In prayer I saw a large oak tree and the Lord told me to climb it. I climbed up and sat on the first big limb. Then He told me, "Go out to the end of the limb."
I scooted out until I knew the limb couldn't hold my weight and stopped. The Lord said again, "Go out to the end of the limb."
I scooted out a little more, but I knew in my mind that there was no way that I could go any further without the limb breaking. Though I was on the bottom limb, it would have been at least a 20 foot fall, so I stopped.
Again the Lord spoke to me, "Go out to the end of the limb."
I protested and told Him that there was no way that branch, which was as smaller than my pinkie finger, was going to hold me up.
He said, "If I have called you to go out on a limb, then I will hold it up. Just then I saw the tree and me in it as though I was watching the whole thing from afar. When he said, "I will hold it up' I saw a huge angel standing underneath the branch holding it up!
The Lord further cautioned me that I was not to go out on just any limb. I was to only go out on the limbs which He had called me to go out on. He said that those He had not called me to go out on - He was not obligated to support.
A Word From The Lord’s Heart To Yours: A More Excellent Way
“Whom the Son sets free is free indeed. I want you to come to Me unhindered and unfettered. The world’s pulls are increasing at a rate never seen in history. Communication around the world is a constant where in days gone by they were non-existent. Yet in all the communications, only a small portion is directed at Me. Even My Church tends to sing and talk about Me, but not to Me. Many who come to Me only come to give Me their laundry list of what they want Me to do for them. While I do want My people to ask of Me, I want them to first come and sit and listen.
“Come close. I will teach you how to pray from a heart that moves Mine. Sit by My side. Let Me show you a more excellent way. It is a way of love and strength, of courage and compassion, of hope and joy, of kindness and mercy. My perfected love will cast out all your fears and anxieties. All the fears of what could happen will melt away as you see Who holds your future.
“My plans will not be thwarted. They will flow as water through a river. If the river gets obstructed, the water finds another way to reach its destination, but make no mistake; it does reach its destination.
“Will you allow Me to flow through you to My final destination, or will you be obstinate? If you choose to do things your own way and in your own timing, then I will find another to flow through. It is your choice. Either way, My will is done on earth as it is in heaven; however, I have a plan for you that is only fulfilled as you take My hand and walk with Me. It is only realized when you allow Me to flow through you as water through a river’s bank.
“If you allow Me to shape, bend and mold you to My will, you will find yourself as valuable as the Gold of Ophir. This is the value I desire to bring out in you. If you are willing, your worth in My kingdom will be great and sought out by many.
“Will you be malleable in My hands? Will you invest your worth in My will? Will you allow Me to shape your boundaries and flow through you to the end?
Scriptures To Ponder: John 7:38; 8:36; 15:9; Psalm 46; 78:7, 8; Romans 8:12-17; Second Corinthians 10:3-5; Galatians 5:1,17-23; Colossians 3:12-15; First John 4:12-19; First Kings 10:11, 12; Revelation 2:7
It is the purpose of this ministry is to bring the healing power of the Father’s love to the nations. If “Jewels” are a blessing to you, please remember us in your giving.
The Father’s Love Int’l Ministries
P. O. Box 1573
Flowery Branch, GA 30542
May the Father’s love richly bless you!
Rev. Judy Bauman
Because of the blood of Christ we are fellow-citizens of God's household - being carefully joined to become a holy temple to the Lord. It is in this dwelling where God lives by His Spirit.
A Word Of Encouragement And Hope From The Father’s Heart To Yours:
“As many of you have sensed, it has been a year of pruning and though it’s been difficult to endure, I Am a God of hope! With pruning comes a sweet and bountiful harvest.”*
“It was also a year to see the leaven of heaven rise! My leaven brings a lightening of your load. My leaven brings a flavorful taste of heaven. Taste and see that Your Lord is good. My mercy really does endure forever. My loving-kindness surrounds your daily walk.
“Many have cried to Me to end the pain of the pruning, but once you have been pruned it is time for healing. Then will come a season of growth. I Am the Author and Finisher of your faith and am more interested in developing your character than anything else; and that comes when you persevere in tribulation. This will instill a hope in you that no one can take so that no matter what is going on in the world around you, you will not be disappointed!
“I love you. Do you truly believe that – even though I have not rushed to bring you out of the circumstance that has caused you pain? Do you see I’ve systematically exposed the leaven in your life that has contradicted My plan for you?
“I warned to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees. This is the leaven that causes religious people to puff up with the hot air of self-importance. Legalism is the wellspring of pride, arrogance and elitism. These believe they are high and mighty. This is what causes their noses to physically go up in the air and look down on others expecting them to live up to their standards. I Am the Standard!
“I warned to beware of the leaven of the Sadducees for their religion is founded in error. Like the Pharisees they think they have it right, but they are scripturally wrong. They lead others into error and sin. I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life and no one can come to the Father except through Me,”says the Lord.
“I warned to beware of the leaven of Herod – that is to say, THE WORLD’S SYSTEM. His was the fleshly way of doing things. He was thirsty for power and never was satiated. He always wanted more, but was continually lacking. The governments of this world are like rivers in My hand. As you have seen world leaders’ fall this past year, you will see Me move in ways that are unprecedented. What I will do in the coming days will be undeniable – though some will do their best to refute that it’s Me. The earth is the LORD’S as are those who dwell therein.
“If you have allowed the Leaven of Heaven from twenty-eleven (2011) to be worked into your hearts, you will see more from the Third Heaven in the coming days. If not, ask Me, and I will help you make up for lost time. My desire is to show you My perspective as I see things much differently than you do. I have unusual battle plans and strategies to release. My perspective on world events will allow you to see beyond what is happening on earth and prepare you for a harvest which will increase in and beyond twenty-twelve. I have a hope and a future for you. I Am the God who sees.
“The time of times is upon you. If you look up, you can see the rising of the water. I gave a sign through a surfer who gloriously rode a 90’ wave. What I said through that specific event was that the wave is upon you and it will soon be time to ride it. Position yourself! Position yourself! Position yourself!”
Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine for your light has come! The glory of the LORD is risen upon you.
“Keep doing the things I have asked you to do. Keep studying. Keep seeking Me. Stop condemning yourself and watch the shackles fall off. Stay by My side and you will know what you need to do. Keep your eyes open. Keep your eyes on Me.
“Watch and see what I do in this day and hour. Eye has not seen what I will do. Have I not spoken it? I will surely cause it to come to pass. All will be surprised. Some will be delighted, but more will be in terror because they’ve failed to understand.
“It is my desire that you bring more people to the Table of My Delight. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.”
Forever your,
Papa
Scriptures To Ponder: Matt 11:28-30; 13:33; 16:6; Mark 8:15; Romans 5:1-5; 12:1-2; Hebrews 4:16; 12:1-2; Jeremiah 29:11-14a
Ministry Note: There is a great expectation for ministry – which is sharing the Father’s love to nations. The Lord asks who will go and my heart’s cry is “send me!” I am particularly seeing all of Europe (especially where the “ground” has been very rocky, thorny, barren difficult to plow) becoming fertile and workable soil for the Kingdom of God. The people of Europe are as clay in the Potter’s hand! If this ministry has been a blessing to you, please sow into this work. You may contribute online by credit card at www.thefathersloveim.org or send a check or money order to:
The Father’s Love Int’l Ministries
P. O. Box 1573
Flowery Branch, GA 30542
May you be blessed by the Father’s love.
Sincerely your sister and co-laborer in Christ Jesus,
Rev. Judy Bauman
A Word From The Father’s Heart To Yours: Will You Embrace Your Destiny?
“I have called you to the nations* to a destiny and I am asking you now, Will you embrace your destiny?
“This is a time of new beginnings and you are called for such a time as this. Know that you were chosen to be in this day and in this time. There is a vast cloud of witnesses who beckon you to move forward in the power of My Resurrected Son.
“Do not come to Me with your list of all your inadequacies and tell Me why you are unable to line up your will with Mine. I already know you are unable and that is precisely why I called you! You must know that what is impossible with man is possible with Me. I Am that I Am! I Am sufficient for all you need. Do not say any longer that you are unable. That, dear child, has already been established!
“Will you will lay everything down and pick up your mantle, continually wear it, and go where I send you? I will give you everything you need when you need it if you will obey My promptings. As you obey, the provision you need will already be waiting for you on My path, so do not look at what you do not have as you begin to step out in your destiny. Have faith and know that I will provide for you. Shed the garment of doubt and clothe yourself in My mantle.
“Will you honor Me by quickly coming into agreement with Me when I ask you to do something? Know that I start with small things. As you comply with My Spirit in the small things, I can move you into the bigger purpose that I have. Do not despise small beginnings, dear one. I start there with everyone. Even Jesus had small beginnings.
“I have called you to a destiny; will you embrace your destiny?”
You ARE More Than A Conqueror!
“Will you honor Me by looking at what I can do instead of what you can do?
“Beware of the spirit of fear and timidity. Will you embrace the call on your life or not? If you embrace fear you cannot also embrace your destiny of faith in Me. When you embrace fear you are proclaiming that I am not faithful! You may not realize this is what you are doing, but it is. Faith cannot exist where fear resides. You must exterminate fear. My love fights fear! My love conquers fear! I set before you a choice. Choose faith or fear. I will give you the answer, choose faith!
“Fear expects Me to be unfaithful and to break My promises to you. Fear expects the worst before it has happened. Faith will cause you to see the miraculous through the eyes of your heart first and then you will see the miraculous right before your very eyes. You have to see it first by My spirit, then you will see it in the natural. You can attract what you fear to yourself, or you can attract to yourself what you hope for. The choice is yours. I give an established warning: Guard your heart with all diligence for out of it the issues of life flow.
“Know that I desire for you to expect the best before it happens. I desire that when you see a storm approaching, you will expect Me to move on your behalf. Doubt your doubts! I have called you to be MORE than a conqueror. What this means is that you can know you have won the battle before ever entering it. The Greater One lives in you. You ARE more than a conqueror because I have already won!”
Seeds Of DestinyProduce Fruit!
“I have planted in you seeds of destiny. Will you allow the Living Word to water those seeds? Will you allow the Light of My Salvation to shine through you until those seeds grow to bear fruit?
“My dear one, do you not yet know that I desire for you to have an entire orchard of trees that overflow with fruit? There is sweet succulent fruit to be grown, harvested and enjoyed. All of the harvest will be brought to My banqueting table. My banner over you is love.”
Your Faithful Abba
*Nations - ethnos, peoples, lands. We all have a sphere of people where the Lord has given us His power and His authority. Please pray and ask the Lord to confirm to whom you are called and where you are to go in Jesus' name. Wisdom is proved right by her children.
In this dream I was coming out of a building with a group of people. We had been at some sort of seminar, but I didn't recognize anyone in the group. As we were walking out under a long awning, I saw right in front of us a large but thin and mangy looking male lion prowling down the middle of street. He saw the group, but paid no attention to us. As he looked for prey, the lion saw some children playing unsupervised. They were directly in front of him and to our left. As he started to stalk them, they all scattered to get away from him. The lion picked out one young boy as his victim and I could see that he would quickly kill the child if someone didn't stop him. I yelled really loud; not a word, but a noise. The lion turned toward us and the group groaned, gasped in fear, and shirked back. It was clear that they were distraught by my bringing the lion's attention to our position. When the lion saw the group was not going to stop him, he quickly turned back to his original course and again went after the child.
The lion had nearly caught the child when I yelled really loud for a second time. Again the agitated lion turned from his pursuit of the boy and came toward us. The group had the exact same cowardly reaction as the first time. The large animal seeing we were no real threat turned back towards the boy and again began hunting him down. I felt I had to do something to distract the lion away from the child. Since the people didn't seem to share my conviction to help him, and I felt that I shouldn't endanger them further, I decided I needed to leave the group and divert the lion on my own. However, as I stepped out from under the awning and began to cross the street, I immediately became the mangy lion's targeted prey! It had become increasingly aggravated by my diverting it from its intended victim and swiftly came at me. I hurried back into the group under the awning and the mangy lion turned back to attack the boy for the fourth and surely final time. I felt if I yelled another time the group might abandon me to the lion, but if I didn't the boy would be devoured right in front of us. I had no idea what to do to save him.
Suddenly, from out of nowhere, another lion leaped in with a man riding on his back. This lion was majestic! He was very fit, had clean gracefully flowing fur, and was adorned with a beautifully jeweled, golden saddle. The man riding the magnificent lion swiftly withdrew his sword and killed the mangy lion before it could come any closer to the child. Praise God! I woke up feeling such deep relief and joy! I was thanking God for that child's salvation. As we know, God is rarely early but He is always on time!
Interpretation:
The group of people 'under an awning' would appear to represent an assembly of people under the same protection. Most likely a church group, but there was no clear leader. It may have been because we had come together for a seminar. We had been inside learning, but when we came out and were faced with the enemy, we as a group did not know what to do. [2 Tim 3:7] It could be that the group is more symbolic of the 'church' in general. (Referring here to believers of all Christian denominational backgrounds.)
The mangy lion would be Satan roaming the earth to see who he can devour. [1 Peter 5:8] He was boldly walking down the middle of the street for anyone to see which exposes that he has been left unchallenged for the most part. When he was only slightly confronted, the lion threatened the group in such a manner that not only frighten them, but also caused them turn on the person who exposed the enemy's ploy. (Kill the messenger!) Theirs was a typical human reaction when comfort and safety are threatened. The lion never really made a truly aggressive attack toward the group. The way he came skulking towards us was more to intimidate us to inaction than to actually harm us. I believe he was making sure we were not going to get between him and his intended victim. He was concealing that he was, in reality, afraid of the group and stopped us from confronting him by using intimidation. This would reveal that many demonic attacks are designed to frighten us just enough to keep us at bay, so they are free to ravage the weak. Satan hopes he can seem so menacing that we will totally withdraw our assault against him and his cohorts. We are further led to believe (by our own flesh), that if we don't challenge the approaching lion and stay in our area of comfort, we will be alright. To me, this borders on debauchery. We do need to stay together, and there is comfort in that, however, we also need to come together to protect those who are too weak to protect themselves. The lion was distracted from his intended kill by only one voice. Can you imagine how quickly he would have fled the scene had everyone joined together and started yelling at him? If he would have gotten that child, he surely would have returned for more! (This may have been why he was so bold in the first place.) We need to learn to attack the enemy on a united front and protect God's children!
The unsupervised children seem to be symbolic of; A) lost sheep [Luke 15:4-7 and Matt 18:10-14] B) Those who are young or immature in the Lord and have yet to find spiritual covering - orphans of the Lord so to speak. [1 Co 4:15] C) The children that some have forbid to come to Christ [Matt 19:13]
The boy singled out by the lion seems symbolic of one of these children at their weakest, but I believe any of those children would have been an easy target.
