Effie Darlene Barba

I remember in the sixth grade, I wanted so badly to be liked.  That was the one year, I sat aside by formerly studious behaviors.  Sometimes, because we could some of us would go to the bathroom where we would giggle, laugh, and even play games of jacks.  It was so easy to goof off for a little while.  Everyone seemed to like me, at least for a little while.  I had worked hard to lose some weight.  My speech impediment pretty much gone.  Then, it happened.  For the first time, I did not go to the scholastic meet in math.  Based off one test, I got left behind.  No blue ribbon that year.  I was devastated. Humiliated and angry with myself, I knew I could do more.  Worse, how often in life, do I realize suddenly I could do more because of love for Jesus Christ, but I didn’t.

In Jesus Christ, empowered by His Holy Spirit, I could do more.  I could be better, because of love for Jesus Christ. Then why do I get so distracted.  What is it within me that draws me away from the mighty power of the Holy Spirit that indwells me?  Pettiness, pride, and selfishness pull at me. Bidding me to listen to my feelings.  Sins of my past rise steadily, reminding me of how much of a failure I am.  Even though I know I have been forgiven, Satan loves to throw his darts deep into my heart and mind.  Telling me I will never be enough.  Yet, here it is Paul telling this young church in Thessalonica, his desire is that they do more.  You have done wonderful things.  But you can do more, and even better.   

Is that not true of each of us?

I Thessalonians 4: (ESV)

 Finally, then, brothers,^[a] we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. ² For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. ³ For this is the will of God, your sanctification:^[b] that you abstain from sexual immorality; ⁴ that each one of you know how to control his own body^[c] in holiness and honor, ⁵ not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; ⁶ that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.

⁷ For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. ⁸ Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

⁹ Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, ¹⁰ for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, ¹¹ and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, ¹² so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.

Urge and Exhort You to do More- Why?

Because of love for Jesus.  My granddaughter asked me this week if it was my mother who taught me about Jesus, and I said Yes.  Mom first told me about Jesus.  I listened to sermons and then one day, I fell in love with Jesus.  She turned her head and said, “I am not certain that I have fallen in love with Jesus yet.”  I thought a lot about that.  Perhaps I have not ever loved Him to the fullness or the degree that I should either.  How quickly I get drawn aside to other things or my own desires.  How quickly I can be influenced to making the wrong decisions or even decisions for the wrong reasons.

Throughout scripture we are urged to be perfected in Christ. 

Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to ^[a]perfection,   Hebrews 6:1 (NKJV)

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

But how do we learn to Do More because of Love for Jesus Christ?

1.  Remember He is always the one who will do the work of perfecting you (Heb 12:1-2)
2. Trust in the Holy Spirit who indwells you (John 14:16, Romans 8:11)
3. Repent Quickly when you first hear the voice calling you to confess (1John 1:9)
4.  Study His word (2 Timothy 2:15, Hebrews 4:12)
5. Pray (I Thessalonians 5:16-17)
6. Remember all that He has done for you (Psalm16:8)
7. Surround yourself with shows, music and people who exhort you to keep your eyes on Jesus. (Psalm 1:1-2, 1 Corinthians 5:33)
8. Avoid willful sin.  It can place you in a position where you watch play out with great suffering the results of your sin, like David did.  Or it can cost you your witness.  One day when you stand before the Lord with nothing in your hands to give Him: what a sad day.  As you realize all you have been given, and you squandered it all on selfish desires.  I am speaking here to Christians and hope you bring you more precisely on that subject.  (Hebrews 10:26-27)
9. Remember His Grace will complete the work in you. (Hebrews 10: 16-24)

Concluding Thought

How amazing is the Grace of God to allow me, after all I have done, to have another chance to learn to be more like Him! That He will allow me to do more by surrendering all that I am into His hands to do with as He will.  Let me focus on Him and Him only.  Only then will I be step by step transformed into His image.    

Our only hope to do more for God’s glory results from a transformed new heart. We must lay aside our selfish desire because we see the absolute beauty of Jesus Christ. His glory transforms our heart as we fall in love with Him who first loved us.

How can I do more for God’s Glory? I must have a transformed heart–transformed by the love of Jesus Christ for us, compelling me to love Him

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

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Establish Your Heart Blameless at the Coming of Our Lord Jesus!  How?

DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. 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.

Credits

Photo licensed through Goodsalt.com

New English Translation (NET)

NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

In this world, we may face many trials, sorrows. There are times when it would seem the world around us is spinning out of control. Yet tear and every joy along this journey are but skipping stones to glory.

Skipping Stones to Your Glory

Storms surround my life today
Sorrows urging me to pray
With gentle voice, I hear You say
Trust in me I’ll guide your way

A pilgrim in this foreign land
Where is the hope in which I stand?
You paid the price- that just demand
And hold me firm within Your hand

 
Chorus:
So, Precious Lord let my eyes see 
That you have won my victory 
Whatever sorrows facing me 
Are skipping stones to Your Glory 


Fix my eyes on Christ my Savior King 
And then, oh then my heart will sing 
Of Your wondrous Joy in everything 
No matter what this life may bring



The sorrows of life, their ebb and tide
That force me on my knees abide
And rips away my selfish pride
That in thy Grace my tears subside


The trials that would tear apart
This fragile, broken, lonely heart
Except thy love can ne’er depart
Each day, Your Grace-my fresh new start





Chorus:
So, Precious Lord let my eyes see 
That you have won my victory 
Whatever sorrows facing me 
Are skipping stones to Your Glory 
 
Fix my eyes on Christ my Savior King 
And then, oh then my heart will sing 
Of Your Wondrous Joy in everything 
No matter what this life may bring

Romans 8:19-25

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. The earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.  For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope. Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit. Even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope. What a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?  But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

Skipping Stones to Glory

We know that God in His Mighty love is transforming us into the image of His son. Glory by glory, we are changed until we one day when we will spend eternity in His presence. Only then will we understand fully His perfect will for each of us that are in Christ Jesus. We will realize then how each sorrow or trial we faced on this earth were merely skipping stones to Glory–His Glory revealed in us. Therefore, my question to you is Do you know Him as your Lord and Savior? That is the most important question you will ever be asked to answer.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Previous Poems

Lord, Give Me Courage To Run, Courage to Stand

DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. 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.

Credits

Photo licensed through Goodsalt.com

        Paul exhorts the Christians in Thessalonica to “establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” I Thessalonians 3:13 (ESV).  Although, if you look closely, Paul lays out the steps that God uses to establish your heart blameless.  This may be through overwhelming hardship and suffering.  However, it is God who does the work of finalizing the perfecting of each Christian’s heart.  What is our part in this work?  Well, for all who know Christ as Savior and Lord, we may yield to His working, or we may like a rebellious child struggle to do it our own way.  Then like the prodigal son, we will one day come to the very end of our self.  Most often, we are transformed step by step as outlined in II Corinthians 3:18.

 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord (albeit at times through a glass dimly),^[e] are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another (from glory to glory).^[f] For this comes from the (working of the)  Lord who is the Spirit.

Regardless of the amount of work that it takes, we will be fully transformed one day. 

²⁸ And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,^[h] for those who are called according to his purpose. ²⁹ For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. ³⁰ And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.  Romans 8

Establish Your Heart Blameless at the Coming of Our Lord Jesus

Jesus is coming again.  Of this we can be certain as we have discussed over many weeks through the study of Daniel.  Paul also lays this out.  The entirety of the Bible proclaims this truth, just as it proclaimed His first coming to die on the cross and take the penalty of our sin upon His shoulder.  He will return to rapture all those who accepted His gift of salvation with repentant humbled hearts, who acknowledge Him as the way the truth and the life.

We are declared righteous from the moment we are saved.  “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1.  

This is true.  Yet, the work of perfecting us in love, so that our outward actions reflect our inward change is a work that is continuously being performed “so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” 

So, do not think your salvation secures your place in heaven and you can live as you want down here.  Won’t happen.  If you truly accepted Jesus Christ in your heart as Savior, He will establish and transform you, whatever it takes. 

#1 Accepting the Word of God as from Him

I Thessalonians 2¹³ And we also thank God constantly^[d] for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men^[e] but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. 

So, step one is recognizing that the Bible, the Gospel Message is God’s words and not the words of men.  God may use men to help to reveal His word to you; however, it is His words.  The Holy Spirit is He who can make the blind see and gives the wisdom to understand.  This one must recognize to grow spiritually.  That also means the word cannot be compromised by one’s “feeling” or desire to change any part of it.  It is eternally true and has the power to transform. 

⁷ The law of the Lord is perfect,^[c]
    reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
    making wise the simple;
⁸ the precepts of the Lord are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
    enlightening the eyes;
⁹ the fear of the Lord is clean,
    enduring forever;
the rules^[d] of the Lord are true,
    and righteous altogether.  Psalm 19

As these verses point out, the Word of God has the power to revive the soul, make the simple minded wise, bring joy to the heart, enlighten one to purity, cleanse the soul, because they are absolute in truth and righteousness.

#2:  The Role of Suffering To Establish Your Heart Blameless

Throughout scripture, suffering has been a part of cleansing.  Not only does it awaken us to the depths of evil and sin; but it turns our eyes to focus on He who is righteous.  It cleanses our heart. 

I Thessalonians 2: For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews,^[f] 15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind ¹⁶ by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last!^[g]

God has patiently waited.  One day, all the cups of sin will have been filled.  Never can He be accused of not giving everyone a chance to turn to Him.  God permits sin to run its full course, so that neither Satan nor humans may say, He gave them no chance.  As we see the depth of evil capable of the human heart, we realize we are in desperate need of a Savior.  We cannot do it on our own.  I could not see fully His righteousness until I saw the truth of what evil is in my own heart when I choose me first.  As much evil as we see surrounding us, imagine if He took away His steadying hand of Grace for even a moment. 

#3 The Reward of Witnessing

There was nothing sweeter nor more strengthening to Paul than to see the fruit of his labor.  It made the suffering worthwhile just to see their faith.  He put it this way.

I Thessalonians 2: ¹⁹ For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? ²⁰ For you are our glory and joy.

He had learned, there is no suffering too great for the salvation of one soul.  Had this not been what Jesus demonstrated for all of us to see?  Therein, God allows you to see the fruit of your labor at times to help establish your heart blameless

I Thessalonians 3: ⁷ for this reason, brothers,^[b] in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. ⁸ For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. ⁹ For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God

God will Perfect You in Love and establish your Heart Blameless

I Thessalonians 3: ¹² may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, ¹³ so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Whatever suffering, pains and sorrows you may be facing; look up your Savior draws nigh.  This world is rapidly groaning with labor pains just as Jesus said it would in the end.  Never forget, through it all He is working all things together for your God.  Yet, a little while and He will return.  All this life is but a moment in time compared to an eternity with Him.  Imagine that! Me blameless.  It is truly hard to imagine, but He has promised it so. 

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Previous

How to Really Speak the Joyous Gospel Boldly in a Hostile World

DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. 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.

Credits

Photo licensed through Goodsalt.com

New English Translation (NET)

NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.