For months and years, we turned on our TV to hear the news of all our division, our intolerance and our anger.  The more that we heard this on our TVs and in our schools, the more we believed it to be true.  We, the Christians were told to be silent; because, our faith in God offends some. The few Americans on the far fringes of the right and those on the far fringes of the left received all the news; pitting one side against the other. Then, came Hurricane Harvey!  It’s fury racked the nation, as all eyes turned to Texas; where, we had a glimpse to see the truth of who we are as Americans.

We saw the courage, the faith, and the endurance of a people who in the midst of tragedy; reached out to help each other.  No one cared who you voted for, the color of your skin, or the number of tattoos you wore; all that mattered was you needed a helping hand.  Trucks and boats traveled across this land to give a helping hand.  And a nation bowed their heads before a Sovereign, Holy God to ask for His helping hand.

LAND OF THE FREE AND THE BRAVE

Some would say “Why Texas?” Yet, to that I might say, “Why Job?”  Remember, the story?  Satan told God that he had come from the surveying the earth; implying that he was gaining a foothold with mankind.  God responded, “Have you considered my servant Job?” If you know the story, you realize; because of his faithfulness, God knew Job would hold fast to his faith, even in the center of the storm and great hardship.  Then, Job would then be an example of hope, love, endurance and all that is good to a world in need of hope.

Ah, but never forget.  When God restored Job; He restored him 10-fold.  We, the people of the United States of America; need to stop and pray; repenting of our own sins.  Each man, woman and child need to turn our hearts over to God; allowing Him to transform us.  Furthermore, as a nation, we need to stand United and stop all the petty fighting, bickering and selfish pride.  At the foot of the cross, where perfect righteousness died for our sins; we need to bow and ask God to restore our nation; because, when we humbly come before His Righteous Throne, we realize we deserve nothing.  All we have is because of Grace, and Grace Alone.

A Prayer for Our Land

By Effie Darlene Barba

 

God of heaven on your throne

Oh, hear our humble cry

And do not leave us here alone

Far from your watchful eye

Though we in selfish pride pursued

Vain Idols of our own

 

And yet, we know Your Gracious heart

In covenant does stand

That if we now from sin depart

That You will heal our land

Together then our hearts renewed

Rejoice, a brand, new start

 

So, break our hearts to what breaks yours

Open our eyes to see

The bitter words our mouth outpours

The pride that lies in me

So, dark and looming does occlude

The hope that love restores

 

So, Lord repentant here we stand

Seeking forgiveness now

And listening to Your command

Oh, Lord please show us how!

A Cross displayed, Your Grace we viewed

So, let us be your hand

 

To reach across the great divides

That separate our hearts

To rise one voice devoid of sides

Your love and grace imparts

Your hope and joy, a new prelude

On which our life abides

A LEADER TO HELP REBUILD

Through out scripture we note, God sends leaders to help the nation of Israel to rebuild.  Sometimes, He sent priests, at other times prophets; however, sometimes He sent business men, as was the case in Nehemiah.  A lay person, who could design a plan to rebuild.  In our case, I do believe God sent such a man.

Also, remember that before Nehemiah began to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, he prayed earnestly acknowledging God’s Sovereignty, His righteousness and His Mercy.  Every person who professes Christ as their Savior has been endowed with a special Gift.  I believe Donald Trump’s gift is that of leader; because of how he responds to disasters by doing.  If you remember from my series, a leader remains focused on the final product.  Because they see the final product as reality, they are often criticized for not being empathetic. Yet, those characteristics make them such a valuable leader; since they do not stop until the job is completed.

I encourage you to go back and read: How to Identify the Spiritual Gift of Leadership

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

On this National Day of Prayer for Harvey and for our nation; let us pray diligently.  Let us humble ourselves before our Almighty God.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.And I will be found of you, saith the Lord: and I will turn away your captivity Jeremiah 29:11

 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

CONCLUDING TWEETS

[tweetthis]Your hope and joy, a new prelude On which our life abides[/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]God of heaven on your throne Oh, hear our humble cry[/tweetthis]

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link.

OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

A Broken and Contrite Heart, I published in 2010, answers the question, “What do I do when I keep falling into the same sin? Does God hate me because I keep failing to get this right?  So, where do I begin again and find joy in my salvation; after, falling.  If you want to know more about this book or the other books I have written:  You can find a link at: Book Resources.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017

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

The inscription I added the Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

It was February 4, 2010. My mind was in a spiraling whirlwind of emotions, alone. Helplessness, sorrow, anger, guilt, fatigue, fear and even love were all jumbled in my brain as I wrote a blog post that day called, “What do I do when I am lost in a sea of craziness?” Mom was in the hospital with a psychotic breakdown. It wasn’t the first; but, it did seem the worst she had experienced over the course of the time I had been taking care of her. Beyond that, exhausted and broke, I feared a financial collapse.  Having spent way beyond my means to provide private sitters for mom to avoid this breakdown; it came anyway. I was drowning emotionally, physically, and financially. Unless someone reached out a helping hand to rescue me, I might not survive.

As all the mixed emotions were whirling in my head, I began to wonder “where is the fine line between sanity and insanity?” I “carried the torch for Christ, for my family, and for work, alone” I thought.

That day, I wondered; “Really, am I so different from Mom? Don’t I have fears, sorrows, worries, and moments of depression? “The only difference between mom and me?” I thought. “I hold my emotions tightly hidden deep within; whereas, she wears her emotions like a banner of honor; as though her diagnosis gave her the freedom to do or say whatever she pleased.”  I, on the other hand;  got up, went to work, strove to say the right things, struggled to pay all the bills for both of us, cleaned the house, stood responsibly; while clinging tight to the final shred of hope. And then try to forgive myself when I failed to get it all done. Angry, tired and desperate; I was drowning.

WHEN LOST AND  ALONE

Furthermore, I hated myself for allowing such a thought to enter my brain. After all, there was mom completely lost into a psychotic world and I so unsympathetic; thinking of only my own pain. Yet, the pain ran so deep; I only wanted to run. Praying fervently: I pleaded with God, even though I had no idea what to pray. If God is with me; then, He is all I need, right? Then why did I feel so all alone.

GOD SENT A HELPING HAND

I learned a valuable lesson the next day when I received a call from Alberto, my son. He had read the blog and suddenly knew that he must intervene with a word of truth. He called to give me a reality check.

“Mom, listen to me.” He was very firm and strong as he began to outline the truth of my identity in Christ. He reminded me of the ministry I had been called to do and that I must stand on the truth of “who I am in Christ Jesus”. “Quit listening to Satan’s lies pull it together”, he commanded.

Then with a gentler voice, he said; “Mom, I love you, you are stronger than this and you know the truth of God’s strength in you. You have been through a lot worse with God’s guidance. So, why would you, now, let your testimony be destroyed over something you have no control over? I don’t understand; because, I wish I had the testimony of strength you do.  You have the power of God in you to control your response to the situation at hand; so, use it. By the way, I am not the one who is the best listener. So, if you need someone to listen, call Ron or Melissa. Love you.” With that, he hung up.

NOT ALONE

Suddenly, I realized that I was not a force of one. As I reflected on what had happened, I realized that God designed our pilgrimage journey on this earth in such a manner as to need each other.

EPHESIANS 4:4-7,16 (TLB)

⁴ We are all parts of one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same glorious future. ⁵ For us there is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ and we all have the same God and Father who is over us all and in us all, and living through every part of us. ⁷ However, Christ has given each of us special abilities … Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly, and each part in its own special way helps the other parts, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

NEEDING EACH OTHER

When Christ, ascended He gave gifts to men.  Yet, God so designed the gifts in a manner that we all need each other. He did not give you or me all the gifts; allowing us to stand alone.  Each of us hold one primary motivational gift. For the work of the church to grow and prosper, we need all the spiritual gifts working in harmony. That means, we need each other.

Jesus Christ, chose your unique spiritual gift; just as He did mine and every individual one who makes up His body, the church.

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, ‘When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.’  Ephesians 4:7-8

Harmoniously, united we stand strong.  No one stands alone.  Together, in love we become a force that cannot be destroyed when storms surround us.  Each reaching out in love, we strengthen each other.

That day, Alberto stepped out of his comfort zone and God for a moment equipped him with the gift of exhortation; although, his primary gifts are leadership and giving (equally).  Yes, sometimes God allows us to utilize other gifts in moments of crisis; as, He did that day.  And, yes; some people have two gifts equally balanced, when, God so chooses.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

When we try to stand alone, we often become angry, embittered and lose perspective.  God designed His church, so we would need each other.  He did the same within the family.  We need to learn how to value each other’s uniqueness in the body of the church, the family and the community; reaching out our hands in love and unity.

This week my heart bleeds for all those hurting in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.  Each day, I pray for God to strengthen those who have lost so much.  Still, I know; God has a plan for good.  Perhaps the blessing in the middle of this tragedy is: People reaching out their hand to help each other, proving to them, they are not alone.  We all need each other and need to love each other; as Christ loved us, willing to suffer and even die to save us.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link.

OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

A Broken and Contrite Heart, I published in 2010, answers the question, “What do I do when I keep falling into the same sin? Does God hate me because I keep failing to get this right?  So, where do I begin again and find joy in my salvation; after, falling.  If you want to know more about this book or the other books I have written:  You can find a link at: Book Resources.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017

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

Although the inscription is mine the Photo by Neil Thomas on Unsplash

I realize that I have belabored our way through the various Motivational Gifts of the Spirit.   Furthermore, over the course of the summer, we have gone through the positions that are ours in Christ Jesus as God’s Beloved, Blessed, Chosen, Redeemed Child, heir of the kingdom, Servant by choice, Enlightened, New Creation, Declared Saint, Mighty Warrior and Gifted follower.  In each position granted us in Christ Jesus, we are immediately made whole; except in that of our Motivational Gift.  Why would that be? Because God is wise; He knew our heart’s tendency to pride, so He made certain no one could stand alone as an island.

ONE BODY, MANY PARTS

Companionship, interdependence, and communion are necessary components for the gospel to be spread; so that, the church might thrive and grow. Therefore, God gave motivational gifts to men and women in a manner to ascertain the growth of the church, as they work together.

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. Ephesians 4:7-8

EVERY ONE HAS A SPIRITUAL MOTIVATIONAL GIFT

Every one who accepted Christ as their Savior has a spiritual motivational gift; whether we know it or not.  Jesus purchased this on Calvary and; then, brought it to fruition with His resurrection.  No one has been excluded.  For that reason, we do need to study, learn of our own gift.  I urge you to get Charles Stanley’s series, “God’s Children Gifted for Ministry”.

As we continue,  I do want to point out the importance of learning to love and honor each other’s gifts through understanding the intricate functions of the many parts of God’s Church.

Because we took a while going through the gifts, I have written you this poem to remind you of each motivational gifts of the Spirit.

Motivational Gifts of the Spirit

The Prophet with His Sword doth stand

Reminding us of God’s command

To live a life of Righteousness

That we might find in God our Bliss

 

The teacher doth research each word

Discovering when men speak absurd

To never, ever compromise

That through God’s Word we can be wise

 

As Mercy comes with Gift of Grace

A smile of joy across her face

Searching for broken hearts she finds

Each cut and scar with love she binds

 

While service works from morn to night

Wanting each part to be just right

Seeking evermore to please

A thank you puts their heart at ease

 

Exhorter comes with comfort praise

To help each one their spirit raise

With steps designed as one, two, three

To follow close, your heart to free

 

The Giver comes with cautious eye

Needing to know the how and why

A Brilliant Mind, a financier

Who saves, to give then without fear

 

And then there is the one who leads

Who cannot hear naysayers pleads

The focus always straight ahead

Complete the task as God has led.

CONCLUDING TWEETS

[tweetthis]God gave you a spiritual motivational gift, do you know what yours is?[/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]Knowing about the integral parts of the church body, leads to unity[/tweetthis]

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link.

OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

A Broken and Contrite Heart, I published in 2010, answers the question, “What do I do when I keep falling into the same sin? Does God hate me because I keep failing to get this right?  So, where do I begin again and find joy in my salvation; after, falling.  If you want to know more about this book or the other books I have written:  You can find a link at: Book Resources.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017

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

Enter the brave, the bold defenders of truth and justice!  Those with the gift of Prophecy stand tall; boldly defending truth and speaking out against injustice.  Because,  in their eyes,  the world has no shades of compromise allowed, either things are right or wrong. They fight against evil, hypocrisy, and bigotry.  Rejecting evil, they are quick to point out their own failures and frailties.  Disciplined and determined, they put on the whole armor of God to battle against evil forces.

Those with the gift of prophecy can be very persuasive, very direct when confronting what they see as sin in another’s life, and want to see immediate change or repentance. They view trials and even brokenness as blessing in disguise;  because they recognize that often it is brokenness which drives us to our knees and closer to Christ. For that reason, they see trials as hidden opportunities for spiritual growth.  Therefore, they do not moan, whine or complain when trials come into their life; because, they can see the blessings they still possess.  Knowing clearly their own faults; they see every blessing in their life as an act of Grace from God.  After all, they remember: were it not for grace they deserved wrath and condemnation.

THE BRAVE, THE BOLD DEFENDERS OF TRUTH AND JUSTICE

So easily misjudged as harsh, outspoken, and intolerant; those with the gift of Prophecy (Justice) appear impulsive. Yet, they truly are harsher on themselves than on anyone else.  Loyal to the end, they stand up against the bullies to defend the weaker sheep.

Their greatest desire: to save you from the consequences of sin in your life; by helping you see the folly, repent and transform your heart and mind through the power of God’s Grace toward you.  For them, they see this as a simple: acknowledge your sin and stop the perpetuation of it NOW!

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE:  Peter

Impetuous, out spoken, passionate Peter; one building block leading the way for the early church.  Always aware of his own failures; Peter stood firm on truth and justice within the body of Christ.  While at the same time, Peter gave all the credit to God; where it belonged.

²⁰ Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. ²¹ For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.  I Peter 1.

Gift of Prophecy: In the Spirit vs in the Flesh

When living in the Spirit, they display unyielding commitment to truth, obedience, sincerity, virtue, and boldness in the authority of the word of God.  Furthermore, they are quick to forgive someone who wants to change, in addition to being persuasive and loyal. When they get out of the spirit, allowing the flesh to rule; beware! They are deceptive, rebellious, hypocritical, defiled, fearful, resentful of others and manipulative.

 

Do You Know Someone with The Gift of Prophecy?

I am certain you have met someone quick to strike out against any injustice they see!  Ah, as your eyes roll and you take that deep sigh; I know you have.  Yet, let me suggest; you open your eyes to realize their wondrous value, their passion and their heart.  That outward exterior of harshness covers a heart that desires your best.  They want to protect you from the harms of this world and from yourself at times.  We all need one prophet in our lives, who can step in to defend us against injustice and to turn us around when we start down some road of compromise.

If Prophecy is Your Gift, Then What?

Pray for patience and practice verbal self-control. Remain sensitive to the responses of others around you.  Remember to act out of the spirit in love, working to the edification of the other; but, never be ashamed of the gift you were given.  Every church needs at least one Prophet to hold everyone else accountable.  I daresay, every family needs at least one to defend, protect and admonish when tough love is needed.

Paul’s Warning: “But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.” I Corinthians 14:3.  Remember your role in the body of Christ to guide others toward moral excellence, encourage them along their journey, and comfort them when they fall.  Help them to rise again to face a brand new day.

CONCLUDING TWEETS:

[bctt tweet=”Disciplined & determined they put on the whole armor of God battling against evil” username=”effiedarlene”]

[tweetthis]The prophet sees sin: says acknowledge & stop the perpetuation of sin NOW![/tweetthis]

[bctt tweet=”As God’s Defenders of Truth, their job is to edify the church with uncompromising truth” username=”effiedarlene”]

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link.

OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

A Broken and Contrite Heart, I published in 2010, answers the question, “What do I do when I keep falling into the same sin? Does God hate me because I keep failing to get this right?  So, where do I begin again and find joy in my salvation; after, falling.  If you want to know more about this book or the other books I have written:  You can find a link at: Book Resources.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017

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

As Mary went to the tomb, she wept because Her Lord had been crucified. Her tears poured as she could not find His body there.  He spoke to her and her sorrow overwhelmed her.  She could not see Him standing there.  Yet, He whispered this song, “Don’t Weep My Love”  How often, do we get so swallowed up in our sorrow that we don’t see, He is standing there.  His arms are open wide, bidding us come to rest against His chest while He sings a lullaby over us.

DON’T WEEP MY LOVE

She gazed into the empty tomb

His body wasn’t there

The pain so great it did consume

Her heart with full despair

 

Such agony to lose the one

She loved more than her life

How could it be that God’s own Son

Had met with so much strife

 

As she wept such bitter tears

Alone with such despair

A gentle voice removed her fears

As Christ was standing there

CHORUS

Don’t weep, my love I am here with you

In your darkest night, I will see you through

Give me your pain and your sorrow too

While I sing my song of love so true

Your hope, your joy will soar anew

So, Rest in my arms while I sing for you

 

Broken my heart from sorrow and care

Shattered from all of life’s pain

I look up to see my Savior there

While He sings over me this refrain

CHORUS

Don’t weep, my love I am here with you

In your darkest night, I will see you through

Give me your pain and your sorrow too

While I sing my song of love so true

Your hope, your joy will soar anew

So, Rest in my arms while I sing for you

Concluding thoughts:

Because we do not open our eyes to see God’s arms open wide on those darkest of nights,  our faith quivers and our hearts shatter in despair.  Yet, He is there calling us to Him and singing His song of love over us.

Zephaniah 3:17-18

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.

Concluding Tweets

[bctt tweet=”Don’t weep my love I am here with you In your darkest night I will see you through” username=”effiedarlene”]

[tweetthis]When your grief is too great to see Him standing there Jesus is there[/tweetthis]

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link.

OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

A Broken and Contrite Heart, I published in 2010, answers the question, “What do I do when I keep falling into the same sin? Does God hate me because I keep failing to get this right?  So, where do I begin again and find joy in my salvation; after, falling.  If you want to know more about this book or the other books I have written:  You can find a link at: Book Resources.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017

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

The inscription I added, Photo by  Johannes Plenio on Unsplash