From the horrific scenes of bombings in the streets that take so many lives to the chaos, anger and hatred rioting in our streets; we weep over the sorrows of this angry world.  We wonder about the very idea of peace in a world where so many voices scream so loudly that no one hears truth. Yet, for those who know Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord; hope arises in our hearts; because, we know our being is found in Him, our hope is anchored in His Sovereign Purposed Will for us, and our position is secured by Him as the Blessed, Beloved, Redeemed Children of God Almighty.  The sorrows of this world rip at our hearts and souls; however, our hearts securely held in the palm of God’s loving hand, we stand firm, unmovable in Christ.

No matter what trials we face; we can stand firmly planted upon the truths of our position in Christ.  To do so, we must focus on His truth; not our temporary circumstances. Sometimes we cannot see our way.  Financially living from paycheck to paycheck, struggling to make ends meet, we allow doubts to possess our minds.  Fighting illness, death, pain and sorrows in an angry world obsessed with rage; we allow turmoil to enter our hearts.  However, the truth of Jesus Christ rings forth power, hope; declaring our destiny in Him.  When we really know our position in Christ Jesus; having already claimed our place and purpose; then, we stand strong, joyful, and hopeful in the face of every storm.  Knowing that I am the Blessed, Beloved, Redeemed Child of a Sovereign, Omnipotent God casts aside any fears, worries or doubts.

IN AN ANGRY WORLD

Continue reading How to Stand Firm, Unmovable in An Angry World →

As Jesus tried to prepare His followers for His crucifixion, He proclaimed, ” Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).  Within 24 hours, they faced the chaos of the trial and the cross.  He died and then on day 3 arose from the grave; providing their redemption from sin.  Despite that, they faced a constant barrage of anger, hate and disdain in this world; as they proclaimed the gospel of Christ! So, what kind of peace; did Christ promise us? Certainly, as He said, this was not the peace of this world; but, rather a much greater peace: a peace with God our Creator.  As God’s redeemed we have peace with God; a peace so much greater, and so undeserved given by Grace alone.

The true definition of redeemed is twofold according to the dictionaries.  One refers to the compensation or atonement for faults, failures, bad habits, and atrocities.  The second refers to the purchase of a possession previously lost.  In the case of our redemption, both stand true. Before accepting Christ, we are lost.  Our position with God is one of enmity, despair; as our hearts filled with sin cannot stand before a perfectly righteous God.  Yet, in Christ, our position transforms into that of the redeemed.  Often, in the old testament; God redeemed His people from the penalties of their sin.  Their sin and rebellion lead to their captivity by barbarians; yet, when they cried out to God, He redeemed them.  God’s Grace and love redeemed His people back into favor with Him.

FINDING PEACE AS GOD’S REDEEMED

Continue reading How to Really Know Peace as God’s Redeemed →

In a world filled with so many evil forces, their are a few brave men and women who humbly, willingly give their all to stand in the gap to protect us from evil.  Today I write for you this memorial day poem as a reminder of how truly selfless these men and women are; relentlessly facing evil foe, so that we might be safe. Because of their sacrifice, we live in a land of freedom.  Furthermore, we rarely take the time to give them the full honor they and their families deserve.  They truly give up their today so that we may continue to have tomorrow. Jesus said:

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13-14

BECAUSE HE LOVED THIS LAND AND HIS FAMILY

by Effie Darlene Barba

 

He held his wife ever so tight

And kissed each precious child goodnight

Tomorrow early he would leave to fight

For all that’s good and all that right

 

The fight against such evil foe

Is where he knew he would have to go

Defending for us the life we know

For love, his patriotism show

 

The training never could prepare

A heart and mind so quick to share

For even those who do not care

Who burn the flag and hate declare!

 

How could it be they hate this land

And the all for which our flag does stand?

Do they not see the dreams they have planned,

Can only be found when evil is banned?

 

If evil were to have its way

There’d be no place for them to stay

Enjoying freedom’s right to say

What’s in their hearts or even pray!

 

And so tomorrow he will leave

Ignoring that his heart does grieve

He would go to battle, no reprive

For those who do and don’t belive

 

He’d give his life to keep us free

In hope of a world where peace might be

Where good and righteousness we see

To live a life of liberty

 

So tomorrow he will go to fight

For all that’s good and all that’s right

He kissed each precious child good night

And held his wife ever so tight

A YEAR LATER

Time passed on and his wife then cried

Tears of such sorrow and of pride

The phone call came that he had died

With many warriors at his side

 

The men and women fought that day

They held their ground, they would not sway

Their bravery had made the way

For victory to gain a new pathway

 

He gave his life for you and me

That we might live in liberty

He bravely fought to set us free

Because he loved this land and his family

concluding tweets

[bctt tweet=”He bravely fought to set us free Because he loved this land and his family” username=”effiedarlene”]

[tweetthis]He gave his life for you and me That we might live in liberty[/tweetthis]

[bctt tweet=”They gave up their today, so we might enjoy our tomorrow; therefore, let us stop to honor them” username=”effiedarlene”]

OTHER MEMORIAL DAY POEM

https://myglorytoglory.com/poetry/a-memorial-day-tribute-poetry-sunday.html

https://myglorytoglory.com/poetry/a-poetic-tribute-to-our-military-heroes.html

And for our officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice

https://myglorytoglory.com/christianblog/not-tonight-a-poetic-tribute-to-our-officers.html

This is an original Drawing by an amazing artist. Check out his work: http://roninron.com .

You cannot copy or duplicate this picture without permission; because of copyright laws.

featured photograph is protected by copyright laws and is used here by permission of: https://www.123rf.com/profile_tanaonte

©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.  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.

 

Yesterday, after great anticipation; I received the artistry for my first independently published book.  This being a dream of mine to share with the world.  My son worked for months on the artistry of that book; while I anxiously awaited the arrival.  A tabletop book to inspire anyone who faced the sorrows of searching for love, sacrificial fighting to hold tight to a loved one, and then losing them to death.  The artistry magnificent when I opened the email filled with the illustrations.  Yet, suddenly; my heart became filled with fear.  The steps too complicated to now go from this to the finished product.  Perhaps, I am not smart enough to finish this!  What is the next step? Is it worth the money I must spend to do this? Satan working overtime to cause fear and make me forget “In Christ, I am living blessed, even in a Chaotic World.”

Often, we allow ourselves to become paralyzed by negative thoughts; because, we listen to Satan’s lies.  Certainly not a new occurrence in our modern society.  King David frequently was found to “preach to himself” in the Psalms.  You need only read the book of Psalms to find this occurring repeatedly.  One prime example is noted in Psalm 42 & 43

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore, will I remember thee Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

Thinking Truth, not lies

Continue reading 10 Steps to Living Blessed in A Chaotic World →

As we stepped onto the dance floor for the mother/son dance; my heart overflowed with joy. In the background, a video of Alberto’s life played; therefore, few watched us.  Alberto lowered his head onto my shoulder and whispered,  “Mom, thank you for always believing and always praying” Then, I whispered, “Oh, but son—this has little to do with me and everything to do with Christ”. His reply, “Yes, mom; but who introduced me to Jesus? You did!.” Immediately, overwhelmed, I realized how blessed my life was. I looked across the room and saw Ron at the table with his family and saw him laughing with his infectious laugh of joy. Beside him, sat my beautiful daughter and her family.

My heart abounding with joy; because, I realized God miraculously fulfilled a promise made 30 years earlier; when, I, facing a crucial crossroad, decided to stay though I wanted to run. God gave me the faith to trust and obey Him against all odds and now, on this my son’s wedding day I knew He had fulfilled the promise that He would protect, guide and lead my children through whatever trial would come.  The battles with Pete’s bipolar disorder with its moments of abusive violence, his subsequent death; followed by my cancer and a cascade of financial and health issues that followed.  Through it all, God remained faithful.  Each step of the way, God gently, patiently lead my heart to know the truth:  In Christ, I am blessed beyond measure.

BLESSED, WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

You might wonder how I consider myself so blessed with all the trials and heartaches I faced along this journey.  Perhaps, we must first define the word blessed; because, many begin with a misconception of the words.  Often, we consider people blessed if they have great financial success or a life without any trials: beautiful family, no turmoil, wonderful job, and on we go with ideas of the word blessed.  We find two Greek words in the Bible translated as Blessed.  Μακάριος (Makarios) and εὐλογέω (Eulogeo).  Μακάριος means satisfaction from experiencing the fullness of God—not lacking in anything. εὐλογέω (Eulogeo) means to speak well of or show favor toward as when God speaks forth His favor toward us.

Let’s look at both of these so as to gain a little deeper understanding of the word “blessed”.

(MAKARIOS) BLESSED

 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.  Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Matthew 5:3-11

At first glance, not exactly what we want to consider: poor in spirit, sorrowful, meek, sinners seeking righteousness, persecuted and hated.  That certainly doesn’t denote the ideas of blessed in our society! Yet, the truth remains; without God’s presence in our life–none of this world’s blessings can satisfy our soul.  Therefore, those who do not rely on this earth’s pleasure; find their pleasure in God who does come to comfort them in their time of need, protect them in their persecution, and promise them His Best in their life both here and in eternity.  Satisfaction and joy come by knowing the fullness of God indwelling, filling, and guiding their every step.

 

εὐλογέω (Eulogeo) Blessed

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: ⁴ According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: ⁵ Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, ⁶ To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Ephesians 1:3-6

God spoke upon us His Blessings.  Furthermore, He has blessed us in Christ Jesus with every spiritual blessing.  Despite our unworthiness, our frailties, and our self-exalting hearts, He chose to bestow upon us the righteousness of His precious son; that we might enjoy all the blessings of the son as children, bought and purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ.  Think about this!

HOW TO MAKE THIS A REALITY IN YOUR LIFE

Knowing all this in our minds does not always guarantee that our hearts remember our blessed position; because we on this earth tend to look at our difficulties. Often, we fall into moments of despair, not remembering our position in Christ as blessed.  Because we see our circumstances as insurmountable, we allow the weight of world fall upon our shoulders.   Well, that my dear friends we shall address on Friday. Then, I will give you ten steps to transform how you see life.  For now, let me say, blessing begin when you know Jesus Christ as your Savior. If you don’t please go to my page How to Be Saved.  Write me, or comment below so I can pray with you, for you.  May God richly bless you and open your heart to see His blessings as He pours them forth upon you.

concluding tweets

[tweetthis]Blessed: ‘knowing God and the fullness of His favor’ because of Grace[/tweetthis]

[bctt tweet=”Knowing my position as Blessed and Beloved in Christ, trials are mere stepping stones to Glory.” username=”effiedarlene”]

This is an original Drawing by an amazing artist. Check out his work: http://roninron.com .

You cannot copy or duplicate this picture without permission; because of copyright laws.

 

 

 

featured photograph compliments of https://unsplash.com/@lucabravo

©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.  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.