Tag Archives: joy

How does the Holy Spirit Empower the Christian’s Life?

February 1, 2016 Effie Barba

As we continue in our study through the Gospel of John, Jesus appears to the apostles in the evening after having gone to Father. The apostles were afraid and hiding in a room together wondering what to do next. They felt lost and alone without their master. Then suddenly, Jesus stood in the midst of them and said “Peace be unto you” (John 20:19). They were filled with excitement and gladness. They had hoped that He had returned to stay with them and to lead them. Then once more He said, “Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you” (John 20:21).

Then He breathed on them and endowed them with the Holy Spirit. Then comes the words, “Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained” (John 20:23). At first, I found this verse very difficult to explain; so perhaps I could just skip it. Yet, that is not my style to skip what is hard. I do believe that within this verse also lies truths that will strengthen and empower our own Christian walk. We do know that the apostles were endowed with “special powers” from the Holy Spirit in that they could heal the sick, raise the dead (Acts 10:39-41), and so, perhaps this too was a power given them to forgive or condemn the sins of those whom they met. But I don’t think that fits with scripture elsewhere in that only God has that power. God the Father is the only one who forgives sin through the redemptive work of His Son and the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit. So, I do believe that these words of Jesus were to allow the apostles to understand that the Holy Spirit was in them to give them life and to be the power within them for everything they need. Only God can forgive sins. They needed to know and we need to know that the Holy Spirit indwelling us is God in us. He was God’s presence to give them the strength to teach the gospel and

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Christian Blog

Can Your Greatest Agony Actually Turn To Joy? How?

January 27, 2016 Effie Barba

Can Your Greatest Agony Actually Turn To Joy? How?

The blast of the gun!! The horror in the middle of the night!! Trembling as I emerged from the bedroom to see my husband gasping for air. Blood poured from his mouth. The gun still in his now limp hand. I gently tipped back the recliner to open his airway; but the bullet had gone through his head. I called the ambulance. A cousin who had been visiting and witness, stood paralyzed. My oldest son screaming from the back bedroom—he couldn’t breathe. I opened the windows then went back to making phone calls for help. It was in Mexico, so there was no 911, the ambulance was very slow. Agony, rage filled my heart. I had watched my husband battle inside the monster of mental illness. Too proud as a physician to get real help, he had tried to go it alone. Mental illness had won. Or had it? All the struggles we had faced as a family; always hoping, always dreaming that he would be well one day. How I had believed that with enough love, he could be made well?

The agony and despair was more than I could bare; yet, as the day moved on there came a whispering sound—deep beneath, barely audible nearly drowned out by agony’s roar. A whisper of God—assuring me that my husband was now at peace—that he had found Christ a few months before. He was with God. He was healed. In the depth of agony, deeply hidden in the recesses was this promise. Oh, don’t get me wrong–suicide is NOT the answer for anyone–God’s desire is that we find hope here in Him; but neither is it the unpardonable sin. The scars of all those years, the years in the midst of the illness—the scars of that pain filled night remain with me and my children. They blare like sirens reminding us that this world is broken. The scars remind us of the darkness. Only when you know the darkness, can you see the true light shining into that darkness with hope, joy, and love.

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Christian Poetry

Awaken to Joy

January 17, 2016 Effie Barba

Sometimes when we take a moment to remember the wonder of all the things we have because of God’s Amazing Grace toward us; we must be filled with joy. The wonder, beauty, and Glory of knowing Jesus as our Savior, being adopted into the family of God, and being given the gift of His love should make our hearts sing with Joy. We should become overflowing fountains of His love and Grace toward those whom we meet along this journey. My prayer is that all the pieces of this puzzle of my life when fitted together are an echoing reflection of God’s Mercy, Grace, Love, Joy and Glory. My prayer is that you find God to be your greatest treasure and all your desires are met in Him. I wrote this poem this morning for you.

Awaken to Joy

By Effie Darlene Barba

Awaken, Awaken Oh heart of mine

Today has arrived so rich and Divine

Such Joy overflows into a new song

“By Grace I am Saved and By Grace I belong”

Wherever I go—whatever I do

Let Your Glorious Hope be all that I view

Such awe and wonder you place in my path

While never your anger– never your wrath

Oh Marvelous Grace that fills me with glee

Before your dear throne I have just this one plea

That your love flow forth to all whom I meet

Seeing Your Glory they fall at Your feet

Lord let me be a reflection of You

In all that I say and all that I do

Let the Grace that You freely gave to me

Be the Grace that I give to those I see

Let Love guide my feet wherever I go

Your joy and Your hope be all that does show

And one day, Dear Lord, when this earth I leave

Don’t let those who knew me one moment grieve

Because they know that you are my treasure

And being with you my greatest pleasure

Let the life that I lived be an echo so true

Of the Grace and the love that I found in You

Awaken, Awaken Oh heart of mine

Today has arrived so rich and Divine

Such Joy overflows into a new song

“By Grace I am Saved and By Grace I belong”

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016

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.

Christian Poetry

Poetry Sunday: The Master Weaver

January 10, 2016 Effie Barba

When I gaze back over my life, I am reminded of my own stumbling steps. Scattered bits of broken threads strewn along the way. Yet, every step of the way; God has picked up the pieces of thread and continues to weave His portrait from my life. You see, that was the promise—“all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called for His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He did predestinate to be conformed into the image of His Son” (Romans 8:28-29). His plan is to transform me into the likeness of Christ. He picks up all the broken threads and tightly weaves them together as He has planned. It has been God’s Grace, Mercy and Love which has lead me ever closer to His side. It has been God’s Grace, Mercy and Love that patiently has been working to transform me. Every sorrow, every trial, every broken heart, and every detail has been to lead me to this moment so that I might say to you like Francis Crosby, “All the Way my Savior leads me, what have I to ask beside? Can I doubt His tender Mercy; who through life has been my guide?”

Below is a poem that I wrote several years ago. My prayer is that it serve as a reminder to you, dear pilgrim, that whatever it is you may be facing today; God has a perfect plan to lead your heart ever closer to Him. Then you will realize that in Him is found all you need to fill your heart. He is the love to your lonely heart, the joy that sustains you through life’s sorrows, and the grace that covers all your sins, and frailties. One day, I will look like Christ—this I know. Maybe not today; but, one day I will.

The Master Weaver

by Effie Darlene Barba

Broken threads my life you found

And with your love each piece you bound

A song of love your lips resound

With gentle hands, each thread you place

Oh could it be, amazing grace

A picture clear, my Savior’s face

What joy divine, could it be true

Each broken thread, you only knew

When woven tight would look like you

The Scarlet threads my broken heart

The deepest sorrows blue impart

Each silver thread of tears that fell

You guide my life with such detail

A brilliant gold, your love divine

My sins were washed, a white sublime

You gently weave with skillful hand

The portrait mine that you have planned

Oh, let me Lord remember this

That I might know with joy and bliss

You did ordain my every tear

That I might learn to never fear

That I might trust the weaver’s hand

And on this hope and promise stand

Your love will always know what’s best

Your cradling arms are where I rest

Broken threads my life you found

And with your love each piece you bound

A song of love your lips resound

With gentle hands, each thread you place

Oh could it be, amazing grace

A picture clear, my Savior’s face

What joy divine, could it be true

Each broken thread, you only knew

When woven tight would look like you

The song made from this poem is The Master Weaver which I hope inspires you today to find in Him your hope, peace and joy today—no matter what trials you must face today.

Photograph courtesy of unsplash.com/jonathanpendleton –The inscription I added.

Christian Blog

Why Was This Encounter with Jesus Really so Surprising?

January 6, 2016 Effie Barba

Why was this encounter with Jesus really so surprising?

The cohort of soldiers dispatched with their flickering lanterns, torches and weapons were prepared to fight as they crossed the bridge into the garden. Theirs was a simple command that must be carried out. They were accompanied by Judas and servants of the high priest. They expected the suspect to either run to hide or be prepared to fight. Particularly they had heard that this man had a lot of devoted followers who would defend him. So, as they crossed the bridge they were surprised that Jesus approached them to ask who they were looking for, as though He didn’t know. Yet, He knew. He had just spent agonizing hours alone in prayer with the Father preparing for this very moment. Judas knew that Jesus would be there in the garden, so often He had gone there to pray while the apostles slept. It was His place of solace—His prayer room whenever in Jerusalem. To the surprise of these officers, when they said that they were looking for Jesus of Nazareth; He responded “I AM HE” (John 18:5). They stepped back and fell to the ground in preparation to fight—they must be in position to defend themselves they thought. There were between 300 to 600 men all preparing for the battle. Again, Jesus says, “Who are you looking for?” Once more they say, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Then again, Jesus says; “I told you I AM He; so I am here—take me. Let these my friends go in peace, if I am who you seek.”

I AM HE WHO YOU SEEK

Not at all what they expected!! Even more surprising when Peter took his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant Malchus; Christ made Peter put away the sword. Then, miraculously Jesus placed His hand over the bleeding wound and restored the ear!! What was so different about this man? Did they understand what Jesus meant when He responded “I AM HE?” Did they know He meant, “I AM THE GREAT I AM; the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:13).

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