There is only one name by which you may be saved, and that name is Jesus Christ. This journey on earth is laden with sorrows, trials, and pains, because of sin. A broken world filled with broken hearts. Many will try to tell you there is no God; but, look around you. You will see glimpses of beauty, love, and joy; all evidence of God’s Grace still reaching out to touch hearts. Yet, so many will try to say that humans have evolved into creatures of kindness by some genetic transformation. But look around you and deep within. You will see hearts bent on self-exaltation, pride, in search of self-fulfillment at any cost; seeking to Be, while sinking deep into nothingness. There remains within each heart a void, an emptiness that only God can fill.
From the beginning, God desired a people upon whom He could shower His love, fill with His joy, and impart His Glory. He created us with a hunger for His Glory. Yet, for anyone to truly see the wonder and marvel of that love; they must be free to choose. However, from the beginning; mankind chose to worship the creation more than the creator; searching to become their own God. Pride drives each to think so much more of themselves; as though we were more than just a speck of dust compared to the Universe. Despite all the times, humanity has turned to spit upon the face of God, He still sent His Son to walk upon this earth, to pay the penalty for our sin laden hearts, and to raise Him from the grave victorious over sin and death; that through Him we might have a means of salvation.
An Emptiness and Void Only God Can Fill
Did you ever look upon a sunrise and feel the glory of it’s beauty? Or wonder how it is one can love another? Have you ever been awed by an act of kindness or beauty? That is God’s patient Grace reaching out to you, bidding you to come just as you are to seek Him. So often, we come seeking His gifts; but, not seeking the giver of those gifts. Out of our brokenness, there is only one hope. That hope can only be found at the cross; where, we lay down our sins to be clothed in His righteousness.
There is no other way of salvation. Some would try to say that there are many ways to God; but, how could there be? God would not have sent His Son, if there were any other way to save mankind. One day, He will say: “Enough”. But until that day, He is reaching out His Nail scarred Hand offering to you, life eternal with Him in His presence, surrounded by His Love, Joy, and Glory. That longing and desire deep within your heart, only He can fill. The emptiness you feel, only He can fill with purpose and meaning. He can take all your brokenness and fill it with abounding life and an abiding, steadfast joy that nothing and no one can take from you.
Arising from the Void to Stand in Joy
When the friends brought the man with palsy to Jesus, they were seeking healing of the body. Jesus knew that the true healing could only come with a healing of the heart; by forgiveness of sin. Some in the crowd thought it blasphemy that Jesus said, “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee” (Mark 2:5). Yet, Jesus knew what their hearts were saying; though, they had not spoken a word.
So, He answered their hearts, “Why reason ye these things in your hearts? Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sin, (he saith to the sick of palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. And immediately he arose” (Mark 2:8-12).
Every morning you awake. Each gift of laughter, love or joy you experience in this life, comes as a gift to demonstrate for you God’s Grace. Yet, do you recognize it? All too often, we only cry out to God or against Him, when we lose the gift we were freely given. Instead, of recognizing Him; we rail against the loss of something we desired. When God sent the plant to provide Jonah shade, he was happy; until the plant died. Then, He was angry with God for removing his shade. However, God wanted Jonah to see that it was God who graciously provided; thereby, worshipping God not the gift.
Jesus Alone Can Fill the Void of Your Heart and Make You Whole
Over the years, I have come to love Jesus more than any of the gifts He could have given. When facing sorrows, financial loss, failures, abuse, and cancer; I came to realize my greatest treasure is His presence. All else pales in comparison to the blessed opportunity of being alone in His presence. He said, “I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Jesus Christ, willingly left all of the splendor of heaven, to come to this earth to suffer and die; that I might be saved and that the void of my heart might be filled with His peace, love, joy-surrounded by His Glory. He loved me that much. And He loved you that much; but, He will not force you to come to Him.
As Peter preached, he said, “Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4: 10,12).
You can stand whole, complete; with all the void in your heart and life having been filled, by accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. Won’t you come today? You too can live a life of Abiding, Steadfast Joy; if only you will humble yourself, repent of your sins, and worship the Giver of all good gifts.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?
If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here
JUST RELEASED
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Recently released Books Available
ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY
A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.
WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”
Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.
You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.
OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned 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.
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