I believe that yelling was a type of intercession the man of God heard and understood that he needed to take action. [Rom 8:26, 27] It being a noise was more like a trumpet was blown or an alarm was sounded. [Joel 2:1]
My choosing to leave the group while the enemy was afoot was a foolish and dangerous thing to do. Much to my dismay, even though the enemy was thin and mangy, I was no match against him on my own. [Jude 9] Though I recognized something had to be done, in the end I realized I was not going to be able to save that child without help. This reveals that when we get outside a group of believers we become easy prey for the enemy. God does not call us out in the middle of a battle. If we are to leave a group we are not to leave during times of conflict but during times of peace. Even though the group did not come to the aid of the child or react the way I thought they should, I became the target when I stepped away from the safety of fellowship. [Proverbs 11:14, Heb 10:25] I was protected when I came back under the awning and stood with them. [Eph 6:13]
At first I thought the man and the lion were both Jesus. However, as I reflect on this dream I believe that the regal lion is Jesus; the Lion of the Tribe of Judah and the man is one who has been chosen to serve the Lord as a protector of His flock. This man of God is symbolic of those who ride or operate in the power of God, who have been chosen by Him, have learned to wield the sword of the Spirit, and know how and when to protect the lost sheep. When the majestic Lion of the Tribe of Judah came in carrying the man of God, he withdrew his sword, which is the word of God, and he killed the enemy! [Eph 6:17] Christ, the word made flesh, in the man is what brought the victory! It takes men and women of God who not only know how to wield the sword to beat such a foe, but they must be given the authority by God to ride atop the Lion of Judah to lead Christ's church. It would be dangerous to sit in that saddle presumptuously. This is a place only the King of kings can grant! It would also seem prudent to point out that it would be unwise to be in direct opposition to such a God-appointed person.
I believe the ending of this dream reveals that it will take strong leaders who operate in godly power to teach the body of Christ how to wield the sword and to show that the body of Christ that we are already more than conquerors. [Rom 8:37] This way it won't matter what we are engaged in doing or what group we are among when attacks come. We will all (Christians of all denominations) know what to do and we will be more than able to stand victorious in Christ. [Matt 11:12] The enemy being utterly destroyed, not just distracted, was the work of a true commander. Those who ride in Christ's authority take note.
“Who is your first love? Who loved you first? I love you with an everlasting love that will keep you strengthened and encouraged in this day and hour which you live.
“Many say that they will embrace their destinies, but their hearts are far from Me. I say to take up your cross and follow Me! Few do. They only follow when they think I am saying I will bless and prosper them. These only follow because they think they will be fed. Many claiming to be leaders are truly hirelings, and while there is a place for them, they are My last choice to watch over and feed My sheep.” (See Matthew 16:24, 25; John 6:26; 10:12)
“You have heard: The wealth of the wicked is laid up for the righteous. And many are asking why I have not yet released wealth to them. Heart motivations are being weighed in the balance and many have been found lacking. James wrote that you have not because you ask not and when you ask you ask with wrong motives. You say your desire for money is for the purpose of giving to charity, but if you are not faithful with little, you will not be faithful with much. If you are not faithful now, what you have will be handed over to one who is. I do not honor faithless promises that say they will be obedient when there is enough. The real desire is to spend wealth on things that can be shown to make others think one is blessed of Me!” (See James 4:2-4; Matthew 25:14-30)
“Do you not know you are building your own kingdom with this thinking, and not the Kingdom of Heaven? Child, you want the wealth of the unrighteous to spend on yourself and yet do not see the wickedness of this thinking!
“Many of you have already lost much and you may think I am pouring salt on your wounds, but I am not a god of torture. It has always been My desire to bring people to a place where they know they have to change directions, like Balaam, or they will perish. Do I want you to walk in the error of Balaam? Must a donkey rebuke you?” (See Numbers 22:1-35, Jude 11, Revelation 2:14)
“Return to your first Love! Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is near! Remember from where you have fallen. Do the deeds you did at first.” (See Revelation 2:4)
“Your oil is dwindling and the hour is late! It will not keep you until I return. It is the love of money and the need to acquire wealth that has become your downfall. Your light will go out in the gross darkness to come. Where does your loyalty and trust lie? In the wealth that you can amass or the trust you have in Me? You can only serve one.
