Fountains of wisdom- A Study in Proverbs (Part 31) 

Proverbs 17: ^{19  (KJV)} He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.

photo courtesy of @photoshop.com

What fools we are when these self exalting hearts seek to climb the corporate ladder by stepping on the innocent.  There is no boundary to the depth of evil that we are capable of just to justify our own selfish needs to feel more important or to gain praise.

Whoever heads down that path to exalt oneself destroys all those who are surrounding them and at some point, unless they repent will be destroyed themselves.

The wound runs very deep and the searing pain at times seems unbearable as I look back to that day when all I knew was about to change.  That morning my

Continue reading Destructive Danger of Self-Exalting Power Seekers →

Fountains of Wisdom-A Study in Proverbs (Part 30)-Tested and Tried to Find Joy

This life with all of the trials, sorrows, pains, and joys is like a mystery being forever unveiled around us.  We seek to find contentment, joy, hope amidst storms, tragedies and trials.  Each detail of this life are fitted together like pieces of a puzzle creating, developing and forever changing who we are.  The question then arises, Are we becoming more like Christ or are we becoming depressed and bitter with life?  That is the question you and I each must ask of our own hearts.

photo courtesy of @istockphoto.com

Our faith will be tried—that is a certainty.  If it were never tried, then the beauty and glory of our salvation would be as nothing.  A faith that is never tested is a meaningless faith.

To paraphrase Hebrews 11:1 “Faith is the absolute confidence that the promises of God that we hope in will come to pass and the absolute assurance that God is the Sovereign Creator of the Universe—even when our vision cannot see that.” And so we come to:

Continue reading Tested and Tried that I Might Know Joy →

Fountains of Wisdom-A Study of Proverbs (Part 29) –How to be a Great Leader

As we look at Proverbs 16: 10-33 we can see a full description of what makes a leader—whether that be a King, a President,  a manager at work, or the head of a family.  Leadership comes with great responsibility.  First and foremost, we recognize that leadership begins with God.  As God is Sovereign, He it is that establishes all authority and appoints those that are just as well as the unjust to ultimately accomplish all that He has planned. 

photo courtesy of istockphoto.com

Those placed in positions of leadership will be placed in positions of high accountability also with God who is the final judge over all and is the one who holds all the weights and balances in His hands. (Proverbs 16:11). 

So, what are the characteristics of a great leader? The following are a list of characteristics found in Proverbs 16.    

Continue reading How to be a Great Leader →

When Loss is Gain

By Effie Darlene Barba

 

As I look back upon my life

The times of joy and times of strife

How could I cry for any loss?

Once I have gazed upon Thy Cross

 

How could I ever dare complain?

About life’s sorrows, tears and pain

When You so freely took my shame

Upon Yourself removed my blame

 

Because from sin You set me free

I now thy willing servant be

So, pierce my heart-declare me thine

And purge all selfish thought of mine

 

If all I have, You choose to take

That Glory bring for your namesake

Allow me gaze upon Thy Face

Thy eyes of love, thy smile of Grace

 

I do not know what life may bring

Prepare my heart to always sing

A Song of joy, abounding praise

A midst the billows storms may raise

 

For you my precious, Lord and King

Will lift me high on eagle’s wing

To soar above this world below

And cast aside the grief and woe

© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any 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 regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

It would seem this week that work and interruptions prevailed over my time and hence the delay in our continuation of this study; yet, the second delay came as I pondered over these verses. As we have reached Proverbs 16, we have reached a group of verses that takes us into the core truth of God’s sovereignty and His Lordship over all.

Artwork used by written permission of Ronald Barba

Do I believe Him to be Sovereign or do I doubt that He is my LORD and Master? Do I see the evil around me and even hidden the darkest crevices of my own heart with a despairing spirit? Or do I trust my Sovereign Lord and bow at His feet; knowing beyond a doubt that He is in control of every detail of my life to guide me to His designated end in Glory with Him? Do I really believe that, even when I don’t fully understand or comprehend it? When it would seem that evil is winning, do I still believe and cling to the truth that redemption wins?

Do I trust my Lord and Master enough to be willing to surrender everything that I am to Him? That is what Proverbs 16: 1-9 is asking of each of us? Do we believe He is LORD, no matter what? So, let us read these verses.

Continue reading Fountains of Wisdom-A Study in Proverbs (Part 28) GOD-SOVEREIGN LORD OF ALL →