Category: Christian Poetry

Friday, I had worked very late into the night.  There had been the emergency case I assisted with that lasted 7 hours.  Once finished, it was 8:30 pm and I still had 3 and half hours of work to complete before I could leave.  The next week I would be on vacation to spend times with my grandchildren; so, I pushed on to finish.

Then Saturday, as I bought groceries and prepared a meal to take to In2Action, a Christian ministry to men transitioning from jail to life again: I felt so tired, I wondered why I had set up this special Saturday (usually, I went once a month; but, last month and this I set it up to go twice).  Then, once there; I remembered why.  There are none who so appreciate Grace than these men.  Their love toward me genuine, unadulterated by any false pretenses or desires; as is mine for them. No one could be more blessed than I for having gone to see these men.

ONE DESIRE

As I got ready for church today, I thought of all I needed to get ready.  I need to clean the house, prepare the guest rooms and in general get everything else done.  However, today I rushed out to working in Crossing Kids with the 3 year old children for the 8 am service; then, came the 9:30 service for which I chose to also stay because my grand daughter was there and two other little girls were clinging tightly to me.

Finally, heading out to the 11 am service; I listened to an amazing sermon.  In that sermon, Keith said, “Some of you here, wonder if your service counts.  You remain unknown.  Perhaps, your ministry remains obscure or you write a blog and wonder if it all matters; yet, God sees all that you do and it matters to Him.”  It was during that service that these words came to my mind and I wrote this poem for you.

Until My One Desire

by Effie Darlene Barba

 

There is no place I’d rather be

Than here with Him on bended knee

Beloved, I am a child of God

Who walks with me each step I’ve trod

 

As all the world, around me turns

My heart with passion for Him yearns

To step aside with God, alone

And come before His precious throne

 

Then, as I gaze upon His face

Reminded of His heart of Grace

My heart transformed by His love so true

That I might see the world! His view!

 

The Broken Hearts, so filled with pain

With shame and guilt their crimson stain

Whom need the Gospel message clear

To wipe their tears, allay their fear

 

So, Lord, I bow my head to plead

“Please fill me with the strength I need

To reach someone for You, today

And help them then to find their way

 

No life too broken for Your reach

Touched by Your Grace, Your love to teach

That into their darkest, deepest night

To shine Your Brilliant, Glorious light

 

So, take my heart and light Your fire

Flames burn until my one desire

Is tell the world of Your Dear Son!

Who Gave His Life that theirs be won!

 

And strip away each ounce of pride

That I might humbly stand at Your side

Conform my will to be Your own

That those who pass, see You Alone”

What Is Our One Desire?

When we look around us and see the mass of people who live lives filled with quiet desperation in a desert without hope; do we yearn to tell them that Christ is the living water?  Does our heart break for what breaks God’s heart?  Do we burn with passion, desiring to spread the gospel of Jesus to a world in need?  Like Jesus, are we willing to see past the outward appearances and reach into the darkness to help someone in need? Broken, shattered lives; often, stand ready, seeking the truth of love.

My simple, unknown ministries including the Sunday evenings at the Juvenile jail where I can be found most months; may mean little by the world’s standards.  Some would call me a fool; because, of the financial cost to me and my aging body.  Perhaps, I should be saving for more for my retirement one day; but, you see–if one person comes to know Christ as a result of any one of my ministries; then, it is worth it all!

¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

 

CONCLUDING TWEETS

[tweetthis]Transform my heart, O Lord; until my One Desire is You & Your Will Be Done[/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]Not my light Lord, but yours alone; so men may know you[/tweetthis]

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

If you want to know more about the books I have written:  You can find a link at: Book Resources.

Photo by Nathan McBride on Unsplash The inscription I added.

©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.

 

 

When did we as Christians allow our voices to be shamed into silence? Do we truly believe the narrative that we are the problem? Is it our own fear of being misunderstood that drives us to hide; rather, than to stand firm on the truth of the gospel!  Have we been convinced that this country that was built on religious freedom meant that everyone is free except for the Christian?

First Amendment right to pray

The first amendment states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”  That is true for every citizen of the United States.

You cannot forbid me or deny that right to our beautiful first lady. Separation of church and state are that the Government cannot establish a “State Religion”.  Every citizen can exercise their right to practice their faith; through prayer, banners, and speech, if that exercise of faith does not cause physical harm to another. I cannot command or force anyone to join me; but, I can exercise my own right to pray or speak freely as to what I believe.  This I should be afforded to do in the same manner of respect, as I am obliged to give to any other religion.

I wrote this poem today and hope it encourages you today; because, we do need encouragement in these trying times.

The Strength to Humbly Speak Your Grace

By Effie Darlene Barba

We hear the screaming words of hate

The loud protests to now berate

Those of us who seek Your word

We bid our voice of love be heard

 

With hardened hearts they try to say

Their violence is our fault someway

We, Your children, call Your name

Your Grace and peace, we do proclaim

 

The truth of who You are we know

Lord, help us now Your Grace to show

You, my Lord, are our only hope

To rise above this slippery slope

 

Of words that bend the truth to lies

Their evil plan in lamb’s disguise

Drawing those with fragile mind

Into the darkness of the blind

 

They cannot see Your truth, Your love

My Sovereign God rules from above

Your patient Grace toward Everyone

Is witness by each rising sun

 

Their protests, lies one day will wane

Your Justice Righteousness will reign

The victory You have already won

Because You gave Your only son

 

Until that day, Lord help us to stand

Held firm within Your righteous hand.

Show us Your will, Your Glory shine

Against those who would Your name malign

 

Help us to keep our eyes on You

Our joy, our hope; oh, please renew

That we might the angry crowd then face

With strength to humbly speak Your Grace

concluding thoughts

Because we are a nation built on the principles of religious freedom, we must not be silenced by a few who demand we give up our right to speak and to pray.  If we continue in our slumber as Christians; we may lose those freedoms we have previously enjoyed.  Furthermore, we must be strong, though gentle; steadfast, though kind; and proud of God, though humble at heart.  We must speak boldly, firmly with voices lifted high in love; because we know the truth of the gospel.

I wish I could tell her face to face; how much I admire our First Lady for defending the rights of each and every American.  Furthermore, her prayer was a symbol of strength, humility and grace; defending her right to speak.  Because she did; she defended the same right for every American; whatever, their faith.

CONCLUDING TWEETS

[bctt tweet=”@Flotus Thank you for showing strength, humility, & grace defending our 1st Amendment” username=”effiedarlene”]

[tweetthis]I cannot defend another’s right to religious freedom if I do not my own[/tweetthis]

[bctt tweet=” When @FLOTUS prayed openly she defended the same right 4 every American whatever their faith ” username=”effiedarlene”]

The featured image is by a talented photographer: https://unsplash.com/@aaronburden   The inscription I added.

The picture of the lion and the lamb is an example of the creative artistry of Roninron.com   It is used by permission here.  Please consider going to his website and reviewing his art work.

 

 

 

 

©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.  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.

TO GOD-MY LOVE, MY HOPE, MY JOY

 

My life-so filled with hopes and dreams

Lay shattered at Your feet

So many tears, so many pains

I laid before Your seat

 

Can I look upon Your face of love

And question what You’ve done?

For You have been my only hope

My only morning sun

 

You’ve seen my heart when crushed with pain

Your hands have held it tight

When I have been so weak, so frail

You’ve shown Your strength, Your might

 

You’ve held me close within Your arms

When darkness filled my night

And when I could not see my way

Your eyes, they gave me sight

 

I lay my life within Your hands

That You may heal my soul

And keep my eyes upon You Lord

That I may reach Your goal

 

Shine forth Your grace, Your mercy Lord

And let me be Your light

That all may see Your eyes of love

The blind, they might have sight

 

Let not the sorrows, nor the pains

Bring bitterness within

And give me strength to walk this path

Protect my heart from sin

 

I lay my heart, my soul, my dreams

Before Your throne of love

I lift my eyes to You, My God

And seek Your will above

 

You are the only one I need

To fill my heart with glee

It is Your face, my one true love

Tis all I need to see

 

So lift me up and hold me close

Reveal Your love divine

That through the holes within my heart

A world might see You shine

 

And if the sorrows of my past

Can touch a wayward one

I thank you Lord for each dark path

That lead them to Your son

 

I praise You now from mountains high

For each dark path I’ve trod

Twas there I found Your heart, Your love

Twas there I found You God

 

What great and wondrous joy I know

Because You are my king

And though the path I cannot see

My heart will trust and sing

 

A song of praise unto You Lord

Who knows what’s best for me

You’ll hold my hand and lead me on

In darkness, I can see

 

Your love, Your help, Your guiding hand

Is all I’ll ever need

So hold me close unto Your path

For this is all I plead

 

I’ll skip with joy along this path

Though darkness may surround

Because I know You hold my hand

My feet will e’er touch ground

 

I cannot fall outside Your love

I cannot lose my way

I’ll hold my broken dreams once more

And see them real, one day

 

A song of praise unto You Lord

Who knows what’s best for me

You’ll hold my hand and lead me on

In darkness, I can see

 

Your love, Your help, Your guiding hand

Is all I’ll ever need

So hold me close unto Your path

For this is all I plead

concluding tweets

[tweetthis]My life-so filled with hopes and dreams Lay shattered at Your feet[/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]Your love, Your help, Your guiding hand Is all I’ll ever need[/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]So hold me close unto Your path For this is all I plead[/tweetthis]

Photo by permission: https://unsplash.com/@artographybyp  Inscription added by me

©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.  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 I explained on Friday’s post; Tuesday I had emergency surgery.  What I found amazing is the peace in my heart and the calm spirit of God that surrounded me even in the worst moments.  There was not a day that hope and joy left me.  This morning I awoke with these words in my heart.  I have been so blessed with beautiful, wonderful nurses each step of this journey.  God gave me the strength each morning to put one foot in front of the other.  Today I will go home.  A wonderful friend will take me there.

My life is full of blessings beyond imagination; because, God has revealed to me over the years that He is my hope, my joy, and my greatest treasure.  With Him at my side I have nothing to fear or to worry as I walk this journey upon this earth.  If you are weary along your journey of life; I pray this song will lift your heart today.

TODAY’S POEM

With Joy and Hope

By Effie Darlene Barba

 

I felt the warmth of love and Grace

Your breath of life upon my face

As I awoke this bright new day

With joy and hope I bow to pray

 

To sing a song of love to You

For all that You have brought me through

My life so filled with wondrous things

My spirit soars on gilded wings

 

For You my God, my dearest Friend

Have been my strength to now ascend

Each mountain peak that I have faced

Through pathways treacherous sometimes laced

 

With slippery slopes that bid my feet

To fall below in tears, defeat

Yet on those roads of dark despair

Your gentle voice was always there

 

You gave me hope to then believe

Your promises I would receive

You drew me closer to your side

Where in thy grace I did abide!

 

Some would look upon my life

And wonder with the trials, strife

What is my source of happiness?

And why my heart is filled with bliss

 

Then I can tell them of Your Grace

And How to seek Your lovely Face

 If they Accept Your Gift, Your Son

Their Victory You have already won

 

I felt the warmth of love and Grace

Your breath of life upon my face

As I awoke this bright new day

With joy and hope I bow to pray

ZEPHANIAH 3:17

 The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

CONCLUDING TWEETS

[tweetthis]I felt the warmth of love and Grace Your breath of life upon my face[/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]As I awoke this bright new day With joy and hope I bow to pray[/tweetthis]

[bctt tweet=”With God at my side I have nothing to fear or to worry as I walk this journey upon this earth” username=”effiedarlene”]

 

Photo courtesy of https://unsplash.com/@aleskrivec  I added the inscription

©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.  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.

IT BEGINS WITH ME

By Effie Darlene Barba

 

With all the pain across this land

What can I do to take a stand?

For hope, for joy and virtue too

Oh Lord, to take my stand for You!

 

There is no hope for truth to reign

While men do use Your name in vain

Their selfish lies Your gospel feign

Our streets now filled with bloody stain

 

My Lord, I come with heavy heart

To ask You Lord, “What is my part?”

“What can I do? Where do I start?”

I have no strength lest You impart!

 

For if I speak, they will not hear

Angry, embittered, deafened ear

With hearts of rage and hearts of fear

Until truth and love all disappear

 

Such bitter rain of dark dismay

“What can I do? What can I say?”

Except on bended knee to pray

To plead You come to heal today

 

You are the ONLY Hope I know

Where virtue, truth doth overflow

I plead for them, that You might show

Your mercy, Lord to men so low

 

And let Your victory on the cross

Cover our shame, our bitter loss

Open our ears to hear Your voice

Let peace and love now be our choice

 

Turn evil hearts that they might see

Their only hope of victory

Is to bow on bended knee

Pleading for Grace, humility

 

I cannot see my brother’s pain

While anger, fear within me reign

So, first I come before You now

Clean my heart, Your truth avow

 

It all must now BEGIN with Me

So, open now my heart to see

My selfish heart, my guilty stains

Let truth and mercy fill my veins

 

That I might boldly go proclaim

That if each one would call Your Name

And lay aside their selfish pride

Your peace and love could then abide

 

Our freedom, liberty renew

Our torch of hope for all to view

And so Dear Lord, I clearly see

Revival now, begins with me.

ephesians 4:1-3

 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,² With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;³ Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

IT BEGINS WITH ME

It begins with me surrendering my heart fully to God.  Only then can I begin to display a heart of unconditional love, give with unselfish desire, and listen to every broken, bleeding heart.  Not in an attempt to tell them what they might believe; but, rather to display so much of God’s light, love, and Joy that others are drawn to Him.

CONCLUDING TWEETS

[tweetthis]It all begins with me surrendering my heart fully to God[/tweetthis]

[bctt tweet=”Lord, let my life display so much of Your light, love, and Joy that others are drawn to You. ” username=”effiedarlene”]

Photo Used is from: https://unsplash.com/@dnevozhai  The inscription is mine

©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.  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.