What are we to do when those in powerful positions seem to be ruling with an evil hand?  Paul had been imprisoned by those in authority; yet, as he wrote to Timothy he admonished him to pray.  Paul understood that God was in control and that we as Christians need to pray for their salvation.  We must lead lives of quietness, peaceably proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We must not live our lives in anger toward them nor desiring their harm.  Our mission is to live out our lives in honesty and godliness, preaching and proclaiming the truth of the gospel so as to lead them to Christ.  Our desire must remain to be a light to the world, remembering that it was grace which saved us and desiring that same grace be bestowed on those around us and to those placed in positions over us.  The love of God within us is to be displayed to those around us.  Look at this verse from I Timothy.

I Timothy 2: I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

This same truth was displayed by Daniel. 

Continue reading Humble, Loving Prayer that Changes the Hearts of Leaders and Nations →

Will you stumble over the chief cornerstone or will you embrace it?  That is the question you must answer.  So often we are asked, "Why do you Christians believe that there is only one way to God?"  Our answer must be that God in His marvelous grace provided the sacrifice and payment for our sins.  He who is the only perfect righteousness was the only one who could pay the price.  If we look deep within our own hearts honestly, we must recognize our own inability to save ourselves.  We see those moments of selfishness, those moments of pride which cause such harm, and our ineptness at loving our Creator as we should.

image courtesy of istockphoto.com/viki2win

The harder we try to be "good" the more we realize our inability to do so.  We seek to be seen as righteous; yet, even our best efforts only leads to our failure to perform. Yet, Christ came and took on flesh that He might pay the penalty for our sins and thus cover us with His righteousness.  He has become the foundation–the Chief Cornerstone of our salvation.  As Peter proclaimed to all the people both gentile and Jew.

Acts 4: 10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Then if Christ came to pay the penalty for all, why did Peter then say that this elect, precious corner stone could also be the stone that leads to stumbling and stands as a rock of offence to some? 

Continue reading The Chief Cornerstone–Your Foundation or Your Stumbling Block? →

The move is imminent.  Everything is falling into place, one thing at a time.  God has said to move and God is working out His will.  Starting a new job at my age and leaving all that is familiar should cause me apprehension, but instead I am very calm. Why?  Because I know that God has ordered I go and it is He that goes before me.  I rest in Him.  This coming weekend I am having an estate/garage sale.  Mom is worrying nonstop with such questions as "What if no one comes?  What if nothing sells?"  Instead, I am calm.  So much to do, I must prepare; yet, I feel the strength of His presence.  All the anxieties have left and even her voice of worry does not shake it.  When my soul becomes still and I am resting in His Will, there remains no room to become complacent about writing or Bible Study or Prayer. Too often that is exactly what we do.  When storms rage around us or mountains lay before us, we urgently seek Him and we run to such verses as those found in Psalm 46 which commands us to be still; but what does being still include?

Continue reading When Peace Fills Your Soul →

When we read through the old testament, we sometimes stand in wonder at how many times God pleads with His people.  These people who are so quick to forget all that He has already done for them.  These people who quickly become caught up in foolish desires, worship idols of their own making, and grumble because they want something different.  God is the one who provides all that they need.  He knows that the only love that can fill their heart completely, the only One who can fill that empty void is Himself–the mighty and great I AM.  We read about them and say "What a foolish people!!"  Then we look at ourselves and see the same.  When everything is comfortable we forget to praise Him and  we wander off seeking other pastures; yet,

He pleads with us to remember who is our provider. 

When His Providential will leads us through

tempestuous waters

or through a blazing flame, we moan, tremble in fear, and beg God to answer our prayer.  Our faith shakes when trials or questions lay before us because we do not really believe that God is In Control, meaning this thing (whatever it is), this thing has been ordained by the only true God, Creator of the Universe.  He ordained it in love, that I might grow in my ability to rejoice in His presence.  He ordained it in love, that I might learn to trust Him.  He ordained it in love, that I might see the beauty of His Glory.  He ordained it in love that He might draw me closer to Him because only there will I find fulfillment, peace, hope, and joy.

Read with me the plea He made to His people, all of His people

Continue reading God’s Plea For You →

GOD’S PLAN OF LOVE

Oh, Love Divine, what greater thought

That you should suffer, bleed and die

To pay my sin, my freedom bought

Though I screamed Crucify

With every action of my life

I cast aside your pleading cries

I caused you pain, I gave you strife

And chose to follow after lies

I could not see your beauty then

As now I see your face

Your light shone forth, e’er so dim

That I might see Your Grace

You drew me out, you pulled me in

That I might then seek you

You covered then my ugly sin

Your righteousness to view

Such love Divine, pursuing me

Your Joy and Hope to share

How could I run, How could I flee

Naught else could e’er compare

Unto the hope I find in You

As now I turn to seek your Face

Your Glory shines and lights my view

You guide me on at gentle pace

Transforming thus my wretched heart

Unto the one You knew I’d be

Your joyous love ne’er to depart

For all eternity.

This poem I wrote for the introduction into my book
“Ultimate Inspiration-God’s Plan of Love” for which my son Ronald Barba drew the portrait of the Lion with the Lamb.  I hope both inspire you and remind you of the love, joy, and peace that we hold IN CHRIST, because of the mighty power of the Great I AM.  This we have if we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, our only hope, our redeemer who paid the penalty for our sin and is seated at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us. 

 

Question:  Do you know Him as Your Savior?

 

© 2013 Effie Darlene Barba

Artwork by Ronald Barba (used by permission)  © 2012 Ronald Barba

portraits can be purchased at  http://fineartamerica.com/featured/ultimate-inspiration-gods-plan-of-love-ronald-barba.html

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 with the exception of my own book. 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.”