Gabriel came to Mary to announce that she was highly favored by God.  “Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women” (Luke 1:28).  Most of us would wrongly have said, “Yes, God has noticed how hard I have been trying.”  However, that was not Mary’s response. The angel Gabriel came with a Promise of Hope.   Mary was initially troubled by this.  There was in her mind nothing so special about her.   She had honored God in her betrothal to Joseph, maintaining her virtue and virginity. Yet, that was common in her day and what was expected.  To do otherwise would be punishable by death.    But she was poor, from a poor family.  Certainly, in her mind she was not in lineage of a princess or royalty of any kind.

Still, when Gabriel explained that she would give birth to God’s own Son by the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit, her response was: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38).  Would you or I been so quick to say, “Lord, do with me as you please, that I might bring you Glory.”  Mary would be ridiculed by many; after all, she was expecting child before her marriage to Joseph was consummated.  Even Joseph at first questioned her.  Indeed, in John 8:41 the pharisees slander the words of Jesus by inferring he was born out of an act of fornication.  Mary’s virtue would be questioned the rest of her life. She held dear her reputation, it was all she had. How was that “favor in the eyes of God?”  Furthermore, she would remain in poverty from the world’s standards.

The Promise of Hope

Mary would watch her Son, God’s promise of hope, be ridiculed, mocked, shamed and hung on a cross.  Yet, by faith, she willingly accepted this her lot in life.  What about you or me?  Would you willingly say, “Yes, Lord; ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word?’  Do we willingly say, “Lord thy will be done?  No matter what discomfort or difficulty You may ask of me, I trust in Your Promise of Hope.  Willingly, I lay down all my desires that Your love might shine forth to the world.”   Unfortunately, all too often, we say “yes Lord” only if it means our worldly reputation is held in high regard. Or, perhaps for financial comfort and ease.  But what about when our promise of hope comes with pain, sorrow, suffering, and poverty?  How willing are we then?

Jesus Christ is our only hope of salvation.  He came that we might be redeemed.  The only promise of hope that we have is found through faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. Yet, if in this life only our hope lies, then we are indeed impoverished with no hope.  This Christmas Eve, stop and consider what God is asking of you.  Are you willing to lose everything that you hold dear on this earth that you might find Him?

1. 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.  There is nothing more important than this; because,  He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

   ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

   If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here

   Furthermore, 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. Then, please click on this link to discover a world of Book Resources.

   Or you can find all my books on Amazon.com, search just by searching Effie Darlene Barba.  Or click this link to be taken there

   Furthermore,  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.

   Footnote and Credits

   Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

Temperance is translated as self-control when one reads most versions of the Bible. However, in the Geneva and the King James Versions it is translated temperance.  According to the dictionary, temperance is abstaining from something especially food or drink.  Perhaps when speaking of temperance we must consider the fruit of the Holy Spirit would be just that!  The abstinence of our fleshly desires of all kinds that we may be Godly.  Indeed self-control, as most versions translate this, still puts it back upon our self to perform it.  However, this can only be performed with the work of the Holy Spirit within us to squelch those fleshly desires that seek to be fulfilled within us.

2 Peter 1: 1-9: Concerning Temperance

Continue reading What is the Fruit of the Spirit Known as Temperance? →

 

The ever-transforming work of the Holy Spirit within us is to transform us into the likeness of Christ.  Jesus Christ represents the perfect dichotomy of the Lion of Judah who willingly became the sacrificial lamb.  Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory (Matthew 12:18-20).  Jesus Christ was both bold as a lion and meek as a lamb.  Furthermore, He won the victory over death and sin. However, this He did by becoming the humble servant.

When the pharisees in Matthew 12 plotted to kill Him, Jesus withdrew Himself and continued His mission.  He healed people and cast out demons.  Yet, He did not raise up an army of followers to fight against the Pharisee.  Fearlessly, boldly He continued His journey on earth to the cross where He would humbly take upon His righteous shoulders the sin of all.  We see the perfect blend of boldness and meekness in one.  He was never a victim; because,  He chose to go to the cross in our place.  Meek as a lamb; yet, powerfully bold as a lion.  If this is to be our example as to how to live; then, we need the Holy Spirit within us to perform this in us.  Because by nature we are reactionary; always seeking to hold our “self” as number 1 in all we do.

Meek and Bold Intertwined into One

We have trouble seeing how meekness and boldness intertwine; because, we believe meekness is weakness.  Yet, we see this dichotomy perfected in Jesus Christ.  Yes, He was meek and gentle; yet, He marched forward with purpose and strength.  Meek, humble and gentle while at the same time bold and fearless.  The Lion of Judah is the slain lamb.

Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain (Revelations 5:5-6)

Then they all fell before Him in worship, singing.

Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.  And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth (Revelations 5:9-10).

All the redeemed humbly, boldly sing.

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.  And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever (Revelations 5:12-13).

In Jesus Christ, we are made courageous to stand for the truth of the gospel.  At the same time, we are meek servants, recognizing that without Him “I am nothing”.

Meek Boldness, a Fruit of the Spirit

Unafraid we are to proclaim the truth of the gospel.  We are to stand firm on truth and justice.  Yet we are to do so with a meek and humble spirit, knowing that we, our selves are saved by His Grace alone and not by our own hands.

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:3-11).

Concluding Thought

[bctt tweet=”Because I know I am nothing without Him and my salvation is by grace alone, I am Humble.” username=”effiedarlene”]

[bctt tweet=”Knowing that in Christ I am God’s Redeemed Beloved Chosen Child, then, I am bold, fearless when facing trials.” username=”effiedarlene”]

[bctt tweet=”The Holy Spirit’s fruit of meekness comes with strength and boldness for the journey; because, I know this is not my final destination. ” 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.  There is nothing more important than this; because,  He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here

Furthermore, 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. Then, please click on this link to discover a world of Book Resources.

Or you can find all my books on Amazon.com, search just by searching Effie Darlene Barba.  Or click this link to be taken there

Furthermore,  for inspirational photos or home decor click here.

Previous Posts In this series:

One Fruit of the Spirit: Faith to Overcome Fear

What Really is the Goodness of God?

A Gentle Spirit in the Face of Contempt. How? 

What is Patience Really in the Face of Conflict?

One Failed Peacemaker and a Gracious God

In a World Divided How Can One Find Peace?

The Fruit of the Spirit is Joy

Displaying the Fruit of the Spirit Love. How?

Perfect in Love Oh How Can it Be?

Is Your Fruit of Love Sweet or Bitter?

How Does God Prepare the Soil for Growth?

What Fruit is the Garden of Your Heart Producing?

©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.

Footnote and Credits

Picture courtesy of RoninRon Custom Art

When I left Orlando in 2013 to come to Columbia, it was with a leap of faith.  And now, as I return to Florida it is again a huge leap of faith.  At my going away party in Florida, I cannot help but remember Dr. Bajaj’s words, “Effie has a faith that makes her fearless.”  Perhaps it would appear that way whenever I step out into the unknown because I have been assured by God that He has called me to do so.  However, the truth is faith is stepping boldly forward into what God has commanded surrounded by all the fears, the unknowns.  Knowing full well that if God does not hold you up and sustain you, you will crash.  It is clinging tight to the truth “God IS and He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

Faith is seeking Him, obeying Him and pressing forward when all the circumstances around you look impossible; because, you have been assured that this is His will.  It is knowing the depth of His love for you and never forgetting He is Sovereignly in control of all things.  Some would say, there is no way to know His will.  But I have written before on that subject many times.  For me it comes with diligent prayer, patiently waiting for His answer.  Often, it does involve fleece like Gideon.  Yet, I caution you to ascertain the fleece is such as cannot be manipulated by you.  Remember too that God never will tell you to do that which goes against scripture. He will never condone sin.  So, you must diligently study His word exegetically and not manipulate scripture by taking it out of context.

Faith as the Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Continue reading One Fruit of the Spirit: Faith to Overcome Fear →

And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty (Exodus 34:6-7).  What really is goodness?  Is it as some would say, complete tolerance and acceptance of all things?  Others would mock goodness, calling someone a “goody two shoes” because they choose to follow God.  Desiring to strictly guide one’s life by God’s moral laws, is at times demeaned by society.  Goodness, as defined by Merriam Webster is the nutritious, flavorful or beneficial part of something or the quality of being good.  Therefore, goodness must be, as in the scripture tempered with truth.  It must include justice and righteousness; alongside forgiveness and mercy.

God’s goodness is His Mercy, His Grace providing a way for forgiveness while at the same time standing firm upon His Justice, His righteousness and Truth.  Although He does provide mercy, forgiveness, and grace to all who come to Him with hearts broken by their own guilt and shame.  Those who desire Him, accepting His gift of salvation.  Yet, it is not clearing the guilty.  The guilty being those who reject His gift of salvation, marching forward with their own selfish agenda to do things their way.  Those who may even appear on the surface good; but, deny God as the only true source of goodness.  Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof (2 Timothy 3:4,5).  Goodness is forgiving the repentant sinner, while standing firm against sin.

God is Goodness

Continue reading What Really is the Goodness of God? →