The remnant of true worshippers of God, had returned to Jerusalem; just as God promised they would in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Zephaniah. However, they met grave opposition.  Their streets invaded by people of many ideologies.  Although, they built their temple; it was openly an easy target.  The wall lays in shambles. King Artaxerxes had ordered them cease their building; because, rebellious oppositional forces sent a false, evil report to him.  Their only hope: to build a wall.  The wall: a symbol of hope, protection, national pride and that God was on their side; was desperately needed.  God chose Nehemiah, to build that wall.  God needed a repentant, humbled heart; submitted to serve Him, regardless of the cost.

We began in Friday’s post to examine Nehemiah’s prayer in chapter one, versus 5-11. Within that prayer lies key elements necessary for any Christian to go where ever God might send them to whatever task He might assign them, regardless of the danger ahead or the comfort left behind.  The first two of the seven elements found with Nehemiah’s prayer, I presented last Friday.  They are Compassion and Vision.  Until one’s heart breaks for the lost or the dear Children of God who face oppression; I daresay, no one desires to leave the comfortable place they reside in.   Ah, but when God opens that heart, fills it with His love and compassion for the lost; then, that one is restless until they answer God’s call.

Beyond compassion, they must also have a clear vision of who God is as the great I AM and a vision of His plan of Love to spread the gospel message.  Now, let’s look at the next three elements found in that prayer.

Conviction, Leading to Repentance

Continue reading Wanted: One Humbled, Repentant Heart Submitted to Serve God →

My Grandfather was a WWI Veteran.  At the age of 103 he was given France’s highest national award, the Legion of Honor; by M. Jean-Paul Monchau, consul general for the republic of France on behalf of President Chirac.  This was bestowed by France in honor of all the American Soldiers who fought alongside the French soldiers during World War I.  My grandfather fought in the battles of Chateau-Thierry, Soissons, the Argonne Forrest and Belleau Wood.  He was also with the soldiers who smashed the Hindenburg Line.

My Grandfather taught me a lot about honor and respect, love for this country, and about God.   He was a very special man.

ALL OUR VETERANS DESERVE RESPECT AND HONOR

I have been privileged to meet many Veterans.  They are each very special in their own way.  We do not know all of what they faced; but, we can see the depth of courage they present and sometimes a shadow of sorrow hidden beneath their eyes.  they willingly sacrificed more than we will ever know to face evil head-on; that we might remain free.  Because of that, I wrote this poem in tribute of our heroes–all Veterans-past, present, and those  who are to choose to serve.

A  Veterans Day Tribute to Our Military Heroes

(To All Who Have Served and are Serving)

A Hero sat beside the grave

His friend was buried there

He wondered if he’d be as brave

When bullets filled the air

A Hero stood beside the bed

A Comrade lying there

“She’ll never walk”, that’s what they said

It all seemed so unfair

A Hero walked-some foreign street

The people turned and stared

Some would run to hide-retreat

                  While others simply glared

Did others know the choice they’d made

To Protect, to serve, to save

Whate’er the cost, their post they stayed

For love, their all they gave

A Hero walked into the room

The doctor standing there

The saddened face, the sense of gloom

An illness, very rare

A Hero stood with stoic grace

Though sadness filled his eyes

The gentle smile upon his face

His broken heart’s disguise

These veteran Heroes stood the test

With all that they did do

We must now give to them our best

Our service, our “Thank you”

We cannot see the battle scars

The evil they did face

The pain within their own memoirs

We cannot ere erase

They chose to go for you and me

Because of love you see

They paid the price that we might be

A land where men are free

So, let us sing our anthems loud

Salute the flag with pride

Their sacrifice made us endowed

With hope we’re unified

These veteran Heroes stood the test

With all that they did do

We must now give to them our best

Our service, our “Thank you”

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

Take a moment today to thank a veteran.

©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.

God commanded Nehemiah to rebuild the wall, as prophesied by Isaiah in Isaiah 9:10; even before Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the wall. However, God broke Nehemiah’s heart first by opening his heart to the devastation surrounding His people.  Before that, Nehemiah lived a somewhat plush life as King Artaxerxes cup-bearer. Now, his call took him out of that comfort to face many enemies.  Before, he understood the call; with a broken heart of compassion, he prayed for many days. What is needed to serve God with all your heart?  We gain insight into just that by examining Nehemiah’s prayer.  Within his prayer, we find seven key elements necessary to hear God’s call, heed God’s call, and the fortitude to see it through to completion; regardless, of the opposition one faces.

Some Christians remain very content with their positions in life, never seeking to discover God’s bigger plan of service for them.  What changes a man’s heart to make him willing to leave everything familiar behind, face whatever trials confront him, and go into full service for God?  Every Christian is at some point called to serve God.  Often it is inconvenient, calling us to leave that which is comfortable to embark on a very treacherous journey confronted by mountains too daunting to consider. However, nothing is too difficult for God.  The seven elements, found in Nehemiah’s prayer are what you and I need as well.  They are: compassion, vision, conviction (leading to repentance), humility, submission, commitment, and faith. Today I will focus on the first two; then, over the course of the next week; we will delve deeper into each of these elements.

Compassion

Continue reading What is Needed to Serve God with All Your Heart? →

Nehemiah was called by God to “build that wall”.  What characteristics made Nehemiah the perfect man for the task?  Well, at the beginning of the story; Nehemiah was the cup-bearer to King Artaxerxes.  Content to stay behind, he was comfortable in the prestigious job he had.  As the book opens, something shook up his contentment.  Indeed, God broke his heart for His people.  That broken-hearted state became the catalyst to transforming this layman into a powerful man of God. Hearing God’s call,  He rebuilt the wall. Then, as governor  he guided the people back into a place of political, social, and economic stability. Furthermore, he  lead the people to trust God, once more.  The faithful followers of God  no longer remained the target of ridicule and abuse.

Ezra accomplished the spiritual establishment of the new community, whereas Nehemiah succeeded in giving it physical stability…The project (building the wall) was completed in the remarkably short time of 52 days.  During this endeavor he faced determined opposition: mockery (Neh 2:19, 4:1-3), armed raids (4:7-12), a ruse to draw him outside the city, without doubt to murder him (6:1-4), blackmail (6:5-9); and finally, a prophet hired to foretell his death.  In every case he met the challenge with courage, wisdom, and an invincible determination to complete the task for which God had called him.¹

What happened to transform Nehemiah’s heart; propelling him to hear God’s call, heed the call and have the fortitude to complete the task against so much opposition?

NEHEMIAH

Continue reading When God Breaks Your Heart, What Then? →

These two books went live today.  The first: Abiding, Steadfast Joy subtitle “Never Again to be Bound in a Life of Quiet Desperation” has been essentially a 3 year labor of love.  Written, rewritten and transformed many times.  Somewhat like my life.  Intertwining bits of my life, this book mostly expounds on Biblical Doctrine and Theology.  I share with you all that God has taught me through many trials, failures, and sorrows; every step of the way leading me to know Him more.  Then, as I discovered He was my greatest treasure; He also taught me 3 foundations of truth from His Word which transformed my heart to rest in His Abiding, Steadfast Joy, regardless of the circumstances or storms this journey brings. Just click on each cover page to be linked to information to purchase.

ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY

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.

 

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

May God’s Grace, Love and Mercy Fill Your Hearts today.

©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.