Throne of Grace: One Man's Journey of Faith and the Power of Prayer

By Hugh Barber

“LET US THEN APPROACH GOD’S THRONE OF GRACE WITH CONFIDENCE, SO THAT WE MAY RECEIVE MERCY AND FIND GRACE TO HELP US IN OUR TIME OF NEED…”

Are our prayers really heard in heaven? And if so what happens behind the scenes? Founded in biblical wisdom and timeless principles, this book will inspire your faith and trust in God’s infinite power and perfect timing.

Set in the 14th century, Throne of Grace is an inspiring allegory of Knight, a medieval peasant, who lives in the Kingdom of Georgia. From humble beginnings as a farmer to a fearless soldier in battle, discover how Knight takes the path less travelled on his adventure of faith. You will read about Knight’s impossible dream come true and the many friends, angels and enemies he encounters along the way. His life will motivate you to push past any setbacks and to believe for the impossible.

Throne of Grace explains what transpires in heaven when we pray and how God works as a result of our prayers. Using a backdrop of biblical themes and references, you will understand how God sees the end from the beginning to set you up for blessing. Among the key themes include the power of wisdom, the importance of right living, failure as a set up for success, the ripple effect of good deeds and much more.

Knight’s journey will inspire you to believe the dreams God has placed in your heart regardless of your background, qualifications or mistakes. And how character and faith are grown through adversity to mature and strengthen you to step into your destiny.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Aug 18, 2020
• ISBN: 9781664100442

Hugh Barber

Hugh grew up in Sydney, Australia and has travelled extensively around the world. He has a Bachelor of Business degree and an Advanced Diploma in Theology. He currently lives in London and works in local government as a manager in housing. He writes inspirational Christian books as a hobby and loves football, Marvel movies, Japanese food and coffee. Hugh is married to Amy and has two beautiful girls, Jasmine and Abigail.

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Copyright © 2020 by Hugh Barber.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

All Scripture quotations are from The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017, 2018 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ThePassionTranslation.com.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked TLB are taken from The Living Bible copyright © 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 08/17/2020

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CONTENTS

Book Dedication

Chapter 1   The Kingdom of Georgia

Chapter 2   Hardworking Farmers are the First to Enjoy the Fruit of their Labour

Chapter 3   An Athlete Must Follow the Rules to Win the Prize

Chapter 4   Endure Hardship as a Good Soldier

Chapter 5   Author Commentary

References

About the Author

"Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, just

as I do; and as Christ’s soldier, do not let yourself become tied up

in worldly affairs, for then you can not satisfy the One who has

enlisted you in His army. Follow the Lord’s rules for doing His

work, just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified

and wins no prize. Work hard like a farmer who gets paid well

if he raises a large crop. Think over these three illustrations, and

may the Lord help you to understand how they apply to you."

2 Timothy 2:3-7 (The Living Bible version)

BOOK DEDICATION

For Amy

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CHAPTER 1

THE KINGDOM OF GEORGIA

I n the fourteenth-century, there was a small town called Lachish within the Kingdom of Georgia in modern day Europe. Lachish had a population of about three-thousand people and consisted of farmers, merchants, silversmiths and blacksmiths among other trades. The nation was ruled by a King who was a good and generous man, and cared for his people. He lived in a giant castle on the top of a hill, overlooking all the Kingdom.

Lachish was the smallest of ten towns and in one of the homes lived the Allister family. They were hard-working farmers who grew barley and wheat. They also produced vegetables, grew fruit trees and had livestock including pigs, horses and sheep. The parents were called Humble and Patient, and they had four sons, the youngest of whom was called Knight.

Seventy-five years ago, Knight’s grandfather, who he was named after, became a national hero. He served in the military and won many battles against the Kingdom of Mongol. The two countries had been at war with each other on and off for centuries. Mongol served an idol called Dagon, who they worshipped as their god. However, the Kingdom of Georgia followed the Christian faith and the Allister family regularly attended their local church.

Humble passed on his wisdom to all of his children from a young age, but he found Knight was different to his other sons and more teachable. When Knight was a child, Humble took him past the house of a lazy man and pointed out how the walls were broken down and the garden was covered in weeds. Humble explained, Watch and observe my son the consequences of a lazy man. See how this man does not sow seed and yet rages against God when he has no harvest. Look how at any time his roof could cave in and how he has no vegetables to feed himself. It is a hard life for such a person.¹

"Promise me you will work hard all the days of your life and to work every day except the Sabbath. Do not pray for riches my son, instead pray for wisdom, which will reward you in many things, not just silver or gold. Do not forsake Wisdom and she will protect you; love her and she will watch over you. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and a wise man is mightier than a strong man. Also, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Reflect on these things and you will become wiser than your brothers."²

As a farmer, Humble taught how the seasons worked. How there was a time to sow and a time to reap. A farmer had to be both hard working and patient without measure. My son, if a seed is not sown it remains only a single seed. But if it is sown in the ground and dies, it will produce many seeds. This is the same with our life. For just as a stallion must have its will broken, so does the Lord break us so we can be used for His good purposes.³

"Furthermore, if the Lord does not send the rain at the right time then our family will starve. Yet in all my years, God has heard my prayers and we always have food to spare. But do not pray with any doubt, for a doubting man will receive nothing from the Lord. Once I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the children of the righteous begging for bread."⁴

Humble would teach Knight about the difference between the righteous and the wicked. "My son, you will know a tree by its fruit. It will either produce good apples, rotten ones or none at all. I once knew a man called Reliable the carpenter, who was consistent and faithful in word and deed. He left an inheritance for his children’s children, and though long gone from Earth, his good name lives on."⁵

I also knew a man called Hypocrite the beekeeper, who was friendly and religious in words only. He was a saint in the church but a devil at home, and would beat his wife and children. He was a drunkard which became the death of him, and his name is now a curse in this town. Listen to this wisdom and store it in your heart all the days of your life.

Humble warned Knight about the two paths people must choose to take in life. My son, do not enter the path of the wicked or take part in their schemes. Because you must one day give an account of all you do to the Lord, who sees everything. Darkness is as day to Him and what is done in secret may one day be shouted from the rooftops! For the wide-open road of wickedness leads to Hell, but the narrow way of godliness leads to Heaven, and few find it. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.⁶

Humble warned Knight about the power and mystery of love. Guard your heart above all things my son, for love is a powerful emotion and I have seen it cause many to lose all rational common sense! I once heard of a man who fell madly in love with a midwife and bought a house with a loan he could not afford so she would marry him. But as hard as he tried, he could not keep up with his repayments, so the borrower threw him into jail and he was sold as a slave until he repaid the loan.⁷

I also knew a fisherman who fell head over heels in love with a nurse. But she left him for another man and he was so crushed, he jumped into the ocean to his death. Consider all these things and store them deep in your heart. Wisdom will save you from the adulterous woman, whose house leads to Hell. None who go to her return the same and their conscious will haunt them for life. Instead, rejoice in the wife of your youth and drink water from your own well. A wife of noble character who can find? I can assure you she is worth far more than a thousand gold coins! Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.⁸

Marriage is a gift from the Lord and can either be the best part of your life or the worst. Choose wisely and find a wife of excellent character to be your life partner. She will bring you good and not harm all the days of your life. But choose poorly and you will regret it for as long as you live. For I have seen men sleeping on their roof in the cold or outside with the sheep!⁹

Humble also taught Knight about the importance of forgiveness and letting go of grudges. "My son, there will be a thousand opportunities to be offended in life. People may steal, injure or spread an evil report about you all over the world. But forgive as you have been forgiven by the Lord. You can not control what other people do, but you can control how you respond. When you forgive, they have no power over you. Let go of all bitterness and hatred as it will only eat you alive."¹⁰

"We all make mistakes in life, but always remember that when you sin against the Lord, He has open and loving arms to forgive and restore you. For He sits on a throne of grace, and we can always come confidently before Him to receive mercy and find forgiveness in our time of need. God’s love for you is unconditional as a perfect heavenly father. And no matter how many times you fail the Lord, you can not exhaust His grace and mercy if you sincerely ask for forgiveness each time."¹¹

"The Lord is in Heaven and you are on Earth, so let your words be few. When you make a vow to the Lord, do not delay to fulfil it, as He has no pleasure in fools. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfil it. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. Because He will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."¹²

Money and wealth were also discussed regularly. My son, if your riches increase do not set your heart on them. For money can come and then fly away as quickly as a bird! If you can be trusted with little then you will be entrusted with much. Always remember to honour the Lord with a tenth of all your income, for it is promised in His word how God will rebuke the devourer and open the windows of Heaven over your life. Live within your means and store some away in case of a drought. And you will either be a lender to others or a slave to the borrower.¹³

Humble took Knight to the outskirts of the town where there was a view of a large valley. Your grandfather, also called Knight, was a God-fearing man. He was not greedy for money, a drunkard or a slanderer. Instead, he was content with his life and served his country bravely. The secret to his success was he did not trust in his own understanding, but sought counsel from the Spirit of the Lord every day.¹⁴

"Many years ago, there was a great war against our Kingdom and he was asked to fight and lead our army into battle. He was not perfect, but the Lord loves to use imperfect people. And he started out as no one special but he believed God had great plans for him. See over there in Eagle Valley – a monument was built to the Lord of his great victory over our enemies. For it is not how you start in life that matters, but how you finish."

Humble shared many other words of wisdom just as his father had taught him. And young Knight listened to everything his father spoke and treasured his words in his heart. He studied the scriptures each day for himself and would often stay up late into the night, asking Humble the ways of the Lord. And Knight believed that the Lord would do great things in his life.

Knight learnt his family’s trade and became a farmer. He would wake up early in the morning, along with his brothers, and follow a daily ritual of feeding the livestock and ploughing the fields. Farming was endless work and they were busy all year round. The horses ploughed the field to dig up the ground and the brothers would sow, fertilise and later pull out the weeds in the spring and autumn. They had three fields which they would rotate yearly; one for barley, one for wheat, and the third lay fallow to allow the nutrients to replenish. And when the seeds were sown as a family, they held hands together and prayed for a good harvest in the summer.¹⁵

Now Knight was no angel as a child and often had a hot temper and an evil tongue. When he and his brothers played games, he was a sore loser and would shout the house down until he got his way. As a result, he would struggle with resentment and anger. But one Sabbath, when Knight was twelve, the family attended their local church, as was their usual custom. Knight was convicted by the message of the prodigal son. He openly confessed his need for a Saviour and chose to be baptised that day, much to the praise of his family.¹⁶

THRONE OF GRACE

In Heaven the angels celebrated the new addition of Knight from Lachish who was now included in the book of life. The King of Glory declared, Angels, do you see this child of Mine? I have very special plans for him.¹⁷

The angels responded, What do You plan to do with him King of Heaven?

The King of Glory replied, Before he was formed in the womb, I knew him and set him apart. He will be My chosen instrument to deliver his people from the Mongolites in the near future. Although he is the youngest in his family, and from the smallest of the towns of the Kingdom of Georgia, he will bring My name much glory on Earth. Surely no eye has seen, no ear has heard, or thought entered into the heart of humanity the things I have prepared for those who love Me.¹⁸

Then the angels asked, Please tell us great and mighty God, how do You know what dreams to give to each person?

The King of Glory answered, I give all My children dreams based on their personality, strengths and weaknesses. But too many want to rush through the preparation process. And if they are not ready, they will fail and then blame Me. While they may think I am taking too long, I am actually waiting on them to grow into maturity. Some are only looking at the destination, but I am focused on the journey. There are many important life lessons My children need to experience. Lessons designed to sustain them when their dreams come true.

"Character and faith are very important to Me and take time, but I am patient. I do this out of overflowing love for My children. There is a purpose in every season and one day they will understand all that I am doing. But if they fight the process it will only take longer! They only see today but I see every day of their life and into eternity. My timing is always perfect and I reward all those who seek Me regularly with a sincere heart. But whoever calls me ‘Lord’ and does not do what I say has no part in My Kingdom."¹⁹

The angels were amazed at the King of Heaven’s wisdom and goodness. After a long pause the angels observed, Holy God, we have watched the Earth with great interest for many centuries and noticed everything Your hands have made. Particularly how humanity has one of two tendencies: they are either born of sin and stay in sin, becoming totally depraved. Or they are born of sin but cry out to You, find freedom and flourish in life.

The King of Glory responded, Yes, it was not meant to be this way. When I created the world, it was perfect and magnificent in every way. In My great love I gave Adam and Eve all the world to enjoy and it was very good. But Eve was deceived by the serpent and Adam deliberately disobeyed, so sin entered the world. However, I loved My creation so much I proved it by giving the greatest gift I could ever give; My only Son. He paid the penalty for their sins, which they could never repay, so if anyone trusts in My Son, they will not perish but have eternal life. And all that was lost in the garden was restored at the cross.²⁰

With praise the angels replied, Truly Your throne is magnificent; a foundation of righteousness and justice. There is a certain wisdom in this we take great delight in. What great love You have for Your creation. How You count all the hairs on their head and gather up all their tears into bottles. You are so ready to forgive and to pardon a lifetime of sins so freely. While on Earth Your Son was seen by most as a fool, but now He is forever praised. Blessed are all those called to the great wedding feast of the Church and the Son of God!²¹

Another observation is how Your word, when received with an open-heart, cleanses the soul most wonderfully. It is a double-edged sword which convicts and cuts away like a surgeon’s knife. Your word is a sweet influence upon the heart. Sin is a mighty tyrant and only Your great mercy can pull a person out; because it is imbedded in their nature. And what they feed on shows their true condition. They either seek the world and all its vanities or they hunger and thirst for righteousness. But when will the New Heaven and the New Earth finally come, so all of creation can be set free from its condemnation?²²

The King of Glory answered, "I am waiting for as many people as possible to come to repentance, as I