settingatthepoolofgrace

The world we live in is amazing, filled with the wonders of a Creator’s touch; the human body being the Master’s master piece.  Like the notes created by the piano, it’s melody excites the senses.  The smell of fresh bread baking, chicken frying, and coffee brewing stimulates the appetite creating the desire to indulge.

Rose petals floating atop scented water, candle light, soft music  and chocolate; the scene is set for romance.  A love poem written from the pen and heart of someone special declaring to the world “the heart of the matter”.  The joy generated from receiving a bouquet of roses or a beautiful card causes the heart to bloom with fullness.

We express our feelings of love in numerous ways and actions, yet; the body would be lifeless if the heart is removed.  So is man lifeless, when Jesus is not present in the life.  Jesus is Love, when he is absent from the equation; no love exist. Without him what we experience is a counterfeit emotion called love.

The enemy of souls fills the emptiness in the life of man, when he has closed the door to Jesus.  He clouds the mind and darkens the heart causing man to exalt himself above others.  The true heart of the matter is, when we open the door to Jesus; he opens  the door to life abundant, love that is unconditional, and indescribable joy.

In him love’s light radiates, it’s reflection seen  by all through you; as your life is transformed by his presence dwelling within.  Valentine’s day has been designated to say to those we consider special in our lives how much we love them in a physical expression of some type.

Many will give flowers, some will give candy , some will give candy and flowers and some will prepare or go out for a special dinner.  As we indulge in this tradition created by man, let’s remember what “the heart of the matter” really is; LOVE is grounded in Jesus the Christ, GOD’s expression of LOVE for man.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

The sun rose with it’s beautiful orange glow breaking through the morning clouds.  So unique and radiant, different from any day before it.  We often fail to realize how different each day really is. Nature’s tapestry reveals to man the beauty of creation which is different, yet; so much the same.

The night sky studded with stars, none which are identical; the landscape we become familiar with can change in an instant.  Sometimes our circumstances may last “just for the day”, tomorrow will bring new circumstances; new promises of opportunity.  However, this too is just a fleeting moment of time.

For many of us this is the only thing we have, just that day; it is very important that we realize the importance of the opportunities that are afforded us and to use them to our advantage.  each sunrise and sunset should leave us in awe of the Creator, his majesty, and power.

The voice that spoke and it stood fast, hands that molded man after it’s own image and gave him life; Creator of all things. What will you decide to do with the moments of life you are graced with?  If you knew in advance you had “just for today”, how would you use it?

Would you search for fortune and fame? seek to settle old debts? give and ask for forgiveness of past hurts? or would you allow the days events to unfold without any help from you? So many decisions to make, not enough time to choose, but; a choice must be made.

Consider, just for today; make a stranger smile, give unexpected help to someone in need, feed a child, offer someone shelter from the rain, console a breaking heart, help carry someones burden, inspire and encourage those who walk the path with you, and  make self your last thought.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

 

ever felt like you were in a deep dark hole? stranded on an island alone? or just lost with no direction? I’m sure we have all been there, drowning in the unknown; no relief in sight.  we try to hide our condition from those around us, putting on a smiling face as we project all is well as best we can.

Keeping the pain we are enduring secret is a great struggle, yet; we try to keep it hidden. Having lost sight of the light has allowed the darkness to invade with the intentions of consuming us totally.  We become trapped in the belly of the beast, hopeless; seeing no way of escape.

The question we ask ourselves is ” how did I get here?”, we search our minds to find the cause.  Maybe it was the abuse from childhood that was never spoken of, the anger still lingering for the abuser; so hard to forgive.  Maybe it’s because losing a job and living on the street can cause a family to loose all hope when just trying so hard to just survive.

Not knowing from day to day where the next meal will come from or if there will be a meal, whether the car will be to hot or to cold to sleep in for the night.  It could be the constant pain that your body experiences, the doctors can’t seem to tell you why; don’t know what to do to give you  relief from the torment.

The darkness is filled with life circumstances that can cause us to forget about the light, that is it’s objective; to give the perception no help is available to us.  It wants us to become comfortable in the belly of the beast, yet; there is no darkness  the light can’t penetrate.  We just must remember our way back to the light.

The giver of light has instructed us to call on him and he will answer; ask and we shall receive as long as we believe, knock and the door will be opened to us.  No matter what we maybe burden by from the destruction the beast places in our path, we must believe we can overcome when we lean on the  burden bearer.

He gives hope even in what seems hopeless, erases the darkness to allow light to shine in our lives, and reminds us he is all we need to conquer the dilemmas of this life.  Escape from the belly of the beast is possible, take all the burdens of life to the one who has the final answer to all the questions of life. Ask him to remove all  doubts, strengthen or faith, and forgive our failures.

The arise and shine, for the light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

We are never prepared for a crisis; thou we may have followed what we think will prepare us for the unexpected, it never seems to manifest itself as we might expect.  We set aside money, try to consider all the consequences, stock up on material and physical needs, establish a safe place and exit strategy.

The crisis may come in ways we don’t imagine, all of which can be devastating; fire, tornadoes, hurricanes and flooding.  Loss of employment, loss of home or family and illness.  These are just some of the things that can cause great hardship and stress to anyone who has to experience them.

To be deprived of all your worldly possessions; left with the questions, “what do I do now? where can I go?who can I trust to help me?”.  One of the most commonly experienced crisis is when illness strikes. It can be very stressful to be sick not knowing why or what the cause of the sickness may be.

You hear the doctor say, ” we need more test; it may be this  or it may be that or we think it could be something else”.  But where does that leave you? still ill and not knowing the cause of your pain.  Can you imagine the stress? yet, even in the storm there is peace to be had.

Whatever storm you may encounter, you can meet it in peace that passes understanding; you can possess a spirit of hope knowing this too will pass.  That you can and will be an over comer through Jesus Christ your unseen partner.  Although the storm may be more than you feel you can endure, he can calm the raging winds.

When we invite him into our lives, submit to his will and obey his instructions through the Holy Spirit; we can rest in his peace during the trials we may face. He alone encompasses all we need to succeed in this life.  He is our mighty defender, great physician, our provider and protector.

In him we can survive any storm we encounter. There will be times the resolution is not what we desire, but; he knows what we need and is willing to supply those needs. Trust is the key, we must walk the journey by faith and not by sight; knowing in him there is victory, never defeat.

In time of crisis we must always remember there is one who has tasted our infirmities, has over come temptations and has suffered the lash that by his stripes we can be healed.  We are destined to encounter storms as long as we have life, however; we are strengthened to endure knowing we are not alone.

We rest in the arms of love that will never fail us and will lead us to a place of peaceful rest in the midst of turmoil.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not here; I only have today to give to you a part of my heart.  Life is filled with precious treasure in the experiences we are allowed to experience.  Many times we think it is only our trial and doesn’t apply to anyone else, yet; each lesson we learn is to benefit others as it has benefited us.

We master the lesson so we can share with others at their weakest point. Life is a mysterious journey we all participate in, each one is different; we all take different avenues along the path.  we experience different joys, pains, challenges, heartaches, victories and insightful moments.

We all have different strengths and weakness, yet; each step we make along the path gives insight into the steps another may have to take.  Each lesson or victory we enjoy gives us the weapons needed to help someone else who is fighting the battle we have overcome.

Sometimes no matter how hard we try to succeed, life throws us so many monkey wrenches we find ourselves at our weakest point. Nothing we do seems to work out for our good, no one seems to have the answer we need. As one year ends and another begins we resolve to be better in the coming year then we were in the year passing into history.

Some vow to be more understanding and forgiving, some to shed some pounds, some to be thankful, some to be more helpful, and some to change their lives for the better.  It is at our weakest point we start to really think about how we live our lives, what our character says about us, and do we like what we are learning about ourselves.

It is in theses moments we are open to advise from those who have gone before us.  It is in these moments we are willing to try new things that might help our circumstances.  It is in these moments we are willing to submit to a power far greater then ourselves, his strength is made perfect in our weakness.

He will not broadcast our problems to the world, the magnitude of our problems will not cause him concern and he alone has the solution we need. He places us on his shoulder which is strong enough to carry us until our strength begins to grow, the more we lean on him the stronger we become.

It is imperative we learn to go to him before anxiety, doubt or fear takes residency in our lives; he is the greatest problem solver.  when we seek him first we build a defense against the enemy who waits for our weakest moments to attack.  He floods our thoughts with our past failures, our inadequacy and our losses.

He reminds us of those we have hurt or disappointed, he is the master deceiver and will do whatever will keep us away from the solution to our circumstances.  As you prepare to make those New Year resolutions place at the top of your list these recommendations for a better year.

Spend time in the Holy word before you start each day.  Remember all your interactions should come from a place of love. Never allow your problems to consume you, but give them all; great or small to the problem solver.  When offended, forgive; when you offend ask for forgiveness.

Acknowledge your responsibility to live the best life you can that your character will reflect that of your savior and redeemer.  Help others when you can without expectation of reward. Always giving glory, praise and honor to God; who alone is worthy.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

T he night was silent; stars filled the sky,the hillside was alight with small fires as the            shepherds warm themselves against the chill of the night.

H ow wonderful and peaceful, no one could imagine what was soon to happen; or how it      would change everything for all people.

E ven the animals grazing in the fields and those in their stalls could feel something was      very different about this particular night.

 

S tillness engulfed the township of Bethlehem as never before; the streets normally busy     with travelers, were now still.

A magical moment awaited the undeserving world, unaware of the glory soon to come          upon it.  Would it be ready?

V olumns had been written to announce the coming event, it was fore told by the                    prophets; the birth of this child.

I n a land far away, travelers prepare to follow a great star; it’s appearance in the                   heavens acknowledging the birth of a king.

O ver the road they traveled bringing their gifts for the child, to honor and give him              glory  only he was worthy to receive.

R ejoice all people, rejoice; your salvation is at hand, this child that is born has come to          save all men.

 

H ow can this be, some might ask? how can a babe rescue man? The answer to the                  question, this is no ordinary child; he is the Only son of God.

A ngels serenade the world with songs announcing the Holy birth, peace and goodwill to      all on the earth.

Stars seem to dance in the night sky, the moon joins in the celebration along with all             nature; giving witness to the saviors appearing.

 

C ome to Bethlehem and see, Christ the new born king; this invitation is given to you and      me,  to visit the quiet babe in the manger.

O come let us adore him, who is Christ the Lord; for he will save his people from their          sins and set them free.

M any hearts will be changed as the babe grows into a man; sacrifice himself on the             cross, buried in the tomb, but raised on the 3rd day with all power in his hands.

E ternity he offers to all who is willing to take his hand; accept his gift of salvation and         turn from their wicked ways.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

 

A world of wonder can be found between the covers, what covers; you ask? Well it could be the pages in a book or as one popular song states” between the sheets”. I’m sure that brings back memories for some of us.  When you pick up a book your attention is captured by the front cover; in the middle lay the adventure the author has penned for your enjoyment, finally the back cover puts an end to the story.

Sitting on the porch watching the ran fall on a spring day, the drops singing it’s song on the porch cover; the biggest tree on the yard, it’s branches reaching out over the landscape offering a shady cover under which we rest.  A nice warm blanket on a cold winter night snuggled next to someone you love. Simple, but; needed protection from the chill in the air.

How often do you give thought to how or what covers you?  There are so many kinds of coverings; coats, umbrellas, gloves, and hats. These would be considered personal coverings.  He was covered in swaddling cloth, Heavens perfect jewel; laying on a bed of hay in a stable as the starry night covered the hillside. A sinless child born into a world of sin.

His journey had begun along this read of life, divinity covered in flesh to suffer human strife. Our grief he understood and our pain he bore, tempted as we are but never yielding.  Holding to his Fathers hand he trod earths sin scarred land, reaching out in compassion and love to every man.

He became our assurance, covering us with his blood; to present us to his Father as new creatures transformed by his love.  His story has resonated through time changing hearts in every generation, all who are willing he invites to come unto him; we can find rest beneath his wings.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

Excitement filled the streets, each store window dressed in an array of beautiful lights; shoppers pass each other with smiling faces.  Everywhere it seemed preparation for the gathering had begun. From many homes the aroma of tasty treats drifted into  the air. Cookies, cakes,and pies; roasted turkey, ham, and sweet potatoes.

Preparation for the gathering was in full swing, yet; not everyone will be participating. Some of us look forward to every opportunity to get together with those we love; it could be a birthday celebration, a marriage ceremony, or even a sad occasion such as in death. During these times we gather, cook, and enjoy each others company.

We relive  moments that have past and share our future plans.  We talk about how the kids have grown over the year and who has had great achievements. However, in some homes this bright light of life doesn’t exist; no celebrations, no gatherings, and no fellowship.  The pantry is bare, no aroma floating in the air.

They only had each other, now well up in age all their family and friend were now gone; they were the last of their generation and feeling forgotten.  She was so confused, her parents just didn’t understand her; they couldn’t know how she was feeling. What else could she do but leave; the street has now become her home, lost and alone.

In life there is two sides to every circumstance, when there is celebration, somewhere there is sadness.  Not everyone enjoys the privilege of the gathering.  Those who enjoy this privilege must be mindful of those in our midst who are not as fortunate, we must consider them by including them in our gatherings.

It doesn’t have to be a big celebration, small celebrations bring the same joy and happiness to those who are lonely and lost.  Any kindness we extend is appreciated by those who feel they are forgotten.  I’m sure most of us don’t realize it was a very small gathering many years ago that changed the world for all of us.

On a hillside in Jerusalem the event occurred, attending was Mary, Joseph, some shepherds and a small group of animals.  The starry night held the wonder of anticipation;  the king had arrived and joy  had come to the world.  This one event was the beginning of the greatest story of a life that has ever been told.

A babe born to save the world from the decay caused by disobedience.  A life freely given in sacrifice for others.  The example of unconditional love and selflessness.  Shortly we will gather in homes across our country to commemorate this wonderful gift to mankind; your gathering may be large or small,  reach out to someone who maybe alone or without resources to celebrate during this season of giving.

The greatest gift one can give or receive is the gift of love, share yourself with someone this holiday season.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

Often in life we find we are so busy we don’t have time to breath. If it’s not our employment, it’s our families, or it maybe we’re trying to complete our education in an institute of higher learning; no matter what consumes our time, it seems there is never enough time to share with others.

We become so caught up in living from day to day we forget how important it is to keep our relationships filled with vitality. This is done by taking the time to share ourselves with others.  It may be necessary to re-prioritize our lives to make room for everything and everyone of importance to us.

When we take the time to spend with those we love we reaffirm our love for them, strengthen our relationships, and allow the joy of fellowship to slow our pace for a while from the hurried life we choose to live.  There is an old saying ” take time to smell the roses” which indicates we should never be so busy we forget to enjoy the beauty of the world Our Father has given  to us or the people he has enriched our lives with.

Unfortunately, we tend to let life separate us from family, friends, and most important from Our Heavenly Father.  We sometimes feel that friends and family will understand, they will accept the fact that we just don’t have time for them; but we’ll change that as soon as we have time.

Yet, he who is the giver of life should never have to wait to spend time with his children.  Each moment we take a breath should remind us to thank him, given him praise, and stop everything to spend time with him before we start the day.  There is a evil presence that is trying to keep us distracted, caught up, and hurrying through life.

He wants us to forget how important it is to share our time with the Father, family and friends. It is his goal to remove us from any source of pure love in our lives then replace it with the superficial love of worldly things.  To combat his efforts we must share our time daily with the Father that we can be fortified against these attacks.

Fortification will give us clear vision to recognize the enemy, to recognize the importance of control of our lives and not being controlled by our lives. Fortification will allow us to maintain harmony and balance in our lives, we will not neglect, but share our time with those important to our well being.

With each new day we will rise renewed anticipating our time with the Father before we greet the world.  As we approach the celebration of our Saviors birth take time to share with all placed in your pathway his story of love and sacrifice, remember your reflection of Christ’s love just may be the only way to lead others to him.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

Fences can be seen as very inconsequential or very important, they can protect or hinder.  There are many kinds of fencing materials; wood, metal, plastic and wire.  The material is usually chosen according to the purpose and size of the fence.

In life we find we crate many fences, some to separate  us and some to contain us. The proverbial  American dream includes a house with a white picket fence around it; this was the essence of what every family desired, it said to others you had arrived.

However, what looks to be perfect on the outside is not always as perfect as it looks.  It only takes one brake in the fence to cause a great breach. What was meant to be kept out can gain entrance and what was meant to be kept in can easily escape.

Broken fences should be mended as soon as a breach is discovered, it is the same with relationships; often we fail to realize that a breach in a relationship has occurred.  As flawed human beings we tend to hide our true  feelings from each other.

We hope things will correct themselves without us having to acknowledge any responsibility for the breach or any responsibility to repair the breach.  Unfortunately, a breach that is not acknowledged only grows wider with  the passing of time.

The more time that passes the greater the distance to reconciliation and forgiveness.  Sometimes it is as simple as saying “I’m sorry, you misunderstood what I said”; to mend the broken relationship or just letting someone know their feelings mattered to you.

Everyone wants to feel they are important, that they matter, and the relationship you share is special.  Our heavenly Father admonishes us to forgive that we can be forgiven, we must therefore mend any broken fences discovered in our lives.

It is important to protect the relationships we cherish; we must restore, nourish, and close any breach that may threaten them. As you build your relationships strengthen them with love and fortify them with faith.

Using the right materials will grantee the fence will endure, when we Trust in the Lord he shall preserve our going out and coming in from this time forth and forever more; his arms will be our fence of protection.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.