"Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding" Proverbs 9: 10 NLT
Your chair is waiting and your tea has been made. I can’t wait to hear from you. There will be laughter and tears. We will share many a moment you and I. Your first visit was so awkward and embarrassing. Even though you felt uncomfortable, I saw you as my child in whom I took great pleasure. The more often you come to sit in your chair by the window, the more you opened your heart. Only then did you begin to understand my heart towards you. There was nothing good that I would deny you – my child.
Now that you have grown, remember wisdom comes from many counselors. Good advise given by those who have experienced everything is worth more than gold. Do you still need some good advice? Your chair is waiting for you. Remember always that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom.
Also, remember this my child, home is "Where your heart is". Where is your heart? My heart’s desire for you will never change. The desire to bring you good and joy to all of your life experiences. I, also, long to hear about your trials and triumphs. My memories of your visits bring me great joy and also sadness. Why not come for a visit? Your chair is waiting by the window.
Signed
Your Father
GOD
Your chair is waiting and your tea has been made. I can’t wait to hear from you. There will be laughter and tears. We will share many a moment you and I. Your first visit was so awkward and embarrassing. Even though you felt uncomfortable, I saw you as my child in whom I took great pleasure. The more often you come to sit in your chair by the window, the more you opened your heart. Only then did you begin to understand my heart towards you. There was nothing good that I would deny you – my child.
Now that you have grown, remember wisdom comes from many counselors. Good advise given by those who have experienced everything is worth more than gold. Do you still need some good advice? Your chair is waiting for you. Remember always that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom.
Also, remember this my child, home is "Where your heart is". Where is your heart? My heart’s desire for you will never change. The desire to bring you good and joy to all of your life experiences. I, also, long to hear about your trials and triumphs. My memories of your visits bring me great joy and also sadness. Why not come for a visit? Your chair is waiting by the window.
Signed
Your Father
GOD
Monday, February 2, 2009
Circumstancial Evidence
"For we shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ." Romans 14: 10
The courtroom buzzed with excitement. The overhead fan swirled in the sweltering heat from a mid August heat wave. In the upper balcony, a young woman cried. How would her friend prove his innocence? Trembling with fear, Mary leaned forward to catch a final glimpse. So many accusers and so little evidence, how would he prove his innocence? Every eye focused on the judge’s door. "All rise, the Supreme Court is now in session."
Silence covered the room. A sterned faced judge glared at the accused. In his court, evidence speaks louder than words. No defense lawyer ever won without facts. The accused hung his head in shame. Would his actions prove loyal to the king of Kings? Witness after witness gave testified to his treasonous actions. Clearly the man was guilty. Where was his evidence proving his innocence? Trembling with fear, a shaky voice whispered, "Your honor, (gasp) look at my life. (Gasp) Find the evidence of my innocence from my good works." On that day, Mary’s friend stood alone. Would his life prove innocence or treason? "Bring his record before me!" the judge roared. Gasping with excitement, every eye focused on the screen above the judge’s head.
What finally proved the accused innocence? Was it circumstantial evidence or facts? Could you defend your loyalty to the king of Kings by your life? If not! I challenge you today to research your evidence. Look at your life for the facts not from shallow words. Your future judgement depends upon your evidence.
Copyright 2007 Patricia Charlton
The courtroom buzzed with excitement. The overhead fan swirled in the sweltering heat from a mid August heat wave. In the upper balcony, a young woman cried. How would her friend prove his innocence? Trembling with fear, Mary leaned forward to catch a final glimpse. So many accusers and so little evidence, how would he prove his innocence? Every eye focused on the judge’s door. "All rise, the Supreme Court is now in session."
Silence covered the room. A sterned faced judge glared at the accused. In his court, evidence speaks louder than words. No defense lawyer ever won without facts. The accused hung his head in shame. Would his actions prove loyal to the king of Kings? Witness after witness gave testified to his treasonous actions. Clearly the man was guilty. Where was his evidence proving his innocence? Trembling with fear, a shaky voice whispered, "Your honor, (gasp) look at my life. (Gasp) Find the evidence of my innocence from my good works." On that day, Mary’s friend stood alone. Would his life prove innocence or treason? "Bring his record before me!" the judge roared. Gasping with excitement, every eye focused on the screen above the judge’s head.
What finally proved the accused innocence? Was it circumstantial evidence or facts? Could you defend your loyalty to the king of Kings by your life? If not! I challenge you today to research your evidence. Look at your life for the facts not from shallow words. Your future judgement depends upon your evidence.
Copyright 2007 Patricia Charlton
Monday, January 26, 2009
Like Honey
"Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."
Proverbs 16: 24 NLT
You determine your destiny. Are you happy and healthy? It may depend on your next sentence. Our words are powerful tools in the hands of our attitude. It isn’t easy controlling our responses with sick and cranky children. With laundry pilling up and unforeseen pressures from our whirlwind schedules - school, church, parent teacher meetings, and working outside the home. Would you like the secret to your spiritual and physical well being?
Try dipping your words in a honey solution. Honey has many purposes. Bees use it for food. You may use it as a sweeter to your cereal or tea. Honey changes the bitter taste of any food to a culinary delight. Kindly responses to harsh comments and critical actions produce honey sweetness in your soul. Those kind words change the flavor of that tense moment into an encouraging experience. Your honey dripping words reflect into the life of your children, husband, and friends. This practice removes the tension that produces unhealthy living and prolongs your life with happiness. You determine the quality of your day by your next response to a tense situation.
Why are harsh words so dangerous to our physical health? Our souls were made to commune with a gentle, merciful God. Verbal harshness directed at another demonstrates the opposite of gentleness. God always mixes correction with mercy. Humans have a tendency to mix correction with a superior attitude. We generally compare our standards of excellence with the behavior of others. If you practice verbal kindness, your soul overflows with sweet honey. Will your dip your words in a honey solution?
Copyright 2007 Patricia Charlton
Proverbs 16: 24 NLT
You determine your destiny. Are you happy and healthy? It may depend on your next sentence. Our words are powerful tools in the hands of our attitude. It isn’t easy controlling our responses with sick and cranky children. With laundry pilling up and unforeseen pressures from our whirlwind schedules - school, church, parent teacher meetings, and working outside the home. Would you like the secret to your spiritual and physical well being?
Try dipping your words in a honey solution. Honey has many purposes. Bees use it for food. You may use it as a sweeter to your cereal or tea. Honey changes the bitter taste of any food to a culinary delight. Kindly responses to harsh comments and critical actions produce honey sweetness in your soul. Those kind words change the flavor of that tense moment into an encouraging experience. Your honey dripping words reflect into the life of your children, husband, and friends. This practice removes the tension that produces unhealthy living and prolongs your life with happiness. You determine the quality of your day by your next response to a tense situation.
Why are harsh words so dangerous to our physical health? Our souls were made to commune with a gentle, merciful God. Verbal harshness directed at another demonstrates the opposite of gentleness. God always mixes correction with mercy. Humans have a tendency to mix correction with a superior attitude. We generally compare our standards of excellence with the behavior of others. If you practice verbal kindness, your soul overflows with sweet honey. Will your dip your words in a honey solution?
Copyright 2007 Patricia Charlton
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