On February 19, 1980, God gave me a precious gift to hold and to love.  What a privilege it has been to be the mother of Alberto F. Barba.  Through all the years, whether good or bad; his smile has lit up the room with joy, hope, and strength.  God gifted him with leadership which was evident even when so young.  He took on the task of being his brother’s protector when he was merely 5 years old.  Ah, and I remember the moment at age six that he first said, “yes” to following God.  It would be years before he says he accepted Christ as his Savior; however, I remember his simple prayer way back then asking God to come into his heart.

We had just come to a stop light, driving on the outskirts of Dallas in my White Dodge Ram Charger. Amid a sometimes frightening world, I said a prayer of praise; because, I knew in that moment God had the steering wheel of my life and my children.  Alberto, always stood for truth and honor; even, with trembling hands looking into his father’s eyes to tell him in a gentle voice when he was wrong.  At the same time, he reached out with arms of love, quickly forgiving and looking for all that was good.

Alberto, now the man

For me, Alberto will always be my “osito panda”; but, to the world he is a man.  He is a dedicated husband, father, and Christian; who always strives to do his best.  His  integrity, honesty,  and God honoring life shines in everything he does.  Happy Birthday, Alberto.  May God always shine His light of blessing on your life.  Ah, but I know He will.  His plans are always the best; whatever, road He takes us down.

Love, Mom

©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.

With heavy hearts, we weep with all those in Parkland, Florida.  Realizing such evil exists forces us to stop and think. Where do we turn and what can we do to combat such evil?  There is only one hope that can reach the depths of broken souls such as Nikolas Cruz before such a tragedy occurs. That is the gospel message of Jesus Christ; yet, we have banned the Bible and even individual prayer from our schools.  We bought into the lies of the secular humanists throughout the twentieth century, even as Christians.  The consequences of our silence led us to now toward a place of hopeless nihilism as a society; where anger roars and life is no longer a thing to cherish.  There is only one to overcome evil and that is the gospel message of Jesus Christ.

As I pray for all those lives lost, those injured and all their families in Florida; I find I must also pray for Nikolas.  Not that he ever be let loose; no, he must pay the full price for his act-even if that means the death sentence.  However, I do pray for his soul; that, he might find Christ.  Below is an excerpt from “When God Commanded Build that Wall plus The Evil Within.”  Could all of this have been prevented if someone had reached out to Nikolas with the gospel of Jesus Christ?  What if a teacher had been allowed to tell him of faith? We will never know; however, we must consider those questions. Continue reading How to Combat the Evil Within Our Nation →

Many prophets had come to warn God’s people of their impending captivity. Jeremiah was one such prophet.  With weeping and sorrow, he pleaded with the people to turn their hearts to worship God with true hearts of faith.  They went about the rituals of worship; but, their hearts were hard. The rituals of worship continued; however, they combined their worship of God with idolatrous worship, sinful living, and social injustice.  Although they went about the acts of worship; their hearts did worship Him in truth.  Instead of heeding the warning, they ridiculed, beat, and persecuted the prophets sent.  Rather than to trust God, they made allegiances with evil, idolatrous nations, hoping they would protect them.  Ultimately, they fell captive to the Babylonian Empire and Jeremiah sent a letter to the exiles reminding them of God’s Plan for their good.  His Gracious Hand was reaching out still in their captivity.

 For thus saith the Lord, “That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.  For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:10-13).

So, the question I ask you is this: Do you really trust God’s Plans for your life? Are you calling to Him out of whatever place you find yourself?  Are you seeking Him, trusting Him with all your heart?

 GOD’S PLAN FOR GOOD

Hebrews 6:11 tells us ^“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”  Do you believe that?  God is a Sovereign, Almighty, Righteous, and Just God of Mercy, Grace and love. Are you eyes focused on Him and seeking Him as your greatest treasure?  When trials, heartbreaks, and pain enter your life; do you still believe He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him?  Are your eyes and heart focused on the greater treasure or do you merely seek the treasures of this earth?  If you see Him as the greatest treasure, what are you willing to sacrifice to know Him?

Everyone warned Paul not to go to Jerusalem.  Surely, he would be imprisoned if he went or die.  Yet, God sent Paul to Jerusalem and he went; whatever, the cost he would follow God’s command.  He stood before the courts of Governors and Kings, where he proclaimed the truth of the gospel; never considering the personal cost.  When he appealed to Rome; where, he was sent and imprisoned, he most likely knew the peril; but, he did so at God’s command. From the darkest dungeons and the years of beatings, imprisonment; Paul wrote the letters of encouragement, hope and truth that makes up the largest portion of the New Testament.  Why?

 PAUL TRUSTED GOD’S PLAN

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, 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: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death (Philippians 3:8-10)

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).

Joy can be ours, not just in the future; but, abiding, steadfast joy lifting our hearts, strengthening our hands: here and now amid the trials and suffering of this world.  Because, we know Him.  That is the fruit of the spirit in us. And that is what Paul knew; regardless, of where the journey of life led him.

the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance (Galatians 5:22-23).

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

God’s plan is to reveal Himself to us, to fill us with His Joy, and to clothe us in His righteousness.  His plans are good; even when we do not understand.  But that is what faith is: “believing that God IS (the great I AM) and that all He does is for my good”

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.

Credits and Footnotes

Photo by Jens Lelie on Unsplash

What value or worth do you place on knowing God?  What are you willing to sacrifice to be able to know God? Or to testify of Him? Is getting out of bed 30 minutes early too much? What if to spread His word you would have to give up a prestigious position or drive the same old car? Is that too much?  Or what if, to really know God; you struggle with chronic illness or pain?  In some parts of the world, to know God and to testify of Him could mean you are imprisoned, you and your family tortured, or you could be forced to watch as your family are slain before your eyes.  But if you really know God, can you keep silent?   Holding the most precious treasure in your hands, how can you not want to share?

Here in the United States, we take it all for granted.  We want the blessings, the counterfeit joys, prosperity and comfort; yet, we are not willing to even give God 10 minutes of our time, unless of course there is something we want from Him.  But, what about just sitting at His feet; to know Him?  Down through history, God’s prophets, preachers, and even His own son willingly suffered and died that we might know Him and the power of His might, that we might know His love, His joy, and His hope in a chaotic world hell bent on denying Him.  So, what is it worth to you to know God?  Is it worth getting up early or turning off the TV?  Is it worth suffering, to know God as your greatest treasure?  He may not ask you to give it all up; but, what if He does?

TO KNOW GOD

Continue reading What is it Worth to Know God? →