Tag: God’s Glory

What Happens When We Recognize God’s Glory In Christ?

What Happens When We Recognize God’s Glory In Christ?

We have been looking at the unique way that John’s gospel has introduced Christ. He began by saying that Christ was the Word of God, was God and was with God from eternity past. God’s oath to send a Savior was fulfilled in Christ. God’s truth was revealed in human form. Then we saw that John presents Christ as the light of the world. The only true light of life that shines into the heart of man to reveal the gospel of truth. Light also reveals the depth of darkness that is present in the heart of man. The more I know of God’s word, the more I understand His majesty and righteousness; the more I recognize my utter depravity. As I begin to understand His righteousness, I realize that my best efforts of human righteousness are just filthy rags in comparison. Next, we see John write, “And the Word was made 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). He has presented Christ as the Word, the one true light and the portrait of glory. He goes on to say that “No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father hath declared Him” (John 1:18)

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GLORY REVEALED

God had even told Moses that no man could see the fullness of His Glory and live, so that Moses was hidden in a cleft of the rock when God passed by so Moses could see a glimpse of Him. Yet God sent His only begotten son, full of glory to provide the means for mankind’s salvation. In the redemptive work of Christ we see diverse aspects of God’s Glory. We are able to see God’s perfect righteousness displayed.

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Poetry Sunday-I Was There By God’s Grace

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I Was There by God’s Grace

By Effie Darlene Barba

 

Across the room I saw her there

Seated in that chemo chair

I knew too well that empty stare

For I was there, yes, I was there

 

 

portrait used with permission 123rf.com

I crossed the room with gentle smile

To hold her hand, a little while

God’s love was all I had to share

For I was there, yes, I was there

 

She found Christ that day through me

While angels sung in Jubilee

And then I sat my chemo chair

As I was there, yes, I was there

 

Chorus

Would I lift up this cross?

And face all this loss

Would I willingly face all this pain?

Would I love you the same?

Though I don’t know your name

If I knew that my loss was your gain

 

Let God’s joy fill my heart

While His love I impart

Til I see your salvation is won

Let me show you His face

His love and His Grace

Let me point you to Christ, God’s dear son

The last two days we have been looking at grief, pain, and sorrow through a bigger lens.  My question has been, “is there any sorrow to great to bear for the salvation of one soul?”  If my trials, tribulations and sorrows are used by God to bring even one person to Christ; wouldn’t it be worth every tear I have shed?  If my entire lifetime is but a split second in time compared to eternity; why wouldn’t I be willing to suffer a lifetime, if need be, so that one person might spend an eternity in the presence of God being showered with love, joy and glory?   If I see my trials as God’s means to spread Grace to a world in need; wouldn’t I face trials differently?  Are my trials an act of God’s Grace and Love to me and to the world?  If I know that; then, why a gloomy face?  Shouldn’t that knowledge fill my heart with joy, hope, compassion, and love? Yes, indeed; and that I learned through many tears and sorrows.  God is my greatest treasure and my joy!!  We are at day 28 of this 30 day prayer challenge.  How have you been doing?  I will return to my 3 day a week posting this week; but, I do encourage you to spend time alone with God every day.

The artist that drew the picture “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header    Please go to his website ( http://www.barba-art.com) for information regarding obtaining copies or to commission him to create a masterpiece for you.  Feel free to email him at Ron@Barba-Art.com to discuss any art projects.

©2015 Effie Darlene Barba

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.  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.

Is The Salvation Of One Valuable Enough To Me To Suffer?

Is The Salvation Of One Valuable Enough To Me To Suffer?

I left off with a question yesterday. What if our suffering was a means God uses to bring another person’s salvation; would we see suffering differently?

In Psalms 22, as David prayed in great anguish to God, David presented a picture of Christ. Was David aware that thousands of years later, we would see Christ? Could someone reading those words, followed by Psalms 23 and 24 open their heart to Christ and be saved? If indeed our moments of greatest anguish could be the catalyst that caused one person to alter their eternal destiny, would we be willing to embrace the suffering?

Pete

 

 

 

 

In Memory of Pedro Barba Arroyo (1/15/42 to 7/23/1994)  A life transformed through suffering and pain—Salvation’s story of mercy and grace.  One soul saved to an eternity of joy, love and glory in God’s presence.

 

Portrait of Pedro Barba Arroyo as done by Ronald Barba

 

 

[bctt tweet=”Is the Salvation of One Soul valuable enough to me to embrace suffering in my own life? “] It certainly was for Christ. I have learned it is for me. [bctt tweet=” The suffering of this world, if it endures a lifetime is but a split second compared to eternity. “]

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How Can Prayer Really Assure A Life Full Of Joy?

How Can Prayer Really Assure A Life Full Of Joy?

How are you doing with this prayer challenge? We have passed the midway point. I must say that scheduling a time to spend 30 minutes alone dedicated to prayer was challenging at first (because I didn’t want to get up earlier); but, it is becoming a time I really look forward to. It is said that it takes 21 days to really establish a new habit. If that is true we are well on our way. Don’t worry if you have slipped off or haven’t started yet. Today is a new day. Particularly, I want you to know that prayer is the assurance of full joy in the life of the Christian.

KEY TO GOD’S THRONE ROOM

Christ, as He tried to prepare His apostles for His crucifixion comforted them by telling them that even though they would for a moment feel great sorrow—He would rise again to go to the Father. Once He had gone to be with the Father, He would send the Holy Spirit to dwell in the hearts of each believer to be their comforter and their guide. His death as atonement for our sin and His resurrection as conqueror over death would be the key that opens the door to our father/child relationship with God. He wanted them to understand that they would be equipped with all they needed to perform the task of evangelization, even though He would not be physically present. They would have direct access through prayer to request all they needed from the Father themselves. We have (in the name of Christ) direct access to our Heavenly Father.

ebsps0637© Erik Stenbakken/Licensed from GoodSalt.com

[bctt tweet=”Prayer is the key that opens the floodgates of great Joy in the life of every believer.”]

If I never spend time alone with God, I can never fully understand His goodness, His Glory, His Love toward me, and His Joyous delight in me.

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Poetry Sunday—Transforming Grace

Poetry Sunday—Transforming Grace

God's Transforming Grace

As we have reached our 14th day of the prayer challenge, I pray that you are feeling the touch of God’s transforming Grace wrap you with His love, His Grace, His Joy and that you have seen a touch of His Glory.  If you haven’t found the time yet to join in with a prayer time alone time with God, I urge you to try.  It will change your life—of that I am certain.  Today I hope you enjoy this poem as well.

Transforming Grace

by Effie Darlene Barba

 

Transforming Grace, how could it be

That you should choose someone like me

And with one touch these blind eyes free

A glimpse of Glory’s love to see

 

A mind so filled with doubt and fear

Transformed to peace as you draw near

The darkened winding path now clear

As whisper of your voice I hear

 

I cannot fathom why you sought

Someone like me, Salvation bought

That from this rubbish thou hast wrought

A life now filled with Your dear thought

 

So take this selfish heart you found

And with your gentle love surround

That kindness might pour forth abound

And songs of praise the only sound

 

So mold me by your righteous hand

That firm within Your truth I stand

And trusting all that you have planned

Your joy I sing throughout this land

 

[bctt tweet=”A glimpse of His Glory, the beauty of His Creation- Who am I, that He would love me so? Yet, He”]DOES. He Loves me with an everlasting Love so great that He doesn’t leave me where he found me.  He is step by step transforming me.  Ever so patiently and gently He is changing me into a vessel of His righteousness, overflowing with His Love and filled with His Joy.  What wondrous Grace He has shown me.  I am awed and humbled by His Grace.  [bctt tweet=”I HAVE NOTHING TO GIVE IN RETURN FOR ALL GOD HAS GIVEN. HE HAS CAPTURED MY HEART”]

Do you have a poem you would like to share or a story of God’s Grace in your life? You can safely and securely share it by clicking here.

The artist that drew the picture “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header    Please go to his website ( http://www.barba-art.com) for information regarding obtaining copies or to commission him to create a masterpiece for you. In fact, if you email him today with the words GIVE, he will give you a 50% discount. Our secret, shhh.   Feel free to email him at Ron@Barba-Art.com to discuss any art projects.

©2015 Effie Darlene Barba

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.  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.