Whenever we attempt to compartmentalize God’s Glory by placing one aspect higher than another; we risk losing the truth of God.  All too often, when viewing the diverse excellencies of God’s justice in contrast with His mercy; Christians see this as a hard to rationalize dichotomy. Particularly, in our modern society and church; there is a social drive toward only speaking of God’s love and never His wrath against sin. The dichotomy between God’s Mercy and Justice is not itself a false theology; because, God’s Glory shines radiantly from His just and righteous nature, as much as from His merciful grace toward sinful man. However, a false theology develops when either His Mercy or His Justice is espoused as denying the other.

Yet, here in modern Western culture, we see too many churches falling head first into the theological trap of presenting God’s Love and mercy to the exclusion of His justice. It is as if His justice is something to be left unspoken of for fear that people will not come. Many Christians speak of God’s mercy and love; while ignoring His righteousness, justice and hatred toward sin. When the church focuses only on God’s loving mercy to the exclusion of His justice; it risks falling headlong into a counterfeit theology, where the true God becomes unrecognizable.  Balancing and viewing God’s justice and mercy as equally beautiful aspects of His Glory, is paramount to living a life reflecting His Glory and is key to the Church presenting the gospel of Christ to a world in need of a Savior.

UNDERSTANDING GRACE THROUGH THE EYES OF JUSTICE

Continue reading God’s Glory Revealed in Justice and Mercy →

Throughout this series, I have laid out the case step by step concerning three foundations on which to build your faith and your life upon. The series began in March with Trusting God When You Don’t Understand How? It has throughout these months laid out the 3 foundations of truth needed to find Abiding Steadfast Joy in life whatever the circumstance you find yourself in. Now, we come to the Therefore, Because of all this: what do I do next? How do I write God’s Truth on my heart; not, just my brain.

Beyond just knowing these truths in your mind; they must be indelibly written upon your heart.  Because God knows it is imperative that we learn these truths; our life’s journey often takes us through dark and treacherous valleys.  It is in the depth of those valleys, God teaches us the truth of His Glory, His Sovereignty and His love toward us. Patiently preparing and equipping us with His truth, God guides us each step of the way; because, He knows that we can only find true joy, peace, and hope in a close and intimate relationship with Him.

Overcoming Life’s Trials with God’s Truth

Whatever trials, sorrows or temptations you face in this life; I can assure you of this: knowing these three foundations of truth will hold your heart steady, filling you with hope, joy, peace, and strength to live victoriously. Knowing these three truths; building upon them as your foundation gives you the power to remain fearless, steadfast, and joy filled no matter what storms come your way in this life.

First, know your place in this world; because, faith is knowing God IS (Supreme Creator, Sovereign Lord, the Being without which nothing else exists) and He rewards those who diligent seek Him. Second, you must realize your purpose in this world. God created you desiring to shower upon you His love, to fill you with His Joy, and to bestow upon you part of His Glory (though undeserving you may be).  Thirdly, you must know your position in Christ Jesus; held firm by the power of His resurrection; endowing you with the power to live victoriously.

WISDOM WRITTEN ON YOUR HEART

My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:1-6)

The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew. My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So, shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble (Proverbs 3:19-23)

SOLID ROCK FOUNDATIONS of LIFE

Truth must make its way from my mind into the depth of my heart; before, it becomes a foundation strong, steady, and unshifting.

For a simple path of loose dirt or sand to become formed into solid rock, it undergoes great stress and then pressure.  The waves crash against the shore, washing; changing and transforming sand and debris into what is called a sedimentary rock.  Because of extreme pressure, rock is formed.  Igneous rocks form by undergoing extreme heating, melting and then, cooling.  Because of the extreme stress they endure, they become firm, unmovable.  Diamond formation occurs in extreme temperatures, extreme pressure over millions of years.  Therefore, often, it is through our trials, sorrows, temptations and pains; we discover the solid foundations of knowing the truth of our place in the universe, our purpose, and our position in Christ Jesus

Living a life filled with peace, joy, hope, and fearless faith; comes from having lived through the harsh trials and learning to lean into an Almighty God.  He is the truth, the way and the life.  He is joy overflowing. I know this truth; because, through many trials; God wrote these truths indelibly into my heart.  My journey has not been easy; however, I would walk every step of it again, knowing God’s plan for me has always been for my good, His pleasure and my pleasure to be found in Him.

quote from Jonathan Edwards.

“Men have a great deal of pleasure in human knowledge, in studies of natural things; but this is nothing to that joy which arises from divine light shining into the soul. This spiritual light is the dawning of the light of glory in the heart. There is nothing so powerful as this to support persons in affliction, and to give the mind peace and brightness in this stormy and dark world.

This knowledge will wean from the world, and raise the inclination to heavenly things. It will turn the heart to God as the fountain of good, and to choose him for the only portion. This light, and this only, will bring the soul to a saving close with Christ. It conforms the heart to the gospel, mortifies its enmity and opposition against the scheme of salvation therein revealed: it causes the heart to embrace the joyful tidings, and entirely to adhere to, and acquiesce in the revelation of Christ as our Savior.” ―

Jonathan Edwards (A Divine and Supernatural LIGHT, immediately imparted to the Soul by the SPIRIT of GOD, shown to be both a Scriptural, and Rational Doctrine- in a Sermon)

Concluding Thoughts of Truth

And so, dear pilgrim; do not despair.  Do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord?  It all begins there! For if you do not know the sweetness of His presence, His grace; then, there is reason for despair.  I cannot imagine my life without Him.  Yet, if you know Him; He will guide you and lead you to green meadows beside the still waters.  Perhaps, for me; that journey has been through many mountainous terrains and raging oceanic storms; yet, it brought me to this place of abiding, steadfast joy.  Glimpses of God’s Glory have shone before me; leading me every step of the way. As I look back, I thank God for His wondrous Grace, Love and Mercy toward me which has brought me to this place of Abiding, Steadfast Joy: never again to be bound in a life of desperation.

So, how do we write God’s Truth on our hearts?  We don’t. He does; if only we know Him, seek Him, and allow Him.  So, dear one, do you know Him?

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

Concluding Tweets

[bctt tweet=”Abiding, Steadfast Joy in God: never again to be bound in a life of desperation.” username=”effiedarlene”]

[tweetthis]Do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord?  Joy begins there![/tweetthis]

[bctt tweet=”Glimpses of God’s Glory have shone before me; leading me every step of the way” username=”effiedarlene”]

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

If you want to know more about  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.

The inscription I added Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Over the past two weeks we have looked at how to know our identity in Christ Jesus.  To live a life in Perfect Peace, we need to unequivocally stand firm, knowing exactly who we are as Chosen, Redeemed, Blessed, Beloved, Children of God.  Having accepted the adoption, Jesus Christ purchased for us on Calvary; we need to learn to live as who we are.  I have laid out seven steps to help you transform that head knowledge into heart knowledge, looking in detail to each step.

However no fear, God will inscribe my heart and yours with His truth.  This, I believe is the most important step to remember.  God will accomplish all that He has planned in my life; because, it has never been about me. It has always been about Him. Therefore, He, the great I AM, will fill my heart with Him: His Joy, His Hope and His Glory forevermore.

REST ASSURED, GOD WILL INSCRIBE MY HEART WITH HIS TRUTH

Continue reading No Fear, God Will Inscribe My Heart with Truth →

As, noted in Friday’s post: we need to Know Unequivocally our identity in Christ Jesus. Paul outlined our Identity in Christ Jesus clearly in Ephesians chapters 1-3.  Still there is knowing with the head and there is heart knowing.  Only heart knowing can guarantee perfect peace in every situation of life. So, how do I transform that head knowledge into undeniable truth written upon my heart?  As I presented in the previous post, there are 7 steps to this process

1. Accept Jesus Christ as Your Lord and Savior
2. Prayerfully Study God’s Word
3. Declare it as So
4. Realize Every Trial is a lesson in Truth
5. Keep a Faith Journal
6. Seek Godly Counselors When Doubt Arises
7. Rest Assured, God Will Write it on Your Heart

During the last post, I wrote to you about step 1. Accept Jesus Christ as Your Lord and Savior.  We cannot own money deposited in an account, until we first claim that account.  Neither can we be the Blessed, Chosen, Redeemed, Beloved Child of God; unless we freely accept the adoption He offers us.  We can never learn who God truly IS, unless we spend time getting to know Him.

Today, we will look deeper at steps 3 through 6.

DECLARE IT AS SO

Stand before your mirror and declare this truth.  Shout it before the crowd; humbly, acknowledging your position in Christ Jesus, by grace alone.  Yet, do not confuse this for pridefully declaring “I AM” as some modernistic preachers have done.  Instead, like Louie Giglio, say; “I am not but I know I AM”.¹ Therefore, I am God’s Blessed, Beloved, Chosen, Redeemed Child; because of all Jesus Christ did for me on the Cross and not my works of my own hands.

 I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, ‘Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee’ (Psalm 2:7).

I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee (Psalm 22:22).

The more you hear yourself declaring the truth; (whether to yourself or to others in testimony) the more you will believe the truth in your own heart.

REALIZE EVERY TRIAL IS A LESSON IN TRUTH

God is Sovereign!  Therefore, because He is Sovereign; every trial that enters your life came sifted through His Hands of Love.  He allows trials, sorrows and pain in the life of His children that He might grow them up and they might come to know Him in the fullness of His Glory.

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing (James 1: 2-4).

So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here. These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests gold and purifies it—and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold (I Peter 1:6-7).

God allows our trials for our ultimate joy to be full.  I know this; because, I have lived it and have seen it so in so many precious saints of the kingdom.

 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

His plan is for our good.  His love allows no less than our fullness of joy; but, that sometimes mean we let go of counterfeit joys to find He is our Treasure and our Joy.  His promise to each of us is.

we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:28-31

KEEP A FAITH JOURNAL

I cannot stress enough the importance of doing this.  Keep a journal of trials you face, the scriptures relating to the trial and God’s ultimate deliverance from the trial.  You will find that God did much more than deliver you, He carried you through and brought you precious gifts of faith, joy and hope you never dreamed of having.

Throughout the Old Testament, God urges His people to remember how He parted the Red sea, brought them out of captivity, provided them with manna, and how He delivered them repeatedly.  He instructed them to write songs, pass them down from generation to generation lest they forget His love, His kindness and His faithfulness.

Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man (Proverbs 3:3-4).

We, must do the same and pass it on to the generations beyond us.  How could I not pass on God’s faithfulness to my children, grandchildren and all the generations to follow?  Journaling is one way of doing just that.  Another is to write little notes in your favorite Bible, reminding you and any who will later read it of God’s faithfulness to you.

SEEK GODLY COUNSELORS WHEN DOUBT ARISES

There are moments when we need help.  Remember, our motivational gifts vary and there are times we need the help and guidance of another’s gifts.  Or, at other times; we just need a listening ear with an empathetic heart.  I cannot tell you how often, God has sent just that into my life.  Sometimes in the most unlikely places.  One timely word spoken the moment I needed to hear it.

God sent counsellors to His people.  Sometimes, prophets or priests; yet, we know at other times; God sent men.  We know very little about David’s uncle; except, this:

Jonathan David’s uncle was a counsellor, a wise man (I Chronicle 27:32)

We need counsellors at times.  At other times, we need guidance from those gifted with special motivational gifts.  However, we need to be careful to choose counselors who know God and are diligent to truth.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS In finding Perfect Peace

We will look at the final 2 steps of this 7 steps to discovering Perfect peace in our identity in Christ; however, please do not think these steps are to be done in any particular order.  Beyond step one (which is necessary before any of the steps to be worthwhile); the remainder of the steps are a blend between what God does and what we do in response.

Indeed, I must say that through this journey, I cannot say when I learned Perfect Peace.  Perhaps, I woke up one morning and realized Perfect Peace had arrived.  Then, I searched to discover how and when it had arrived and what I needed to do to not let it escape again.

Concluding Tweets

[tweetthis]Lord, write your truth upon my heart and let me rest in You[/tweetthis]

[bctt tweet=”When we know in our heart the full truth of our identity in Christ Peace & Joy reign” username=”effiedarlene”]

[tweetthis]The sweetness of joy is found when we rest in Jesus, completely His[/tweetthis]

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.

OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

If you want to know more about  books I have written:  You can find a link 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.

¹Louie Giglio, i am not but i know I AM, (Sister’s, OR: Multinomah Publishers, 2005)

The inscription I added Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash