Blog Archives ⋆ Effie Darlene Barba

3 Darkest Hours the World Could Ever Know Bought Hope and Joy

Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Romans 5: 1-2,8 –9 KJV

While hanging there upon the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of our sin. My sin and His love for me held Him to that cross according to the Father’s will. With a crown of thorns, symbolic of sin and death, He bore all the horrific pain from the cruelest possible beating. Crucifixion was a barbaric form of execution. While hanging there everyone mocked, laughed, and joked about His inability to “save Himself” from the shame. Yet, as they watched this, He prayed that the Father forgive them. He listened to the thief on the cross and promised Him paradise due to His faith. Then, He spoke to Mary and John, releasing His mother into the care of John. She needed His Salvation as did John. Then, suddenly, the three darkest hours the world could ever know came.

This darkness occurred as the wrath of God against sin was poured out on Jesus Christ, God’s Son. Was it so brutal, God even in mercy protected all those standing there from witnessing it all? Even amid their brutal mocking and jeers, God showed mercy. Those three hours of God’s cup of wrath being poured out on Jesus is more painful than anything we could ever imagine. No one could have borne watching the depth of pain He suffered there. The perfect righteous Son of God crushed beneath the weight of our sin, as God the Father willingly punished Him for our transgressions. No comfort came from the angels nor the Holy Spirit.

Those 3 Darkest Hours of God’s Wrath

We tend to believe that as God Incarnate, Jesus did not truly experience the pain as deeply as we would have. However, quite the opposite. He felt it more than we could ever imagine. Look at these verses in Nahum concerning the wrath of God.

The Lord avenges and is furious.
The Lord will take vengeance on His adversaries,
And He reserves wrath for His enemies;
The Lord is slow to anger and great in power,
And will not at all acquit the wicked.

The Lord has His way
In the whirlwind and in the storm,
And the clouds are the dust of His feet.
He rebukes the sea and makes it dry,
And dries up all the rivers.
Bashan and Carmel wither,
And the flower of Lebanon wilts.
The mountains quake before Him,
The hills melt,
And the earth [b]heaves at His presence,
Yes, the world and all who dwell in it.

Who can stand before His indignation?
And who can endure the fierceness of His anger?
His fury is poured out like fire,
And the rocks are thrown down by Him.

Nahum 1:2-6 (NKJV)

Surely, one would say, Jesus did not face this degree of wrath. Yet, He did and more as He bore all the wrath of God against my sin and yours. Why did He sweat great drops of blood in the Garden as He pleaded with the Father to release Him from the cup He was to bear. “But, not my will, yours be done.” This for three solid hours during which the Father and Holy Spirit could not comfort Him with their love. He was the representative of humanities sin. That is why He cried out,

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Matthew 27:46 KJV

As the 3 Darkest Hours Ever Known to the World Ended

The ninth hour came, He cried out Tetelestai, “It is Finished”. Then

when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. Luke 23:46 KJV

Suddenly the earth quaked violently. The Temple veil ripped in two. This at the the exact moment that the sacrifice of lambs was set to begin. Now the Lamb of God had paid the final sacrifice forever for humanity. No longer was the veil needed between God and Man or Woman. We have access to the Father through Him.

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever

Hebrews 6:19-20, 7: 24-28 NKJV

The 3 Darkest Hours Provides The Door To Salvation

For all who would receive Him, He is the only door to salvation. He is the way, the truth, and the life. There is no other way to the Father but through Him. Had there been any other way, God surely would never have sent Jesus. But there was no other way. We cannot earn salvation. The Law has shown us that. It magnifies the truth of our sin against a Holy God.

Yet, as Harrison Conley from Cottonwood church, so aptly pointed out.¹ Many stand outside admiring the door. Others guarding the door from intruders, yet never enter in. And some even knocking at the door. However, unless they walk through the door, they remain lost. But to walk through the door, one must lay aside all pride.

No work of these hands of mine could ever save me. The more I have known of Him, the darker I realize my own heart is. Those dark spots of pride, selfishness, jealousy, and the lack of perfect love. Oh, how I have always wanted to believe I was worthy of being chosen. However, life has taught me, it was grace and grace alone that allowed God to choose me to pour out His grace upon. I have nothing to bring to this table. Yet, He has saved me through the blood of Jesus Christ. And He is continuously about the work of my transformation into His image. How I long one day to have a heart like Jesus! Maybe not today, but one day I will.

Because of the 3 Darkest Hours the World has known—We Are Not Crushed

We are not crushed because He was crushed in our place

Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him;
he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt,
he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;
the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. Isaiah 53:10 ESV

For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen containers, so that the extraordinary greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who live are constantly being handed over to death because of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal flesh. So, death works in us, but life in you.

2 Corinthians 4 (NASB)

What amazing hope and joy to know when afflicted, we cannot be crushed. Christ was crushed for us. He is there with us. We are being transformed so that the life of Jesus may be revealed through us to a dying world. Our suffering is a means of our glorifying Him through it. When I praise Him during my most painful hours, He is glorified.

Because of the 3 Darkest Hours of History, We can pray this the Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God, begotten not made, one in being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven;

by the power of the Holy Spirit
he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
he suffered, died, and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified.
He has spoken through the prophets….²

Amen.

² Nicene Creed // Faith at Marquette // Marquette University

And it is because of the 3 darkest Hours, we can sing this song by Graham Kendrick.

Please follow the words closely which I included to follow.

Please go to the youtube to see and press like as I am sure you will. This is a song by Graham Kendrick

Come and See

Come and see, come and see
Come and see the King of love
See the purple robe and crown of thorns he wears
Soldiers mock, rulers sneer
As he lifts the cruel cross
Lone and friendless now he climbs towards the hill

We worship at your feet
Where wrath and mercy meet
And a guilty world is washed
By love’s pure stream
For us he was made sin
Oh, help me take it in
Deep wounds of love cry out ‘Father, forgive’
I worship, I worship
The Lamb who was slain.

Come and weep, come and mourn
For your sin that pierced him there
So much deeper than the wounds of thorn and nail
All our pride, all our greed
All our fallenness and shame
And the Lord has laid the punishment on him

Man of heaven, born to earth
To restore us to your heaven
Here we bow in awe beneath
Your searching eyes
From your tears comes our joy
From your death our life shall spring
By your resurrection power we shall rise

Graham Kendrick
Copyright © 1989 Make Way Music,
www.grahamkendrick.co.uk

Because of the 3 Darkest Hours, Jesus bought for us Hope and Joy in Him if only we believe

What more can I say than this. Do You Know Him as Lord and Savior of your life? If not, accept Him today. I can say, “You will never regret knowing Him. He will transform your life in ways you could never forget. The 3 darkest hours the world has ever known paid the price and bought hope, joy and salvation for all who believe in Him.

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. Therefore, 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

7 Lessons to Victory Jesus Displayed in His Journey to the Cross

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2025

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 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.

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)

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7 Lessons to Victory Jesus Displayed in His Journey to the Cross

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

Every day from every angle, we face trials, heart aches, pains and suffering within this world. Yet, all we who know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, have hope. That hope, anchored by faith, allows us to face every trial with Joy, knowing the victory is ours. Because of the victory Jesus displayed for us, there is no reason to despair. Oh, how I loved my hours with my patients at the Veterans Administration Cardiology Clinic and my co-workers. Although, now retired, I think of them. Their valor, honor and courage always give me courage to march on whatever battles are thrown before me. There I watched and learned from those who with broken bodies and hearts, demonstrate the greatest faith, love, and even joy in life. They had walked roads I could not even imagine. Yet, their valor and love for God shined through everything they did.

Even more, I learn from the lessons to Victory Jesus Displayed while on earth. This goes beyond just His written word left to encourage. It is God Himself, showing us the way through His own journey to the Cross. So, on this Palm Sunday, let us look unto Jesus the Author and the finisher of our faith. He endured the cross, with all the pain and shame of it, out of love for everyone. Knowing that not all would accept His gift of salvation. However, for each one who does, the victory was won for them. “Tetelestai!” It is finished. There is no other work needed to claim this victory Jesus displayed and won for all who would believe.

Lessons to Victory Jesus Displayed on Earth

Sometimes I think we underestimate the depth of suffering thinking it was less than it was. After all, He is God who came to earth. However, His Suffering was greater than any pain you or I can ever face. He is the perfect, righteous, Son of God who laid down everything to walk in Human Flesh that He might be the perfect Savior. His suffering was unmeasurable in human terms, although it was in human flesh He suffered. Imagine the temptation of knowing at any point, He could call a legion of angels to rescue Him. At any point, He could say, it is not worth it. When Peter stepped forward with a sword to defend Jesus, these were the words Jesus spoke,

Then said Jesus unto him, “Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?” Matthew 26:52-54

Imagine any situation where you could immediately walk away and not look back. How much harder would that be to go through with it? Could you? Would I? Particularly, If I knew the depth of pain marching forward would be nearly more than I could bear? How many would just walk away? Yet, for the joy of saving all those who would believe in Him and His overwhelming love for them, Jesus marched steadfastly forward. Although, the Garden of Gethsemane displays how hard that choice was. Yet, He made the choice anyway.

Therefore, let us go back and walk the journey to the cross to learn the lessons for victory Jesus displayed along that journey.

Lesson #1 to Victory Jesus Displayed: Tried to Prepare Those He loved

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. John 12:24-28

Jesus began to feel the weight of what was coming. Naturally in His humanity, He desired not to have to face it.

Perhaps the best I can compare is as I knew of the breast cancer, I told my children I would have surgery and then chemotherapy. But I never told them of the severity of the cancer nor its potential death sentence. I kept all that to myself and God in prayer. Would it have been better to discuss it and allow them to ask questions. After all that was what Jesus did with His apostles; but, even then they did not understand.

Perhaps, it is best for us to be open with those around us to the best we can. Still, as did Jesus, accept whatever God determines is best as truly best. Then, we lay aside the worry given those we love an anchor to hold regardless of what storms come. No fear, only trust in the wonderful, merciful, powerful hands of God the Father.

Lesson #2: Victory Jesus Displayed During His Triumphal Entry

When they had approached Jerusalem and had come to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus then sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied there and a colt with it. Untie them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them on immediately.” Now this took place so that what was spoken through the prophet would be fulfilled:

“Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold your King is coming to you,
Humble, and mounted on a donkey,
Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” Matthew 21:1-5

The crowd thought that He came to free them from the Roman rule. Little did they know, before they can be freed from human rule; they needed to be freed from their own sinful nature. They cheered Him along the way into Jerusalem.

And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. Luke 19:37-38

Yet, He knew the truth of their hearts. They wanted the miracles here and now. Truly it was not salvation from their own sinful hearts that they desired.

For that reason:

when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,

And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought; Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves. Luke 19:41-46

He did not lose sight of His true mission. Never did He let the applause of the crowd deter Him from the course.

What about you and I? Do we let the crowds alter our course? Does pride and the desire to be approved by others alter our mission toward God’s Word?

Jesus did not come to overthrow the Romans. Not at this time. He came to overthrow the evil apostasy within the hearts of His people. But to do so, He knew He would have to pay the price for their sin. Immediately the crowd began to turn against Him for not doing what they wanted Him to do. He came to give them eternal life and eternal freedom from the wages of sin. They only saw the here and now.

Lesson #3: Victory Jesus Displayed – Service and Humility

Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God. He riseth from supper and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. John 13: 1-16

How quick are we to cast aside a brother in Christ rather than wash his feet?

Lesson #4: Victory Jesus Displayed as He Prepared those He loved

In John 14 , 15, and 16, Jesus reminds His apostles the Comforter coming. He tells them He must leave for a while. His departure is fully for them. Only if He leaves can the comforter come. They do not understand that He will die to pay the price for their sin. He will rise again with Victory over death and sin. Only then, can they be justified by His blood. This they did not want to hear. So, they closed their ears. But He kept telling them in many ways.

In John 15, He urges them to abide in Him as the sap that feeds them. This is regardless of the circumstances surrounding them. When the vine is healthy, so is the fruit. He is the perfect, righteous, powerful vine filled with mercy, love, joy, hope and faith. What else could they need? He taught them this the night before He would die. Facing the most unimaginable truth of what was going to be His fate tomorrow, He spent hours preparing them.

We too must lay aside our fears and worries concerning what others might say or do to us. Instead, speak truth and light into the darkness around us. Our love must urge us to tell our children and friends, He is the only most important One to know, love, and adore. He is our strength, hope, joy, Savior and Lord. Only in Him is fullness of life. We must tell everyone we meet of who He is. That is the greatest mission we can have in this world. Nothing else matters as much as Him.

Lesson #5 Victory Jesus Displayed in His prayer for us.

John 17 is a prayer bidding for the Father to protect all those who would come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. He asked for God’s joy, love and glory to be shared with us who deserve none of it. It is such a beautiful prayer, placing the Father and Us as more important that Himself. I recommend you read this prayer every day until it is burned into your hearts and mind. How often do we when face pain, sorrow, or suffering only plead for our own comfort? Do we pray for the protection of those whom we love, knowing He can provide their every need better than we can?

When I truly believed I might die, my prayer became focused on my children. I knew God could provide for, teach, and guide them better than I ever could. In the end, He did not take me home. But, if He had, I was fully at peace, He would provide. Do your trust Him with your family and friends?

Lesson #6 Victory Jesus Displayed when facing His greatest trial and temptation

Jesus in His prayer in the garden of gethsemane displayed how to truly surrender everything into the Father’s Hands, trusting Him completely. The greatest agony Jesus was to face would be the three hours when the Father poured out all His wrath against sin upon His son. Meanwhile the Holy Spirit withdrew also as He could not comfort Jesus during those hours. He could not enwrap Jesus in His Father’s love and joy. Jesus knew this was what He must face. Never separated from the Father’s love.

This trial was unimaginable. Temptation to call down legions of angels to release Him from this. Furthermore, He was forsaken by everyone except John and His mother. Beaten to beyond recognition; His body ripped apart. Dehydration would ravage His human flesh. Agony beyond agony. And He knew what He was facing as He prayed.

Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me. Matthew 26: 36-46

What does this mean for us?

The cup He spoke of was the cup of God’s wrath which is described in Psalm 75:8, Isaiah 51:17, Jeremiah 25:15-1 and Revelation 14:10. Always it refers to God Justice, Holiness, and Righteousness that could not tolerate sin. He knows that it is sin that destroys everything else, fracturing our relationship with His Goodness.

Yet, in the face of such temptation and suffering, Jesus Christ submitted fully into the will of the Father. Knowing the Father intimately, He trusted Him with all His heart and being. So can we. No trial nor temptation we face will ever match that of Jesus. Complete surrender to the Father’s will give us victory, hope, joy, and peace.

Lesson #7 Victory Jesus Displayed as He was Betrayed

Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?

They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.

Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year. John 18: 4-13

Now having fully surrendered to the Father’s will, Jesus is bold and marches toward the soldiers. 600 soldiers could not hold Him if He was not surrendered completely to what the Father desired of Him. His strength and willingness to go shocked the soldiers. Furthermore, He said I AM the great I AM He whom you seek. Do not touch any of these men and let them go. They did let them go safely.

Conclusion:

15 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.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17and 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. Romans 8 NKJV

All who know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior can experience the Victory Jesus Displayed, by fully surrendering to His will. He is everything you will ever need.

*All scripture used today is KJV unless otherwise denoted.

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 Cling to Jesus, Avoid Apostasy and Affirm True Faith

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2025

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)

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How to Cling to Jesus, Avoid Apostasy and Affirm True Faith

Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. Jude 1-3

Fascinating letter by Jude. He begins with all I wanted to talk about was Jesus Christ. And our common salvation in Him. Then finds himself compelled to tell the believers how to avoid apostasy.

He refers to himself as the brother of James, a servant of Jesus Christ. After Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph had normal marital relations. Therefore, they had children. Jude was one of their sons. Some try to elevate Mary to a state beyond which she ever reached. Jesus and all of scripture reported that she was blessed, chosen by God to bring Jesus into the world. However she also was human with a human nature and as such needed the same salvation as we do. Yes, she was a virgin. Jesus was conceived by the work of the Holy Spirit. . This is very clearly pointed to throughout scripture.

Jude affirms this as he wrote to all who are sanctified by God the Father, preserved in Jesus Christ, and called. Chosen before the world was formed in eternity past to be called sons of God.

Even at His first miracle of changing water into wine, Jesus said,

“Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, “Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it” (John 2: 1-5).

Some try to bypass this and say, this was an endearing way to speak to His mother. Yet, it is clear. He called her woman (of man). She needed the salvation He was to bring.

Who is Jude?

Jude was one of the children born to Mary and Joseph after Jesus was born. Therefore of course only when they were able to consummate their marriage. Prior to that Mary remained a virgin, awaiting the birth of Jesus. Why? Because she and Joseph knew. There could never be a question Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit. After His birth, Mary and Joseph did have children. In fact, they are named in Mark 6 and Matthew 13. People listening to Jesus took offense to His authority in teaching the Word in the synagogue saying.

Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him. Mark 6: 3 NKJV

What did Jude know about apostasy?

There is Jude. He lived within an apostasy because he did not believe Jesus was whom he declared to be. That is, he did not believe until after the death and resurrection of Christ. Note below. Mark 3: 7-12 (ESV) tells us of how the crowds pressed against Jesus everywhere he went. Even the demons knew who He was.

Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon. When the great crowd heard all that he was doing, they came to him.

And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed around him to touch him. And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” And he strictly ordered them not to make him known. Mark 3:7-12 ESV)

He separated himself from the crowd and appointed the twelve apostles to preach.

Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat. And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.” Mark 3:20-21 (ESV)

The Greek and the Hebrew rendering of this is “those who belong to him”, family. Whether these were other family or His brothers we do not know for certain, but they arrive also on the scene and try to rescue Him from His own work and teachings. Already an apostasy brewing around Jesus.

Jesus Describes this Apostasy among the Jewish Scribes

And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebub,” and, “By the ruler of the demons He casts out demons.”

So He called them to Himself and said to them in parables: “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself, and is divided, he cannot stand, but has an end. No one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. And then he will plunder his house.

The Unpardonable Sin

“Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation”— because they said, “He has an unclean spirit.” Mark 3: 22-30 NKJV

The Holy Spirit is demonstrating clearly in the miracles the authenticity of who Jesus is. The Only Begotten Son of God. Yet, their pride and self-exaltation refuse to accept Him as the long-awaited Messiah. There was disbelief even among His brothers until their eyes were opened to the truth.

Jesus’ Mother and Brothers Send for Him

Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing outside they sent to Him, calling Him. And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You.”

But He answered them, saying, “Who is My mother, or My brothers?” And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.” Mark 3:31-35 NKJV

They all needed the salvation He came to purchase for them. I somehow believe Mary did not know of what He must face. That would be too much for a mother to bare, knowing the truth before it was time. It was nearly impossible to witness at the time. Imagine had she realized from the beginning. Well I cannot imagine that.

He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:11-12 KJV

Distinguishing Between Security of Salvation and Apostasy

Now to further discuss the letter Jude wrote:

As Jude begins his letter, he addresses it to:

To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ Jude verse 1b (NKJV)

There is a lot packed into that one statement. He is writing to all who are called.

whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified…. He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Romans 8:29,30, 32, 33 NKJV

Secure in Him before the foundation of the world. There is nothing within me to recommend before God. No good thing, no amount of righteousness of my own; had He not chosen me. God it is that sanctifies me and that is what He has labored on every day of my life. Yet, He does so out of His love for me and His love for the son.

It is the Son’s atoning work on the cross that preserves my salvation. So. What about choice? you ask. I say yes that is true we choose to believe or not; yet how could I choose if not called first. God who dwells outside our time/space continuum does not have to explain to me how both are true; but they are. One day I will understand it all until that day; I am content to believe as He has written. Both are true.

My justification to salvation was not of my own doing; but His. The same is true of my preservation in the faith and my sanctification. All I know is one day I will have His heart. One day I will look like Jesus and it will all have been His work in me.

Jude quickly turns to discuss apostasy

Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all time handed down to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into indecent behavior and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Jude verses 3-4 (NASB)

Oh! How I wanted to just sing praise to the Glory of God for our salvation, free and clear. Just to speak of His grace, love, and glory. Yet I was compelled by the Holy Spirit to warn you of the apostasy that has entered the church, teaching every kind of false doctrine. Or those who profess to believe but have never tasted of the goodness of God. Those who have never truly believed in Him. Seeds that fell on the rock and never had roots. They looked like they sprouted, but alas never really did.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ Matthew 7:21-22 NKJV

Apostasy Is Nothing New

Now I want to remind you, though you know everything once and for all, that the Lord, after saving a people out of the land of Egypt, subsequently destroyed those who did not believe. Jude Verse 5 (NASB)

Common Grace brought all the nation of Israel out of Egypt. Yet, their apostasy and failure to trust God led to the death of many. Chasing after idols, seeking self-exaltation, and above all failure to trust God resulted in apostasy among the people.

Apostasy reaches beyond the realms of Man

And angels who did not keep their own domain but abandoned their proper dwelling place, these He has kept in eternal restraints under darkness for the judgment of the great day, just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these angels indulged in sexual perversion and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire. Jude Verses 6,7 (NASB)

There is a band of angelic demons who in Genesis 6 lusted after women, leading to sexual immorality beyond our imaginations. Although this is nearly beyond our imagination and is not fully explained, we know they are chained in the bottomless pit awaiting their fate. Perhaps they entered men and thereby went along for the ride. Remember when Jesus cast the demons into the swine? Right before they begged Him not to be thrown into the bottomless pit with the others. Yet, we know their ultimate fate. The flood destroyed all but Noah and his family. A picture of redemption for the judgement. Sodom and Gomorrah God also destroyed for sexual perversion going after strange flesh.

Apostasy Has Similarities Always

Yet in the same way these people also, dreaming, defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak abusively of angelic majesties. But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him an abusive judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” But these people disparage all the things that they do not understand; and all the things that they know by instinct, like unreasoning animals, by these things they are destroyed.

Woe to them! For they have gone the way of Cain, and for pay they have given themselves up to the error of Balaam and perished in the rebellion of Korah. These are the ones who are hidden reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you without fear, like shepherds caring only for themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, doubly dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, churning up their own shameful deeds like dirty foam; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of darkness has been reserved forever. Jude versus 8-13

What a description of apostasy. Clouds without water. They give the appearance of cleansing rain with no rain to give the parched earth. Empty, white-washed tombstone as Jesus called those who gave an outward appearance of righteousness, yet empty within.

A Warning to the Apostasy Proclaimed

It was also about these people that Enoch, in the seventh generation from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord has come with many thousands of His holy ones, to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their ungodly deeds which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.” These are grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts; they speak arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of gaining an advantage. Jude Versus 14-16 (NASB)

Here Jude mentions the prophesy of Enoch. Yet do not let this fool you into reading the “Books of Enoch”. Note: Jude said Enoch prophesied, saying. This does not mean there was a written book. Perhaps his prophecies were carried down. However, only this one did God choose as being divinely inspired to be a part of Scripture. He was known for having not died. But instead was carried into heaven before the flood; perhaps, an example pointing to the rapture.

A Word of Caution To You

The books of Enoch have never been authenticated. Instead they are a part of what are considered pseudo-autobiographical. In other words, someone else wrote them using the name of Enoch to make money and distort the truth.

“Scholars and historians agree that the Book of Enoch is a compilation of writings from different authors. Historians date the oldest sections of the book to 300 B.C. They date the youngest sections to 100 A.D. [1] Therefore, the book’s composition occurred 3,000 to 4,000 years after the historical figure Enoch walked the earth.”¹ https://christianityfaq.com/reasons-christianity-avoid-reject-book-enoch/

The Ethiopian Orthodox church does include the book of Enoch as scripture. However, the Hebrews did not include as true, even before Christ. Jude was inspired by God to place this prophecy. At any rate, my advice—DO NOT READ, unless you are totally saturated and faithful to the Word of God. Inside the popular versions of the Book of Enoch are many fantasies and science fiction. It has Enoch as though a rival to God Himself. Not someone who walked with God.

Keep Yourselves in the Love of God—Avoid Apostasy How?

But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, that they were saying to you, “In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.” These are the ones who cause divisions,worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit.

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh. Jude 16-23 NASB

Nine Steps to Avoid Apostasy

Remember the Words Of Our Lord Jesus Christ

He warned of the coming days. Everywhere in scripture we are taught to meditate on the Word of God. It is our offensive weapon wielded by the Holy Spirit.

Recognize Apostasy as follows

Those who cause divisions within the church

Mockers

Worldly Minded—sowing seeds of doubt, inclusiveness of all types of perverse sin

Devoid of the Spirit lacking the fruits of the spirit which are Love

Joy Peace Patience (or Forbearance) Kindness Goodness Faithfulness Gentleness Self-control

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Build each other up in the faith. Encourage one another. Always be ready to gently guide a brother or sister in the Lord.

Praying Always realizing the Holy Spirit is there to guide your prayers. Never neglect your prayer life, recognizing that He is there present, and you can talk to Him about everything without judgement

Never forget, He is your first Love. When you love Him with all your heart, your mind, your strength, and your soul, every other area of love will display His love. Then when your heart is filled with His love, everything else will be ok.

Never take your eyes off eternity—all the trials of this world fade into nothingness when you consider an eternity with Him

Have mercy on those who have lesser faith

Be always ready to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, thereby snatching some from the fires of hell both here on earth and during judgement

Show mercy with fear, despising the smoke of the garments of sin. Declare the name of Christ but pray that you not become defiled trying to pull out someone. I have been there and only the Grace of God kept me from falling Which brings us to this:

Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless 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 (NASB)

Amen, amen and amen.

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

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Know Power, Hope and Joy? Discover Only in Every Word of God!

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2025

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)

Know Power, Hope and Joy? Discover Only in Every Word of God!

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
I Peter 1:23-2: 3

If you have tasted that the Lord is Gracious and know Him as Lord and Savior of your life, you are born again into Jesus Christ by the Word of God. That word of God fills you with power, hope, joy, justification, and righteousness. Your sins are forgiven and your life transformed forever. The Word of God liveth and abideth forever. It is more powerful than you can even imagine. It is by the Word of God that the earth was created. He spoke and everything was formed from the tiniest microcell to the entire universe. One word and the earth and heavens formed. Furthermore, He sustains all things by the word of His mouth.

One breath and life came into Adam’s lungs—that life is the soul of man that for eternity abides in an eternal state of dying or life depending upon the Word of God transforming the Spirit of men and women into being born again by the Spirit of God. So, why would you not want to be filled with the Word of God as your constant diet.

I propose that there are innumerable benefits of immersing oneself in the Bible, God’s revelation of Jesus Christ to us in written form that we might consume it, rejoice in it, study it, and hold it fast to our memory. Does not love demand such? He who knows everything about me, who knows every move, thought, and trial I face. Why would I not desire with all my being to know Him more? How better to know Him than to study the Word of God left for us in the pages of the Bible? Let us look at 10 major reasons to study the Bible. Though there are many more.

Reason #1 To Study the Word of God—It is the Power to Save You

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:15-17

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” Romans 15:16

Why do some refuse to read the scripture? Therein lies the power of salvation. I have some relatives who state they have never opened a Bible nor read; yet they reject it. Can you reject that which you know nothing of? Some say, it cannot be truth. So, I have been told by some guy I heard speak. Instead of reading for oneself, they put all their faith in some “fulano” without even checking. If you refuse to ever read; how can you confirmatively say there is no power in the Word of God. There is truly power to transform your heart. If only you would open its pages and read.

Jesus Christ the Word of God-exact reflection of the Father became Flesh to Save Us

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He (John) was not that Light but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. (namely Jesus).

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. (Jesus) came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1: 1-14

Jesus Came and Provided Salvation for Us—

He is the Word of God made flesh fulfilling every promise to us by grace.

In due time, God sent forth His Son, born of a Virgen that He might bring salvation to a lost and dying world. This was the promise given to Adam. Throughout history, it has been His story. As God said,

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:11

He came to die on the cross, paying the penalty of our sins. But if you never open the Word of God; how could you know or understand?

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:15-16

Reason #2 To Study the Word of God—our sanctification

Salvation is our justification before a righteous God that our sin debt has been paid. It was paid by His Only Son, Jesus Christ. We are declared righteous through faith, accepting His gift of grace. As such, we declare Him as Lord of our lives. We remain in a fallen world. Our sin nature remains a part of that brokenness. At the point of salvation, the Holy Spirit comes to abide within us. He is always about the task of sanctifying us. In one sense we are sanctified as the blood of Christ clothes us in His righteousness. However, our ongoing sanctification is the transformation of our hearts and minds to one day look like Jesus.

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Romans 8:29-30

So in a sense our sanctification is our glorification. He is changing us from Glory to Glory into the image of Jesus Christ as is noted in 2 Corinthians 3:18

But we all, with unveiled faces, looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. (NASB)

How Does the Word of God Play into Sanctification?

If we never read the Word of God, how can we possibly really know any of the characteristics of Jesus? Nor of the Father, for it is the Bible that reveals the characteristics of God to us.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:15-17

Jesus Christ on the night before He was crucified prayed to the Father for each of us.

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. John 17: 17-21

Note He asked the Father to Sanctify us through the truth. Because the Word of God IS Truth. Jesus Sanctified Himself. Not only through living a life without sin. But also, by taking the cup of God’s wrath for sin in our place.

Reason #3 to Study the Word of God- Guidance in our life

We need guidance and wisdom to navigate our lives.

Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore, I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119: 105-106.

It is the Word of God that illuminates our path so that we do not fall.

I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me. I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O Lord, put me not to shame. I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart. Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.

Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good. Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O Lord, even thy salvation, according to thy word. So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments. So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever. Psalm 119: 30-44

The Word of God encompasses me.

O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Psalm 139: 1-6

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

If I do not read the Word of God, then I will only be focused on my own understanding. Or on that of other broken humans.

Reason #4 to Study the Word of God—Hope Amid Tragedy and Sorrow

My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word. Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. Psalm 119: 28, 49-50

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13

How can we know of His Hope, Joy and Peace without reading the Word of God? It is His word that fills us with His Joy. As Jesus said,

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. John 15: 7-11

O may Your lovingkindness comfort me. According to Your word to Your servant. Psalm 119:76 NASB

According to the Word of God, may His lovingkindness comfort me whenever this world is my distress.

The More We Know of Him, the Greater Our Comfort

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation. 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7

He is our comforter through every sorrow. Read carefully the Psalms. Thereby, You will find comfort for whatever situation you face.

Reason #5 to Study the Word of God—to carry out our Commision

Knowing we have the greatest treasure this world could ever find. We must be ready always to proclaim the name of Jesus to a world dying in chaos and sorrow.

Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 2 Timothy 2:14-16

And since we, who keep our eyes on Jesus by feasting on the Word of God, we can face trials with His peace and joy. Then, our light of hope shines forth even brighter.

if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. I Peter 3:14-15

Reason #6 to Study the Word of God—Clarity of Heart and Mind

the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. Hebrews 4:12-13

God sees clearly what is in our hearts. Sometimes we do not. His word cuts away all the dross, allowing us to see the depth of our own sinful hearts. Yet, that opens the door even wider for us to lay it all at the foot of the cross. We can approach the throne of God with peace, asking that He transform our hearts and minds to be like Him.

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4: 14-16

Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2

Reason #7 to Study the Word of God—It is our only offensive weapon

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. Watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Ephesians 6: 10-18

Reason #8 to Study the Word of God: To Not Face the Judgement of God

Those who do not know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will face the Second Return of Christ and later the final Judgement. He who created the world with His spoken word will return to destroy. Note this description of Jesus.

And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks. And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and

OUT OF HIS MOUTH WENT A SHARP TWOEDGED SWORD: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Revelation 1: 12-18

Remember what we read in Hebrews: “the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

He who spoke the world into being, will bring justice by the word of His mouth.

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh. Revelation 19:11-15, 19-21

Reason #9 to Study the Word of God—Love Demands It

take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the Lord charged you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul. Joshua 22:4-6

Would this not be the cry of your heart if you truly understand what He has done for you?

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. I John 4:18-19

Do you not long within your heart to study the Word of God? If not, then my question would be. Do you really understand what He did for you?

Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Reason #10 to study the Word of God: Because My Heavenly Father says to

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:4-5

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8

Concluding thoughts

If you desire to have a life filled with power, hope, peace, and joy do not neglect the Word of God which is life to you. He is all you really need. When He is first in your life, you will find that everything else changes. You will never regret the journey with Him. He is worthy of all our praise, our devotion, and our time. I promise you that.

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 Trust God and Really Desire with Joy to Follow Him Regardless

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)

How to Trust God and Really Desire with Joy to Follow Him Regardless

According to my earnest expectation and hope, that I shall not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ shall even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. Philippians 1:20 NASB

Once more, my life has taken a major turn. Yet, my earnest desire is to follow Him regardless of where He leads me. Let this be said of me, that I shall not be put to shame in anything but with all boldness let Christ be exalted in my life. All the years that have come before led me to trust God and really desire with joy to follow Him wherever He may lead me.

Sorry that I have not written for a while and have left all my readers waiting, but there is a lot I wish to tell you now. I have been in the process of both a major move and some major revelations concerning my health. Yet, now, as I settle into my new lifestyle and position, I am fully at peace. Hope and Joy arise within my new adventure in life. I feel the presence of God surrounding me as though living precisely in the verse so beautifully written by Zephaniah.

“The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 KJV

His Hope and Strength Fill Me, His Holy Spirit Guides and Protects Me

What an amazing thought! A reminder of WHO HE IS and that He surrounds me. Almighty God is there to save me. He rejoices over me with His Joy. All this resting in His Abounding, Overflowing love for me, of all people. He sings over me with His joy. Furthermore, He abides within me. That is the earnest promise of the Holy Spirit.

“For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. Now He which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” 2 Corinthians 1: 20-22 KJV

I am sealed in Him! The Holy Spirit abides in me as the “earnest” (the deposit proving my position in Christ). What have I to worry? Nothing. He is my Provider, my Savior and my Hope.

Desire with Joy to Follow Him

My life has taken me down many roads. Those who have followed for a while have journeyed with me through part of this. This website I began in 2010 just to tell my story, as I walked with Christ. Sometimes, my struggles laid bare as I did not ever want to hide the truth, as the Holy Spirit worked to transform my wayward heart. My website being based on 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (YLT) Young’s Literal Translation by Public Domain

“whenever they may turn unto the Lord, the vail is taken away. And the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord [is], there [is] liberty; and we all, with unvailed face, the glory of the Lord beholding in a mirror, to the same image are being transformed, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

I am being transformed into His image by the work of the Holy Spirit. Day by day, glory by glory, little steps, tiny transformations. It is His work. He will complete that work in me. His way and His timing. As Paul wrote to the Church in Philippi.

“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).

This is true of each of us who know Christ. Therefore, I desire with joy to follow Him wherever He leads me. Only He knows what is best.

All Things Work Together

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified” Romans 8: 28-30 KJV

Is there anything too difficult to face if that is what will transform me to His Image. How I long to one day fully have His heart. Therefore, I trust God and really do desire with overflowing joy to follow Him regardless of the road I face. So, let me catch you up a little on my journey. I hope it encourages someone along the way in their journey.

The Journey to Really Desire to with Joy Follow Him

Naturally, it begins with salvation which for me was many years ago. Each step of my journey after that has been His transforming work, often despite me. Every failure, sorrow, joy, heartbreak, pain, success all used by Him to inch by inch change my heart, my desires, and my faith. If I were to tell you the whole story, it would be a new book. So, let us just look at the last year for a moment.

My job as a Cardiology Nurse Practitioner provider in the Veteran’s Administration was a job that I loved. It often was long hours and a lot of work with constant demands. Yet, such a rewarding job. There is no better group of patients to serve. Noble, honorable, patriotic, men and women who each have their own stories to tell. So, I thought I would at least work until December of 2025. It would certainly financially as well be the smarter thing to do.

Yet, in mid-July of 2024, I felt the urging that I must retire the last day of December 2024. That urging so strong, I knew it must be from God. So, I started the process. That would hopefully allow my bosses to have the time to replace me. I did not want to be a burden to them. My superiors were the most sacrificially dedicated Cardiologists I have known. They always went the extra mile caring for the Veteran population. For that reason, I admired and loved them dearly.

So, you can probably realize that choice was initially hard to make. Each patient was to me like a family member whom I cared for. Still, knowing this was what God commanded, I marched forward fearlessly to really desire with joy to follow Him wherever He chose for me to go.

Little Did I Know Why

I was totally unaware of all His reasons. Yet, after all the years and journeys, I knew I could trust Him. How did I know it was Him? Well at the beginning of January, 2024 I began to fast and pray one day per week. This became a constant in my life, because I so desired to be in His will. I wanted to know Him more. Normally this would be on a Saturday as I prepared the lesson for the week. If Saturday was going to be impossible to a change in my life schedule I would fast on Friday instead. I wish I could tell you how incredibly that simple act transformed everything! Suddenly, I could see things clearer.

Although sometimes that did mean I could see my own failures and sin with such clarity. Yet, that allowed me to confess them and ask for the Holy Spirit to teach me how to overcome the tests and trials.

Fasting prayer is a powerful tool when praying for your country, your family, and your friends. Well somewhere in September or October my sister-in-law in Mexico fell and broke her help. It has not been an easy process to heal. The first surgery left her with a lot of debilitating pain. I knew it was my journey to move to Mexico to be there for her. So, that is where I am now. What a blessing she is to me! I am learning so much from her about life and faith. Her faith and love for Christ strong.

Then there were the sudden changes in my own health journey.

Really Desire to with Joy Follow Him, wherever.

My health issues began with a very aggressive breast cancer in 1998, followed by a relentless Ulcerative Colitis. I had complicated surgeries, chemotherapy, a year of high dose steroids, too many to relate here. In 2002 it was discovered that I had auto-immune chronic pancreatitis as well. September of 2023, this began to progress more rapidly until I was no longer able to make my own enzymes and began taking them orally. I was blessed to discover this and to have insurance to assist with the costs. There were newly forming cysts also on the pancreas.

These are pre-cancerous cysts and even more notable now in my last tests with some enzymatic components that demonstrate their potential to becoming cancer at some point. These markers have worsened. Therefore, I need close surveillance. There is a newer procedure that involves removing the pancreas to avoid cancer. They at the same time auto transplant the islet cells to avoid a severe brittle diabetes. I went to be evaluated for that surgery. However, I am not a candidate as too high risk of possibly have some cancerous cells lurking. Furthermore, I have had way too many abdominal surgeries with a large unrepairable hernia. Would require specialty surgeons to reconstruct my abdominal wall. Only if a cancer is detected could I be considered for a partial pancreatectomy.

Pancreatic cancer is not where I want to go. It is not the journey I want to embark on. But if He determines it to be the future, I desire to Joyfully follow Him wherever. I have learned to trust God, no matter what. How? Years of walking with Him.

A Change of Pace to Follow Him

Did He not know it was best for me to retire? Not only that, to retire to Mexico instead of anywhere in the states at present. I arrived on March 8. My life is drastically different. I walk everywhere I go as currently I have no car. If I need to go further, my niece or brother-in-law can take me. If not, there are taxis, conveys and a great bus system to get me anywhere else I need to go. I am truly blessed.

Food here is mostly from the open market. Therefore, the food is healthier than the processed foods in the states. There is a beautiful park nearby to exercise walk and I have everything I need.

God knew in July that this was what was best for me. What about you? Can you trust Him fully? Do you really desire with joy to follow Him wherever He may lead?

If not, how can you learn to trust Him?

First, do you know Him as Lord and Savior of your life? If not it begins there. Jesus Christ came to earth to live the perfect, righteous life I cannot live, to die the death that I deserve. As such He paid the price for all my sins. Then, He rose again, conquering death and sin. Salvation occurs when you first recognize that you are a sinner and cannot save yourself. Then all you need do is look to Jesus Christ, believing He is the only begotten son of God who paid for your sins. Accept His gift of salvation. He will send His Holy Spirit to indwell you and guide you each step of the way.

Faith is knowing God IS (Sovereign, Almighty, Creator of the World, Perfect Righteousness, and Perfect Justice). Only to mention a few of His characteristics. And to know that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. Not that always get it right or tries the hardest to be good. He takes the responsibility of transforming your actions, if you truly seek Him. How? Read His love letters left for you (the Bible) every day and even intermittently throughout the day. Therein you come to know Him. Set aside time to be alone with Him in prayer every day and even throughout the day talk with Him.

Results of Having Desire to with Joy Follow Him?

What do you get? Joy abounding, steadfast that carries you through any storm this life can send. Hope overflowing. Strength, you never knew you had. And Peace beyond comprehension. I know, because He has done this for me. I certainly have not deserved this, but it is mine. Therefore, I want to never be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My desire is to exalt His name in everything I do and wherever He sends me I desire to joyfully follow Him.

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

Unlock Eternal Love: Can you Imagine Being the Beloved Bride of Christ Forever?

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)

Those 3 Darkest Hours of God’s Wrath

As the 3 Darkest Hours Ever Known to the World Ended

Because of the 3 Darkest Hours the World has known—We Are Not Crushed

Because of the 3 Darkest Hours of History, We can pray this the Nicene Creed

And it is because of the 3 darkest Hours, we can sing this song by Graham Kendrick.

Because of the 3 Darkest Hours, Jesus bought for us Hope and Joy in Him if only we believe

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

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Lessons to Victory Jesus Displayed on Earth

Lesson #1 to Victory Jesus Displayed: Tried to Prepare Those He loved

Lesson #2: Victory Jesus Displayed During His Triumphal Entry

For that reason:

Lesson #3: Victory Jesus Displayed – Service and Humility

Lesson #4: Victory Jesus Displayed as He Prepared those He loved

Lesson #5 Victory Jesus Displayed in His prayer for us.

Lesson #6 Victory Jesus Displayed when facing His greatest trial and temptation

What does this mean for us?

Lesson #7 Victory Jesus Displayed as He was Betrayed

Conclusion:

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

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Who is Jude?

What did Jude know about apostasy?

Jesus Describes this Apostasy among the Jewish Scribes

Jesus’ Mother and Brothers Send for Him

Distinguishing Between Security of Salvation and Apostasy

Jude quickly turns to discuss apostasy

Apostasy Is Nothing New

Apostasy reaches beyond the realms of Man

Apostasy Has Similarities Always

A Warning to the Apostasy Proclaimed

A Word of Caution To You

Keep Yourselves in the Love of God—Avoid Apostasy How?

Nine Steps to Avoid Apostasy

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

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Reason #1 To Study the Word of God—It is the Power to Save You

Jesus Christ the Word of God-exact reflection of the Father became Flesh to Save Us

Jesus Came and Provided Salvation for Us—

Reason #2 To Study the Word of God—our sanctification

How Does the Word of God Play into Sanctification?

Reason #3 to Study the Word of God- Guidance in our life

The Word of God encompasses me.

Reason #4 to Study the Word of God—Hope Amid Tragedy and Sorrow

The More We Know of Him, the Greater Our Comfort

Reason #5 to Study the Word of God—to carry out our Commision

Reason #6 to Study the Word of God—Clarity of Heart and Mind

Reason #7 to Study the Word of God—It is our only offensive weapon

Reason #8 to Study the Word of God: To Not Face the Judgement of God

He who spoke the world into being, will bring justice by the word of His mouth.

Reason #9 to Study the Word of God—Love Demands It

Reason #10 to study the Word of God: Because My Heavenly Father says to

Concluding thoughts

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

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His Hope and Strength Fill Me, His Holy Spirit Guides and Protects Me

Desire with Joy to Follow Him

All Things Work Together

The Journey to Really Desire to with Joy Follow Him

Little Did I Know Why

Really Desire to with Joy Follow Him, wherever.

A Change of Pace to Follow Him

If not, how can you learn to trust Him?

Results of Having Desire to with Joy Follow Him?

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

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