Along with our inner desire for love and happiness, there dwells the desire to succeed.  Deep within our being, there is a longing for Glory; because, everyone is born with the desire to seek Glory.  We long for things of beauty and excellence.  We yearn to belong and be a part of that which is eternal.  This is true of everyone; even, the atheist wants to leave some indelible mark on this world.   All too often, we want to know the how to ascend to the Edge of Glory; without wondering about the who or the why. Our purpose becomes skewed; as we see the end as more important than the means.   Precisely, the reason so many Christians also are deceived into believing we were created that we might bring God Glory; instead of realizing, that He graciously wants to share with us His Glory.

There is a very fine distinction between the two.  The idea that I might bring God Glory, focuses on me and my accomplishments.  Self-focus can, during moments of success, bring elation and joy.  However, it brings great despair; whenever, we fail to succeed. After all, with so many people on the planet; we cannot all be number 1, all the time.  Sometimes, we win and at other times we may lose.  Often, because others and we, ourselves become focused on personal achievement, we become obsessed with our failures. Then, we turn to lives of quiet desperation, feeling rejected, lonely and inadequate.  It is no wonder our society is plagued by depression, addictions, suicides, anger and selfishness.

We are drowning in an ocean of  hearts seeking Glory, without understanding true purpose. Furthermore, ashamed to admit the critical tapes in our own heads, we push on: wanting success, wanting to find the edge of Glory.

A SHIFT IN FOCUS

Continue reading How to Ascend to The Edge of Glory →

Alone, broken-hearted; I wept bitterly through the night.  After all the years of what I thought was serving God, here I was.  Not only was I alone; having been betrayed by my own search for love.  Now, I faced betrayal at work.  The one place where I had diligently served and had rose to a place of respect; the only place I believed I was loved.  Perhaps I had grown too proud of my position. After all, it brought me great joy to know I was looked up too.  I had fought for Christ so many years; or so, I believed.  Yet, there still were all those “if only” thoughts that would plague me at times.  If only I were successful, or had more money, or was a little thinner.  Perhaps, still the biggest; if only someone loved me: then, I could be happy.

Happiness and joy appeared so often in my life like a see saw.  One moment up and the next crashing to the ground.  This time, it came with a crushing blow.  The one place, I always excelled was in the workplace.  Now, I was the accused.  Months went by and in fact, I  resigned and started my move to Missouri from Florida before everything was cleared.  Yet, I felt a sadness deep within.   Then, in Missouri; God left me with a part time job where I faced many difficulties, criticisms, and struggles at first.  My applications for a second job marked denied. Never had I faced rejections of this kind before.  Suddenly my last stronghold of self pride, crumbled within me.

DISCOVERING THE SOURCE OF TRUE JOY

Continue reading How Can a Devastating Loss lead to Perfect Joy? →

Have you ever loved someone dearly with all your heart, only to have that love rejected? The desperate agonizing feeling when you come to realize the truth, the nauseating sensation in the pit of your stomach, and the despair that follows; all because they did not see or accept your gift of love.  You would have sacrificed anything, just to make them happy; but, alas, they turned their back and walked away.  Or perhaps a friend, a parent, or even a child; who despite the love you poured out upon them, returned disdain and spewed hate toward you instead.  Imagine this, God created the world and humanity that He might lavish His love upon a people; instead, the vast majority have turned their backs upon that love, spewed hate filled words, sought after other loves, and rejected the greatest gift that He could give-eternity in the presence of perfect love.

God created the heavens and earth, with all that therein lies to shower His love upon a people.  He created us with a body, soul, and spirit with which we could feel the emotional impact of love and joy.  We could see splendor, beauty and the exuberance of Glory.  His Divine Purpose was to shower us with love, fill us with His joy, and to share with us His Glory.  Yet, for us to experience the fullness of His Glorious Being, we were given choice.  Just as I cannot know the splendor of light, without having experienced darkness; neither can I understand God’s perfect Righteousness or Justice, without having seen the absence.  Perhaps, Adam had not fully realized what he had; until, it was gone. Adam had walked each day in the garden with God.  He had God’s love lavished upon him.  Never had Adam been without joy!

REJECTED

Continue reading How Can Perfect Love Be Rejected So Easily? →

The more precious I recognize Jesus to be in my life, the less I consider the cost.  Whatever the cost may be, I realize that true joy, hope and peace can only be found in Him.  As He becomes the central focus of my life, circumstances of this world fade from my view.

Whatever the Cost, Your Praise I’ll Sing

By Effie Darlene Barba

 

It was a cross that set me free

And purchased there my victory

While Jesus there my case did plead

So willingly to die and bleed

Never shirking such wretched pain

He bore my sin, it’s crimson stain

To cloak me with His righteousness

Though I am merely nothingness

 

I have no Glory I can bring

No accolades of which to sing

Until I find my place in Him

From darkness, then His light can beam

Upon a World so filled with need

That then my heart desires to plead

On bended knees, their case in prayer

I willingly my cross do bear

 

Whatever sorrow I must face

To point someone to God’s dear Grace

Dear Lord, my life I give to You

To do with as You wish to do

My journey guided by Your hand

Your strength alone on which I stand

So, take my life and let it be

Whatever You desire for me

 

And If for me you choose a cross

That I might count all gain but loss

Compared to You, my Lord and King

My Joy will still Your praises sing

Philippians 3:7-9

 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 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:

CONCLUDING TWEETS

[tweetthis]Whatever the cost, I surrender all just to know Him[/tweetthis]

[bctt tweet=”I have no Glory I can bring No accolades of which to sing Until I find my place in Him” username=”effiedarlene”]

[tweetthis]Every trial I face is but a stepping stone to God’s Glory[/tweetthis]

[bctt tweet=”Dear Lord, my life I give to You To do with as You wish to do Your Glory shining through” 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 picture at the top of the post is used by permission https://unsplash.com/@robinvet  Although, I added the inscription

©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.

 

 

Purpose is defined as the reason for which something is done, created or exists. Therefore, understanding primarily the reason for my creation, (why I exist); defines the purpose which drives my actions.  Therefore, it is essential to understand the purpose for which I was created.  Inside that knowledge, lies the power that transforms me from Victim to Warrior in every situation of life. Knowing that God’s plan for my life is showering upon me His Joy, His love and His Glory, I begin to see life through His eyes.  My view changes from victim to warrior by reason of His Will, just by knowing this truth.

If (as some wrongly believe) I exist to perform acts for God which are impossible to do on my own; then, I will be always in a rollercoaster state of striving and giving up.  On the other hand, if my purpose is to be a receptacle of God’s love, joy and Glory; then, my task becomes emptying myself of pride, arrogance, and selfish desire, so, that He becomes the goal. Then, above all else; my desire becomes knowing Him fuller, spending time in His presence, and embracing His Will for my life–no matter what!  Furthermore, when I recognize His Being; the more evident becomes my nothingness.  Recognizing He has the best plan for me, I surrender to His Will Joyfully.

From Victim to Warrior

There was an aboding sense of fear deep within my heart until that moment I knew, this was God’s plan.  My father’s eyes filled with tears; yet, he helped me to pack my car and load the children into their car seats.  Six months earlier, I had arrived home; planning to start over.  Defeated, tired, I bore the scars and bruises of domestic abuse.  Accomplished as a nurse; able to make my own living–certainly, I was not your usual victim of abuse.  I had options.  So, why did I return?  Before you think I am telling women to remain in abuse; let me say, that I would tell anyone to run as fast as they can; unless, as was my case, God clearly says, Go back. Continue reading How to Transform Victims to Warriors by Reason of Truth →