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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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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How can it be that God so Loved Me?

It is God’s Amazing Love and Grace that saved me.  I so want to learn to love Him with all my heart, to seek Him with all my being and to follow Him.

broken-and-contrite-heart-ronald-barba

Lord, let me lay aside all else that I might follow you.  Let me sit at your feet until I want nothing more than I desire you.  You, who so willingly love me, who has taken all my brokenness that I might be made whole.  Fill me with your joy, your love until there is none other than your Glory left to reflect back to you.  And  when my faith doth fail me, Lord be my faith that I may not stray from your dear presence.

artwork by Ronald Barba and used by permission for information go to http://www.barba-art.com

Today I wanted to share with you this amazing hymn written by Charles Wesley.

AND CAN IT BE THAT I SHOULD GAIN

by Charles Wesley (1738)

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

’Tis mystery all: th’Immortal dies:
Who can explore His strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine.
’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore,
Let angel minds inquire no more.
’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
Let angel minds inquire no more.

He left His Father’s throne above
So free, so infinite His grace—
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray—
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

Still the small inward voice I hear,
That whispers all my sins forgiven;
Still the atoning blood is near,
That quenched the wrath of hostile Heaven.
I feel the life His wounds impart;
I feel the Savior in my heart.
I feel the life His wounds impart;
I feel the Savior in my heart.

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

It has been God’s Grace that endured such evil with great longsuffering so that I might see His Glory, be embraced by His Love, and be overwhelmed by His joy. Lord, take all of me, all my desires and mold them to thy will. [bctt tweet=”Let my heart become a polished mirror to reflect God’s Glory.Whatever the cost, let me follow Him”]

And Can it Be – Dan Bos – Lyrics

The artist that drew the picture “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header and who designed my logo is Ronald Barba.    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 any 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 regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Can I Absolutely Seek God With All My Heart?

Can I Absolutely Seek God With All My Heart?

So many cares of this world that draw us aside and pull at our hearts. So many distractions that cause us to seek after comforts and desires. We rush about our lives with so much on our minds; yet, the one true source of love, hope and joy is pushed aside into a small moment or time. We chase after careers, success, money, love, and things as though they will fulfill the desires of our hearts. Oh, certainly we must go about our days making a living, caring for our family, and our health. Yet, the question that we must consider is “what holds center stage in our hearts?” Have all these things become our first loves and thereby our idols? Or do we seek God first and let Him add that which we need? “33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6).

seek the Lord

[bctt tweet=”What would one life fully devoted to seek God above all else look like? “]I truly want to know that in my life. I want to know how to love Him more, desire Him more, and fully abide in Him. Perhaps if I were to forsake everything and live in a tent in the woods away from the world, I could be alone with Him. Yet, then I would be unable to present Him to a world in need of God’s love. To love God fully with all my heart means I must love the world that He was willing to allow His son to die for. So, how do I live surrounded by the world and still seek God with all my heart?

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30 Days That Really Promises Victory, Joy, and Hope

30 Days That Really Promises Victory, Joy, and Hope

There have been so many challenges over the last 30 days. Challenges that pushed and pulled at my heart. There came a moment when all of life seemed to crash in around me. Suddenly overwhelmed with tears, I cried. I cried for struggles my daughter was facing, I cried for the suffering and death of a woman I knew by name only, I cried for the struggles a son was facing, I cried for a husband’s loss of his life partner, I cried for mom, and I cried for all the suffering of the world. So, did all of this matter? Do all of these prayers make a difference? Yes, a resounding yes!! We live in a broken world.  We will face sorrows and trials; but, that is even more why Prayer Matters and must be an important part of our daily lives as sojourners here.  I could never face the chaos of this world were it not for a heavenly Father’s loving arms to run to!!

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© Kevin Carden/Licensed from GoodSalt.com

[bctt tweet=”It is those early mornings alone with God that transforms me to know His Love, Joy&His Glory.”]  It is there where He restores me, cleanses me, and renews my hope.  He provides me with His guidance for today and the future before me.

I began this 30 day prayer challenge with you. This was an additional challenge to myself. Before this I believed I prayed a lot; but, I had not set aside a time specific to pray with no interruptions 30 minutes each day. At the same time, I promised you that I would post every day for all thirty days. God is so good and so gracious. Many mornings I awoke with no idea of what to write. By the time the 30 minutes of prayer ended; I had clarity to write for the day.

What are the benefits of such a prayer life?

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