settingatthepoolofgrace

How important are the feet? When you think about it, the feet are the foundation of the body; when there is a problem with them we find it hard to walk, run or even stand for any period of time. When we are endowed with health we seldom consider the importance of our body members, while they are all needed; the feet have a special assignment in holding the body up.

To protect the feet we wear shoes, the shoes we wear are also important to the health and protection of the feet; the wrong shoes can do great harm. They must fit the purpose of use intended and the correct size needed to protect properly. We are instructed in God’s word to fit our feet with the gospel of peace, ready to share the goodness of God with whomever and whenever the opportunity comes.

We must step into the work shoes of Christ, Isaiah 52:7 tells us ” how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bring good news, that proclaims peace, who bring glad tidings of good things; who proclaim salvation, who says to Zion, your God reigns”. Every day Jesus strapped on His sandals and walked among the hurting, sin filled, neglected people of His time.

His sandals were His work shoes, He walked many road and visited many towns to serve those in need of healing, forgiveness, and salvation for their souls. No one in need was cast aside or denied His touch. His love and compassion was offered to all who desired the gift of life He came to give. Each one of us who has chosen to walk the path He walked has a pair of work shoes that will perfectly fit our feet.

When we step into them we will be prepared to carry out His mandate to all His children, “go into all the world”; we will walk as He walked and love as He loved, no one will be cast out or denied the touch of love from Him that flows through each of us. We will meet hatred with understanding and forgiveness; viewing all through the lens of His love.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

I remember this song which describes the seasons we are entering, it goes something like this ” the falling leaves drift by my window, the autumn leaves of red and gold”; do you know this as a love song or as a song of mourning? The lyrics indicate a loss of love as it states ” since you went away the days go long and soon I’ll hear old winters song, but; I miss you most my darling when autumn leaves start to fall”. There seems to be something missing from a life that was once complete. We may not know how the loss occurred, but; we can feel the hearts longing.

What’s your hearts longing? What is missing from your life? Have leaves fallen from your family tree leaving branches bare? I’m sure we can all say we have experienced falling leaves, love lost to time. Winter is approaching when time seems to slow it’s pace, it doesn’t stop and it waits for no one; however, it doesn’t move as fast or so it seems when winter shows her face. Nature closes her eyes to sleep that regeneration can begin, it sheds what is old that new birth can come forth.

The sleep of death is not the end of the story, it is just a intermission from life; death lost it’s sting with the resurrection of Christ. Only His love can perfectly fill whatever is missing in your life, satisfy the hearts longing and grant new life. We know death is a part of life, the leaves will fall, but; those who sleep in Christ will see new life and that with immortality. We have God’s promise to all who walk in the shadow of His Son Jesus the Christ, eternal life. We have this hope when we submit our lives and will to the Father that we will walk in renewed life by the love of the Son at His return.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

Our nation in its youth has gone through many revolutions, each leading to the great notoriety we receive from the nations of the world today. There has not been a lack of adventure in the minds of those who forged their way into history through their willingness to explore the unknown. It was by their efforts our nation was founded, motivated by the need to be free from those who would limit or deny the right to govern self. The nature of man has lead him to seek ways to improve life, not just for himself; but, for all. There was a time when the only light source was by candle, the only source of heat was from wood fires, and the source of food from the land.

The industrial revolution changed the way of life; electricity replaced the candle, coal mining provided a better heating source, and food began to be mass produced in factories. Truth be told change does not come without consequences. The natural resources given to all men by their Creator is being controlled by those in power at the expense of those without any power. The coal mining industry was very lucrative and provided a great convenience to all, however; the price paid by those who were relegated to the work of mining was costly. Miners were crushed by collapsing roofs, killed by gas explosions, and unsafe working conditions lead to various diseases. Coal being an essential element in the production of heat and electricity was and still is an important energy source.

I would like to introduce you to another very important energy source, this source is not limited or controlled by any man; it is available to all willing to mine for the riches contained in its pages. The rare jewels that can be found are life changing, mind blowing truths revealed only to those who diligently search for them. How precious is this gift and yet, many forget there was a time when it was forbidden to the common man to know them; so many have neglected the opportunity provided to glean from the book of life its rich bounty. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the World was God. The same was in the beginning with God, all things were made by Him John1.

From one generation to the other the Word revealed to men through His Holy Spirit His will for His people which was written as a guide to abundant life for all willing to accept His gift by faith. The mine field is the Holy Bible, 66 books that detail an extraordinary life; John 5:39 states “search the scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me.” John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me.” Psalm 119:160 says “the sum of your word is truth, and every one of your rules endures forever.” As afore mentioned change does not come without consequences.

To those who accept the challenge to become miners of truth and search diligently the worlds of life; hedges of protection will be established for you to combat the fiery darts of the enemy which will assail you. The riches that await you in the word are more precious than silver or gold for they lead those who seek them to eternal life in the presence of the great “I AM”. For it is written ” what no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him. 1Cor.2:9

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

Once upon a time their was a man and everyday He went out among the people to find work to do, that’s usually the way stories we tell our children begin. However, this is not a fable to excite the imagination of a child. When this man lived working was not like we know it to be today; there was no internet, no electric lights, no cars or buses, no trains or planes, no indoor plumbing, and no advanced tools of any kind. Times were very different and so were the people, some served others who spent their time in frivolous pursuits; you might say they were living high off the hog.

Some worked the land, this was done with their hands and help from their animals if they were lucky enough to have them, some were merchants, ironsmiths, Sheppard’s, and carpenters; all which required time and dedication to get the job done. All work was done from sunrise to sunset; sunset marked the end of the day. There were many people who like in our times didn’t work, today we call them disable; there were those who were blind, crippled, hearing impaired, and diseased. Yes, and there were those who were just plain lazy. In our modern society the work we can do is not limited to the daylight hours, transportation, inconvenience of antiquated tools or work needing to be done.

Finding work to do is not the problem, willingness to do the work is. Although life and times were hard this man went about looking for things to do. He was a carpenter by trade working with His hands, He liked to fix things and make them new. It was said of Him, He was kind and compassionate toward all; those in need found a friend in Him, no one was unlovable in His eyes. His hands were not found to be idle; touching the blind giving them sight, touching the cripple making them walk, touching the deaf so they could hear, touching the voice that was silent to allow it to speak and cleansing the body of disease giving new life.

Can you imagine how tired He must have been at the end of the day from relieving the burdens of those around Him? Now think about how could anyone hate a person like this man was, yet; many did. In our technologically advanced world what work have you found to do? With all the advantages we have who have you helped? Whose burdens have you helped to carry? At the end of the day are you tired from being available to help others or from building a financial empire just for you, no time for anyone else? It is important that the work you do brings joy to the heart, opens the mind to those around you who are less fortunate, and impress you to share with others your time and treasure.

It is said many hands make lite work and the idle mind is the devils workshop, finding the best work to do requires guidance and what better example than the one of a man who considers no one unlovable. He was not seeking fame or fortune, but; seeking to repair the broken, set the captive free, and showing the lost the way. His story has been shared through the ages as an example as to how we should live our lives; loving unconditionally, forgiving those who hurt us, helping those in need, and doing our work from the heart not just for selfish gain. His name is Jesus, His story is true, He lived on the earth, He died a cruel death on behalf of you and me and He stands as our intercessor before the Master of the universe.

Are you willing to open your heart to Him so He can guide you to the work He needs you to do? Work that leads to eternity in His presence.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

What comes to your mind when you hear the phrase ” standing in the shadows”? Do you picture a dark area where someone might be hiding? Maybe you think of seeing your shadow on the ground on a bright sunny day. Some might think of the boy in the childrens fairy tale who refused to grow up; losing his shadow and requiring a young friend to sew it back on. Unfortunately, life is not a fairy tale; the shadows that we sometimes experience can be physically, mentally, and spiritually daunting.

The shadow of fear chains the mind and causes the heart to palpitate, the shadow of doubt brings confusion and stagnation; they are both distractions, tools of the enemy to hide the light. They introduce us to darkness and cause us to forget the promises of our Lord; ” I will never leave or forsake you” Heb 13:5, “no weapon formed against you shall prosper” Isaiah 54:7 and “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like the shifting shadows” James 1:17. Because of these promises we don’t have to stand in the shadows.

On the pathway of life there will be shadows,but; the word of the Lord is a lamp to guide our feet and a light to our path Psalm 119:105. When we put our trust in Him we are not given the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a strong mind 2Tim1:7. We must not stand in the shadows but shake off anything that blinds us from the light of love shining from our heavenly Father. Submit all our ways to His care and He will give us rest from the daily worries of life.

He is willing to carry the burdens that life puts on our shoulders without complaint, in 2Cor12 He assures us with ” My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” and James4:7 says” submit yourselves therefore to God; but resist the devil and he will flee from you”. We can be strong and courageous, we don’t have to be overcome by the shadows sent to consume us; take hold of the light of love that reaches out to us and walk out of the shadow of darkness. Love will never fail, it will give all it has so we can be free, it illuminates the shadows so we can see clearly the path to take.

We must not linger or hesitate, the longer we stand in the shadows the blinder we become to the light and they will become emcompassing. Remember we must resist the enemy to break the power of his hold on us. When we accept the light of love we will have the strength needed to resist the devil who dwells in darkness.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

Very soon mother nature will change her dress, the radiant green will begin to fade. Slowly autumn leaves will appear; soft yellows, bright oranges, royal reds and browns displayed on every landscape. The beauty of her new dress dazzling to every eye. Isn’t it strange how some trees never change, they remain the same through every season; full and green. Life tends to slow down just a little; we prepare for harvest, take long walks in the forest or woods, we listen more intensely to the sounds of nature as it prepares for transformation.

In each season of life there is transformation, this requires death and rebirth; a new creation springs forth from the ashes of the old. The season of mans life can be very short or very long, the key that determines which unfortunately is not in his control; however, there are some simply life instructions given to man to aide in this determination. We are told to “honor thy father and thy mother that they days may be long upon the land which the Lord they God giveth thee” Ex 20:12. There is no caveat to this, honor is due no matter who your parents are or may become.

In our earthly walk we should be merciful, meek, pure in heart, and peacemakers among all man. We must be slow to anger and gentle when we speak, ” a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” Proverbs 15:1. “Blessed is the man that walk not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night” Psalms 1. This means we must choose the right path and not be influenced by others, stay away from those who indulge in sinful behavior, and do not mock God or sin, but study His word diligently.

The autumn of this world is rapidly approaching and the great harvest of our God soon to begin, those who have been transformed into the character of Gods only Son will be rewarded at His appearing and those who like the tree that never changes, will be destroyed by the brightness of His appearance. Time is running out, today is the day of decision; will your transformation bring rebirth into eternal bliss with the Father, a crown of gold from the Son, and a celebration with the saints of all generations or will you cry out to the mountains? They cried out to the mountains and rocks, ” fall on us and hide us from the face of the one who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb”. Rev.6:16

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

The quiet night was shattered by the sound of bells ringing, something was wrong; help was needed. Footsteps could be heard through the windows, slightly opened to capture the gentle night breeze. Should I get up to see or just wait until morning to get the news? This was the question in my mind, as the tumult outside my window grew so did my curiosity; sleep had been interrupted, I guess getting up was a must.

Pulling the curtains back my eyes beheld the fires raging at the end of the street, more alarms began to ring as the fireman battled the blaze that seemed to be getting the best of them. More fireman appeared as if out of thin air, all of them trying desperately to contain the blazing buildings. A crowd of neighbors aroused from sleep were standing in front of their homes with shocked faces and clutching their children. Above all the noise I heard a voice from the crowd say, “is everyone out of the buildings, have they been rescued, are they safe?”

This could be a scene from a movie, a book, or a real life situation; it calls for action to preserve the life or property in peril of destruction. Someone has to sound the alarm for help. Mankind is like those burning buildings, it is engulfed in turmoil and darkness. Life has lost it’s value and love for others is being consumed by evil. Who will rescue us? The fires of evil are quickly over spreading our world. Who will sound the alarm, we are desperately in need of help. Is there anyone willing to fight this foe? Is this a losing battle and are we destined to be lost?

From the portal of time I heard, ” I’m here and My blood covers all who wish to be free of the darkness”. I gave it that all could be rescued from the grasp of evil, come let me wash and deliver you”. I heard the cry of your heart and have answered the call, the alarm sounded; help has arrived. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Roman 10:13

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

Since the fall of mankind, our world has been spiraling down into the abyss of darkness; first came mans disobedience, turning away from divine guidance to follow his self seeking heart. Misguided by a desire to be more when he was made in the image of a perfect Creator. His fall from grace gave the father of lies dominion of the earth created for him; everything was tainted by evil. That which was full of life and majestic became spoiled by the touch of darkness. What was once light became darkness in his heart, his brilliance admired by all the Heavenly host; Lucifer the light bearer desired to be greater than his Creator which lead to his expulsion from the heavenly courts and his name changed.

He deceived many in his quest for greatness and they too were cast out of their heavenly home. “Therefore, rejoice o heavens and you who dwell in them; but woe to you o earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, knowing he has but a short time” Rev.12:12. With great ferociousness he lashes out at everything that seeks the face of God through His son Jesus the Christ. The shadows of darkness he has cast caused pain, strife, hatred, and the blood of the people of God through out the centuries; his greatest vengeance still to come in his effort to destroy mankind, the Creators loved creation. He attempts to keep man blind to the love of the Father, His willingness to forgive sin, and the sacrifice made on mankind’s behalf.

The dawn is coming, Math. 24: 37-39 gives us this warning; “but as the days of Noah were so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage until the day Noah entered into the ark and knew not until the flood came and took them away; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.” The dawn is coming, the time is now to shed the deeds of darkness and seek the glow of loves light. Only by submitting to loves call can the darkness be penetrated and removed from the heart. The dawn is coming, evildoers with their evil deeds will receive their due rewards.

The dawn is coming, all mankind and the watching universe will know the justice of the Most High, His love and mercy. The dawn is coming, “Behold He is coming with the clouds and every eye shall see Him, even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be” Rev.1:7. “Behold I come quickly and My reward is with Me to give everyone according to his works Rev.22:12. The dawn is coming and the glory of His brightness will eradicate all darkness, restoration will begin and the earth will be purified; God will dwell on the new earth and those who love His appearing will be His people and dwell with the Father and the Son throughout eternity.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

In my youth I felt invincible, nothing was to hard or challenge to difficult for me to tackle; friends became family and family became friends. Mother would say” teeth and tongue may fall out, but; they need each other.” This taught me a valuable lesson, no matter what happens between mother and child, siblings, and other family members; at the end of the day if we don’t have love and forgiveness we open the door that will give power to the ruler of darkness.

I never thought I would reach 25, but; I did. It was not because I deserved it or was a person who made no mistakes. My mistakes were many and many of my decisions the wrong ones to make. My secret weapon was a praying mother, strong supportive sisters and brothers who were willing to fight my battles for me if need be. I never thought after searching for love in all the wrong places I’d find the love that mattered the most; love that sacrificed for me, forgave all my mistakes and made me feel like a new person.

I never thought I would see 50, but; I did, my life enriched by friends from childhood who still walk the pathway of life with me, sis and brothers in the faith that lift me up in time of trouble, knowing without a doubt my family and heavenly Father love me unconditionally. As I cross another threshold I never thought I would be granted the love of family and friends that have graced me with their presence to celebrate another milestone in my journey.

I never thought I would see 76, but; I did and the love that was showered upon me has made this a very special transition for this is the day the Creator whispered my name into the universe and I came to be. So grateful for my Fathers love

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

written June 4,2023

Do you remember how you felt when you received your first bouquet of flowers? The smile on your face and the joy in your heart, you couldn’t wait to open the little card often accompanying them; it was important to know who thought of you in such a special way. Sometimes they come from family members or friends, then there are times they come from a secret admirer, someone you least expected. There is something about receiving a gift you didn’t expect, it evokes a different kind of emotion; gratefulness consumes your thoughts and you wonder what you may have done to deserve such thoughtfulness from the sender or giver.

It is unfortunate that flowers have a very limited life cycle, they are beautiful while they bloom, but; soon they began to fade. Fading flowers show daily their end approaches; the petals begin to droop, the vibrant colors become dull and finally the petals fall leaving behind dry remnants of what once was. Just like the fading flower, mans life cycle is limited; we all know how we are born, but; death is a mystery. We know it’s inevitable, yet; seldom do we know the when, where, or how it will come. I’ve often heard that death is not the end of the story, just an intermission until the next act begins. My question is what will the next act be? Do we choose the role we will play? What happens when the final curtain falls?

This world has a Time Keeper, He records every wasted opportunity to learn our purpose for being and every wasted opportunity to share what we have learned with others. Unlike the fading flowers, mankind was given free will; choice which determines the path he or she takes. Natures course was established at Creation, it’s path set. The seasons change as directed, the sun rises and sets as directed and so does the moon and the stars. The natural and animal kingdoms give their obedience to their Creator, man is the exception to the rule; he has the ability to disobey. The condition of our world is the result of man’s disobedience to his Creator.

Lawlessness, greed, corruption, and unmentionable evil has consumed our world. Many have aligned themselves with the evil one who is its ruler. He seeks only to kill, steal and destroy; we must be alert and sober minded, he is not a friend of mankind, but; it’s greatest enemy. He is a deceiver, the father of lies, there is no truth in him. Those who follow his leading will end their earthly lives as refuse upon the ground, dried up and discarded like fading flowers. The Time Keeper is watching the clock of time as it ticks down to the final curtain of earths history. This is our final opportunity to choose life.

When the second act begins the trumpet will sound and the dead in Christ will shake off their grave clothes, put on robes of white and rise to meet their Lord, redeemer, and savior in the air. Jesus is the truth, the life, and the way, only those who choose Him will enjoy eternity.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace