Billy Graham Mantles Are Raining All Over the Earth! by Judy Bauman

As most of you already know, on February 21st, Billy Graham, America’s most prominent evangelist, passed from this earth at the age of 99.* When I read the news, my heart spontaneously leapt for joy. Honestly, I thought it an odd and uncharacteristic reaction on my part; however, the joy was unmistakable and wonderfully overwhelming! I knew he was free from everything that ravaged his body for the past 20 years, and I was so happy for him. A evangelist friend of mine said the Lord showed her Billy being greeted in heaven by a huge number of people standing in line waiting to welcome him home. Then she saw Jesus at the front of the line! Glory! That morning as I sat with my journal, I was praying and saw something so beautiful. I saw rain falling all over the world, but it wasn’t raining water; it was raining Billy Graham mantles! I instantly knew that anyone who wants one of his mantles need only need lift their hands and receive it. A couple of days later I was talking with the Lord and said, “I know You said anyone who wanted one of Billy Graham’s mantles would be given one, and while I’ve urged others to receive this gift, I really don’t see myself being an evangelist, so I’m not sure if I should ask for it.” He immediately encouraged me saying, “It isn’t something one should receive without considering the cost. It is ok to pray about this, and ask Me for it only if you are sure it is what you want.” He gave me a moment to ponder and then added, “And Judy, if you decide that you don’t want it, there is no condemnation in Christ.” I cannot tell you how relieved I was to hear that! The Lord then kindly said, “You don’t have to decide right now, you have until Purim.” I immediately got online to find out when Purim is and learned it is February 28th –March 1st. (If you do not know what Purim is, it is the Jewish celebration of Israel’s salvation from annihilation as recorded in the book of Esther.) Now if that isn’t enough, later that day I heard on the news that Billy Graham will lay in state at The Capital, and the dates coincide precisely with Purim! Interestingly, he is the 32nd person to be honored in this manner (see Psalm 32) and the 4th civilian (see John 4:32-42). The Lord just gave me both of these Scripture referenced! So many things have happened that confirm heaven’s door is opened wide to both the Church and the world since Billy Graham’s passing. This long-awaited harvest is upon us. This “rain” is going to produce fruit through an outpouring of God’s love, as we’ve never seen. If you haven’t already lifted your hands to receive the rain (mantle), I hope you consider asking the Lord to give you the portion He would desire that you have for this day and hour. Receive it and prepare as a farmer in the springtime. In the Father’s love, Judy A Bauman *Shepherd leaves the 99: Matthew 18:12; Elijah’s mantle 2 Kings 2:12-14 www.thefathersloveim.com

A Time of Acceleration by Judy A Bauman

www.thefathersloveim.org

In the secret place I sought the Father asking, “Lord, is there something You want to share with me?” The Holy Spirit gave this to me in reply:

“You are in a time of acceleration. What mans sees as progress has caused the world to reel in near madness. While the earth is not moving any faster than when I set it in motion, the manmade movement all around it reveals the disorder of the mind’s of man. It’s cluttered and frenzied and it hurries when it needs to rest. Because of this, many are in a near state of madness because there is no way they can keep up the pace. Some self-medicate, some go to doctors to get prescriptions to calm their nerves. Others completely disconnect, and while they may still be operating around other people, they choose not to trust, care, or have love for anyone else – not even themselves.

“The proof of this is seen in any social media where people comment on current events. The venom that people thoughtlessly spew at one another is so vile and deadly that anyone with the tiniest grain of faith in Me can see how disgusting it is to the soul. Unfortunately, there has been so much said over such a short amount of time that even those who have been saved are polluted by words and images. Language that was once considered by society to be vulgar is now seemingly common and acceptable. Respect shown when a person has passed away (out of care and concern for their family members) is not only ignored, but often violated. The more famous the person, particularly if they have stood for justice or proclaimed Jesus as their Lord, the worst the public comments that are made.

“The people who love Me, and love others as they do themselves, must guard their hearts. No one is immune to these assaults on their person or character. It takes very little effort to speak life over others. Be My light and speak My love, hope and well-being to those around you. I exhort you to walk worthy of your calling by building up and giving comfort in an all-too-often world of ridicule, anger, and insults. Guard your heart, for out of it flow the issues of life.

“Call to Me and I will show you great and mighty things. As you release My peace to others, you will see more and more ways to repair the breaches in your society. Remember Jesus’ words, ‘You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.’ ‘A disciple is not above his teacher...’” (Matthew 10:22; 29a)

Love,
Your Ever-present help in times of trouble

 
~Scriptures to ponder: Proverbs 4:23; Jeremiah 33:3; Matthew 5:13-16; 22:36-40; First Corinthians 14:3;

Facing Trials? Face Your KING! by Judy A Bauman

www.thefathersloveim.org

The Vision
This past Sunday, the prayer team was interceding prior to the morning service. The Holy Spirit showed one of the elders many people in the church (globally) who are fighting battles; however, in facing their battles, they had unwittingly turned their backs to God!
 
Reflections:
If we will turn and face God, bow down and worship Him, the Lord will battle our enemy for us. Consider Psalms 24:7-8:

Lift up your heads, O you gates!
And be lifted up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The LORD strong and mighty,
The LORD mighty in battle.

As a whole, we must stop looking (with our eye and ear gates) to the world and its system to be our safety net, and lift our heads! Our God desires our attention and affection. He wants us to rely on Him and not what help we can get from some program. The government did not die on the cross for my sins or yours. It is by Jesus’ stripes that we are healed and not by our insurance plan.

Paul lived in one of the most brutal governments of all time. Remember, on either side of Jesus, two robbers were also crucified. If you saw the movie, Passion of the Christ,¹ you saw a clear depiction of what public execution looked like in the Roman Empire. Paul wrote Timothy and exhorted him to pray for those in authority. ² Given the wickedness and corruption throughout the Roman Empire in their day, I ask, what is our excuse for not praying for our government (church, work, community) leaders? We have none because the word of God is clear on the matter.

The Bible tells us that Jesus is not slow in His coming, as some think, but the Lord wants none to perish and all to come to repentance.³ The Father of lights wants all to be saved! (Yes, that means your enemies too.) No matter how wicked we think someone is, Jesus shed His prefect, sinless blood for that person – just like He did for you.⁴ This is why we are admonished in and after the Lord’s prayer to forgive as we have been forgive.⁵ We want mercy from God – right? Of course we do! Jesus told us that if we are merciful, we shall receive mercy. ⁶

We all want God to show us mercy, so we have to stop extending our fingeroutward at what all the government is doing wrong (I know they often make it as easy as shooting fish in a barrel), and start obeying the precepts of our Father and King – the King of kings. I hope we pray for our leaders as we would our loved ones. I pray we turn and face Jesus, our King and keep our focus on the One and Only who is our Ever-present-help-in-times-of-trouble!

In the Father’s love,
Judy A Bauman

A Valentine from Heaven by Judy A Bauman

It was two days before Valentine’s Day, and though my life looked wonderful from every angle, deep down I was miserable. I tried ‘to be a good person’ and live my life in a way that would be pleasing to my fellowman, but all the community works I was juggling did not fill the void in my soul. At the end of the day, I was exhausted and empty. Occasionally, I would get a glimpse of why I was so unhappy and what I needed – I needed the Lord! Sadly, I would quickly reject this notion because it wasn’t convenient to my lifestyle. Rejecting God was justifiable in my mind because I knew I couldn’t live up to His standards. Though I looked to the world for acceptance and comfort, I never seemed fulfilled. I was in a frightening and unwinnable battle.
 

