Sir Edward Coke in 1604 declared that “the house of every one is to him as his Castle and Fortress as well for defense against injury and violence, as for his repose” which over the years has become simplified to “a man’s home is his castle."
The definition of a castle is a retreat safe against intrusion or invasion, a fortified building. My home is far from being a castle or a mansion but it is my safe place of repose where I retreat and refresh myself.
When I enter my front door, there is a sweet familiar peace that I encounter, and my spirit sighs with a relief of satisfaction and tranquility. I have always been very thankful for my home and appreciate all that the Lord has given me but lately I am experiencing a new level of contentment and serenity. Maybe, because I am finally taking the time to declutter and organize. Or maybe, it's because I sense an overwhelming presence of God here. I perceive His peace, joy, love, care and His hedge of protection daily. I welcome the Holy Spirit and Jesus to reside in my home permanently. Christ is the cornerstone of my home.
Unless the Lord builds the house,
the builders labor in vain.
Psalms 127:1
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8
No home is perfect. Houses that look picture perfect on the outside or not always what they appear to be.
Loving families are what makes a house a home. A home is where the inhabitants can be themselves and they carry each others burdens; the good the bad and the ugly. Most homes at one time or another have been stricken with pain, sickness, grief, anguish, turmoil, strife, defeat and lack. Hopefully, that same home has also experienced a plethora of good health, celebration, laughter, peace, love, joy, forgiveness, understanding, and God’s blessings. Sharing these type of experiences together, builds love and character in a family. Keeping God as your central focus is the glue that binds the family unit.
If you live in your own home, be thankful to God and enjoy it.
Make it your castle!
If it is not your favorite place of repose,
then discover the reason WHY
and change things for the better.
My dwelling is a simple, modest home that needs repairs and refurbishing but it is mine- and partly still the banks. My payment is set and I thank God, I have the money to keep my home.
But what about those who don’t have their own castle? Prices to rent a house or apartment, right now, are outrageous!
I have friends who are forced to relocate because the owners are raising the rent or selling their dwelling. They barely can make the monthly bills now, so where do they go from here, what are they going to do?
Only God knows and I pray He will make a way for them when there seems to be no way. My heart aches for those who are less fortunate than I am. The uncertainty, anxiety and hopeless feelings can be overwhelming.
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,
and He will reward them for what they have done.
Proverbs 19:17
There are so many homeless people and it seems like that number is just increasing. Yet, the food pantries are receiving less products to fill their shelves and are in desperate need of donations such as clothing, money, food and volunteers.
If you have a heart for your neighbors in need, don't sit back in your castle and do nothing. Seek a food pantry or church in your area and share what God has given you. It is the humane thing to do. Times are difficult right now for everyone, but if each us could give what we can afford, it would change this situation and bring hope to the hungry.
There but for the grace of God go I.
John Bradford
Every time you open the door to your castle, whatever that may be, I pray that you thank God for His provision and presence. I also pray you develop a heart of empathy for those who don’t have a door to open and discover a way to help them in some way,
Help and serve the poor and needy Less Like Me
Todd Schreiner Zach William
www.Mymaryandmartha.com/26206
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