Do You Actually Love Country and God enough to Feel Passion? ⋆ Effie Darlene Barba %

Do we feel passion about the Gospel? With yesterday being the 4^th of July, as an American, I wondered if we love our country and God enough? Do we care enough about the strangers around us that we are willing to do whatever it takes to hold fast to truth? As of yesterday, so much jumbled in my mind as I watched and waited for the ceremonies. I watched Mount Rushmore ceremonies Friday night with great pride and amazement. There was a passion in the voice of President Trump while at the same time a heaviness of heart. His shoulders stoop slightly with the load he has been appointed to carry. Appointed by the people and by God.

Yet, in his eyes and his voice, one hears the truth of his passion for the people in America. Despite that, he marches on with the media and many opponents critical of his every move. Perhaps because they themselves cannot truly believe anyone would love country or God more than themself.

As of yesterday, I stared still at a blank page. Nothing to write or say as we moved on in Colossians. I thought about perhaps just having an open session for class. So, last night after watching the delayed ceremonies, I went to bed. As I did, I prayed. God, if You do not settle my brain. I have nothing to give or write. So, I am here to write now.

A Passion for Country and God—for even those we don’t know

That was Paul here as he wrote to the church of Colossae and for Laodicea. This was not a church he had founded. He only knew of them because of his fellow prisoner, Epaphras. Yet, it was his love for Country and God that compelled him always forward. Suddenly, I saw even more in these verses.

I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. Colossians 1: 24-29 NKJV

A Deeper Dive

Just a week or so ago in my nightly teachings M, T, Th, and Fridays, I quoted John McArthur where he wrote about verse 24. In that, he wrote:

my sufferings. Paul’s present imprisonment (Acts 28:16, 30; )…fill up . . . what is lacking. Paul was experiencing the persecution intended for Christ. In spite of His death on the cross, Christ’s enemies had not gotten their fill of inflicting injury on Him. So they turned their hatred on those who preached the gospel (cf. John 15:18, 24; 16:1–3). It was in that sense that Paul filled up what was lacking in Christ’s afflictions (see notes on 2 Cor. 1:5; Gal. 6:17). the sake of His body. Paul’s motivation for enduring suffering was to benefit and build Christ’s church. Cf. Phil. 1:13, 29, 30; see notes on 2 Cor. 4:8–15 2 Corinthians 4:8-15 NKJV We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;…; 6:4–10; 11:23–29; 12:9, 10. ¹ _{McArthur, John; John McArthur Study Bible, Copyright © 1997, 2006, 2019 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved. As copied from Gateway Bible Resources at gatewaybible.com accessed 7/5/2025. Also found in page 2502 of my John McArthur Study Bible.}

Which is all true. We are the body of Christ and are faced with afflictions because of our steadfast faith. There will always be those to oppose while we remain on earth. That is if we are proclaiming the truth. But as is often the case in scripture, there may be a second meaning here. More than just the physical suffering Paul faced. Which is what I want to delve into now.

Filling up in my body, the afflictions of Christ

Here I think Paul was referring also to dying to self. Being always reminded of what Christ suffered for us. Let us be willing to suffer for the lost if called to. The J.B.Phillips translation puts these verses this way:

I myself have been made a minister of this same Gospel, and though it is true at this moment that I am suffering on behalf of you who have heard the Gospel, yet I am far from sorry about it. Indeed, I am glad, because it gives me a chance to complete in my own sufferings something of the untold pains for which Christ suffers on behalf of his body, the Church. For I am a minister of the Church by divine commission, a commission granted to me for your benefit and for a special purpose: that I might fully declare God’s word—that sacred mystery which up to now has been hidden in every age and every generation, but which is now as clear as daylight to those who love God. They are those to whom God has planned to give a vision of the full wonder and splendour of his secret plan for the sons of men. And the secret is simply this: Christ in you! Yes, Christ in you bringing with him the hope of all glorious things to come. Colossians 1:24-27 (PHILLIPS)

And when we consider Romans 8:14-17 NKJV

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Does this not include a love and passion for country and God such that we feel the weight of our place to pray, weep for, and compassionately reach out for. Did not Moses pray that God punish him instead of the people.

Then Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Oh, these people have committed a great sin, and have made for themselves a god of gold! Yet now, if You will forgive their sin—but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written.” Exodus 32:31-32 NKJV

Or Paul for Israel.

I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh Romans 9:1-3 NKJV

I regretfully say, I do not have that degree of passion for others. Now would I be willing to physically die? Yes. Or at least I think I would. But to say I would give up my place with Jesus Christ for anyone, not certain I could ever feel that degree of passion or love. Thankfully, not possible for me to give up my salvation. My salvation remains sealed by the Holy Spirit. My name is already written in God’s book of life. But we do need to consider our hearts and what is lacking there in our being like Christ. My heart lacks in being filled with the afflictions of Christ for His Church.

Having Not Seen, Yet Love with Passion

For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2: 1-3 NKJV

What was the conflict Paul had for them? It was not his being in prison so much as he longed to see them face to face. He wanted to teach them all the wonders of Jesus Christ. Wanting to give them all that He had been given by Jesus. All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. That is actually love country and God enough to feel passion and desire to lay down everything superficial to spread the gospel message.

A New Song

Jon Kahn posted a clip of a new song at spots people posted was called “United States of America”. But he posted it and clearly sang it as the “United Saints of America”. The song is about all the things good and bad as well, but that nothing can destroy America due to the United Saints of America. How true is that? It means a lot. Think of it. If the USA is not listed in the tribulation period it is because, the saints are gone. But what about the truth that we have been lulled to sleep. Does our passion burn for our country and for God enough?

Whatever you may think of President Trump, at least one thing he said last night. The United States of America has stood 250 years because it was a nation built upon the belief in One God. He reminded everyone that our greatness was built upon that faith. Our rights will never come from this government, but God himself.

“”By the grace of God, the United States of America is the most successful, most accomplished, most exceptional nation ever to exist in human history.”² As found with search assist to not misquote.

At Minimum We Must Pray for our leaders

I do pray often for President Trump that he truly know Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior if he does not already. As I did pray for President Biden, Obama, and Vice President Harris. Jesus Christ is our only hope. I do know that God is the one who places leaders.

“He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerned.” – Daniel 2:21

After all did not God lead King Nebuchadnezzar to ultimately worship the true God. Read Daniel 4:34-37

And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase. Daniel 4:34-37 NKJV

And remain diligently aware, holding fast to the truth.

Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. Colossians 2: 4-10 NKJV

Until Christ returns to call us out to be with Him, let us be a people passionately standing for Him with love for our country and love for Him. Let our Passion drive our hearts to fall on our knees to pray, salute our flag, and then go to spread the gospel message where ever we go. Let us be the United Saints of America proclaiming the truth of One God who rules in the affairs of men. Proclaim the salvation gospel of Jesus Christ to all we find along the way.

Let us not be so content just sitting before Him, that we fail to spread His gospel to those around us. That is why I wrote this poem, now made into a song. He will be your strength.

O Father Dear, What Can I Say?

by Effie Darlene Barba

O Father Dear, what can I say

As here before thy throne I pray

So, humbled by majestic Grace

As glorious joy fills this space

O Sovereign Lord, my Righteous King

Your Love doth make my heart to sing

You drew me near, salvation’s song

And bid me leave the earthly throng

That I might sit a while with you

Though silence may at times ensue

Yet, in the quiet time I feel

Your strength and love, You do instill

And quiet then, my restless heart

Doth long to stay and ne’er depart

Oh, how I wish that I could stay

Right here with You through each long day

Bridge:

Let me sit here just a while

Drink in the Spirit’s smile

Forgetting all the world around

Such bliss and peace abound

Alone with you I am complete

So, let me sit here at your feet

From now until eternity

Let You be all my heart doth see

And yet, dear Lord You bid me to rise

To run, go forth and then apprise

This world of sinners of Your Grace

Shine Forth My Lovely Savior’s face

Proclaim the Truth of Your Dear Son

The Victory on a cross He has won

Declaring all You’ve done for me

You took my sin, and set me free

From all the chains that bound me tight

Desires and fears, the lonely night

So, counterfeit the joys they brought

Until it was thy Word I sought

So, Father dear, I now must go

To spread Your truth, your words to sow

As I arise to face this day

I bid You, Lord my hands to stay

Without Your strength, I will but stray

By Words I do, or things I say

So, this is all I ask of You

Please, let Your Love and Grace shine through

Cast all my selfish will aside

With all its anger, foolish pride

Upon a cross there crucify

My ego, self; oh, let it die

Let then Your glory shine through me

For all this broken world to see

How precious is thy love and grace!

Open their eyes to seek thy face.

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

¹ J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

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