Does God Really Answer The Prayers Of The Broken And Lost?

December 25, 2015 Effie Barba

What a wondrous and beautiful morning it is—a moment in which we can reflect on the magnificent truth that is ours because Jesus Christ chose to be born in a lowly manger. He came to bring life abundantly full of joy, hope, peace and love. He promised, “Ask whatever you will in my name and it will be accomplished.”

Christmas 2015 with one of my Granddaughters, Annabella Grace

Yet, as we approach this season; I know of many who only long for peace. For some, there are conflicts within their family or their community. There are those who are afraid to name the name of Jesus because it will cost them their lives. There are those whose minds are filled with anxiety over their finances. Others are facing trials or burdens brought on by their own failures and they wonder if there could ever be forgiveness and love. While others face financial ruin and poverty despite giving their all to a job that was unappreciated. For some, they feel the ache of loneliness; having lost a loved one or having had their heart broken-with the pieces like shattered glass crushed upon the floor. Those may ask, “where is the hope, the joy, the love and the peace of this season or my life?” In the midst of all the broken dreams, how can I pray or believe that God hears my prayer and much less answers them? You see, my dear readers and friends; I too have been there all too often in my life. For that reason, please read on–let me tell you a bit of my journey so that you might realize the wondrous joy that can be yours.

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Christian Blog

How Should I Pray To Be Heard By God?

December 23, 2015 Effie Barba

How Should I Pray To Be Heard By God?

Over the course of the evening, Jesus had said three times, “Ask what you will in my name and it will be done” (John 14:13, John 15:7, and John 15:16). We long with all our hearts to know that truth in our own lives. We pray for peace on earth; yet, we turn on the news and hear of hatred, violence, and terror. We pray for healing of a loved one while we watch them slipping away with some agonizing death—we feel helpless and lost. We pray for prosperity and instead we face sudden financial ruin or the loss of our ability to earn an income instead. Is it some lack of faith on our part that hinders our prayer? Did Jesus mean this to be true only for some and not for me? How can I pray so that God will answer my prayers that way? Perhaps if we look closer to each of these scriptures we can gain a little insight into the “how to have that kind of response to our prayers.”

John 14(NIV): “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.¹³ And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” Immediately following, He says keep my commandments and I will send the Comforter to guide you, instruct you and remind you of all that I have said—He will abide in you.

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Christian Blog

How Is God’s True Love Displayed In A Friend?

December 21, 2015 Effie Barba

Throughout this lifetime, I have been a student of love. My journey was not always smooth sailing; but, the search to discovering the truth of love rarely is. Along this road, I have had my heart shattered at times; usually, because my own heart needed what others could not give. Love born out of need is always wanting and cannot ever satisfy the hungry soul. I have loved my children with a love that would be more sacrificial; yet, as I look back along the way that too I at times failed. Though my heart longed to love them with a more perfect love; the execution was not always perfect. The sorrows, brokenness and failures would cause me to withdraw into a cocoon—hoping that the hard shell would prevent any further pain entering my heart or soul. Yet, that is not where one can remain; because within that cocoon all joy, hope and life dies.

God so gently, lovingly along this journey has placed friends within my life at just the right moments. Those whom I could allow in without fear. The friends with whom I could share my deepest sorrows, my darkest failures and yet, they would remain steady and constant. Step by step they would lead on along this journey. They have been like angels of truth revealing God’s love to me. Through them, I have learned of what love really is. God has revealed Himself through them, His word and His abiding presence with me.

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Christian Poetry

Poetry Sunday- Redemption is Mine

December 20, 2015 Effie Barba

Hope, Love, and Joy fill my life because of God’s Grace. Redemption purchased my heart and throughout all the years of my life, God chose to step by step transform my heart. He has taught me of Him. He has taught me of love. He has shown me Joy.

Redemption is Mine

by Effie Darlene Barba

Redemption is mine

Oh what can it mean

Purchased as His

Washed and made clean

Tremendous the price

He paid for my life

When all that I did

Was cause him such strife

How wondrous the thought

I have been set free

My chains are now gone

Oh such jubilee

Embraced by His love

His Joy fills my heart

E’er in His presence

No way to depart

Oh how can I not

Give all that is mine

To follow His will

His Glory to shine

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

7 Amazing Truths Found In the Vineyard of God

December 18, 2015 Effie Barba

7 Amazing Truths Found In the Vineyard of God

As chapter 14 of John closes, Jesus had declared it was time to leave the upper room. There was so much He needed the apostles to understand. As they walked along the road, He continued to talk and to teach. Along the road, undoubtedly were grape vines or perhaps it was a vineyard that they passed along the way. Jesus gently, passionately began to speak again,

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.²Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away;^[a] and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ³You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.⁴Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. ⁵“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. ⁶If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. ⁷If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will^[b] ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. ⁸By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.