As we looked at Paul’s final visit to the elders of the church of Ephesus, we saw many characteristic fruits that were displayed in Paul’s life as a result of Paul understanding and living forth his life in Christ.  That phrase "In Christ" is first used referring to the ministry of Paul in Acts 24: "4 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ."  Yet that same phrase occurs over and over within the letters of Paul.  This was the key pivotal truth of the gospel that there is no salvation through any other means but in Christ and Christ alone. Romans 3: "24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus."

Yet, as Paul knew the possessions we have as a result of our being in Christ were much more than just a key to get us into heaven–it is our very being, our joy, our hope and the only means that we have to live out this glorious gift that we have received.

That is why Paul always taught the young believers about what great and mighty riches they possess through faith in Christ.  If I began to just list them, I fear that you would not

Continue reading Power Filled Positive Thinking-Chapter 3B-Every Promise of God is Eternally “Yes” in Christ →

There was suddenly inside me an overwhelming restless desire that began to rise within my heart. I felt a longing to know Christ as my friend. The feeling rose within my heart until I could do nothing less than to ask Christ in, with a sudden feeling of love, joy and hope that filled my heart and spirit. In an instant I felt safe, loved, and as if my spirit could fly. Beyond that moment, I cannot tell you much about me at age 5; except for that one memory. It was a Sunday morning and from the radio, I could hear the voice of Dr. M.R. Dehaan as he was preaching. I had heard his voice before, nearly every Sunday; but this time it seemed I understood every word. I was in the kitchen entrance way and clearly remember that as these feelings and longings to know Jesus Christ as my friend and Savior, I was facing the corner where the light switch was next to large kitchen cabinet that my father had built. I could smell the aroma of the wood. I cannot tell you why I was there facing the light switch staring into the corner. I cannot tell you how a 5 year old could be filled with shame and guilt, knowing that she was unworthy of Christ; yet, I remember that feeling of unworthiness and the desire to have a close relationship with God. I was overcome by those feelings as in silence I stood there facing the corner. Dr. DeHaan, as he was well known for, was explaining that the blood of Christ was shed to cover our guilt and sin and when the invitation came to ask Christ to come into my heart, I accepted Christ as My Savior.

I cannot tell you how a child of 5 could see Christ as so beautiful; but, even after all these years I remember that sensation of His magnificent beauty and Glory so that I was compelled to desire Him in my life.

At that very young age, I wanted to know Him more. I memorized verses of the Bible as I heard them quoted. Despite that hunger and desire, it has taken most of my Christian journey to even begin to understand what it meant to be “in Christ”. From the moment I accepted Christ as my Savior, I desired with all my heart to please Him.  I so wanted to be worthy of His love. I longed for His approval and to know I had gained His love. Growing up, I had been taught a lot about the Bible, but little about how to live this Christian life. I had heard a lot about God’s judgment and punishment; while learning little about His unconditional love and Grace toward me. Every time I looked at my own failures; I felt the

Continue reading Power Filled Positive Thinking—Chapter 3A—Knowing the Truth is the Key to Power →

Power-filled Positive Thinking-Chapter 2C-A Miraculous Life

We who were dead spiritually were made alive again—let that miraculous thought sink in. We who had no ability to see God, to taste of His goodness, to drink in His beauty or to stand in awe of His Glory; have, been made alive in Christ. Not only were we made alive to see Him, we were made spiritually alive to receive the fullness of His Joy and Love. He drew us to Himself through letting us see the glimpses of His Grace and Mercy by pouring forth bits of Grace upon this world as common grace to all.

Beyond that He has promised to all who believe that He will guide our lives to what is the very best for us, provide for us from His abundant riches, and freely lavish upon us His love, joy and grace. Romans 6: “like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.^”

Do you begin to grasp the magnitude of that? We need to train our minds to focus on just that. Do you want to live a joyous, miraculous life? Then practice doing this every day.

You might practice this list, day after day. In that you might make progress as to believing that everything is better and that you are truly happy inside with who you are. Then tragedy will strike and your miraculous life will fall apart UNLESS you know that it is all true because of Christ in You as evidenced by the Holy Spirit’s presence within you to tell you of God’s mighty and powerful work within you.

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Spirit Soars Above

by Effie Darlene Barba

 

When this world would try

Cause my heart to cry

With the hurts that come

future looks so glum

I look to the skies

See your loving eyes

Glory lifts my heart with highs

 

My heart fills with love

Spirit soars above

As I’m lifted high

As with hope I fly

To your loving arms

Free from all the harms

Peace replaces all alarms

 

You are all I need

As my heart is freed

And with joyful song

I sing ‘midst the throng

Of your love so true

Broken hearts renew

As your love comes into view

 

You’re the love in me

That fills my heart with glee

Down uncertain roads

Your joy, love unfolds

My life song so sweet

For you guide my feet

In You my life is complete

 

 

I fly high above

On your wings of love

The rest of my life

I will know no strife

As you fill my heart

And your joy impart

From your love and hope, ne’er depart

 

© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba

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

As an apostle of Christ in the early church, Paul faced many trials and persecutions; yet, in the midst of all that, Paul knew joy, hope, faith and love. The one thing that Paul urged the early church to grasp hold upon was the Joy of knowing Christ as their Savior. The Hope that could be found in Him. He urged them to understand the truth of the riches which were theirs in Christ. He constantly reminded them to remember these truths. He knew that if we were to know the truths of our inheritance in Christ and all that it meant to be eternally alive in Him, we would live lives fully Alive with Joy.

That joy is to be ours today. When Christ arrived at the tomb of Lazarus and he asked Martha, Don’t you believe that I am the Resurrection? She had replied with tears, I know that one day you will return as the resurrection. We as Christians all too often walk around with moping faces, just as did Martha. Oh, woe is me; I know that one day Christ will return and I will be with Him; (long sigh)—but until then, I will carry my cross. (Long sigh). I know. I was one of those Christians. Having grown up with the idea that laughter and fun were not reverence toward God, I seemed to see a stern and harsh God. I was to dutifully bear my burdens here on this earth. Let me tell you that is not who God is.

God is a joyful God and He wants His children to be bathed in that same joy. Not frivolous counterfeit joys which lead to sorrow; but, rather deep ever flowing joy that bubbles up from the heart. Christ died and rose again that I might have new life in Him, here and now. So, rejoice. Joy has come into the world.

How do I experience that Joy?

Continue reading POWER FILLED POSITIVE THINKING CHAPTER 2B—Joyously Alive-Here and Now →