Effie Darlene Barba

Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope FULLY upon the Grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ (I Peter 1:13).  As we turn to Luke 6:13, we read: “the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.” Power went out from Him.  Jesus the Powerful is our hope, our wondrous hope of Grace.  I cannot nor do not deserve such grace.  For I too have a heart that so quickly bends to my own selfish desires.  My hope is not based on what I might be able to do or accomplish; but fully rests upon Jesus the Powerful King and Savior and the wondrous hope of Grace He has provided for me. 

Hope.  How do we hold fast to any hope?  Particularly if you turn on any news broadcast where stories of hate, anger, division, and strife play 24-7.  We are told that we must condemn all who cling to their faith or dare to speak up for the gospel of Christ.  Freedom of speech is only meant for those who agree with new age cancel culture, proclaiming truth is relative.  (That is unless you speak out, then your truth is declared a lie and not relative at all).  Amidst the chaos, confusion and hate that these ideas create, how can we have hope at all?   We can know this wondrous hope of grace only as we take our eyes off this world and put them fully on Him.  Jesus the powerful, Sovereign King of the Universe who willingly humbled Himself to die the death that we deserved.

To provide us the wondrous hope of Grace.

Our Wondrous Hope of Grace

Look once more at this truth.  “Rest Your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”  Romans 8 23 Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. ²⁴ For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.”

When is this wondrous hope of grace?  Certainly, we know of His Grace, every day.  We were saved from our sins by Grace; but, for now we still reside in these human bodies.  Sometimes subjected to the fears, sorrows, pains, and stresses that attack our hearts and minds every day, despair creeps into our spirit.  Yet, when it does, we must look forward to that day when we will see Him fully face to face.  It is then that Jesus the Powerful Lion of Judah will complete the final chapter—the revelation of Jesus Christ. 

Throughout scripture, He has been revealed to us; but one day, His Magnificence, His Glory, His Power and His Justice will be made known to all the world.  Then, and only then will we fully comprehend the magnitude of grace He has showered upon those of us who know Him as Lord and Savior.  For power goes forth from Him to heal all of us.  In the King James and the Geneva Bibles, this is translated virtue goes forth from Him.  I love that as well.  His Righteousness and power pour forth to heal me of unrighteousness and sin. 

Jesus the Powerful Son of Man-Lord of the Sabbath

Now it happened ^[a]on the second Sabbath after the first that He went through the grainfields. And His disciples plucked the heads of grain and ate them, rubbing them in their hands. ² And some of the Pharisees said to them, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?”

³ But Jesus answering them said, “Have you not even read this, what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: ⁴ how he went into the house of God, took and ate the showbread, and also gave some to those with him, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat?” ⁵ And He said to them, “The Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.”

Son of Man

Note that Jesus often referred to himself as the Son of Man.  This might seem odd how often he used this; yet not if one recognizes that He is referring to this denotation of Himself from Daniel 7:

“I was watching in the night visions,
And behold, One like the Son of Man,
Coming with the clouds of heaven!
He came to the Ancient of Days,
And they brought Him near before Him.
¹⁴ Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom,
That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
Which shall not pass away,
And His kingdom the one
Which shall not be destroyed.

In other words, He was declaring that He is the long-awaited Messiah who will return to reign on earth one day.

What Was HE Saying?

Did Jesus recommend His Disciples break the law?  No never.  But the law did not say you could not eat on the Sabbath.  It forbade the people from working on the Sabbath. 

⁸ “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. ⁹ Six days you shall labor and do all your work, ¹⁰ but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. ¹¹ For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day.  Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.  Exodus 20: 8-11.

Exodus 31:

¹² And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ¹³ “Speak also to the children of Israel, saying: ‘Surely My Sabbaths you shall keep, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies^[a] you. ¹⁴ You shall keep the Sabbath, therefore, for it is holy to you.

The Sabbath was held for a particular purpose.  It was a reminder of the covenant between God and the nation.  A reminder that God alone could provide sanctification.  On the other hand, the Pharisees believed their fulfilling of the law, their works including keeping the Sabbath was what saved them.  A complete flip-flop from the truth.  No man or woman could be saved by their keeping of the law.  In fact, they had tacked on a thousand taboos to the original law to prove themselves “morally more righteous and condemn the rest of the people.  Yet, the truth was they were the greater sinner for their hypocrisy. 

In fact, the law did approve the very thing the disciples of Jesus were doing. 

Deuteronomy 23: “When you come into your neighbor’s vineyard, you may eat your fill of grapes at your pleasure, but you shall not put any in your container. ²⁵ When you come into your neighbor’s standing grain, you may pluck the heads with your hand, but you shall not use a sickle on your neighbor’s standing grain.”

Hope of Grace Jesus The Powerful—Healer

⁶ Now it happened on another Sabbath, also, that He entered the synagogue and taught. And a man was there whose right hand was withered. ⁷ So the scribes and Pharisees watched Him closely, whether He would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find an accusation against Him. ⁸ But He knew their thoughts and said to the man who had the withered hand, “Arise and stand here.” And he arose and stood. 

⁹ Then Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one thing: Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or ^[b]to destroy?” ¹⁰ And when He had looked around at them all, He said to ^[c]the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored ^[d]as whole as the other. ¹¹ But they were filled with rage and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.

When they saw Jesus the Powerful healer the Pharisees hated Him.  They wanted Him cancelled because He was loved.  A nonstop campaign against Him was lodged.  Then, one night, the crowd turned against Him, crying “crucify Him.”  The same crowd ushered Him in with palm branches, suddenly turned against Him.  Why?  They did not understand.  He was the gift.  Not the physical healings. He came to heal their broken hearts and minds.  Jesus came to redeem them from themselves.  He was the long-awaited final Sacrificial lamb, the only one who could truly redeem them. 

That was not what they wanted.  They had no desire to empty themselves out so they might truly be healed spiritually.  Instead, all they could see was the here and now.  Never repenting of their sin.  And certainly, never conceding to their guilt before a Holy God. 

Wondrous Hope of Grace-Jesus the Powerful Savior

When all around you seems hopeless, take your eyes off the world and even yourself.  Look to Jesus!  Therein lies our hope.  As each day, He is further revealed to your heart, you are transformed into His image one glory at a time.  Then, one day when you stand before Him, you will have His heart. 

 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as ^[a]by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18.

The most wondrous hope of Grace is one day my heart will be like His.  This selfish broken heart will know and be fully known, beating with His love flowing through it.  Then, I will understand fully all there is to know of Him and that will be enough.  All these moments of failure, despair will fade away.

So, What about now? What is our Wondrous Hope of Grace?

Just as Jesus showed us how to be always restored, we need to spend time alone with Him in prayer.  Take your eyes off the world and gaze into His lovely face. 

Remember this, Jesus healed through the power of the Holy Spirit and The Father, while on earth. He had fully emptied himself when on earth.  He was fully God, but chose to lay aside these powers, so that He totally depended on the Father and the Spirit to work through Him.  Remember how He spent nights alone with the Father in prayer. 

Luke 6:12 “Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray and continued all night in prayer to God.”  He prayed fervently before every decision He made.  In, Luke 6:13 after praying all night, He named His 12 apostles.  “And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles.”

So, even if all the world turns against you.  When you are standing all alone, hopeless, and afraid, “look up, your redemption is near.”  Know the Wondrous Hope of Grace: Jesus the Powerful—keep your eyes, heart and mind focused on Him. 

Our hope of Grace is this . Because Jesus the powerful healer, savior and redeemer of my soul, one day I will be fully transformed. He has guaranteed it with His Blood. I am sealed by the Holy Spirit throughout eternity. from the moment I first knew Him as Savior and Lord, today, and forever more. That is the Hope of Grace- Past, Present and Future. That is the most wondrous Hope of Grace I could ever know.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?

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

Or if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Poetry Books Available

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

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When I Feel So Lost, Alone-A Poem

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 King James Version (NKJV)

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

When I Feel So Lost, Alone

When I feel so lost, alone

I turn my gaze upon His throne

He who for my sins did die

To rise again and justify

A wretched heart whose selfish pride

Could never set my Self aside

Until I saw a glimpse His gaze

It was there my heart was set ablaze

To know a love so greater still

That I might bow beneath His will

And when I feel so sad, so down

I then must look upon His crown

A crown of thorns once cut His brow

Exchanged for Glory that somehow

To there bestow on me His Grace

So as I gaze upon His face

Transform this wretched heart of mine

Unto His righteous Heart Divine

As step by step I bow before

The one who doth my life restore

For when I stop to see this world

The sorrow, pain evil has hurled

Upon the foolish, blind and lost

I then can see the depth, the cost

The weight of sin He chose to bare

For selfish ones who do not care

With hate-filled looks, their brazen stare

Whose hardened hearts do then declare

Themselves as kings yet all the while

Destroying all! Such Hate and guile

They think themselves so righteous wise

While cloaked with lies their one disguise

Oh, how I hate to see them Lord

Despising you in one accord

Yet, there I see your arms stretched wide

To bid them come to You, abide

Oh come repentant, sinner come

And bow before Your throne succumb

Unto Your Grace, Your love profound

To there sing praise, Salvation’s Sound

Broken and Sad

So broken, sad my desperate heart

Desires to leave this world, depart

To sit before Your precious throne

And bask within Your love alone

Broken, scarred, no strength, no might

To face the battles I MUST fight

It is there I hear your gentle voice

Bid me to stay and make the choice

To stand once more, Your truth my shield

As to they will I fully yield

In You I have the strength, the might

In darkness, You are my shining light

So, hold me tight within Your hand

That I might do all Your will has planned

Your love, your joy will fill each day

You will give my lips the words to say

So, I might then proclaim Your Glorious Grace

Help others see Your Lovely Face

So that the broken, lost alone

May then repent, make you their own

So all the lost, broken and sad

Come look upon His Cross be glad

For He who died to pay your way

Will come, abide with you today

You will find that there above all measure

He is the one, your greatest treasure

Who takes your lost and broken heart

To there indwell and never depart

His Love for You will never cease

That you might know His Joy and Peace

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?

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

Or if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Poetry Books Available

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

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Is the Glory One Day Worth the Suffering Now?

Knowing Your Value, will you follow Jesus?

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 King James Version (NKJV)

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

In this world, if we take a stand for the truth of the gospel, we may face hardship, persecution, suffering or even death. If we choose to stand on truth, never compromising the fact that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the life; we may suffer loss of material and worldly goods. Furthermore, if we stand firm that Jesus is the perfect Righteous Son of God who died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, then rose again on the third day; then some will call us many names to try to destroy us.  Still, when we consider Him, could we do anything less? Is not one glimpse of His glory worth it all?

When you possess the greatest treasure how can you not desire to share it with all whom you meet? Could love do any less? If you know they are destined to be in eternal damnation separated from their creator, the very source of life, goodness and joy forever; would you not be willing to risk everything for their salvation, even if you humanity thought them unworthy? For were you not also unworthy?

For the Glory One Day of Seeing Him, isn’t it worth the suffering now?

            Throughout the world there are many who face imprisonment, torture, or even death for daring to proclaim the name of Jesus.  In our country, for many years we have enjoyed the privilege of religious freedom.  Yet that freedom we have taken for granted. Furthermore, we have during these times of privilege, allowed our very core beliefs to be compromised in the name of civility.  Yet, the very ones who pressed us to lay aside those beliefs, infiltrated our churches. They now wish to cancel all the truth of the gospel message, denying the cross and God’s son who paid the penalty for our sins.  Now as we are pressed to lay aside truth or be cancelled ourselves, who will stand up for Jesus?  Will we recognize the worth of Glory. The Glory of seeing Jesus face to face. So the suffering now is worth the Glory then.

A Cripple, His Suffering, and Glory

            As we turn to look at the cripple in Luke 5 who was given the greatest gift of all, forgiveness; let us seek to understand what truly transformed his life.  As we review this text of scripture, let us consider each detail from the crowd, the four friends, Jesus Himself, the teachers of the law, and the Pharisees.  We must look at not only what is at stake in seeking to see Jesus face to face.  The suffering that we may face now.  Yet, the Glory that will be ours one day.  We must keep our eyes focused on Him.  “The author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Then, let us consider.  Is there any suffering too great to endure for the salvation of one soul? 

The Glory of Jesus—Displayed and Promised to All Who believe.

            And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.  John 1:14

John 17: ²⁰ “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who ^[j]will believe in Me through their word; ²¹ that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. ²² And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:

²³ I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

²⁴ “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

He has promised to make us perfect in one.  The love of the Father and the son, indwelling us with the power of the Holy Spirit sealing us forever in His Love and His Glory.  Cloaked in His righteousness.  Set free from the chains of sin.  Endowed with His Spirit, His power, and His might.  Crucified in Him and raised to newness of life.  Spiritually alive, filled with all the heavenly blessings—here and now. 

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…and nothing or no one shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8: 1,39.

A Cripple Brought to Jesus

¹⁷ Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem.  And the power of the Lord was present ^[c]to heal them.

Pause:  What does it mean the power of the Lord was present to heal them?  As has been shone throughout the gospel of Luke, Jesus is God.  This is going to be a particularly important point in the passages which follow.  Yet, Jesus while on this earth was fully human, having chosen to lay down His deity for a time to rely fully on the Father and the Holy Spirit.  He humbled himself and became a servant.  Emptying Himself out, He became fully dependent on the Father and the Holy Spirit fulfilling the will of the Father in all that He did.  Note also, ¹⁵ However, the report went around concerning Him more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. ¹⁶ So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.  Luke 4:15-16

Luke 5: ¹⁸ Then behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, whom they sought to bring in and lay before Him. ¹⁹ And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus.

Determination:

Imagine these 4 men who accompanied him.  Think of their determination to place this cripple directly in front of Jesus.  They believed Jesus could heal Him.  But the crowd would not let them through.  No one showed compassion or sympathy to this man.  Did they know him?  We discover in a moment that he knew he was a sinner, and his greatest need was to be forgiven by God for his sins.  So, did everyone else recognize him?  Would they have shouted unworthy?  Was his condition a direct result of some horrendous sin?

It took courage Strength and ingenuity for the other 4 men to get him in front of Jesus, but they did.  Is there anyone you would go to extra lengths to present them to Christ? What about some one you do not think is worthy?  Would you go the extra length to present Jesus to them?  Recognizing that without Jesus they are destined to be in eternal damnation, separated from the source of life, goodness, and joy forever?   

The Suffering Now- Nothing compared to the Glory.

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 8:18

We know little about the story of the cripple.  How did he become paralyzed?  Yet, it must have been agonizing in that day.  Yet, as Jesus laid His eyes upon the man, He saw the greater agonized.  The man’s suffering state was one of unforgiven sin.  Jesus could see to his heart and read his mind.  The man knew his unworthiness; yet, he came to Jesus with a repentant, faith filled heart. For we read next.

²⁰ When He (JESUS) saw their faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”

This was not just for the moment.  But from that day forward.  That was the tense of the verb used in the original text.  Your sins are now forgiven and will continue being forgiven, because of your faith. 

⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not of works, lest anyone should boast.   Ephesians 2

The Cancel Culture

²¹ And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

Not only did they want to cancel Jesus, but they also wanted Him dead.  Hence why they led the charge to have Him crucified ultimately.  Little did they in their self-righteousness realize they did exactly what the Father had planned all along.  Jesus came to die, so that He might offer them salvation.  Yet, they denied Him, tried to cancel Him, and He rose from the grave that we who believe might be saved. 

 ²² But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts?

Jesus read their minds, though they had not spoken a word. 

²³ Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’? ²⁴ But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”²⁵ Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.

²⁶ And they were all amazed, and they glorified God and were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen strange things today!”

Is the Glory then worth the suffering now?

All the suffering that this paralytic had faced was worth it. He will stand with Jesus in Glory one day.  Many in the crowd, who had not suffered walked away still lost in their sins.  The Pharisees for all their pious religiosity still would die without having really seen Jesus. Even though He was right before their eyes. 

In this world, if we take a stand for the truth of the gospel, we may face hardship, persecution or even death. If we choose to stand on truth, never compromising the fact that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the life; we may suffer loss of material and worldly goods. Furthermore, if we stand firm that Jesus is the perfect Righteous Son of God who died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, then rose again on the third day; then some will call us many names to try to destroy us.

Still, when we consider Him, could we do anything less? When you possess the greatest treasure how can you not desire to share it with all whom you meet? Could love do any less? If you know they are destined to be in eternal damnation separated from their creator, the very source of life, goodness and joy forever; would you not be willing to risk everything for their salvation, even if you humanity thought them unworthy? For were you not also unworthy?

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?

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

Or if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Poetry Books Available

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

Previous

Knowing Your Value, will you follow Jesus?

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 King James Version (NKJV)

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

            Sometimes we consider ourselves worth a lot.  Our feelings, desires, hopes, and innate value we consider to be high above all else.  But what if I told you, your value magnifies when you lay aside yourself and you follow Jesus.  You see, true eternal value is found in Him.  All this self-made, or self-exalting value is worthless compared to eternity.  Whatever wealth or fame gained here on earth quickly fades into obscurity either before or after our own death.  Even those who have made such great impact on our society, such as Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, or George Washington reside in infamy until someone decides to pick out their worst and trash their best traits and achievements.  Our best can never fully erase our worst moments, and we do not get to choose what others remember us for.  Our humanity dooms us to mediocracy at best.

But God has promised value to all who follow Jesus Christ, those who find their identity in Him.  He exchanges our worst and provides us His best.  Precisely, He takes our sin and covers us in His righteousness.  So, let us take a moment to look at who we are (Our Value and identity) as only can be found in Christ Jesus.  Then with awe, wonder, hope and anticipation let us follow Jesus to wherever He might lead us, knowing He loves us and desires our best.  He gives us value beyond anything we could hope for or imagine.

Ephesians 1:

Valued in Spiritual Blessings

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

Think of this!  He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.  What are spiritual blessings?  The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ^23 [a]gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23.  Contrast that with the nature of humanity:  strife, discord, impatience, self-centeredness, anger, frustration, greed, and bitterness.  By nature, we see ourselves as King of our little world and want all to bow to our wants.  Doubt that?  Just spend 10 minutes with any toddler.  It only intensifies in adults (although sometimes more subtle and hidden, but the same agenda).  Wonder why so many divorces? Or failed relationships at work, home, and politically? 

Yet it does not have to be that way.  We are given freely every spiritual blessing.  The Holy Spirit indwells the heart of each believer and all we need do is yield to Him. 

Value as Chosen Children

⁴ just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, (Before the world was ever made, He chose us.  He knew we would be His.  Willing to suffer all the pains, suffering and even the cross that we might be His.

 that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,  (We are made holy in Him.  Cloaked in the righteousness of Christ, we no longer have any shame or blame.  How?  Love.  God’s love for us who willingly would endure all that He hates, just to accomplished what He absolutely loves—to shower us in His love, His joy and His Glory.  He did not need us to be complete; but He desired to have a creature on whom He could lavish everything, thus He created us in His image. 

⁵ having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, (Why would He do such a thing?  It was the GOOD PLEASURE of His will-He delights in us, His children.  We are adopted into His family.  An adopted child is chosen, special, and particularly showered in His affection.

Furthermore, He did it

⁶ to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He ^[a]made us accepted in the Beloved.

That all the Universe might know the GLORY of His Grace.  Grace is one attribute of His Glory, His being, the essence of all that He IS.  Thus, He provided the means of our salvation through His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

Value in Redemption

⁷ In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace (Because of Jesus Christ, we are redeemed, washed clean of all our guilt and sin.  The chains of sin no longer hold us). 

Furthermore, our hope of redemption is made know to us.

⁸ which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and ^[b]prudence, ⁹ having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, ¹⁰ that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, ^[c]both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. (He has made His truth known to us!  It is His Grace that shows us the depth of His love and gives us the faith to believe.  It was His Good Pleasure to save us, He purposed this Himself since before creation.  One day, every knee shall bow before Jesus. 

Value in our Inheritance

¹¹ In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, ¹² that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.   (He is Sovereign and we who know Him can rest assured He will accomplish all that He desires in our lives.  We will look like Him.  Through us He will shine forth His glory.  Whatever it takes, He does not abandon the work He began in us.)

Value in Security

¹³ In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, ¹⁴ who^[d] is the ^[e]guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

Wow, for all who have trusted in Him, through accepting the truth of His word, the gospel message which leads to Salvation, we are sealed.  Note this.  Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.  Guaranteed we will be fully redeemed.  One Day we will look like Him!  One day my heart will be perfected as His!  To the praise of His Glory, for only He can transform a regenerate broken heart into one that overflows with Godly love.

Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom to KNOW Your Value

¹⁵ Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, ¹⁶ do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: ¹⁷ that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, ¹⁸ the eyes of your ^[f]understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

¹⁹ and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power ²⁰ which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹ far above all principality^[g] and ^[h]power and ^[i]might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

²² And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, ²³ which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Therefore, with the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, He wants to raise you from spiritual death into life.  So, knowing your Value as can only be found in Him, will you follow Jesus?

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?

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

Or if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Poetry Books Available

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

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When You See His Power, Will You Follow Jesus?

Knowing God Is Love; Yet Feeling So Desperately Sad. Why?

Knowing God Is Love; Yet Feeling So Desperately Sad. Why?

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 King James Version (NKJV)

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

            Usually when we consider Jesus, we talk about His humility, His Grace, and His gentle spirit.  These certainly do show.  Yet, how often do we think about His Magnificent boldness and His Power shining forth.  He displayed the perfect dichotomy in all aspects.  So, for a moment let us consider His Power on display in Luke 4 and 5.  Then let us ask, when you see His power, will you follow Jesus?  Then let us consider what that means for us.  If we are to truly follow Jesus, we will become more like Him each day. 

It is for this that Paul prayed as recorded in Ephesians 3 (NKJV)

¹⁴ For this reason I bow my knees to the Father ^[f]of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵ from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, ¹⁶ that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, ¹⁷ that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— ¹⁹ to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

²⁰ Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ²¹ to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Jesus said, ^“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmlessas doves.  Matthew 10: 16 (NKJV).

Seeing His Power

Then He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths. And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority Luke 4: 31:32 NKJV

Jesus spoke with authority.  He did not say, “well, I want you to consider, maybe if you want to”.  Instead, His power was displayed with His directness, boldness, and knowledge.  No fancy feel good additional words.  Very directly, He taught the scripture and presented the truth found therein.  God IS. There is no other.  No room for humanity to determine truth by their feelings.  God speaks ! His power created the Universe. Only His power provided a means of salvation despite humanity chasing after everything that destroys life. 

Knowing His Power

Now in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon. And he cried out with a loud voice, ³⁴ saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ^[n]“Be quiet, and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him in their midst, it came out of him and did not hurt him. ³⁶ Then they were all amazed and spoke among themselves, saying, “What a word this is! For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” And the report about Him went out into every place in the surrounding region.  Luke 4: 33-37 NKJV

Satan and all his lackeys know who Jesus is and His power.

One day He will return as judge and King-the lion of Judah; but first He came as the Sacrificial Lamb so that all who believed in Him might be saved. Many may know of Him, know of His power and seek Him.  Yet, never bow before Him and surrender to His will for their life. Knowing of Him and surrendering to Him are two very different things..  The demons knew Him, seeing His power; but did not surrender and follow Jesus. Many may profess to know Him, but the question is:  Do you see His Power, believing that He is the Son of God who died for your sins?  Will you bow before Him, repentant of your sins, accepting His gift of Salvation, believing that He is the only way, the truth and the life?  Will you follow Jesus, no matter what the cost here and now?  

His Power over illness

 Now He arose from the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. But Simon’s wife’s mother was ^[o]sick with a high fever, and they made request of Him concerning her.   So He stood over her , rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she arose and served them. .When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them.  Demons also came out of many, crying out and saying, “You are ^[p]the Christ, the Son of God!” And He, rebuking them, did not allow them to speak, for they knew that He was the Christ. Luke 4: 38-41 (NKJV)

Jesus has the power over sickness, illness; yet, did not want the followers to follow Him because of the gifts.  We are to follow Jesus because of who He IS.  Falling in love with Him, His Glory, His majesty; we follow Jesus because we love Him, every aspect.  Even if He gave me nothing.  If heaven and hell were not on the line, I would follow Jesus because He is worthy of all my devotion and my heart.  Just to see Him.  But beyond that is all the rest.  The fact that He loves me is almost more than I can comprehend.  Wow, with overflowing joy I follow Jesus wherever He may lead?  What about you?

Follow Jesus—hearing His call

LUKE 5 (nkjv) So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, ² and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. ³ Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.

⁴ When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”

⁵ But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” ⁶ And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. ⁷ So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. ⁸ When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”

⁹ For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; ¹⁰ and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” ¹¹ So when they had brought their boats to land, they ^[a]FORSOOK ALL and followed Him.

Forsaking all to Follow Him

They forsook all and followed Jesus.  What about you and me?  Are you willing to forsake all and follow Jesus?  Seeing His Power and knowing it is within you, are you willing to boldly proclaim the truth of the gospel unashamedly to a world in need of Jesus, whatever the cost? 

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?

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

Or if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Poetry Books Available

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

Previous

Knowing God Is Love; Yet Feeling So Desperately Sad. Why?

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 King James Version (NKJV)

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