I must confess that Proverbs for me has always been one of the books of the Bible that I have listened to parts in sermons, have read here and there; yet, have never attempted to study it.  Perhaps we should embark on at least a simple journey through this book filled with wise admonitions, instructions on living, and thought provoking discussions regarding the advantages of seeking wisdom in life.  Indeed, if we desire to be prudent and wise in our decision making; we might learn a great deal from the book of proverbs.  This is a book which gathered together little tidbits of Wisdom from Solomon himself, from wise words he had heard, and from other wise men of the day.  This is different than the words of the law.  It is also different than the gospel.  It is merely words of wisdom to help guide us to be discerning in our day to day living and demonstrate a practicality toward our decision making.

Why would we want to study the book of Proverbs?  Perhaps to begin with we need to consider from whom came the wisdom—God.  Who better to guide us in the day to day choices we make.  Look what was said of the proverbs of Solomon.

Drawing used with written permission of Ronald Barba. © 2012 Ronald Barba and is protected under copyright laws.

 

1 Kings 4: “²⁹ And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.

³⁰ And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt. ³¹ For he was wiser than all men…and his fame was in all nations round about. ³² And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five…. ³⁴ And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom.”

If we go to the beginning of proverbs, the purpose for the gathering of the proverbs and the purpose for studying them are outlined into these 6 reasons.

Continue reading Tidbits of Wisdom (A Study in Proverbs) Part 1 →

A Soldier Wounded

by Effie Darlene Barba

 

A Soldier wounded in the fight

In desparate need your strength, your might

I need to go, a place to hide

That draws me closer to Your side

 

This battle Lord has knocked me down

Until it’s hard to glimpse Your crown

With evil pushing all around

I dearly need Your solace found

 

That I might rise again to fight

With vision of the brilliant light

Of your great glory in the end

Oh that your love I might defend

 

Within this world, pain doth abound

I need your word my mind surround

Until I cannot hear their voice

So I might know what is your choice

 

I must lay down my sword tonight

And pray for strength tomorrow’s light

That I might stand once more for you

With Christ, my King my only view

 

So hold me tight within your arms

And keep me safe from all that harms

My tears may fall against your chest

Until I KNOW Your will is best.

© 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.”

 

In Jude’s letter to the early church, as we saw yesterday Jude beautifully wrapped the letter with the truth of grace.  We are mightily, wonderfully secured and held by God’s righteous hand.  God has promised to complete the work of sanctification for each and every believer.  We will be presented to Christ, having been sifted, trained up, transformed and clothed in the righteousness of Christ.   Because of His Perfect love for us, He is unable to leave us in the state where He has found us.  It is much like the fairy tale story of finding a homeless, uneducated young girl and patiently training, teaching and transforming her into a princess without blemish inside or out.  The very magnitude of that truth should cause us to fall before God in total surrender and submission to His will.  That is what Jude wanted to talk about in His letter; yet, as Jude looked around himself in the early church, he knew that these tender young Christians must be warned of the dangers as well.  In their eagerness to grow as a church and to expand in their knowledge, they had become tolerant of false teachers who were teaching that since salvation was by grace, grace could be demonstrated better by living lives of lasciviousness. 

Photo used by permission of Ronald Barba and cannot be reproduced without permission

Jude then gives them warning that they must earnestly fight for the truth of the Gospel and their faith against these teachers of false doctrine that had been allowed to penetrate their ranks.

Continue reading Exhortations Because Of and In Defense of Grace →

This Christian Pilgrimage on earth seems to be always strewn with challenges, trials, and moments of doubt.  Particularly as we look inward and know of our own frailties.  We become caught between our desires to follow God and our frailties in doing so.  Contending for the faith, standing up for the truth of our salvation, refusing to let legalism nor liberalism water it down, fighting to hold tight to the joy we have in Christ, studying the word, battling our moments of fear, and remaining diligent in prayer seems at times to be so fruitless when we look deep within; yet, the truth is it isn’t.  So, dear Christian; don’t lose heart—the same God who called you, will preserve you in Jesus Christ and will complete the work of sanctification.  The book of Jude is very short-one chapter; yet, very rich.  Jude is writing to the early church to warn them of so much false doctrine already arising in the early church from liberalizers who tried to say since salvation was by grace—we should live lascivious, immoral lives; while others entered filled with self-pride, and in various means distorted the gospel.  Since Jude was about to tell the church they must avoid this form of liberalism, he also began and ended his chapter with the truth of their hope.  So, dear friends; let us first look at just that—our hope.

Drawing used with written permission of Ronald Barba. © 2011 Ronald Barba and is protected under copyright laws

If you are like me, when I look at the chaff which I need to sift from my life—I would despair, were it not for this hope.  Our hope of sanctification is held firm by God through through the redemptive work of Christ.

So we will look first at the hope; then, tomorrow we shall look at the exhortations written about in the book of Jude.

Continue reading Secured by God Through Christ →

Do you ever awaken in the middle of the night knowing that you need to pray but don’t know for what?  The last few nights I have done just that.  Often in the past if I had a question for which I prayed in the evening, the answer would awaken me at two or three in the morning by way of a verse, a song, or a whispered thought accompanied by peace.  Then it would be I knew the answer.  Yet, there are those times in which I awaken with a restless sense that I need to pray; but I am uncertain as to why.  So the question might arise, how can I pray when I don’t know what to ask for?  Romans Chapter 8 beginning in verse 25 helps us to understand a bit more the Gracious Wonder of prayer with the help of the Holy Spirit.  “²⁵ But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.²⁶ Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.²⁷ And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”  When we don’t know what it is we need to pray for, we can be assured that the Holy Spirit is omniscient.  The Holy Spirit as part of the Trinity sees the full depth of our hearts, the future we are about to face, the needs of our loved ones and the full picture of God’s perfect plan for our lives.  He knows precisely the prayer that is needed. 

Drawing used with written permission of Ronald Barba. © 2012 Ronald Barba and is protected under copyright laws

There is no need to be anxiously fretting about anything when we know that in those moments all we need do is quietly pray.

  In fact, I have found that I go about this in 4 steps which I hope help you as well.

Continue reading Praying in the Strength of the Holy Spirit →