Back on May 12, 2017; I wrote  How to Know Your Position IN Christ by Grace and began to write multiple blogs over the summer outlining many of our possessions and our position found in Christ Jesus.  Later, on August 11, I pointed out our dilemma often with our own identity crisis in How to Overcome Our Greatest Identity Crisis.  Again, having detailed our Identity in Jesus Christ,  I want to remind you of the importance of unequivocally knowing your identity in Jesus.

Our position (identity) in Jesus remains eternally guaranteed by God Himself,  with the covenant written and signed by the blood of Christ Jesus and sworn to by God upon His Word (Hebrews 6:13-20).  Yet, if we do not write them on our hearts, we forget.  As the hustle and bustle of this world tugs at our hearts, it would seem amnesia occurs; because, we forget or never even count as ours the innumerable possessions we hold in Christ Jesus.

OUR IDENTITY AS OUTLINED IN EPHESIANS

Continue reading How to Know Your Identity in Jesus →

In Monday’s post, I explained the need for us to understand each others Motivational gift; because, God gave differing gifts to each. Through knowledge and understanding, with grace; we harmoniously stand strong, united, invincible.  So, let me try to demonstrate by example; how, this functions by exposing my own family and our dynamics.  There was a time; before, I listened to Charles Stanley’s tapes that I found our inter-working dynamics at times difficult to say the least; because of our wide differences.  Certainly, we could cause each other as much harm as good; so, we pent up a lot of emotions; because, we just didn’t know how the other one thinks so differently and responds so differently.  Now, I know what a blessing and gift from God our differences truly are.

Earlier I related a story about a moment in time when I was drowning emotionally, financially, and ultimately spiritually; because, I tried to do it all without talking to my children at all.  My reasoning: to avoid burdening them with my problems. Yet, I was drowning; with nowhere to turn; never realizing that God had already equipped my family with everything we ever needed to stand strong against Satan.

MERCY

My gift: Mercy.  Mercy needs a protector and a wise counselor to survive!   I knew the struggles deep within my own heart; yet, could never fully comprehend them until I heard Charles Stanley’s sermon that day on Mercy.  Yes, Mercy is the bright, shining light of hope, joy, and unwavering faith; however, Mercy is always getting tangled up in the “how to” and “when’s” of helping others in this life.  Always giving money, I did not have, to help others who did not or could not change; I needed help.  I begged God for discernment, which never came.  Little did I know; my own son was the one who could rescue me from myself; if I only learned to confess and listen.  He could devise the plan for success.

GIVING

Alberto has that gift of discernment regarding money.  He can find the best bargain, know when to spend and when not to.  Brilliantly, he manages his money so that he is positioned to give to God’s work; yet, even that he does with careful discernment that his money will have the greatest impact on the world.  Recognizing his gift, I should have been open to listening; yet, I daresay, my own fear of losing his respect, drove me away.  after all, if he knew how foolish his mom was; would he still love me?

Of course, the truth is: he always knew and respectfully didn’t say anything.  That is until, I was moving to Missouri and he said, “Mom, my guess you don’t have the down payment for a house and yours in Florida is underwater.  So, I will buy you a house; you make the monthly payments.  Love you.”  And that was that.

LEADERSHIP:

Alberto also has a second motivational gift: leadership.  In the case of our family, some would need to carry two for our survival.  He sees the big picture and can focus on completing the task.  For that same reason, he does not accept the emotions which interfere with moving forward.  Never listen to the naysayers; because, negativity stops the progress.  Also, he truly is the “forgetting that which is behind” (Philippians 3:13), press forward kind of guy.  Every family needs at least one.  He always says, “Mom, I love you.  I am here; but, if you need someone to listen to you, Call Ron or Melissa.”  He knows his limitations; yet, if we need someone to complete any project or to pull us forward, it is Alberto we turn to.

JUSTICE:

Ron’s Gift is Justice.  He quickly can see any situation with clarity, knowing right and wrong.  Also, he is very persuasive at laying out the argument as to why or why not to proceed.  Along with that means, he listens astutely to all that is said, filing and dissecting it with accuracy.  Then, when he pronounces his judgement of the situation; he presents it clearly, like a prosecutor laying out his case.  At the same time, he has a slight touch of Mercy sprinkled in; making him the “go to guy” for any tough decisions.  However, as the case for those with the gift of justice; he can be way too harsh on himself as well.

SERVICE:

Melissa’s gift is clearly service.  Always available, she flitters about serving and helping.  Quick to always be ready to help anywhere, everywhere and anybody who needs her to.  She would drop everything to run to my side if I needed her there.  The best friend on the phone, always ready to listen and serve with kindness.  Before, I failed to recognize her needs for gratitude and demonstrations of love in return; yet, I am learning each day how to give back what she needs.  Well at least, sometimes.  Still working on that; because, those with the gift of service need to know they are appreciated fully.

TEACHING:

Perhaps, lurking in the background; I had a touch of this gift, always studying in search of truth both in God’s Word and life.  Although, I must say; a busy life allowed complacency. Yet, I have found the motivational gift of teaching is increasing in its significance in my life.  Now the busier I am, the more time I also devote to Bible Study. Now, I yearn to spend hours “rightly dividing the truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).  The point there being that as we grow in Christ, we may gain another Motivational Gift of the Spirit taking on a much higher role than it did in the past.  Studying God’s word and sharing that through my writing and speaking have become my greatest pleasures in life, now as I get older.

EXHORTATION:

I cannot say that any of us in my little family have this one; however, each of us have been granted it when needed in a moment of crisis.  Remember Jesus Christ holds all the Motivational Gifts; therefore, can fill us as needed for a situation we are facing.  Much like when Alberto called me to say “Mom, this is what you need to do!”; while laying out a perfect 3 step plan as how to do it.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS:

So, there you have it.  Just as God equipped my family with all the gifts; He does His Church.  Also, knowledge of how these each work is key to harmony in the family and in the church.  I hope I have at least whet your appetite to learn more about the Spiritual Motivational gifts and encourage you to get Charles Stanley sermon series.  It can change the dynamics of your home, church, work and where ever you go for the good.  United we stand, always with greater strength, hope, and joy.

CONCLUDING TWITTER

[tweetthis]Seeing the value of each others special motivational gift harmony comes[/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]A single thread may break yet many threads intertwined make a strong rope[/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]United Harmoniously we stand strong against Satan’s Destructive Attacks[/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

A Broken and Contrite Heart, I published in 2010.  It answers the question, “What do I do when I keep falling into the same sin? Does God hate me because I keep failing to get this right?  So, where do I begin again and find joy in my salvation; after, falling.  If you want to know more about this book or the other 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.

All too often, we misunderstand each other because we want to see everyone through our own narrowed lens of perception. As Christ ascended on high, he gave gifts to men.  Although, Jesus Christ is the perfect embodiment of all the Spiritual Motivational Gifts, He gave the gifts individually within the family and the church.  Since each of us may see the world through differing lenses, we need to learn how to see the whole body of the church clearly.  This can only happen through understanding each other’s motivational gifts.  Once we see the power and beauty of each gift, we can embrace the differences with open arms; realizing we need each other’s gift.

This is true both in the Church and in the family. When we combine the various gifts harmoniously, we develop a strong defensive line against attack by outside forces of any kind, including from satanic attack. For us to work harmoniously, we must first understand and appreciate, “where we are coming from”.  That is why we find so much bickering and dispute within our families and our churches.  When I first heard Charles Stanley’s series God’s Children Gifted for Ministry, it changed my dynamics within the family, among my friends, at church, at work and even how I see others I meet along this journey. Truly, United we stand, divided we fall.

ONE BODY MANY PARTS

As a unit, no member of the body is more important than another. It requires all the various members of the body harmoniously performing their unique part in an action.  For a runner to train, he cannot say I will train my muscles; yet, forget the importance of his heart, lungs, eyes, ears, nose, skeletal system, brain and even arms.  Each performs its own unique function, so the runner can perform at his or her best performance.

Paul wrote extensively about the variance in gifts and the importance of harmoniously working together in

1 CORINTHIANS 12:4-7 (TLB)

⁴ Now God gives us many kinds of special abilities, but it is the same Holy Spirit who is the source of them all. ⁵ There are different kinds of service to God, but it is the same Lord we are serving. ⁶ There are many ways in which God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work in and through all of us who are his. ⁷ The Holy Spirit displays God’s power through each of us as a means of helping the entire church.

12-22 (TLB)

¹² Our bodies have many parts, but the many parts make up only one body when they are all put together. So it is with the “body” of Christ. ¹³ Each of us is a part of the one body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But the Holy Spirit has fitted us all together into one body. We have been baptized into Christ’s body by the one Spirit, and have all been given that same Holy Spirit.

¹⁴ Yes, the body has many parts, not just one part. ¹⁵ If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body.  ¹⁶ And what would you think if you heard an ear say, “I am not part of the body because I am only an ear and not an eye”? Would that make it any less a part of the body?  ¹⁷ Suppose the whole body were an eye—then how would you hear? Or if your whole body were just one big ear, how could you smell anything?

GOD’S PLAN

¹⁸ But that isn’t the way God has made us. He has made many parts for our bodies and has put each part just where he wants it.  ¹⁹ What a strange thing a body would be if it had only one part!  ²⁰ So he has made many parts, but still there is only one body.

²¹ The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”

²² And some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary.

27 (TLB)

 ²⁷ Now here is what I am trying to say: All of you together are the one body of Christ, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

In order for us within the family, within the church and within our community to live in harmony, we must learn to see the world through an other’s eyes.  This only comes with knowledge and learning.  We all need each other.  We are stronger together than we could ever be alone.  In a complex world, where evil lurks; we need unity to win. Wednesday, I will share how this worked out in my family.

CONCLUDING TWEETS

[tweetthis]if a kingdom be divided against itself that kingdom cannot stand Mark 3:24[/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]25 And if a house be divided against itself that house cannot stand Mark 3[/tweetthis]

[bctt tweet=”Knowledge is the key to Harmony-We must take the time to humbly get to know each other” 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.

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.

The inscription I added Photo by Boris Smokrovic on Unsplash

For months and years, we turned on our TV to hear the news of all our division, our intolerance and our anger.  The more that we heard this on our TVs and in our schools, the more we believed it to be true.  We, the Christians were told to be silent; because, our faith in God offends some. The few Americans on the far fringes of the right and those on the far fringes of the left received all the news; pitting one side against the other. Then, came Hurricane Harvey!  It’s fury racked the nation, as all eyes turned to Texas; where, we had a glimpse to see the truth of who we are as Americans.

We saw the courage, the faith, and the endurance of a people who in the midst of tragedy; reached out to help each other.  No one cared who you voted for, the color of your skin, or the number of tattoos you wore; all that mattered was you needed a helping hand.  Trucks and boats traveled across this land to give a helping hand.  And a nation bowed their heads before a Sovereign, Holy God to ask for His helping hand.

LAND OF THE FREE AND THE BRAVE

Some would say “Why Texas?” Yet, to that I might say, “Why Job?”  Remember, the story?  Satan told God that he had come from the surveying the earth; implying that he was gaining a foothold with mankind.  God responded, “Have you considered my servant Job?” If you know the story, you realize; because of his faithfulness, God knew Job would hold fast to his faith, even in the center of the storm and great hardship.  Then, Job would then be an example of hope, love, endurance and all that is good to a world in need of hope.

Ah, but never forget.  When God restored Job; He restored him 10-fold.  We, the people of the United States of America; need to stop and pray; repenting of our own sins.  Each man, woman and child need to turn our hearts over to God; allowing Him to transform us.  Furthermore, as a nation, we need to stand United and stop all the petty fighting, bickering and selfish pride.  At the foot of the cross, where perfect righteousness died for our sins; we need to bow and ask God to restore our nation; because, when we humbly come before His Righteous Throne, we realize we deserve nothing.  All we have is because of Grace, and Grace Alone.

A Prayer for Our Land

By Effie Darlene Barba

 

God of heaven on your throne

Oh, hear our humble cry

And do not leave us here alone

Far from your watchful eye

Though we in selfish pride pursued

Vain Idols of our own

 

And yet, we know Your Gracious heart

In covenant does stand

That if we now from sin depart

That You will heal our land

Together then our hearts renewed

Rejoice, a brand, new start

 

So, break our hearts to what breaks yours

Open our eyes to see

The bitter words our mouth outpours

The pride that lies in me

So, dark and looming does occlude

The hope that love restores

 

So, Lord repentant here we stand

Seeking forgiveness now

And listening to Your command

Oh, Lord please show us how!

A Cross displayed, Your Grace we viewed

So, let us be your hand

 

To reach across the great divides

That separate our hearts

To rise one voice devoid of sides

Your love and grace imparts

Your hope and joy, a new prelude

On which our life abides

A LEADER TO HELP REBUILD

Through out scripture we note, God sends leaders to help the nation of Israel to rebuild.  Sometimes, He sent priests, at other times prophets; however, sometimes He sent business men, as was the case in Nehemiah.  A lay person, who could design a plan to rebuild.  In our case, I do believe God sent such a man.

Also, remember that before Nehemiah began to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, he prayed earnestly acknowledging God’s Sovereignty, His righteousness and His Mercy.  Every person who professes Christ as their Savior has been endowed with a special Gift.  I believe Donald Trump’s gift is that of leader; because of how he responds to disasters by doing.  If you remember from my series, a leader remains focused on the final product.  Because they see the final product as reality, they are often criticized for not being empathetic. Yet, those characteristics make them such a valuable leader; since they do not stop until the job is completed.

I encourage you to go back and read: How to Identify the Spiritual Gift of Leadership

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

On this National Day of Prayer for Harvey and for our nation; let us pray diligently.  Let us humble ourselves before our Almighty God.

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.And I will be found of you, saith the Lord: and I will turn away your captivity Jeremiah 29:11

 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

CONCLUDING TWEETS

[tweetthis]Your hope and joy, a new prelude On which our life abides[/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]God of heaven on your throne Oh, hear our humble cry[/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

A Broken and Contrite Heart, I published in 2010, answers the question, “What do I do when I keep falling into the same sin? Does God hate me because I keep failing to get this right?  So, where do I begin again and find joy in my salvation; after, falling.  If you want to know more about this book or the other 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.

The inscription I added the Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

It was February 4, 2010. My mind was in a spiraling whirlwind of emotions, alone. Helplessness, sorrow, anger, guilt, fatigue, fear and even love were all jumbled in my brain as I wrote a blog post that day called, “What do I do when I am lost in a sea of craziness?” Mom was in the hospital with a psychotic breakdown. It wasn’t the first; but, it did seem the worst she had experienced over the course of the time I had been taking care of her. Beyond that, exhausted and broke, I feared a financial collapse.  Having spent way beyond my means to provide private sitters for mom to avoid this breakdown; it came anyway. I was drowning emotionally, physically, and financially. Unless someone reached out a helping hand to rescue me, I might not survive.

As all the mixed emotions were whirling in my head, I began to wonder “where is the fine line between sanity and insanity?” I “carried the torch for Christ, for my family, and for work, alone” I thought.

That day, I wondered; “Really, am I so different from Mom? Don’t I have fears, sorrows, worries, and moments of depression? “The only difference between mom and me?” I thought. “I hold my emotions tightly hidden deep within; whereas, she wears her emotions like a banner of honor; as though her diagnosis gave her the freedom to do or say whatever she pleased.”  I, on the other hand;  got up, went to work, strove to say the right things, struggled to pay all the bills for both of us, cleaned the house, stood responsibly; while clinging tight to the final shred of hope. And then try to forgive myself when I failed to get it all done. Angry, tired and desperate; I was drowning.

WHEN LOST AND  ALONE

Furthermore, I hated myself for allowing such a thought to enter my brain. After all, there was mom completely lost into a psychotic world and I so unsympathetic; thinking of only my own pain. Yet, the pain ran so deep; I only wanted to run. Praying fervently: I pleaded with God, even though I had no idea what to pray. If God is with me; then, He is all I need, right? Then why did I feel so all alone.

GOD SENT A HELPING HAND

I learned a valuable lesson the next day when I received a call from Alberto, my son. He had read the blog and suddenly knew that he must intervene with a word of truth. He called to give me a reality check.

“Mom, listen to me.” He was very firm and strong as he began to outline the truth of my identity in Christ. He reminded me of the ministry I had been called to do and that I must stand on the truth of “who I am in Christ Jesus”. “Quit listening to Satan’s lies pull it together”, he commanded.

Then with a gentler voice, he said; “Mom, I love you, you are stronger than this and you know the truth of God’s strength in you. You have been through a lot worse with God’s guidance. So, why would you, now, let your testimony be destroyed over something you have no control over? I don’t understand; because, I wish I had the testimony of strength you do.  You have the power of God in you to control your response to the situation at hand; so, use it. By the way, I am not the one who is the best listener. So, if you need someone to listen, call Ron or Melissa. Love you.” With that, he hung up.

NOT ALONE

Suddenly, I realized that I was not a force of one. As I reflected on what had happened, I realized that God designed our pilgrimage journey on this earth in such a manner as to need each other.

EPHESIANS 4:4-7,16 (TLB)

⁴ We are all parts of one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same glorious future. ⁵ For us there is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ and we all have the same God and Father who is over us all and in us all, and living through every part of us. ⁷ However, Christ has given each of us special abilities … Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly, and each part in its own special way helps the other parts, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

NEEDING EACH OTHER

When Christ, ascended He gave gifts to men.  Yet, God so designed the gifts in a manner that we all need each other. He did not give you or me all the gifts; allowing us to stand alone.  Each of us hold one primary motivational gift. For the work of the church to grow and prosper, we need all the spiritual gifts working in harmony. That means, we need each other.

Jesus Christ, chose your unique spiritual gift; just as He did mine and every individual one who makes up His body, the church.

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, ‘When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.’  Ephesians 4:7-8

Harmoniously, united we stand strong.  No one stands alone.  Together, in love we become a force that cannot be destroyed when storms surround us.  Each reaching out in love, we strengthen each other.

That day, Alberto stepped out of his comfort zone and God for a moment equipped him with the gift of exhortation; although, his primary gifts are leadership and giving (equally).  Yes, sometimes God allows us to utilize other gifts in moments of crisis; as, He did that day.  And, yes; some people have two gifts equally balanced, when, God so chooses.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

When we try to stand alone, we often become angry, embittered and lose perspective.  God designed His church, so we would need each other.  He did the same within the family.  We need to learn how to value each other’s uniqueness in the body of the church, the family and the community; reaching out our hands in love and unity.

This week my heart bleeds for all those hurting in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.  Each day, I pray for God to strengthen those who have lost so much.  Still, I know; God has a plan for good.  Perhaps the blessing in the middle of this tragedy is: People reaching out their hand to help each other, proving to them, they are not alone.  We all need each other and need to love each other; as Christ loved us, willing to suffer and even die to save us.

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

A Broken and Contrite Heart, I published in 2010, answers the question, “What do I do when I keep falling into the same sin? Does God hate me because I keep failing to get this right?  So, where do I begin again and find joy in my salvation; after, falling.  If you want to know more about this book or the other 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.

Although the inscription is mine the Photo by Neil Thomas on Unsplash