Jewels From JudySunday, November 23 2003
We Must Get Bibles Back In Schools! In November of 1997, I had a very disturbing dream that involved problems we were facing with the school system and reflected the true dilemma my family was facing in public schools at that time. What I remember about the dream was that everyone was blaming my child for having difficulty learning in a closed environment. It was one of those nondescript dreams where I knew there was a battle but I had no idea how exactly to fight. Most tactile learners face this challenge and instead of incorporating hands-on learning techniques, they strongly recommended drugging my young student. So it is no surprise that in this dream no one would help, they would only point their fingers and blame. This hostile dream stemmed from that very frustration. When I awoke from the dream I sat straight up in bed and in a loud voice proclaimed, "WE MUST GET BIBLES BACK IN SCHOOLS!" A voice spoke up and said, "That's impossible." Then I heard in my spirit, "What's impossible for man is possible with God." Over the years I had prayed to understand this dream. It had such an impact on me, yet I did not know what to do about it. I did not know if I were to start a ministry whose work was to get Bibles in school or what. I asked other Christians who worked in high schools or worked with youth how I could do this. None knew. I asked Christian speakers who are allowed in the schools for assemblies how this could be done. None knew. I asked other parents. None knew. I asked pastors. None knew. So it seemed this was one of those things that God was leaving as a mystery. Do you know that no matter how complicated your problem is - God's answer is always simple? Let me say that again just in case you quickly read over it. No matter how complicated your problem is - God's answer is always simple. One morning the answer came to me in an instant and I said out loud, "The answer is so simple!" It was crystal clear. I hadn't been able to come up with the solution because I was trying to solve a spiritual problem with a physical answer! If we are going to fight something in the spirit we have to use spiritual weapons. The Bible tells us that the weapons of our warfare are not natural, but that we have God's mighty power to demolish strongholds of the enemy. (2 Co 10:4, 5) The word also tells us in James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. I believe a big part of our problem is that we - the church at large - have forgotten who we are in Christ, and we have forgotten our mission in life! That or else we have never really known who we are and what our mission is. To find the answer as to how to get Bibles back into schools, we must look for the answer in the Word, and we must realize what our mission in life is. Without vision - the people perish. (Proverbs 29:18) It is imperative that we UNDERSTAND WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST in order for us to 'get Bibles' anywhere. Otherwise, it doesn't matter anyway! If we are all fractioned and divided then there is no battle. We have already lost! 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans (unbelievers) that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us. (Emphasis mine) This tells us that at one time we weren't a nation, but now we are a nation to God. Once, we didn't have mercy, but now we do. Then we are urged not to get tangled up in the sin that surrounds us in this world because we are not of it. What this actually means is that our actions will be very foreign to many because we are of another kingdom - the Kingdom of God. We are to reflect His love. People don't understand God's love. But we are to live in such a way in front of unbelievers that even if we are accused of doing wrong, that one day they'll see the truth and they'll give God glory! In the days of the early church, when Peter wrote this, people were defined by their race. There were the Hebrews, Romans, Egyptians, Asians, Ethiopians, Samarians, Greeks, and so on. But when peoples of all races came together as One Body with Christ being their Head - their Ruler - there was a dilemma. What were they to be called? They were many races under One King. So Peter reveals here that we are a HOLY NATION. We are a nationality. Dictionary defines NATIONALITY: "The status of belonging to a specific nation by origin, birth, or naturalization." (Are we not BORN AGAIN by God's Spirit?) "A people with a common origin, tradition, and often language." (Don't we often use terms and language we read in Scripture to talk to one another? The only way that we can 'fight' segregation and prejudice is by the perfect work of the Cross of Christ Jesus. The Apostle Paul teaches: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (See Gal 3:28.) 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us; that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. I want you to see something very important here. We are called Christ's AMBASSADORS!!!!! Do you know what an honor that is - to be called an ambassador for Christ? An ambassador is an agent of the highest rank sent to represent a figurehead like a king, a president, or a ruler as its long-term representative. Our being an ambassador for God is a life-long mission and is a huge part of our identity in Christ Jesus! What is our mission as an ambassador of Christ? This Scripture is telling us that God has committed to us the word of reconciliation - to teach others about God's love and forgiveness on the Cross! How much good would it really do to have "The Good Book" sitting on the shelf in a school library collecting dust? If people have no reason to pick it up - if they don't see it working for you - then does it really matter if we have it in schools or not? Unfortunately, many Bibles are sitting in the homes of 'church-people' gathering dust there too!!! As you can clearly see, our problem is not a physical one - it is a spiritual one. We are each called to be such a spokesperson for GOD!!! Please, understand what I am saying here! It is about our being God's hands and feet on this earth carrying out His will here. We have to stop looking in the natural. We have to stop looking at our abilities! If we walk in our own strength, then we will fall flat on our face as an ambassador of Christ because we not representing Christ and His greatness when we walk on our own. We are NOT to REP-resent Jesus - but we are to RE-PRESENT JESUS. Present HIM, again and again, the glory and greatness of God. Present His ways. Present His word. Present His will - on this earth as it is in heaven! We are to present His unconditional love, His peace, His joy, His way. One day I was walking through my room and caught my reflection in the mirror. Suddenly, in an instant, I understood the answer to getting Bibles back in schools. This is the Scripture that came into my mind: 2 Cor 3:2, 3 You yourselves are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men. Clearly, you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone (or paper) but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart. Do you see the answer? We are the epistles being read. Everywhere we go we are being read. So how do we get Bibles back in schools - or anywhere for that matter? We become ambassadors for Christ and living epistles read of all men. That is how. We don't fight this in the natural. We FIRST ask the Father to receive Christ Jesus as our Lord - We have a personal relationship with Him and we get Him IN us by His Holy Spirit. If you have been a Christian for a while, let me ask you something - what do people read when they see you? Do read about the transformational power of the Living God? Do they see the love and mercy of Jesus? Do they see humility? Do they see peace being lived out in your life? Do they see Jesus? Do they see the Father? Do they read the Bible - the word made flesh when they read you? John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word (talking about Jesus here), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him, nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. (My comment in parenthesis) How do we get Bibles in schools? We consume The Word'- Jesus - WE GET JESUS IN US - WE REVEAL JESUS TO OUR CHILDREN - AND THEN WHEREVER WE GO- wherever THEY go, THE WORD IS THERE!!! We are to be like Jesus and BE the WORD - MADE FLESH and take Jesus wherever we go! THAT is how we get Bibles into schools. Lord, right now show us what we need to do together and individually to be living epistles of Your love and Your light and Your way. Teach us to be ambassadors of Your love. Let us be carriers of Your passionate heart, Your passionate love for the lost, and for Your church. In Jesus' name. Amen Your fellow ambassador in the Lord, Judy A Bauman Saturday, October 04 2003
God's Garden G D C G D G D C G D G Chorus C G C G D C G C G D C G D C G D G G D C G D G D C G D G Chorus G D C G D G D C G D G Copyright ©1997 Judy Bauman Is 2:5, 5:7, 31:12, 58:11, Jer 31:12, Mic 7:8-9, Mat 5:14-16, 6:22-23, 11:30, Lu 10:2, 11:33-36, Jo 1;4-9, 8:12, 9:5, 12:46, 1 Co 3:9, Col 3:14, Gal 2:20, 6:9, Ja 3:17-18, 4:10, 5:6-7, I Th 5;1-11, II Th 2:3-17, 3:6-15, I Pet 2:19 Father, I'm overwhelmed by Your grace and mercy. Sometimes Your joy takes on such an intensity I cry. In a dark world that so needs Your light, I thank You for allowing me to grow in Your garden by Your light. Thank You for this song to testify to my brother. Love, Judy Aug. 23, 1997 Sunday, August 24 2003
Help Us O Lord How many today will walk by faith? And how many today will fall How many today will walk by faith? And how many today hear Your call? Help us O Lord to walk by faith And not abandon Your call 2x Help us to hear Your call Help us to answer Your call 8/24/98 Saturday, August 23 2003
So Do Not Fear
I seek You with all of my heart LORD Do not let me stray from You I've hidden Your Word in my heart LORD That I won't separate from You Chorus "So do not fear for I Am with you" "Do not be dismayed for I Am your God" "I will strengthen you, and I'll help you. I will uphold you in My Righteous Right Hand" The Word is near you it's in you It's in your mouth and your heart It's the Word of faith we proclaim Confess that Jesus is Lord Chorus I believe in my heart that God raised Him Raised Jesus from the dead And seated Him at His right hand And it's by grace that we're saved Chorus Psalms 119:10 Isaiah 41:10 Romans 10:8-9 Phil 2:10 Copyright© 1997 by Judy A Bauman Father, Your child, Judy 5/10/97 Tuesday, August 19 2003
The Butler Monday, July 28 2003
Shake Off That Snake Bite G C G D G C G D G Where a snake latched onto his hand CHORUS C G D G C G D G G C G D G C G D G G C G D G C G D G Copyright © 1997 by Judy Bauman Acts 28:3-9, James 4:7 Dear Lord, Thank you for the teacher you have brought into my home. J. M. has been such a blessing to me. I thank you for helping me to see when the snake bite happens so I can resist him. Teach me how to submit to you more, and to get under your mission. Praise You Lord Jesus. Obediently yours, Judy 7/28/97 & 10/3/97 Saturday, July 12 2003
Dear Ones in Christ, Though this vision and word was given on July 12, 2000, only now do I believe I am released to share this with you. I do so with the permission and blessing of our elders. The Setting Morning Prayer took place at 5:30 a.m. at the home of our elders, Sam and Linda Jackson. It lasted about 5 months and this specific morning was the culmination of that time. Once in awhile others had made the 14 mile trek from town, but generally it was just Sam, Linda, my husband, Jeff, and I who regularly attended. This particular morning it was appropriately only the four of us, as we had that day completed a 50 day time of consecration. It was a very difficult time of testing to prepare us for hard days to come. When we arrived that morning Lindawas preparing the Lord's Supper. It was so joyful because the Lord had also spoken to me en route to end this 50 day period by sharing the cup and the bread, and here Linda was already setting the table when we arrived! It was a wonderful confirmation for us both. She had been impressed to use her wedding glasses. The groom's glass was there, but we all drank from the bride's glass. The air was charged with expectation. It was a very solemn and reflective time. The Vision Of The Cross After we had taken the bread and the cup we each quietly wept as we worshipped. There was such a sweet and powerful presence of the Lord. Suddenly, I heard a deep rumbling like an earthquake, but it seemed to be centered in the table. I opened my eyes and looked around to see if anyone else had heard it, but they were quietly praying. Thinking I had imagined it, I shut my eyes. Again the rumbling started. This time I kept my eyes shut and 'saw' as in a vision, coming up from the middle of the table, the Cross of Christ. It was very craggy, dirty and rugged. I was afraid to look at it; afraid but compelled to look anyway. As I saw the cross coming up, I saw the top of Jesus' head and the Crown of Thorns smashed onto His bleeding head. Knowing what was to come next, I turned away as I didn't want to see anymore. The rumbling continued and I knew the cross was continuing to rise up. I could hear the Lord Jesus gently asking me to look at Him. I glanced over in time to see His chest and extended arms on the crossbeam. When I saw His hands nailed into the Cross I was so grief-stricken and terrified, I turned away again. I wanted to see Him - but I didn't want to see Him like that! By this time the rumbling had stopped as the cross was completely lifted up straight above me in the center of the table. The Lord again tenderly yet firmly spoke to my heart, "Look at Me." As I slowly opened my eyes to look up, I first saw His feet and then I saw His legs. They were muddy and cut up with a mixture of dried and fresh blood running down them. Then I saw the face of Christ beaten to a bloody pulp. His eyes were swollen shut and bruised. I didn't want to look; I couldn't bear it. Then His sweet voice resolutely commanded, "Look at Me." I looked straight at His beaten and disfigured face and wept. He slightly opened His left swollen eye and looked long at me. It broke my heart to see Him in such terrible pain and so close to death. Even at such a dark time, there was a light in His eye that compelled me to gaze at Him. Then He did something that shocked me. He mustered a grin and winked at me with that swollen eye. He said, "Watch what happens next, Toots!" Then there was a brilliant flash of light that appeared to go from one end of a horizon to the other. The vision ended. I knew what I saw was the light of His resurrection. At first I wasn't sure if I had imagined this whole scene or what had just happened, especially when He called me ?Toots' - something that my uncle used to affectionately call me when I was a child. That totally caught me off guard! Then we all spontaneously started to pray and worship together out loud. (I will add here, to the glory of God, that this vision happened four years prior to Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of the Christ. When I saw that movie I was so stunned, not only because of its content, but because the actor portrayed had the exact face the Lord showed me that morning on the Cross!) The Words Of Warning: As we began to pray, this somber word came forward. Sam andLinda both have a prophetic mantle. Linda spoke: "As you would sweep, clean and knock down the cobwebs before applying paint, so I apply a new paint. But, I brush upon you a new, fresh anointing on your hearts. I paint a new anointing on your heart. Just as with each war and revolution, there are new tools and new weapons developed. As I do in a new move, I cannot use old tools. There will be new paint, and new anointing to walk in a new day." Sam spoke: "This is the hour I spoke of that I will shake heaven and earth. All that has been built on the sand of men - like sink holes - will be swallowed up. I will build My house. No more will they say, 'Run here - run there.' I will send a famine of My Word. Yes, My Word. They shall seek My Word and only those to find it will be those who seek. [Those who diligently seek; will be the bearers of My Word.] Everything that can be shaken WILL be shaken. You will know the truth from false. You will not be deceived if you abide in My place. My house is a house of safety. Abide in Me." "Come to My light. Even the dimmest of light will draw man to My house. I have allowed this gross darkness. I allowed Satan, as I allowed Pharaoh to bring darkness. My glory WILL be seen. You are My houses, My living stones. Think it not strange concerning the ripping and tearing. Let not your heart be troubled. This must come to pass in My house. It is for My purpose." "There will be earthquakes and rumors of earthquakes. There will be wars and rumors of wars, but the earthquakes I send are going to shake My places of worship. Places of worship have been a stench in My nostrils. I WILL shake and tear them down. There will be wars in your own family in My house. They will turn against you. People will come against you in My own house." They tell you, "Dance! There will be no church as usual." "All will worship Me [in spirit and in truth]. No more biting and devouring. I WILL restore My glory. They will say, "Is this the Lord?" They bite and devour [My little sheep]. But My truth will be seen." The Spider At this point the lights went off and then back on very quickly. When the lights came back on, a large spider was walking right in front of us. I quickly killed the spider and put him in the trash. This is important because it is addressed later in the prophecy. Sam moved into a prayer at this point speaking to the Lord: "Everything that You have not planted will be rooted out. You start with Your house, Your elders, everything that is not of You will be struck down. We submit to You. We will not put our hand to the Ark - we will allow You to shake it. We will not carry it in an unworthy manner." (An earlier prophecy told us that God was shaking the 'ark' and that anyone putting their hand to it to stabilize it would be struck dead.) "Aaron's dead rod bore fruit. You will stop the mouths of the people. You will show who is Your Aaron and the people will know. You will show with signs following. It is Your hour and we thank You. We anticipate You. We're tired of our own programs, our own works. You will complete and finish. Your work hour has come. It is here. You have kept the best wine for last [as you did at the wedding]. You have kept it in the cupboard. But you bring it out now. The strongest [wine], for the battle is strong. Thank You for bringing the best wine for this battle. You are The Breath of Life. There is no hope besides You, Father... no life. We eat Your body and drink Your blood. Thank You for Your work. Help us to see, understand, and adhere. Thank You for giving understanding to Your Word this morning. Everyone will see Your hand upon the wall. You will be precise and all shall see, all shall hear. Some will run under a rock. But ALL will know it is You." "The harvest will be overflowing. The fields are ripe. We enter into those who precede us. But You have given us a new sharpened threshing instrument for this harvest. The wagons will be full of wheat and silos will be overflowing with wheat. You will appoint us to the fields and show us the ripe harvest." The Admonishment: "The spider that comes to distract will quickly be killed and My Word goes forward. Do not be moved. Hold fast to what I Am saying. Distractions come in, but ABIDE! Do not look to the right or to the left. Abide." "We think we will go to church to hear the Lord. If we don't hear Him in our houses, we're in trouble! Uzzah was placed to care for the ark. He was too familiar with it and took it casually. God waits patiently. But it comes to a place where people are partying and they say, "We are going to bring the ark to the city!" God shook the cart and Uzzah died. The party stopped. We're going to be in fear and trembling. Death. Fear is the beginning of wisdom. What we think is worship is a stench. Proceed in the fear of the Lord. Strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter. NO chasing names - chase God. He will remove it all together. NO WORSHIP OF MAN! He is a jealous God. The Scripture: My husband, Jeff, then added that the Lord had just directed him to: Proverbs 1:20 Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares. 21 She cries out in the chief concourses, At the openings of the gates in the city She speaks her words: 22"How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge. 23Turn at My rebuke; Surely I will pour out My spirit on you; I will make My words known to you. 24 Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out My hand and no one regarded, 25 Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke, 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, 27 When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. 28 "Then they will call on Me, but I will not answer; They will seek Me diligently, but they will not find Me. 29 Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, 30 They would have none of My counsel And despised My every rebuke. 31Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies. 32 For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; 33 But whoever listens to Me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil." May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Amen. In His service, Saturday, July 12 2003
Vision Of The Cross - Words Of Warning Dear Ones in Christ, Though this vision and word was given on July 12, 2000, only now do I believe I am released to share this with you. I do so with the permission and blessing of our elders. THE SETTING Morning Prayer took place at 5:30 a.m. at the home of our elders, Sam and Linda Jackson. It lasted about 5 months and this specific morning was the culmination of that time. Once in awhile others had made the 14 mile trek from town, but generally it was just Sam, Linda, my husband, Jeff, and I who regularly attended. This particular morning it was appropriately only the four of us, as we had that day completed a 50 day time of consecration. It was a very difficult time of testing to prepare us for hard days to come. When we arrived that morning Linda was preparing the Lord's Supper. It was so joyful because the Lord had also spoken to me en route to end this 50 day period by sharing the cup and the bread, and here Linda was already setting the table when we arrived! It was a wonderful confirmation for us both. She had been impressed to use her wedding glasses. The groom's glass was there, but we all drank from the bride's glass. The air was charged with expectation. It was a very solemn and reflective time. THE VISION OF THE CROSS After we had taken the bread and the cup we each quietly wept as we worshipped. There was such a sweet and powerful presence of the Lord. Suddenly, I heard a deep rumbling like an earthquake, but it seemed to be centered in the table. I opened my eyes and looked around to see if anyone else had heard it, but they were quietly praying. Thinking I had imagined it, I shut my eyes. Again the rumbling started. This time I kept my eyes shut and 'saw' as in a vision, coming up from the middle of the table, the Cross of Christ. It was very craggy, dirty and rugged. I was afraid to look at it; afraid but compelled to look anyway. As I saw the cross coming up, I saw the top of Jesus' head and the Crown of Thorns smashed onto His bleeding head. Knowing what was to come next, I turned away as I didn't want to see anymore. The rumbling continued and I knew the cross was continuing to rise up. I could hear the Lord Jesus gently asking me to look at Him. I glanced over in time to see His chest and extended arms on the crossbeam. When I saw His hands nailed into the Cross I was so grief-stricken and terrified, I turned away again. I wanted to see Him - but I didn't want to see Him like that! By this time the rumbling had stopped as the cross was completely lifted up straight above me in the center of the table. The Lord again tenderly yet firmly spoke to my heart, "Look at Me." As I slowly opened my eyes to look up, I first saw His feet and then I saw His legs. They were muddy and cut up with a mixture of dried and fresh blood running down them. Then I saw the face of Christbeaten to a bloody pulp. His eyes were swollen shut and bruised. I didn't want to look; I couldn't bear it. Then His sweet voice resolutely commanded, "Look at Me." I looked straight at His beaten and disfigured face and wept. He slightly opened His left swollen eye and looked long at me. It broke my heart to see Him in such terrible pain and so close to death. Even at such a dark time, there was a light in His eye that compelled me to gaze at Him. Then He did something that shocked me. He mustered a grin and winked at me with that swollen eye. He said, "Watch what happens next, Toots!" Then there was a brilliant flash of light that appeared to go from one end of a horizon to the other. The vision ended. I knew what I saw was the light of His resurrection. At first I wasn't sure if I had imagined this whole scene or what had just happened, especially when He called me ?Toots' - something that my uncle used to affectionately call me when I was a child. That totally caught me off guard! Then we all spontaneously started to pray and worship together out loud. (I will add here, to the glory of God, that this vision happened four years prior to Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of the Christ. When I saw that movie I was so stunned, not only because of its content, but because the actor portrayed had the exact face the Lord showed me that morning on the Cross!) Wednesday, July 02 2003
In Memory of David Favorite memories - shared with this boy The pond was the place we loved to go On Mariana Butte - set a white house Ice-skating was fun, sledding a blast A little pig greased from head-to-toe Those were simpler days - for us it seemed 7/2/02 Friday, June 20 2003
The Son G C G The Spirit of the Lord is calling you C D Do you hear His sweet voice soothing you? C D Em He wants to bring freedom to your soul C D Em He wants to heal the hurt inside of you CHORUS Em D A Em The Son came so you might live D A Em The Son came to set you free C D Em And whom the Son sets free, is free indeed C D/B7 Em And whom the Son sets free, is free indeed G C G It's up to you to choose who you will serve C D It's up to you which path you will walk C D Em But when you walk with God, you'll never walk alone C B7 Em He will never leave or forsake you Chorus Copyright©1999 by Judy Bauman John 8:36 Romans 8:9 Father Thank You for the study of Your Names. You gave me these great chords and I no sooner asked you for the words and I looked on the calendar of "The Names of God" and there was my first verse! The next day I went to work on the second verse and that date had the second verses words!! You are so comical sometimes!!! I love to serve You. What joy you fill my heart as I have surrendered myself to Your mercy. Thank You for guiding me as You promise in Your Word You will. You are the Best! Your Freed daughter, Judy Friday, June 20 2003
The Cat and the Mockingbird The cat lay lazily on a warm summer's day The bird angrily swooped and tried to distract "God is that You?" I exclaimed with a start! Not that the cat was God you do see, Are distractions -- some that even seem right His plans are often hidden from view Friday, May 30 2003
Put Your Armor On Me A D E A D E A Chorus D A D A D A E A A D E A D E A Chorus A D E A D E A ( no chorus) Interlude (or whatever music writers call this part!) D A D A D A E A A D E A D E A **3x last line Praise you Lord... Eph 1:18, 6:10-18 Ro 8:26, 10:15, 13:12-14 IThes5:8-9 Isa 11:5, 52:7, 49:2, 59:17, Copyright © 1997 by Judy Bauman 5/30/97 and 6/23/97 Dear Father, Holy Spirit, Wonderful Counselor, Thank you for this song that I can share with my brother who means so very much to me. Thank you for the work you are doing in him and his family's lives. I know you have been with us through the good times and the bad. You see all and know all. Thank you for the ways you work for us that we are unaware of, yet our lives are blessed because you held us up in your righteous right hand. Thank you for revealing your beautiful armor to your soldier. Your loving daughter, student, patient, Judy Friday, May 23 2003
A Home In You Jesus said, "If you love Me, you will obey My teachings." If you do this, He pledges, "My Father will love you and We will come and make Our home [abode, special dwelling place] in you." If the God who created the heavens and the earth has made a home in you, then you will not be left alone to face life's daily trials and tests. Jesus promises in His Word that He will not leave you as an orphan, but will send to you a Comforter. The Comforter is His Holy Spirit. Is there an empty spot in your heart? Then invite Him to abide in you now. If you have already accepted Jesus as your Lord but you still feel empty or unsure about your salvation, it could be the result of the way you treat the One with Whom you share living quarters. How do you treat the Father, Jesus, and His Holy Spirit? Are you respectful of your Companion's likes and dislikes? Have you made a point to learn what those things are? Do you treat Him like a friend or like a visitor? Are you trying to make it look as if things are better than they really are in your home? Don't fool yourself. God sees what is hidden in your closets, crammed into your garage, swept under your rug, stashed in your attic, veiled in your files, and concealed in your basement. He knows what you have and what you continue to reap from your reading materials. He sees the TV shows and the movies you watch, and knows why you laugh at the jokes you hear. Jesus knows everything going onin your house. He sees what you see and even what you don't. God sees your heart. You can hide nothing from Him. Nothing. A day will come when you will stand before the Father, with or without Jesus' help, and give an account for your life. Are you ready for that day? If not, then today is the day to clean house!!! Jesus is not like anyone else you have ever had in your home. He comes to help, not to ridicule, judge or torment you. He wants to encourage you from the inside out. If you give Him access to every area of your home, He will help you clean it by casting His soft, loving Light on those hard-to-reach places. His long arm will tenderly clean out the vilest places in your heart that have kept you living in shame. Christ wants to say to you, "Come and take my hand. I won't abandon you, so don't be overwhelmed or afraid. We will work together to get your house clean. You will rejoice and so will I." Then you will be able to walk in His righteousness, and be clothed in His love. Because God lived as a man in Jesus, He knows the things you go through. He understands why you fall, and He understands why you have a difficult time getting up. For you and all of mankind, Jesus came to earth and took our eternal beating, our eternal ridicule, our eternal torment, and our eternal death. He came to set the captives free. Why? So that we can boldly go to the Father, through Jesus, and be one with Him.Jesus came to spare you from everlasting separation from God caused by the sin in your life. Do not be fooled. "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Christ bought and paid for your freedom with His own innocent blood. Now His desire is for you to live your life abundantly, through, and in Him. Christ loves you and wants to help you, but you have to admit that you need His help. Trust Jesus. You can attempt to build your home without the Lord, but it will be in vain. However, when the Creator of the universe lives on the inside of you, the Master of reconstruction will be at work for your benefit. He will remodel, rebuild, add-on, refurbish, and redeem all you want or need done to your house. All you have to do is ask. God promises that you will receive, and He keeps His promises. To get started on an exciting and wonderful journey with the Father, simply and honestly say, "LORD! HELP ME!" ~Like the prodigal son's father, the Lord will come running to greet you.~ To confirm this message, please refer to these Scriptures in the Bible: John 14:15-27, John 1:1-5, John 12:47, Mark 7:21-23, Mark 15:10-39, Heb 4:15, 16, Heb 9:14-15, Gal 3:3, 13, Gal 6:7, Luke 15:20-24, Ro 3:23, Eph 4:30-32 1Thes 5:8-11, Ps 1:1-3, Ps 127:1, Proverbs 3:5-8, Job 16:19-21 Is 41:10, Hag 1:2-8, Matt 7:24-27, Is 61:1, Ro 8:34-39, Ro 10:13, Ro 14:10-12, 2 Cor 5:17-21, 1 Peter 2:5, Rev 1:5 Friday, May 23 2003
Good Night My Lord Good night my Lord, goodnight 2x Good night my Lord 2x I'll praise You in my dreams Sometimes I sing in the mornin' Sometimes I sing at night But when I praise Your Holy Name You make my heart just right Good night my Lord, goodnight 2x Good night my Lord 2x I'll praise You in my dreams Satan he tries to rob us He tries to steal our peace But when You died on Calvary Your blood bought back the keys Good night my Lord, goodnight 2x Good night my Lord 2x I'll praise You in my dreams One day I'll see Your sweet face Then my joy'll be complete But until then I'll sing a song That rings of Your great feats! Good night my Lord, goodnight 2x Good night my Lord 2x I'll praise You in my dreams Good night my Lord I'll praise You in my dreams Copyright © 1997 by Judy Bauman Tuesday, May 20 2003
You Not Only Love Me You not only love me You died for me 3x You died for me, and set me free! You not only heal me You make me whole! 3x Mold me and make me More than I am 3x Glory to God! More than I am! I love to praise Your holy Name 3x Jesus, I've come to praise Your name! 3x © 1998 Saturday, May 17 2003
Who Will You Be? G D G D G Chorus C G D C Am C G C G D C G D G G D G D G Chorus G D G D G Chorus 2x © 5/17/1997 Written for my son Ryan's confirmation at FUMC of Lewisville, TX Thursday, May 15 2003
Bought and Paid For G C G D G C G D G CHORUS G C G I was bought and paid for by the blood of Christ D G C G D G G C G D G C G D G Chorus G C G D G C G D G G C G D C G D G
1 Co 6:20, John 8:10-11, Eph 1:7, Co 1:13-14, Rev 1:5, 5:9 1/11/98 Thank you Lord Jesus for getting me through the fire. I praise You. Your little flame, Judy Wednesday, May 14 2003
Jesus Loves Children A E A E A A E A E A D A E A D A E A A E A E A D A E A D E A A E A E A E A E hold A Copyright © 5/1997 by Judy Bauman Dear Daddy, Thank for the simplicity of this song. May it teach children how your love is so easy , and that they will be able to remember throughout their lives that Jesus loves them. Your girl, Judy 5/14/97 Wednesday, May 14 2003
Prisoner of Hope
A E A D A E A A E A D A E A A E A D A A E A A E A D A E A REPEAT 1ST VERSE Zac 9:12, Ro 8:20-25 15:13, Eph 1:18, 3:1, 4:1, Phil 1:1, Jo 10:10 Job & Psalms Copyright © 1997 by Judy Briggs Bauman Father, Thank you for the hope that passes all understanding. Jesus I hope to see you soon. Your hopeful daughter, Judy 5/14/97 Sunday, May 11 2003
Dear Loved Ones, There is something that happened last week that REALLY blessed me and I want to share it with you. As of late, I have really been going through a spiritual fire. As we know, that is when the 'fourth Man' shows up! Last week I had an errand to run to deliver something to a local church. As I drove I said, "Lord, I really need to talk to someone about this; I really do not know what to do." Just then I remembered the pastor of the church that I was heading to had been highly recommended the year before to me as an expert in family matters. He was trained through Campus Crusade for Christand does seminars all over the country. Anyway, I thought if I were to run into him I would speak to him, but as I came in he was driving out. I thought, 'Ok Lord. Maybe You have someone else in mind." However, as I started into the church he came driving back and pulled up right next to me! I spoke to him a bit and cut to the chase and told him what was troubling me. He spoke for a while but said, "Here is my 30 second advise for you." "You have to separate your goal from your desires." He didn't say, "Goals" he said, "Goal" Singular. He explained, "Your #1 goal is to glorify God in all you say and do, your desires are things you want to have happen. In other words it is your goal to glorify God, but it is your desire for your family to glorify God. You have to separate them. You cannot change others; you can only change yourself." This may sound simplistic, but I am here to tell you that one thing has really freed me up! (No smell of smoke here!) I began to confess, "Lord, may all I do, say, think and feel Glorify You!" (I added the think and feel because what we think affects our words and what we feel affects our actions.) I have to continually ask myself, "Does it (what I just said, did, thought or felt) glorify God?" It is amazing how I discovered many things do not. As these things are revealed in my life, I apologize to the Lord, accept His forgiveness and His help, and move on. I pray today you make this your GOAL: To "Glorify God in everything you do, say, think or feel." When you fail, as we all do, I pray you will also ask for forgiveness, accept it and His help and move forward! In His love and mercy (with you), Judy Saturday, May 03 2003
Pullin' Up Stakes G C G D G C G D G CHORUS C G C G 3RD VERSE (sad & blue/lonely too) C G D G G C G D G C G D G Chorus G C G D G C G D G copyright © 1995 by Judy Bauman 5/3/95 My Dear Lord, Thank for the gift of writing songs. Before I even knew you had called me to serve You in this way, I wrote this song. Thank you allowing me to serve you in such a joyous way. Your willing servant, Judy 6/20/97 Thursday, April 24 2003
Each Passing Day Oh Lord, I praise You with each passing day. My friends - some don't know you Help them find the way I've worked hard all my lifetime You stood by my side Oh Lord I praise You with each passing day Oh Lord I am humbled by Your presence with me I thank You and give You - Me everyday I have been delivered From chains that held me bound Oh Lord I am humbled by Your presence with me Oh Lord You comfort me each and every day No money or goodies Will take me away You proved that You loved me By dying for me Oh Lord You comfort me each and every day EVER'BODY Oh Lord, I praise You with each passing day. My friends - some don't know you Help them find the way I've worked hard all my lifetime You stood by my side Oh Lord I praise You with each passing day That's it hee hee Ps 23:4, 71:21, 107:10-20, Mat 11:25-30, 23:12, Lu 16:13, 22:28-32, Ro 5:6-8, 12:1, 15:16 Copyright © 1997 by Judy Bauman 4/24/97 Wednesday, April 23 2003
I Cried To The LORD I will tell of the kindness of the LORD The deeds for which He's to be praised In His love and mercy He redeemed me His love endures forever more Chorus I cried to the LORD in my troubles He saved me from my distress He sent forth His Word and He healed me Thank You LORD for Your unfailing love I sat in the darkness and the deepest gloom A prisoner laboring in chains For I had rebelled against God's Holy Word I stumbled but no one could help Chorus Just reach out your hand and He'll lift you Into His gracious heart you'll live Your troubles soon won't matter His joy He will give If you cry to the LORD in your troubles He'll save you from your distress He'll send forth His Word and He'll heal you Thank You LORD for Your unfailing love 3x Psalms 107:10-20, Matt 8:8 Copyright © 1997 by Judy Bauman Father, Thank you for healing me. Praise You my Lord Jesus!!! Your healed daughter, Judy 4/30/97 Wednesday, April 23 2003
Born Crucified Am E Am C E Chorus C G C E C G C E Am/C 4x Am E Am/C Am C E Chorus Am E Am C E Chorus Am E Am/C Am C E Chorus Judy Bauman © 1998 Thank You Father for the revelation of this song. Even as I read "The Christmas Cross" by Max Lucado and You let me know You were going to give me a song and You did. This is such a difficult song to sing, but it so tenderly and so accutrately tells this story - the story of Your great love for us. Thank You, Jesus! Love, Judy Saturday, April 19 2003
After volunteering to help with a cleanup project after the OKC bombing, something I saw seemed to compel me to tell its story. This is a short tribute I wrote to honor the men, woman and children who lost their lives in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995. I pray it blesses you. Judy An Unlikely Monument The coffee pot is full. Its clock reads 9:02 a.m. It is a common sight as people all over the country start their day by brewing their favorite morning beverage. They fill the reservoir with water, carefully place the filter, add their favorite blend, and finally set the knob to brew. Within a few moments the machine begins to spurt and sputter and before long hot, steaming water flows through the finely ground, dark beans. Its rich aroma fills the air and stimulates the senses. An anticipated cup of coffee satisfies eagerly awaiting lips. To many these quiet, simple moments are cherished; it is a peaceful time to organize the day's priorities and decide how to conquer the day's work ahead. A second cup is poured and savored as was the first. Soon the coffee is forgotten. The busy day is in full swing. However, this pot of coffee is different. No one enjoys the first cup because on April 19, 1995, everything that surrounds it is shattered. A lethal explosion shook the very foundation of the small room where it sits in a busy YMCA facility. The YMCA is located diagonally across from the Alfred P. Murrahbuilding in downtown Oklahoma City, OK. Outside, emergency crews frantically help the terrified office workers search for one another. Hundreds within the bomb's grip are injured. 168 persons were not as fortunate. The rescue effort continues for many days. Three weeks after the bombing, YMCA staff members and one volunteer bravely face the ruins of the condemned YMCA building. Boarded windows conceal the sunlight. Illuminating beams from flashlights reveal what has transpired. Fallen ceiling tile, hanging light fixtures, shards of broken glass, fractured brick, and crumbled plaster are the undeniable state of this once thriving facility. Many of the solid wood doors leading into the offices are cracked in two and hang limply from their iron hinges. An entire brick wall has fallen on the newly remolded gym floor. The stale, musty, humid air weighs as heavy as the worker's stunned hearts. However, with heads held high, the task to retrieve equipment, records, and furniture is tackled with cheerful attitudes. Unfortunately, most of their personal belongings are lost in the catastrophe. The insignificant appliance is found standing motionless in a small, dark, demolished office. Somehow it has escaped destruction. Next to the moldy, fetid liquid lay a toppled wooden show case which once housed awards, trophies, childhood pictures, and other memorabilia. The keepsakes are strewn about and buried in the debris from the blast's concussion. Plaster that fell from the cinder block wall encompasses the unscathed coffee pot. Defiantly, this full pot of coffee stands amidst the ruins ~ like a monument. Suspended in time, on a seemingly average morning, the fragile carafe serves as an icon to remind us each to appreciate and embrace the simple joys of life. There is much to embrace. Will you see the simple blessings in your life and give thanks to God for them? Or, will you go about your every day eating, sleeping, working, and walking around life, and take such things for granted? The choice is yours. Copyright © 1995 All rights reserved Thursday, April 17 2003
'To Live is Christ' We came together from all walks He shook off the snakebite and the jeers As we learned about our brother's walk We found that in loss, illness, and pain "I Am with you." God did encourage Paul sat in cold chains without a cloak You are our sister, Beth, this is true Jesus is our Rock and our Tower His voice you hear and skillfully write 'To live is Christ' and to die is gain He holds the keys of life in His hand Written for Beth Moore by Judy Bauman Thursday, April 03 2003
Vessel of Honor Make me a vessel unto your honor Lord Shape, bend and mold me to Your will Take my heart, my mind and emotions And conform me to Your will Chorus: Renew my heart, Renew my soul, Renew my life, O Lord Refine me to pure gold Make me a noble threshing instrument Sharpen my skill to use Your sword Let my faith Be strengthened by praising Praising Your Holy Name Chorus Nothing in all creation Is hidden from Your sight Everything's bare before You My life is at Your side 2x So make me a vessel Unto your honor Lord Shape, bend and mold me to Your will Take my heart, my mind and emotions And conform me to Your will Chorus
Copyright © 1998 by Judy Bauman 2 Tim 2;19-21, Hebrews 4:12, Ps 51:10, Is 40:31, 41:15, 2 Co 4:16, Ro 8:29, 12:2, Jo 7:17, Job 23:10 Thank you Lord Jesus for taking this unrefined rock You found in me, and turning me into someone that hopefully You may see Your reflection. I praise You and thank You for seeing something in me when no one else could. Your vessel, Judy 2/24/98 Saturday, March 15 2003
Nathan David March 15,2001 Nathan, God named you. You are the seed from a promise of God. The Lord has appointed you for a joyous purpose. You were sewn together in your mother's womb where the Lord saw you and approved of you. God's ways are not man's ways. Follow and keep the Lord's ways in front of you. Do not look to the right or to the left, but keep your eyes ever fixed on Jesus. He is your redemption, He is your purpose and He is your friend. You can trust God and as you obey Him you will gain a relationship of trust. Know in your heart that you can always count on the Father to be there for you. He will never leave you, Nathan David! He will never forsake you! Keep your heart for out of it flows the issues of life. No matter what life looks like, Father God will be there with you. Storms will come and storms will go, but He is the Rock to Whom you can depend. Plant yourself deeply in the Rock and those storms will not move you from His purpose. He is the Father of life and His plan for you is great. He is your hope! He is your future! Call upon Him and pray to Him. He will listen to you.. He waited patiently for the day you would be born. You were born to fulfill a promise. Nathan, remember and never forget that love is the glue that binds. Friday, March 07 2003
Beyond The Cross Jesus looked beyond the cross ... He saw you and me He saw our faces so sad and in need So He willing went to the cross, to the tree Jesus, You saw my need ...You saw my sin seed You saw my need, so Your gave Your life for me You went to the cross, to the cross for me Jesus, You cried out on that day... "My God! My God! Why have You forsaken Me?" "Why are You so far from Me?" Then He saw our faces so sad and in need So He willingly gave His life for you and me! Jesus looked beyond the cross... He saw you and me He saw our faces so sad and in need So He willing went to the cross, to the tree Now He is our Resurrected King! We praise You, Lord Jesus, for bringing back the keys! © Aug 27, 1998 Judy Bauman All rights reserved Thank You Father for children who ask such direct questions such as, "How could Jesus go to the cross?" It is by such as these that we really are stretched to see You and Your great love for us. Thank You for this answer in song. I love You, Lord, Judy Thursday, February 20 2003
A Warning to the Church: The Electric Outlet A Vision In the front of an empty church between the two front pews, and in front of the communion table, dangled an electrical outlet. It was suspended in the air from 1" thick, gray, flexible conduit. The wire came into the top right side of the electrical box and exited the bottom left side. A man's hand with an extension cord in it appeared and he tried to plug it into the outlet. The outlet only twisted and turned away from him. He tried this over and over again with no success. Unsuccessful, he finally went away frustrated. I asked the Lord what this meant. As I prayed, the scene replayed in my mind. I noticed that the outlet was not affixed. It just dangled there in mid-air. It was not firmly framed into the structure of the church. Because it was not anchored, when pressure was applied to push the cord into the outlet, it could only twist and turn. There wasn't enough stability to allow the person to plug in their extension cord. I believe what the Lord was showing me was that the Outlet was representative of the Holy Spirit. The man was representative of a believer trying to get plugged into God's power and authority, and to gain a greater understanding of His ways. The Holy Spirit was in the front and near the communion table, but He wasn't given a fixed place. He was not anchored in the church. It points to the reason some churches are empty and not experiencing growth is because the Holy Spirit of God is not given a firm foundation to which people can plug into and get charged up. So they leave. Unless the Holy Spirit is given a secured place in the church to love, save, guide, teach, build, confirm, comfort, empower, fill, speak, renew, bear witness, convict, sanctify, anoint, correct, heal, counsel, rebuke, send, and give joy to the believers - that church will not be permitted to experience lasting growth. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Amen. 2 Co 3:17; John 14-16 In Christ, Tuesday, February 04 2003
We Must Get Bibles Back In Schools In 1998, I awoke from a troubling dream, sat straight up in my bed and said in a loud voice, "We must get Bibles back in schools!!!" You may think, "That's impossible." What is impossible with man is possible with God! Four years later I am standing in my bathroom and the answer comes to me in an instant. "It is so easy a child could understand how to get Bibles back in schools!" I said out loud to myself. First we have to understand who we are in Christ. Go to 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; Until you truly understand what the Lord has called you to be. You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation. You are God's own special people. Why??? So that you can proclaim and praise the ONE who saved you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 2 Co 5: 20 Tells us that we are Christ's ambassadors. An ambassador is a person who is a diplomatic agent of the highest rank; an authorized messenger or representative. They represent their nation or kingdom. In the natural, an ambassador has the responsibility to speak for their leaders. They must know the heart of their leader because are given extra ordinary representation of their entire nation! They speak for their whole nation. As an ambassador of Christ we represent God's kingdom! We are to represent His will and His ways. 2 Co 3: 2, 3 You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart We are walking epistles of Christ, wherever we go the Bible goes! If you are in the Word and the Word is in you, then whereever you go, the Bible is there! It does no good to get a physical book into the library of the school if it will only sit there on the shelf. You must be the living word and entice others to read what you have read. It is not illegal to bring your Bible to school, have a prayer meeting or Bible study before or after school. Be fishers of men and be the Bible. Be doers of the word! James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. Amen Judy Bauman Monday, January 20 2003
Hear the Lion Roar As I sat in the peace and the calm of the morning Whispering praises to God for all He has done I saw in the heavenlies - dog-like creatures Then the side of a face of a Lion that roared Chorus The Lion of Judah will roar! As we praise, as we praise, As we praise the Lamb of God! Hear the Lion roar! His roar was interpreted deep within my heart He said, "Leave My children alone!" The dog-like creatures - they shrieked in terror They fled the scene at the sound of His voice! Chorus Come all ye nations Every tribe and tongue Come all ye nations Come to the Son Come let us worship Hear the Lion Roar Come all ye nations SING! Hear the Lion roar! Chorus O Father! Thank You for giving me the privilege to write songs of praise to You again. Thank You for letting this song flow out of me and into Your Body. I worship and adore You, Lord Jesus. Thank You for fighting for us when we are helpless to fight for ourselves. Thank You for running off the hyenas! I bless You, Lord and thank You. Amen Wednesday, January 01 2003
I Fell In Love Now I'm Not the Same Am E Am E Am G C G C E Am E Am Am E Am E Am G C G C E Am E Am Am E Am E Am G C G C Am E Am E Am E Am E Am G C G C E Am E Am Am E Am E Am G C G C E Am E Am E Am E Am E Am E Am E Am E Am E Am E Am John 8:36 " So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." Mat 5;16, 7:7-8, 11:25, Lu 4:18, 6:35, 13:3-6, Jo 14:6, 15:4-14, Ro 6:18, 15:7-11, II Co 2:3, 3:17, Gal 5:1 & 13, Eph 1:3-6 & 14, 3:12, Jam 1:25 5:13, I Pet 1:3-6 & 14, 2:16, 4:11 & 16, I Tim 1:12, Rev 3:8 & 20, 5:12-13, 19:5 copyright© 1997 by Judy A Bauman Father, Thank You for your work in me, and thank you for helping me finish this song. Without Your love, support, and tender handling I never would have been able to sing this or share it. The pain that I worked through just to get out the words was at times excruciating. When I realized You were with me, I knew You would see me through and heal my deep wounds. Thank You for redeeming this song, and healing me. Your Humble Servant, Judy Wednesday, January 01 2003
Who Am I? After my soul has left my body and my bones have returned to dust, what will be remembered of me? Do those who love me know who I have been, and why I have done the things I have done? Have they understood that the only reason I have had the capacity to love them as deeply as I have, is because Christ clothed me in His love? He has been the deepest love of my life. I pray they find rest in the same loving arms I have, and that they have made Him Lord in their lives as a result of my example. I was awakened by God's loving touch within me. The healing that has taken place in my heart and soul is all the proof needed for me to know that God chose to work within me. If in my short lifetime, I have glorified God, then all of my life's dreams have been realized. God's will has been for me to live my whole life, not bits and pieces of it, in His presence and give Him all that I am. The constant search for fulfillment left me weak. Nothing filled me. My capricious lifestyle only left me feeling as if I were only chasing after the wind. (Ecc 2:24-26) No matter how much of life I ate, I was famished, and no matter how much of life I drank, I continued to thirst. Jesus gathered my fragments made me whole. He filled the empty hole that was my life. (John 4:1-26) Jesus healed my grieving heart, and lifted cursing and drink from my lips. He did this simply because I asked Him. He heard my cries. Jesus came and smiled upon me and gave me hope-- the hope to which He has called me. (Eph 1-18) He set me free. (John 8:36) I have lived in God and He has lived in me. Jesus chose me and I have known His voice. (John 10:3) I yearn for His word, love, and wisdom; His faith, grace, peace, mercy, and glory. My goal is to live in a manner pleasing to my Lord, then rest in His arms. I want Him to say to me, "Well done good and faithful servant! Come and share your Master's happiness." (Matt 25:23) In His Word, the Bible, Jesus promises that if we love Him, we will obey His teachings, then He and the Father will come and make a home in us. (John 14:23) I have known this to be true. Jesus is not some character in a book, a great teacher who lived 2000 years ago, or a deranged lunatic who thought himself God. Jesus is the only begotten Son of the One Living Almighty God, Maker of heaven and earth. I sincerely asked Him to forgive my many iniquities and invited Him into my life. Christ made a home in me. Through the power of His Holy Spirit, He has comforted, led, and freed me from the chains, the sins that formerly kept me shackled. My hope is that I have lived as a reflection of Jesus' light on this dark, cold, and lonely world. When someone needed to be loved, I hope to have been of comfort. For those who hungered and need to be filled, I hope to have shared my food. In a parched world where one could be quenched by drinking from the Living Well, I hope to have handed them a cup. As an ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ, I hope those who have known me will have seen Him in my words and in my deeds. I pray that they see the Savior in the love I have given, the songs I have sung, the provisions I have shared, and teachings the Holy Spirit revealed through me. May all glory and honor go to Him for any and all things I have done well. 7/97 |
