settingatthepoolofgrace

Every good mystery starts with a crime, sometimes it’s a robbery of something very valuable or the murder of a prominent figure in the story. There is always a dedicated law enforcement officer on the case, usually a detective. The investigation begins with the scene of the crime, evidence is collected and witnesses questioned and possible suspects interviewed. Unfortunately, some crimes remain unsolved for many years; then new evidence is uncovered , the case is solved and the criminal brought to justice.

It was the time of festivals, the city was filled with people from everywhere who came to Jerusalem to worship for Passover; a major Jewish holiday commemorating the Exodus from Egyptian slavery. God had given His people a mandate to keep this throughout their generations. Who would have known this would be a very different festival season. It started on Thursday, Jesus and His disciples were having their Passover meal; I can imagine the table was filled with roasted lamb, figs, grapes, dates, flat bread and wine along with bitter herbs.

Conversations filled the room as the disciples talked with each other, Jesus took on the role of a servant by washing the disciples feet after which He explained His actions was an example for them to do the same to each other. When He returned to the table the mood was changed by an announcement from Jesus, one of you will betray me He said quietly; His words sending shock waves through the room. Can you imagine the looks of surprise and confusion the disciples experienced, who would do such a thing was on their minds as they looked from one to the other.

Yet, one of them did; Judas betrayed His master for 30 pieces of silver, the cost of a slave. The religious leaders had wanted to silence this man called Jesus for a long time; He was teaching the people about the love of the Father, showing mercy and grace to those the leaders thought unworthy, and healing them of their diseases. Now they had Him in their hands, now they could once and for all time be rid of Him. They had already conspired to put Him to death. That fateful Friday found Jesus hanging on a cross between two criminals, crucifixion was the cruelest form of punishment inflicted by the Romans.

In His anguish He asked the Father to forgive those who had treated Him so brutally, with the words “it is finished” He breathed His last breath. A friend begged for His body, He was removed from the cross and laid in a borrowed tomb where He rested until the Sabbath had ended. Early on the 1st day of the week the women came to the tomb and found it empty, the body was missing; the greatest mystery had begun; where is the Lord? Who knew where the body could be found, so many questions that needed answers. She couldn’t see through the tears, the body was missing and she was beside herself.

Looking again into the tomb she saw two men, one at the head where the body had lain and one at the foot; why are you crying they asked? The body is missing she said and I don’t know where He is, the response was “He is risen”, go and tell His disciples the tomb is empty. The mystery has been solved; He lives, death could not hold Him. Death has been conquered, the price of our ransom for sin paid; “He is risen, never to die again”. Because of His blood salvation is free. Happy resurrection day.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

In todays climate as the world around us changes so drastically, will you stand strong in your faith? This is the question that should linger in the minds of all who profess to follow in the steps of Christ. Each day the signs remind us of the days of Noah when the thoughts of man was evil continually. The normal human characteristics of compassion, thoughtfulness, and helping each other in time of need is fast becoming a thing of the past. The spirit of evil seems to have captured the thoughts and hearts of many, darkness is gaining more control over the world in which we live.

This is not a new revelation, from generation to generation the followers of Christ have had to answer this question during times of great change. They had to stand strong in persecution, deception, betrayal, and separation from family. Many have chosen to stand strong in their faith and lost their lives; this is a test that will come to every follower of Christ; a choice will have to be made and the question answered, will you stand strong? Jesus came to our world to give His life to reclaim those lost in darkness. He was the example to mankind proving through the presence of God in mans life he could be victorious over darkness.

It was through the sacrifice of His life Jesus gave mankind the opportunity to live a sinless life if lead by the Holy Spirit. Will you be ready for your test? Every follower of Christ will be tested, his or her faith will be tried. We must be fortified to stand strong against the coming tyranny engulfing our world, only with the heart of Christ can we fight the good fight against the darkness of evil. Remember we will not fight alone, Jesus is with us; He promised to never leave or forsake us. The light of love shining from a heart filled with the love of Jesus will penetrate the darkness it encounters.

Spring is the time of renewal, time to fortify ourselves in the word of God; to put on the whole armor of God to prepare for the battle that is sure to come. If you have just been warming the pew, it’s time to make your choice for Jesus or the world. No one will be allowed to stand on the side lines, you will fight with Christ or fight against Him; a small ripple can have a big affect and a little flame can still light a path through the darkness. We can all make a difference when we stand for what is right and true, guided by the love of God we can stand strong in the season of testing.

We may not recognize it, but; everyday we are being tested. It is time to search our hearts, to ask God to show us who we are on the inside; to reveal our secret sins and lead us to repentance through the Holy Spirit. In order to conquer the darkness in the world, we must first acknowledge the darkness of our fleshly lives and surrender totally to Jesus and His transforming love. When we totally surrender we will be fortified and ready to stand strong.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

A quote from a poem by Emily Dickson states”Because I could not stop for death, he kindly stopped for me.” We all recognize death is inevitable, it is the Creators design for all mankind to exit what is known as the physical world we inhabit. Death is there common denominator all humanity shares, there is no escape from the cold sting of death. The question is “when the death bell rings, will you be ready?” There are many who believe death is the end, we just cease to live; some believe we transition to a higher or lower state of consciousness based on the life we have lived. Then there are those who believe the words given in the bible that were inspired by our Creator.

In chapter 14 of the Gospel of John we find Jesus reassuring His disciples not to be troubled or discouraged by His impending departure because He was going to prepare a place for them in His Fathers house, a place of eternal life. John 14:3 states “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” Every believer can claim this promise of Jesus return to gather His people. 1Thessalonians 4:16 tells us that when Jesus returns the dead in Christ will rise first and those that are living when He comes back a long with the risen saints will meet Him in the air; we will receive immortal bodies and will forever be with Him.

Although we know this unwanted visitor is destined to come, we are seldom prepared and even when we think we are prepared, when he actually comes it changes everything. When there death bell rings it separates mothers and fathers from their children, children from their parents, sisters and brothers from each other, and friends from friends. The chain that bind us together is broken, a link is missing resulting in broken hearts. There is hope, Jesus draws near to the broken hearted; His love will bind up the wound and remind us of the love that remains in the memories we hold in our hearts. Only those who have chosen not to accept the love Jesus offers find themselves lost in hopelessness.

Jesus has conquered the power of death and will eliminate it when He returns to eradicate sin and restore the earth to the Eden it was created to be in the beginning. Those who fall asleep in Christ will be reunited with their loved ones to enjoy eternity with the Father and the Son. If you have not made your choice eternal life, now is the time to insure your place in the Kingdom of God by accepting the love of Jesus and surrendering your will to Him; allow His blood to cleanse you of your sins and follow the leading of His Ho;y Spirit before the death bell rings for you. It is time to decide, when you hear His voice harden not your heart; Earth’s history is winding down He will soon return. Don’t wait another day, you must choose eternal life or death today.

Death is but a sleep for those who await His return, when He appears they will all awaken never to die again. 1Corinthians 15:55-57 says “Where O death is your victory? Where O death is your sting ?” The sting of death is sin and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus the Christ. So choose this day whom ye shall serve.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

From coast to coast the headlines and news outlets announce the upcoming dilemma facing the nation, was it lawful; could this really be happening on our shores? Is this the choice the people really wanted or is have we been deceived the question that lingers in the silent corroders of their minds. After many years of peaceful living, raising their children and animals in Egypt can you imagine how the Israelites felt to find themselves thrust into slavery; the years of servitude erasing from many who they were and who’s they were. Yet, many remembered they were God’s chosen people and they cried out for deliverance; it took time but deliverance came.

In the halls of power those that have the power often consider themselves more important than those they serve. They oppress the least of these among us, capitalize on the resources and make the lives harder for the masses. This country was established by immigrants from Europe escaping the persecution of the king and church; desiring to be free to worship as they choose. It was built by the enslaved African men and women taken from the shores of Africa, the persecuted became the persecutors; unlike the Israelites these African people were stripped of their identity, family ties, and culture. For over 200 years they were treated with inhumanity and cruelty, yet; they continued to survive.

Their blood, sweat, and tears went to a nation that refused to acknowledge they were created by God, the Father of all that was created. Today we see the enemy in full on attack on humanity; the spirit of deception is ramped, leaders are complicit in the destruction and dismantling of the government established to protect and the spirit of hate and control has assumed the position of authority. It is in times like these we must cry aloud against injustice, lift our voices to our Father Creator; place our petitions for deliverance from the evil one before His throne. We will need His spirit to guide us, strengthen us, and protect and cover us in the blood of Jesus.

We will need Him to lead us in the battle that is sure to come, it is in times like these we must claim the promises given in the word of God; Deuteronomy 31:6 says ” Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you”. There may seem to be no rescue in sight, but; when sin reaches a critical stage in our worlds history, Our God will open doors for His people. Deliverance will come, the Creator of all things is still in control and has the last word. He has assured us “when the wicked increase, transgression increase, but the righteous will look upon their downfall.” Proverbs29:16.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

In every generation God’s people have forgotten how merciful and loving He had been to them, unfortunately; it caused Him to withdraw His protection and His children to reap the consequences of their choices. When mankind was give the gift of choice, they became responsible for their own fate; those choices dictating their journey. History has taught us what often happens when the few gain control of the many; usually the rich oppress the poor, the strong trample on the weak, and those who have the power wield it without restraint or consideration for the welfare of others.

Remember the Egyptian 400 year enslavement of Israel and the Babylonian 70 year enslavement, remember from 1933 to 1945 millions of Jewish people perished in Germany through the persecution of Hitler, and remember the many enslaved Africans lost in the middle passage crossing the Atlantic ocean on slave ships. Let us not forget the disposition of the indigenous people, their displacement and marginalization when removed from their ancestral lands. Remember the many wars started by the aggression of one nation against another nation considered to be weaker.

What will stop this type of madness? When is enough, enough? Why do the majority stand by silently as the few destroy what is good for the many? To allow the power seekers to gain control knowing power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. It is time to remember the lessons we learned from the past and reject those willing to make the past our future, to stand up for truth and justice for all; to eradicate hate. Evil will only thrive when the good stand silent afraid to speak. We must be willing to reflect the love of our Creator during the darkness usurping our world through agents of evil.

We must remember Jesus is the only light that can penetrate the darkness. As Christ followers we have not been given the spirit of fear, but He has given us the spirit of power, love , and a sound mind. 2tim1:7. It is time to remember the enemy comes but to steal, kill and destroy, but; through Jesus we can over come evil with good. It is time to remember we are in a battle for our lives, our voices must unite as one voice for change for the good of all humanity. We are called to stand against injustice wherever it is found, to shine the light of God’s love on the sinner while condemning the sin.

It is time to remember we were all created in the image of a loving Creator and of one breath and blood. We have all been given the opportunity to be in right standing with the law of God. We just have to walk away from the evil of this world and surrender our hearts to the unconditional love of God through Jesus the Christ. Finally remember, He is coming back; not as a helpless babe but as a conquering king and His reward will be with Him to give to each man what he deserves. History has proven the Word of God is true, He has said vengeance is mine; I will repay. Seek His face while He can be found, repent of your sins while forgiveness and grace are available.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

How often has the question been asked “where was God”? When some heinous crime is committed, a devastating storm destroys property and life or some unfathomable circumstance occurs. As a rule we go about our lives never giving thought to this until something happens that shakes us to our core. We tend to disproportionally measure sin; to rob someone is bad, but; not as bad as killing them. To gossip is bad, but; not as bad as tarnishing someone’s character. We grade our lies; a little white lie is not as bad as a big lie that causes pain and sorrow, we fail to recognize sin is sin.

Many believe the condition of our world indicates there is no God or as the movies so boldly state; “God is dead”. We live in a fractured world, chaos is present with each day of life we experience; there are wars and rumors of war in our news headlines, starvation is growing around the world, the rich oppress the poor and more and more people turn away from the ONLY source that brings peace; Jesus the Christ. The question is asked again, “where is God”? “Does He really exist”? Hebrews 11:6 states” anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him”.

Without faith it is impossible to please God, where does this faith come from you ask, Romans 12:3 tells us God has given each one a measure of faith; faith is the gift from which all the other gifts flow. In Mathew 17:20 Jesus said ” If you have the faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain move from here to there and it will move.” So to answer the question” where is God”? Deuteronomy 4:29 explains “if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with your whole heart and with all your soul”.

God is not far from us, Jesus came to this earth as God reflection so we could know Him; feel His love and experience His forgiveness. We can find Him in the sunrise, the snow capped mountain peaks, the spring rain, and the flowering meadows. In the thunder announcing the coming storm. All nature testifies to the greatness of God. Unfortunately, sin has separated us from our God, Father and redeemer. When we make the decision to surrender our sins to Him with a sincere heart; He forgives us and we are made new in Him. Surrendering our will to His will leads us to the indwelling Holy Spirit who will keep us until the return of Jesus the Christ our Lord. We just have to choose to trust and obey His leading.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

Psalm 150 is a call to all God’s people to praise their Creator, it’s words filled with love for the one who loved and gave all for us; before we knew how to love Him. Words that echo through the halls of time bringing light to a new generation; acknowledgement of the Majesty of our Creator and the beauty of His creation. A song whispered on the breeze calling all nature to sing it’s melody. It gives us not only reasons to praise, but; methods of praise.

Our God is worthy of praise, it is He who grants us the breath of life, washes away our sins, gives us second chances, renews our spirits and teaches us right living through His Holy Spirit. We are admonished to praise Him in His sanctuary; praise Him in the firmament of His power. Praise Him according to His excellent greatness; praise Him with the psaltery and harp. Praise Him with the timbrel and the dance; praise Him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise Him upon the loud cymbals; praise Him upon the high sounding cymbals. LET everything that has breath praise ye the Lord.

so I ask my brothers and my sisters where is your praise? Is clapping your hands or lifting them up or saying Amen or hallelujah being to emotional? Are you afraid of what others might say if you give God the praise locked in your heart because they choose to remain silent? Do you think it is being irreverent to verbalize your praise? Prayer and praise are the keys that unlock the storehouse of Heaven, when praises go up, blessings come down. If you have been given the opportunity to see one year exit and another make it’s entrance you have a reason to praise; if you have eyes to see, ears to hear, and a mouth that speaks, you have a reason to praise.

If your cupboard is not empty and there is a roof over your head, you have a reason to praise. The enemy wants your praise, he gets excited when you fail to give God the praise and honor He Only deserves. It was the enemy’s desire to be worshiped that caused his fall from grace. He smiles each time we fail to give God our praise. I have resolved, as I am blessed with life; I’ll praise the Lord. In trial and storms, I’ll praise the Lord, when my heart is broken; I’ll praise the Lord. In every circumstance, with all I am or hope to be; I’ll praise the Lord. In sickness or in health, I will praise the Lord and when my time on this earth is done; with my last breath I will praise the Lord.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

How do you measure success? There are as many answers to this question as there are people, each one different; however, I think there is only one that defines failure. Failure is the social concept of not meeting a desirable or intended objective. There is another way to look at failure, it can be considered the road to success. It is a great teacher, it builds character and humility; you could say it is suspended success. Failure will cause re-evaluation, persistence, and hard work in some cases before success can be achieved.

As the end of the year fast approaches many begin to preview their accomplishments, however; the only thing that really matters is where you are in the war that is being spiritually fought for you. Your decision is crucial to success or failure for eternity. What side have you chosen? This world offers success through power, money, and control of others, it seems wonderful in the beginning you become comfortable with your own greatness. You walk on others with no conscious or concern for their welfare to sustain your position.

When you choose the success the world offers there is a price to be paid; eventually, the ruler of this world will come to collect. You have succeeded at failure. Deuteronomy 8:18 teaches “but thou shall remember the Lord thy God; for it is He that giveth thee power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore unto thy fathers, as it is this day.” Proverbs 10:22 states ” the blessing of the Lord makes rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” The success we receive that comes through our choice to accept the love given by Jesus the Christ leads to eternal wealth.

Thieves cannot break in to steal nor will it’s value diminish, True success is found in the joy, love, and service to others. As we prepare to make our resolutions for the coming year recognize the choices we make will determine our future for eternity. Choose wisely the path you will walk, time is winding down for this world of chaos and soon the price for rejecting the grace of God must be paid. Redemption is available only to those who have chosen wisely and given their hearts to Jesus, who paid the price for all who accept it. The time to seek His face, ask for forgiveness, and turn from wickedness is running out;, choose life, why should you die when God offers you life, eternal life.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

How many of you are afraid of the dark? As children most of us were uncomfortable with darkness, that was when the boogie man could get you. All kinds of things were imagined that could happen to you when night fell. That’s when bad things were mostly likely to happen; at least that’s what we were taught as children. I so vividly remember my mom saying” don’t let the street light catch you”. This was her warning us to be in the house before the street lights came on which was usually after sunset. There were exceptions, but; very few.

If we think about it, we have no reason to fear the dark; in the beginning there was only darkness, then God said “Let there be light” and the dark was shattered by the light. God named the light day and the dark night; He then gave the sun rulership over the day and the moon rulership over the night. These were not the ultimate light that was to come; the light of life was yet to appear. The prophecy’s of old predicted His coming and yet; when He appeared they were not ready to receive Him. Jesus wrapped in humanity was God in the flesh.

He was the “light of life” sent to redeem the lost sheep and bring them back into the sheepfold of righteousness for the Father. It was said the night was a silent one in that little town called Bethlehem; Holy was the night that gave the world a savior; a child born to bring salvation to all mankind. On this special night the Angelic choir serenaded the world announcing His birth, the sky illuminated by their brilliance. God’s love personified by Jesus the only begotten Son that men might know the truth of the Father’s love for man, all men.

There is however a strong and malevolent presence lurking in the dark trying to distort this truth. His purpose was to extinguish the light by the death of Jesus, but; Jesus took death captive. The light of life could not be diminished or destroyed, it is still shining into the darkness that today has captured the lives of men. The light is the love of God that is willing to transform any who is seeking to be free of the bonds of sin. While the scripture does not say Jesus was born on December 25th, we know it says; He was born, walked among men for 33 years, was crucified on Golgotha’s hill top.

He was buried in a borrowed tomb and in three days He rose from death and ascended back to the Father that sent Him. It is by accepting His shed blood for the remission of our sins we can receive the light of life; which is the love of God through Jesus the Christ. Jesus is truly the reason for the season. As you celebrate this season of Christmas, be sure your relationship with Christ is the focus of your celebration.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

I have heard it said “when you have a hard time going to sleep. counting sheep will help”. Can you imagine closing you eyes and a white fence appears, on one side a flock of sheep wait patiently for their turn to jump the fence so you can count them. I have also heard drinking warm milk before bed will help you sleep well. I’m sure you may have heard of what are sure fire ways to help when sleep eludes you. Many of us like to read books to calm our minds and wind down from the stress of the day.

We set the pillows just right, slip into bed and pull the covers up to the perfect place; we then get that special book we need to finish, knowing that sleep is not far away. Maybe we will get 3 chapters done before our eye lids get to heavy to keep open. Unfortunately, so many of us today lack the opportunity to enjoy even the simplest pleasures of life; food on the table, roof over the families head, bed to rest in and safety from the harsh elements; the heat of summer and the cold of winter.

So many take for granted the blessing they enjoy, never stopping their daily routines to count them. They go from one day to the next never realizing life is just a puff of smoke, here one moment and gone the next. We are blessed to be a blessing to others, no matter what we have when we share with those who have not our blessing are multiplied. When we love others through sharing we allow the love of Jesus to shine through; touching the lives of those in need of love.

Every season is a season of sharing, however; it is during this season of Thanksgiving most of us stop to count our blessings. To acknowledge the goodness of our Creator for all His creatures; to open our hearts and consider those less fortunate. We recognize the sacrificial blood shed for us, teaching us how to sacrifice for others. As you prepare to give thanks this season, think of someone you can invite into your home to share your table, the warmth of family and the love of God. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace