In 1971 the song clean up woman was introduced to the culture of that time by the songstress Ms. Betty Wright. This was the story of a woman who capitalized on the mistakes of women who neglected their husbands or significant others. Recently it came to my mind how this was the life God’s prophet Hosea lived, he was married to a woman who had a roving eye; she gave birth to three children, 2 sons and 1daughter, but; no matter what Hosea did he could not keep her at home. She was very unfaithful to him and considered to be a harlot.

Can you imagine this being your life? How would you handle it? Do you think you would or could still love her? Well, Hosea did, he still loved her; his life resembled how God felt about His children. He does everything He can to show His children how much He loves them, He gave Himself as a sacrifice that they would be forgiven of their sins. Yet, they still turn away from Him to fulfill the lust of their flesh. They are mesmerized by the glitzes and glamour of the world, the power and greed the evil one entices them with. Just like Hosea the Father waits for His children to realize love is waiting for them to come home.

Gomer, Hosea’s wife through her adultery was lead into slavery; in the eyes of society she was considered worthless, but; Hosea paid the price to redeem her. He took her back to his home, cleaned her up and loved her. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God, by sinning we become slaves to the world caught in the web of the evil one. Jesus said” everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin”, the Father has paid the price for our redemption; He is ready to be our clean up man, to clean away our filthy lives, break the chains that bind us to the world and lead us back home to Him.

We have all become like Hosea’s wife, we have strayed away from Him who loves us most. We have given ourselves to idol worship; we worship earthy things and seek after them, but it is they that lead to darkness of heart. Gomer was very thankful to be redeemed and welcomed back into Hosea’s home, I can imagine she never went roaming again finally recognizing the love she always had at home with Hosea. The Father sent Jesus to express His unending love for His children, that through Him we could be reunited with the one who loves us the most.

John14:6 states “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”. During this season of Thanksgiving we can be thankful for a Father who is willing to clean us up and forgive our sins, but; only if we choose to be cleaned up. The decision is ours to make and the time to decide is now.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

I love all types of plants; unfortunately, I don’t have adequate space in my apartment for many of them. There is only one space where enough light comes in to provide the nourishing sunlight needed for growth. I began with this one plant and she gave me 7 off shoots; 3 were given to friends who admired them when visiting my home. There are four along with the mother I still enjoy each morning the sun beams through my window. I noticed the mother plant was showing signs of having born the 7 children she gave me. She seemed to be showing signs of aging, although her leaves were full they were sparse.

This was her condition for such a long time I began to think I might lose her, but; I noticed something that grabbed my attention, she was showing signs of new life where I thought no life existed. I was so excited and began to watch her daily; first the bud then the stems and now the leaves have appeared. Each time I look at it a smile covers my face and I am reminded of when at one time in my life I was that mother plant, surviving from one day to the next; sometimes feeling so lost while wearing a smiling face. So comfortable with the darkness that had me locked in its grasp.

I’m a good person, I go to church, I help whenever and wherever I can was what I told myself; so why do I feel the way I do? What’s missing from my life? So many questions, so few answers; but, God had a plan for my life. The light of His love dispelled the darkness, the knowledge of the sacrificial death and resurrection of His Son for the salvation of sinners captured my heart and gave me hope for new life in the sunlight. No more unanswered questions, no more stress or worry; my heart belongs to Jesus the Christ in Him have I found new life.

New life is possible if you have strayed away, the savior is granting new life everyday; He waits patiently for those who are lost to reach out to Him, He has already paid the penalties cost. Don’t languish in darkness or chains of despair, Jesus waits to show you just how much He cares; “I am come that they may have life, and that they might have it more abundantly”. John 10:10

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

There is a sport I find fascinating, it could be because I can’t swim and find too much water threatening to me; this sport requires a large body of water, namely the ocean. You’ll hear it’s participants say things like “catch a wave or riding the wave” and that is exactly what they are doing. Standing on a surf board with perfect balance as the waves head to the shore. However, when I hear the phrase ” riding the waves” it brings to mind a family of 8 locked in a boat riding the water for 40 days and 40 nights as the rain fell; not knowing when the rain would stop or their journey end.

Can you put yourself in the boat? How are you handling riding the waves? What are you expecting to find at the end of the journey? Is the falling rain causing you anxiety and stress? Sometimes life with it’s ups and downs seem like we are riding uncertain waves trying to keep our balance, unfortunately; sometimes we fall into the turbulent waters of life. Just as the family of 8 were shut in the boat that saved them from the devastation that engulfed the world, there is a lifeline for all who need balance in life today; Jesus the Christ is that lifeline.

The good news is that Jesus abdicated His home in glory, came to a sinful planet named earth to save its inhabitants who had fallen into the cesspool of sin created by Satan and his fallen angels to destroy mankind. Jesus paid the ultimate price for you and me with His blood, freely He gave of Himself that we might find in Him shelter in the time of storm, peace in the time of turmoil and a lifeline from the waters of strife. By joining our will to the will of Jesus the Christ we become part of a 4 strand code not easily broken.

The Father, Son and Holy Spirit join us in our battle to defeat the tempter and his agents. The waters of life may still have times of raging, but; He who calms the seas walks with you and me, we can ride the waves with perfect balance for Jesus holds us up. There is a requirement we must be willing to meet, give your life to Christ; for the salvation He offers is free.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

How important are the feet? When you think about it, the feet are the foundation of the body; when there is a problem with them we find it hard to walk, run or even stand for any period of time. When we are endowed with health we seldom consider the importance of our body members, while they are all needed; the feet have a special assignment in holding the body up.

To protect the feet we wear shoes, the shoes we wear are also important to the health and protection of the feet; the wrong shoes can do great harm. They must fit the purpose of use intended and the correct size needed to protect properly. We are instructed in God’s word to fit our feet with the gospel of peace, ready to share the goodness of God with whomever and whenever the opportunity comes.

We must step into the work shoes of Christ, Isaiah 52:7 tells us ” how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bring good news, that proclaims peace, who bring glad tidings of good things; who proclaim salvation, who says to Zion, your God reigns”. Every day Jesus strapped on His sandals and walked among the hurting, sin filled, neglected people of His time.

His sandals were His work shoes, He walked many road and visited many towns to serve those in need of healing, forgiveness, and salvation for their souls. No one in need was cast aside or denied His touch. His love and compassion was offered to all who desired the gift of life He came to give. Each one of us who has chosen to walk the path He walked has a pair of work shoes that will perfectly fit our feet.

When we step into them we will be prepared to carry out His mandate to all His children, “go into all the world”; we will walk as He walked and love as He loved, no one will be cast out or denied the touch of love from Him that flows through each of us. We will meet hatred with understanding and forgiveness; viewing all through the lens of His love.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

I remember this song which describes the seasons we are entering, it goes something like this ” the falling leaves drift by my window, the autumn leaves of red and gold”; do you know this as a love song or as a song of mourning? The lyrics indicate a loss of love as it states ” since you went away the days go long and soon I’ll hear old winters song, but; I miss you most my darling when autumn leaves start to fall”. There seems to be something missing from a life that was once complete. We may not know how the loss occurred, but; we can feel the hearts longing.

What’s your hearts longing? What is missing from your life? Have leaves fallen from your family tree leaving branches bare? I’m sure we can all say we have experienced falling leaves, love lost to time. Winter is approaching when time seems to slow it’s pace, it doesn’t stop and it waits for no one; however, it doesn’t move as fast or so it seems when winter shows her face. Nature closes her eyes to sleep that regeneration can begin, it sheds what is old that new birth can come forth.

The sleep of death is not the end of the story, it is just a intermission from life; death lost it’s sting with the resurrection of Christ. Only His love can perfectly fill whatever is missing in your life, satisfy the hearts longing and grant new life. We know death is a part of life, the leaves will fall, but; those who sleep in Christ will see new life and that with immortality. We have God’s promise to all who walk in the shadow of His Son Jesus the Christ, eternal life. We have this hope when we submit our lives and will to the Father that we will walk in renewed life by the love of the Son at His return.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

Our nation in its youth has gone through many revolutions, each leading to the great notoriety we receive from the nations of the world today. There has not been a lack of adventure in the minds of those who forged their way into history through their willingness to explore the unknown. It was by their efforts our nation was founded, motivated by the need to be free from those who would limit or deny the right to govern self. The nature of man has lead him to seek ways to improve life, not just for himself; but, for all. There was a time when the only light source was by candle, the only source of heat was from wood fires, and the source of food from the land.

The industrial revolution changed the way of life; electricity replaced the candle, coal mining provided a better heating source, and food began to be mass produced in factories. Truth be told change does not come without consequences. The natural resources given to all men by their Creator is being controlled by those in power at the expense of those without any power. The coal mining industry was very lucrative and provided a great convenience to all, however; the price paid by those who were relegated to the work of mining was costly. Miners were crushed by collapsing roofs, killed by gas explosions, and unsafe working conditions lead to various diseases. Coal being an essential element in the production of heat and electricity was and still is an important energy source.

I would like to introduce you to another very important energy source, this source is not limited or controlled by any man; it is available to all willing to mine for the riches contained in its pages. The rare jewels that can be found are life changing, mind blowing truths revealed only to those who diligently search for them. How precious is this gift and yet, many forget there was a time when it was forbidden to the common man to know them; so many have neglected the opportunity provided to glean from the book of life its rich bounty. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the World was God. The same was in the beginning with God, all things were made by Him John1.

From one generation to the other the Word revealed to men through His Holy Spirit His will for His people which was written as a guide to abundant life for all willing to accept His gift by faith. The mine field is the Holy Bible, 66 books that detail an extraordinary life; John 5:39 states “search the scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me.” John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me.” Psalm 119:160 says “the sum of your word is truth, and every one of your rules endures forever.” As afore mentioned change does not come without consequences.

To those who accept the challenge to become miners of truth and search diligently the worlds of life; hedges of protection will be established for you to combat the fiery darts of the enemy which will assail you. The riches that await you in the word are more precious than silver or gold for they lead those who seek them to eternal life in the presence of the great “I AM”. For it is written ” what no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him. 1Cor.2:9

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

Once upon a time their was a man and everyday He went out among the people to find work to do, that’s usually the way stories we tell our children begin. However, this is not a fable to excite the imagination of a child. When this man lived working was not like we know it to be today; there was no internet, no electric lights, no cars or buses, no trains or planes, no indoor plumbing, and no advanced tools of any kind. Times were very different and so were the people, some served others who spent their time in frivolous pursuits; you might say they were living high off the hog.

Some worked the land, this was done with their hands and help from their animals if they were lucky enough to have them, some were merchants, ironsmiths, Sheppard’s, and carpenters; all which required time and dedication to get the job done. All work was done from sunrise to sunset; sunset marked the end of the day. There were many people who like in our times didn’t work, today we call them disable; there were those who were blind, crippled, hearing impaired, and diseased. Yes, and there were those who were just plain lazy. In our modern society the work we can do is not limited to the daylight hours, transportation, inconvenience of antiquated tools or work needing to be done.

Finding work to do is not the problem, willingness to do the work is. Although life and times were hard this man went about looking for things to do. He was a carpenter by trade working with His hands, He liked to fix things and make them new. It was said of Him, He was kind and compassionate toward all; those in need found a friend in Him, no one was unlovable in His eyes. His hands were not found to be idle; touching the blind giving them sight, touching the cripple making them walk, touching the deaf so they could hear, touching the voice that was silent to allow it to speak and cleansing the body of disease giving new life.

Can you imagine how tired He must have been at the end of the day from relieving the burdens of those around Him? Now think about how could anyone hate a person like this man was, yet; many did. In our technologically advanced world what work have you found to do? With all the advantages we have who have you helped? Whose burdens have you helped to carry? At the end of the day are you tired from being available to help others or from building a financial empire just for you, no time for anyone else? It is important that the work you do brings joy to the heart, opens the mind to those around you who are less fortunate, and impress you to share with others your time and treasure.

It is said many hands make lite work and the idle mind is the devils workshop, finding the best work to do requires guidance and what better example than the one of a man who considers no one unlovable. He was not seeking fame or fortune, but; seeking to repair the broken, set the captive free, and showing the lost the way. His story has been shared through the ages as an example as to how we should live our lives; loving unconditionally, forgiving those who hurt us, helping those in need, and doing our work from the heart not just for selfish gain. His name is Jesus, His story is true, He lived on the earth, He died a cruel death on behalf of you and me and He stands as our intercessor before the Master of the universe.

Are you willing to open your heart to Him so He can guide you to the work He needs you to do? Work that leads to eternity in His presence.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

What comes to your mind when you hear the phrase ” standing in the shadows”? Do you picture a dark area where someone might be hiding? Maybe you think of seeing your shadow on the ground on a bright sunny day. Some might think of the boy in the childrens fairy tale who refused to grow up; losing his shadow and requiring a young friend to sew it back on. Unfortunately, life is not a fairy tale; the shadows that we sometimes experience can be physically, mentally, and spiritually daunting.

The shadow of fear chains the mind and causes the heart to palpitate, the shadow of doubt brings confusion and stagnation; they are both distractions, tools of the enemy to hide the light. They introduce us to darkness and cause us to forget the promises of our Lord; ” I will never leave or forsake you” Heb 13:5, “no weapon formed against you shall prosper” Isaiah 54:7 and “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like the shifting shadows” James 1:17. Because of these promises we don’t have to stand in the shadows.

On the pathway of life there will be shadows,but; the word of the Lord is a lamp to guide our feet and a light to our path Psalm 119:105. When we put our trust in Him we are not given the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a strong mind 2Tim1:7. We must not stand in the shadows but shake off anything that blinds us from the light of love shining from our heavenly Father. Submit all our ways to His care and He will give us rest from the daily worries of life.

He is willing to carry the burdens that life puts on our shoulders without complaint, in 2Cor12 He assures us with ” My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” and James4:7 says” submit yourselves therefore to God; but resist the devil and he will flee from you”. We can be strong and courageous, we don’t have to be overcome by the shadows sent to consume us; take hold of the light of love that reaches out to us and walk out of the shadow of darkness. Love will never fail, it will give all it has so we can be free, it illuminates the shadows so we can see clearly the path to take.

We must not linger or hesitate, the longer we stand in the shadows the blinder we become to the light and they will become emcompassing. Remember we must resist the enemy to break the power of his hold on us. When we accept the light of love we will have the strength needed to resist the devil who dwells in darkness.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

Very soon mother nature will change her dress, the radiant green will begin to fade. Slowly autumn leaves will appear; soft yellows, bright oranges, royal reds and browns displayed on every landscape. The beauty of her new dress dazzling to every eye. Isn’t it strange how some trees never change, they remain the same through every season; full and green. Life tends to slow down just a little; we prepare for harvest, take long walks in the forest or woods, we listen more intensely to the sounds of nature as it prepares for transformation.

In each season of life there is transformation, this requires death and rebirth; a new creation springs forth from the ashes of the old. The season of mans life can be very short or very long, the key that determines which unfortunately is not in his control; however, there are some simply life instructions given to man to aide in this determination. We are told to “honor thy father and thy mother that they days may be long upon the land which the Lord they God giveth thee” Ex 20:12. There is no caveat to this, honor is due no matter who your parents are or may become.

In our earthly walk we should be merciful, meek, pure in heart, and peacemakers among all man. We must be slow to anger and gentle when we speak, ” a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” Proverbs 15:1. “Blessed is the man that walk not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night” Psalms 1. This means we must choose the right path and not be influenced by others, stay away from those who indulge in sinful behavior, and do not mock God or sin, but study His word diligently.

The autumn of this world is rapidly approaching and the great harvest of our God soon to begin, those who have been transformed into the character of Gods only Son will be rewarded at His appearing and those who like the tree that never changes, will be destroyed by the brightness of His appearance. Time is running out, today is the day of decision; will your transformation bring rebirth into eternal bliss with the Father, a crown of gold from the Son, and a celebration with the saints of all generations or will you cry out to the mountains? They cried out to the mountains and rocks, ” fall on us and hide us from the face of the one who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb”. Rev.6:16

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

The quiet night was shattered by the sound of bells ringing, something was wrong; help was needed. Footsteps could be heard through the windows, slightly opened to capture the gentle night breeze. Should I get up to see or just wait until morning to get the news? This was the question in my mind, as the tumult outside my window grew so did my curiosity; sleep had been interrupted, I guess getting up was a must.

Pulling the curtains back my eyes beheld the fires raging at the end of the street, more alarms began to ring as the fireman battled the blaze that seemed to be getting the best of them. More fireman appeared as if out of thin air, all of them trying desperately to contain the blazing buildings. A crowd of neighbors aroused from sleep were standing in front of their homes with shocked faces and clutching their children. Above all the noise I heard a voice from the crowd say, “is everyone out of the buildings, have they been rescued, are they safe?”

This could be a scene from a movie, a book, or a real life situation; it calls for action to preserve the life or property in peril of destruction. Someone has to sound the alarm for help. Mankind is like those burning buildings, it is engulfed in turmoil and darkness. Life has lost it’s value and love for others is being consumed by evil. Who will rescue us? The fires of evil are quickly over spreading our world. Who will sound the alarm, we are desperately in need of help. Is there anyone willing to fight this foe? Is this a losing battle and are we destined to be lost?

From the portal of time I heard, ” I’m here and My blood covers all who wish to be free of the darkness”. I gave it that all could be rescued from the grasp of evil, come let me wash and deliver you”. I heard the cry of your heart and have answered the call, the alarm sounded; help has arrived. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Roman 10:13

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace