Category: Christian Poetry

Transforming Grace

 

Transforming Grace! How could it be

That you should choose someone like me?

And with one touch these blind eyes free

A glimpse of Glory’s love to see

 

A mind so filled with doubt and fear

Transformed to peace as you draw near

The darkened winding path now clear

As whisper of your voice I hear

 

I cannot fathom why you sought

Someone like me, Salvation bought

That from this rubbish thou hast wrought

A life now filled with Your dear thought

 

So take this selfish heart you found

And with your gentle love surround

That kindness might pour forth abound

And songs of praise the only sound

 

So mold me by your righteous hand

That firm within Your truth I stand

And trusting all that you have planned

Your joy I sing throughout this land

                                                           Effie Darlene Barba

Transforming Grace-It’s what we need

Dear Lord, Thank you for your transforming grace that sought me out.  My prayer dear Father is for our land.  We have allowed such pride and sin to sow the seeds of division.  Turning away from you, we have failed to seek truth which can only be found in Jesus Christ who is the “the way, the truth and the life.” Yet, I know the power of your transforming grace, for I have seen it first hand.  So, Father I ask you reach out your Sovereign Hand of Transforming Grace to heal this our land.  It is in the precious name of Jesus that I come before thy throne of grace.  Amen.

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.

ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here

Or if you would like to tell me your story or thoughts  comment here

Books Available

If you want to know more about books I have written: please click on this link  Book Resources.

You can find all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there

Or for inspirational photos or home decor click here.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
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.

 

Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.  For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.   And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13:8-13

I Was A Child, Back Then

by Effie Darlene Barba

 

I was a child, back then

And did not, could not understand

The pains she faced, the fears within

Her road of life throughout this land

 

But as I grew I came to see

The sacrifices that she made

Because of love she had for me

No matter what it did not fade

 

Whatever road our feet did trod

Her courage, faith deep within

Did hold her heart close to God

Protecting her from sin

 

The more I learned of God’s dear Grace

Throughout the years, I came to see

The trials, sorrows that we face

Transform our hearts that we might be

 

A shining beacon on a hill

To light the path in darkest night

That strangers then might find God’s will

The blinded might gain sight

 

Yet, each of us, God calls to be

A different beam of Glory’s light

And this in part the mystery

Of how God works, that He just might

 

Give one the gift to speak His word

Another sings His praise

While some it seems their voice unheard

Except by God. In prayer their voices raise

 

Each child who knows Christ as their Lord

God uses in His own sweet way

To each He gives a different sword

His Glory Honor to display

 

And so, I came to realize

The chains of pride that bound my heart

Were merely part of Satan’s guise

Sow bitter seeds, and then depart

 

I lay my “self” upon the cross

The cross where Jesus bled and died

That He might live, all else is loss

My pride He’s crucified

 

As I look back, I now can see

That it was Mom, God used to be

A beacon of humility

His beam of Grace to shine toward me

 

I did not, could not understand

The pains she faced, the fears within

Her road of life throughout this land

Because I was a child, back then

 

Concluding Thoughts

For it is pride that causes us to compare one Christian’s walk with our own, always trying to show that we are the greater Christian.  Much like little children, bidding to be the one noticed by our parents as the best.  Yet, God calls us to humility, just as Christ humbled Himself and was obedient to His Father’s will.  Denying Himself, He died on the cross, that we might live.  Such humility He displayed.   And we too are called upon to die to self that He might live through us.

 

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.

ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here

Or if you would like to tell me your story or thoughts  comment here

PREVIOUS POSTS TO CONSIDER:

I Am His Child

Humility, How to Develop and Why it Matters

Worry Free Humility

In Humility Restore a Brother

Other Poetry:

Along the Road of Life

It Begins With Me

 

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
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 Shepherd’s Lullaby of Love

                            by Effie Darlene Barba

Awakened with fear I do not know why

Struggling to pray, I really must try

Thoughts whirling, twirling around in my brain

Unharnessed they fly, I cannot constrain

Screaming within all the guilt and the shame

I know it’s my fault and I am to blame

Though I wanted to follow, I turned away

I was the one who had wandered astray

 

I struggled to find a verse from your word

To comfort my soul, a hope to be heard

In the midst of my darkness, sorrow and pain

A soft, gentle sound, a song’s sweet refrain

My shepherd’s dear voice was calling my name

My eyes filled with tears, as nearer He came

Trapped in the thicket and thorns of my heart

I longed for release, a chance, a new start

 

Lullaby Chorus

Then the words of His song grew ever so clear

“Hush little one, there is nothing to fear

My love for you grows with each beat of your heart

A love that can’t die nor ever depart

You are precious to me and I love you so

I laid down my life just so you would know

The depth of my love, my mercy my grace

Oh look at me now, look into my face

And rest, my dear love, rest here in my arms

Forever my strength will keep you from harms

Where ever you go where ever you are

My Glory will shine as your guiding star

When the sorrows of life cause you to roam

My lullaby song will lead you back home”

 

Ignoring His pain, as His flesh did tear

Until I was freed from that dark hidden lair

He lifted me out from the darkness within

Forgiven I was for my doubt and sin

Letting go of all else in His arms I did rest

Protected, beloved, undoubtedly blessed

So precious His love, He’s my greatest treasure

Joy that exceeds the lure of life’s pleasure

Lullaby Chorus

His lullaby song rings ever so clear

“Hush little one, there is nothing to fear

My love for you grows with each beat of your heart

A love that can’t die nor ever depart

You are precious to me and I love you so

I laid down my life just so you would know

The depth of my love, my mercy my grace

Oh look at me now, look into my face

And rest, my dear love, rest here in my arms

Forever my strength will keep you from harms

Where ever you go where ever you are

My Glory will shine as your guiding star

When the sorrows of life cause you to roam

My lullaby song will lead you back home”

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

Whenever fear and doubt fill your heart and mind; remember this, God is with you, singing His lullaby of love to calm your heart.

 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. (Zephaniah 3:17)

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.

ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here

Or if you would like to tell me your story or thoughts  comment here

Just released:

 

For  previous posts

The Wonder of it All

Do You Know and Trust the Good Shepherd?

Or for poetry

My Shepherd’s Lullabye of Love

Do You Want to Know the Secret to Abiding Steadfast Joy?

ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY

A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.

 

 

 

WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”

Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.

You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.

ANOTHER Book Available

You can find this and all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.

Or for inspirational photos or home decor click here.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
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 I look back upon my life, I see God’s guiding hand.  Through the darkest valleys or brightest hill, He has been there every step of the way.  He is my one desire, that I might know Him and the power of His might.  All else I count but loss.

My One Desire: All Else I Count But Loss

                        by Effie Darlene Barba

 

In the midst of the darkest, lonely night

When all my world came tumbling down

Your ray of hope a glimmering light

Reached deep within my soul

 

To draw me nearer to thy cross

To gaze upon thy face of love

All else, this world I count as loss

Besides thee Lord, my one desire

 

Body worn from all the years

Of battles fought and battles lost

Despite the life so filled with tears

I find in you my peace, my joy

 

In Moments filled with guilt and shame

Your Love has held me tight

Never once to point in blame

You gave for me Your life

 

This world so filled with pain and fear

You are my only hope

I feel your heartbeat drawing near

Held tight within your arms

 

Your arms provide me strength and might

To face a brand-new day

And cradle me through each dark night

With hymns of wondrous praise

 

As I gaze back o’er the years

With all their ups and downs

I see the laughter and the tears

That pointed me to You

 

I thank you Lord, Your guiding hand

Has lead me all the way

This life of mine as you had planned

On mountaintops and valleys deep

 

To draw me nearer to thy cross

To gaze upon thy face of love

All else, this world I count as loss

Besides thee Lord, my one desire

Philippians 3:

 ⁷But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

⁸ Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

⁹ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

¹⁰ That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death

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.

ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here

Or if you would like to tell me your story or thoughts  comment here

For  previous posts

Lost and Alone: God Sent A Helping Hand

How to Find Rest in a Sovereign God of Love

Or for poetry

Love Has Won the Victory

Out of the Darkness, I hear Your Love Song

The Master Weaver

 

Do You Want to Know the Secret to Abiding Steadfast Joy?

ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY

A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.

 

 

 

WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”

Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.

You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.

ANOTHER Book Available

You can find this and all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.

Or for inspirational photos or home decor click here.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
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.

Footnotes and Credits

The Inscription I added.

Photo by Samuel McGarrigle on Unsplash

God’s Plan of love for humanity is built upon His Divine Love.  His gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is offered to all who will believe.  Will you accept God’s plan of love for you today?

GOD’S PLAN OF LOVE

by Effie Darlene Barba

 

Oh, Love Divine, what greater thought

That you should suffer, bleed and die

To pay my sin, my freedom bought

Though I screamed Crucify

With every action of my life

I cast aside your pleading cries

I caused you pain, I gave you strife

And chose to follow after lies

I could not see your beauty then

As now I see your face

Your light shone forth, e’er so dim

That I might see Your Grace

You drew me out, you pulled me in

That I might then seek you

You covered then my ugly sin

Your righteousness to view

Such love Divine, pursuing me

Your Joy and Hope to share

How could I run, How could I flee

Naught else could e’er compare

Unto the hope I find in You

As now I turn to seek your Face

Your Glory shines and lights my view

You guide me on at gentle pace

Transforming thus my wretched heart

Unto the one You knew I’d be

Your joyous love ne’er to depart

For all eternity.

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.

ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here

Or if you would like to tell me your story or thoughts  comment here

To view other poems or posts you might consider:

To Be Made Perfect in Love

Let My Life Be a Love Song

What Does Mustard Seed Faith Have to Do with Love?

How to Write God’s Truth on Your Heart

Do You Want to Know the Secret to Abiding Steadfast Joy?

ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY

A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.

 

 

 

WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”

Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.

You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.

ANOTHER Book Available

You can find this and all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.

Or for inspirational photos or home decor click here.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
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.

Footnotes and Credits

Photo by Nick Dietrich on Unsplash The inscription I added.