We so often look at our lives and struggle with what we may think are difficulties. We become discouraged, down heartened, or even self loathing.  We can’t see how to go one step further or face today’s burdens; yet, for those of us who know Christ–there is hope and there is joy.   Many times I have wished that I could be just a little more like Paul the Apostle as I see him–“a little superhuman in his faith and his strength”  We tend to think that all the Christians of his day would look up to him and follow his teachings; but, the truth is he was often rejected by “legalistic teachers” of his day. He had been rejected by many within the early church, criticized and condemned by the vary ones he desired to reach with the gospel of Christ.  He had been imprisoned, beaten, gone hungry, and physically grown weak, wearied with pain.  What was it that gave him the strength and the courage to keep going?  What was it that caused Paul to still declare that his “joy” was inextinguishable?

 

photo courtesy of @istock

In the midst of trials, what could make us live a life that says Christ is our every song of Joy?

Look at his description of all that he endured for the ministry.  Many in Corinth had bitterly criticized his ministry; yet, tired and wearied from life this was His response.

2 Corinthians 6: 3-10 (Phillips)As far as we are concerned we do not wish to stand in anyone’s way, nor do we wish to bring discredit on the ministry God has given us. Indeed we want to prove ourselves genuine ministers of God whatever we have to go through—patient endurance of troubles or even disasters, being flogged or imprisoned; being mobbed, having to work like slaves, having to go without food or sleep. All this we want to meet with sincerity, with insight and patience; by sheer kindness and the Holy Spirit; with genuine love, speaking the plain truth, and living by the power of God. Our sole defence, our only weapon, is a life of integrity, whether we meet honour or dishonour, praise or blame. Called “impostors” we must be true, called “nobodies” we must be in the public eye. Never far from death, yet here we are alive, always “going through it” yet never “going under”. We know sorrow, yet our joy is inextinguishable. We have “nothing to bless ourselves with” yet we bless many others with true riches. We are penniless, and yet in reality we have everything worth having.

If we look a little deeper into the words of Paul, we might gain strength to face whatever comes in our own lives.  What was in the center of his heart that caused him to continue on despite such criticism, rejection, and suffering?

Continue reading Live a Life that says Christ is my Every Song of Joy →

artwork used by permission of Ronald Barba

Every day of this pilgrimage we find that we are in the midst of a huge battle ground. One in which we must hold tight to the truth of who God is and the Glorious Gospel of Christ.

We at times find that we must cling tight to the Joy we have found in Him; while everything surrounding us tries to steal that joy. We are bombarded on a daily basis with annoyances, beepers, phone calls, failing internet service, car break downs, traffic, and the ever pressing interruptions. If I could only sit at Jesus feet all day, I would be content; but that is not what we are called to do. We must go into the world to preach the gospel.  We are to be ambassadors of faith in all that we do and in every situation.  This is true even when in the midst of the chaos surrounding us.  I am certainly not saying that from that point of view that I have gotten this right always.  When the internet was not working last night, at first my tone of voice with the representative I am certain displayed my frustration.  After all, I only want internet.  I need it to post my messages.  I use it to listen to sermons and to study.  It is my resource.  Or is it?  Is not God my only true resource?   Is it not more important that I represent Christ by my tone of voice even when frustrated?  We must remember that we are in the center of the largest battlefield carrying across all the centuries.  Satan is angry because he failed in his attempt to overthrow God and it is Satan’s desire to take as many followers as he can with him into destruction.  Let us turn to the scripture in

Continue reading The Battleground Is Set-What are You Fighting For? →

Where do we turn when we need advice?  Where do we go for counsel?  How can I find clear direction for my journey through this pilgrimage?  When major questions come in life about what to do, where do we turn? Do we run to friends, co-workers, family, and to counselors in search of an answer?  We want to sort through the possibilities to make the best choice.  We want to know what direction we should take on this journey of life.  If we turn to scripture we can see that there are three counselors which we should avoid and there is a principle we should follow if we want clear direction and even become the light that guides others toward Christ.

PHOTO COURTESY OF @ISTOCK

HOW DO I FIND CLEAR DIRECTION?  WHERE DO I SEEK COUNSEL?

 

PSALM 1

1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

So, what are we to avoid?

Continue reading Where Do We Find Clear Direction For Our Journey? →

We have explored the promises of God when we wait and also we explored the reasons why God sometimes asks us to wait; yet, how do we do that.  It is good to understand the why and to cling tight to the promises; but, how do we wait?  Am I just to sit still and ignore everything around me?  How do I take what I know and write it so tightly on my heart so as to be able to perform?  We know the truth so how do we live out that truth so that we might free ourselves from all the anxiety and fear that surrounds us on the earthly pilgrimage?  I read a quote the other day which is as follows:

“Our purpose on earth is not to get lost in the darkness of our journey but
to be a light to others, so that they may find way through us.”
–Author Unknown

How do I light the way for others if I begin to fret or worry when God doesn’t answer quickly?  There are some very important steps in waiting for the Lord.

used courtesy of @istock

Wait patiently, prayerfully knowing that God worketh on Behalf of those who wait on Him.

1.  Seek council from God.  Do not make a move until you have spent time with God seeking to know His will.  Prayer is your key in this matter.  Those worries, those concerns, and those questions as to what to do next; all need to be presented to God.  This is not because He doesn’t know already; this is because you need to spend the time alone with Him.  It is there that He will comfort you and it is there that He will provide you with His answers.   Isaiah 25:3 “O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.”    Look at Hebrews 6: “¹⁷ Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:¹⁸ That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:”  He has promised that His counsel is truth and He has proven His faithfulness over and over again.  So, seek His counsel before making any plans or steps.

2. Once you have poured out your heart before God; then, wait for further instructions.  There are times that God asks us just to wait, quietly for Him.  2 Corinthians 20: “¹⁷ Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you”  Isaiah 30: “¹⁵ For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength”

3. This means that while waiting, you are listening closely; because when He gives instructions to act, we are to be ready.  Having prepared by prayer, Bible Study, and putting on the armor of God; we are then to act when God says act.  For example:  if you are searching for a job, you will need to apply for jobs or nothing will happen.  Yet, when you apply do so after prayer and listening for God’s counsel.  Then, even when acting or doing; it is important that you maintain the spirit of waiting on God.  He it is who will answer.  If no answer comes or the answer is not what you wanted, that does not mean God is not working out His will in your life.  James 5: “⁷ Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.⁸ Be ye also patient”   The husbandman had to plant the crop; but then he waits upon the Lord to provide the crop.

4. Wait in a Spirit of expectancy and praise that God is working out His best plan for your life.  Psalm 62: “⁵ My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. ⁶ He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved.”

We can trust in Him to act on our behalf and to provide all that we need through His great riches.   Isaiah 64: ⁴ For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.

Psalm 20:6 Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.8 They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.

Let your battle cry be: "We Trust in the Name of our Lord God."

© 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 with the exception of my own book. 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.”

HE ASKED ME TO WAIT

He asked me to wait I wanted to try

Yet, trembling within I then asked Him “Why?”

Have you not seen the pain that I’m In

I need an answer, I need to know when

 

Calmly, He sat and silence ensued

While anxiously on my will I pursued

So many thoughts encircling my head

Unable to sleep, no rest in my bed

 

Oh, Lord I do know you want for my best

Yet, how do I get my mind now to rest

I don’t know the answer, I don’t know the why

Where have you gone? I asked with a sigh

 

A soft, gentle voice whispered my name

Trust me, dear Child, for I am the same

The one who has loved you before time was born

I am still here, don’t look so forlorn

 

I need you to see that I am your joy

Not money, not things, nor a fancy new toy

I love you too much to let you run wild

Your safety, your hope is in me, my Child.

 

I want for you more than your eyes can see

Wait, I will show you my victory

Trust in my love, I’ll give you rest

Then you will see, my plan is the best

 

Oh Lord, forgive me; I must have forgot

Twas you, who died; my salvation was bought

At such a high price, to prove me your love

How could I e’er doubt your plan from above

 

Let me now wait, until Lord You Speak

Patiently, calmly, humble and meek

Cradled within yours arms held so tight

Resting in you until darkness is light.

© 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 with the exception of my own book. 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.”