settingatthepoolofgrace

Breaking news interrupted the broadcast, 3 criminals have escaped and are considered armed and dangerous/ What is your first thought? Do you think this is something that you need to be concerned about? How can this affect you or your family? All these questions depend on where these criminals were being held and how close it is to your location, your amount of jeopardy hangs on the answer to just these two questions.

However, there is imminent danger that threatens us on a daily basis; it is unseen yet, it is ever present seeking to influence our thoughts and actions. It was just a joke he said, it was not meant to offend, but; the damage was done and brokenness occurred. His thoughtlessness opened the door, step 1 accomplished; this begins an all out assault on it’s victim, every possible means is utilized to draw his victim deeper into darkness.

Greed, fame, power, and pride just a few enticements dangled before his captive; hiding in the shadows he reveals himself only after he has drawn his prey completely into captivity. His greatest deception to mankind being, he didn’t exist; Rev12:12 records this warning” Rejoice then, you heavens and those who dwell in them/ But woe to the earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you with great wrath because he knows he has but a short time”.

He is the thief which comes to steal, kill, and destroy; he is armed and dangerous, a constant threat to all mankind. He and his followers are criminals banished to this earth, their hatred for the Creator is evident in their determination to destroy His beloved creation of which mankind is His crowning jewel. How can we stand against Satan’s onslaught? First we must join forces with the only one who can defeat this enemy, Jesus the Christ.

We must give Jesus total control of our lives, next we must arm ourselves for war with the sword of truth; the word of God. 2Timothy 2:15 states” study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”. With Jesus as our captain we will be ready for war, we can resist the devil and he will flee; we will then be ARMED AND DANGEROUS.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

In our country we have no experience with kings ruling the people, we are governed by a leader chosen by the people, but; subject to the oversight of additional governing bodies, we call them president and congress. The rulership of a king is one of total dominance, the word of the king is law. When the king speaks his desires are fulfilled, wars are fought, punishment is given, and the people enjoy prosperity or heavy burdens. Most kings live in opulent palaces, eat the best foods, wear the best garments and are rich and powerful.

Their thrones were passed from one generation to the next, often the sons followed their fathers in rulership. unfortunately, there were exceptions to this rule; some kings obsessed with power would kill their own children to maintain rulership. Many kings were assassinated and their throne taken, some kings fortified their kingdoms through marriage or conquest of other kingdoms expanding their borders. Today there are still monarchies that rule, of these the Saudi government is considered the strongest monarchy in the world.

There is however a king of all kings; He wore no royal robes, no jeweled crown, lived in no opulent palace, lead no conquering armies, and was not enticed by power. He was covered in a garment of love, His feet walked the path of peace, and His voice was filled with compassion for all. No one was beyond His healing touch or forgiveness, all who came seeking Him were received by Him. Love permeated every fiber of His being, when He was lied on, He loved; when He was spit on, He loved; when He was unjustly put on trial, He loved.

When He was crucified, He loved and forgave His murderers. This is the example that has been given for us to emulate, to walk in the footprint of the King above all kings, the Lord of lords and love personified; to allow love to cover us as a fine garment, to walk the path of peace, and to speak with the voice of compassion to all. Soon this world as we know it will pass away, the everlasting kingdom of God will be established and only those who walk in the footprints of Jesus the king will enter there in. Harmony will reign throughout all creation.

Love is the thread that will bind us all together, all things will be made new; the former things will pass away never to be remembered; God will be with us and we shall be His people.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

When I was a child there was a game we played called “follow the leader”, to start the game the leader was chosen by flipping a coin or by vote; whoever was the chosen leader dictated to the group and what the leader said was done by all participating in the game. Another such game was Simon said, whatever Simon said the group would do, but; if you moved without Simon saying you were out of the game.

I have no doubt many of you can remember these games and some may be more familiar than others. Unfortunately, life is not a child’s game and the leader we choose to follow is very important; from the beginning of time we have been faced with this decision “whom will you serve, will it be God or will it be man?” This is a question each one will have to answer for him or her self, there will be no by standers; we will be lead by the leader who rules the world of darkness or the leader of light and truth.

At one time there was harmony throughout the universe, but; pride caused one angelic being to desire to be more than his Creator, through his beauty and cunning he persuaded many others to join his cause. This action did not only lead to his banishment, but to all his followers too. The actions of the leaders will always affect the followers who trust in them. Mankind at it’s creation was given free will, the right to choose, that choice to determine the course he would take and who he would follow.

Mankind was deceived by this great fallen angel and disobeyed his Creator, he became prey for the evil one; losing the dominion given him by his Creator. Through this disobedience our world was tainted by the touch of evil. However, love would not stand idly by and allow mankind to be totally destroyed by the evil that was invading the earth. Love knew this enemy was to strong for man to fight on his own, only with help from one greater than this enemy could he be defeated.

Loves truth had to be revealed to remove the blinders from the eyes of man, only then would he see who he was following meant to cause his destruction. Love came to the rescue, a way was made for man to be reconciled back to his Creator should he choose to be rescued. A choice was required an man had to choose. It may appear hard to make a change or choose a new leader, but; all that is required is the desire to change; to be freed from darkness.

Once the choice is made to be free from darkness, love will cover you with light and truth, love then becoming your leader will lead you back to itself. It is time to stop playing games with our eternal life, choose wisely.

My revelation as I sit by the pool o f grace.

Love or loyalty that is the question, have you ever considered these are two different things? Can you be loyal without love? There are those of us who show up to work everyday to honor their commitment to their employer’s, they work hard to accomplish their appointed tasks, but; at the end of the day in their quiet moments of reflection they realize how much they dislike their jobs. On more then one occasion I’ve been told by acquaintance how much they hate their jobs, yet; they faithfully report to work on time everyday. Do you think this is love or loyalty?

Loyalty is defined as- a strong feeling of support or allegiance to a person or thing. Love on the other hand is defined as – a strong emotional connection; you can love without being loyal and you can be loyal to someone without loving them. In the biblical narrative we are told Jesus hand picked His disciples, 12 men who were dedicated to His teaching and messiahship; yet, there was one who’s heart was not surrendered fully to Him. Although he witnessed all His miracles, His love and compassion for all, and His willingness to forgive; there was still doubt in his heart about the teacher.

His love for his Master was questionable and loyalty no longer occupying a place in his heart, he betrayed his Lord. This narrative caused me great distress, the question that plagued my mind was ” do I serve Jesus because I love Him or am I being loyal to the training received from my parents? Have you ever considered this question for yourself, is it loyalty or is it love? This was not a question Jesus had to ask, it was love that He gave up His throne in glory, took on human form, lived a sinless life in a evil world, and shed His blood on Calvary’s hilltop.

It was love that slept in the earth for 3 days and was resurrected in the glory of His Father with the keys to death in His hands. It was love for you and me that he accepted the lashes to His body, spittle to His face, and ridicule from some of the very people He had healed from sin and disease; as well as those who professed to love His Father. It was love that mixed with water flow from His side, It was the voice of love that said ” Father forgive them, they know not what they do”. The love from the heart of Jesus touched my heart, my life was changed, all doubt erased.

The question for me was answered, I made a choice to love Him because He first loved me and gave His all to show that love. I have chosen to be loyal to Him, to surrender my will to His leading; it is through my loyalty and obedience I show my love for Him. “If you love me keep my commandments” John 14:15. If you, like me have been confronted with this dilemma; love or loyalty; Jesus is the answer, let His love touch your heart.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

Have you ever given much thought to people who do things for you which require no reciprocity from you? I know we expect our loved ones and friends to provide services to us when their is a necessity and we need help, however; this is not always the case. Some family and friend dynamics are strained, unresolved breaches causes heartaches, separation, and unhealed wounds. Only forgiveness can change these dynamics. What can change someone’s desire to restore the breaches in a relationship? Love is the answer; it is because we love we seek restoration and that begins with forgiveness.

Unforgiveness locks us in a cell to which we think there is no key, deliverance begins with the first step to reconciliation. On a hilltop against the backdrop of heaven stood a cross stained with blood, a sacrifice was made toward the reconciling of a Father to His lost children. He came to rescue them from the deception that held them captive, the price of their freedom required sinless untainted blood. It was on this cross He paid that price. Through this sacrifice comes forgiveness of sins and restoration to everyone who chooses to be restored to the Father.

When I look at this world today, it seems this sacrifice was made in vain, so many have chosen in darkness to remain. The Father still seeks to save the lost, it’s our task to let them know He has paid the cost of their freedom, let light shine into the darkness that the truth may be seen and shackles broken. The question that in my mind I ask, “if you knew it would be this way, why did you give your life on the cross that day?” In a still soft voice the answer came, “BECAUSE I LOVE YOU.”

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

Calibration is essential for maintaining the quality and reliability of measurements in various fields such as science, engineering and manufacturing. To ensure accuracy it is necessary from time to time to recalibrate; check and reset to true settings. As this year comes to a close it is time for us to recalibrate our lives. Self evaluation is sometimes very hard to do, yet; it brings healing and forgiveness if we are brave enough to dive into the waters of our memories.

In our reflections to be honest about who we have wronged, hurt, misunderstood, disparaged, or not forgiven. To muster up the courage to seek restoration of broken relationships; to ask for and grant forgiveness. Life’s journey can lead us on pathways to or from what is most important. We must decide which path to take, this is not always easy. Self is reluctant to admit the need for change, it wants to remain the same; even if traveling in the wrong direction.

There will come a time in everyone’s life when we will need a Spiritual calibration, it will be necessary to recalibrate our focus back to the greatness of our God; to recognize His power and authority over us in all things. If we do not acknowledge that we make mistakes and sometimes need to change our ways, it can have negative consequences for us. Proverbs 15:32 says “Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.”

No matter how far we may have traveled on the wrong pathway we can change our direction, but; recalibrating our direction will not be easy; we will need help. God’s word along with His Spirit’s use of it is the power we will need to show us our errors and give us strength to conquer self, submit to His leading and allow Him to reset our journeys path. When we take hold of His hand and walk where He leads our lives will be recalibrated and our direction true.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

The phrase “born for it” has been attributed to many things which define the accomplishments of mankind. Gravitating naturally and excelling in a given task usually garners this saying “he or she was born for it”. These talents tend to develop at a very young age and when recognized are nurtured to fruition. The media in recent years is filled with the amazing stories of children with genius aptitudes who have excelled in the area of science, medicine, and entrepreneurship. 

From the pages of times long past the story of such a child emerges, He was conceived in a very unconventional manner to a young woman promised to be married before the wedding ceremony could take place. His birth occurred in a small obscured hillside cave where the animals were sheltered, but; this was no ordinary event for His coming had long been foretold and yet, the world was not ready to receive Him. Something wonderful was happening and so few understood the magnificence of the moment.

The heavens were aglow as the Angelic host proclaimed His birth, a king is born and He will save His people from their sins. No one could have imagined how this child would change the world of His day in ways that continue to change our world today. His life story has been repeated for generations; His compassion, unconditional love, miracles and His sacrifice to reconcile His people to His Father; a destiny He Only could fulfill. The love He shared, the life He gave and the resurrection from death lets us know beyond a doubt, “He was born for it”.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

In 1971 the song clean up woman was introduced to the culture of that time by the songstress Ms. Betty Wright. This was the story of a woman who capitalized on the mistakes of women who neglected their husbands or significant others. Recently it came to my mind how this was the life God’s prophet Hosea lived, he was married to a woman who had a roving eye; she gave birth to three children, 2 sons and 1daughter, but; no matter what Hosea did he could not keep her at home. She was very unfaithful to him and considered to be a harlot.

Can you imagine this being your life? How would you handle it? Do you think you would or could still love her? Well, Hosea did, he still loved her; his life resembled how God felt about His children. He does everything He can to show His children how much He loves them, He gave Himself as a sacrifice that they would be forgiven of their sins. Yet, they still turn away from Him to fulfill the lust of their flesh. They are mesmerized by the glitzes and glamour of the world, the power and greed the evil one entices them with. Just like Hosea the Father waits for His children to realize love is waiting for them to come home.

Gomer, Hosea’s wife through her adultery was lead into slavery; in the eyes of society she was considered worthless, but; Hosea paid the price to redeem her. He took her back to his home, cleaned her up and loved her. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God, by sinning we become slaves to the world caught in the web of the evil one. Jesus said” everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin”, the Father has paid the price for our redemption; He is ready to be our clean up man, to clean away our filthy lives, break the chains that bind us to the world and lead us back home to Him.

We have all become like Hosea’s wife, we have strayed away from Him who loves us most. We have given ourselves to idol worship; we worship earthy things and seek after them, but it is they that lead to darkness of heart. Gomer was very thankful to be redeemed and welcomed back into Hosea’s home, I can imagine she never went roaming again finally recognizing the love she always had at home with Hosea. The Father sent Jesus to express His unending love for His children, that through Him we could be reunited with the one who loves us the most.

John14:6 states “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”. During this season of Thanksgiving we can be thankful for a Father who is willing to clean us up and forgive our sins, but; only if we choose to be cleaned up. The decision is ours to make and the time to decide is now.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

I love all types of plants; unfortunately, I don’t have adequate space in my apartment for many of them. There is only one space where enough light comes in to provide the nourishing sunlight needed for growth. I began with this one plant and she gave me 7 off shoots; 3 were given to friends who admired them when visiting my home. There are four along with the mother I still enjoy each morning the sun beams through my window. I noticed the mother plant was showing signs of having born the 7 children she gave me. She seemed to be showing signs of aging, although her leaves were full they were sparse.

This was her condition for such a long time I began to think I might lose her, but; I noticed something that grabbed my attention, she was showing signs of new life where I thought no life existed. I was so excited and began to watch her daily; first the bud then the stems and now the leaves have appeared. Each time I look at it a smile covers my face and I am reminded of when at one time in my life I was that mother plant, surviving from one day to the next; sometimes feeling so lost while wearing a smiling face. So comfortable with the darkness that had me locked in its grasp.

I’m a good person, I go to church, I help whenever and wherever I can was what I told myself; so why do I feel the way I do? What’s missing from my life? So many questions, so few answers; but, God had a plan for my life. The light of His love dispelled the darkness, the knowledge of the sacrificial death and resurrection of His Son for the salvation of sinners captured my heart and gave me hope for new life in the sunlight. No more unanswered questions, no more stress or worry; my heart belongs to Jesus the Christ in Him have I found new life.

New life is possible if you have strayed away, the savior is granting new life everyday; He waits patiently for those who are lost to reach out to Him, He has already paid the penalties cost. Don’t languish in darkness or chains of despair, Jesus waits to show you just how much He cares; “I am come that they may have life, and that they might have it more abundantly”. John 10:10

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

There is a sport I find fascinating, it could be because I can’t swim and find too much water threatening to me; this sport requires a large body of water, namely the ocean. You’ll hear it’s participants say things like “catch a wave or riding the wave” and that is exactly what they are doing. Standing on a surf board with perfect balance as the waves head to the shore. However, when I hear the phrase ” riding the waves” it brings to mind a family of 8 locked in a boat riding the water for 40 days and 40 nights as the rain fell; not knowing when the rain would stop or their journey end.

Can you put yourself in the boat? How are you handling riding the waves? What are you expecting to find at the end of the journey? Is the falling rain causing you anxiety and stress? Sometimes life with it’s ups and downs seem like we are riding uncertain waves trying to keep our balance, unfortunately; sometimes we fall into the turbulent waters of life. Just as the family of 8 were shut in the boat that saved them from the devastation that engulfed the world, there is a lifeline for all who need balance in life today; Jesus the Christ is that lifeline.

The good news is that Jesus abdicated His home in glory, came to a sinful planet named earth to save its inhabitants who had fallen into the cesspool of sin created by Satan and his fallen angels to destroy mankind. Jesus paid the ultimate price for you and me with His blood, freely He gave of Himself that we might find in Him shelter in the time of storm, peace in the time of turmoil and a lifeline from the waters of strife. By joining our will to the will of Jesus the Christ we become part of a 4 strand code not easily broken.

The Father, Son and Holy Spirit join us in our battle to defeat the tempter and his agents. The waters of life may still have times of raging, but; He who calms the seas walks with you and me, we can ride the waves with perfect balance for Jesus holds us up. There is a requirement we must be willing to meet, give your life to Christ; for the salvation He offers is free.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace