How God Almighty Humbled the Most Powerful, Arrogant Man on Earth

Restore us, Lord God Almighty;
make your face shine on us,
that we may be saved. Psalm 80:19

King Nebuchadnezzar had seen the miraculous interpretation of his dream concerning all that was to come on earth.  How generously God entreated Nebuchadnezzar with power and with knowledge!  He had allowed His expansion throughout the earth.  Although Nebuchadnezzar believed it was his fake gods and his own might that made him so successful.  Still, God had a plan that would even bring this powerful, arrogant man to his knees.  If we recognize how God Almighty humbled this powerful King, then we realize two very important truths.  

1.  God’s Sovereign love is enough to transform the hardest of hearts, if only that heart seeks the truth and is willing to be broken and contrite. 

 2.  We cannot judge or determine whom God will save; therefore, we must proclaim Him to all, praying for their souls.   

After all, whom am I to believe I deserve His salvation more than another?  If I do believe that, then do I really know Him?  He only receives those who recognize that they cannot work their own way to salvation.  As David wrote,

Psalm 51:

13 “Create in me a clean heart, O God,
    and renew a right[b] spirit within me…..

14 Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God,
    O God of my salvation,
    and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
15 O Lord, open my lips,
    and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
    you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
    a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Psalm 149:4

For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
    he adorns the humble with salvation.

The Most Powerful, Arrogant Man on Earth

King Nebuchadnezzar was in his day the most powerful man on Earth.  He was number one in cultural achievements as well as power.  Although God had sent Daniel to advise him that all he had was given him by God Almighty, he remained arrogant.  Believing he was the reason for all he had, King Nebuchadnezzar had been forced to acknowledge that God was worthy of praise as was concluded in Chapter 3 of Daniel.  The King had witnessed and even seen a glimpse of Jesus in the furnace.  After this, he declared,

Daniel 3: 28 “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside[f] the king’s command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins, for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way.” 

Despite this, King Nebuchadnezzar was not ready yet to accept Almighty God as his own, laying aside his self-aggrandizement.  After all it is hard for someone who has everything, earth can offer to humbly bow before God.  Just like the rich young ruler

Luke 18: 

18 And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 19 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’” 21 And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.” 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 23 But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. 

24 Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” 27 But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”  

God Almighty Humbled the Most Arrogant King

And so it was that God Almighty gave Nebuchadnezzar another dream.  Once more he sought the interpretation from his own soothsayers and his gods, but to no avail.  He then asked Daniel to interpret the dream.  The dream did make Daniel sad; but he told the King that he would be humbled by a 7-year time of being brought so low as to lose everything.  He would live as a wild animal during those years, if he did not humble himself, God would humble him. 

That is what is suggested by what Daniel said almost pleadingly, “  27 Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you: break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your prosperity.” 

 Do you not hear the compassion of Daniel for the King?  Daniel wanted the salvation of even this man who had taken him captive, so many years before.  

For God’s hand had been reaching forth to this pagan King all these years.  Still God had not made his final statement.  For a year this decree was held back, patiently waiting for the King to repent.  Then came the day when the King declared.

 “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” 

Daniel 4:

31 While the words were still in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, “O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you, 32 and you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. And you shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will.” 33 Immediately the word was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar. He was driven from among men and ate grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair grew as long as eagles’ feathers, and his nails were like birds’ claws.

A Repentant Humbled King Praising God Almighty

34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever,

for his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
    and his kingdom endures from generation to generation;
35 all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,
   He does according to his will among the host of heaven
    and among the inhabitants of the earth;
None can stay his hand
    or say to him, “What have you done?”

36 At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me. My counselors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

And thus we are reminded:

2 Corinthians 7: 10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 

Ephesians 1: God Almighty Gives Us All We Need

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us[b] for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known[c] to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee[d] of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it,[e] to the praise of his glory.

Titus 2:

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Revelation 7  9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God,

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

  1.  God is Sovereign over all the earth
  2. We who know Him must bow humbly in wonder as to how was it possible He chose me?
  3. No one is too far from Him, so shouldn’t we be praying for all our leaders.  And for other leaders in the world such as Xi Jinping and for Vladimir Putin?
  4. And we who know Him, should remain His fearless warriors as we march on toward eternity with 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.

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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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.

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

One All Pursuing Powerful God Can Transform the Most Wicked, if Only

It is hard for even the most powerful to escape the All Pursuing, All Powerful God of Love. This King Nebuchadnezzar was about to learn. For God is near to any who seek Truth.

Nebuchadnezzar was considered the most powerful King of the Babylonian Empire.  Shrewd, intelligent, and ruthless; he marched the Babylonian empire into a successful reign of the region.  Babylon was felt to be a great seat of learning and culture.  The Assyrian Empire essentially fell when a Babylonian-Medea coalition overtook Nineveh.  The last Persian King tried to restore his power by making an alliance with Egypt (as did also Judah, despite Assyria overtaking Northern Israel).  Nebuchadnezzar conquered Egypt as well as Judah, making himself a great war hero.  Soon after he became King in his father’s place. But he was about to meet God.  Hence one all pursuing powerful God can transform the most wicked, if only their eyes open to the truth.  It may begin slowly, but step by step God presents His case even to King Nebuchadnezzar.

It is said that in his inaugural speech, Nebuchadnezzar gave tribute to Marduk (one of the false gods of their day.  He is quoted as saying, “O merciful Marduk, may the house that I have built endure forever, may I be satiated with its splendor, attain old age therein, with abundant offspring, and receive therein tribute of the kings of all regions, from all mankind.” (Kerrigan, 39)[1]  King Nebuchadnezzar was unaware that he was about to meet The All Pursuing, Powerful God-the great I AM, creator of the universe who allowed and orchestrated even King Nebuchadnezzar ability to rise to power.  Nothing can happen on earth, but God permissive will allows it and God will even use that which is evil to accomplish what He loves—the redemption of His own.

A First Glimpse of One ALL Pursuing Powerful God

In chapter 2 of Daniel, we find King Nebuchadnezzar very disturbed by a dream.  Yet, the details of the dream escape him, only the essence of its terror.  He calls in all his wisemen and magicians, asking them to tell him the dream and the interpretation.  When they said they could not do it, even on threat of death, they make a very important statement. 

“There is not a man on earth who can meet the king’s demand, for no great and powerful king has asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or Chaldean. 11 The thing that the king asks is difficult, and no one can show it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.”  Daniel 2:11

But they did not know the real God who does dwell with man.

Therefore, it appeared that all would be put to death.  Well, but God had another plan.  Daniel asked the King to give him one day to ask God for the answer.  So, that night Daniel and his three friends (Hananiah, Mishel and Azariah) prayed all night and in the morning, Daniel knew the dream and the interpretation. That is what he presented to the King but not before having thanked God.

Daniel 2:20-23

“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
    to whom belong wisdom and might.
21 He changes times and seasons;
    he removes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
    and knowledge to those who have understanding;
22 he reveals deep and hidden things;
    he knows what is in the darkness,
    and the light dwells with him.
23 To you, O God of my fathers,
    I give thanks and praise,
for you have given me wisdom and might,
    and have now made known to me what we asked of you,
    for you have made known to us the king’s matter.”

A Dream Revealed and Interpreted

But notice this, God had revealed to King Nebuchadnezzar the future of this world we live in.  Notice the detail and the accuracy to this point. 

27 Daniel answered the king and said, “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream and the visions of your head as you lay in bed are these: 29 To you, O king, as you lay in bed came thoughts of what would be after this, and he who reveals mysteries made known to you what is to be. 30 But as for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because of any wisdom that I have more than all the living, but in order that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your mind.  Daniel 2: 27-30

I encourage you to read the remainder of Chapter 2.

One All Powerful God who Reveals

If you look at the dates and times, remember God revealed this to King Nebuchadnezzar nearly 600 years before Christ.  There are many scriptures in the New Testament and later in Daniel that clarifies and gives even more detail regarding each of these periods.

But note the stone, not made by hand which will destroy all human empires. 

I PETER 2: 4-11

 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture:

“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
    a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,

“The stone that the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone,”[a]

and

“A stone of stumbling,
    and a rock of offense.”

They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 

We the church are that Kingdom who soon will be raptured and then we will return with Him to set up His Kingdom as shown in Daniel 2. 

Daniel 2: 44-45

44 And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever, 45 just as you saw that a stone was cut from a mountain by no human hand, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold. A great God has made known to the king what shall be after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation sure.”

To this Nebuchadnezzar’s eyes saw the first glimpse of one all pursuing, all powerful God and he said.

46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face and paid homage to Daniel and commanded that an offering and incense be offered up to him. 47 The king answered and said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery.”

But that was not enough to fully transform his heart, but it was a start.

HOW QUICKLY ONE FORGETS

Well, after all, Daniel did say that the head of gold was King Nebuchadnezzar.  He then made a statue of gold and put it on display, telling everyone to bow down and worship the statue.  Forgetting that it was God who allowed him the dream and the power, he wanted himself to be worshipped.  How quickly do people forget what God has done for them in answering even the prayers of unredeemed sinners.  He tries to draw them to Him, but they walk away. 

Then, he threw the three young men who refused to bow before the statue into a burning pit. 

Daniel 3:  14 Nebuchadnezzar answered and said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good.[c] But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?”

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.[d] 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

One All Pursuing, all-powerful God gives the King a glimpse of Christ 

Daniel 3 24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” 25 He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”  The Son of GOD-Jesus was there with them.

Then one step nearer to believing, the King declares:

“Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside[f] the king’s command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins, for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way.”

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

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to 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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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.

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

[1] https://www.worldhistory.org/Nebuchadnezzar_II/  accessed 1/29/2022

How One Man Can Stand Strong Transforming a Nation Defying All Odds

Defying all odds, one man can stand strong, transforming a nation through the power of prayer. Knowing God is the answer we need.

            It was 1857. No embers from earlier church revivals .  The churches in the United States were dying and the USA was declining rapidly with them.  Conflicts over slavery saw a nation was violently divided. Spiritually, the people had walked away from God and as the time passed, all appeared to be heading for disaster. Furthermore, a huge influx of immigrants arrived while the United States was already heading toward financial hard times.  Financial Panic set in and financial devastation was just around the corner. There was one church in New York, that as a last stitch effort hired a lay man to begin visiting people door to door.  Having a compassion for people and a heart for Christ, Jeremy Lamphier was that one man.  But how can one man, stand strong transforming a nation defying all odds?

            His diligent attempts to grow the church failed. Then, he thought, prayer was needed.   He posted fliers throughout the city announcing a prayer meeting during the lunch hour for all who wished to stop by, beginning September 23, 1857.  When the day arrived, he placed 20 chairs in the 3rd floor room and waited.  At first it appeared no one would come.  So, he sat and prayed alone.  Then, gradually one by one six men arrived. 

The following week there were 20 and then forty.  On October 10, 1857 the stock market crashed, banks closed, railroads went bankrupt, factories closed, and unemployment rose.  However, the numbers in the prayer meetings climbed to over 10,000 and spread throughout the nation and later around the world.  Revival came from one man who had the idea to simply meet to pray.   The civil war still came, life was hard.  Meanwhile, millions around the world came to know Christ as Savior, defying all odds.

One Man Standing Strong, Defying All Odds

In 605 BC, King Nebuchadnezzar made his first invasion into Jerusalem and took captive the “brightest and the smartest of the royal line” to train them, indoctrinate them and use them for his advantage.  Among these were Daniel.  To ascertain their willingness to bow down, he had them castrated, placed them among the eunuchs, and ordered their names be changed.  The new names were ones attached to pagan worship and pagan Gods, removing their own names which signified their faith in God.  Additionally, he commanded their food be that from his own table; knowing this would defy their religious practices.  In everything, he wanted them to become his puppets for political gain. 

Despite his youth, Daniel stood strong defying all odds and ultimately transforming a nation.  But part of that we will see later.  But what were the characteristics of this young man that we can learn from?  How are we to stand strong defying all odds so that we too can transform our nation?

Daniel 1:

Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family[a] and of the nobility, youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king’s palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king. 

Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah. And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego.

Daniel’s Faithfulness

But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs, 10 and the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who assigned your food and your drink; for why should he see that you were in worse condition than the youths who are of your own age? So you would endanger my head with the king.” 

11 Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had assigned over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat the king’s food be observed by you, and deal with your servants according to what you see.” 14 So he listened to them in this matter, and tested them for ten days. 15 At the end of ten days it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the king’s food. 16 So the steward took away their food and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.

Defying All Odds by God’s Strength

17 As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom. Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 18 At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 And the king spoke with them. And among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore, they stood before the king. 20 And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom.

How to Stand Strong, Defying All Odds, Transforming a Nation

  1.  Trust God.  It begins with an unwavering faith; but that kind of faith comes as we ask for it.  Sometimes that means we go through trials.  As we see God work through our trials, our faith grows.
  2. Prayer
  3. Study to know more of Him
  4. Determine to Follow God, regardless of how hard it may look at times.
  5. Never forget, the victory already is ours

There have been no great revivals that were not started with at least one man praying fervently for this.  As we continue the study in Daniel, we will find that his secret was spending time with God in prayer.  He and his friends joined together in prayer as well and this was what gave them strength, faith, and hope. 

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

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to 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

God’s Glory Revealed in Poetry

Previous

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.

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

My Song for You, Dear Child

Oh, sweet dear child I long for you
To Know God as your own
Inviting Him into your heart
Let Him there take His throne
To walk beside you every day
And guide each step you take
To never ever lose your way
And even if at times you stray
He will not ever leave your side
For in His love, you can abide

My Song for You, Dear Child

by Effie Darlene Barba

Oh, sweet dear child I weep for you

Surrounded by such lies

And at a time, your tender heart

So full of questioning sighs

Their blinding you with all their words

That you might never know

That only God can make you wise

And give you joy so you might rise

Above the storms this life does bring

Wrapped in His love, your heart can sing

Oh, how I wish that you did know

He made you as you are

No need for change to shine so bright

Just like the brightest morning star


All those desires and hopes and dreams

Seem jumbled in your mind

It is a time that all must pass

As part of humankind


A change from helpless little babe

Whose love comes out of need

Into someone who loves a friend

Bound by thoughts agreed


Oh, sweet dear child I pray for you

That God will take your hand

That He will help you see His heart

And help you understand

He is the way, the truth, the life

Your heart does so desire

That only He can calm the strife

And give to you, abundant life

Rivers of joy to overflow

The Holy Spirits inner glow


One day, my child God just may bring

Someone who then will be

A special love, to be your own

For all eternity


But until then, my dear, sweet child

Let patience be your guide

While trusting in the love of God

In Him you can abide


His plan for you, is always best

For you He bled and died

Then rose again, so you might

Live forever near His Side


Oh, sweet dear child I long for you

To Know God as your own

Inviting Him into your heart

Let Him there take His throne

To walk beside you every day

And guide each step you take

To never ever lose your way

And even if at times you stray

He will not ever leave your side

For in His love, you can abide

Concluding thoughts

How difficult the years of youth were and are for so many. I remember feeling so alone, not quite knowing how to fit in. Always feeling as though I just wasn’t good enough. Something deep within me drove me and perhaps still does; but, it is that internal knowledge that I am not all that I was made to be. Had it not been for God’s grace showing me that He was the answer to all my dilemmas. When a child has barely begun the process of distinguishing their place in this world; how dare we add such pressure on them as our society does today. At a time when they are learning to separate from that parental, need based love into the many aspects of love such as friendships and even special loves. With so much pressure some, in the name of equity, push these children into boxes that smother them, forcing depression, sorrow and even suicide. Instead, let us lovingly teach them of the true source of hope and love.

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

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to 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

God’s Glory Revealed in Poetry

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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

Did you Know, Did you Know, Sweet Child So Dear

Did you know, did you know sweet child so dear
That God wants to fill your heart with cheer
Happy to be all that you are
His precious, wondrous, glorious star

Did you Know, Did you Know, Sweet Child So Dear

By Effie Darlene Barba

Why will this world not let you be

A child who laughs and loves so free

With open heart and purity

No thought of race nor desperate plea

To change one’s own identity

From solo me to he, she, it, or we

In this world, you’ll only find

Confusion clouds and fills your mind

In desperation, heart resigned

Discontent with self-undefined.

To Truth and hope, remaining blind

Because of their words so misaligned

CHORUS 1 Did you know

Did you know, did you know sweet child so dear

That God wants to fill your heart with cheer

Happy to be all that you are

His precious, wondrous, glorious star

Shining so bright, a light from above

So filled with grace, His precious love


Oh, precious child, do not explore

Changing yourself, so long before

You have your voice, Your own special roar

You are the one God made to adore

He sees your greatness long, long before

You have your wings on which to soar

So,

Just as you are and nothing more

He gives you wings on which to soar

And gives you a voice with your special roar

He is waiting for you to open the door

Letting Him in. Oh, do not ignore

He is the true love that you’re looking for

Chorus 2

Did you know, did you know sweet child so dear

That God wants to fill your heart with cheer

So, please take your time that you might grow

With strength and beauty, then you will glow

The Glory and Grace, He chose for you

His joy each day He gives anew


They say that you must choose today

Rid you of you to then make a way

There surely, really is no time to play

You must, you must, is all that they say.

Yet, be true to you and never betray

The feelings that draw you so far astray


Instead take your time, do not confuse

The wicked evil that they do use

To say today now you must choose

Or all your chances you might just lose

And be cast aside like some old recluse

Yours fears and pains are what they misuse

Chorus 3

Did you know, did you know sweet child so dear

That God wants to fill your heart with cheer

Four Kinds of love He has given you

Through each of these, His love will pursue

There is family, friends, and then one day

An erotic love may come your way


No need to rush or hurry it in

The steady and sure normally win

For when you do rush ahead to begin

Confusion presents and breaks you within

Until you can’t trust who, where or when

Even forgetting who you are then


But above all the others, the fourth love is best

It rises above surpassing the rest

Offering peace to those who are stressed

Instilling its joy for all the depressed

Providing its care to the oppressed

Changing broken into redeemed and blessed

Chorus 4.

Did you know, did you know sweet child so dear

God loves you so much and bids you draw near

To cloak you with robes, protecting your heart

His strength and His love to never depart

Overflowing in you, like a bubbling spring

Of Eternal Hope, His love makes you sing

“Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, and to take Him at His word, just to rest upon His promise and to know Thus saith the Lord-

Oh, how I love Jesus, Oh how I love Jesus, Oh how I love Jesus because He first loved me.

Concluding Thoughts

We must protect our children from all the confusion and pain, allowing them to be children before having to make decisions that can so altar their life. I remember being a child, a very sensitive child weeping for the oppressed, the hurting. I too was among them, trying to discover who I was. Were it not for God’s grace and love, I would have been drowned by the pressures around and within me. I am so grateful that I came to know Him as a young child listening to the radio sermons playing in the background every Sunday morning. The greatest gift my mother gave me was Jesus Christ.

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

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to 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

God’s Glory Revealed in Poetry

Previous

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