So, Christmas came and passed for this year.  I hope that all of you, as I realize all of the blessings that Christ brought.  We must not forget that Christmas is not about the presents and the gifts, it is about the One Gift God gave to the world.  The Light of the World came that we might have Salvation.  Christ, fulfilled the Law and then took upon Himself the Sins of the World.  He was the Messiah for whom the prophet Isaiah had prophesied and for whom the entire Old Testament pointed toward–the Savior of the World.  He did not come to destroy the Law; but fulfill it as only Perfect Righteousness could.  It was during the time that Mary and Joseph went to the temple to fulfill the laws given by Moses to present Him (Christ) to the Lord and sacrifice a pair of turtle doves, that Simeon comes in. 

Drawing used by permission ©2010 Ronald Barba

Note, Simeon was lead by the Holy Spirit.  He listened and humbly followed the commands of the Spirit.  He spoke praise to God for having fulfilled a promise God had made to him that before He die, He would be allowed to see Christ.  We do not know how long Simeon had waited, nor how tired or aged he became while awaiting that promise; but we do know Simeon listened to the Holy Spirit and waited until the day the Spirit lead Him.  Read Luke’s account.

Continue reading Simeon—Humbly led by Holy Spirit →

As we hustle about in preparation for Christmas, we need to stop for a moment and truly think about what we are celebrating.  We must remember that we are not only celebrating His birth in a manger; but rather we are celebrating His willingness to leave His throne to come to this earth in the vulnerable state as a baby, to suffer the pangs of hunger, to be humbled, and later humiliated – rejected by the very ones He came to save. 

vector image used courtesy of ©istock

Beyond that He would then take upon His shoulders all of the sins, guilt, and shame of mankind that all who accept His Gift of Salvation might then share in His inheritance one day.   Read these scriptures in Isaiah prophesying of Christ’s birth. He refers also

Continue reading Unto Us a Child is Born →

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2: 8-11

photo used courtesy of ©istock/CentralITAlliance

I began praying last night for a poem that might touch the hearts of anyone who was broken hearted during this Christmas season.  I know that underneath the glitter, the packages, the lights and sounds; there are so many of you lonely and hurting.  I awoke with this playing in my head and I hope God uses it to touch your heart today.  

It’s Christmas, Christmas

 

Bells are ringing brightly sound

Christmas carols do abound

Twinkling light our sight surround

It’s Christmas, Christmas

People hustling all around

Presents heap a little mound

Underneath a tree they found

It’s Christmas, Christmas

CHORUS:

But now, did you look at the hearts of this crowd

Where their joy is no more than a shroud

Attempting to cover the pain and sorrow

Tell them there’s a Savior

Came to show them favor

A love that will not waiver

True Joy can be theirs

He’ll heal the broken hearted

Finish what He started

Hope He hath imparted

Breaking all sin’s lairs

Christ was born. Oh, what a Glorious sound

In His arms, true joy can now abound

Love and hope our hearts surround

It’s Christmas, Christmas

Tell them there’s a Savior

Came to show them favor

A love that will not waiver

True Joy can be theirs

He’ll heal the broken hearted

Finish what He started

Hope He hath imparted

Breaking all sin’s lairs

 

©2013 Effie Darlene Barba

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.  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 we have been talking about fearless faith and the many times in the Bible that God reminds us not to fear because He is with us.   Some of you Bible Scholars may indeed question the fact that just as often God’s word includes “to them that fear God.”  How is it that we can justify “fearing God” and not having fear?  In fact, God writes “And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from me.  Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good” Jeremiah 32:40-41.  At the same time that He is covenanting to always be present and to do good, He says He will put fear in their hearts.  How is that possible? What could He possibly mean?  Am I to tremble throughout my Christian walk, worried that I might make God angry and He send lightning bolts down to strike me?  Is my faith to be fearless and yet full of fear both at the same time?  Let me try to help any of you struggling with this.

photo courtesy of  © istock/vernonwiley

REVERANT AWE THAT CONQUERS ALL FEAR

Many years of my Christian journey I did struggle with that very thought, bound within the chains which created such fear.  I during those years spent much of my Christian walk defeated by my own attempts at being a “better Christian” and never able to rest in the truth of God’s love for me.  Even if we look at the average dictionary there is a distinct difference made in the definitions of fear when referring to God.  In the dictionary, it says that fear of God is awe and reverence, not panic and anxiety.  Yet, does that fully explain the difference that God makes?

God has written,

Continue reading Two Fears Leading to Fearless Faith →

So wherein is the basis of our trust which removes fear? Do we have anything to base that on? After all, God is a God of judgment and when I look at me, I see what a mess up I have been at times. I need to be more disciplined instead of getting lazy at times. Certainly, I could be a better steward of God’s money. There are times when I get frustrated when things aren’t going perfectly (like my internet is still not working despite my trying to be patient at waiting). Oh well, maybe today is the day. Though my GBs are limited, at least I have hot spot. (Please forgive me that my postings are still scattered because of this lack of resources and my own little wandering brain that lets that obstacle get in the way. Oh yes, and what about the times where jealousy, selfishness, or envy got in the way of displaying God’s love to someone else who didn’t know Him? So since we are such clay pots, broken and chipped at times; on what basis can we stand before God without fear and trembling? How can we ever hope that He will guide us here on this earth? How can we stand boldly on the promise of future Grace that will sustain us? How can we hope to find His Joy, His Love, and His Glory? Our boldness, our lack of fear, and our hope is not based on who we are, it is entirely based upon who God is and His love for us which was demonstrated best in His providing the way of Salvation. He sent the Son to be the Savior of the World. What greater love could have ever been manifested? As we approach Christmas let us remember the greatest Gift ever given to us….Jesus Christ.

Artwork presented by permission of RoninRon Custom Art

MERCY IS BASED ON GOD’S LOVE OF US THUS WE CAN STAND UPON HIS LOVE WITH NO FEAR.

I turned and saw the Face of God

His Glory did surround me

He smiled and gave a wink, a nod

No chaos could confound me

His Grace and Mercy were now mine

His Joy was Mine Abounding

That I might then His Glory shine

To shout His praise resounding

Let’s look at the scripture.

1 John 4: 13-19 “Hereby know we that we dwell in him and he in us, because he hath given us the Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the Day of Judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 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.”

So what are the keys to fearlessness?

1. Remember Christ.

2. Remember God’s perfect love for you as demonstrated in Christ.

3. Seek to know Him more every day of your life.

 

Listen to this beautiful song by Keith and Kristyn Getty called, Jesus, Joy of the Highest Heaven

 

©2013 Effie Darlene Barba

Artwork used by written permission of RoninRon Custom Art

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.  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.