Category: Christian Poetry

Many years ago, I wrote this poem to my Belated, Beloved Husband.  In every relationship, we find two broken vessels whom join together in hopes of finding their missing piece; but, alas too often they find despair instead.  God is the missing piece that brings hope and joy; because, two broken vessels need one hand of Grace to hold them together.  He is also the one who can take two broken vessels and intertwine them together with His Grace and Mercy.

He did for me.  Pete accepted Jesus Christ as His Savior and for that reason, I will one day see him again.  Twenty three years ago, Pete went home to be with Jesus. Therefore, he no longer is a broken vessel; because, he was made whole by God, through faith in Jesus Christ.  One day this broken vessel will join him there before the throne of our First Love and bow before His Majesty.  One day….

A Broken Vessels Vow

By Effie Darlene Barba

Two hearts had joined as one that day

And never saw the dark pathway

That lay ahead and lay behind

Two hearts that joined in hope to find

A strength in love to shine a light

Upon their lonely darkest night

Each had brought with them their fears

Their brokenness and all their tears

And as their story did unfold

Two broken hearts their sorrow told

It wasn’t what they’d hoped that day

Can broken hearts still find a way?

A miracle is what they’d need

If ever they were to succeed

God’s gracious love must touch a heart

To help them stay, to not depart

Two broken hearts can beat as one

Because of Grace from God’s own son

The broken hearts are me and you

I ran to hide, to bid adieu

And then I saw your tear stained face

My heart was filled with love and grace

I saw the beauty of your heart

The tenderness you could impart

A brilliant mind so trapped within

I saw the man you could have been

If only you had known God’s love

His strength could help you rise above

And so, I vow to love you dear

Today and through each passing year

My strength must come from God alone

As now I bow before His throne

I’ll lay aside all my desire

That God might flame my passion fire

To rise within to find the strength

That I might go the final length

To love you better stronger still

For this I know has been God’s will

Concluding Thoughts

With God all things are possible and two broken vessels can become one Glorious shining light, as God has planned; because, God IS all we really need to mend our hearts so we can love unconditionally each other.

Concluding Tweets

[tweetthis]To love you better stronger still For this I know has been God’s will[/tweetthis]

[bctt tweet=” God can take two broken vessels and intertwine them with Grace and Love into One” 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. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.

OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

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

 

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

If you want to know more about  books I have written:  You can read more about each one 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 Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

We see so much sorrow, devastation and loss; sometimes, we ask, “Where is God?”  He is on His Throne.  Beyond that, He looks down with love, knowing that our hearts cannot rest until we rest in Him.  Steadying His hands of justice, He waits; longing for us to call out to Him.

Psalm 107:24-31

 These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep. For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit’s end. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

A Prayer for Hope

By Effie Darlene Barba

 

I heard the cries of the forlorn

The devastation, loss we mourn

While others filled with so much hate

Spewing words, they do berate

They try to say You do not care

Or that You are unjust, unfair

 

Yet, Lord you reign with Sovereignty

Your justice, righteous clarity

And yet you temper it with Grace

That men might turn and seek Your Face

Open our eyes that we might see

The price You paid to set men free

 

Oh, Lord, repentant here I stand

How oft I failed Your dear command

To love You first above all things

To raise my voice in praise that sings

Of all Your love and grace toward me

My heart should shout in jubilee

 

I pray, Dear Lord, for this our land

That we would join now hand in hand

To lift in prayer as one single voice

Proclaiming that we’ve made the choice

To sing Your praise from sea to sea

And thank you for our liberty

 

And when the floods and storms arise

Let us dear Lord, look to the skies

Where there we see Your dear rainbow

A sign of hope to us below

Your covenant is always true

The skies once more will soon be blue

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

If you want to know more about  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 Abigail Keenan on Unsplash

 STOP ALL THE TALK AND LISTEN

Just for a moment, we must stop all the talk and listen to begin to understand the truth of Freedom for our land, for our people, and for our self.  Freedom comes at a cost.  It can never mean, I am free to harm, ridicule and destroy.  Our evil, selfish, pride filled hearts look at others; wanting and hoping that we might shine a little brighter than they.  Never do we stop to realize the injustice we cause.  Some claim their hatred comes because of what other people have said.  Always, hatred comes from the bleak darkness of our own unrepentant hearts who fail to give God honor, glory and praise.

Our only hope as a people and as a nation is to turn to the only One who can set our hearts free.  Racism, Hatred, and Bigotry lies at the heart of every White, Black, or Asian heart that allows their mind to believe that no others rights are as important as one’s own. Whether feelings of oppression, rejection, or self importance; all come from a false belief that “I am the center of the Universe.”  The truth:  I am but a speck of dust compared to the Universe.  Despite all that God loved you and me enough, that “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

We must stop all the talk for a moment, to listen to God, to each other, and find a way to quit spewing volcanoes of hate in every direction.

And so, I wrote this poem today.

Therefore, Our Only Hope of Freedom IS

..to surrender our hearts, minds and souls to God.  To seek Him, where freedom can be found.  Freedom from our own hearts of hate, anger, bigotry and pride.

³⁶ If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8

When I humbly bow before His throne, I begin a transformation; because, He has promised to transform my heart to be like His Dear Son.  There can be no place left in my heart for pride, arrogance, or hate; because, He fills my heart with Himself.  He commands us to love one another as Christ loves us; therefore, I have no place to hate.  At the same time, I am to hate the effects of evil in this land and in the world, looking to God to place those in authority over us to prevent chaos.  Freedom can never mean the license to hurt, harm and destroy–that is the true definition of fascism.

Freedom Cry to Be Made Free

by Effie Darlene Barba

 

Oh, Lord restore law in our land

Those who protect might take a stand

Transform, Dear God, these hearts that hate

Before destruction is our fate

CHORUS:

Freedom can’t be freedom, until our hearts are free

From all the hate and bigotry

That pride has brought to be

Our eyes so blinded, we can’t see

That hate breeds hate inside of me

Our only hope to be set free

You purchased there on Calvary

 

Oh, Righteous Lord, I hear your cry

Our wayward hearts have made you sigh

Your justice soon, LORD, must draw nigh

Unless repentant we reply

 

Before thy throne we seek your Grace

And Gaze there on your holy Face

Where there our sins you will erase

Our hearts might then your love embrace

 

To spread to all we meet each day

With humble hearts, we then might say

Come sinner, come to find your way

Here at this altar let us pray

CHORUS:

Freedom can’t be freedom until our hearts are free

From all the hate & bigotry

Pride has brought to be

Our eyes so blinded, we can’t see

That hate breeds hate inside of me

Our only hope to be set free

You purchased there on Calvary

 

Oh, Lord bring love within our heart

A love that bids all hate depart

Give this our land a fresh new start

Let each of us now do our part

 

And Lord, each day by setting sun

Let me not then my duty shun

Reach out my hand to touch someone

To help them see thy Precious Son

Chorus:

Freedom can’t be freedom, until our hearts are free

From all the hate and bigotry

That pride has brought to be

Our eyes so blinded, we can’t see

That hate breeds hate inside of me

Our only hope to be set free

You purchased there on Calvary

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

CONCLUDING TWEETS

[bctt tweet=”Freedom can’t be freedom until our hearts are free From all the hate & bigotry Pride has brought to be” username=”effiedarlene”]

[tweetthis]Hatred and Racism always comes from hearts filled with evil pride[/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]Your justice soon, LORD, must draw nigh Unless repentant we reply[/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]Oh, Lord bring love within our heart A love that bids all hate depart[/tweetthis]

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; but the Photo is by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

 

As I intended to continue on the series on spiritual gifts today; yet, I awoke with no words forming to start as the time slipped away from me. Soon I must leave for work and the pages remained blank.  Then, as I prepared a prayer verse to send to the President (an exercise I perform each day); these words came to me: “Because by Thy Grace, I am thy delight”.  Everything that I have, every breath I take is because of God’s Grace and His Delight.  Still amazed by the thought, God chose me to be His child–searched the earth over and found this stuttering, stumbling child who clings to her ragged at times.  Still, His Grace reaches out to guide me.

My Task in this?  To study His scripture and write them on my heart.  Yet, not even that is my task.  Rather it is my greatest pleasure to fall before Him in adoration and love; after all He has done to make me His own.

Because By Thy Grace, I Am Thy Delight

Whether in noon day sun or dark of night

Lord, open my eyes, be thou my sight

Each path I take, made clear by thy light

Protect me today by thy justice and might

Surrendered to Thee, heart broken, contrite

That Thou may take hold my story to write

Because by thy Grace, I am thy delight

DELIGHT OF GOD

The same God who created the Universe and all the Galaxies reaching farther than we could imagine, takes the time to care about every detail of my life.  That thought is beyond my imagination.  Knowing this, He draws me to His side.  Oh, that He would write upon my heart His words, so that I might not sin against Him; because, I love Him as my greatest treasure.

O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. 12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes. Psalm 119

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

Today, whatever is going on in your life, please stop for a moment and consider: God.  His love, His Grace and His mercy are reaching out to you to offer to you, salvation today.

Oh, and those who wonder.  Yes, everyday I send a prayer postcard to the President; because, I believe he needs our prayers.  God placed him in this position and only God can heal this land.  Does the President ever get or read the postcards?  I don’t know.  It really doesn’t matter, God reads them and as postcards; everyone along the path can also read them.

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, 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.

One glimpse of His Glory draws us to seek God.  Then, one touch of His Grace transforms our heart.  At least it should; yet, God has left all around us glimpses of His Magnificent Glory and touches of His Grace.  Meanwhile, we turn and seek other things; instead, of following Him.  One Choice and we could be filled with all His Joy, Love, Peace and be brought into the light of His Glory; however, alas like fools we walk away. In Him, we possess all that we could ever hope for or need. So, why don’t we seek Him.

1 Chronicles 29:

Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.

¹² Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.

I wrote this poem a few years ago; but, wanted to share it with you today.

THY GLORY DRAWING NIGH

The clouds that dance across the sky

The shades of green beneath that lie

Sunlight’s rays stretch from on high

Display Thy Glory drawing nigh

 

The strength and hope as friends draw near

To speak a word of kindness, cheer

To give a smile or dry a tear

Display Thy love—that Thou art here

 

A toddling baby’s laughter, squeal

The wonder, awe of all that’s real

A child like glee we’re bid to feel

Displays Thy joy-so great, surreal

 

Oh, Lord; Thy Grace, Thy Love Divine

Thou art a treasure-precious fine

To think you chose to make me thine

How could a man thy gift decline!

 

Dear Lord, I ask, “Help me Display

They love, Thy Grace, Thy joy today.

For someone lost or gone astray

A guiding light that shines the way.”

 

Disavowing pride, my heart of stone

To humbly bow before Thy Throne

And let your light through me be shone

That Thy Dear Son might then be known

 

Unto a world so filled with pain

Where sin has left such crimson stain

And Lies of man, a joy doth feign

Where evil hearts thy love constrain

 

If they could see thy true delight

Thy mercies new each dawning light

The Glorious beauty shining bright

Thy strength, thy sovereignty, thy might

 

The clouds that dance across the sky

The shades of green beneath that lie

Sunlight’s rays stretch from on high

Display Thy Glory drawing nigh

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

Just look around and see, God is calling you to seek Him.

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

CONCLUDING TWEETS

[tweetthis]Disavowing pride, my heart of stone To humbly bow before Thy Throne[/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]And let your light through me be shone That Thy Dear Son might then be known[/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]Oh, Lord; Thy Grace, Thy Love Divine Thou art a treasure-precious fine[/tweetthis]

[bctt tweet=”To think you chose to make me thine How could a man thy gift decline!” username=”effiedarlene”]

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 write?  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; yet, the Photo by Apostol Voicu on Unsplash