When you look at the cross, what do you see?  Do you see the pain and suffering of Jesus Christ or do you see His Glory displayed there?  At any point, Jesus could have said, “no”.  As Sovereign Lord, He could have; but, instead He chose to willingly accept all the pain, rejection, and the humility of the cross.  He did so to provide a means of salvation for you and me.  When Judas came with the soldiers to capture Him, He went out to meet them.  He did not wait for them to take Him.  Instead, He went to them and asked, “Whom seek ye?” (John 18:4).  As they answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth”, He replied, “I AM He” (John 18:5).  The Great I AM stood before them, ready to go the cross, the Glory of God shone forth.

Hearing these words, they step backwards, falling on their backs (John 18:6).  His Divine Power and Glory shone forth, such that they fell. He could have overtaken them. Furthermore, He could have called a legion of angels to defend Him; but, He did not.  Willingly, He stepped forward; allowing them to bind Him and take Him to trial.  Six trials later, Pilate declared Him innocent; yet, He was beaten, spat upon, and nailed to a cruel cross.  He remained in control, even of His cruel death upon that cross.  Choosing the moment and the time of His own death.  As He proclaimed to Pilate, “Thou couldst have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above” (John 19:11).  “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth” (John 18:37).

The Glory of God Displayed on the Cross

Continue reading How is the Glory of God Displayed on the Cross? →

In this journey as humans, we want recognition and to stand strong.  Regardless of the topic, we want to be right and to have the final say.  Yet, in God’s Kingdom; we are called upon to be humble.  Just as Jesus humbly bowed to the will of the Father, obedient unto the cross; we are called to humbly bow in obedience to the Father’s will.  Asked to serve our brothers and sisters; while teaching the truth of the gospel with gentleness, kindness, and humility.  It is not about being first.  Instead, when we see even a glimpse of  the Glory of Jesus Christ, though through a glass dimly; we bow in humility as to the grace He has given unto us.

This lesson Jesus taught His disciples repetitively.  He gave His apostles the special powers to heal the sick; yet, cautioned them to remain humble and faithful, recognizing the power to be from God, not their own.  Furthermore, Jesus took a few to the Mount of Transfiguration where His Glory was displayed.  They watched as He aptly answered the Pharisees, using scripture.  He patiently taught them well.

Beyond all that, He told them repetitively of His coming betrayal, how He would be beaten, ridiculed, mocked, and would die on a cruel cross to be the sacrificial lamb.  Yet, they each time, only demonstrated concern regarding their own position in the coming Kingdom.  Perhaps they believed He would establish that Kingdom immediately following His resurrection.   So much so, they discounted the death and only could think about the coming Kingdom and their place in it.

Do we do the same?

God’s Kingdom

Continue reading In God’s Kingdom, the Last Shall Be First. Why? →

Jesus continued on His teaching ministry.  Often, He taught in parables; because, the people just did not fully comprehend.  He would explain the parables to His apostles.  However, they were slow to really understand.  Where ever He went, He healed people.  Huge crowds would surround seeking that physical healing.  Although, the demons recognized Him for who He was; many of the crowds did not.  Yet, as we come to end of Mark chapter 4 and into the beginning of chapter 5; we see the story of just how far Jesus was willing to go for one lost soul.    There were many seeking His powers of healing.  Many who wanted what He could provide.  Yet, in some isolated catacombs, far to the other side of the sea stood a man so tormented.  He had not even heard of the spreading fame of Jesus.

“And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them ‘Let us pass over unto the other side” (Mark 4:35). So they set out on the little boat, Jesus exhausted from all the work of the day falls sound asleep.  Though entering the boat was a way to separate from the crowds for a moment of rest, knowing they were truly seeking only the gifts and not the giver of the gifts.  They really did not fully understand that He came, leaving the splendors of heaven; so as to die a cruel death on a cross to pay the price for their sins.  Not even, His chosen apostles fully understood the truth of His being God’s only begotten son.  Other boats tried to follow His little boat.  Then came the storm.

ONE  LOST SOUL

The apostles had watched Jesus heal the lame.  They listened to Him teach.  Yet, amid a raging storm they were afraid; even with Jesus in their presence.  What happened to the other boats? Most likely, when they saw the storm; they turned away, leaving Jesus.  Peacefully, Jesus slept in the midst of the storm raging around Him.  They cried out to Him, “Don’t you care if we die?”  He was more concerned about growing their faith through the storm.  He arose and commanded the storm, “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39).  Despite all the miracles witnessed, the apostles were afraid; because the wind obeyed His voice.  They did not really comprehend fully who He was or is.  Do we?

Or do we understand the full mission?  They did not.  When they reached the other side of the sea, in the country of the Gadarenes.  “when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains,  the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces,neither could any man tame him.  And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones”   (Mark 5:2-5).

Healing One Lost Soul

Continue reading How Far will Jesus Go for One Lost Soul? →

Today’s post will be short, as I sit in the airport awaiting my plane.  I am heading to Orlando to see my son and grandchildren.  Yet, this trip is so much more.  When I left Orlando in December 2013, I truly believed I was finally going home.  Everything was clear.  this was God’s plan.  All of life has fit together so beautifully.  My job is incredible and the Doctor’s I work with amazing.  I returned to school last fall online at Liberty University.  My older son and family are here.  Mom is happy for the first time, resting in Jesus while living in the nursing home.  Two jail ministries and the children’s ministry round out my life.  Yet, suddenly all is unclear once more.  So how does one find clear direction.

Jesus throughout Mark teaches and guides His followers.  He demonstrates both how to teach and how to live a life dependent on the Holy Spirit.  You see this trip is more than just to visit.  My youngest son had been to follow me to Missouri; but, that was not God’s plan.  Circumstances changed and at this point I need to find clear direction.  Do I leave everything and return to Orlando?  Or do I stay where I am peacefully comfortable.  When all is unclear, we must follow the example of Jesus and draw aside alone with God and let the Holy Spirit guide.  Then without fear, step out into which ever road God leads.  Just be certain, it is God’s Spirit and not yours guiding you.

Finding Clear Direction

Read Psalm one.  Spend hours alone with God.  Read the word of God.  Lay open your mind that you might be willing to here.  Be willing to lay aside everything to follow Him.   Then wait.  I don’t know the answer yet; but, God has a perfect plan and I trust Him.  He has never guided me in the wrong direction.

Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.  Jeremiah 17:7-8

Concluding Thoughts

As I depart on this trip, pray for me.  This I know, God IS the great I am and His plan is all I seek.  May God also give you clear direction when all is unclear.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

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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.

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©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.