Effie Darlene Barba

Luke 8: ²² Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.

²³ But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.

²⁴ And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.

²⁵ And he said unto them, Where is your faith?

The disciples had heard the Sermon on the Mount, they had seen the Centurion’s servant healed, the widow’s son raised from the dead, and many other miracles.  Yet, when the storm came; they became afraid and cried out in fear to Christ.  You have to love the disciples with all their frailties.  The Bible has never hidden the truths as they occurred.  You and I may look at this and say, "What fools, they were with Him and still had moments of pride, panic and fear?"   Yet, we are so much like them.  Whenever trials come, we become filled with fears and questions.  How many miracles have we seen in our own lives? 

So how do we get rid of the fear and tremors when we are facing tough valleys in our lives?  How do we find joy, hope, peace and mountaintop experiences while in the valley? The steps I am about to outline are meant for those who know Jesus Christ as the Savior; if you don’t I urge to ask Him into your heart.  He took your sins upon Himself and died on the cross so that you might have the chance to be justified.  (Declared just as if you had never sinned)  Thereby, you are given the opportunity of a personal, intimate relationship with God. Additionally, by accepting Christ, you become the recipient of all of His promises.  This, I declare to you is the key to a life abundantly filled with joy no matter what storm surrounds you.

            Now I will get back to the steps to take as a Christian when facing a sudden dark valley.

1.  Pray.  There is power in prayer.  Even if you do not know what to say, just sit quietly before God.  The Holy Spirit will make intercession for you.  Pray even if you are feeling frustrated or angry with God; because He knows already how you are feeling.  This prayer is not because God doesn’t know; but it gives Him a moment alone with Him so He can soothe and comfort you.

2. If there is ever a time that you need to be studying your Bible morning and evening or sometimes all day long, it is when facing a valley.  It is better to study the Bible everyday, but especially during the valleys you need to increase your time in the word.  How can you claim His promises, if you don’t know what they are?

3. Remember every trial (big or small) you have ever been through in the past and remember how God had carried you through.  I even suggest writing them down.  Trial and across from it the miracle or good change that came about in your heart as a result of the trial.  If you have never done this, it may take a moment to reflect backwards and see what good came of each sorrowful moment.  Ask God for the wisdom to reveal this to you.  You will be amazed at the Grace and Mercy that was etched in the center of that painful trial.

4. Make a list of God’s promises concerning finances, illness, loss or whatever your valley is.  Keep those scriptures with you and reread them frequently

5. Find Christian Songs that declare His Might and Power and Love—hum them to your own self throughout the day.

6. Each morning make a list of those things for which you are thankful to God and read them to God.

7. Do not skip meals or do without sleep.  Even if you don’t want to eat, do it anyway.  If you awaken in the night, pray quietly while taking deep slow breathes—you can hear God’s response clearer when you quiet your own mind. Let yourself drift back to sleep. This is not your moment to diet or deprive yourself of sleep.

8. Neither should you spend all day in bed. Get up and put one foot in front of the other, one step at a time until you do finish that day something you can call an accomplishment—then say “Thank you, Lord for today.

      All of these steps I have learned over the years after passing through many trials.  True faith, hope, and trust come from seeing God’s faithfulness through the trials.   Having seen this fact played out in my own life, should I not now see each trial as a gift of love from God?  God so carefully and patiently has been working to remove all my own false securities that I might find security in the only one who keeps me safe in the storms of life.  He has ever so gently changed my desires that they might be conformed to His desires.  How well He has known me.  He knew that I, perhaps like Peter, desired to rely on my own strength or to think too much of myself at times.  There have been times when He would allow me to press forward in my own strength only to fail and plummet into self despair before looking up and finding my comfort once more in Him, the only strength or righteousness which could be mine.  My boss once told me that he did not understand me because whenever God threw me a curveball, I seemed to catch it and run with it as though a great gift.   I told Him that had not always been the case; rather, I have learned through many trials that He is faithful and that He loves me beyond anything I could imagine.  It is for that reason I can now trust Him.  Perhaps that is why last year as I went in for a major surgery, I had no fear.  It proved to be one for which the recovery was more painful than I could have imagined; yet, I saw it through God’s eyes this time.  The pain limited my activity, so I finished writing “A Broken and Contrite Heart.”  It was a book God had pressed on my heart to write ever since 2005; yet, steadily and slowly He had taught me, sifted me so that I would be ready to write the book.  Then, He sat me down for a period of time so that I could do just that.  I have learned that when life does not make sense; trust in He who rules the Universe because He is still in control and has a plan of love for me.–Excerpt from "Mountaintop Experiences in the Valley" by me, Effie Darlene Barba published 2011

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vh65wLVbaww

Psalm 46 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

² Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

³ Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

⁴ There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

⁵ God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

⁶ The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.

⁷ The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

⁸ Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

⁹ He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

¹⁰ Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

¹¹ The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

All around us the world seems to be spinning out of control.  We are pressed by clocks, work, and time.  The more "conveniences we have" the more hurried our world.  The sorrows, anxieties, pressures and demands of being and living in a "prosperous society" with TVs, Cars, Entertainment, Friends, Phones, Computers, and the ever increasing demands on our lives to succeed. We are a society so filled with wants, pressed to the brink of financial disasters from a society of "I want" and "I am entitled to"  That mentality and the anxiety that it brings presses against us everyday from everywhere surrounding us.  We are asked to go further, work harder, try to please everyone more just to survive–or we might be the next to lose our job, lose our home and run the risk of joining the long lines of unemployed.  We have ever increasing demands from family, friends, coworkers, institutions, and bosses as though we have been caught up in some kind of whirlwind tornado that won’t release us.  If that describes you in any fashion, STOP, BE STILL, AND RECOGNIZE THAT GOD IS IN CONTROL.  Take time to withdraw from everything and spend some time alone, still everyday in the presence of God.  Only then you can be filled with peace and joy in a chaotic world; because you understand the truth of God’s Plan and His Covenant Promise of Future Grace specifically to you.  When you understand this and the promise of eternity in His Presence, all of this "moment of chaos" becomes relatively insignificant in the course of forever.  God loves you, always knows what is best, and offers you His Peace and His Joy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgaHaioAjyg

 

6 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

² God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

³ Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

⁴ Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

⁵ For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

⁶ Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

⁷ For he that is dead is freed from sin.

⁸ Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:

⁹ Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

¹⁰ For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

¹¹ Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

We are saved by Grace Alone, through faith alone; then why must we fight sin in our own lives?  The second question is how do we fight sin in our lives?  Paul wanted the Roman Church to understand this.  They had incorporated many "activities and rituals into salvation" so that you might of your own strength clean up your life to make yourself acceptable.  This began in the earliest Roman Church and continued down through the ages in the Roman Catholic Church.  Paul spent many chapters explaining that salvation could only come by accepting the atonement of Christ and that no man of his own works could be saved.  Then he paused for a moment to answer the question that by that point many would ask, "If I am saved by grace, I can just continue on sinning and then God’s grace would be even more fully displayed".  To which Paul’s answer was, no.  If our thought is to believe that because of Grace I am freed to sin even more; then I don’t understand the devastation that sin brings into my life, nor do I understand the extreme price that Christ paid for my justification.  By justification through the blood of Christ, I must consider the cost and gratitude plus love would demand that each day I battle against sin, not in my own power; but in the power provided by that justification.  Christ’s sanctifying work in me begins the day I accept Christ as my Savior and continues until the day I stand before His Throne.  It is a lifelong process of transforming me.  If I can be content and happy while sinning then chances are I never understood salvation nor accepted Christ.  He is continually transforming my life, revealing the evil hidden deep in my heart so that I might war against it through His Power and not my own.  I must die to all those selfish pride filled desires that present themselves in my life and thoughts through prayer, Bible Study, and renouncing their power.  When Satan comes at me with his accusations that I am a sinner, I can stand firm and tell him so what of it, Christ died for my sins and I am freed from those chains of sin with the power of Christ as my only fortress.  For me to ever make headway in this battle against sin in my life, I must recognize that the only power to overcome sin is the power given me in Christ, alone.  His power working through to will and to do as He pleases.  I bow before the throne and accept whatever He wills to place in my life that He might teach me and guide me along this pathway.  My Joy in Christ is destroyed by sin when I relax and relish in it or it’s guilt.  So I must fight sin so that my joy in Christ is able to be experienced. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXLiWhAlA34   John Piper excerpt

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU5E4fBXObg   In Christ Alone as sung at First Baptist Orlando

For the words to In Christ Alone, I recommend that you go to http://www.gettymusic.com/hymns-inchristalone.aspx

There you will find this song and many other songs that I consider some of the greatest Christian music of our time. 

Philippians 4:  ⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

⁵ Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

⁶ Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

⁷ And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

⁹ Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

If we look around us we have a hard time holding onto joy.  We listen to the news and hear about the distress in our country and the world.  There are so many without jobs and there seems to be no answer coming.  Sickness, illness and death surrounds us and we see so many tragedies in the medical field; how can we possibly hold fast to joy?  Physicians who have dedicated their lives to working hard caring for patients are being pushed out of practice by new policies and new insurance regulations.  We look at the inequities that pay large amounts for entertainment; yet, underpay law officers and teachers while demanding more and more of them.  We are pressed from every side by people who are anxious and depressed.  There are moments when their unrest so invades our soul that our empathetic nature becomes like a sponge absorbing their pain into our very souls.  Beyond that we may have our own financial and health issues which press us against the wall.  Our guilt invades, maybe I should have done that better or maybe if I hadn’t helped that person; I would not be in this position.  From chapter 4 of Philippians it appears that Paul is addressing the same issues with the people of Philippi.  If you look further into the chapter he refers to the fact that they had recently sent to him a gift of items (food, clothing, etc) that he had been in need of.  It had been a time period that they were so caught up in their own lack that they did not see his need.  He commands them Rejoice in the Lord.  If I truly believe that the God of the Universe is my friend and my Father through adoption, then why should I ever be filled with sorrow?  Circumstances are mere circumstances, unless we see them through the eyes of our Heavenly Father who loves us.  So many new wave preachers try to tell us that prosperity will be ours on earth if we "name and claim it"; as though, God were some great Santa Claus who hands us all the counterfeit joys we want so that we might trust in our possessions instead of trusting in our relationship with Him. The only thing that can bring us peace and joy is that relationship with Him in which we daily look to Him for today’s needs, today’s joy, today’s strength and today’s hope.  We also have that hope in future grace which will hold us until one day He returns to take us home where our joy will overflow in the presence of His love.  Here Paul reminds us when all that surrounds you looks dark and bleak, pray and let God’s peace then fill your hearts and minds. Then, think on those things that are true, honest, just, lovely, and virtuous.  Be reminded of all things that you might praise God for today.  Steady your mind.  As you focus on those things and thank God for them, your own mind will turn to peace and joy.  In this world that so desires to destroy our peace and our joy we must fight for joy. Spend time alone with God and His word.  If you don’t understand the concept of "fighting for Joy";  I recommend that you read and study some of John Piper’s teachings.  Let me give you this following outline of steps written by John Piper on January 1, 1995 concerning "How Shall We Fight for Joy"  1. Realize that authentic joy in God is a gift.

2. Realize that joy must be fought for relentlessly.

3. Resolve to attack all known sin in your life.

4. Learn the secret of gutsy guilt – how to fight like a justified sinner.

5. Realize that the battle is primarily a fight to see God for who he is.

6. Meditate on the Word of God day and night.

7. Pray earnestly and continually for open heart-eyes and an inclination for God.

8. Learn to preach to yourself rather than listen to yourself.

9. Spend time with God-saturated people who help you see God and fight the fight.

10. Be patient in the night of God’s seeming absence.

11. Get the rest and exercise proper diet that your body was designed by God to have.

12. Make a proper use of God’s revelation in nature.

13. Read great books about God and biographies of great saints.

14. Do the hard and loving thing for the sake of others (witness and mercy).

15. Get a global vision for the cause of Christ and pour yourself out for the unreached.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMhTFzzvIs4

Deuteronomy 6: The Lord our God is one Lord:

⁵ And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

Do you love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might? 

Psalm 108: O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.

² Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.

³ I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations.

⁴ For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds.

⁵ Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth;

⁶ That thy beloved may be delivered: save with thy right hand, and answer me.

Do you see yourself as the beloved of God, betrothed by a covenant promise to be loved eternally?  Has His love so wooed you that you have fallen so completely in love with Him that you long to see Him, face to face, and you are awaiting His return, listening for His voice and reading His love letters over and over again–so that you keep that love afresh?

Song of Solomon 2: ¹⁰ My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.

¹¹ For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;

¹² The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;

¹³ The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.

¹⁴ O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.

¹⁵ Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.

¹⁶ My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.

¹⁷ Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.

The song of Solomon represents a love story between the shepherd King and an outcast maiden.  When she first falls in love with him, the maiden believes him to be a simple shepherd boy.  He promises to return one day to marry her.  When he does, he returns as the king.   The story serves as a beautiful picture of Christ’s love for His Bride (the church).  Paul refers to this concept in 2 Corinthians 11(amp)

^"2 For I am ^[a]zealous for you with a godly eagerness and a divine jealousy, for I have betrothed you to one Husband, to present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

³ But [now] I am fearful, lest that even as the serpent beguiled Eve by his cunning, so your minds may be corrupted and seduced from wholehearted and sincere and pure devotion to Christ."

The song of Solomon is one of unconditional love that accepts the bride to be just as they are and transforms her into the queen she will be.  Just as Christ’s love for us, who accepts us as we are and transforms us by His love.   Do we love our Shepherd King?  Are we awaiting His return?  Have you accepted His proposal? 

Christ spoke of this in Matthew 25: "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

² And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

³ They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

⁴ But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

⁵ While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

⁶ And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

⁷ Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

⁸ And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

⁹ But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

¹⁰ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

¹¹ Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

¹² But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

¹³ Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh."

The offer of salvation is to all who would believe.  There are many who might believe that there was a Christ and that He is returning; but have never accepted Him as their Savior, because they believe there is still time.  The oil in the lamps refers to those who have accepted Christ as their Savior and have the indwelling Holy Spirit.  Those without oil are those who are waiting to accept Christ later, another day.  Do Your Lamps Have Oil? 

Revelation 22: ¹⁷ And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5ecjZJaqDg