What now? Look up Victory belongs to God Alone!

When life’s battles surround and overwhelm us, too often we see only defeat.  We want to say what now?  Our minds whirl with possibilities to keep our hope alive.  Yet as each one falls to the wayside; we begin to feel defeated and hopeless.  We wonder if God even hears our prayers.  Silence and despair invade our hearts.  However, the truth is:  we think God needs us to discover the solution.  Oh, yes, we are to march forward, trusting His faithfulness and never give up.  But we must always remember victory belongs to God Alone!  And He will accomplish all that He has planned.  The Glory belongs to Him alone. 

            Let us take a moment to look at some of the battles He won in the Old Testament as well as one that is yet to come.  There are more to come; but I think this one recorded in Ezekiel will bring hope to your hearts.   By doing so let us be fully reminded that God is Sovereign.  His Glory is magnificent beyond all that we can imagine.  And He does not share His Glory with anyone.  When all looks to be over, He steps forward with a plan that leaves no doubt—for every battle we face as a Christian, Victory Belongs to God Alone!

Victory Belongs to God Alone!

There were many battles in the Old Testament where the odds were completely against God’s people; yet He miraculously stepped in.  So, let us name a few you might remember. 

 Abraham’s 318 against the Armies of Shinar (Babylon) – Genesis 14

 Pharaoh Pursues the Israelites in Exodus – Exodus 14—that was when all seemed lost and no chance the people could escape.   Then the red sea parted. The mud became dry land. The Israelites crossed and Pharaoh’s army drowned.

 Israel Marches on the City of Jericho –The battle plan was crazy.  All Joshua did was have them march around the city, daily being led by seven priests with trumpets and the ARK of the Lord.  Joshua 6.  20 So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.  Obviously, the victory belongs to God Alone! 

Joshua 10-Victory Belongs to God Alone.

 6 And the men of Gibeon sent unto Joshua to the camp to Gilgal, saying, Slack not thy hand from thy servants; come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us: for all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the mountains are gathered together against us.

7 So Joshua ascended from Gilgal, he, and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valour.

8 And the Lord said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee.

9 Joshua therefore came unto them suddenly, and went up from Gilgal all night.

10 And the Lord discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth up to Bethhoron, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah.

11 And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the Lord cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.

12 Then spake Joshua to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon.

13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day.

14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the Lord hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the Lord fought for Israel.

The men were sent out to fight; but the victory belongs to the Lord. 

David and Goliath, Samson, and Gideon

Often, we find that the victory is won by God against all odds.  Remember David slew Goliath with one stone.  Samson, when he came to the end of himself, slew the philistines by pushing against the pillars.  The victory belongs to God alone in every one of these incidents.  And Samson, was an act of grace after he repented and turned back to God, for he had so failed God at one point in his life. 

These are but a few examples.  There was the time Gideon led an army of only 300 men against the entire Midianite army

Judges 7: Victory Belongs to God Alone

15 And it was so, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream, and the interpretation thereof, that he worshipped, and returned into the host of Israel, and said, Arise; for the Lord hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian.

16 And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man’s hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers.

17 And he said unto them, look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall ye do.

18 When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon.

19 So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers that were in their hands.

20 And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon.

21 And they stood every man in his place round about the camp; and all the host ran, and cried, and fled.

22 And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the Lord set every man’s sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host

The Victory belongs to God!  Gideon’s men did not even raise a sword.  The enemies in confusion killed themselves.  This brings me to a battle told of in Ezekiel that is yet to come. 

Ezekiel

The book of Ezekiel the Prophet is filled with God’s Glory.  From His first appearing to Ezekiel and throughout. 

When Ezekiel questioned God as to who might worship or listen.  God told him to preach to the field of dry bones.  (Much like our nation with so many spiritually dead.  Then as Ezekiel preached, the bones stood up and became flesh.  As He continued and called to the wind (the Holy Spirit) the bones came alive to worship God.  The revival we need in our country.  So, the Victory Belongs to God for revival as well as in our battles.

Additionally, Ezekiel tells us of a battle that is yet to come when “the prince of Rosh and his allies come forth against Israel”.  Tim Lahaye places this battle at the beginning of the Tribulation period since it says it will take 7 years to clean up the debris.  Furthermore, this is soon before the Antichrist signs the treaty with Israel which starts the 7 years.  What is uncertain is if this war begins before or after the rapture; but it is at a moment when Israel has been lulled into believing peace has finally been possible. (Perhaps very soon).   Many believe Rosh to be Russia plus her allies with possibly China, Syria and more.  Impossible for Israel to stand against such armies.  But watch the details of how the battle is won against all odds. 

Ezekiel 38:

18 And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord God, that my fury shall come up in my face.

19 For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel;

20 So that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and all the men that are upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.

21 And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord God: every man’s sword shall be against his brother.

22 And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.

23 Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the Lord.

Note how the battle will be won.

  1.  God sends an earthquake
  2. Confusions causes the armies to kill themselves rather than the Israelites
  3. Fire and brimstone will fall from the sky to complete the task. 

Then,

Ezekiel 39:

Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:

2 And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel:

3 And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand.

4 Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that is with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured.

5 Thou shalt fall upon the open field: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord God.

6 And I will send a fire on Magog, and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles: and they shall know that I am the Lord.

7 So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel….

11 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will give unto Gog a place there of graves in Israel, the valley of the passengers on the east of the sea: and it shall stop the noses of the passengers: and there shall they bury Gog and all his multitude: and they shall call it The valley of Hamongog.

12 And seven months shall the house of Israel be burying of them, that they may cleanse the land.

The Victory Belongs to God Alone!

What battles are we facing today?  God knows and God has a plan of Victory for everyone who knows Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  Our nation is facing a very tumultuous time; but rest assured.  Victory Belongs to God Alone.  My only question to you is:  Do you know Him as Savior and Lord? Keep ready and listen for His trumpets to sound.  Read His word as the precious love letters your heart desires.  Love Him above all else.  Seek His face and know this His Glory will shine forth.  He will accomplish all that He has planned.  We will stand in Glory with Him and even return on the clouds as His Precious Bride coming to reign with Him during the millennial reign of Christ. 

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

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How to Really Surrender to the Will of God ⋆ Effie Darlene Barba (myglorytoglory.com)

What if? Will you really trust God even so? ⋆ Effie Darlene Barba (myglorytoglory.com)

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

How to Really Surrender to the Will of God

Sometimes as we go through life, we find that although we may desire to surrender our hearts to the will of God, it is not always easy.  We may have plans, dreams, desires that pull or tug at our hearts.  Usually we do not understand, why the Will of God seems contrary to ours.  Or sometimes, it seems the more difficult or painful pathway.  Perhaps that was the case with Mary and Joseph with Jesus at the age of 12 when we look at the scene here at the temple. 

            Certainly, Mary and Joseph had been faithful.  When the angel first appeared to Mary and then Joseph, they immediately believed God and vowed to follow His will.  Then, being fully obedient to all of God’s commandments they presented the child to be circumcised and named Him Jesus.  While there, Simeon and Anna both confirmed the truth that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. 

Simeon proclaimed, “29 “Lord, ….my eyes have seen Your salvation
31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”  Then Simeon said to Mary, ““Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Obediently, they went to Egypt for a time and then returned to Nazareth.  But, in all this, did they realize the true purpose of Christ and the Will of God? Did they know that He would be the sacrificial lamb to pay the penalty of their own sins as well as the world?

OBEDIENT CHILD AND DEVOTED PARENTS

Luke 2: “the Child grew and became strong [k]in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. 41 His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.”

Every year they went to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover.  That was an 80-mile trip on foot each way through rugged terrain.  It was most likely harder bringing along their children (the half-brothers and half-sisters of Christ).  Usually that meant the travel was best with a caravan of friends and family.  So, it was Jesus at the age of twelve went with his family to the Passover.  He had grown in the Spirit and was filled with God’s wisdom.  Imagine having the full wisdom of God in a human body.  Furthermore, although tempted as any human child is, Jesus must have felt desires of disobedience, selfishness, and even lying as all children do.  Yet, He was without sin which is why they did not even think about His not being in the caravan when they left.  He always was every other year.  Disobedience was not an option. 

43 When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And [l]Joseph and His mother did not know it; 44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers (Luke 2).

Mary Awakened to the Will of God

Here Jesus sat listening and asking questions.  Most likely His questions were the kind that probed their hearts and minds, forcing them to think deeply.  But Mary and Joseph were a bit frustrated.  They had to leave the caravan and walk back to Jerusalem in search of Him.  Imagine the anxiety of having lost your child in a very crowded city, filled with people who had come from everywhere.  Then, imagine if you were responsible to care for the son of God and lost Him.  Ok, we can understand their frustration.  And as is typical, their first thought is what they said.  “Jesus, why did you do this to us?”

48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, your father and I have sought You anxiously.”49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” 50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.

Let me also place the response here as noted in other translations and take you back to the Greek; because this is so important what Christ had to say.  Then I will try to explain both the significance and how it was Mary and Joseph must surrender to the Will of God.

49 But[es] he replied,[et] “Why were you looking for me?[eu] Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house? (Luke 2, NET)

  1. Luke 2:49 tn Or “I must be about my Father’s business” (so KJV, NKJV); Grk “in the [things] of my Father,” with an ellipsis.

Full Surrender to the Will of God

Suddenly after twelve years of being the mother of Jesus in a position of authority, she suddenly awakens to the truth that He belongs to God.  One day she would have to bow before Him as Savior, just as anyone else would.  But when?  This must have stabbed her in the heart.  Although He loved her with a more perfect love than any mother has ever known (because He is God and knows how to love perfectly with no selfish desires).  Still, He was to be about His Father’s business.  Oh, imagine His seeing the lambs sacrificed knowing He was the Sacrificial lamb.  I daresay Mary did not know that would be the fate.  It would have made her task too hard. 

But to Mary and Joseph, they would need to surrender to the Will of God again fully.  Jesus was not theirs to keep forever.  Look at what He said later.

“31 Then[bb] Jesus’[bc] mother and his brothers[bd] came. Standing[be] outside, they sent word to him, to summon him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him and they said to him, “Look, your mother and your brothers[bf] are outside looking for you.” 33 He answered them and said, “Who are my mother and my brothers?”[bg] 34 And looking at those who were sitting around him in a circle, he said, “Here[bh] are my mother and my brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God is[bi] my brother and sister and mother” (Mark 3). 

Only those who surrender to the will of God could be called brother, sister, or mother.  Can you imagine how Mary felt standing outside that door?  But she too needed Him as Savior, as the son of God. 

Surrendered to the Will of God

51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was [m]subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. (Luke 2).

How could Jesus grow in favor with God?  Every year that passed, marked another year of obedience and surrender.  He faced every temptation known to man and did not sin.  God’s perfect love for His son must have grown to a magnitude incomprehensible.  From perfect love to perfect love in the maximum degree.

5 So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming high priest, but the one who glorified him was God,[g] who said to him, “You are my Son! Today I have fathered you,”[h] 6 as also in another place God[i] says, “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”[j] 7 During his earthly life[k] Christ[l] offered[m] both requests and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death and he was heard because of his devotion. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through the things he suffered.[n] 9 And by being perfected in this way, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10 and he was designated[o] by God as high priest in the order of Melchizedek.[p]  (Hebrews 5 NET)

Imagine the patience it took, listening to people who misinterpreted the word and knowing the truth. 

So, How do We Surrender to the Will of God?

  1.  Trusting in Him
  2. Waiting on Him
  3. Knowing His ways are not our ways; but He knows what is best
  4. Resting on His Heart of Love
  5. Studying His Word
  6. And just as Jesus taught us, spend time with Him alone in prayer and fellowship every day
  7. Never forget Jesus as your first love—keep your love for Him fresh, vibrant and alive. 
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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One Hope Holds Strong Throughout the Violent Seas of Life

Disclosures

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2020
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.

How to Dispel Fear. Never Forget! God’s Got This!

     Some may think me crazy to take off and drive from Central Florida to Washington, DC alone, at a time like this.  Ah, but you see, it is just such a time like this, I needed to be alone with God.  With Him as my co-pilot, what am I to fear!  It was a similar drive in July 2013 from Orlando to Columbia Missouri, when God impressed upon my heart to move to Missouri.  I was reminded of Abraham and knew I was to go.  Ultimately, I even resigned in a leap of faith before I knew of my new job’s certainty; but it was the perfect day.  For my exact date of termination allowed my arrival exactly 5 days before my job started and one day ahead of a terrible ice storm.  How did I dispel fear? By telling myself:  Never forget. God’s got this!

            That was an amazing time in Missouri.  How I grew to love the Veterans I worked with.  The wonderful people I met and the time with my son and his family.  Five years later, God guided me to return to Florida.  It was with a heavy heart at first, but I knew I must go—for love demanded it.  There my life is busy.  Sometimes, I feel more stretched, harder to spend the time alone with God I did before.  Although, my job is an hour away, so I should devote to Him alone in my drive.  But I must say, sometimes of late my mind tends to wander.  Particularly, this year.  My Floridian son remarried.  The house always full of a hodgepodge of schedules and kids.  Then came the pandemic and political upheaval.  Life seemed crazy.  Anxiety entered.  And I needed to remember how to dispel fear and never forget: God’s Got This!

To Dispel Fear

            Whatever 24-hour news cycle is on, there is the driving force of division spewed by all.  Black against white, woman against man, rich against poor, Christian against Non-Christians, Republican against Democrat and vice versa to all.  In everything they say and all they do, they want us to believe that we are an angry, hostile nation who can be saved by whatever ideology they are promoting only if it is not God Centered.  How did we get here? Were we all lead to this place of fear so that we might blindly follow like the lost sheep we truly are?  It is no wonder, I chose to get away.  Alone with God to center my heart—to find truth amid the chaos surrounding me.

            Oh, yes, this year has awakened within me the vision of evil at its worse.  Suddenly, the scales have fallen from my eyes and I see what has happened and how evil has blinded the eyes of so many poor lost souls.  Yes, the communist party has launched an attack on the United States of American from within.  Lenin said, “Give me four years to teach the children and the seed I have sown will never be uprooted.” —Vladimir Ilyich Lenin “Destroy the family, you destroy the country.”   We the Christians, so wanted to prove our love and tolerance, that we stepped aside allowing this happen.  Now, we have lost all control as those screaming for freedom of the press are the very ones censoring anything and everything placing labels to say “fact checked and found false”  Yet, who are the fact checkers and by what criteria?

So, with all that surrounds us.  How do we never forget?  God’s got this.  He is truth and light, even when we are surrounded by lies and darkness. 

A Vision of Truth to Dispel Fear

            As I drove across this countryside, I saw America.  The America I see at work each day.  One filled with people who truly care for their neighbors and even strangers.  Here at the nation’s capital, I have watched multicultural people all walking around with a sense of pride as they take pictures of the monuments with family and friends.  People responding with kindness toward each other.  This is America, the land of the free.  Or at least we have always been.

            We fought for freedom from tyranny in order to form this nation.  And then we fought, bled and died to end slavery.  Each step of the way we moved toward righting the wrongs and becoming a better nation, under God.  Yes, under God.  For without our Christian-Judeo principles forcing us to return to and grow in the truth of gospel, we could not be the nation we are.  Yet, it is that very truth we are allowing to be destroyed. 

            As Christians, when we first accept Jesus as our Savior, we are babies in Christ.  Although instilled with the power of the Holy Spirit, all too often we squelch His powers with our self-imposed wills.  Still, He guides us through hardships and trials to help us grow more into the likeness of Christ. 

            The same has been true of our nation.  At least until we lay down our beacons of light and hid them for fear they might offend.  Instead, we are commanded to shine our lights for all to see.  Not to forcibly condemn others, but to draw them out of darkness into the light because they see Christ in Us and desire Him because of our love, joy, hope and peace.

Never Forget: To Dispel Fear

“The love of God is an outgoing love, not a selfish one.  The outgoing love of God does something for us that He wants to do four our benefit without our deserving it.  It is because of His love and grace that He has washed us from our sins in the blood of Christ.  We have been reconciled to God and have been made free from sin’s penalty and also from its power if we avail ourselves of what we have in Christ.  No such benefits belong to the unsaved.”[1] 

God’s plan cannot be thwarted by the kings and rulers on this earth.  Indeed, He plants rulers and nations to ultimately play a role in His ultimate plan.  One day, Christ will return as King of Kings, Lord of Lords.  To Him all kingdoms will bow, one day.  Everything that happens works toward that end. 

Psalm 2 depicts that very truth.

1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying,

3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

7 I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.

10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Yes, all those who continuously turn their backs upon God will be destroyed one day.  Although this Psalm does present grace as God bids the rulers to serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling…blessed are all they that put their trust in Him. 

God’s Got this

I do not know what is going to happen tomorrow or next week.  Will our nation fall to communism or will we stand?  I do not know the future, but I do know that God holds the future and His word is true.  I will dispel fear from my heart by leaning into Him and His word.  Never forget, God’s Got This and every single day into and throughout eternity.  His word has never failed.  He accomplishes all that He plans.

So, let me be the beacon of light shining into the darkness, proclaiming the name of Christ.  I can do that only when I surrender all my heart, soul, and body to the Holy Spirit that He might do the work through me.  That is my prayer for me and my prayer for every Christian Patriot and Soldier.  I pray the scales fall off the eyes of all those who so blindly are following after lies and evil.  My prayer is that all those who seek self-exaltation through money, power and bribes, awaken and accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Let the truth of the gospel shine its light into the darkness and bring life, liberty, love, hope and joy into this our nation once more.  If God might allow one more worldwide revival before His return, what a wondrous thing that would be.  Let it begin in you, me and our nation.  This is my plea, Dear Lord Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit guide us into the light.     

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

What if? Will you really trust God even so? ⋆ Effie Darlene Barba (myglorytoglory.com)

Do You Know the Son of the Most High God?
Disclosures

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2020
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

[1] Epp, Theodore H, Practical Studies in Revelations, Vol I, Back to the Bible Publications, Lincoln Nebraska, 1969, page 37

Photo by Duncan Kidd on Unsplash

What if? Will you really trust God even so?

This past week my laptop computer died, despite my having spent money upgrade it and save it a few months back.  Perhaps it wouldn’t have mattered.  After all I have my mainframe; but it is in my room and the early mornings when I write it isn’t always available as grandchildren are sleeping in my bed.  Then of course, there are the times I go on a trip.  I was supposed to go to California to see my daughter, but as the trip approached it appeared a bad idea.  With all the Covid Restrictions changing so fast, I could be stuck in LA and not able to come back to work.  So, change of plans.  Still would need a laptop.  So, I ordered one to arrive on December 24.  So, what if it didn’t? Would I really trust God even so?

Sounds silly right?  But on the 24th I received a notice that the laptop was there, delivered on my front doorstep.  So, I rushed to the porch to find nothing there.  I searched everywhere as a feeling of despair and panic hit me.  From somewhere deep within me, I wanted to scream.  I opened my phone again to the announcement and the address was right; but still no package and there was a notice telling me I would have to wait three days before reporting it missing.  Rushing around, I checked every corner as though it would magically appear.  The entire time I was asking God, Why? I began walking up and down the street scanning the porches of all my neighbors to no avail. 

Oh, yes, I knew that even in this trivial thing, God IS IN CONTROL.  But the question is, did I really trust God even so and what if?

WHAT IF?

I truly wish that I could say, that panicked person walking up and down the street with such pitiful faith wasn’t like me.  But, really, truly it is just like me.  I, who have seen the Glorious, miraculous grace of God touch so many areas of my life, panicked over something so unimportant.  Perhaps, just the overflowing of things so much deeper.  This past year at times have been a great struggle for me.  Holding fast to my faith, despite the situations surrounding.  Wondering where the revival of hearts during the pandemic is?  For, I truly saw none.  Bleeding deep within my heart as I watched anger, hatred, and evil drive our nation—feeling helpless.  Wanting to do something, anything of significance to bring light into a world that seemed to be darkening. And yet, at times, powerless to even forgive and love those God placed nearest.

And so, it is, the package was not the issue.  My heart and my faith are.  Well, while walking up the street for the second time.  I saw a man get out of a white pickup truck wearing a brown UPS shirt and shorts.  He got a package out of the back and handed it to a neighbor.  Nearly assaulting the poor man with tears in my eyes and pin curls in my hair, I rushed up with my phone. Pleading with him as to whether he knew where I package could me, I showed him the notice.  He looked at me and said, “the computer has been off all day.  I have to go get more packages and will be right back with yours.”

Really trusting God, even so!

It has been a long year.  And, even worse, for me has been a sinking feeling of abandonment since the election.  Oh, yes, I know in my head that God has a perfect plan to display His Glory even in all this what if scenario.  It encourages me so that so many have so unashamedly begun a revival movement, speaking freely of God’s power, love and might.  What a pandemic could not do, an election has begun to do.   And so, I go on this trip, alone—God me and my car to Washington, DC to pray.  Not so much that God turn the election upside down; but rather God transform my heart once more into one that can shine His light to the world no what if.

So, yesterday as I drove, I listened to Renaissance by Os Guinness.  I stopped in Myrtle Beach where I have an oceanfront view and watched the Sunrise.  Marveling at the greatness and goodness of God I read,

Psalm 103

Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

6 The Lord works righteousness
    and justice for all the oppressed.

7 He made known his ways to Moses,
    his deeds to the people of Israel:
8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
    slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
    nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
    or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
    so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
    so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

13 As a father has compassion on his children,
    so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for he knows how we are formed,
    he remembers that we are dust.
15 The life of mortals is like grass,
    they flourish like a flower of the field;
16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,
    and its place remembers it no more.
17 But from everlasting to everlasting
    the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
    and his righteousness with their children’s children—
18 with those who keep his covenant
    and remember to obey his precepts.

19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven,
    and his kingdom rules over all.

20 Praise the Lord, you his angels,
    you mighty ones who do his bidding,
    who obey his word.
21 Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts,
    you his servants who do his will.
22 Praise the Lord, all his works
    everywhere in his dominion.

ONLY GOD

God knows the future and holds it in the palm of His hands.  Only He can transform the hearts of men and bring peace into our chaos.  He is the only true source of joy and hope in a world so filled with evil.  He has a plan amid all this.  I need my heart to be ready for whatever comes.  So that I may fully surrendered to Him, become a beacon of light on a hill for the world to see HIM.  So, regardless of what if, I can truly trust God even so. 

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

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Do You Know the Son of the Most High God?
How to Wait Patiently on God in The Storm
Disclosures

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2020
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

Do You Know the Son of the Most High God?

          When we think of Christmas, do we stop to really imagine the baby Jesus as the son of the most high God?  Emmanuel, God with us.  Absolute Sovereign Omnipotence, the King of Kings was born in human flesh with all the frailties and needs of any baby.  Stop for a moment and think about the absolute significance of that!  The Song of the most high God, within the confines of Mary’s womb—growing from a single cell into a baby ready to be born.  Every part of history before this moment leading toward His birth, the only true hope of salvation for fallen man.  Every detail of His birth outlined by the prophets throughout the ages.  Each one providing different parts of the story.  God’s most magnificent portrait of His Grace and Love toward His Creation, while maintaining the spectacular truth of His Righteousness, Justice, and Mighty Power over all! 

Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I [g]do not know a man?” 35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Luke 1 (NKJV). 

The Son of the Most High God

The details of the Son of the Most High God announced to Mary.  It was foreshadowed His return as well as King of Kings, but first He came to live and die.  He came to pay the penalty for the sins of the world.  God’s Master Plan coming into full fruition, exactly as He ordained from eternity past.  The mystery of which we can barely comprehend allowing everyone the right to choose life and light in Him while at the same time maintaining absolute Sovereignty over the affairs of men and women always.  It is more than we can fully comprehend; but one day we will.  How was it He chose me?  I will never know.  Yet, He did and for that I am forever indebted to Him.  So, let us look at the nativity story with that all in mind. 

Luke 2 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

What days?  It was the fullness of time.  Amazing how God used a man who saw himself as a god like figure.  The timing was perfect, because Caesar Augustus had built roadways and the Roman Empire expanded to cover so much land.  It was the perfect scenario to spread the gospel message quickly to the world.  Furthermore, Caesar Augustus decreed exactly the timing of the census to send Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem with her nine months pregnant so the prophecy of Michi would be fulfilled.  So, Caesar Augustus gave the decree when God said to, although, Caesar did not know or worship God.  Amazing right?

The Prophecies Fulfilled

4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. (Luke 2 NKJV)

So, the Son of the Most High God traveled inside the womb of His mother for a long journey from Nazareth down into the valley.  Up the rugged hills to Jerusalem and across the plateau to then descend into Bethlehem exactly on time.

6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

So, God sent Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem to fulfill the scripture. 

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,
Yet out of you shall come forth to Me
The One to be Ruler in Israel,
Whose goings forth are from of old,
From [a]everlasting.”  Micah 5:2

He who was from everlasting came to earth as a lowly baby.  There was no room in the inn, so the Son of the Most High God was laid in a manger.  Ah, but was that also perfectly as planned?

The Son of the Most High God as the Sacrificial Lamb

And you, O tower of the flock,
The stronghold of the daughter of Zion,
To you shall it come,
Even the former dominion shall come,
The kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem.  Micah 4:8

The Hebrew word translated as tower of the flock is Migdal Eder.  Migdal Eder was a watchtower located in the northern part of Bethlehem built to protect the Temple flocks.[1] “During lambing season the sheep were brought there from the fields, as the lower level functioned as the birthing room for sacrificial lambs.”[2] Priestly shepherds “would wrap the newborn lambs in swaddling clothes” and place them in a manger “until they calmed down”[3] to keep them “without defect”[4], “suitable to be sacrificial lambs for the sin of the Israelites. Bethlehem was special because the shepherds in the fields of Bethlehem raised lambs for the Jewish temple in Jerusalem”[5].

Imagine that!  The Son of the Most High God was born of a virgin in the lowly town of Bethlehem.  Then wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger.  Exactly as was done for the little lambs who were born, destined to be the sacrificial lambs without blemish. 

Glory in the Highest

Luke 2 8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And [c]behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a [d]manger.”

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill[e] toward men!”

15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made [f]widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

Concluding Thoughts

When one considers all this, how can you not be amazed!  The very same God who created the Universe loved us so much to give us “His Only Begotten Son that whomsoever believeth in Him shall be saved” (John 3:16).  Think of this!  What in this world could cause your heart to fear?  Jesus, the Son of the Most High God said, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many [a]mansions; if it were not so, [b]I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14:1-3).

Just as He came in the fullness of time, He will return to gather home all who believe in Him.  They are His Perfect Unblemished bride.  Not because of their perfection; but because He has paid the price.  He has washed us and clothed us in His righteousness.  “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.  And Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18.

So, let us rejoice and bow down before the Son of the Most High God to worship Him.  What can I give Him?  My life, my heart, and my soul are all I bring for Him to do with as He wills. 

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
Total Surrender in An Uncertain World.  How to Know Peace!
How to Wait Patiently on God in The Storm
Disclosures

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2020
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 from Goodsalt.com

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

References

[1] Alfred Edersheim, The life and times of Jesus the Messiah, book 2, pg 131

[2] Charles E. McCracken, For you and me, Israel My Glory, Nov/Dec 2008 pg 25.

[3] 3 Jimmy DeYoung, “Jimmy’s Prophetic Perspective on the News,” Dec 23, 2005.

[4] Leviticus 4:32

[5] http://www.pas.rochester.edu/~tim/study/Why%20a%20manger.pdf  accessed 12/19/2020