settingatthepoolofgrace

It was about to be discarded, what was it good for was the question in her mind. No value could be seen , it was lifeless and barren. Many times we are faced with circumstances that make us feel there is no resolution for what we are experiencing. Have you heard the old expression “just a stick in the mud”? This is how we find ourselves feeling from time to time; not moving, stuck in one place, non productive, and wondering how we get out of the rut we’re in.

It’s not easy navigating the waters of life; we often meet with turbulence, one way signs, roads closed and dead ends, all which call for a change in directions. Without clear eyes it’s hard to see what that direction should be. Many of us move to fast only to find we have another obstacle to over come, “stuck in the mud again”; we start all over trying to free ourselves. This seems to be the rat race many find themselves caught in. The question becomes how do we break the cycle?

At first it just appeared to be a stick protruding from the ground; lifeless and barren, just when she decided to rid herself of it she noticed something was different, it was showing signs of new life. What was thought to be of no use was budding with green leaves. What made the difference you ask? Patience, as she pondered her decission as to it’s fate nature had time to show itself in the stick in the ground; once a dry root was now teaming with life. We too must consider we are a work in progress; we must learn to be patient, God is not through with us.

Each new day we are given life brings a new experience to enhance our growth or cause stagnation. We are granted opportunities to lean into the beauty of God’s love or withdraw into the self gratifying ways of this tainted world. The decission is ours to make, our loving Father is patient not wishing any should perish, but; all to come to repentamce and receive new life through Him. Our eyes must be open to see clearly before we choose our direction, one way leads total destruction and the other to eternal life.

The Father loves all His children even though He knows many will not choose to be with Him; He sent to mankind a token of that love in His son Jesus the Christ. This gift became a willing ransom for man from the grip of sin. The penatly for sin is death, a price He paid with His own blood. Be patient and make the right choice, Philippians 1:6 says”be confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you, will complete it until the day when Jesus the Christ returns”. God is faithful, His love true; trust the process and allow new life to begin, life eternal.

My rervelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

See her through the eyes of love, remove the mask of a painted on smile; gaze into the eyes that cry themselves to sleep when all is quiet and the night is long. Recognize she is more than the sum of her parts, from her body springs forth life. She has many names; mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, niece and friend; each designating the role she is assigned in your life.

She represents the nurturing characteristics of the Father Creator; in her is His gentleness, kindness, sacrificing love, unconditional forgiveness, patience, and faithfulness. She fully embraces the concept of you before me, for those she loves no sacrifice is to great or problem to small if it is for her children or family members.

Her prayers never stop ascending to the Father for her family or friends who have lost their way or strayed from His care. She is by some under valued until she has faded into the mirror of time and they are left with reflections and memories. From the heavenly jewel box she was given to you, she maybe a pearl, or ruby or emerald or diamond. She could be slightly flawed, her brilliance not easily seen; yet, she is a priceless gift from the hand of a loving Father.

When you honor her you honor the Father Creator who loved you so much He gave Himself for you through the sacrificial blood shed by His son Jesus the Christ; whether mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, niece or friend when her role is finished and she exits the stage of life, you will reflect on your time with her and smile; remembering when the physical presence is gone the love lingers on.

With loving hands she was created from a rib taken from man, through her all human life began; she is adorned with modesty and good works. Early she rises to prepare for her families needs and ends her day in prayer and thanksgiving, her name is WOMAN.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

Father I come to You asking for help, I know You will know what I should do to solve the problem facing me right now. I just don’t understand the reasoning of men, the things they do just blows my mind. Sometimes explanations escape me for my own actions. It is as though even the air we breath is toxic. Everyday something new makes us wonder; where are You? So much hate is roaming the land and mans inhumanity to man is rapidly growing.

Where is the love comes to my mind? Where has it gone and how do we get it back? All questions only You can answer, please tell me what You need me to do to bring back the love we once knew. Open our eyes that we might see how we have changed our world and how wicked it has come to be. There is no safe place from the terror of hate, the young disrespect the wisdom of the aged, and those in power ignore the needs of the masses. It’s all about self seems to be the theme of the day; everyone is going their own way.

Father where do we begin? Please teach us how to love again. Remove the dark clouds covering our hearts, that we can make a new start. Forgive our indifference and ignite a desire for change; a willingness to erase another’s pain. Renew in us a right spirit and give us Your joy, let forgiveness reign in our hearts. Open our sight to the beauty of life; the rose not the thorns, the rainbow not the storm, the solution not the problem and the victory not the fight. Nothing in life comes without a price, but; You paid the cost so that we would not be lost. You came to give us abundant life, in You we rise above the pain and strife.

Father please start we me, open my eyes that I can see what I can do to honor You; teach me to go the extra step to make life better for someone else, a smile to the stranger I pass by, a desire to comfort those in need and words of kindness to speak. To pray for those who seem hard to reach, that they might find Your love and peace. I know our time is running out and soon it will be to late, but; it only takes a spark to start a flame. TEACH US TO LOVE AGAIN

Have you ever heard someone say” we’re living in the time of the end”? Have you wondered just what they meant by this saying? Many today realize we are in a great battle; not a battle we can see or read about in the media, but; an unseen battle between good and evil. This is usually the theme of fairy tales, most fairy tales began with once upon a time; however, what we are experiencing today is no fable. Our world is being changed with everyday that passes by darkness in the hearts of men. Unfortunately, many do not realize the final conflict is approaching mankind. How many will be prepared? Noah preached destruction was coming for 120 years, yet; only he and his family survived the flood that destroyed the world at that time.

One would think Noah’s story would stand as a shining example of what happens when evil pervades and darkness rules. It appears we as people have again given ourselves to worldly passions and temptations, we strive for success through power and wealth no matter who is trampled under foot. The hearts of men grow colder and hate rears it’s ugly head as never before, places of safety are disappearing and the division between people grows wider. If we would only open our eyes we would see the handy work of mans greatest enemy everywhere we look. This enemy likes to work in the background and unnoticed, he uses anyone he can to accomplish his dirty work in the deception and destruction of men’s souls.

He knows time is running out for him, he is trying to recruit as many soldiers as he can into his ranks. He is constantly preparing for the final conflict with the prize of victory in his view. It was his desire to be worshipped that caused his first defeat and expulsion from the Heavenly courts; forever banished from the Father’s house. Now that his home is on the earth, with great anger he is determined to corrupt mankind and cause separation between man and his Creator. But the Father in His mercy toward us has given of Himself to teach us how to overcome and defeat this enemy. Jesus the Christ, the only begotten son of the Father, enclosed in humanity was that example; He lived to please the Father, even unto death that we would be free of the tempter.

When He returned to the Father He left those who choose to serve Him with this hope,” let not your hearts be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in Me”. “In my Fathers house are many rooms; If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself; that where I am there you maybe also” John 14: 1-3. This promise is the thread that binds the followers of the Christ to the hope of His return, but; of that day and hour knoweth no man, no not even the Angels of heaven, but Only the Father Creator. We have been given a warning concerning this great event, Mathew 24:37 states as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Noah’s generation didn’t heed the warnings of the coming destruction and were lost in their sins. This just maybe the final generation of earths history, the final opportunity to choose life and make heaven your home. A choice will be made, none will be exempt; choose you this day whom you will serve, will it be God or Satan. Now is the time to prepare for the final conflict, tomorrow is not promised to anyone; to whom will you give allegiance? Jesus is coming BACK will you be ready?

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

It was a stormy day, but; her time had come, she had to get to the hospital immediately, the baby was on its way. It was a 15 min drive, but; with the rain he could not take any chances with his precious cargo, nothing would stop him getting them there safely. This was just the beginning of his drama; once they arrived the waiting would begin. The anxiety was getting the best of him, he couldn’t focus on anything but her and the baby. How much longer? What’s taking so long? Is everything ok? In the chair out of the chair, up and down the hallway; finally his name was called and the announcement made ” you have a beautiful baby girl”. A new bond is established when two become three, a three strand cord is not easily broken where love abides. With each additional strand the cord is made stronger or so it should be.

There is a common denominator that makes the strongest cords, that’s Love; love must rule the heart. On this day we celebrate how many years ago LOVE walked free from the grasp of death and forever tied itself to mankind. The scars of love’s sacrifice will eternally cover His body, but; He willingly submitted His body to the indignities for you and me; that’s what love does. We are family and LOVE is our big brother. We are to love one another as we have been loved, there is a old saying that comes to mind” teeth and tongue may fall out but they still need each other”. Love requires the release of self for the benefit of others. Love understands the power of words spoken to heal or brake the heart. Pride must fall by the wayside, I and me become less important and we and us become more promenade.

Love requires forgiveness, it holds no grudges; it doesn’t turn on and off like a faucet. Love is of God anyone who loves is of God but he who does not love is not of God for God is LOVE. God sent His son to express to His children how great His love was for them. Jesus was that expression of what love looks like, He is our example. He had acceptance for all although many rejected Him, He was spat upon, yet; never retaliated. He helped all who needed Him, freely He gave of Himself; He spoke kindly and with compassion to those who society cast out. He treated the stranger like family and He did what most would find very hard to do; He forgave His murderers as He was dying. Today LOVE is alive and well, He is seeking hearts that need transformation, on it’s own the heart will not change.

No matter how hard we try to change the heart, self will rule; only the Spirit of Christ resonating in the heart can change the heart. Like every big brother wants what is best for his siblings, Jesus wants us to be like Him as He is like the Father; family ties are stronger when love holds the cords together. If this is a problem for anyone He is standing at the ready to help and show us how, He’s just waiting for us to ask HIM to take control of our lives.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

April is the month of rebirth; it announces the beginning of Passover, reminds us of the greatest trial and sacrifice in human history as well as the greatest display of Gods power ever witnessed by man in the resurrection of His son. It seems we have began to feel the warm breezes and rising temperatures we look forward to when Spring arrives. We shed the heavy clothes and coats to allow more sunlight to touch our skin. The renewing rain falls freely preparing the flowers for blooming, nature changes into a beautiful dress of green; the air is filled with the sound of birds and creatures small and great awake from slumber.

The time of revitalization has begun; a time to heal, time for forgiveness and restoration , and for building new relationships. In most households parents are trying to keep the excitement levels down as their children await the arrival of the Easter bunny and all his goodies, the family gathering and special meal; dressing up in their finest or new clothing for church. I wonder how many have taken time to tell the real reason for celebration? It was a festive time in Jerusalem and while most of the people were preparing for the Passover, the religious leaders were engaging in a plan to kill the innocent; His name was Jesus.

The leaders were threatened by the story of Love Jesus taught the people; He healed their ailments, forgave their sins, and feed them with physical and spiritual food. They arrested Him, gave Him a unfair trial, abused Him and finally put Him to a shameful death. None of this was a surprise to Him, not even His betrayal by a friend; His words were ” I lay down My life, that I might take it again. No man takes it from Me, but I lay it down Myself “. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities.

On that fearful Friday His fate was sealed by His death on the cross atop of Golgotha, as the Sabbath was approaching His body was removed and buried in a borrowed tomb. He rested in the tomb on the Sabbath; but, on the 3rd day He arose. It was because He rose on this day which was the 1st day of the week, Sunday; we celebrate His resurrection. He who was dead, now lives forever more; He has taken death prisoner and those who believe in Him will never die, but; have eternal life. While eggs, candy, bunnies, and fancy clothes are wonderful things; we should be celebrating the sacrifice of Jesus the Christ that paid our sin debt and made salvation free to all. Will you tell the story?

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

Nature has a way of mesmerizing anyone who slows down their pace of life long enough to really observe it’s many facets of beauty. The expanse of the heavens; no matter where you are in the world it’s seen by all who gaze upon it, the brilliance of the sun is felt upon the face, but; it’s heat does not destroy what it touches. The rising of the moon as the sun sets illuminates the darkness to reveal innumerable stars, have you ever wondered how or who makes this happen so seamlessly? All nature speaks of a Creator, even you.

Hard to imagine when you look in the mirror the face looking back at you is composed of dust/ The eyes, noise, mouth, ears, hands, feet and all that is in-between; all dust, not dirt but just the surface; the part that is easily blown away with the wind. Genesis 3:19 tells us ” By the sweat of your face you will eat bread until you return to the ground, for from it you were taken, you are dust, and to dust you shall return” this was told to our fore parent because he failed to hold fast to the instructions of his Maker. From one act of disobedience man forfeited his God given dominion of the earth and brought death to the world.

The same voice that caused this disobedience is still echoing the same lie that caused the fall of our fore parents to our generation. In James 4:7 we find these words” Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil and he will flee from you”, we must fight against the deceiver of many generation by not yielding to his temptations. He will use every method available to him to keep us from our purpose. We were created for a higher purpose, but; because of our free will to choose, many have made the wrong choice. The earth is filled with the same attributes that caused the destruction of the earth so long ago.

In the expressed image of the Creator we were created to be His companion, to reveal His character, and share His love for all creation. After our fall from grace, our purpose was made clear through His life example; to reverence our Creator, to walk in truth, love unconditionally, help those in need, to be merciful and forgiving of one another. Long ago many witnessed this example in fleshly form, it is through their stories that we can experience the essence of Christ love today. He still lives and is reaching out to all who desire to live a life of purpose.

Through Jesus the Christ we can fulfill the original intention of the Father for His creation, but; once again a choice must be made, yell a loud no to the deceiver and draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Turn your back on the way of the world and accept the love of the Father through His Son; only then will we be able to walk in purpose. ” The thief cometh not, but for to steal and kill and destroy; I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly”. John 10:10

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

Have you ever wondered about the clichés passed from one generation to another? I always wondered about the one “all roads lead to Rome”, why; Rome? Why not France or Greece or some other place. For some time this troubled me, then; after some study of the subject I found Rome was the seat of great power in it’s day, anyone who considered themselves of prominence lived in, worked in, served in or fought in the army for Rome. It was the center of the known world during it’s time of rulership, people of every nation visited, traded in or lived there.

Rome played a pivotal role in the life of Christ and His followers, many of them experienced what could be considered unexpected results from their time spent there. As travelers on the road of life, some of us have clear direction in mind when we start the journey, plans made; goals set. We feel prepared for the path we have chosen, there will be no surprises; the question comes to mind, can anyone really be prepared for the unexpected? History has provided us with great examples of travelers who’s meeting with the unexpected changed their lives forever.

Example #1- you could say he had everything he wanted; a wife and kids, much property, and many servants. He was well respected for his faith and generosity, little did he know he was chosen as the subject of an experiment between two unseen forces; one good and one evil. As all heaven witnessed, the challenge began; the chosen subject was pummeled with the unexpected. Everything he loved was stripped away from him; first his kids, then his property, his servants and finally his health; the only thing that remained was a faithless wife and fault finding friends. The mans faith was not shaken, with all he endured he held fast to the fact that his God loved him and he would be faithful no matter what happened to him. In the end restoration came to him and he received double what he had before.

Example #2- His trajectory was set, he was going places, a Pharisee of great learning and high status. He was a strong supporter of the Mosaic laws, anything contrary to the teaching of the Rabbis to him was blasphemy. He was so zealous for the laws he became a persecutor or those who had chosen to follow the teachings of the crucified, but; risen Christ. Some were imprisoned and some were martyred for their beliefs. On a journey to search out and arrest Christian believers, the unexpected happened; he came face to face with the risen Christ. The transformation he received set him on a new course, he became what he had previously despised, a follower of the Risen Christ. His character was changed and he became a great disciple of the Most High.

The final example was most fascinating to me- she was a woman of reputation, especially among the men; it seemed she was possessed and just could not help herself. When she came face to face with the unexpected, in His face was a kindness she could not understand, in His voice compassion she had never heard spoken to her, and in His eyes no judgement of her; but, it was His hands that gave her healing. Unfortunately, the forces of darkness are strong and unwilling to let go; she knew she could be free completely so she sought out His help and forgiveness once more. Again He showered her with love without judgement, it is said He cast out 7 demons from her. She was made new and the demons that had controlled her life were gone forever and her total submission to Him became her new life.

Who are you? Does your life shadow any of these examples? Are you ready for the unexpected? All roads don’t lead to Rome, they lead to LIFE or DEATH, the road of life is found in the Risen Christ; the way of the world is the road to destruction, what road have you chosen? The lessons of these examples teach us it’s not to late to change our course, to seek forgiveness or to activate our Faith. There is no in between, only life or death; choose life.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

As she stood there with tears running down her face and her heart breaking, she could have never imagined the intense pain she was now feeling in the beginning. Nurturing Him as only a mother could she watched Him grow, teaching Him the important facts of life, love for the Creator, for His family, and love for all created things. She watched as her baby became a man endowed with love for all, compassion, and strength.

Standing there with her was her sister, whose husband was named Clopas. Only a sister could understand the pain she was experiencing, only a sister could hold her hand at a time like this. Like with most sisters they shared an unbreakable bond! They shared secrets, laughed together and cried on each other’s shoulders in times of trouble. But this was different; neither of them could express what they were feeling.

She had been adopted into the family, the third woman standing there; He had impacted her life in ways that endeared her to Him. She received from Him what no other man had ever given her, unconditional love; no judgement just acceptance. Through her pain she thought; what will I do now, where will I go? A feeling of hopelessness swept over her as her tears poured. Standing there at the foot of the cross the women wondered how could He forgive them, remembering His words “Father forgive them for they know not what they do”.

What had He done to deserve this cruel death? Was it because He healed the sick? Raised the dead to life again? Made the blind to see or the deaf to hear? Maybe it was because He made the lame to walk; no, no, no it was us; all of us, it was for the sins of the whole world He was suffering. He had come to the end of His mission, soon He would utter His final words as the life force existed His body “It is finished”. The Heavenly Father’s plan to save humanity was complete, the enemy of souls was defeated; only one of His disciples followed Him to the cross and here he stood with the three Mary’s.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

I remember how sweet the air seemed after a spring shower, how vibrant the grass and the flowers appeared to be; every birds song more melodious and every creature at one with nature. I remember the first snow fall, how excited I was to see nature change her dress to what seemed to be the brightest white my eyes had beheld as the suns rays reflected off of it. I remember how peaceful I felt, everything was as it should be; I was a child and my world was carefree.

I remember as I began to experience life things began to change, there were times I thought nothing would ever be the same. Life has a way of blinding the eyes to the beauty that surrounds you when childhood fades from view. The eyes you have are the same ones you viewed the world through as a child, but; now the world looks different to you. With each change the more difficult life becomes; peace is illusive, hate more pronounced and the question “where is God” is on the lips of all seeking relief.

Was God just an after thought, or was He there all the time? Had I seen Him in the spring rain, the falling snow and all the nature that surrounded me as a child. Did His love give me that peacefulness, if so; how could I forget Him? It was then I remembered what my mother would always say ” prayer is the best way to start your day, it will keep the devil at bay”. I realized I had lost my way, blinded by the distractions of life I no longer saw the beauty in the Creator or His creation.

I had to escape the chains that had me bound, I remembered God is just a prayer away, always listening to hear what His children have to say; ready to forgive if we but ask and willing to restore the joy of the past. I remembered His love is everlasting, His forgiveness complete and nothing I do will stop His loving me. If your story is similar to mine and the enemy has blinded your eyes, there is hope; don’t despair, just go to God in earnest prayer. Like for me, for you He died to remove blinders from our eyes so we could behold loves pure light and escape the darkness of evils eternal night.

Life will try to make us forget, the enemy is always working against us to erase the memory of our loving Father from our view. There will be times we will fall, we just have to remember to whisper a little pray; our Father is always standing close by to help us through the trials of life.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace