In the end times, the exhortation from the Holy Spirit challenges you and me, God’s children, to test the spirits to see if they are from God. Every good intention or idea originates from either heaven or hell. Jesus warns that the sign of the end times is this: "For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect." (Matthew 24: 31 NKJV) Remember that even what appears as a good thing just might cloak a lie. Take heed to this warning: "The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (II Thessalonians 2: 9 – 12 NKJV) Satan appears as an ambassador of light. The liar acts and appears as God. So, beware!
How do you and I avoid the deceptive nature of every good intention? "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world." (I John 4: 1 NKJV) If we test every spirit that whispers a tantalizing suggestion in our ears, what is the test to compare a suggestion to a lie? You and I need wisdom to discern between divine or demonic influence. In search of this wisdom, I read this: "If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1: 5 NKJV) Don’t be spiritually dense! Ask for divine wisdom about your next adventure! Catch the lie before it devours your family and friends. Before the Lord’s reputation is tarnished.
What is the litmus test for testing the spirits? Look at your heart’s intention! Therein lays a clue to the origin of the whispered message. Before you act upon the suggestion, consider this: "But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there." (James 3: 14 – 16 NKJV) The first thing to review about that new adventure is this: do you have peace in your heart about it? "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints." (I Corinthians 14: 33 NKJV)
Secondly, who gets the glory from this new adventure? Just like Jesus, the Holy Spirit does nothing of himself. He acts and instructs according to divine instruction. So, the next time a whispering spirit tantalizes your fertile mind with a new adventure, remember the litmus test. Who gets the glory? Who gets the peace?
Copyright 2008 Patricia Charlton
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
If All Else Fails
From generation to generation, an insidious falsehood intertwines into the fabric of our everyday life. Our worldly mindset unwittingly interprets childrearing from a perspective foreign to God’s instruction. Humanity’s ignorance puts together a plan of action for their newborn according to sociologist, self-help books, and even the child’s whims. Childish whims produce a generation of spoiled brats because "Foolish is bound up in the heart of a child;" (Proverbs 22: 15 NKJV) If you doubt this, eat breakfast surrounded by eight to eleven year old hockey players. Watch the parents ignore the chair pushing, throwing food, and high-pitched screams. Parents should understand that there is a time and a place for excitement. Children lack discernment and understanding. Children need parents to apply this: ‘The rod of correction will drive it far from him.’ (Proverbs 22: 15 NKJV) What is this falsehood that destroys societies happiness?
God says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22: 6 NKJV). Anyone with some common sense understands that training comes from a manual. Armies train future soldiers according to standards of warfare and behavior. Police cadets measure up to a code of conduct manual before graduating to full time positions. Why is this different from training a child? It all starts with this lie: ‘Children are born without a training manual.’ WRONG! Where is the training manual for childrearing?
The Bible is God’s training manual. Take the dusty Bible from your bookshelf and explore with me divine training from the Book of Proverbs.
Foolishness
If a son or daughter receives little instruction, foolishness in actions and speech cause many heartaches. Don’t believe the lie that children grow out of careless actions. "A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him." (Proverbs 17: 25 NKJV) Teach your son or daughter the proper place and time for excitement.
A foolish son or daughter hates instruction. "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise." (Proverbs 12: 15 NKJV) Teach your son or daughter to love instructions, wise decisions bear fruit to God’s plans. "Now, therefore, listen to me, my children, for blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the LORD." (Proverbs 8: 32 – 36 NKJV)
It is better for a sibling to understand at an early age the rewards of following God’s instructions. With the rod of correction, a child learns the secret to a successful life filled with happiness. Instruct your children that: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be added to you." (Proverbs 9: 10 NKJV) or "The fear of the LORD prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened." (Proverbs 10: 27 NKJV)
What is one sign of rampant foolishness? Loud and Simple Women "A foolish woman is clamorous (boisterous); she is simple, and knows nothing. For she sits at the door of her house, on a seat by the highest places in the city, to call to those who pass by, who go straight on their way:" (Proverbs 9: 13 – 15 NKJV) This unproductive life style ensnares everyone who enters into her reality. "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes …." produced this lifestyle. If unchecked, a foolish daughter destroys their future home. "The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands." (Proverbs 14: 1 NKJV)
How do you stop a foolish child? Check into whom your children associate with. Get to know the parental standards that influence your children’s friends. God says, "Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge." (Proverbs 14: 7 NKJV)
What is the second sign to rampant foolishness? Wrath "A fool’s wrath is known at once, but a prudent man covers shame." (Proverbs 12: 16 NKJV) Frustration from not getting their own way, a fool lashes out at everything and everyone. Wrath develops from anger. Anger develops from frustrations. Parents, listen up and avoid this: "A wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident. A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a man of wicked intentions is hated." (Proverbs 14: 16 NKJV) At a young age, address your children’s frustrations. Fathers, make sure that your son or daughters understand the standards. Make sure that the child can achieve the task expected of them.
The third and final sign of rampant foolishness is deceit and scoffing. "The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, but the folly of fools is deceit. Fools mock at sin but among the upright there is favor." (Proverbs 14: 8, 9 NKJV) If there is one thing a scoffer hates it is this: "A scoffer does not love one who corrects him nor will he go to the wise." (Proverbs 15: 12 NKJV) One way to correct a young fool, review the books, computer programs, and television that influences your siblings. "The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness." (Proverbs 15: 14 NKJV) If your son or daughter utters a demeaning remark about the church, parents, or other siblings, correct that habit now. Remember, God’s instruction: A wise son makes a father glad but a foolish man despises his mother." (Proverbs 15: 20 NKJV)
So, has all else failed in your childrearing? Or, have you read God’s training manual?
Copyright 2008 Patricia Charlton
God says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22: 6 NKJV). Anyone with some common sense understands that training comes from a manual. Armies train future soldiers according to standards of warfare and behavior. Police cadets measure up to a code of conduct manual before graduating to full time positions. Why is this different from training a child? It all starts with this lie: ‘Children are born without a training manual.’ WRONG! Where is the training manual for childrearing?
The Bible is God’s training manual. Take the dusty Bible from your bookshelf and explore with me divine training from the Book of Proverbs.
Foolishness
If a son or daughter receives little instruction, foolishness in actions and speech cause many heartaches. Don’t believe the lie that children grow out of careless actions. "A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him." (Proverbs 17: 25 NKJV) Teach your son or daughter the proper place and time for excitement.
A foolish son or daughter hates instruction. "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise." (Proverbs 12: 15 NKJV) Teach your son or daughter to love instructions, wise decisions bear fruit to God’s plans. "Now, therefore, listen to me, my children, for blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the LORD." (Proverbs 8: 32 – 36 NKJV)
It is better for a sibling to understand at an early age the rewards of following God’s instructions. With the rod of correction, a child learns the secret to a successful life filled with happiness. Instruct your children that: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be added to you." (Proverbs 9: 10 NKJV) or "The fear of the LORD prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened." (Proverbs 10: 27 NKJV)
What is one sign of rampant foolishness? Loud and Simple Women "A foolish woman is clamorous (boisterous); she is simple, and knows nothing. For she sits at the door of her house, on a seat by the highest places in the city, to call to those who pass by, who go straight on their way:" (Proverbs 9: 13 – 15 NKJV) This unproductive life style ensnares everyone who enters into her reality. "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes …." produced this lifestyle. If unchecked, a foolish daughter destroys their future home. "The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands." (Proverbs 14: 1 NKJV)
How do you stop a foolish child? Check into whom your children associate with. Get to know the parental standards that influence your children’s friends. God says, "Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge." (Proverbs 14: 7 NKJV)
What is the second sign to rampant foolishness? Wrath "A fool’s wrath is known at once, but a prudent man covers shame." (Proverbs 12: 16 NKJV) Frustration from not getting their own way, a fool lashes out at everything and everyone. Wrath develops from anger. Anger develops from frustrations. Parents, listen up and avoid this: "A wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident. A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a man of wicked intentions is hated." (Proverbs 14: 16 NKJV) At a young age, address your children’s frustrations. Fathers, make sure that your son or daughters understand the standards. Make sure that the child can achieve the task expected of them.
The third and final sign of rampant foolishness is deceit and scoffing. "The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, but the folly of fools is deceit. Fools mock at sin but among the upright there is favor." (Proverbs 14: 8, 9 NKJV) If there is one thing a scoffer hates it is this: "A scoffer does not love one who corrects him nor will he go to the wise." (Proverbs 15: 12 NKJV) One way to correct a young fool, review the books, computer programs, and television that influences your siblings. "The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness." (Proverbs 15: 14 NKJV) If your son or daughter utters a demeaning remark about the church, parents, or other siblings, correct that habit now. Remember, God’s instruction: A wise son makes a father glad but a foolish man despises his mother." (Proverbs 15: 20 NKJV)
So, has all else failed in your childrearing? Or, have you read God’s training manual?
Copyright 2008 Patricia Charlton
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Without Excuse
In this hedonistic society, the natural bend towards excuses never raises an eyebrow. Our children blame parents for their wayward actions and ignorant speech. Parents pass the buck of responsibility on to everyone with a plan to improve the welfare of home, office, and play. The ignorance of the divine plan of action eludes the foolish minded. Excuses never remove the problem caused by misapplication of God’s principles. With our technological advances we are without excuse for our out of control homes and siblings. At our disposal, the Bible explains that what you sow you reap. The Ten Commandments are simply written that even a child understands God’s "don’t touch" rules. How plainly can God state the happiness of humanity? We are without excuse for our ignorance.
A time is coming when everyone must give an account of our actions before the Holy Judge of Heaven – Jesus Christ. His piercing eyes of righteousness smashes all our feeble excuses for not understanding or applying a clearly marked pathway to successful living – the Bible. If we remove all our excuses, the reason for our slothful faith is rooted in unbelief. Humanity scoffs at God and mocks the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. God said what He meant and He meant what He said. If your understand and apply that principle to your everyday life, your slothful behavior fades into the land of forgotten excuses. God hates excuses.
A word of warning, passing the buck on your responsibility to except Jesus Christ as your saviour costs you a very bad day. This is your future: "Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20: 11-15 NKJV) I warn you, God said what he meant and He meant what he said. No excuse is acceptable for not excepting Jesus Christ as your saviour.
If your name is written in the Book of Life, then heed to this warning: "If my people who are called by my name….." Most of us know this verse in II Chronicles by heart. Then why is North America on the road to hell? Could it be that we – God’s children – mock Jesus Christ by our unwillingness to humble ourselves, pray, and seek His face. God promises to heal our land if we only apply this simple pathway to North America’s success.
We don’t need a new economic plan or a new leadership. North America needs to believe that God said what He meant and He meant what He said. We need to remove all our excuses before most of us have a very bad eternal day.
Copyright 2008 Patricia Charlton
A time is coming when everyone must give an account of our actions before the Holy Judge of Heaven – Jesus Christ. His piercing eyes of righteousness smashes all our feeble excuses for not understanding or applying a clearly marked pathway to successful living – the Bible. If we remove all our excuses, the reason for our slothful faith is rooted in unbelief. Humanity scoffs at God and mocks the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. God said what He meant and He meant what He said. If your understand and apply that principle to your everyday life, your slothful behavior fades into the land of forgotten excuses. God hates excuses.
A word of warning, passing the buck on your responsibility to except Jesus Christ as your saviour costs you a very bad day. This is your future: "Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20: 11-15 NKJV) I warn you, God said what he meant and He meant what he said. No excuse is acceptable for not excepting Jesus Christ as your saviour.
If your name is written in the Book of Life, then heed to this warning: "If my people who are called by my name….." Most of us know this verse in II Chronicles by heart. Then why is North America on the road to hell? Could it be that we – God’s children – mock Jesus Christ by our unwillingness to humble ourselves, pray, and seek His face. God promises to heal our land if we only apply this simple pathway to North America’s success.
We don’t need a new economic plan or a new leadership. North America needs to believe that God said what He meant and He meant what He said. We need to remove all our excuses before most of us have a very bad eternal day.
Copyright 2008 Patricia Charlton
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Pathway To Enlightenment
Everywhere we turn today, someone or something grabs our attention with a promise of a fulfilling life. A life involving peace, contentment, and joy. But, where do you and I find such fulfillment? The new age point of view claims that God is within. That you and I dictate the pathway of each and everyday. To a new age mentality, the human mind is the stepping stone to a fantasy pathway to tranquility. But, is that the truth? Is self the doorway onto your pathway of enlightenment?
Before you decide, consider that the rule of law frameworks everything in nature. Gravity ensures that objects remain on earth. Police enforce rules that dictate the behavior of humanity. The pattern of seasonal change never falters. So it is with the spiritual world. Before mankind entered this earth, God enforced Four Spiritual Laws for humanities enlightenment. These laws ensure that peace, contentment, and joy remains upon this earth.
The gateway to your enlightenment begins with these laws.
Law One: God loves you and offers a wonderful plan for your life. Don’t believe the lie that our minds dictate our actions. It can’t! Only God knows the future. Only God understands the true nature of mankind.
Law Two: Man is sinful and separated from God. Mankind cannot know or experience the divine love and future pathway of each individual. From the Garden of Eden to the modern day jungle, man’s thoughts are evil. Go to any street corner and watch the behavior of street gangs. Observe the behavior of your children. Children never receive teaching on devious actions. It comes naturally. For "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3: 23) With each action, it influences the outcome of our future. God demands a payment or toil for each infraction of his spiritual laws. What is the payment? "The wages (payment) of sin (infraction) is death (spiritual separation from God)." (Romans 6: 23) A dark valley separates the wayward from the pathway to their enlightenment. A dense fog of confusion hinders the weary traveler from the goal of peace and joy. Many a heavy burdened sojourner deviates from their pathway. Be careful! Consider the fact that your broken spiritual laws cloud your entrance. Stop! Rest! Consider the law.
Law Three: Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for man’s sin. Your bridge over the dense dark valley of confusion is Jesus Christ. Because "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners (transgressors), Christ died for us." (Romans 5: 8) If you are banking on your own goodness to bridge the gap between you and darkness, think again. These spiritual laws are binding in the High Court of Appeal. None have broken the law and entered the gates of enlightenment. "Jesus said to him (and you and me), I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." (John 14: 6) Believe it or not, this is the law. Ignorance is not a defense.
Law Four: We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Then we can know and experience divine love and direction.
The fog slowly lifts from your eyes and the gate swings open. Will you act? The choice is yours. Chose this day who you will follow – self or Jesus Christ. The outcome means the difference between spiritual enlightenment or spiritual darkness. But don’t wait too long. The gate stays open for a short time. Remember you must receive Jesus Christ and live before entering the realm of spiritual enlightenment.
Copyright 2008 Patricia Charlton
Before you decide, consider that the rule of law frameworks everything in nature. Gravity ensures that objects remain on earth. Police enforce rules that dictate the behavior of humanity. The pattern of seasonal change never falters. So it is with the spiritual world. Before mankind entered this earth, God enforced Four Spiritual Laws for humanities enlightenment. These laws ensure that peace, contentment, and joy remains upon this earth.
The gateway to your enlightenment begins with these laws.
Law One: God loves you and offers a wonderful plan for your life. Don’t believe the lie that our minds dictate our actions. It can’t! Only God knows the future. Only God understands the true nature of mankind.
Law Two: Man is sinful and separated from God. Mankind cannot know or experience the divine love and future pathway of each individual. From the Garden of Eden to the modern day jungle, man’s thoughts are evil. Go to any street corner and watch the behavior of street gangs. Observe the behavior of your children. Children never receive teaching on devious actions. It comes naturally. For "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3: 23) With each action, it influences the outcome of our future. God demands a payment or toil for each infraction of his spiritual laws. What is the payment? "The wages (payment) of sin (infraction) is death (spiritual separation from God)." (Romans 6: 23) A dark valley separates the wayward from the pathway to their enlightenment. A dense fog of confusion hinders the weary traveler from the goal of peace and joy. Many a heavy burdened sojourner deviates from their pathway. Be careful! Consider the fact that your broken spiritual laws cloud your entrance. Stop! Rest! Consider the law.
Law Three: Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for man’s sin. Your bridge over the dense dark valley of confusion is Jesus Christ. Because "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners (transgressors), Christ died for us." (Romans 5: 8) If you are banking on your own goodness to bridge the gap between you and darkness, think again. These spiritual laws are binding in the High Court of Appeal. None have broken the law and entered the gates of enlightenment. "Jesus said to him (and you and me), I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." (John 14: 6) Believe it or not, this is the law. Ignorance is not a defense.
Law Four: We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Then we can know and experience divine love and direction.
The fog slowly lifts from your eyes and the gate swings open. Will you act? The choice is yours. Chose this day who you will follow – self or Jesus Christ. The outcome means the difference between spiritual enlightenment or spiritual darkness. But don’t wait too long. The gate stays open for a short time. Remember you must receive Jesus Christ and live before entering the realm of spiritual enlightenment.
Copyright 2008 Patricia Charlton
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