Tag: God’s Promises

What If My Faith Is Stagnant? Is There Hope?

“when God wanted to prove for certain that his promise to his people could not be broken, he made a vow. 18 God cannot tell lies! And so his promises and vows are two things that can never be changed. We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us.19 This hope is like a firm and steady anchor for our souls. In fact, hope reaches behind the curtain[c] and into the most holy place. 20 Jesus has gone there ahead of us, and he is our high priest forever,” Hebrews 6: 17-20 (CEV)

Hope is the anchor for our souls when fear would try to shake the foundations of our souls. The writer of Hebrews in chapter 5 has just warned his readers of being “dull of hearing.” He is pleading with them to grow—to mature in their knowledge of Jesus. As we turn to chapter 6, he begins with a plea once more. He seems at first discouraging. He has noted that among the congregation that there are some who want to return to a doctrine of works only. Some wanted to return to ceremonial rituals of being saved over and over again; as though that were possible!!

In-need-of-an-anchor-compressor

Christ had paid the price for salvation once and forever on the cross. To suggest that one could be saved, lose that salvation and be saved again was not possible. The writer points this out very clearly in his arguments to follow in Hebrews 6: 4-6

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

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What Does Mustard Seed Faith Have to Do with Love?

 

Jesus said unto them… verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Matthew 17:20

I had packed my car full of everything I would need for the rehearsal dinner, along with my finest china and crystal to take to Alberto. As I left Florida for the two-day drive to Missouri, my heart was filled with excitement. I loved driving long trips because it was a time I could spend alone with God. I had audio books by John Piper and Jonathan Edwards to accompany me on the trip with lots of Christian music. Over several months I had felt a restlessness of spirit, I wasn’t certain as to its source. It was my prayer that God would reveal to me the reason for this restless dissatisfaction as we drove down the road together.

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The long hours at work while also providing for Mom were taking a toll on my health. Her mental illness with her constant depression had forced me to spend lots of money on private sitters; much more than I could afford. The house, like many people who purchased when I did; was upside down with its value now being 100,000.00 less than when I purchased it. Work, which had always been my solace; was changing. Those whom I trusted as my extended family had turned hostile toward me. All of my writing, my poetry, speaking, and my blog seemed to be futile; as I wondered did they matter. So, it was I looked forward to this time alone with God as we drove down the road.

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Poetry Sunday: Natalie’s Song

I have been so amazed by God’s wondrous grace in my life.  He has blessed me with gifts overflowing, so much more than I ever deserved.  He gave me children and now grandchildren that are so precious, loving, and kind.  What is more amazing is how I have IMG_1143watched His Grace reach out to teach each and everyone of Himself.  It has been His Grace that lead them to a knowledge of Him. “8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children” (Psalm 103)

What Amazing Grace toward me that He would bless me with the time I have spent with Natalie, my granddaughter.  I hope you enjoy this song for her.

Natalie’s Song

By Effie Darlene Barba

 

The twinkle in her deep brown eyes

The smile that lights her face

Her words at times so deep and wise

With gentle touch of grace

 

She laughs and plays with awe struck joy

The wonder life does bring

With Emmy, Sophie or a toy

Her heart with joy does sing

 

You blessed her Lord with Mom and Dad

A special pair indeed

Safely in their love she’s clad

While gently they do lead

 

As I bow my head today

To seek your presence, Lord

I ask you guide her heart to say

“God is my true reward”

 

CHORUS:

That her light shine bright

In the dark of the night

Let her song sing forth to the world

With a joy filled glee

Your glory to see

In the heart of this little girl

 

Lord I ask you guide her steps

As only you can do

When journeys lead to valleys depth

Or mountains come in view

 

Hold her in your loving arms

To wipe away each tear

Protecting her from all life’s harms

And drive away each fear

 

Let your joy so fill her heart

With love for your dear son

Through faith and hope that you impart

Her victory has been won

 

CHORUS:

Lord, I ask for one more thing:

That her light shine bright

In the dark of the night

Let her song sing forth to the world

With a joy filled glee

Your glory to see

In the heart of this little girl

[bctt tweet=”The greatest gift that I can ever give my grandchildren is to point them to Christ.”] [bctt tweet=”Oh, Lord be gracious once more to me and let my life reflect you.”]  [bctt tweet=”Without your guiding hand and your love, Dear Heavenly Father, I can do nothing of worth.”]Continue with your amazing grace as you touch each of my grandchildren and lead them to a saving knowledge of you as they each reach the age of understanding. 

Do you have a poem to share?  Or a story about your children or grandchildren?  I would love to hear from you.  Click here to leave your comments.

The artist that drew the picture “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header and who designed my logo is Ronald Barba.   If you can dream it, he can draw or design it for you.  Do you want to surprise someone with an extraordinary special gift of a personal portrait?  An idea for a book cover?  Or a new logo?  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.

 

What Is The Greatest Oath Ever Made?

What Is The Greatest Oath Ever Made?

He had spoken the world into being. He said let there be light. Instantaneously billions of light sources poured forth from His mouth. What we know as the sun, the moon and all the stars were formed with one word of God. Then, God formed man from the dust of the earth. Gently molding and shaping someone to lavish His love, joy, and glory upon. He knew that man would choose to worship himself (the creation) more than the creator; yet, He proceeded. He knew that the road to redeem man from that fallen state would mean Christ would have to bear the penalty for that sin. Still, His love was too great to not share it. He would bear the cost of love.

light in darkness

 

[bctt tweet=”After Adam sinned, God swore an oath to send a Savior  He gave His word that light would come”].

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it.” (John 1 NIV)

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