Poetry Sunday: The Master Weaver

January 10, 2016 Effie Barba

When I gaze back over my life, I am reminded of my own stumbling steps. Scattered bits of broken threads strewn along the way. Yet, every step of the way; God has picked up the pieces of thread and continues to weave His portrait from my life. You see, that was the promise—“all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called for His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He did predestinate to be conformed into the image of His Son” (Romans 8:28-29). His plan is to transform me into the likeness of Christ. He picks up all the broken threads and tightly weaves them together as He has planned. It has been God’s Grace, Mercy and Love which has lead me ever closer to His side. It has been God’s Grace, Mercy and Love that patiently has been working to transform me. Every sorrow, every trial, every broken heart, and every detail has been to lead me to this moment so that I might say to you like Francis Crosby, “All the Way my Savior leads me, what have I to ask beside? Can I doubt His tender Mercy; who through life has been my guide?”

Below is a poem that I wrote several years ago. My prayer is that it serve as a reminder to you, dear pilgrim, that whatever it is you may be facing today; God has a perfect plan to lead your heart ever closer to Him. Then you will realize that in Him is found all you need to fill your heart. He is the love to your lonely heart, the joy that sustains you through life’s sorrows, and the grace that covers all your sins, and frailties. One day, I will look like Christ—this I know. Maybe not today; but, one day I will.

The Master Weaver

by Effie Darlene Barba

Broken threads my life you found

And with your love each piece you bound

A song of love your lips resound

With gentle hands, each thread you place

Oh could it be, amazing grace

A picture clear, my Savior’s face

What joy divine, could it be true

Each broken thread, you only knew

When woven tight would look like you

The Scarlet threads my broken heart

The deepest sorrows blue impart

Each silver thread of tears that fell

You guide my life with such detail

A brilliant gold, your love divine

My sins were washed, a white sublime

You gently weave with skillful hand

The portrait mine that you have planned

Oh, let me Lord remember this

That I might know with joy and bliss

You did ordain my every tear

That I might learn to never fear

That I might trust the weaver’s hand

And on this hope and promise stand

Your love will always know what’s best

Your cradling arms are where I rest

Broken threads my life you found

And with your love each piece you bound

A song of love your lips resound

With gentle hands, each thread you place

Oh could it be, amazing grace

A picture clear, my Savior’s face

What joy divine, could it be true

Each broken thread, you only knew

When woven tight would look like you

The song made from this poem is The Master Weaver which I hope inspires you today to find in Him your hope, peace and joy today—no matter what trials you must face today.

Photograph courtesy of unsplash.com/jonathanpendleton –The inscription I added.

©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.

Christian Blog

HOW CAN SOMETHING SO TERRIBLY WRONG BE ACTUALLY GOOD?

January 8, 2016 Effie Barba

HOW CAN SOMETHING SO TERRIBLY WRONG BE ACTUALLY GOOD?

We look around us at all the suffering, pain, and agony of this broken world. Wars, terrorism, and tragedies that occur many proclaiming to be in the name of God. Such tragedies have occurred throughout all the centuries since man’s heart first chose to worship the creation more than the creator. We see the natural disasters and ask God why? Then there are those agonizing sorrows much closer to our own hearts when we watch one of our children suffer. Even more agonizing is when we look back and realize that perhaps our own foolish choices may have been a part of their suffering now. Our very best efforts to protect, provide for, love and guide was not enough. Those memories we thought would elevate us become like ashes that fly away into the sky and all we have is shame or guilt. We look into heaven and wonder “how could a Sovereign God allow this?” Couldn’t He have enlightened me more, then? And what about mental illness, such as my mother’s bipolar disorder? Is God somewhere to be found in the midst of their agony? Or what about physical illnesses such as the cancer I lived through. Does God use all the failures, the illnesses, the broken pieces of our lives and our world to create something beautiful? I know that He really does do just that; and because I know that, I can rest in His love, His peace, and His joy in the midst of every circumstance of this pilgrimage journey. I can trust Him, even when everything around me looks bleak and disastrous. Let me explain to you how I know and the steps which will help you to trust Him in the storms.

BOUND AND CARRIED AWAY

Jesus had declared “I AM the one you seek.” He had willingly surrendered to the cohort of men. In fact, He performed a miracle by restoring the ear of one. He could call a legion of angels and no man could hold Him. In fact, in plain day and plain sight, He had escaped their capture while standing before them teaching. Despite all of this, there in the darkness of the night, they chained Him and bound Him; as if their chains had any power over Him. Then they lead Him to the courts of the High Priest. We are reminded of Caiaphas words: “that it is expedient that one man die, rather than the whole nation perish” (John 18:14 and John 11:50). Something so tragically wrong, that perfect righteousness—the awaited Messiah would be sentenced to death in “the name of God” by the very ones He came to save.

Continue reading HOW CAN SOMETHING SO TERRIBLY WRONG BE ACTUALLY GOOD? →

Christian Blog

Why Was This Encounter with Jesus Really so Surprising?

January 6, 2016 Effie Barba

Why was this encounter with Jesus really so surprising?

The cohort of soldiers dispatched with their flickering lanterns, torches and weapons were prepared to fight as they crossed the bridge into the garden. Theirs was a simple command that must be carried out. They were accompanied by Judas and servants of the high priest. They expected the suspect to either run to hide or be prepared to fight. Particularly they had heard that this man had a lot of devoted followers who would defend him. So, as they crossed the bridge they were surprised that Jesus approached them to ask who they were looking for, as though He didn’t know. Yet, He knew. He had just spent agonizing hours alone in prayer with the Father preparing for this very moment. Judas knew that Jesus would be there in the garden, so often He had gone there to pray while the apostles slept. It was His place of solace—His prayer room whenever in Jerusalem. To the surprise of these officers, when they said that they were looking for Jesus of Nazareth; He responded “I AM HE” (John 18:5). They stepped back and fell to the ground in preparation to fight—they must be in position to defend themselves they thought. There were between 300 to 600 men all preparing for the battle. Again, Jesus says, “Who are you looking for?” Once more they say, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Then again, Jesus says; “I told you I AM He; so I am here—take me. Let these my friends go in peace, if I am who you seek.”

I AM HE WHO YOU SEEK

Not at all what they expected!! Even more surprising when Peter took his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant Malchus; Christ made Peter put away the sword. Then, miraculously Jesus placed His hand over the bleeding wound and restored the ear!! What was so different about this man? Did they understand what Jesus meant when He responded “I AM HE?” Did they know He meant, “I AM THE GREAT I AM; the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:13).

Continue reading Why Was This Encounter with Jesus Really so Surprising? →

Christian Blog

7 Attributes of Glory Displayed In the Heart of Jesus

January 4, 2016 Effie Barba

7 Attributes of Glory Displayed In the Heart of Jesus

As we walk along this pilgrimage journey, we often must face sorrow, pain, loss, and loneliness. Our hearts long to belong, to be known, or to have left a mark on this world. It is the common cry of the human heart to want to be someone, anyone. We want to be remembered or noticed. We long for Glory without even realizing the truths of what it means to be truly Glorious. Webster’s definition of Glory is splendid beauty, worthy of honor and admiration. What truly is Glorious? Would it not be to have splendor, majesty, and honor that is without blemish? Yet, the human heart that is so prone to self-exaltation would be at such risk of pride blemishing the very reflection of Glory once obtained. So, what are the true attributes of Glory? In John 17, as Jesus prays to the Father while walking toward the Garden of Gethsemane; we are given a glimpse of true Glory.

There are seven attributes that we see displayed in the heart of Jesus that are the core essence of His Glory. They are why His Name is Above all other names to be praised with Glory and Honor. Those attributes are:

Continue reading 7 Attributes of Glory Displayed In the Heart of Jesus →

Christian Poetry

Poetry Sunday Out of the Darkness, I hear Your Love Song

January 3, 2016 Effie Barba

This Christian Pilgrimage will always be laden with mountains and valleys deep. We can rest assured that God has a perfect plan that will guide us along the way. Sometimes in the evening hours, I may feel defeated by the day or discouraged by my own heart’s foolish desires. Yet, this I know. God is everyday and every night about the task of perfecting my heart so that one day, I will be His Radiant, Unblemished Child. Then, I will fully understand the depth of His love and be filled with the fullness of His Joy. For now, I stand firm; clothed in the Righteousness of Christ. Last night as I went to bed, I had no song to write. As I whispered a prayer before I went to sleep, I asked God to send me a new song by morning break. I awoke with these words playing in my head. He is an Amazing Father. He is my fountain of Joy in the deserts of my heart. He is my Greatest Treasure and the Love of my Life.

Out of the Darkness, I hear Your Love Song

By Effie Darlene Barba

I gazed at the world, such sorrows abound

The tragedies, trials which seem to surround

I looked deep in my heart where sadness I found

From foolish desires and dreams so profound

Like smoldering flames upon desert ground

That burned into ashes and scattered around

I whispered then softly a cry with a prayer

A plea sent resounding throughout the night air

“Forgive me, I know this foolish heart of mine

Sometimes does tend to moan and to whine

I truly do wish my heart could be free

To Love you, My Lord as You have loved me.”

I did not then wait to hear your reply

As off to my bed I did go with a sigh

Then Out of the darkness I hear your love song

Erasing my sorrows from all I’ve done wrong

Enwrapped by your presence I know I belong

My frail, broken heart began beating so strong

For You are the Joy for which I so long

“Oh love of my life, stay here by my side

My Savior, My Lord in your grace I abide

Lying here in my bed, tightly tucked in your arms

I drift back to sleep safe from all of life’s harms”

And then I awake, to face a brand new day

Restored by your love, I bow down to pray

“Oh let my life song be a tribute to you

A light in the darkness the world now to view

How your Mercy and Grace did my heart now renew

From the ashes of sorrow, a garden you grew

Like Rivers and fountains of Joy in my heart

Bringing life to this desert-a fresh brand new start

Oh, Thank You dear Lord for all that you’ve done

But mostly I thank you for Your Precious Son.

The perfect reflection of all that you are

My Savior, My King, My Bright Morning Star”

[bctt tweet=”Never be afraid to lay your burdens, fears, & frailties at the foot of the cross every evening “] [bctt tweet=”You will be awakened by God’s Gracious Love and Joy will be yours in the morning light.”]

Photo used courtesy of Unsplash.com. I added the inscription.

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.