3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. Ephesians 1: 3-6 (NKJV)
If ever there was a time to call all Christians to prayer in our nation, it is now. Although, I am well aware that my last post from the series in Hebrews was a grave reminder that God hates sin. Yet, it was also a reminder that God’s Grace is what has held His hand steady from calling all of mankind into judgment now as we so deserve. He bids that we stand firm in proclaiming the truth of His Great Grace and Love!! We must lay aside our self-exalting, pride filled heart so that He may use each of us to proclaim the truth of the gospel. We must stand firm, without fear proclaiming the truth that Jesus Christ is the only way, the truth, and the life. Without Him, there is no hope for mankind. We must not be swayed by political “correctness” nor by self-righteous anger. We must proclaim the truth with humility, love and kindness. We must pray and study God’s word that we may be ready to stand no matter how stormy it gets.
A Revival Prayer When Terror Strikes
By Effie Darlene Barba
When terror strikes and fear remains
Tears and blood their mingled stains
That tell a tale of horror’s pains
A Broken world so filled with sin
Rejecting God man’s heart within
Held tight by pride-those wretched chains
And from the terror hate and lies
That covers all-a dark disguise
To hide the truth and blind our eyes
Man shakes his fist, shouting at God
Whose Grace beneath man’s feet was trod
Ignoring He who could make wise
Oh, Lord I bid you hear the pleas
Of all your saints upon their knees
Let our sweet song your wrath appease
Give us the words to then proclaim
With love and truth your Holy Name
Revival then our nation seize
If only they could see Your Face
So filled with love and hope and Grace
Your son who died to take our place
To pay the price that just demand
Before your throne we now may stand
Redeemed, Beloved in Your Embrace
Oh, teach me Lord what words to say
That through my life, You point the way
For others then to come and pray
To find in You the only thing
That then could bid their hearts to sing
Oh, come dear Lord and don’t delay
Awaken Lord this heart of mine
To understand Your will divine
Allow Your light of truth to shine
Within my heart, held steady still
Humbly broken then to spill
Forth your love so rich and fine
Give me Your strength to stand the test
Proclaim Your Name to all the rest
No fear or shame to then attest
That Jesus Christ Your precious son
Has Conquered death, the victory won
No other way can man be blessed
And fall before Your Throne of Grace
Humbled, broken to seek your face
Stony hearts of pride You replace
With gentle hearts that seek to find
Your righteousness to fill their mind
Their sin and guilt you will erase
Photo obtained via https://unsplash.com/@wombat and used by implied permission of Jan Schulz # Webdesigner Stuttgart. The inscription I added.
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
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.