What is the Significance of the Supreme Court?

 

You shall appoint judges and officers in all your gates, which the Lord your God gives you … and they shall judge the people with just judgment. 19 You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality, nor take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. Deuteronomy 16:18-19 (NKJV)

 

Here in the United States of America we are moving ever closer to perhaps the most important election in the history of our nation since that of Abraham Lincoln. It is for that reason, that I as a Christian writer am taking the time to present scriptural evidence along with the differences of platform for both candidates to point out why as a Christian you must vote for Christian values or be prepared to live with the consequences.

The Supreme Court of the United States of America is established under Article III of the Constitution. In Article III, it is outlined that the Supreme Court has ultimate jurisdiction. As the ultimate authority of the law of this land, it can “strike down” any laws brought forward by the legislative or executive branches of the government that it deems as “unconstitutional”.  Additionally, it has the power to frame our society by hearing the cases

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I Bid Adieu In Memory of My Dear Friend, Rayla

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  I Corinthians 15:52-55

 

Today, I go to attend a memorial service for a lifelong friend, Rayla Stewart Hogue.  My first memories were as small children singing “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine” at a small country church.  Rayla did just that throughout her lifetime. Her light shone bright for all the world to see. Now she is singing with her amazing voice within the choirs of heaven.  Rather than feelings of sadness, I celebrate her life with this calm, comforting truth.  We will meet again, one day soon and what rejoicing that will be.  As such, I wrote this poem in tribute to Rayla, our friendship, and our bond as Sisters in Christ.

I Bid Adieu

By Effie Darlene Barba

 

Remember when we laughed that day

Our lives then went their separate way

We traveled paths down different roads

To meet again as life unfolds

 

As though our lives were ne’er apart

Just as we were, friends from the start

A peaceful place where we could share

Our darkest secrets or sweetest prayer

 

And know that in this realm of life

We’re safe from any harm or strife

For in this love of truest friends

Our flaws are filtered through this lens

 

A lens of Grace where love abounds

Where peace and hope our heart surrounds

And so, dear friend; once more we part

As you this world was bid depart

 

You went ahead to be with God

While I am left this world to trod

One day I know we’ll meet once more

Upon that bright and distant shore

 

And so, dear friend I bid adieu

Until I’m standing there with you

We’ll raise our voices then to sing

A song of praise unto our King

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016

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.

How Can We Hope for Dignity to Be Restored?

‘Repent now everyone of his evil way and his evil doings, and dwell in the land that the Lord has given to you and your fathers forever and ever. 6 Do not go after other gods to serve them and worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands; and I will not harm you.’ 7 Yet you have not listened to Me,” says the Lord, “that you might provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands to your own hurt. Jeremiah 25:4-7 (NKJV)

God pleaded with the Jewish people to not turn their backs upon Him. He pleaded that they not worship other Gods; yet, they would not listen. He sent many prophets to warn them. Indeed, the northern tribes had been taken captive; yet, the people would not listen. In the midst of all the warnings, there did arise a King. King Josiah lead the people into revival that lead the tribe of Judah into a time of prosperity that lasted throughout his lifetime. After his death the people once more turned to idolatry and were taken captive by the Babylonians. God is a God of love; but, He is also a God of Righteousness. We are given a choice. We may follow that which is Godly or we may chase after our own foolish earthly desires. He has honored us with the right to choose; yet, if we choose to turn our backs on God, we choose to be separated from His Goodness, Kindness, and Glory as well. Continue reading How Can We Hope for Dignity to Be Restored?

Why Is This Election So Important for The World?

Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8

 

Though I normally am very much a home body and somewhat of a loner most of the time; last night I had several choices of where to go. I could go to a very fine restaurant as a guest while being wined and dined about new research. Or as my original plan had been, I could drive 2 hours to hear one of my favorite pastors speak for which I had reserved my place. The third choice I learned of late in the course of things was to go to the local theatre to join with millions of Christians across the nation in one large prayer and worship service called “Revive Us”. In the end, I chose the third. As I entered all alone: well I not really alone for God is always with me. The theater began to fill with people; yet, for quite some time no one had sat down beside me. Then, suddenly three women sat to my right. The service was inspiring, uplifting and beautiful. Little did I know all of what God was doing until the end. At that time, these dear Christian ladies and I began to talk. We were the last to leave and I knew “God had done it again.” I had just met three beautiful sisters in Christ and our bond was quick, sudden as though; we had known each other for a lifetime. They all were writers.

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How to Find the Courage to Finish the Race

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Falsely accused, condemned, all alone in a dark dungeon; Paul wrote this final letter to a young preacher whom he longed to see. Paul knew that soon he would be executed for preaching the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Betrayed by many friends and forsaken by the very people whom he was trying to save by telling the truth. How does one finish the course and stand for truth when everything and everyone is attacking you from every side?

So, many dear Christians around the world are faced with this dilemma every day. Their reality is that they could lose their life for standing up for the truth of the gospel. Do I have that kind of courage to speak truth? Or would I wish to hide and speak truth only when it is convenient? There comes a time when each of us must consider, stand up and fight for truth. We must stand on the side of Christ even if that means we are attacked from every side. Continue reading How to Find the Courage to Finish the Race

Inspiring Joy in Lifes Toughest Moments