settingatthepoolofgrace

February 14th is designated as the day to celebrate love, but; the question that comes to my mind is “what is love?” 1Cor13 defines love as patient, kind, not envious or boastful, it hopes, protects, trust and perseveres. Love is not self seeking, not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs. 1Cor13:13 states” And now these three remain; faith, hope and love, but; the greatest of these is love.” The world gives us so many superficial expressions of what love should be most of which are emotional responses to our feelings. The day to honor love was named Valentines day after St. Valentine; it has its roots in the Roman festival of fertility.

Men and women around the world choose this day to express their love for their mates and others they love with physical gifts; flowers, candy, and cards. While it is good to acknowledge those we love, my mind reflects on the greatest expression of love given to the world. John 3:16,17 “For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” By the death of His son the sins that separated man from His Creator were forgiven and the breach restored. The sacrificial blood of Jesus the Christ was the ultimate expression of love.

The embodiment of love came from the Father through the life of Jesus the Christ, a life of selfless service to all mankind expressing the true character of love; for God is love. Only when we put aside the superficial love of the world and seek the face of love found in the life of Christ can we fully experience what real love truly is; for love comes from a relationship with the Father before we can honestly have love for ourselves and others. It is through Gods love for us we are taught how to love others unconditionally. It is His love that flows through us to others when we allow Him to inhabit our hearts. As Valentines day approaches let us consider the true origin of love; love that sacrificed all that we might be saved from the penalty of sin. Romans 5:8 reminds us, But God demonstrates His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

I found a beautiful vase at a thrift store, I couldn’t believe the price for what appeared to be a perfect vessel; of course I couldn’t pass up such a bargain. I visualized it setting on my table with a wonderful arrangement of flowers, the sunlight accenting both the vessel and flowers. So excited with my purchase I stopped on the way home and purchased a bouquet of flowers; an array of colors that put a smile on my face. I had one goal, to decorate my home with the treasure I had found. After carefully preparing the water in the vessel and placing the flowers in it I stepped back to survey my handy work.

On the surface everything was just as I expected it to be, however; after a few minutes I noticed a very small puddle of water on my table where the vase was setting looking so perfect. My first thought was that I had wasted it, not thinking much about it I wiped up the water and began another task. Once again my eyes fell upon the beautiful flowers just to see a even larger puddle then before; something is wrong was what my mind was telling me now, action was required. After carefully removing the flowers and water I examined the vase, I couldn’t see one single flaw, yet; each time I replaced the water, it leaked.

I thought about life and how sometimes as Christians our outward appearance seems to be flawless; we say the right words, smile seamlessly, warmly shake hands and give the impression of acceptance to everyone we encounter. Every now and then the secret thoughts of the heart slip through the unseen cracks; she really thinks she is something, not said with malice but not with love. He is always trying to get the best position, the power; not said with malice but not with love. The tongue is a small member, but; holds the power of life and death. It can assassinate the character with a few words. It’s like throwing the rock that shatters the window then hiding your hands so no one can see who threw it.

Just a little gossip shared in the right circle can spread like wildfire, but the lips from which it fell is now silent. Character flaws hidden behind a flawless façade, little black spots on the heart we fail to recognize, repent from and ask our Father’s forgiveness. We don’t see the pain in the Potters eyes knowing the vessel He made with love and care needs to be remolded, yet; He is willing without hesitation to remove the flaws and refine the vessel. 2Timothy2:20-22 enlightens us with these words, “but in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor”.

21 “Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Only the Father can change the heart, remove the dark spots no matter how small; but , we must be willing to admit they exist and ask Him to do the work of refining us through His Spirit. Jesus opened the door to the Father’s house so that we wouldn’t be afraid to come to Him with our needs, knowing without any doubt He loves us and will welcome us with open arms. Only when we submit to His cleansing blood will the flawless façade be erased and we can be remade into an honorable vessel.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

Speak to my heart Holy Spirit, give me the words that will bring new life, words on the wings of the morning the dark night will fade away; if you speak to my heart now. This song woke me this morning resonating in my mind; the words so poignant stirring a need to pray. The daily grind of life brings distractions from the only source that gives renewal and strength to fight the battles within us. The message of love we need to chase away the uncertainties and doubt that causes stagnation.

The mind is the battles ground the enemy of mankind desires to capture and enslave; Romans 6:16 states “Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves you are slaves of the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin which leads to death or to obedience which leads to righteousness. It is by our choices we are bound to whichever we choose. If we open our hearts to the love of the Father Creator His Holy Spirit will guide us in the direction the Father desires we travel.

However, man’s nature is to lead and not follow, this what the enemy uses to interfere and disrupt Gods plan for mankind. We came into this world with fallen natures prone to do what is contrary to the will of our Father; it is His transforming love that brings us into alignment with His plan for our lives. Daily communication with the Father in prayer fortifies the mind, body and spirit leaving no room for the enemy to enter. We must choose to fight the battle raging within constantly yielding each moment of the day to the Holy Spirits leading.

Isaiah 5:20 tells us “woe to the perverters: against those who call evil good and good evil, and light darkness”. This is our world today, we are living in chaos and it seems those who govern refuse to see the consequences of their actions. The enemy has pulled out every weapon he has to create battles within; battles in the mind, the heart, the family, the educational system, the church and the nations. As indicated by the song only when God speaks to the heart can change come. When He speaks we are encouraged and all despair is lifted by His message of love.

When we yield everything to Him, He will guide us safely to a resting place where no pain or problems can invade, the enemy can’t distract and we are strengthen in our inner man to withstand his temptations. we must give all our battles to Him, they are not ours to fight; He stands ready to carry our heavy burdens and give us His light burdens, but first we must make the choice to give Him control of our lives.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

More than 2000 years ago you came into the world to show mankind how much love you had and how much you wanted them to be reunited to the Father creators love. A Father who sacrificed all He had for earthly children who had forgotten who He was, forgotten how to love each other, and excepted the lie of the enemy; they were unworthy of forgiveness. This world is so in need of You, we are lost in the darkness of decay; the light of love seems with each day to be dwindling farther away.

Chaos has enveloped every shore and nature is revolting against the carelessness of mankind. Children are living in the rubble of powerful men’s greed and thirst for more power, their parents the victims of useless wars. Each generation has been given the chance to remember your love has always been the solution,yet; each failing to realize their need for that love. Willingly giving their hearts to false worship of idols that can’t see or hear or talk. I’m one who still calls upon your name knowing you hear and see the state of this world you made.

I am trusting your word which says you will come again, eliminate the stain of sin and darkness will never rise again. All war will end and peace will reign, the lion will lay down with the lamb. Peace and love will rule the land and every voice will lift in praise to the great I AM . No more pain, no more tears, no fear or unbelief will remain; the world of darkness eradicated and light will shine again. The world as in the beginning will be once more, just more beautiful than before. As another year draws to a close I am lifting my voice to say please come Lord Jesus come, change the hearts of mankind and chase the darkness away.

Bring peace and love in your warm embrace and give the world the hug it needs to realize you are the ONLY way. As a New Year dawns please help mankind keep their hearts and minds lifted to your throne of grace, the only place where true peace waits. Happy and Blessed New Year

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

Then the sky was filled with an Angelic host, voices ringing out with clarity; joy to the world peace and goodwill to all men. The announcement was made the greatest gift mankind could receive was given wrapped in the smile of a babe. For 33 years love walked among mankind singing it’s love song to the world, a song of healing, understanding, forgiveness, compassion, and peace. Loves melody found a place in the hearts of many changing the way mankind saw itself as it began to follow loves example.

With each new generation the beautiful melody that once rang throughout the halls of time seemed to be fading and love seem to be a distant whisper trying to find it’s way back into the hearts of mankind. The great disrupter had interfered with the frequency on which love travels, however; each man who’s heart is filled with the melody of love can reach out to touch the heart that is close to him or her and share the love inside of them until the earth is again filled with love’s song to the world.

The stronger love grows the more the darkness will cease to exist and joy to the world, peace and goodwill must return to all mankind. As we reminisce on the greatest gift given to the world, allow the love song that dwells in you reach out to touch those around you with the love you received from the greatest love that ever walked on the earth; the love of Jesus the Christ, the babe born to save the world from the wages of sin; which is death.

When the love of Christ is embraced the heart is regenerated, hate is eradicated and darkness is dispelled; this Holiday season spread the love and joy of Jesus everywhere you travel, with everyone you meet and every helping hand you give to another; let the song in your heart ring out as the Angels did that night so long ago, a song for the world. Have a blessed holiday season.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

The song says” Deck the halls with bought of holly, tis the season to be jolly; don we now our gay apparel, troll the ancient yuletide carol; just these few lines indicate celebration and joyous times are coming. Yet, our world is filled with so much sadness, pain, and hatred. For most of us preparations are being made to enjoy the holiday season; Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. Each of these have their own reason for celebration; Thanksgiving was a celebration of conquest by colonist over the native peoples who occupied the land when the settlers landed on their shores, shrouded in compromise and bloodshed.

It was made a national holiday in 1863 by then president Abraham Lincoln. Christmas is well known as a celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ who died for the sins of the world, but; we fail to recognize it’s beginnings came from pagan and roman roots. December 25th was the Roman festival of the Sun and aligned with the Winter Solstice. The church chose to Christianize existing pagan practices rather than eliminate them. The traditions practiced by pagan worship were redirected to honor Christ’s birth with gift-giving and feasting.

Finally, the New Year celebration began about 4000 years ago with the Babylonian’s, this was a 11 day festival around the Spring Equinox held in late March; the Julian calendar established Jan. 1 as the day of celebration to honor Janus the god of new beginnings; a Roman god. In 1582 the date was adopted and officially established in the Gregorian calendar. Throughout the years we have all celebrated theses holidays by gathering together with family and friends; feasting, gift giving, and sharing stories of life. Many will be traveling across the country to be with their loved ones during this season of celebration.

Unfortunately, some will be alone and some will have no idea what the season will bring for them. Luke 12:48 states ” for everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required”; we are blessed to be a blessing to others, it is important that we set aside selfishness. Sharing what we have with others should be our goal for the season, whatever we have whether more or less we have enough to share; if we place the little we have in the hands of the Master giver much can be accomplished. So as you plan your celebrations this holiday season invite someone to share your home, table and love.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a merchant man seeking goodly pearls; who when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Math,13:45-46. What does this mean to you, me, and those we love? 1Cor. 2:9 says “but as it is written no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love Him.” We were created and mandated to populate the earth; in the image of our Creator we were created. He desired to be in relationship with His creation, but; disobedience separated them from each other.

This separation brought sorrow to the earth and heartbreak to the Fathers heart; the string broken and His pearls shattered. Each of us a pearl of great price on the Father’s string of pearls; He searches for each pearl with love that has not diminished. Each pearl found and reclaimed brings joy slowly mending the Fathers heart. His determination to redeem each pearl is not detected by the condition they may be in, He is willing to clean them with His love restoring their brilliance and placing them in their assigned positions on the string. Unfortunately, many of us fail to see the value God the Father has placed on us not realizing we are a great pearl in His sight.

We have been convinced we are to dirty to be cleaned and accepted having strayed so far from the jewelry box of heaven. Romans 8:33 reminds us Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for His own? No one, for God Himself has given us right standing with Himself. Through Juses the Christ we are assured that nothing can separate us from the love of the Father; there is nothing we can do that would make void the sacrifice of blood Jesus shed that we could be restored to our position on the string of pearls. The search is exhaustive, but; the Father is not willing that any should remain lost. He sent Jesus that those who were blinded by darkness could see their beauty through His eyes and realize they were one of the great pearls missing from the Fathers string of pearls and He is still searching for them.

The heavenly jewelry box still has room and God’s string of pearls has a place for you; just choose to accept the gift Jesus has already provided when, you choose Him.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

There’s a song that rings in my mind which says, though the storms keep on raging in my life and sometimes it’s hard to tell the night from day; have you ever been in a place in your life where you feel you’re at the end of your rope? Everywhere you look turbulence is there. Chaos surrounds you like a garment and no sunlight can be seen in your sky. For many this is a foreign concept they seem to have it all together, no worries; they appear to lead stress free lives. These are the ones that are caught off guard when the storms finally come.

Life holds no real guarantees that there will be no storms or trials along this journey, often times the waters of life are so smooth we forget the possibility of turbulence that could be waiting just around the river bend. The journey can be very unpredictable and surprising when we are not prepared for the unexpected, but; how do we prepare for the unknown? This was the dilemma that confronted 12 men in a boat when traveling on the sea of Galilee, suddenly the clear sky turned and they found themselves in the middle of a fierce battle with nature; the quiet sea had become life threating.

They struggled with the waters consuming the boat until they remembered their teacher sleeping peacefully as the storm raged against them. In fear and exhaustion they wake Him seeking His help to control the boat as the sea roared, awaken from peaceful rest He quieted the storm with 3 words; “peace be still”. The storm ceased as quickly as it had appeared, can you imagine the look on the faces of the 12 men and how amazed they must have been. Who was this man that even nature yielded to His voice? Some called Him teacher, others messiah and others Yeshua; but, today we call Him Jesus.

Heb 13:8 states Jesus the Christ the same yesterday and today and forever, the same man who carried those 12 men through the storm is available to assist us today in the time of storm when we trust our journey to Him. He is no respecter of person to Him the rich and the poor stand equal before Him, He loves all the same and gave His life that all who desire can be free from the bondage of sin. As He was with the 12 men in the boat; He will be with us when we choose to allow Him to walk along side us on life’s journey. He will say “peace be still” to the storms we encounter.

John 16:33 says “I have told you this so that through me you may have peace. In this world you’ll have trouble, but be courageous; I have overcome the world.” We can struggle on our own in the dark clouds of this world or we can walk with Him who will carry us through the storm. The question is which will you choose?

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

There is one destination we will all come to on this journey called life. It is inescapable, a door way we must all pass through; each one of us will enter in different ways and at different times on our journey, but; have no doubt all will enter. I’m sure some of you realize the door is death, most of us find this an uncomfortable subject to discuss. They don’t want to think about separation from those thy love, the loneliness, heartbreak, and sometimes chaos that comes with death.

We fail to see death as the other side of the coin of life. The enemy of mankind uses death to cause dissention, to cast dispersions on the love of God, deceive and destroy family bonds. He who has caused the sentence of death to fall on humanity is like someone who throws the rock and hides their hands. It is at the time of loss when the heart is vulnerable this deceiving spirit attacks leading the human instincts toward pride and greed and away from peace.

We have the weapon needed to combat this threat, we have been given choice; the ability to choose. We must decide between two choices, each will determine what happens after death. I know many of us think death is the end, however; Psalms116:15 states and I paraphrase, precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. John 5:24 says he that hears my words and believe Him that sent me hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but is passed from death unto life.

In John 5:28-29 tells us marvel not at this for the hour is coming in which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice and come forth; they that have done good unto the resurrection of life and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation. Jesus the Christ is the door that leads to eternal life, all other doors lead to destruction. Seek the redeeming love of Christ while there is still time, turn away from this world and join the family of God through His Son; don’t allow the enemy to ensnare you in the darkness of this world, make the right choice; death is not the end.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

A warning comes to us who profess to follow Christ from the past; “for I know this that after my departure shall grievous wolves enter in among you not sparing the flock, also of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them” Acts20:29-30. For many of us who claim the title Christian; we are losing sight of the character of Christ who we profess to follow. God adorned Himself in humanity to make clear to the world His heart; a heart filled with love, compassion, understanding, patience, forgiveness and inclusion. From creation He gave mankind a gift that the beast of the field, birds of the air nor things in the waters didn’t have; the gift of choice.

Unfortunately, there are those who try to usurp the authority of the Creator by limiting or totally denying this right. In our fractured world men glorify themselves; they applaud hate and speak the hidden thoughts of their hearts. They fail to see the content of character which is unlike Christ excepting the deception spoken through ideology cloaked in light when no light is in it. The example left to the world by Jesus was without blemish, no confusion was in His message; “Love your God with all that you are and everyone else as you love yourself”. Only the Father knows the intent of the heart only He can read the unspoken thoughts and only He will judge each mans character or lack there of.

While it maybe easy for one man to deceive another no deception will stand before the Creator. In this politically charged world in which we live, as followers of Christ we are allowing ourselves to be drawn into the madness of this world failing to see the hand of the enemy at work. Confusion and differences of opinion is causing judgement between sisters and brothers when we should be unified in our desire to be like Christ, not like the world. We are losing the picture of a Christ like character and drifting toward assimilating the culture we are surrounded by. Romans 18:11 tells us it is time to wake up from our slumber because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

The signs are rapidly manifesting and soon Christ will return. Everyman will stand before the Real Judge to account for his or her life; every hidden sin revealed, every harsh word spoken, every evil act and every opportunity rejected to repent. The cry is heard” come out of her my people that ye be not partakers of her sins and ye receive not of her plagues” Rev.18:4 Who is listening to the cry? Who will make the right choice? “Be not deceived; God is not mocked, whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap.” Gal 6:7 If you send forth hate, hate will return to you; if you send forth love, love will return to you. The choice is yours above all be true to yourself, you will not stand in a crowd before the True Judge, but one to one; think about it and choose wisely. We will all face the consequences of our action, nothing is hidden from the eyes of the Lord God Almighty.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace