settingatthepoolofgrace

When you think about the greatest expression of love, what comes to mind? For some it’s their families; parents and children, others their spouse or some material things. Love is viewed from many different perspectives; the artist paints a picture, the poet pens a poem, the musician writes a symphony and for some the grandeur of the world that surrounds them equates to love.

Love is such a simple word, yet; the intricacy of it is unfathomable. So many people love on the surface, they are present as long as nothing is required of them. Some will partially commit themselves to love as long as they don’t have to give to much. To say we love is as easy as opening the mouth and allowing the words to escape, but; when the heart is not the motivator the words are void of life.

Love is an action that is expressed by doing, it is easily recognized when displayed. It doesn’t wait to be called upon, it sees the need and responds; it gives without expectation of reward and it will sacrifice for others. It was the Love of God that created the worlds, it was a perfect love; a love supreme. Love that never gets tired, constantly forgives, is always ready to rescue those who lose their way and willing to sacrifice.

This is a love that never stops loving, even when it is rejected it continues to love; Gods heart was broken when His greatest creation was marred by disobedience and sin began, His love for man so strong He wrapped Himself in flesh and came to redeem mankind; He gave His life an expression of love so mankind could be free of sin, recreating His love in them again. For love no sacrifice is to great, in love there is life and that eternal.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

He considered it an emergency, after all he was hurting for two weeks, yet; here he is sitting in the waiting room. She needed that job, any job like yesterday; time was running out on her finances, soon they would be gone. She had placed applications all over the place, but; she still waited on a response. There are times in life when all hope is gone, friends are unable to help, resources seem non existent and you find yourself at the end of your rope. I heard a saying once about this very situation, “when you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hold on.”

Sounds simple, right; the answer is on the way, just wait. The messenger came to Him saying” Master the one that you love is sick”, yet; He stayed where He was for three more days. On the fourth day He said to His companions “let us go to Lazarus for he sleepiest and I go to wake him.” While the sisters of Lazarus waited for their friend to come, he died; four days had passed and it was believed his body had began to decompose. When they sent the message they were sure He would come and save their brother, can you imagine how they felt as they waited.

Can you imagine the questions they might have had when Lazarus died, after all they had heard how He gave sight to the blind, healed the lame, cleansed the lepers and cast out demons; surely He would heal their brother and His good friend. How disappointed they must have been when He didn’t come immediately to their brothers bed side. When He arrived the grief of the sisters weighed heavily on His heart, where have you laid him; He asked? Come and see was the response, it was a cave with a great stone covering the entrance.

Remove the stone was His instructions, but; Lord by this time he stink. Once the stone was removed He lifted His eyes to the heavens and with a resounding voice said ” Lazarus come forth”. To the amazement of all who stood by, there in the entrance wrapped in grave clothes stood Lazarus; lose him and let him go the Master said. At the voice of the Master even death must obey, it could no longer hold him that was set free. The sisters received their brother alive again, their waiting was not in vain. We must always remember no matter the circumstances God is still in control; His time is not our time and His ways are not our ways.

When we find ourselves in the waiting room of life, while we wait we must trust God will work everything out for our good. Through His son Jesus the Christ we are given the privilege to take all our burdens to Him. As He resurrected him who was dead, He can also bring back to life whatever has died or is dying in our lives, we just have to trust Him and wait.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

Nature is an aphrodisiac, it touches us in the very core of our being. Many of us live such fast pace lives consumed by the hustle and bustle we fail to experience the beauty of our world. What we see in nature is God’s smile on the world He created. When we take the time to step aside from the busyness of life and seclude ourselves we can hear natures voice speaking to us. Long walks in the woods surrounded by trees standing tall, their branches reaching to the heavens quiets our spirits; peace and calm invade, sunlight touching our skin awakens every fiber of our being.

Have you every wondered how some people can sit on the bank of the river, stream or even a pond pole in hand quietly contemplating life all day whether there is a catch or not? To some this is a waste of time, yet; to others this is when in the solitude of nature they experience the presence of the Master. Maybe it’s at the top of a mountain top covered in snow, isolated from the clamor of the world; it could be just sitting on your porch listening to the rain gently falling from the sky. Whatever path we choose to connect with the beauty of the world that surrounds us, Gods handprint is evident.

Unfortunately, there is another side to nature; sin has caused destruction and devastation through nature. Typhoons, tornadoes, hurricanes, and tsunami plague our world, many souls lost. Thunder can be heard in a distance announcing the coming storm, lighting flashes as it draws nearer. It is at the first warning we should be preparing for the siege. We must seek our anchor before we find our selves in the middle of the storm fighting for survival. The anchor must be steadfast and immovable; strong enough to withstand the turbulence. Jesus the Christ is that anchor, in Him we can rest assured that He can calm the storm; remove the dark clouds and restore peace to our water of life.

When we are connected to the one who created nature, we don’t need to fear when we hear thunder in a distance, we just have to remember who’s sleeping in our boat.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

The melody of our lives is given to us when our light springs forth from the void of darkness. It is the rhythm by which we grow, become acquainted with our deepest desire, and attain knowledge of our connection to every other created thing. Hearts that reach out to hear the melody of other hearts as their life song plays. Some connections last unbroken by time or distance, some only last for a season, and some are instantly repelled because their melodies don’t blend together.

All creation has a song to sing, when we tune in we can hear the wind as it whispers to the trees, the stars and moon as they salute the night sky, and the streams as they gently kissing the shore. Have you ever wondered why you can hear a melody or song that no matter how much time has passed since you first heard it, it remains somewhere locked in your mind until you hear the beginning of it’s melody and like an old friend it rises from the ashes of memory to cause your heart to rejoice.

That’s the magic our song of life has, it can lift us when our hearts are heavy; when trouble blocks our pathway and we feel hopeless. Even when tragedy assails us the band plays on, the music never stops; just for a moment we may not hear it, but; the Great Conductor of life continues to direct the heart to sing. He lifts His baton, all nature responds; joining in with our melody of love strengthening the song. The rhythm may change, as long as time remains; the Conductor will stay the same and the band will play on as our hearts sing their songs.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

I have no doubt that at one time or another in your life you have been a student, education is very important to our growth in becoming productive in our families, our communities, and our world. I’m sure during your experience in your institute of learning you received from the instructor a study guide, most study guides give you insight into materials on which you will be tested. You could say they are a refresher of information you should know.

While they only give an overview, it is enough to expose your weak areas letting you know what you should give extra attention. How you use the study guide will impact the outcome of the test when taken. Some students see this as an opportunity to excel, others may feel it’s just another piece of paper to deal with, they are confident in their mastery of the information. The guide can also be a way to clarify instructions, point out details and key points.

A blueprint can be a form of study guide; it gives all the pertinent information needed to build a structure or correct a mistake in the building of something. As human beings we too have been given a blueprint or study guide for life. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God John1:1. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made John 1:3. And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory as the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth John 1:14

The life of Jesus the Christ, the only begotten son of the Most High is our study guide for life. Through Him we are shown what our lives should be; compassionate, loving, forgiving, thoughtful, helpful and in constant communication with the Most High. In His written instructions, the bible; we see the love and faithfulness of the Father as well as His sacrifice for our redemption. He has given each of us the choice to serve or not to serve Him.

It was through the life and death of His son, Jesus the Christ God’s love for mankind was expressed. We must seek to emulate the character of Jesus in our lives. In Him can be found unconditional love, joy, peace, redemption and salvation. He lights our path to eternal life with the Father, unfortunately; some will not see the beauty in the example given, their rejection of the example will impact their lives when the last test is given, this test will determine their destiny; salvation or destruction.

Only when we fully commit to total submission to Jesus, follow His example and exhibit His character will we have life more abundantly here and in the world to come live in the presence of the Son and the Father.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

Conflict among men has been a constant in every generation, a dark shadow has covered creation since the first act of disobedience by man. The spirit of greed has been the destruction for many, the spirit of power takes captive those who are weak, and leaders and kings live lavishly as there people suffer the tragic results of their wars. Loss of life, generations to come that will never be; scares that will last a lifetimes for those who survive, families robbed of fathers, mothers, sisters and brother.

Many left without homes wander aimlessly in war torn streets; orphaned children searching the rubbish for food to eat. It seems so abstract to some, they just see the destruction as being in far away countries; not near their homes. They empathize as they watch the news on tv, saying to themselves; I feel sorry for you, but; I’m glad it’s not me. Yet, are we safe from the destruction of war? 1Thessalonia 5:3 tells us “for when they shall say peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.”

Through out earths history a war has been raging for the souls of mankind. Unseen demonic forces seek to win the allegiance of man, turning him away from his Creator. They are lead by a satanic being who was banished from the Heavenly court, pride told him he could be greater than his Creator; causing great rebellion. The greatest deception he has played on mankind was to make him believe he doesn’t exist. The goal is to destroy the earth and the Father Creators children with it.

The last battle is approaching, time for man to decide what side of the battle he will fight on. Time is winding down and soon the sign of Christ return will appear in the clouds, Revelations 1:7 says “behold He is coming with the clouds, and every eye shall see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the nations of the earth will mourn over Him.” While it will be to late , man will realize his sins and guilt and will anticipate the wrath of God.

The Redeemer is making a loving plea to all entangled in satan’s web who wish to be free. Please don’t wait, seek the face of Jesus the Christ before it’s to late. The last battle will come, satan and all who follow him will be destroyed; God will erase all sin and the earth will be made new again. A gift to all who believe on His Son, they will be His people and He will be their God.

My revelation as i sit by the pool of grace

The summer sun had not reached its full strength, the promise of wonder lingered on the breeze as nature began to sing its melody of life. Quiet ripples in the stream, the fragrance of flowers filling the air, birds and butterflies playing in the wind. What a beginning, a day that has never been before, not just another day; but, a perfect day.

Can’t say whether it was morning or evening; sunny or raining, but it was a happy day for all present to witness the blessed event. On loves whisper I arrived, breathing life for the very first time; tiny hands reaching out to grasp the face of love. It was your face my eyes gazed upon at their first opening, your smile that embraced me gently.

Memories of my life invade my mind as I look back over the years, days filled with joy, laughter, some pain and some tears; traces of faces no longer remembered. Time has a way of stealing our youthful dreams as youths folly fades into adulthood and the responsibilities of life surrounds one. Relationships come and go, children leave the nest, and you begin to feel the affects of aging; you don’t move like you once did.

So many years have passed; as I sit now considering your grace extended to me, my heart is over joyed with gratefulness. Through every life experience you have been present shining your love upon me, leading me in the direction I should go, and redirecting me when I strayed from the path. My journey in the wilderness was interrupted when your love found me, leading me to the light. Basking in the light of that love has chased away the darkness that was invading my life.

As I sit gazing through my window watching the sunlight dance in and out of the trees, the fluffy white clouds drift lazily across the sky; I left my eyes to the heavens to say thank you to my Heavenly Father, it is not just another day, but; the day You whispered my name into existence. To Him I give glory and honor and praise, He gave me a birthday.

My revelation as i sit by the pool of grace

On a hot summer day there is nothing more refreshing than a tall glass of cold water, I know some would prefer tea, iced coffee or even a cold beer. However, we can all agree none of them really quenches the thirst like fresh water. Water is a very important element in sustaining life in the body. Water is inside our cells, around our cells and in our blood. It is imperative we keep our bodies hydrated at all times. When dehydration occurs we experience serious health related problems; seizures, kidney and urinary issues, and heat injury such as stroke can be caused by the body losing hydration.

We must replenish our water or fluid intake daily, our bodies will tell us when we are in need of hydration; fatigue, muscle cramping, headaches, and in some cases constipation tell us water is needed. When we really think about it everything in nature benefit from water; trees, grass, birds and other animals enjoy fresh water falling from the sky. Even the dry desert enjoys the rain from time to time. For some of us our lives have become a dry desert in need of hydration, the problems we face have drained us of all hope; we thirst for relief and renewed hope to overcome our daily plight.

A song was written that said” there is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Immanuel’s veins and sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains”. Jesus is the fresh water needed for all who wish to experience a bountiful life. John7:37 tells us “Jesus cried out saying, if any one thirst; let him come to me and drink.” John 4:14 tells us Jesus said “whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst, but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” This living water is the Holy Spirit which we receive from the Father at the request of Jesus our redeemer.

This gift is granted to anyone who is willing to give their lives to Him. It is through the Holy Spirit flowing from our hearts we bring light to the dark world. His living fresh water falling on those we come in contact with brings renewed hope, love, peace, joy and forgiveness to those who are thirsty. If you find your life is becoming as dry as a desert, come to the fountain of life and drink; be revitalized by the living water, Jesus the Christ.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

There was a time when women would meet at the river with their laundry basket to do their wash. This was a time of catching up on the news of the day, for some it was prayer time, and for some a time of greeting neighbors seldom seen. I’m sure we can imagine how taxing laundry day was for those who lived during this era, however; clean clothes was a must after traveling the dusty roads.

Most of us only concentrate on the outward appearance, seldom do we consider the dirt building up on the inside. Many of our houses are so dirty no light can be seen, our eyes reveal how dead we are on the inside; maybe just a glimmer of life can be found. Every lie told, every act of violence, every selfish act, the lack of compassion, envy, and hate in any form dumps more and more dirt on our insides.

This build up doesn’t happen over night, but; over time. Some of us justify our actions so it takes us longer to realize how dirty our house has become. We are to busy pointing out the flaws we see in others to look inward, our dirty laundry keeps piling up while we sit in judgement of those around us. With the invention of washer and dryers for the home and laundry mats this task is not as daunting as it once was.

It can be said laundry day is a breeze, you put them in the washer dirty and when the cycle is over they come out clean; the dryer has taken the place of hanging them in the sun to dry. The process has been simplified, but; not so for all the dirty build up in our lives. How do we clean away all the years of pain, anger, envy, selfishness, violence and distrust that has accumulated in our hearts?

It is said “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9. As fallen human beings we don’t have the ability to change ourselves, we need a heart transplant from the one who created us. To trade our dirty heart for a renewed clean heart, this can ONLY be done through Jesus the Christ. He will replace the dirt in our hearts with joy, love, laughter, beauty, happiness, and life more abundantly.

Give Him your heart and let Him cleanse it, He was born, died, and rose again for our salvation, He alone has the power to change the heart.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

When planning for an event, campaign or conflict of any kind; the unknown must be considered. It is imperative to have a contingency plan before jumping into anything that is a new adventure. Most of the time we think we have covered all the bases until the unexpected happens. What will we do if no contingency plan is in place? Unfortunately, life is the thing we can’t always have a plan for; or can we?

There are many circumstances that affect us daily, these cause us to search for solutions, worry, or have extreme anxiety. Some of us consider our savings as our contingency, however; one catastrophe can wipe them out in the twinkle of the eye. No contingency plan conceived by man is soundproof, errors and miscalculations are always possible. Just when you think you have worked out the kinks, the unexpected takes over and the dominoes begin to fall.

I have found one contingency plan that I would like to recommend, if you put this plan into action before anything else; success can be guaranteed. This plan has a name, He says” I Am the way, the truth, and the life.” He encompasses all we need to navigate life no matter what circumstances it may bring to us. Often we stress about how important our need is, there is no room for delay, but; with this plan time is not relative, He is never late.

He works out every situation for our good, we are constantly on His mind and when we give Him control the journey gets so much easier to walk. Every battle we will face can be won through Him. He is acquainted with the trials and temptations that come up against us, He has the answers; we don’t have to worry, just trust Him. I’m sure you want to know His name and how you can put this plan in force in your life. Allow me to introduce you to Jesus the Christ, the only way to conquer life’s worry and strife.

Surrender is the method by which you can invite Him into your life and give Him control, read His word to get to know Him better and attain His promises. Then keep communication with Him through prayer, opening your heart to Him. The problems of life will not disappear, however; He will make the rocky roads smooth, calm the storms and give us joy for our stress. Now that you have this information what will be your contingency plan? Will you choose Him over self or continue to struggle through life alone?

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.