Anyone who has followed my posts or read my books know that I can look back over a lifetime as a Christian and see those moments when I failed God miserably. Much like David and Peter, I could only wish my journey looked like Paul after his conversion, Daniel in exile, or Joseph; but, alas mine did not. All too often, I made the wrong choices. Did I not understand the depth of grace I had been given? Did I fail to love God enough? Yet, out of all the broken pieces of my life, God wove together His portrait of who I would become. Learning to live a life of grace, as God’s Beloved, Redeemed, Chosen Child took for me a lifetime. My heart so longed to please Him. Yet, I did not know how until I came to the end of me.
Only when I came to the end of my own self, the pride that stood in the way, the desire to prove the worthiness of my salvation; could I learn how to sin less. When I learned that there was nothing that my guilty hands could do to earn His pleasure, I also learned the depth of His grace toward me. The more I understood of His love and grace toward me, the deeper my love for Him grew. As that love grows, my heart is transformed so that I might see others through His eyes. He has not finished with me yet. But, I know one day I will stand before His throne of Grace, washed in the precious blood of Jesus Christ and He will welcome me home.
Grace Out poured to God’s Beloved
One day I witnessed another believer face a harsher judgement for their sin than I had ever faced for mine. When I looked over the years of my life, their sin seemed minor compared to my own. Society, including the church stood loudly to condemn them, never stopping to see their heart. Yet, this dear Christian accepted God’s punishment as justly deserved. Then, turned to point out every act of God’s Grace toward them amid the harsh punishment. They saw each mercy with a clarity beyond what I could see, clinging to the truth that God is good and His plan is best. That, my dear friends is a heart that is broken and contrite; a sacrifice God truly accepts.
It was then I wrote this poem for that dear Christian and for me. This song is one that I hope inspires other Christians to consider the grace they have been given. And for those of you who do not know Christ as your Savior, I bid you to come just as you are to the foot of the cross.
In Christ, I am God’s own Beloved
by Effie Darlene Barba
Accused, Condemned in eyes of men
Rejected, hated for my sin
No one stopped to see my heart
Cast aside some broken part
That no one cared to see inside
The scars and sorrows that abide
A heart so filled with hopes and dreams
Of meadows green and crystal streams
Lay shattered, broken cast away
With nothing good or kind to say
Chorus
Then God’s Dear Grace that loved me so
Looked deep within and bid to know
Each crevice of my heart and soul
Each broken piece to then make whole
In Christ I am set free from sin
My guilt and shame all taken in
And bore upon that rugged cross
My strength to stand though all else loss
My sins all covered by His blood
In Christ, I am God’s own Beloved
How quickly men’s own selfish pride
Does cast away and cast aside
A fallen one—a broken heart
Who needs your hand to help them start?
Christ had come to heal the lame
To lift their guilt and take their shame
He called the sinners to His side
To know His love-in Him abide
So why do we not give our hand
To help a fallen one to stand
So, prideful man with heart so small
Be careful lest you too shall fall
Chorus
For it was God’s dear Grace that loved me so
Looked deep within and bid to know
Each crevice of my heart and soul
Each broken piece to then make whole
In Christ I am set free from sin
My guilt and shame all taken in
And bore upon that rugged cross
My strength to stand though all else loss
My sins all covered by His blood
In Christ, I am God’s own Beloved
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
If, indeed; I fully comprehend the grace of God which saved me, then, I will be unable to judge my brother in Christ. Instead, I will reach out a hand of love and grace to a fellow Christian. Furthermore, I will reach out to a broken world to present the gospel of grace to all–no one is beyond the grace of God, if only, they would come to the cross, repent, and be saved. Won’t you come today?
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
JUST RELEASED
You can find this and all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there
Recently released Books Available
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.
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.
©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.