“Do you want to intimately know wealth, which is fickle and treacherous, or Christ and Him crucified? Will you embrace your cross and follow My Son, Jesus or follow your own desires? Again I ask, “Who is your first love?””
A Word From The Father’s Heart To Yours: My Best For You
“You have an enemy and he is after your time. There is only so much time allotted to each person on this earth. If the devil or his cohorts distract you, dissuade you or cause you to be weakened in your resolve to serve Me wholeheartedly, then he can keep you from My best.
“Even doing GOOD THINGS is an enemy because it will keep you from My best. If you have committed to do a good thing, I will expect you to fulfill your vow even if I have something better for you to do. I will release you from it in due season, but you must learn from this difficult lesson. I want you to always inquire of Me before committing to a work. Just because it sounds good and may be good doesn’t mean it’s My best for you.
“I will tell you the way to go – listen for the peace in your soul. Obedience to My will brings forth heavenly blessings. I will restore as you walk in My best. Remember, My best can take on many forms and requires humility. Greatness in My kingdom rarely translates to greatness on earth because few can withstand the temptations that come from it.
“I Am the Shepherd and Guardian of your soul and My way is the best for you.”
Love,
Abba
Scriptures To Ponder: Deuteronomy 5:32, 33; Nehemiah 6:3-9; Isaiah 14:12; Psalm 22:25; Matthew 4:8-10; Galatians 3:9; Colossians 3:15; James 4:10; First Peter 2:25
It is the purpose of this ministry is to bring the healing power of the Father’s love to the nations. If “Jewels” are a blessing to you, please remember us in your giving.
A recent interaction with a friend prompted me to seek the Father. While I know this friend loves the Lord, there seems to be a terrible spirit of contention in nearly every encounter. The Lord led me to look into autoimmune diseases and I’ve learned that this is when the immune system is overactive and perceives normal body tissue as harmful and literally attacks itself! This “attack” seems to be very prominent within the Body of Christ in the day and hour we are in with everyone voicing their opinions on forums, twitter, facebook, and other venues. Often people don’t truly think about what they’re saying nor do they ask for clarity before they spew out insults – they just cruelly launch into judgment, strife and contention with the goal to be RIGHT! However, even if they are correct, they’re completely void of the heart of God for His people. It is a spiritual autoimmune disease at work.
We must remember that we are to love one another and provoke each other to good works and love. This is the Father’s heart towards us who believe that Jesus is the Lord. We must remember that none of us are perfect and none have perfect teachings, doctrines or theories.
This word is what I believe the Lord spoke to me in 2008 concerning the Body and I am encouraged by it again today. I pray it blesses you.
A Door of Hope for My Body:
“Precious One, yes, you are My Precious One. Please give ear to what I Am about to say. Consider your body – the human body. Look at all its working parts. Each and every part of your physical body affects the rest of your body.
“Look at a body that is in top physical condition and behold its beauty. Behold the skill of the Craftsman who created it! Every organ, every muscle, every tendon works together with one goal in mind. The skeletal structure is perfect from the largest bones in the leg to the tiniest ones found in the ear. Every single body part is important.
“While there are some body parts you can survive without, if given the choice would you not choose fullness? Even the stubbing of your little toe can cause you excruciating pain and in that moment the importance of that body part comes to the forefront of your mind. There are an endless number of examples I could give you, Beloved, of how your body hurts when one part hurts or malfunctions. Many of you have living examples in your own bodies, as well as in others around you, to know that given a choice you desire good health. You know that each body part is in agreement so that you can function in your daily life. It is clear that when the body is functioning the way I designed it, this is the most desirable state to be in. This concept is simple.
“Illness, disease, defects and injures can keep you from accomplishing your dreams and goals, so generally you do what you know is best for your body to live your life optimally. Sometimes, and more often in wealthier regions of the world, a person will give in to their body’s demands and cause themselves to become unhealthy. Addictions to drugs and alcohol as well as food and mind-numbing activities that keep the body sedentary commonly hold My body hostage. This happens when a person refuses to listen to their spirit and instead listen to their flesh, so multiple addictions are often the result! This causes a number of breakdowns in the body – both immediately and in the years to come if the flesh continues to get its desires.
“So it is with My Body – the Body of Christ.
“My Body has many parts and they are all designed to work together. Many of you do not know why you are hurting so deeply. You do not know why you crave the things that are not good for you. The struggle in My Body is at an all-time-high because there are so many parts all over the world that are hurting and wounded and ill and addicted.
“Church, allow Me to take you out from what you have been doing. Give Me a short season in your life to make some adjustments. I Am the Master Surgeon* and I can heal you and bring you back into perfect health. You can again be a body that enjoys health and beauty. Give Me this season to teach you and lead you. As My Body comes to Me for healing, then I will place you anew in the Body of Christ.
“Come into the wilderness with Me and I will speak comfort to you. I will give you food and drink that will not draw you to itself but to Me. Come anchor yourself to Me and I will keep you from going adrift in the tempest. I will open to you a Door of Hope and beckon you in, but it is you who are given the choice whether or not to come inside.
“My beautiful Body is battered and it is My desire to heal you and make you whole. I long to answer Jesus’ prayer that His own would be as one as He is one with His Holy Father.
“It is My desire for the Body to have their joy fulfilled, that you would be kept from the evil one, for you to be consecrated by My truth, that you would be sanctified by My Word, and for you to be one as I Am in Jesus and He is in Me. We want you in US so that the world will believe.”
Lovingly,
Your Abba
Scripture References: John 8:31; 17:6-26; Hosea 2:14, 15, 23; Proverbs 23:1-3; First Corinthians 12
A Word From The Lord’s Heart To Yours: I Am Faithful
“Come here and sit at My feet and let Me tell you about the day that has dawned.
“There are wars and there are earthquakes and famines. These will increase and it will seem like the very earth itself is going to tear apart at the seams, but you are not to worry or be in fear. Haven’t I told you many times not to entertain the spirit of fear? My word is true.
“My Church needs to stop trying to fit Me into their little boxes. Make no mistake about that. The religious order has portrayed Me over the years as acting and talking with certain mannerisms, but they don’t even know Me! How could they know what type of tone and inflection I would use when speaking when they don’t even know Me?”
As the Lord shares His heart, I ponder how many times I have heard Jesus quoted by people and they made Him sound as if He’s angry, or worse – feeble. In my encounters with Him, He is neither. When He is firm His words are wrapped in compassionate love, grace and mercy; and they always carry a spirit of hope that boosts faith. He enjoys joking around. This has often caught me off guard because I have this notion that when Jesus talks, He is always going to be serious. Sometimes it would seem He says things to purposely shock me. He doesn’t mince words and He isn’t big on small talk.
Breaking through my thoughts, He continues, “Most people who are the “higher-ups” in religious institutions do not have any kind of real relationship with Me. They tell people all about Me without a revelation of Who I really Am. Sometimes they stumble into the truth the way a blind man might stumble into a ditch, but they really don’t have a clue. They would not be able to sense if I stepped into the room with them or if I had gone out for coffee.
“These power-hungry people are without a doubt the biggest tools Satan wields to hurt My body. He will not win no matter how many he deceives, but it is My lost sheep I want snatched from his grip. I want you to kick the enemy* where it hurts and watch him release My lambs. The prayers of the righteous avail much. Pray as the new day dawns – not in fear but in faith because I Am Faithful.
Psalm 33:3-5 Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. For the word of the LORD is right and true; He is faithful in all He does. The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His unfailing love.
Scriptures To Ponder: Matthew 24:6-7, 27; Second Timothy 1:7; Romans 8:19-22; Hebrews 10:19-24; Matthew 23:13-28; Ephesians 6:15*; Jeremiah 3:12; Revelation 19:11
It is the purpose of this ministry is to bring the healing power of the Father’s love to the nations. If “Jewels” are a blessing to you, please remember us in your giving.
The Father’s Love Int’l Ministries
P. O. Box 1573
Flowery Branch, GA 30542
May the Father’s love richly bless you!
Rev. Judy Bauman
Because of the blood of Christ we are fellow-citizens of God's household - being carefully joined to become a holy temple to the Lord. It is in this dwelling where God lives by His Spirit.
This short story is a testimony of the Father’s love after 9/11/01 I dedicate it to all who lost loved ones in those attacks - especially Nina and her mother, Evan.
Will We Remember?
Walking through the ash and debris near “Ground Zero” in New York City (NYC), I clearly remember, and will never forget, the surreal magnitude of the scene. On September 21, 2001, I had flown in to volunteer at the Family Assistance Center, but a local Christian woman offered to first accompany me to the site of the World Trade Center (WTC). As we emerged from the depths of the subway into Lower Manhattan, a horrible stench met us. Pungent smoke permeated the atmosphere from the fire, which had been burning since the attacks. Everything was covered in a thick layer of white ash. Stores stood motionless; their merchandise looked more like monuments than everyday goods. A cacophony of wailing sirens and deep growls from the machinery echoed off the city walls. The nation looked on as frantic workers cleared the wreckage searching for survivors.
Under the safety of a temporary corridor, the throng moved like one giant body. It collectively came to a halt as people gasped at the horrendous panorama of the WTC’s skeletal remains. Some observers had to steady themselves. Many wept. Shocked by the magnitude of it, the ability to hear, think, or feel had left us. All we could do was look at the ruins and destruction set before us, then at each other with tears of disbelief.
Several city blocks away from the daunting work at Ground Zero, some of Lower Manhattan was open to the public. My guide pointed out the building where her church had been located. It, along with many of the buildings at Ground Zero, had destabilized foundations. Authorities were determining whether repairs were possible, or if the structures around the WTC would need demolishing. We stopped to pray for her church and the surrounding buildings. When we finished praying, we looked up and were shocked to find no one else was in the vicinity! It was eerie. The surrounding buildings sheltered us from the noise, causing “the City that never sleeps” to be unnervingly quiet! In a hushed whisper, my companion revealed she was a native of NYC and had never experienced such deafening silence.
We slowly walked, block after block, taking in all we saw. What we witnessed in this deserted area left its mark on my soul. Many vehicles sat abandoned in the streets, while others in parking garages had anomalous objects, like office equipment and pieces of furniture, surrounding them. One car was so violently jolted out of its parking spot; it hung outside the third story of the five-story garage. Sorrow hit our hearts like a dagger when we realized the owners of some of the vehicles might not have survived. Shrouded with thick ash; the City was indeed in mourning. We did not touch anything, and even though we felt grief, the peace of God was tangible.
What I witnessed in the rubble of NYC reminded me of the overwhelming ruins of my own life before I asked Jesus to rescue me. For years, I rejected His help. He had been there holding out His hand, but I refused to take it. I knew I didn’t deserve God’s love, but He loved me anyway! Just as those in NYC carefully removed each bucket of debris from Ground Zero, so did the Redeemer of my soul remove the ash from my life.
Many people have asked me where my loving God was on 9/11. I can safely say He was in the same place He was when Jesus went to the cross. Nothing in our lives surprises God. He knows the cost of giving mankind the gift of freewill. Some use their freedom to hurt innocent people, as the terrorists did on 9/11; others, like the public servants of NYC, use it to help souls in need, even at the cost of their own lives. I pray you realize Jesus bought and paid for your sins with His own life. He chose to take your punishment. It is for the sake of freedom Christ set us free! All things are new when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior. There was an outcry for us to remember 9/11. It would seem memories fade. The Good News is the Lord never forgets His love for us. Will we remember Him?
