settingatthepoolofgrace

Seldom do we think about the foundation of our homes until we have a problem.  We know for our home to stand we need a strong foundation.  When we see cracks appear,  first a small one which seems insignificant we may not worry.  We often ignore the signs, then we notice there are more small cracks starting in other places in the home.  This gets our attention and we recognize there is a problem.  The wider the crack grows the more serious the problem becomes.  Repairs must be made to secure the foundation.

As Christians we are the temple in which the Holy Spirit dwells, however; the Holy Spirit can not inhabit a dwelling place where walls have cracks in them. These cracks are caused by envy, hatred, unforgiveness,anger,discard,malice, lust for power and indifference. These cracks reflect how far we have strayed from the character of our Father.  Just as the foundation of the home weakens by the cracks growing wider our relationship with our Father grows weaker as we allow these cracks to permeate our lives.  The longer we hold on to them the more we lose focus on his Love for us.

To repair the foundation of your home sometimes requires digging out the decay and replacing it with a more substantial element. The repairs must be made by a professional in that field.  The repairs to the Christian temple must be made by a Master Craftsman, Jesus is that craftsman.  Only when we recognize there are cracks in our temple, we acknowledge the need of repair, and yield to the workman can our temple be fortified and strengthened that the Holy Spirit can dwell in us.  As Christians our focus should always be on Jesus Christ, he tells us that” where there are 2 or 3 gathered in my name I will be in the midst”.  But do we really believe this, if we did we would be more mindful of how we act and what we say.  It is time to evaluate your condition……. Do You have any CRACKS???

Standing in the shadow of our redeemer requires reflecting his character. Loving unconditionally,treating others as you wish to be treated, forgiving without conditions, denying self to benefit others,being tolerant and patient and obeying the leading of  the creator in you; which is the Holy Spirit. As a follower of our redeemer we should exhibit joy, peace,kindness, and temperance. If you are not reflecting these”what are you reflecting”?

If we are in love with the things of the world, we are at odds with the things of God. This world is a reflection of it’s ruler. Hatred abounds, violence runs  rampage , selfishness is king,deceit is the order of the day and fairness is non-existent. Men lust for money and power they obey not the laws of God. Their hearts are stone and void of the light of love. Their outward  appearance seems perfect but within is death for they abide in darkness. Our world is dying but their is hope, only the love of God can penetrate the darkness of evil and transform the lives of men. Only he can change a heart of stone into a heart of flesh. When we accept his gift of salvation the Holy Spirit teaches us how to reflect his love and character.  We must make a choice, who will you choose to REFLECT???

It is common place to look at ones self in the mirror when preparing to leave home and venture into the public view. We know that all who see us will form their opinion of who we are by what they see.  We check to see if our hair is in place,clothes are fitting properly, and if our shoes are the right ones for the outfit we have chosen to wear.  We look at all the superficial things we think others will judge us by. We worry about what others think of us so we put on our different mask to reflect what we think others expect. Forgetting we cannot hide the truth from the all seeing eyes of the Father who will be our ultimate JUDGE.  When he looks below the surface what will be revealed. Do you live to gain fortune and fame, deceive and cheat others for your selfish benefits, show yourself helpful to those in need and do what is right regardless of the consequences to you.  When you stand naked before your  CREATOR will you hide your face in shame or will you stand in the shadow of your REDEEMER who has washed away your shame with his own BLOOD.

Have you ever noticed how fast the storm clouds of life gather.  The day can be sunny and bright one moment the next the rain is falling.  We can still see the sun so we don’t worry much about the storm. As the storm grows,  the clouds darken and the sun is totally hidden from view.  You look for shelter only to find yourself being tossed about by the torrents that engulfed you. There are times that the storm seems to have no end. You begin to think the sun will never shine in your life again. You can’t calm the storm so you lift your heart and mind to the one who Created all things to find peace in the midst of the storm. Worry is erased and doubt is replaced with faith to weather the storm, the sun begins to peek from behind the clouds and the rain ceases. It appears the storm is over, as the dark clouds dissipate do you think you over came the storm on your own or  was it because your creator was holding your hand and walking beside you in the RAIN.

Life has away of closing in on us,problems seem to have a domino effect. We pray and wait for answers but silence is our response. We wonder if father is listening,does he understand how much we need his help, and why he is waiting to answer our call. Each new problem heightens our anxiety, we cry out again with more desperation. We start to search ourselves for reasons he has not answered.

Rest assured he has heard our cry. He has said he would never leave or forsake us and if whatever we ask we ask in accordance to his will he would supply. We must be willing to accept his answer,he can see far beyond our expectations and knows what is the best way and when to grant our request. Sometimes it is not the way we expect but it is for our good. WAIT, I say wait stand strong in faith that he will deliver, that he will not abandon you and his deliverance will be complete.

We all have walked in confusion and darkness. We have chosen to follow our own selfish desires, have fallen prey to the provocative lure of the world, and have forgotten the safety net the light of love offers to us. Because the world we live in is engulfed by darkness if we do not choose love we are infected by the darkness and the longer we dwell in darkness the more we are consumed by it. Darkness has a counterfeit love, a counterfeit peace,a counterfeit happiness and a counterfeit success all which are designed to keep you trapped.  Today can be your new beginning, love is always searching for those lost in darkness.  It does not care how deep the penetration or how long you have lingered in the dark waters. It stands ready to throw you a life line, to bring you into the light and to give your new life.    YOU ONLY NEED TO CHOOSE TO BE RESCUED.

This is your very first post. Click the Edit link to modify or delete it, or start a new post. If you like, use this post to tell readers why you started this blog and what you plan to do with it.

Happy blogging!