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Does Your Life Show the Truth of Who You Are in Jesus?

May 23, 2026 Effie Barba Leave a comment

The first three chapters of Ephesians laid a firm foundation of our position and standing because of Jesus Christ. That is the firm foundation of our identity in Christ Jesus. Chapters 4 through 6 are the practical outpouring of such a life. In other words, how can our life show the truth of who we are in Jesus? It is by knowing the truth of our position in Jesus Christ. And then we allow that knowledge to transform our day-to-day life. Our decisions are then based on knowing the truth of our identity. Letting who we are in Jesus Christ guide our actions. Example: my training as a nurse changed my actions and activities at work. But let me give an even further example.

Truth vs Technique in Who You Are

When I first trained to be a nurse a long time ago, I changed schools. Starting my training in Missouri and then transferring to Florida, I met with some minor technique changes. For example, Missouri taught shot giving techniques utilizing 1 alcohol swab. Florida taught a two-alcohol swab technique. Yet, I did not know there was a difference. No one had told me until I was in practice at the hospital.

The moment came when I needed to give a shot to a patient with the instructor watching. I prepared the syringe with great care. Then, I located the perfect spot on the muscle. Pulled the skin taut. After cleaning the injection spot with alcohol, I then injected the needle with a quick dart like move to hurt less. I removed the needle quickly and put the alcohol swab over the site, pressing slightly downward. All perfectly performed, when the instructor suddenly gasped and said, “Where did you learn to give a shot!” This was in front of the patient. She began to tell me how badly I did and should never again give a shot. Then she left the room. I followed and asked what was wrong. “You must use two alcohol swabs. One before and a different one after”, she retorted.

Yet, the real damage was already done. The patient did not hear the explanation of the trivialities and was left to believe something horrible had just happened.

Truth of Who You Are in Jesus vs Technicalities

The same is often true when we are “judging each other” as Christian. When Paul moves from Doctrinal Theology to Practical Outworking Activities in our lives, he carefully reminds us to do so with love, kindness, and gentleness. He also carefully explains that everyone was given his or her spiritual gifts. These may differ in character. But no one is working alone to do it all. No one has every spiritual gift other than Jesus, who did have them all in one body. Coming from different spiritual gift vantage points, we may approach our role in ministry differently. But the end results are the same as long as we keep Jesus our focal point. Of course, that also means there are some essentials which should always shine forth. Some behaviors that should show the truth of who we are and others we must consider as not part of who we are.

That brings us to the next section in Ephesians chapter 4.

This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:17-24 NKJV

In Christ, we are New Creations

Although we may each have different spiritual gifts, we are also all new creations in Jesus Christ. When we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we are counted as having died to sin, buried with Him, and resurrected into newness of life. That is the Truth of who you are in Jesus Christ.

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:1-11 NKJV

Baptism in Christ Jesus is salvation, not water baptism. Water Baptism in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is symbolic of the spiritual baptism that occurs in Christ Jesus. It is not in itself the salvation that occurs when accepting Jesus Christ as Savior which is the spiritual baptism referred to here. The Truth of who you are in Jesus is that you are a new creation in Him. One that includes your being a new man, created according to God in true righteousness and holiness. For as long as we live on this earth with this earthly body, we are to actively lay aside our former actions. You are to remember who you are in Jesus, and stop doing those things which habitually you would do as Gentiles.

How? By feeding the spiritual side through prayer, bible study, and remembering the Truth of who you are in Jesus. When you experience that truth, why would you ever want to go back to the former frustrations? But so often we do without even thinking. We skip the Bible a few days. Or forget the truth for a few days and go on with our lives. Suddenly we find ourselves anxious, fearful, and frustrated. And we wonder why, although the why should be evident.

What Does the Truth of Who You Are in Jesus look like?

Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4: 25-32 NKJV

There are quite a few admonitions here:

Put aside lying. Speak truth.

Do not sin with your anger and do not let it continue into the night.

Anger when it lingers gives place to the devil to cause harm. Like God told Cain concerning his anger toward Abel.

Do not steal from others. No cheating on taxes, etc.

Unless what you are going to say serves to edify another, shut up. (something I must say to myself daily before blurting out what I am thinking)

Do NOT Grieve the Holy Spirit. He is working hard to transform you and has sealed your salvation. So, try not to rebel against Him. He will make certain, He completes His work in you—whatever it takes.

Put aside all bickering, bitterness, anger, wrath, and evil speaking.

Be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving to others.

When you cling to the Truth of Who You Are in Jesus, you look different.

The fruits of the Spirit shine forth when you know the truth of who you are. Those are:

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV

How?

Those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:24-26 NKJV

But Again, How Do I Do That?

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5: 16-21

But you might say, I try and fail? What then?

reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:11 NKJV

In other words, preach to yourself.

David did, even the more when he knew he had failed God.

As the deer pants for the water brooks,

So pants my soul for You, O God.

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

When shall I come and appear before God?

My tears have been my food day and night,

While they continually say to me,

“Where is your God?”

When I remember these things,

I pour out my soul within me.

For I used to go with the multitude;

I went with them to the house of God,

With the voice of joy and praise,

With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast.

Why are you cast down, O my soul?

And why are you disquieted within me?

Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him

For the help of His countenance.

O my God, my soul is cast down within me;

Therefore, I will remember You from the land of the Jordan,

And from the heights of Hermon,

From the Hill Mizar.

Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls;

All Your waves and billows have gone over me.

The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime,

And in the night His song shall be with me—

A prayer to the God of my life.

I will say to God my Rock,

“Why have You forgotten me?

Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”

As with a breaking of my bones,

My enemies reproach me,

While they say to me all day long,

“Where is your God?”

Why are you cast down, O my soul?

And why are you disquieted within me?

Hope in God;

For I shall yet praise Him,

The help of my countenance and my God.

Psalm 42 NKJV

Vindicate me, O God,
And plead my cause against an ungodly nation;
Oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man!
For You are the God of my strength;
Why do You cast me off?
Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

Oh, send out Your light and Your truth!
Let them lead me;
Let them bring me to Your holy hill
And to Your tabernacle.
Then I will go to the altar of God,
To God my exceeding joy;
And on the harp I will praise You,
O God, my God.

Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God;
For I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.

Psalm 43 NKJV

So, what do we learn from these psalms toward the truth of who we are? And what to do to remind ourselves?

Thirst after the Truth of God

Do not forsake assembling with other believers

Remind yourself of all He has done in the past

Preach to yourself

Pray for God to guide and protect you

In the dark moments Praise Him for who He is

Ask for His enlightenment in your life.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

How to Grow in the Truth of Love Because of Jesus Gifts

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2026

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. That is except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

¹ J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Picture licensed from Goodsalt.com

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How to Grow in the Truth of Love Because of Jesus Gifts

May 16, 2026 Effie Barba Leave a comment

Because of Jesus Gifts, we are to Grow in the Truth of Love in this Christian Journey here. Certainly, the Gifts of Jesus included the Holy Spirit who is to guide us into all truth. But it was more than just that. According to scripture, Jesus also gave special gifts for His Church. And who are His Church? All who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. So as we move forward in Ephesians, please do not forget who you are in Jesus Christ. You are His Redeemed, Chosen, Beloved Saint by His Declaration and Purchase of our freedom from sin. Children of God Almighty, joint heirs with Jesus Christ, Sealed by the Holy Spirit for all of eternity. Endowed with wisdom and power due to the indwelling Holy Spirit.

So, do not forget who you are. But also, we are servants to Jesus by choice and therefore, our lives are examples of Him to the world around us. So, as we move forward in this study, we are now being given more instructions on how to live this life while journeying as pilgrims in this land. Also, how to grow in the truth of love so that we are truly ambassadors for Jesus Christ. Furthermore, these gifts are to be utilized by the church to spread the gospel message to the world.

Paul, a prisoner for the Lord Urges Us

Willingly, the Apostle Paul went to prison for his faith. He felt the gospel of Jesus Christ more important than his freedom on earth. During his imprisonment, he led all those around him to Jesus Christ. Even the Roman guards that were chained to him. Imagine being one of those guards! But how did he do that? Not by just speaking the truth, but also, living the example of Christ through humility, gentleness, patience and love. He bids us to do the same.

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV

In Jesus Christ, we are united into one body as the bride of Christ. Therefore, when we bicker, complain, and battle against each other it as though we are “cutting off our nose to spite our face”. (An old country saying that seems to fit here.) Instead, for all believers we need to reach out a hand and hold tight to a brother or sister that is teetering on a ledge.

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:4-6. ESV

In other words, never forget where you came from and how you were saved by Grace Alone.

Because of Jesus Gifts, We Grow in the Truth of Love

But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says,

“When he ascended on high he led a host of captives,

and he gave gifts to men.” Ephesians 4:7-8 ESV

Here Paul is quoting from Psalm 68 which is a song of victory.

The chariots of God are twice ten thousand,
    thousands upon thousands;
    the Lord is among them; Sinai is now in the sanctuary.

You ascended on high,
    leading a host of captives in your train
    and receiving gifts among men,
even among the rebellious, that the Lord God may dwell there.

Blessed be the Lord,
    who daily bears us up;
    God is our salvation. Psalm 68: 17-19 ESV

Paul reminds the readers that Jesus returned to heaven with His Gains from the victory. He returned with the captives and the riches of hope, knowing that He had won the victory over death and sin. As He did He also left gifts for those here so that even the rebellious might come to know Him.

Let us take this a bit further.

(In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that He had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) Ephesians 4:9-10 ESV

He willingly went to the depths of hades, having died that He might fully pay the price for us. Therefore, He descended so that He might ascend to the throne room victorious. There He is seated at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us.

So what gifts did Jesus leave humanity?

And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, Ephesians 4:11 ESV

He left us the apostles with there testimony of Him, knowing the scriptures they would write. He also gave us the prophets of old with all their scriptures preserved and later found in the Dead Sea Scrolls. Furthermore, he equipped evangelists, shepherds and teachers to guide us along the way. And were these a one time gift? No absolutely not: They were to continue until.

until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Ephesians 4:12-14 ESV

Not Certain About You, but think I still need the gift of ministry equipping me every day. Because, I am not certain of the depths of maturity I demonstrate. Nor how often do the waves of life toss me to and fro. So, yes I must cling to the gifts given me and not cast aside them as unnecessary to my growth and maturity.

We are to Grow in the Truth of Love

All of this is to help us Grow in the Truth of Love. His love for us. The love of the Holy Spirit indwells us so that we may speak the truth in love. Even when we are faced by those who are hostile to the gospel message. We have been equipped by God through the Holy Spirit and through the gifts given to us by Jesus Christ. He provides for us those who will help us to grow in the truth of love.

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4: 15-16. ESV

This is not work we can perform solely on our own. For that reason, we do need His gifts of ministers, teachers, and shepherds who are to guide us to grow in the Truth of love. We are not isolated beings in no need of each other. And as the world continues to go further chaotic with evil forces surrounding us, we need other Christians with us. Therefore, as we grow in the truth of love, we can reach out more to other Christians. Then, jointly we reach out with love, patience, and care to the lost in this world.

thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ. 2 Corinthians 2: 14-17 ESV

Feast on those words for a few moments. That will help you Grow in the Truth of Love

Led in Christ in a triumphal procession by God. When was the last time you thought of yourself as marching in a triumphal procession. The victory is won. Nothing to fear. March on with confidence wherever you may go. Whatever is around you.

Through Us, God spreads the Fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ everywhere. Think on that one. What kind of fragrance are we?

We are the aroma of Christ to God among those being saved and those perishing. Wow! A fragrance from death to death to those who refuse Him as Savior. The fragrance of life to life to those who accept Christ. But do I always consider whether I am eluding the sweet fragrance of His love even to those who reject Him?

We are not peddlers of God’s word—mouth only not reflected in our lives. Nor are we those who teach the Bible from a heart of greed. Instead we are to be…

Sincere teachers of the Word, commissioned by God. Speaking Christ in the presence of God, imagine what you would say about Him to His Father? Would you ever use Him name in vain? I think not. You would speak with the honor He so deserves.

Therefore, we must take serious our commission here on this earth.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

How to Know and Unlock the Amazing Power Jesus Gave You

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2026

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

¹ J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Picture licensed from Goodsalt.com

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How to Know and Unlock the Amazing Power Jesus Gave You

May 9, 2026 Effie Barba Leave a comment

The first three chapters of Ephesians is doctrinal, reminding you who you are in Jesus Christ. Once you know the truth of your identity, then you have the key to unlock the Amazing Power that Jesus gave you. Power to live this Christian life with strength, love, and victory.

So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:13-21 ESV

Paul had outlined in chapters 1 and 2 the magnificent truth of our identity in Jesus Christ. In Him we are God’s beloved, chosen, redeemed children. Declared to be Saints seated in heavenly places even now. Co-inheritors with Jesus Christ of all God’s riches. Cloaked in Righteousness. Sealed for eternity by the Holy Spirit. Endowed with power, wisdom, hope, and joy. He ended chapter one with a powerful prayer that the readers would be fully enlightened to this knowledge.

Unlock the Amazing Power Learned in suffering.

Before Paul prays again, this time that we might know the power we have to our disposal. He stops to place one sentence. That sentence can be easily overlooked. But don’t. There, he presents a key. Do not lose heart when you see the suffering I am undergoing for you and for the sake of the gospel. Because it is through suffering and trials that God often produces Glory.

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:16-18 ESV

Or as we read in 1 Peter.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1: 3-7 ESV

How can we fully comprehend the power of overcoming if we never have a trial to overcome? Furthermore, how can we learn to trust Him if we never have anything to trust and wait for Him to provide?

Strengthened by the Holy Spirit in Your Inner Being

Paul then begins once more a powerful prayer. One that we should pray for ourselves and for others. We have the Holy Spirit indwelling us fully. All the power of God within us. What an amazing thought. We can unlock the amazing power within us by remembering, He is there in our hearts as a gift from Jesus.

I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:16-17 ESV

do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? I Corinthians 6:19 ESV

And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Galatians 4:6 ESV

There inside of me is the key to unlock the amazing power of God to overcome every hardship and overcome every temptation.

Another Key to Unlock the Amazing Power to Overcome is Remembering

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19 ESV

One of my greatest struggles is remembering the depth of His love for me. After all it is nearly that unimaginable. Yet, He loves me enough that He died for me. Me, a speck of dust in this Universe. Still, He chose me. So how do we remember that?

For one thing: we look back at the cross.

Secondly, we have help:

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26 ESV

But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. John 15:26 ESV

When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for He will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that He will take what is mine and declare it to you. John 16: 13-15 ESV

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26 ESV

Abiding in You is the Key to Unlock the Amazing Power of God

But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth. Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He made to us—eternal life. I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in Him. I John 2:20-27 ESV

That Same Power that raised Jesus from the dead lives inside of you. He is who gives life to our spirit.

You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:9-11 ESV

Unlock the Amazing Power of Jesus-The Holy Spirit transforms us into the Image of Jesus

God has promised to transform us into the image of His son. Therefore, He takes the responsibility to transform our dead spirits into living spirits and our stony hearts into flesh.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.  And those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified. Romans 8: 28-30 ESV

Sometimes it is tiny baby steps, but he will transform us.

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord,  are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. II Corinthians. 3:18

Watch and follow those who are grounded in the truth. Do not get distracted by the opinions of this world. Focus on Jesus.

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.  For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.  Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him even to subject all things to Himself. Philippians 3:17-21 ESV

In Warfare Against Powers and Principalities: Unlock the Amazing Power of Jesus

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.  In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;  and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,  and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:14-20 ESV

Even Paul is asking for words to be given to him.

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you Matthew 10:16-20 ESV

He will Keep You to the End, that knowledge does Unlock the Amazing Power

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1: 6 ESV

Laying aside any worry because I know.

The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me;
    your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
    Do not forsake the work of your hands. Psalm 138:8 ESV

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy,  to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time  and now and forever. Amen. JUDE 24-25 ESV

Now go out into this world empowered this week and every week.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

The Wisdom of God in Revealing the Ancient Mystery Now

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2026

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

¹ J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Picture licensed from Goodsalt.com

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The Wisdom of God in Revealing the Ancient Mystery Now

May 2, 2026 Effie Barba Leave a comment

Since the first sin of Adam, plunging the world into utter chaos, a mystery has existed. One shrouded in words of hope. Yet unrevealed as to its complexity. How did it remain so shrouded in the hearts of humanity? Especially since now we see its evidence so clearly from the beginning of Genesis and threaded throughout all Scripture. Yet do we all see it? Obviously not. Is it only to those whom it has been revealed, their eyes being opened to see the truth. Those with hearts willing to trust with faith. And though the Old Testament Saints did not understand fully, they also stood on faith alone. They believed in the Wisdom of God to fulfill all His promises. Although, not fully grasping how He was going to do it.

That Ancient Mystery now has been revealed. Even though Isaiah, Daniel and other prophets foretold of a weeping Messiah. They foretold of His dying to pay for our transgressions before a Holy God. Still, no one imagined the truth.

After all, who could imagine that the same God who spoke with Abraham would choose to come to earth. How was it that God sent His Beloved Eternal Son to be born as a human baby? From total majesty to being a helpless, defenseless baby with hunger pains? From all-powerful to fragile within moments. Even Satan who was well versed in scripture, was taken off guard. To him, this was his chance. An opportunity to overthrow God, somehow. Which brings us to Ephesians 3. However, before going on, we must return to chapter 2 to review briefly verses 11-21.

The Wisdom of God in bringing the Gentiles In

Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. Ephesians 2:11-12 ESV

The Jewish Nation (the circumcised) looked down upon the gentiles (the uncircumcised). This despite God always telling them to be the light to the world. They were to bring other nations to the knowledge of Him. Remember when God sent Jonah to warn and save the Ninevites? How angry and frustrated Jonah became! Yet, this scripture is read every year at Yom Kippur. ( The day of atonement). It was read even during Old Testament times. It was reminder of God’s Divine Mercy and humanity’s need for repentence. Yet, the hearts of the Pharisees and Sadducees remained always against even associating with the gentiles. Let alone bring them to salvation? They never imagined it. This despite God telling them to. Rahab and Ruth (Gentiles) were chosen to be part of the lineage of David and the promised King. Even Abraham was called out of a pagan nation.

Yet, they chose not to be witnesses to the world concerning God. Instead, they were easily enticed to follow Pagan practices and ignore God’s commands. Thus proving themselves unworthy of His Grace as well.

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in His flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that He might create in Himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. Ephesians 2: 13-16 ESV

The Wisdom of God: Jew and Gentile One Body in Christ

He did away with the Old Law. After all, it did not work to bring salvation. Salvation came by faith alone, not the working of human hands. Even back then. They lost sight of that truth. The Law was there to help us see the truth of our sin compared to a Righteous, Holy God. The Creator of the Universe could not be matched ever by our feeble efforts.

He came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through Him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 2:17-22 ESV

We are all joined as one body in Jesus Christ. That is all who accept Him as Lord and Savior, repenting of their sins, and believing He is God’s Son who died in our place. Furthermore, He was resurrected from the dead as scripture tells us.

The Wisdom of God Concerning the Ancient Mystery

For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Ephesians 3:1-6 ESV

First note, Paul calls himself a prisoner of Christ Jesus. He who was a Pharisee of the Pharisees is not surrendered completely to the will of Jesus Christ. His position was to bring the gospel message to the Gentiles. This because the mystery hidden in plain sight was now fully revealed by the Spirit of God. Why was this all kept shrouded in mystery in the Old Testament?

we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; but just as it is written:

“Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard,
And which have not entered the human heart,
All that God has prepared for those who love Him.” I Corinthians 2: NASB

Why was it hidden? Let me present two important observations here.

Satan would not have thought it a good idea for Christ to be crucified. Nor would he have enticed the crowds to proceed. Particularly, he would not have wanted the Pharisees to turn against Jesus. Somehow, he still thought he had a chance to gain all the world as his subjects, if only Jesus would die. After all, he was foolish enough to believe Jesus might sin when he tempted Jesus in the desert. What about the emotional torture of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane when His flesh agonized over what was coming? If Jesus dies, Satan at least thought, he had a chance of keeping Jesus trapped in death. Had he and his demons fully understood, they would not have wanted His death on the cross. And certainly, all the truth was shrouded in the eyes of the Pharisees and Sadducees who desired power and money.

Jesus was not the Messiah they wanted. They wanted to be the only ones. No gentiles. Save us here and now from Roman oppression. They wanted outward salvation and circumcision. Not a circumcision of the heart that would force them to bow before God. And never did they want to share their position with anyone.

The mystery although written in plain sight requires the working of the Holy Spirit opening the eyes of the blind to see the truth.

For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among people knows the thoughts of a person except the spirit of the person that is in him? So also the thoughts of God no one knows, except the Spirit of God. Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God. We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But a natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. But the one who is spiritual discerns all things, yet he himself is discerned by no one. For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. I Corinthians 2:10-16 NASB

The Wisdom of God Even Allowed Evil (Evil being the absence of God)

Who of you would have thought this plan was a good idea? Would you have even considered paying the price by your own death for someone’s crimes? Or even greater, to pour all your wrath and punishment on your beloved son for someone else’s sins? Furthermore, all because of love? All this? But why allow evil to begin with? Particularly if that meant you were going to pay the price in the end? Yet without choice, can love or devotion exist? Without choice, can one understand the attributes of God? Or feel the depth of His Love or Mercy?

What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? As indeed he says in Hosea,

“Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’
and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’”
“And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’
there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’” Romans 9: 22-26 ESV

Carefully consider this quote from Jonathan Edwards.

    It is a proper and excellent thing for infinite glory to shine forth; and for the same reason, it is proper that the shining forth of God’s glory be complete; that is, that all parts of his glory should shine forth, that every beauty should be proportionably effulgent (=radiant), that the beholder may have a proper notion of God. It is not proper that one glory should be exceedingly manifested, and another not at all….

    Thus, it is necessary, that God’s awful majesty, his authority and dreadful greatness, justice, and holiness, should be manifested. But this could not be, unless sin and punishment had been decreed; so that the shining forth of God’s glory would be very imperfect, both because these parts of divine glory would not shine forth as the others do, and also the glory of his goodness, love, and holiness would be faith without them; nay, they could scarcely shine forth at all.

If it were not right that God should decree and permit and punish sin, there could be no manifestation of God’s holiness in hatred of sin, or in showing any preference, in his providence, of godliness before it. There would be no manifestation of God’s grace or true goodness, if there was no sin to be pardoned, no misery to be saved from. How much happiness so ever he bestowed, his goodness would not be so much prized and admired, and the sense of it not so great….

    So, evil is necessary,

in order to the highest happiness of the creature and the completeness of that communication of God, for which he made the world; because the creature’s happiness consists in the knowledge of God, and the sense of his love. And if the knowledge of him be imperfect, the happiness of the creature must be proportionably imperfect. _{Jonathan Edwards, “Concerning the Divine Decrees”, The Works of Jonathan Edwards, (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1974), 528}

The Wisdom of God Can Love Be Perfect without Free Will?

God created things which had free will. That means creatures can go either wrong or right. Some people think they can imagine a creature which was free but had no possibility of going wrong; I cannot. If a thing is free to be good it is also free to be bad. And free will is what has made evil possible. Why, then, did God give them free will? Because free will though it makes evil possible, is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having. A world of automata-of creatures that worked like machines-would hardly be worth creating.

The happiness which God designs for His higher creatures is the happiness of being freely, voluntarily united to Him and to each in an ecstasy of love delight compared with which the most rapturous love between a man and a woman on this earth is mere milk and water. And for that they must be free.

Of course, God knew what would happen if they used their freedom the wrong way: apparently, He thought it worth the risk. Perhaps we feel inclined to disagree with Him. But there is a difficulty about disagreeing with God. He is the source from which all your reasoning power comes: you could not be right, and He wrong any more than a stream can rise higher than its own source. When you are arguing against Him you are arguing against the very power that makes you able to argue at all: it is like cutting off the branch you are sitting on.

If God thinks this state of war in the universe a price worth paying for free will—that is, for making a live world in which creatures can do real good or harm and something of real importance can happen, instead of a toy world which only moves when He pulls the strings—then we may take it is worth paying _{C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, (New York: HarperCollins, 1952), 47-48}

Wisdom of God—Unsearchable

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

“For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
“Or who has given a gift to Him
that he might be repaid?”

For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:33-36 ESV

Wisdom of God—The Ancient Mystery Revealed to All Who Will Believe

Why was it a mystery? So, all could be accomplished so that you and I might have the chance to come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. So that all God had planned could be completed with such joy and jubilation for all who would be His sons and daughters.

I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? Far from it! But by their wrongdoing salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous. Now if their wrongdoing proves to be riches for the world, and their failure, riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fulfillment be! But I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Therefore, insofar as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry if somehow I may move my own people to jealousy and save some of them. For if their rejection proves to be the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? If the first piece of dough is holy, the lump is also; and if the root is holy, the branches are as well. Romans 11: 11-16 NASB

For this Reason, Paul bowed as a prisoner and servant of God

Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. Ephesians 3: 7-12 ESV

So, what does all this mean to us?

Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says,

“Today if you hear His voice,
Do not harden your hearts Hebrews 3:7-8 nasb

“The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:8-13 NASB

And then we are to go out and tell others. After all we will know the mystery of eternal life. Why would we not share that!

How then are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? How are they to believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? But how are they to preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!” Romans 10:14-15 NASB

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

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Do You Know Abounding Joy with A Spirit Abundantly Alive?

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2026

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. That is except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

¹ J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

The New Testament in Modern English by J.B Phillips copyright © 1960, 1972 J. B. Phillips. Administered by The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England. Used by Permission.

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

New King James Version (NKJV)Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

New English Translation (NET)NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

Amplified Bible (AMP)Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Artwork by Standard Permission Shutterstock created by Bruce Rolff

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Do You Know Abounding Joy with A Spirit Abundantly Alive?

April 26, 2026 Effie Barba Leave a comment

Ephesians 1 reminded us of who we are in Jesus Christ. In Him we are God’s Chosen, Beloved, Redeemed, and Adopted Child of God. Thereby we are the joint heirs with Jesus Christ, sealed and secured by the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, we are counted as Saints, righteous because of being cloaked in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Empowered, equipped, and endowed with wisdom from High. All of this because of the Grace of God, through faith in Jesus Christ. Spiritually, we are made alive. Why would we not know abounding Joy regardless of the circumstances that surround us! How is it that we would not live with peace in our hearts, overflowing with love to others. We did not gain any of this because of our own works. It was purchased by Jesus Christ not us.

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, Ephesians 2:1-6 ESV

Why Do We not Know Abounding Joy from a Spirit that is Abundantly Alive?

Not only did He save us, but has seated us in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. So, why is it that we do not know abounding joy, flowing forth from a spirit abundantly alive? We were dead spiritually. Not with a little twitching, spark of life to reach out to God. Dead, not moving, not trying to reach God. Salvation was His Work and His Alone. While we think we played some major role in our salvation, we do not truly grasp the magnitude of our own salvation. But why would He do that?

so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:7

He wants all to see His Glory and more importantly the Glory of His Son.

I am the Lord; that is my name;

my glory I give to no other,

nor my praise to carved idols. Isaiah 42:8 ESV

That is why,

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV

It is His work and His alone. There is nothing I do for which I can seek my own praise. Until I get that! I just keep on wanting some part of that glory to be mine. Unless I recognise the magnitude of His Grace, I do not grasp how to perform the good works He has prepared me for. And furthermore, I am miserable. Always searching for what I can never obtain. That is unless I surrender myself to Him. Furthermore, I am always critical of those around me. After all, that makes me look better. When I recognize my own inability to save myself, only then can I reach out to another with forgiveness and love.

How Do We Not Show Grace to Others?

Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that He might create in Himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. Ephesians 2:11-16 ESV

We are not in the place to judge any others. Though we want to think of ourselves as better, we really are not without Jesus Christ. It is so easy to be disappointed in the acts of others, but who are we to judge? Most of the time, the very things I would want to point out about another, my thumb points right back at me.

It happens so easily. We take to heart and feel rejected when those we witness to do not seem to hear or follow. As though that is our job. But salvation is of the Lord. Not us we are to not grow weary in well doing.

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Or the The Parable of the Seed Growing that Jesus Taught

And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” Mark 4:26-29 ESV

Ours is to continue sowing the seed. God is the one who makes it sprout and grow. It is not our part. We are to be light in a dark world. Pointing the way to salvation, not the ones responsible for the outcome. God is. We are to be examples. How? By recognizing who we are in Jesus Christ and that He is most important. When we see who He is, then we stop judging others. It is more than enough to make certain I am following Him, every day. Spending time with Him. Then let Him rule and reign in your heart. He uses every heart that is totally surrendered to Him.

Why Would I Do That?

And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 2: 17-22 ESV

Even from Prison, after many years of trials, Paul wrote:

Therefore, my brothers whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:1-9

To Know Abounding Joy, One Must first be Abundantly Alive in Jesus Christ

As Paul also wrote:

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:8-11

do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength Nehemiah 8:10

He is our Joy and His Joy is our Strength to keep marching forward no matter what surrounds us.

But to know Abounding Joy, one must first know Him. Only in Christ are we made abundantly Alive. He is the only true source of Joy and Strength. In Him with have life abundantly. All else are fleeting, dying pleasures that will never truly Satisfy. So do not let the thief steal your life, look to Jesus only He can save you and then you can know abounding joy evermore in Him.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10 ESV

In Christ, I am God’s own Beloved

by Effie Darlene Barba

Accused, Condemned in eyes of men

Rejected, hated for my sin

No one stopped to see my heart

Cast aside some broken part

That no one cared to see inside

The scars and sorrows that abide

A heart so filled with hopes and dreams

Of meadows green and crystal streams

Lay shattered, broken cast away

With nothing good or kind to say

Chorus

Then God’s Dear Grace that loved me so

Looked deep within and bid to know

Each crevice of my heart and soul

Each broken piece to then make whole

In Christ I am set free from sin

My guilt and shame all taken in

And bore upon that rugged cross

My strength to stand though all else loss

My sins all covered by His blood

In Christ, I am God’s own Beloved

How quickly men’s own selfish pride

Does cast away and cast aside

A fallen one—a broken heart

Who needs your hand to help them start?

Christ had come to heal the lame

To lift their guilt and take their shame

He called the sinners to His side

To know His love-in Him abide

So why do we not give our hand

To help a fallen one to stand

So, prideful man with heart so small

Be careful lest you too shall fall

Chorus

For it was God’s dear Grace that loved me so

Looked deep within and bid to know

Each crevice of my heart and soul

Each broken piece to then make whole

In Christ I am set free from sin

My guilt and shame all taken in

And bore upon that rugged cross

My strength to stand though all else loss

My sins all covered by His blood

In Christ, I am God’s own Beloved

So, if you wish to help someone

Then point them to God’s Only Son

Who Gave His life to Save their soul

Transform their broken heart to whole

He’ll take their filthy rags and then bless

Them with His Cloak of righteousness

I know this truth because you see

I was the one, He came running for me

He took my broken, wretched heart

And brought to me a brand new start

My Sorrows He did turn to glee

In Him, I am a brand new me

Chorus

For it was God’s dear Grace that loved me so

Looked deep within and bid to know

Each crevice of my heart and soul

Each broken piece to then make whole

In Christ I am set free from sin

My guilt and shame all taken in

And bore upon that rugged cross

My strength to stand though all else loss

My sins all covered by His blood

In Christ, I am God’s own Beloved