settingatthepoolofgrace

We tend to get so excited over our favorite sports team winning the game or that incredible shot made by a great basketball player, tennis or golf pro. There is something about it that gets our adrenaline flowing causing our vocal cords to respond gleefully. As this year draws to a close we celebrate the greatest event in human history, the birth of a very special child. What makes Him so special you ask? His birth was foretold by the prophets of old, His mother was a virgin, He was both human and divine at the same time, and His life was for a divine purpose; to save the lost.

Christmas is the time we choose to celebrate His story, but; in our celebrations we seem to have lost sight of Him. We gather with family and friends to share a meal, give gifts to each other, sing and in some homes dance. We seem to have become more and more materialistic with each passing year, seldom do we consider those who have not just the simple necessities of life. The example He gave by His catering to the least of these; the outcast of society, the broken hearted, the poor and homeless was His life work.

His heart of compassion reached out to all in need, everywhere He walked the light of love dispelled the darkness and broke the bonds of those enslaved to sin. Freedom from sin was made available to all who wished to be free. The time to make a joyful noise is here, we must retell His story far and near; shout it from the mountain tops that all may hear. The redeemer has come, the fulfillment of a promise made in times past by a loving Father to His wayward children. This is the true reason for the season, as you open the presents found under the tree; let your mind dwell upon the present mankind received many years ago in a isolated stable and make a joyful noise.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

The journey long, the dessert hot, and the donkey a little uncomfortable, yet; the trip was mandatory. It had been decreed all should return to their place of birth and register for the census. Today we can’t begin to imagine how tedious this must have been for a very pregnant teen, newly wed and far from family. There were no hospitals within reach, no ambulances in case of emergency. Although none of these were available, this young couple didn’t fret, they were guided by an unseen force; no fear accompanied them on their journey.

When they reached their destination the city was a buzz, people from everywhere had converged upon the city; the street were so crowded they were hard to traverse. Her time was getting close, shelter had to be found. Her husband was trying his best to find room for them in the Inn’s, but; no room was found. Finally he was offered room in one Inn keeper’s stable, in this lowly stable the King of life was scheduled to come forth. Who could’ve imagined the joy of Angels was about to enter the world in such humble conditions, He was the Fathers gift to a diseased and dying world. To guide the misguided back to loves truth.

The stable was made ready as best they could to receive Heavens gift, the animals looked on with curiosity shining from their eyes, even they could feel the magic of the moment. Life for the masses was moving as usual, they had no idea what was about to take place in this little town; the almighty God would become a man. The plan to reclaim His children was in full affect, mankind redeemed, and the enemy of souls destroyed. Without warning the heavens rang with song, the night sky illuminated like the morning as Angels declared peace and good will to the earth.

The announcement was given, He is here; the savior is born and Jesus is His name; He will save His people from their sins. It was time for celebration He came to free the captives and change the hearts of men. He was here to give an example by the life He lived, loving unconditionally all who let Him in. Destined to die upon a tree that redemption could be offered to you and me. The plan of salvation would be complete as His blood flowed from Calvary. His birth was the beginning of the end for all who wished to dwell in sin. Yes, it’s true He was here; and will come again, be ready.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

Secret- something that is kept or meant to be unknown by others. Surrender- to submit to authority. Isn’t it strange how the application of words can define situations. For most people thanksgiving preparation can be daunting, can you imagine the stress level when your oven goes out in the middle of your mac & cheese cooking. There is no one in the management office, the phone mailbox is full and you don’t know the emergency maintenance number. You begin to consider your options, although you wanted a nice family dinner at home; surrendering to circumstances you can’t control becomes the option to take.

We often find ourselves in situations which require us to surrender, for instance we do it to settle disagreements by changing our position. Adam and Eve had no idea they were surrendering humankind to the hidden secret of the enemy, his deception lead man into a world of decay and disobedience seeking to be greater than their Creator. In secret they surrendered to the wrong power; blinded by the lie they strayed from divine love and truth. The curse of their fall is still a plague on mankind today. Each act of hatred we silently surrender to the enemy; through greed, unkindness, selfishness, envy, murder, lying and unforgiveness we surrender to the wrong power.

This power is loveless, self seeking, and it’s only goal is the destruction of man. For more than 2000 years he has roamed the earth, decay following every footstep; binding up the souls of the deceived. He implies there is no hope of freedom from the chains of sin he has bound his captives with. In secret Love and Truth met with Grace and Mercy, they refused to remain hidden; enclosed in flesh they came into the world of decay and suffering seeking to save the lost; bringing redemption and restoration. The enemy began a furious attack, but; Grace and Mercy showed its strength on behalf of man. AS Love hang bleeding on the tree He silently surrendered to Gods will and the fate of the enemy was finally sealed.

Man’s freedom was purchased, the price paid; Love won the war, eternity assured when He rose from the grave for all willing to surrender ALL to Love.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

The twilight of life is drawing near, the years pass quickly; as memories fade with time. Faces, cherished experiences and places float away from the mind like leaves on the wind. The question is asked ” what are you grateful for?” The mind comes alive as the bells of thought ring summoning the answers to attention. Life, the breath of God in the body; the first bell to ring, for it is written with His hands He formed man from the dust of the ground and breathe into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul. Choice, the second bell to ring; He didn’t want to control mankind as robotic beings, but; to share His love with those who would love Him back freely and unconditionally.

To have the opportunity to decide for ones self the direction to go whether it is right or wrong, the consequences good or bad and to know it is always possible to start over again. Sacrifice, the third bell to ring; the story of a man whos life paved the way for redemption to all who lost their way and separated themselves from the heart of love. As He walked among men He reminded us that self is most important when it caters to the needs of others, love is the greatest gift we can give and no sacrifice should be to great for those you love; death being the ultimate gift. Time, the fourth bell to ring, no one can say how long or short the life journey will be, however; each day brings a new chance to change what we did wrong the day before. To say “I’m sorry” for things done or said that hurt the heart.

To rethink our actions in the clear light of a new morning, to realize no tomorrow is promised and value the opportunity each day brings. Family, the fifth bell to ring; many pearls tied together on one string, the foundation for life’s journey. Every foundation different and unique, many branches on a tree firmly planted in fertile ground. As branches break away the tree continues to grow, strengthening the branches that remain. Recognizing the traits of the ancestors in each generation that follows, allowing love for each member to overcome any difficulties or misunderstandings that come to divide and conquer or separate one from the other. The sixth bell was Truth, to know the truth as it is in Jesus the Christ who alone can set one free. Through the mirror of Christ we see ourselves as we truly are; covered in filthy rags, selfish and self centered, envious, and deceived.

The true reflection of our character causes us to seek redemption and transformation which is only found when we submit our will to the will of Jesus our redeemer. The final bell that rang was Joy, my heart began to smile as thoughts of joy filled every cavity within it. The song of birds, the brilliance of the sunshine, the fragrance of flowers and the smell of the air after a spring shower. A baby’s first smile, first words and first steps. The very first time the words “I love you” are said and when the words “forgive me” heal a wounded heart. I’m over come with joy and my thoughts begin to recapture memories lost with time. I have found that joy centered in Jesus, the question I pose to you is “what are you grateful for?”

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

Thank you for the bloody tree on which you gave your life for me. So unworthy of the grace you gave to set my sinful soul free, I was hopeless and lost in sins misery. I can’t imagine where I would be if your love had not rescued me. Now with clear eyes a new world I see, full of splendor and majesty. Nature sings your song, my heart rejoices at it’s melody. Thank you for each new day no matter what may come my way.

You’re ever present to hold my hand when I feel weak and cannot stand. Thank you for every tear cried, for pain, laughter, family and friends; for lessons learned through the years. For every new branch on the family tree and all the love showered on me. Thank you for your spirit to guide me along the way, strengthen me against temptation; that I will no stray. To develop my character with each new day, teaching me how to love the agape way. Thank you for the unconditional love that covers all my faults, for redeeming me back to the Father; so I won’t be lost, but by your grace and mercy I shall stand upon the Heavenly sea of glass.

I thank you with all I am and ever hope to be, Thank you Jesus for loving me

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

Lost in the dark night, no light in sight

could not see the path that lay before me

The road rocky beneath my feet I stumbled and

fell upon my knees, crying out in the darkness; help please

Unseen hands lifted me peace I couldn’t understand assured me I

would master the path. Guided step by step as if someone was holding

my hand I found myself on smoother land. The night had ended on the

horizon I can see light. The sun has risen in me, no darkness in sight.

The joy of the Lord has filled my soul, finally I have been made whole.

I am forever grateful

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

On October 31 in various places many will celebrate what is commonly known as Halloween, all saints day, or day of the dead. This is mostly a pagan practice which dates back centuries. It’s history is shadowed by things associated with darkness, however; today it is celebrated as a time for children to dress up in costume and go from house to house requesting candy or treats. If by chance you have no candy or treats, you just might get a trick played on you. Everyday in someway we are being desensitized to the darkness which is consuming our lives.

It is said the greatest deception perpetrated on mankind is believing the evil one (Satan) does not exist. My question to you is, if you can believe in ultimate good, why is it so hard to believe in ultimate evil? Through the many avenues of media we have turned off our senses to the world we live in which is rapidly changing into a very dark place. The prince of darkness has staked his claim and is capturing the hearts of many through tv we watch, books we read, and laws that govern us.

Violence is rampant, we are losing our humanity; no value for life, we so easily take that which we have no power to give. Our children have become prey, spaces that were once considered zones of safety for them are disappearing. Every mother worries when her child leaves home if this will be the last hug or goodbye. The beauty of our world is being hidden under a basket, seldom do we hear the news of love and kindness being shown, we are being force feed; greed, popularity, selfishness, violence and destructive lifestyles as a normal way of life.

Mankind fell with the deception of our first parents, today our world is beginning to resemble the world in the days of Noah, Sodom & Gomorrah and Nineveh; all which were destroyed for their wickedness. We were warned to not fall prey to the prince of darkness, 1Peter 5:8 says” Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour”. Jesus tells us “I saw Satan fall like lightening from Heaven”. It is time to awake from sleep, take the blinders off; guard our eyes, ears, hearts and minds for the devil is real; not a figment of the imagination.

The enemy is always looking for his next victim to infect with evil and turn them from the love of the Father, don’t let it be you// We are told to resist the devil and he will flee from you, Jesus is our helper and will give us strength to stand against the temper; we can be victorious through Him.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

It was a dream coming true, they had longed for a home of their own for some time; finally keys in hand their new life could begin. Everyone wanted to love in this community; it had good schools, greenery lined streets, and a park was directly across from their new home; who could ask for more. In front of the garage set two very large shining trash containers reflecting the sunlight. As time passed those shiny cans began to dull, stains began to accumulate on every surface.

There were times the trash just would not stay in them, it would be all over the sides and the surrounding ground. Each week the cans would be set at the end of the driveway and emptied by a city refuse worker, sometimes the cans would get banged up and dented by mistreatment. Have you ever given any thought to what happens to all the trash collected? Where do they take it? How do they get rid of it? Do we ever think of cleaning the trash cans, restoring them to the shiny cans they were in the beginning .

We are just like those shiny new cans, we are born into this sin stained world seeing it through eyes of amazement and hope. We were each created uniquely wonderful with an appointed road to travel, a road that would eventually lead us to our greatest love and purpose. Unfortunately, in this life we have all made choices that cause us to change our direction and walk a different path. I’m sure you’ve heard the old saying “all that glitters ain’t gold”.

Along this path we begin to collect trash; our eyes collect trash from the movies we watch, books we read, social media we indulge in and copying the trends in fashion we see. Our ears collect trash from the things we hear and our mouths repeat or speak trash we have accumulated as we walk the path, we become trash dumps; not realizing we have assimilated the sinful world in which we live. Our hearts have become completely contaminated by sin.

How do we get back on track? Where can we empty the trash in our lives? How can we clean away all the stains of sin? It’s sad to say, but; we are just like those cans setting at the end of the driveway, we can’t empty ourselves. We need the loving hands of the Ultimate Refuse worker, He is not afraid to get dirty; He will do whatever it takes to empty out the trash and restore us to a shining reflection of Himself. Jesus is His name, ONLY He can cleanse the heart and renew in us the right spirit.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

If asked “what is your greatest need”, what would your response be? How long would you think about the question before you could answer it? We all at one time or another think our problems could be solved by having more material possessions. In our world we see money and power as most essential in meeting our desires; whatever we can’t obtain with power, money will buy for us. Yet, there are so many things we fail to recognize as necessary to life money nor power can control.

The air we breathe, the sunlight, rain, fresh water from a spring, the peace we find in nature, the melody of birds singing, the beauty of spring flowers and the relief found in forgiveness. All necessary, all free; all available to everyone. Throughout history man has struggled to fill the emptiness in his life with things, only to find they are not enough to satisfy his longing for completeness; which is the greatest need. We are fractured people living in a fractured world, looking for love in all the wrong places.

We travel down one road after another all of them leading to dead ends. ONLY when we realize what we are missing in our lives is the connection to our Creator which was lost when man fell can the voids in our lives be filled. The Father through the Son has made the path clear that we can find the way home and reconnect. Connection to the Son, Jesus the Christ is mankind’s greatest need; receiving Him in the heart opens the door to Heavens storehouse. All that we need can be found in Him.

Thank you Father that your love for us would not leave us in our sinful condition, disconnected from true love and lost in darkness. Jesus so willingly gave of Himself that we could find completeness in Him and connect once again with the Father who can fill all the voids in the life of man.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

Looking through the lens of a camera you see the image of real life, when the picture is snapped the image can be reflected on paper; if properly cared for the picture can last a very long time. When we look into the mirror of life what is reflected is what we have been taught by example or experience. I’m sure you’ve heard the expression,” that’s the way mommy did it and papa did it , so that’s the way I do it”.

Some reflect joy and compassion when looking in the mirror, while; others reflect sadness and hostility. In some cases the mirror will crack and in others it will be shattered into pieces. It is said the eyes are the window to the soul, they capture what we think we are hiding on the inside, but; the pain of a dying soul is reflected from the eyes. The happy mask we wear can be deceptive, yet; the eyes don’t lie, the truth is reveled through them.

Whether your life mirror is cracked or shattered, there is hope; the same loving hands that created the worlds wants to re-create you; to gently collect your broken pieces putting them together again more beautiful than before. He will smooth all the ruff edges, clean away the dirt and debris and polish your mirror until it beams with pure light. The light that only pure love can give.

His love will be reflected from your mirror of life, it’s glow drawing others to His love through your daily walk with Him. Souls seeking repair will be captivated by the joy of restoration emanating from your eyes. There are no cracked or shattered mirrors that are excluded, none are beyond repair; the cost of restoration has been paid in full for all who wish to be renewed.

If for any reason you feel you are unrepairable, just remember the Potter wants to put you back together again, His love will reach you wherever you are; none will He turn away who seeks His love and restoration; He has said “when you seek Him you will find Him”.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace