settingatthepoolofgrace

The day started as usual, I was driving to my destination when I noticed out my window a really nice vehicle abandoned on the side  of the road. My first thought was ” what a really beautiful car, wonder what could be wrong with it?” From it’s outward appearance I could not imagine anything that would necessitate it being left on the side of the road without it’s driver.

It’s body had no blemishes, it’s paint job gleaming in the sunlight, and it’s wheels fully inflated.  I must admit this was not the first time I had seen a car on the side of the road, but; they usually have dings, signs of accidents, or signs of old age. Had this been the case I wouldn’t have given it any thought. As my day continued the thought of the car which had no outward appearance of defect periodically entered my thoughts.

I realized many of us are just like that car, what we show  the world on the outside doesn’t always reflect what’s going on within us.  We know we shouldn’t judge others by what we see, however; that is just what we do.  We judge things like clothing, hair, shoes, cleanliness, and smell.  If the person we see meets our expectations we assume the best about that person.  We tell our selves they must have a good job, home and family that loves them.

On the other hand when we see someone who is dirty, smelling and hair disarrayed we immediately think of them in a negative light. We assume them to be homeless, lazy, and without loved ones.  Of course we could be totally wrong on both accounts.  It’s the same for those of us who profess to be Christians; we put on our smiling faces when we greet each other, shake hands and hug, speak words of encouragement and offer help when needed.

We do the things we think others expect from us as Christ followers, unfortunately; some have not experienced a heart change.  The outward appearance is shiny but the inner man is still full of worldly influences. We all need a heart transplant if we would be like Christ.  All envy, malice, hate, lying,gossiping, combativeness and indifference must be removed from our characters.

We must allow the Holy Spirit to do the work of cleaning our lives and redefining our character into one which reflects Christ.  Our inner man must under go a radical transformation.  This is not a quick fix program; it will require a long term commitment to the Holy Spirits leading, total submission to God the Father, and to Jesus the Christ. This journey is for a lifetime, at the end of the journey those who have stayed the course will reap the rewards.

The love of the Father and the Son will radiate from our hearts like a beacon atop a hillside drawing all who bask in it to desire to know him for themselves.  The outward appearance and the inner man will be in harmony as the character of Christ develops on the soul.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

Every athlete, soldier, or emergency res ponder knows the importance of being equipped with sustaining strength. Strength is defined as “the state of being strong” or “a good or beneficial quality of a person or thing.”

We all have been endowed with a portion of strength, some more than others; it may be physical for some and it maybe mental for others. Some are blessed with both physical and mental strength.

Endurance is the next essential ingredient needed to have sustaining strength, allowing the completion of any task attempted.  As human beings we depend on our own ability to demonstrate the amount of strength and endurance we possess.

We use every means available to us to enhance our strength and endurance. Some lift weights,some run long distances, some walk, some visit the gym religiously, and many exercise at home routinely.

We make every effort to increase our ability to exhibit our physical and mental prowess.  Have you heard the term”proverbial student”.  These are people who are constantly increasing their mental abilities.

They never seem to get out of school or they are always studying to increase their knowledge. Some of them wield their knowledge as power against those they consider unlearned. I would like to pose this question.

Does physical and mental abilities always equate to sustaining strength? can you possess these abilities and be morally weak? Devoid of character, heartless, and self exalting. Do you use your strengths to emphasize the weakness of others, to control, or dominate?

Often we forget how vulnerable as vehicles of dust and breath we really are, failure to acknowledge we have no true control leads us to a false sense of self worth. Where does the strength come from to run into a burning building?

Where does the courage come from to place your life at risk for the sake of another no matter the circumstance? When we recognize; all we are  and all we have comes to us as a blessing from our Creator, we learn to be strong; yet humble.

We learn to use knowledge wisely, having a balance of strength and knowledge. Only through Jesus the Christ can we develop the sustaining strength necessary to over come self, to display love toward others, to respond to the call in the time of trouble, and to stand before all as a reflection of his character.

To him our weakness is his time to show his strength; strength that is sustaining at all times and in all circumstances.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

Their faces were somber, eyes swollen from many tears shed, confusion danced in their minds and the feeling of great loss consumed their thoughts. This was not the way they thought it would be. He was dead, their beloved leader was no longer with them.

What would they do now? fearful of what the Jewish leaders and Romans would do to them caused great concern. Should they stay in hiding or should they leave was the question on all their minds.

The faithful few although mourning their leader tried  with all they had to hold onto a fragment of hope. Guilt had found it’s way into the hearts of some of them, one denied him and others abandoned him.

They loved him, yet; their human frailties showed it’s face when he needed them the most. It was the morning after, Sabbath had begun; a day of rest and rejoicing but they saw no reason to rejoice.

Their lives had been drastically changed now that the Teacher was gone. The tomb was sealed and guards posted at the request of the Jewish leaders, they remembered he said “in 3 days I will rise again/”

Doubt of this reigned in their hearts but they needed to be sure the tomb was secure.The women had to wait until Sabbath had ended to do the rite of burial to their Master, He wouldn’t want them to dishonor the Sabbath; not even for him.

Early the first day of the week, Sunday; the women approached the tomb. Shock covered their faces, the stone was rolled away; the Master and Teacher couldn’t be found. The brothers had to be told of this mystifying circumstance.

Could it be true? had he really risen to life/ The question was answered when she heard  her name called, she had heard that gentle voice many times. Her heart was over joyed as she gazed upon his face, her Lord and Master stood before her radiating life.

Go tell my brothers I live was his assignment to her. Today he is saying to you and me tell my children I live, I desire to embrace them in my love, to forgive their sins and restore them to my Fathers heart.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.  Happy Resurrection Day

Tick tock, tick tock; goes the old grandfather clock as it counts down the hours, minutes, and seconds until the next chime. For some a very familiar sound while others have never seen or heard the sound of a grandfather clock.

Sometimes the hardest thing we contend with is time, there never seems to be enough or there seems to be to much; either way time can be a concern.  Time is relevant to every facet of our lives.

We are told in the book of life there is a time to be born, a time to die; a time to laugh, a time to cry; a time to sow,  and a time to reap.  Once in a while the mechanisms used to measure time slows down and stops.

This requires winding them or replacing the batteries, however; time itself doesn’t stop moving forward. It continues to march at a steady  pace not being deterred by the desires of man. Centuries have passed since 3 crosses dotted the landscape.

Elevated on a hilltop, 3 stood accused; one innocent of the charges, but he willingly accepted the verdict of death at the hand of the enemy to free those who were lost and enslaved. It was on that hill that time seemed to stand still.

Nature cried out as it’s creator gave his last breath for the breaching of the gap between creature and creator. Death rejoiced for it was victorious, there seem to be no hope left for the lost. The enemy did his happy dance thinking the fight was over and he could claim the prize.

It was the eve before the Sabbath when the only son of God was placed in a the hillside tomb. The sun set and rose again, on the third day so did the crucified one. Death held his head in surprise, he had been defeated.

The enemy vowed this is not the end , the fight has just begin; time to prepare for war. The battle is still raging, we are the prize; the enemy does whatever he can to influence our lives. He has no control unless you allow him in.

Once you listen to his voice the darkness and blindness will begin. Time is counting down, soon the creator will come again; where will you stand when he returns? Do you find this a hard question to answer?

If so it’s time for life reflection, change of heart and submission to the Love of the Lamb who shed his blood for all who will except his gift of Salvation. Soon the clock will stop and time will be no more. Only those who choose the right path will experience life eternally.

My reflection as I sit by the pool of grace.

 

When he wrote our story he saw the twinkle you would put in my eyes, when he wrote our story he saw little hands that would one day wipe away my tears. He wrapped you in joy that would continually fill my heart. He whispered your name into the annuls of time and you became the smile on my face.

He entwined you in his love for me then entwined your heart to mine, two hearts inseparable by death or time.  You were the beginning of my life, teaching me how to live. You are the foundation that still gives me strength when I need a shoulder to lean against until my strength is renewed.

Your voice still brings joy to my ears each time I hear it, it’s echo resonates in my heart. On this day began the greatest earthly love story, a story I couldn’t have dreamed  for myself. The Creator allowed me the privilege of giving birth to one of his rare jewels, her name written in my heart before she existed.

As I look back over the years, I’m so grateful My Heavenly Father saw my garden of life needed some beautiful flowers for me to grow into an understanding of his love for me. You were the first seed he planted, today is your birthday; 53 years later I have no words to pen what is in my heart.

I can say no greater love fills my life, through you the Father Creator has displayed his great love for me; I am continually grateful.  Happy birthday to my 1st born.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

The day fades as the sun goes to bed, the moon’s soft glow enhances the night. In the cities the lights from the buildings, the traffic, and street lights dotting every corner sheds more light against the darkness of night.

As you travel away from the congestion of the city scene the senses are awakened by the stars on full display in the heavens, the majesty of the universe against the blackness of night. No obstructions clutter the view, God’s workmanship illuminating every fiber of your being.

Each new day the sunlight once again invigorates, renews, and brightens our lives; we begin again the journey of life.  Though the sun rises, for some; the darkness is unending. The hold so great no light is penetrating, doubt and fear are constant companions.

They seem to walk in light but are hostages to the darkness consuming their lives. Loveless actions, harsh words spoken, having no compassion, an unforgiving spirit, and selfishness feeds the darkness that continues to feast on the soul.

When you allow the darkness to enter ONLY the Brightest Light can repair the damage, it is the “Son of Righteousness” who has healing in his wings.  When you choose to be free, you can call on his name; the greatest name in Heaven and on the earth.

He will come to your rescue, his light is all consuming; no amount of darkness can exist in his presence for there is no darkness in him, ONLY new life.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

 

Conversations usually have two or more participants debating a subject. When the discussion has ended there will be one or more considered the winner, point made; the loser or sometimes a stalemate  leaving room for the conversation to continue another time.

As participants in the human experience we each have a voice in our universal conversation. No matter what the subject may be our opinion will not be heard if we are afraid to speak. Sometimes it is hard to be heard over the roar of those who feel they are more important than we are, but; it is important to wait patiently until your voice can be heard.

We must recognize our opinion has merit and can give enlightenment to the conversation. When our Father created us we were given a very valuable gift; choice, it was his intention that we enjoy the bountiful world he placed at our disposal. Unfortunately, another crated being of the Angelic host had other plans.

He imagined in his heart he could do a better job than the Creator of all things.  His opinion so strong he started a war to gain control of the Heavenly realm. Defeated and cast out, he began a new mission; all his efforts concentrated on changing our opinion of Our Creator.

The question posed to us is will we serve the Creator or will we serve Satan?  We stand at the crossroad of two opinions; if we know that  our creator is loving, forgiving, compassionate, long suffering, and kind why are we not serving him? The other side of the coin is, if we are not serving him we are by default serving Satan.

In his word the Father has asked all of us this question,”how long will you linger between two opinions?” A choice must be made, we must speak loud and clear that all the universe will hear our choice to follow  the Creator and Worship him only.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

How many of you have made the statement” when I grow up, I’m not going to be like my parents?” They appear to you to be to controlling or restrictive.  How many of you have heard in conversation your name affiliated with being  the wayward child? I was that child, out of 8 children I was most likely to do anything against the norm.

I considered it an adventurous nature, I seem to always do what was not expected from a young girl. While my piers were listening to rock and roll; I preferred jazz, easy listening music and classical’s.  While other girls were still playing with dolls and jumping rope, I was playing basketball and baseball.

It seems I have been a forward thinker for some time, my dream was to be a Ballet dancer, great musician or a poet; however, I was moving through my life to fast.  I kept my mother on her knees in prayer. The simple carefree life of a young adult had lost it’s charm.

Much to soon I found myself caught up in a world I wasn’t prepared for even though I thought I was ready. I was just having fun; the bright lights, music, dancing, drugs, and let’s not forget alcohol were just ways to entertain myself.  When I look back I can admit I was a very wayward child.

Drowning in a cesspool of sin, not realizing how lost I had become; darkness was consuming my life. My joy was artificial, my smile false, and my hope fleeting.  On the surface life was good, it was the quiet times alone with myself that reality stared me in the face; not allowing me to hide from the hopelessness growing inside me.

Has anyone ever felt this way? can you identify with this? I would hate to think I was the only one. However, I found a glimmer of light in a children’s song; “Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so.” I started a journey to find him, to seek his face; I needed to know who Jesus was and how he could help me.

I called on his name, asked for his help and presence in my life; then I surrendered to his will.  All the results of prayer on my behalf by a praying mother.  He enclosed me in his love; the darkness fled, My was joy restored,  and my life renewed. Hope is not lost, we do not have to remain wayward children.

Jesus can help us move from the stagnation of our past into the bright light of his renewing love. In him we can find new life, only his light of love can dispel the darkness of this world and break the hold of sin on our lives. He came , died, and rose again that we might have life and that more abundantly.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

There are times in our life experience that we can’t seem to find our way. We reach out to those loved ones and friends we think care enough to give instruction, to ease our concerns, or to offer assistance. We often hesitate to do this because we know they have their own issues and problems to deal with.

We don’t want to impose on their time or inconvenience  them with what we are going through. No matter how long the relationship may be we find that we have reservations about revealing our need for help. In some cases those we feel  worthy of  our trust may actually be wolves in sheeps clothing with no true interest in our good.

I heard a saying the other day that reminded me of some who may have our interest at heart, yet; instead of helping, those loose lips spread our dilemma to all who will listen. We are hard pressed to find help we can rely on.  It is at this point when we feel all is lost  we call on the Father of Light, we cry out loud to him expecting immediate results; even after we have made him the last resource we seek for help.

Although he is omnipotent and omnipresent he expects those who love and trust him to make him first in all our life dilemmas. He tells us to pray without ceasing presenting our concerns to him in faith knowing he will do abundantly more than we can ask or think if we align our request with his will for us.  He hears and answers the prayers of his people.

The answer maybe yes and granted immediately, it maybe wait or it maybe no. In all things small or great his love will respond with what is best for us.  Our finite minds can’t understand his infinite ways nor does our limited vision comprehend the magnitude of his power and love.  We must learn to seek his face in prayer as our first priority, listen for his voice of instruction, and wait in faith for deliverance.

There is an old saying” he may not come when you want him, but he is always on time”. No matter how long the delay you can be assured he still ANSWERS PRAYER.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

 

In our world life is filled with the unexpected, the car malfunction that causes an accident, a simple cough turns worse and you become a patient in the hospital, you are not sure how it happened but your house burns to the ground and the most devastating of all is the unexpected death.

Every person deals with one or more of these dilemma’s in their lifetime. For some it presents a large financial burden as well as an emotional one. There is a remedy for when these things happen if you can afford it, it is called; Insurance. Insurance is a form of protection that is purchased to provide relief from financial devastation in the event one is faced with one of life’s dilemmas.

It can be purchased according to your needs; fire insurance, health insurance, car insurance, flood insurance, home insurance and life insurance are the most common. I’m sure there maybe insurance for just about anything you can think of in today’s world. However, there is one very hugh dilemma in  this world that can’t be covered by man’s created instrument of protection.

It’s name it Sin, no amount of money can protect from the virus known as sin, it’s infectious;causing pain and heartache to everyone it touches.  It’s subtle, at first nothing appears to be wrong, life is filled with enjoyment.  Little by little the things you are willing to do to sustain that enjoyment begin to change. The question becomes how far are you willing to go? what or who are you willing to sacrifice to fulfill your needs?

Traits you didn’t realize were in you begin to surface; greed, selfishness, envy, hate, and the desire for power stare you in the face as if a reflection from the mirror.  The sin infection is gaining momentum, it’s intention is to consume you completely leaving you no hope of recovery.  There is a remedy, it can’t be purchased with money or material things; the good news is it’s free to anyone who wishes to be cured of the sin disease.

It is the pure cleansing blood flowing from the side of the Creator’s Only Son.  Only through him can the captive be set free. When the gift of cleansing is received the soul is fortified with the seal of his protection. His Angels are given charge over you and his Holy Spirit becomes your mentor and guide through life’s dilemma’s.  The unexpected will still come , you will still be caught off guard in some cases; but he will be your burden bearer.  Now the question becomes, are you insured? Who is your insurer?

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.