Lord It Always Was You Pursuing My Heart with Your Joy Sublime

Then to my knees, I slid from my bed
Unable to speak, I bowed low my head
Like a flash in my brain, I suddenly knew
Those moments of joy had always been You

Just as in the days of Ezekiel and throughout history.  It always was You, Lord pursuing our hearts.

  Many will try to say, no all-powerful God could stand by while all the evil we see destroys this world.  Yet, I am here to say, His patience in the face of evil is what so demonstrates His pursuing love of humanity.   You or I would have quickly cast aside and destroyed everything. Or never created any of it.  No pain, but He loved us too much. Think of this! Perfect righteousness and justice has quietly, patiently pursued all of humanity despite their laughing at Him, mocking Him and spitting Him in the face.  Oh there were times when evil grew so great, that judgement must come to save the remnant. For it would take a remnant of believers to lead to His greatest gift, Jesus Christ.   Only through Jesus’s willing sacrifice could salvation be bought for all who would believe.

God’s full essence came to dwell with us so He might be the sacrifice for my sin and for yours.  He has pursued me with an everlasting love since before I was ever born.  He is that missing piece that every heart searches for.  Joy everlasting is who He is. 

That is what Christmas is all about.  God, the Almighty, Perfectly Righteous creator of all the Universe loved you so much that He left the splendor of heaven.  He lived a life of laborious work amongst the poor and downtrodden.  Betrayed, spit upon, beaten and bruised; He died a shame filled death on the cross to pay the price for my rebellion and yours.  Yet, through it all He has pursued each of us with His everlasting love.  Wanting to lavish us with His joy, His peace, and His glory; He stands with patient open arms waiting for you to accept this gift today. 

Always was You, Lord

It is hard to imagine a love that magnificent, that overwhelming and that powerful to endure everything that He hates to accomplish all that He loves—which is to win the hearts of you and me.  Oh, Lord it truly always was you calling my name.   Born within our hearts is a desire for eternity and perfect joy; but those are not things found in this world.  Part of God’s pursuing love is that.  We long for what we cannot find in this world, that we might seek Him.   And so, I write for Him this song. 

It Always was You

A glimpse and a moment of joy so divine

I wanted to keep it and make it all mine

But it came and it went, like a butterfly’s kiss

Yet, for that brief moment, what wonder and bliss!

Then I searched and I searched to find it again

But what do I do or where to begin?

Maybe a lover, or maybe success

A kiss, a promotion, perhaps a new dress

I could travel the world only to see

That nothing could bring that joy back to me

Not more than a second or two at the most

Though I held on so tight, I had it almost

Yet, there in the darkness when I was alone

My spirit depressed, my heart did bemoan

The plight of this world, why could I not see

Where or where could joy really be

Then into the darkness I saw a shimmer of light

A star piercing through the dark of the night

Grew larger and larger until oh so bright

Joy filled my heart, such wonder, delight

Then to my knees, I slid from my bed

Unable to speak, I bowed low my head

Like a flash in my brain, I suddenly knew

Those moments of joy had always been You

You chased me, pursued me throughout all those years

Though I ran from You, choosing worries and fears

Your love it sustained me, through rivers of tears

To bring me this day full of rapturous cheers

Before the creation, you saw who I was

You loved me in spite of the pain I would cause

I ran from Your love, I thought I was right

Still, you pursued me with all of Your might

So gently you waited until I was done

Pursuing desires and then You had won

My heart and my life, they are fully Yours

Though broken and shattered, Your love-it restores

It always was You, what a fool I have been

While You patiently waited- I chased after sin

But now as I sit and gaze at Your face

Smitten by joy, Your love, and Your grace.

There’s no other place that I’d rather be

Than to sit in Your presence eternally

Safe and secure below Your precious gaze

My heart overflowing with love songs of praise

Psalm 8

O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth,
Who have set Your glory above the heavens!

2 Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants
You have [b]ordained strength,
Because of Your enemies,
That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.

3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
4 What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit[c] him?
5 For You have made him a little lower than [d]the angels,
And You have crowned him with glory and honor.

6 You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
7 All sheep and oxen—
Even the beasts of the field,
8 The birds of the air,
And the fish of the sea
That pass through the paths of the seas.

9 O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth!

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

When All My Heart is Fully Thine

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

When All My Heart is Fully Thine

Who would we be if our heart is fully thine Lord. Oh let that be our prayer today so others may see you through us.

When All My Heart is Fully Thine

by Effie Darlene Barba

Awakened in the early morn

By cries of those so lost forlorn

Crushed further by the ones who say

They are the ones who know the way

Their lies they spread from far and wide

Deceptions built from foolish pride

Proclaiming hope and peace each day

While leading masses far astray

Unleashing wrath as sin unfurled

They further break this broken world

Out of this darkness, Lord I do pray

I need your light to guide my way

You are the truth, my one desire

So, light within my heart this fire

To reach the world, they too must know

The depth of riches You bestow

Upon a humble, trembling soul

Whose life so broken by the toll

Of all this world offered instead

That robbed their joy, left them for dead.

If only they could see Your face

So full of love, amazing grace

Then they would know You are the One 

That Gave your all.  You gave Your son

To offer them eternal life

Taking their pain, their tears and strife

You bore it all upon a cross

You took their shame and all their loss

Oh Lord help me to lay aside

Myself with all my foolish pride

Keep me from this world’s allure

Which pulls me far from what is sure

For You are all I’ll ever need

So, take this heart, though it may bleed

Remove away each dark stained bit

And build a throne where You may sit

Your spirit fill each part of me

Shine forth Your light for all to see

Jesus precious Savior, King

The only song my heart can sing

He is the truth the life the way

So, let us bow to Him today

Laying aside all other thought

To worship you my life was bought

So, Lord, I give You all of me

To worship You eternally

Your joy, your hope and strength are mine

When all my heart is fully thine

So, let me stay here on my knees

‘til You are all that my heart sees

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

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

What More Do You Need to Become Truly Radical for God’s Glory?

We are to be His messengers to the world. Are you willing to be radical for God’s Glory, proclaiming His Word of Truth regardless of the opposition?

The nation stood divided.  There were the northern 10 tribes of Israel and then there was Judah comprised of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.  Beyond their battling against each other, there were the nations surrounding them.  God had been their protection and their source for everything; but, they chose to worship many idols.  With foreheads of flint, they thought they could both be of this world and do just enough to appease God.  Yet, along the way God would send His prophets to warn them.  These men were willing to sacrifice everything this world could offer to become truly radical for God’s Glory.  Ezekiel was such a man, as we will find in this study.  His faith stood amid trials we could hardly imagine enduring.  In such a time as this, we too need to become truly radical for God’s Glory.

Israel had already fallen to the Assyrians in 722 BC.  This had been after many years of God’s mercy and patience.  Yet, despite the word of God going forth to them, the people chose earthly pleasures and pagan worship over the one true God.  They maintained only a semblance of worship for God, mixed with everything else.  Yet, their hearts were cold.  They failed to see God’s Glory as something to seek after.  Nor did they remember His words.  One might think the remaining tribes would seek God after seeing the fate of their brothers from the north; but alas they did not.  God sent them Isaiah to tell them of His Son.  Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah all warned them of the impending judgement and wrath of God.   Still, no one listened.

Despite several God-fearing Kings leading the people back to God, they rebuilt the Pagan altars defiling the name of God

JUDAH- a nation teetering on the edge

As noted above the northern tribes were overtaken by the Assyrian Army, who would have taken Judah as well were it not for the repentance of King Manesseh.  How great is God’s Mercy!   “The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in loyal love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but by no means clearing the guilty (those who do not turn from their wicked ways)” Numbers 14:18 NET.  King Manesseh was very evil until he was taken captive. Then after God restored him to his throne, he tore down all the pagan altars.  Even the one where he had sacrificed his own son to Molech.  When his son Amon took the throne, evil once more reigned throughout the land.  The pagan altars restored, only to be destroyed again by his grandson Josiah.

Josiah was the last God-fearing, good King of Judah before the ultimate overthrow by the Babylonian empire.  Zephaniah was the prophet during these times who foretold of the destruction of Jerusalem for its evil deeds and idolatrous worship.  Yet, he calls to the people to seek God, declaring that from this remnant, God would restore a people to Himself.  He points out that all the wrath and destruction against Judah and all the other evil nations was for one purpose—to purify the nations and that they might know the Lord. Then, for those who seek God, there was this promise.

 “ 17 The Lord your God is in your midst;
he is a warrior who can deliver.
He takes great delight in you;[av]
he renews you by his love;[aw]
he shouts for joy over you.”[  Zephaniah 3

Jeremiah/Daniel/Ezekiel: Called to declare God’s Glory

Jeremiah also was God’s prophet inside of Jerusalem beginning in the years of King Josiah and all the way to the Babylonian overthrowing of Jerusalem. He gave up everything for the Lord and suffered great torture by the evil Kings and evil prophets of his day.  He remained faithful as God’s weeping prophet truly radical for God’s Glory to be known. 

Daniel was taken captive in 605 BC by Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon as a warning to Judah not to align with Egypt. 

There was a second siege of people from Jerusalem in 597BC which included Ezekiel who was taken into the countryside just south of Babylon to work the fields. 

Jeremiah did remain in Jerusalem until nearly the end when Nebuchadnezzar destroyed all of Jerusalem, burning it to the ground in 586 BC.

Now after setting the stage, let us study Ezekiel.  Do note the similarities to what we face even today in our own nation.  Ask yourself what it would take to become truly radical for God’s Glory.

Ezekiel—Truly Radical for God’s Glory

We begin in Ezekiel 1 with a detailed description as to the time and place where Ezekiel was first called into ministry.  After 5 years of captivity, as he turned 30 years old, God called him.  Being a priest, it was customary that they assume their ordained role as priest at age 30 (just as did Jesus over nearly 600 years later).  He was given a vision of God that made him truly radical for God’s Glory. 

1 In the thirtieth year,[a] on the fifth day of the fourth month, while I was among the exiles[b] at the Kebar River,[c] the heavens opened[d] and I saw a divine vision.[e] 2 (On the fifth day of the month—it was the fifth year of King Jehoiachin’s exile— 3 the Lord’s message came to the priest Ezekiel[f] the son of Buzi,[g] at the Kebar River in the land of the Babylonians.[h] The hand[i] of the Lord came on him there.)

Do you remember the moment God placed His hand on you? Oh you might say, if the Lord’s message came to me, then I would seek to do His will.  But is not His message there waiting for you every morning? You have His written word that will reveal to you all you need to know of Him. All you must do is open it to see God’s Glory revealed to you. Or look around you. The sky, the earth, and the stars at night all pointing toward His Glory. All of creation declares His glory.

Ezekiel 1: 4-24: Glory and Majesty on Display

In detail, Ezekiel attempts to describe the indescribable.  As he depicts the cherubim riding on the storm into our world, he presents them as large creatures with 4 wings, with hands, with fire and lightning coming from their bodies.

These are the cherubim of God who surround His throne and lead his chariot.  Ezekiel’s vision closely resembles that of John’s vision in Revelation 4.  Nothing like the chubby babies we draw pictures of.  Rather they are fierce and majestic creatures doing the will of God.  The spirit leads them.  But note how they are led. 

All that God has Planned Will be Accomplished

15 Then I looked,[ad] and I saw one wheel[ae] on the ground[af] beside each of the four beings. 16 The appearance of the wheels and their construction[ag] was like gleaming jasper,[ah] and all four wheels looked alike. Their structure was like a wheel within a wheel.[ai] 17 When they moved they would go in any of the four directions they faced without turning as they moved. 18 Their rims were high and awesome,[aj] and the rims of all four wheels were full of eyes all around…

20 Wherever the spirit[ak] would go, they would go,[al] and the wheels would rise up beside them because the spirit[am] of the living being was in the wheel. 21 When the living beings moved, the wheels moved, and when they stopped moving, the wheels stopped.[an] When they rose up from the ground, the wheels rose up from the ground; the wheels rose up beside them because the spirit of the living being was in the wheel.

The Wheels represented the Holy Spirit.  God’s omniscience always sees everything in every direction.  He moves ever forward to accomplish all that He has planned.  Nothing can thwart His plan.  On this truth, we can be certain. 

22 Over the heads of the living beings was something like a platform,[ao] glittering awesomely like ice,[ap] stretched out over their heads. 23 Under the platform their wings were stretched out, each toward the other. Each of the beings also had two wings covering[aq] its body. 24 When they moved, I heard the sound of their wings—it was like the sound of rushing waters, or the voice of the Sovereign One,[ar] or the tumult[as] of an army. When they stood still, they lowered their wings.

Jesus On His Throne-God’s Glory revealed

25 Then there was a voice from above the platform over their heads when they stood still.[at] 26 Above the platform over their heads was something like a sapphire shaped like a throne. High above on the throne was a form that appeared to be a man. 27 I saw an amber glow[au] like a fire enclosed all around[av] from his waist up. From his waist down I saw something that looked like fire. There was a brilliant light around it, 28 like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds after the rain.[aw] This was the appearance of the surrounding brilliant light; it looked like the glory of the Lord. When I saw[ax] it, I threw myself face down, and I heard a voice speaking.

Some would say, if I truly saw Jesus in a vision then I could be radical for God’s glory.  But is that true?  All one must do is look around yourself and see His Glory.  He that has eyes let him see.  Or look at all He has done for you?   Therein you will see His Glory like Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and John.  You will see Him on His throne High and lifted up.  When we spiritually see His glory, we too will fall before His majesty.  Then we too will become radical for God’s Glory, declaring it to everyone we meet.  Unashamed by the gospel message. 

Furthermore, God equips us with everything we need, if only we ask Him to. 

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS- Radical for God’s Glory

Sadly, our world today reveals the same as in the days, of Noah, Sodom, and Ezekiel. Destruction, division, wars, idolatry, chaos, and violence surround us every day. This world is broken due to sin. Humanity is filled with vile selfish pride, regardless of the cost. We worship the Sun, the moon, money, sex, and power. All around us are false teachers and prophets, bidding us to believe the lies for truth. Yet, there is God. His plan moves forward in time. Soon, He will call an end to this age. Where will you stand?

Do you choose Him? He offers salvation at no cost to you, for He paid the price. The only thing is you must come to Him and seek Him, accepting His gift. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. There is no other way to God. Have we not already learned that by now? So, the question is what will you do with Jesus? And what will it take for you to become radical for His glory. He has called you to be the messenger to the world. What are you willing to do for Him and to honor His Glory?

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

Can A Useless Deserter Become the One Needed and Beloved?

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

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.

Photo by Sebastien Gabriel on Unsplash

Can A Useless Deserter Become the One Needed and Beloved?

Useless, deserter could be our name as well were it not for Jesus Christ who makes us God’s Beloved, Redeemed Child

            Onesimus ran from Philemon’s house in search of freedom.  As he ran, he stole from his former master.  For you see, he thought he could find freedom his own way.  He went to the great city of Rome, where many seeking to make a way for themselves had gone.  But that you see became part of the problem.  Was he homeless, downtrodden like the prodigal son?  Or had he heard his Master Philemon speak of the apostle, so he left in search of him?  Whichever the case we are not told apart from his being a useless deserter who became the one needed and beloved.  But how did that happen? 

        Philemon had come to know Christ as his Savior.  Indeed, it was his house where the Colossian church met for worship and praise.  It had been through the preaching of Paul in Ephesus that this church was birthed.  Perhaps Philemon visited Paul when he preached at Ephesus.   Again, we are not told the details of Philemon’s conversion, except that Paul did remind him of his indebtedness to Paul. A debt more precious which had been wiped clean.  As Paul wrote:   (not to mention to you that you [g]owe to me even your own self as well). Philemon 1:19.

A Useless Deserter

        10 I am appealing[x] to you concerning my child, whose spiritual father I have become[y] during my imprisonment,[z] that is, Onesimus, 11 who was formerly useless to you, but is now useful to you[aa] and me. 12 I have sent[ab] him (who is my very heart)[ac] back to you. 13 I wanted to keep him with me so that he could serve me in your place[ad] during[ae] my imprisonment for the sake of the gospel.[af] 14 However,[ag] without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your good deed would not be out of compulsion, but from your own willingness.

        So, Paul recognized Onesimus had been useless before.  Probably Onesimus told Paul of all the stories of his life before.  How else would Paul have known of his uselessness?  Or maybe Philemon had spoken of him and wandered how as an owner could a Christian be righteousness in his treatment of slaves?  Releasing them all would leave many without homes or food.  However, it was that Paul knew of Onesimus as a useless deserter, he now appealed for Onesimus.  Not based on who he was formerly, but who he became. 

        Paul refers to him as his child.  Onesimus had found Jesus Christ, and that made all the difference in the world as to who Onesimus is.  He who was a useless deserter, now was someone needed and beloved. 

From Useless Deserter to Needed and Beloved

        We see from Paul’s introduction that he loves Philemon a lot, recognizing his heart of love. 

4 I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love and of your faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the [d]saints (God’s people). 6 I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective and powerful because of your accurate knowledge of every good thing which is ours in Christ. 7 For I have had great joy and comfort and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints (God’s people) have been refreshed through you, my brother Philemon (AMP).

Paul had no doubt, but that Philemon would be gracious and forgiving toward Onesimus; but he wrote the letter to Philemon anyway.  Perhaps this was also his way of acknowledging the hurt Onesimus had caused Philemon.  A hurt that Philemon would need to overcome to forgive Onesimus. 

Transformed by grace, Onesimus became an incredible servant of Christ Jesus.  As such he poured himself out in service to Paul as well.  Paul could have just kept him there hidden; but he knew that would never do.  What was broken must be healed first. 

Onesimus had to return to the scene of his crime and seek forgiveness of Philemon.  Furthermore, Philemon needed to forgive him from his own heart of grace, not because Paul asked him to. 

Words of Wisdom, learned by grace.

Paul, gently reminded Philemon of his own human chains.  He introduced himself as “1 Paul, a prisoner [for the sake] of Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed)” Philemon 1 (AMP).

He then later wrote “8 Therefore [based on these facts], though I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do what is appropriate, 9 yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you—since I am such a person as Paul, an old man, and now also a prisoner [for the sake] of Christ Jesus—

In other words, I know your heart and I could have just sent Onesimus back.  You would have done the right thing.  Yet, I would rather appeal to you one heart to another.  I do not command you as an apostle, rather I plead as an old man, weathered by life, and imprisoned for Christ with chains about my feet. 

You, before Christ was chained to a life devoid of God.  Remember from whence Christ saved you.  Then and only then can you truly forgive and love because He first loved us.  He forgave us of more than we could ever imagine.  On a rugged cross, He died that I might live.  My freedom He bought and that is what I must remember. 

So as Onesimus returned as a servant to Philemon, he also returned as a spiritual brother in Christ.  That transforms their relationship completely. 

Concluding thoughts:

Whom do you need to forgive?  What relationship needs to be rebuilt?  What about at work?  Do you perform your job always to its maximum ability, “heartily as unto the Lord?” 

Do you ever feel useless? Where ever you might be, or whatever it is you might be feeling, know this God is the ultimate transformer of your life. He is all that you need.

When Satan whispers in your ears that you are a useless deserter with no purpose, remember this. “There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:1. Then Romans 8 ends with the truth. “Nothing can separate from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus.” Everything in between is the Holy Spirit transforming us into the image of Christ. Every tear, every difficulty, every sorrow is allowed by His mighty hand only as He knows it can be used to transform you into the image of Christ. That is why Romans 8:28 says, “All things work together for Good to those who love Him.”

We bow humbly before His mighty hand of Grace, knowing He is our joy, our hope. He makes us His Beloved child upon whom He bestows His Glory, redeeming us to Himself.

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

Poetry Books Available

If you enjoy poetry perhaps you would like to read more of my poetry in my newest book which can be found on Amazon

Previous

How Does One Really Speak Always with Grace, Seasoned with Salt?

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

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.

Photo from Goodsalt.com

How Does One Really Speak Always with Grace, Seasoned with Salt?

 Redeeming the time.  6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, Colossians 4:5-6

        As we reach the close in our study in Colossians, we are given this admonition. 
“5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.  6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” (Colossians 4; NKJV). But how do we do this?  What does it mean to redeem the time?  Or what does saltiness have to do with our speech?  So, let us break this down. 

        As is quite typical of the letters from Paul, it began with doctrine.  Then, because of all the truths gleaned, how are our lives to be transformed. 

        In chapter one, Paul began with an introduction and a prayer.   Within the prayers to each church addressed, Paul gave them sound doctrine and a request of the Holy Spirit to provide them with what they need.  The Colossian church was being attacked by false doctrine.  Those who added their own flavor to the faith.  They tried to say, Christ alone was not enough to save.  The more rituals they added brought along idolatrous worship of angels and self.  After all, your penance and sacrifice were what saved you, or so they falsely taught.  For that reason, Paul prayed earnestly for the true believers to be filled with wisdom. 

 We “do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1; NKJV).   

God’s Work of Grace

       
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God Ephesians 2:8

Knowing this, changes everything.  It changes our response.  More than that, it changes our heart.  When we understand this truth, we humbly respond.  If we truly understand the price, He paid that we might be a part of His eternal story of redemption, then we desire to please Him.  Only then can we begin to love Him and recognize how worthy He is of our praise.  We also, know that we can trust Him with every detail of our life.  Why?  Because from before creation, He saw you and me.  He loved us enough to endure all the years of sin, destruction, ridicule, and human arrogance, so that we might be saved. 

That is what Paul urged the church to understand.  We are indebted to Him always.  Furthermore, this world is but a moment in time, a blink of the eye compared to eternity.  Therefore, we can endure all things here, in the power of His strength.  Knowing that one day we will share in His glory in His presence.    

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8 NKJV).

The Holy Spirits Role in Grace, Seasoned by Salt

It is the Holy Spirit that indwells us, empowers us and is our spiritual life once we are born again into newness of life.  Formerly, our spirits were dead to God.  But that old flesh was buried with Christ, and we walk in newness of life. 

 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  Romans 6

Only as we learn to trust in this truth, lean in to His Power within us by each moment declaring the truth. “I no longer am a slave to sin. Your will Lord is what I choose, not my own.”

Grace, seasoned with Salt

What does all that have to do with our speech being grace seasoned with Salt?  Well precisely think of what we are talking about.  Salt has a cleansing and purifying character, and it also creates thirst.  We are to speak to those who do not know Christ by letting our speech be filled with grace, kindness, and goodness as is the Holy Spirit.  Yet, it cannot be wishy, washy regarding truth.  It is to be such that we might lead others to thirst for Christ.  So, that our speech would cause them to desire to drink from the fountain of living water. 

The scriptures preceding this recurrently speak of prayer with thanksgiving.  Furthermore, there was a listing of apparel we were to adorn.  You see if we are in these earthly bodies, we keep in our closet those old dirty rags that we use to wear, just in case they might fit again.  So, each morning and in fact, throughout the day, we choose which we are wearing.  The new garment of righteousness, or our old filthy rags.  We either remember the truth that the Holy Spirit indwells us with all that we need (Christ in us, the hope of Glory) or we ignore this truth and rely on ourselves.

Essentially, our sins died with Christ, to be risen again into new life the minute we accept Him.  14 For the love of Christ compels us…(since) One died for all, then all (that are in Him) died (to sin). 15He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again…17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new   2Corinthians 5.

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt.

Perhaps if we consider some examples of speech being grace, seasoned with salt.   While Jesus was teaching, large crowds surrounded Him.  He spoke with authority, yet gentleness.  As He spoke He said, “

33 So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. 34 “Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? 35 It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”(Luke 14).   Amazingly, those who had the most financially to give up began to thirst for Him as we find the next verse to say, “Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” (Luke 15)  Instead of rebuking the Pharisees, He then told parables.  “The lost sheep, the widow’s mite and the Prodigal Son.” 

Hence His speech was that of grace, seasoned with salt.  He held fast to the truth, gave them what was needed to heal their sores, and caused some to thirst for more. 

Redeeming the time:

Paul gave us a perfect example of redeeming the time while your speech be that of grace, seasoned with salt.  He was jailed, falsely accused.  Then at midnight, he began leading a worship service.  Certainly, he was not in an ideal situation.  Yet, he realized that if he were sentenced or killed the next morning, now was the only time he had to testify to those in prison and the guards.  “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25).  Sometimes redeeming the time, is to see opportunity even in a moment of difficulty

Concluding Thoughts: Grace Seasoned with Salt

So, if you find yourself in an unexpected situation, consider the opportunity you are being given to redeem the times.  Perhaps, someone will cross your path who needs to know Christ.  Or sometimes, in your darkest hour about midnight, you burst into song or praise about Jesus.  You never know who is watching or listening.  When life is tough and people see you standing firm and strong in God’s love, you never know whom you have caused to be drawn to Him.  Or when grace compels you to help someone, while you yourself are in difficult times; well, you are allowing your speech to be grace, seasoned with salt. 

So, let us lay aside all of self that the Holy Spirit might shine through us with grace seasoned with salt.

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

Poetry Books Available

If you enjoy poetry perhaps you would like to read more of my poetry in my newest book which can be found on Amazon

Previous

One Mystery Found with Abounding Riches:  Christ in You, The Hope of Glory

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

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.

Photo by Francesco Alberti on Unsplash