Category: Christian Blog

What to Do When I Fail With All My Heart?

What to Do When I Fail With All My Heart?

Often I have heard sermons on Peter’s denial.  I have listened intently as pastors explained the different analogies concerning why Peter failed this test. I have heard it explained that Peter failed because  he followed Jesus at a distance or that he became too concerned for his own life. Others commentaries say that he stood with the wrong crowd as he warmed himself by the fire. We wish we could find a reason for his failure. Then we would find the formula that prevents us from stumbling as well. My heart so longs to love God better!! I want to be a testimony for Him. I want to always present Him well.  I wish I could find the truth as to why despite my desire to please Him, to love Him and to follow Him; sometimes, I make a mess of it all. When that happens, then, like Peter—all I can do is to fall before God’s throne of Grace to weep a little while.

broken/contrite heart by Ronald Barba

 

Peter truly loved the Master. He had left everything to follow Him. At times, Peter was a bit tempestuous like the sea he had fished in. Yet, his heart longed to please the Master. This had been a long night as Jesus told them that He must go away so that the Comforter would come. Jesus tried to prepare them; but, Peter didn’t really want to hear this. He didn’t know how He would survive without Jesus being present to guide Him. Was it fear that caused Peter to deny Jesus? I don’t think so. Peter had pulled out his sword in front of a cohort of soldiers; but, Jesus told him to put it away. Peter had followed while others had scattered. He didn’t know what the plan was next. He needed Jesus to tell him the plan. “Where do I go now? What do I do now? If I am not to fight for you, then what?” Haven’t you been there? I have. In those moments of waiting when you feel so lost and alone, uncertain as to what the next step is. Those moments when you are praying with all your heart and soul not to fail God; then, you find yourself flat on your face in the mud anyway.

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HOW CAN SOMETHING SO TERRIBLY WRONG BE ACTUALLY GOOD?

HOW CAN SOMETHING SO TERRIBLY WRONG BE ACTUALLY GOOD?

We look around us at all the suffering, pain, and agony of this broken world. Wars, terrorism, and tragedies that occur many proclaiming to be in the name of God. Such tragedies have occurred throughout all the centuries since man’s heart first chose to worship the creation more than the creator. We see the natural disasters and ask God why? Then there are those agonizing sorrows much closer to our own hearts when we watch one of our children suffer. Even more agonizing is when we look back and realize that perhaps our own foolish choices may have been a part of their suffering now. Our very best efforts to protect, provide for, love and guide was not enough. Those memories we thought would elevate us become like ashes that fly away into the sky and all we have is shame or guilt. We look into heaven and wonder “how could a Sovereign God allow this?” Couldn’t He have enlightened me more, then? And what about mental illness, such as my mother’s bipolar disorder?  Is God somewhere to be found in the midst of their agony? Or what about physical illnesses such as the cancer I lived through.   Does God use all the failures, the illnesses, the broken pieces of our lives and our world to create something beautiful?  I know that He really does do just that; and because I know that, I can rest in His love, His peace, and His joy in the midst of every circumstance of this pilgrimage journey. I can trust Him, even when everything around me looks bleak and disastrous. Let me explain to you how I know and the steps which will help you to trust Him in the storms.

our greatest treasure

BOUND AND CARRIED AWAY

Jesus had declared “I AM the one you seek.” He had willingly surrendered to the cohort of men. In fact, He performed a miracle by restoring the ear of one. He could call a legion of angels and no man could hold Him. In fact, in plain day and plain sight, He had escaped their capture while standing before them teaching. Despite all of this, there in the darkness of the night, they chained Him and bound Him; as if their chains had any power over Him. Then they lead Him to the courts of the High Priest. We are reminded of Caiaphas words: “that it is expedient that one man die, rather than the whole nation perish” (John 18:14 and John 11:50). Something so tragically wrong, that perfect righteousness—the awaited Messiah would be sentenced to death in “the name of God” by the very ones He came to save.

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Why Was This Encounter with Jesus Really so Surprising?

Why was this encounter with Jesus really so surprising?

The cohort of soldiers dispatched with their flickering lanterns, torches and weapons were prepared to fight as they crossed the bridge into the garden. Theirs was a simple command that must be carried out. They were accompanied by Judas and servants of the high priest. They expected the suspect to either run to hide or be prepared to fight. Particularly they had heard that this man had a lot of devoted followers who would defend him. So, as they crossed the bridge they were surprised that Jesus approached them to ask who they were looking for, as though He didn’t know. Yet, He knew. He had just spent agonizing hours alone in prayer with the Father preparing for this very moment. Judas knew that Jesus would be there in the garden, so often He had gone there to pray while the apostles slept. It was His place of solace—His prayer room whenever in Jerusalem. To the surprise of these officers, when they said that they were looking for Jesus of Nazareth; He responded “I AM HE” (John 18:5). They stepped back and fell to the ground in preparation to fight—they must be in position to defend themselves they thought. There were between 300 to 600 men all preparing for the battle. Again, Jesus says, “Who are you looking for?” Once more they say, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Then again, Jesus says; “I told you I AM He; so I am here—take me. Let these my friends go in peace, if I am who you seek.”

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I AM HE WHO YOU SEEK

Not at all what they expected!! Even more surprising when Peter took his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant Malchus; Christ made Peter put away the sword. Then, miraculously Jesus placed His hand over the bleeding wound and restored the ear!! What was so different about this man? Did they understand what Jesus meant when He responded “I AM HE?”  Did they know He meant,  “I AM THE GREAT I AM; the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:13).

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7 Attributes of Glory Displayed In the Heart of Jesus

7 Attributes of Glory Displayed In the Heart of Jesus

As we walk along this pilgrimage journey, we often must face sorrow, pain, loss, and loneliness. Our hearts long to belong, to be known, or to have left a mark on this world. It is the common cry of the human heart to want to be someone, anyone. We want to be remembered or noticed. We long for Glory without even realizing the truths of what it means to be truly Glorious. Webster’s definition of Glory is splendid beauty, worthy of honor and admiration. What truly is Glorious? Would it not be to have splendor, majesty, and honor that is without blemish? Yet, the human heart that is so prone to self-exaltation would be at such risk of pride blemishing the very reflection of Glory once obtained. So, what are the true attributes of Glory? In John 17, as Jesus prays to the Father while walking toward the Garden of Gethsemane; we are given a glimpse of true Glory.

Pathway to Glory

There are seven attributes that we see displayed in the heart of Jesus that are the core essence of His Glory. They are why His Name is Above all other names to be praised with Glory and Honor. Those attributes are:

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5 Secrets to the Happiest Year of Your Life

5 Secrets to the Happiest Year of Your Life

Today, I want to pause to give you 5 secrets to having the happiest year of your life. Ah, but once you know them; they are no longer secrets and be the steps to your best year ever.

New Beginning

The Five Secrets to Your Happiest Year Ever are:

Secret #1: God’s Mercies are New Every Morning

Secret #2: Forget your past failures

Secret #3: Forgive yourself and others

Secret #4: Trust God’s Hand of Love

Secret #5: Recognize that in every trial God has a wonderful, joyous gift that is being unwrapped

That’s it? Yep!! You might think that unusually brief for me; but, those steps are what keep my heart singing with joy and a smile on my face through every circumstance that life’s journey may have thrown at me. So, simple and to the point; yet, so filled with power and truth. Everything else I write points to these secrets of living the Christian life.  Everything I write is about helping us abide in Christ.  It is about knowing who we are in Christ.  It is about finding and fully living a life that is filled with Joy in Christ, Strength in Christ, Grace in Christ, Love in Christ, and Hope in Christ.  It is the truth of Christ abiding in us, through us and around us. In Christ, we are set free from all the chains that bind us so that we can live a life which shines forth the joy of knowing, embracing and cherishing God as our greatest and highest treasure. No longer must we be chained to our desires for someone to validate us or love us; He loves us with perfect love setting us free to love others. No longer are we chained to our needs for encouragement; because He is our encourager. No longer are we chained to our guilt or despair; because our guilt and shame died on the cross upon His shoulders—never to be resurrected again. We are free, each morning to seek His face- free from fear, guilt or shame. We are free to march up to His throne of Grace every evening to lay our burdens there at His feet of Mercy and leave them there.  We are covered by His Calvary Grace for all of yesterday’s sins.  We are given new Grace for this moment and this second.  And We are promised future Grace for every moment that lies before us. [bctt tweet=” In Christ, we have all we need to live a life fully alive.  “][bctt tweet=”In Christ,  our lives can be ever overflowing  rivers of JOY, HOPE, LOVE and WONDEROUS GLORY.”]

The song I chose for you today is JOY UNSPEAKABLE by Mandisa.  Let this be your song today. 

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2015

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.