The void began when my father suddenly passed away. He was only 43 years old and left behind a wife and three children, as well as his parents who daily relied on his help. Well-meaning clergy told us, “God must have needed him,” and that “he was in a better place.” This didn’t bring consolation to my grief-stricken heart. My sister, brother, and I were sent to live with relatives that summer. Though young, my sister was soon married and moved to her own place. My brother’s bedroom was the walk-in closet of our aunt’s teenage boys – placing him continually at their mercy. My bedroom housed the huge gas floor furnace in the unfinished basement. Night after night I would earnestly cry out to God from that room, “Why my dad, why me?” I agonized over the loss of my dad and listened for an answer, but none came. I also learned to listen for sneaking feet coming down the stairs in the middle of the night. It was a time fraught with dangers for my brother and I.
 

Meanwhile, my mother worked to stabilize our housing so we could come back and live with her. Unfortunately, her life was also full of snares, so it took more time than we ever imagined. Three years later, we moved into a home with her and the nightly threats and torment were over. Though I was often rebellious, we had many good times together. We traveled some and even spent an entire summer in Oregon. After coming back to our home state of Colorado, the unthinkable happened. Doctors diagnosed my mother with breast cancer. I never doubted that she would recover (because surely God would not ‘take’ her too). However, after a few years, and much suffering, she succumbed to the ravages of the disease. At her funeral I again heard from well-meaning folks, “She’s in a better place,” and “God must have needed her.” Really? More than her children? It did not sit well.
 

Deeply dismayed, my confusion turned to anger that burned hot against God. He seemed selfish and more like a big bully who was no different from Greek gods who threw lightning bolts or hit people with a huge hammer. I decided if God was so selfish that He needed my parents more than their three children did, I didn’t want anything to do with Him. I would live my life my way, not His! Anytime the subject of God came up, I was like a cornered cat ready to fight; my cynicism towards Christianity and distain for Christians grew. Some would try to explain to me how the Lord was loving, kind, and good. I reasoned, if God were truly loving, why wouldn’t He have kept my parents from dying? If He were kind and good, why wouldn’t He just put an end to all the suffering and evil in the world?
 

This is where I found myself on the morning of February 12, 1997 – drowning in my own sorrow. Deep down I knew only God could rescue me. I saw on the calendar that it was not only two days from Valentine’s Day, but also the first day of Lent. Oddly, something went off inside me. It was HOPE! Jesus had been drawing me to Himself for months, and though I had been keeping Him at arm’s length, I could ignore Him no longer. God was throwing a lifeline into my Pit of Despair, and I prayed that if I clung onto it, He would be merciful and pull me out.
 

I found an old Bible and began to read in Psalm 107: Then I cried to the Lord in my trouble and He saved me from my distress; He sent forth His word and healed me and saved me from destruction! I fell to my knees, and thanked Him for His goodness. I repented of sinning against Him. Later I found in John 10:10 where Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” This Scripture immediately dispelled the lie that God had killed my parents. I saw the “thief” had come to kill, steal, and destroy – not my heavenly Father. Oh, friends, how might that have eased my suffering had someone shared that truth with me from early on?
 

In that moment, the Holy Spirit gave me great freedom, and peace flooded my soul. I knew Jesus didn’t condemn me but filled my emptiness with joy. He adopted me! As a child of God, I had a sense of belonging that I had never known. I began reading and truly studying the Bible. I saw it was like a beautiful tapestry that, through many authors over thousands of years, God had woven together. I could have never imagined it, but I found the Bible to be wonderful and freeing.
 

You do not have to be an orphan to experience the debilitating wounds from being abandoned or rejected. We each have our own story of how we’ve been beaten and battered. We have fought with discouragement, doubt, and unbelief. At some point, all of us have been, or will be, wounded by different tragedies and heartbreaks. Our heavenly Father’s desire is for all mankind to experience His forgiveness and abiding love. The most wonderful Valentine’s gift anyone could ever receive is to be adopted by the King of kings! Being reconciled to God is a gift that anyone can accept at any time.
 

“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”

He gave His best so we can live abundantly. Every day is Valentine’s Day with Jesus!

A Sign From Heaven by Judy Bauman

What do you think a sign from heaven would look like? Would it be a paraplegic standing and walking? Would it be finding jewels on your living room rug? Would it be a storm reversing itself and missing your house? While all these things could be signs from heaven, I find it interesting that in the story of Christ’s birth, the SIGN from heaven was that the shepherds were going to find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. The sign wasn’t the angel of the Lord speaking or the host of angels appearing and singing. We’ve heard the Christmas nativity story so many times that it is easy to gloss over this remarkable SIGN from heaven. We need to think about this scene more carefully!

Given the choice, everyone wants a clean environment for a baby’s birth. Right? Babies are so susceptible during the birthing process, as is the mother. It is an exciting time, but it is also a very nerve-wracking event! Have you been to a stable or barn lately? They are stinky and dusty with a lot of grime, and manure! Can you imagine having to give birth in such a filthy place? This is where the animals eat, and if you think your dog’s dish gets gross, can you imagine the mess a farm animal makes when eating. YET, this is the very place God chose for a sign.

Something else to ponder is the social status of the shepherds. I just learned this recently that shepherds were basically nomadic gypsies who lived in shabby mobile tents. They didn’t have the facilities to bathe as people who lived in a more stable environment would. They were chided and looked down upon in those days. So let’s look at this seen again. God chooses the stable for His Son to be born. He chooses the manger as a bed for this Newborn King. He chooses the shepherds that society doesn’t give a second thought. Yet, this was all by God’s design!

It’s not the way you or I would have done it, is it? Yet God is doing this even now in ways we can’t imagine. He is doing marvelous things that we too often fail to recognize that are actually signs from heaven. A few years back, I wrote a Christmas song called “Born To Die” that I hope to share one day. The manger isn’t how we would have done it at all and neither is the Cross! But God uses the most unlikely things to bring about the greatest and most unimaginable miracles. We must learn to trust God no matter what turns life takes, or how a situation looks like to our natural eyes. He has a plan! Glory to God in the highest indeed!!!

The apostle Paul wrote that God chooses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. Why didn’t God send the angels to reveal the sign from heaven to the religious leaders? Why didn’t He tell them that His Holy Child had been born and would be found in a manger? Would they have believed their Messiah would be found in an animal’s feeding trough? I think not. Nevertheless, the lowly shepherds did. So let me ask you, could something that is difficult going on in your life, actually be a sign of God’s working?


Blessings to you and a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Judy A Bauman

A Clarion Call: Encouragement from the Father by Judy Bauman

www.thefathersloveim.org

“Now is the time for clarity. As a bell rings with clear sound, the Body of Christ must make a sound for all to hear. The time for the tuning of instruments, and the cacophony that comes from tuning, must stop. Hear the tapping of the baton, and play My song in harmony. I am issuing a clarion call.

“When a bell rings, summons people for a purpose. It alerts them of the time. The time is now for those I have called to work in harmony with My word. Instead of individual sounds, it is time to make the sound of unity without compromising the truth. What unites you all is Me. I Am love. Love is the common denominator.

“If you refuse to be led of My Spirit, the Spirit of truth, you will not see those things that you have hoped to see. If you are not being led of My Spirit, then you are doing what is right in your own eyes. If you are not studying the Bible by My Spirit, you will be misled. Many teach My word with their own understanding and by what others have taught them. My flock has not adhered to the warning given by John to ‘test the spirits’ to see if they are from Me. You must study yourself approved so you can discern when someone has taught you correctly or mishandled the word of truth. Many are misled because they do not take these warnings in Scripture seriously. False teachings that will cause ‘the love of many to grow cold’ because many will come to realize they have been misled.¹

“Too much time has been spent teaching speculation and theories as fact. Theories are not fact and they produce fruitless arguments. Jesus’ coming has been the center of discussion when He made it clear that neither He nor the angels knew the day or hour of His return, but only the Father. So, how is it many are led away by those pretending to know? Jesus gave instruct for God’s people to be found doing what He told them to do, not arguing about His return.²

“Jesus taught a parable about tares and wheat growing together. He said that the tares (the sons of the evil one) would be gathered first and destroyed by fire. He explained the wheat (the sons of the kingdom) would then be gathered after that.³ Jesus also said about His coming that it would be just as it was in the days of Noah. What does My word say in Genesis? How was it in those days? Who was taken and who remained? It is so simple, a child can understand it. It is clearly written and understood that Noah remained, he was left on the earth, and the wicked were removed. Yet thousands of people use these very verses to believe the opposite is going to happen.⁴ These types of controversial teachings create distractions and confusion. They do not reveal the truth, but muffle and distort it. Because of this, people do not understand truth from fiction. The gospel of My kingdom must first be preached throughout the world as a witness to the nations. This is what the Church is to be doing.

“My Bell rings the sound of liberty; it is the sound of freedom. Whom the Son sets free is free indeed! Freedom in Me is what you are to clearly proclaim. I’ve called you to proclaim liberty to the captives.⁵ Do not call conspiracy what others call conspiracy.⁶ Don’t waste time on controversies that draw your attention from My will. Walk in My LOVE and LIGHT.⁷ This is what people need to see. They need to see HOPE. They need see JOY. If all they see is arguing, they live and die in the world’s system. Ring out My truth and call My children home!”

 

It is my prayer you will study these Scriptures with this exhortation:

1. Matthew 24:4, 10-12; 36-39; John 14:26-29; 16:13-15; Romans 8:12-17; Second Timothy 2:14-26; First John 4:1; 7-18
2. Matthew 24:46; Mark 13:32; Luke 12:38-40
3. Matthew 13:24-40
4. Genesis 7:7, 23; Matthew 24:29-31
5. Isaiah 61:1; John 8:36; Galatians 5:1
6. Isaiah 8:12-13

7. Ephesians 5:1-16

Be Vigilant by Judy A Bauman

 

www.thefathersloveim.org

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2

As was shared in my last post, the Lord warned, “Some things are going to happen shortly that will alarm many; but I want you to rest in Me, and seek My counsel and wisdom. You will see things no one could imagine. I am with you to the end of this age. Be at peace, because I am with you.”

Exactly one month before the attacks on Paris, the Lord spoke further on this subject saying: “When people do what is right in their own eyes, wickedness abounds.¹ You see it daily on the news. The plans that the tribes of mankind have made to ‘seize the day for peace’ will fail miserably. Their plans are not peaceful, so they are deceived. They give rise to wickedness as has never been seen on the earth – and that is saying a lot! History reveals that mankind is capable of great cruelty and selfishness. Go back to where the days of Noah are chronicled and read.”

• Genesis 6:5 Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
• 11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.

“What you see spreading in the Middle East is going to be exponential in its growth. ISIS is appealing to the youth and using social media to fuel the fire. Hearken to my voice, and I will give you strategies for prayer. You must pray and teach others how to pray in a manner of urgency as if your own son or daughter had become one of them.

“The days are evil, and it is vital to stay vigilant. The worst deception is for one to think he/she is fighting for Me, yet does everything against what I have taught. Be a doer of My word. Speak life over yourself and others.² Be quick to recognize when small matters seek to become big one, and don’t give them power over you or My church. Be on guard for this by asking yourself what conversation, comment, or subject is worth discussing in the light of eternity. Will your words bring peace? Will they bring people into My kingdom? Will your words cause the hearer to be pricked of heart to the point of repentance so that I can redeem them? If it doesn’t, you are not building on rock but sand.

“Deception is growing and the masses reel to and fro. They are swayed by the currents, eddies, and tides. This should not be so for My people. They are to keep vigilant and fight to remain in the flow of My Spirit.

“Right now, many of those calling themselves ‘Christian’ have so much mixture in their beliefs, that they are completely void of My Spirit.³ Persecution of the church has also been seen recently, and this will weed out the tares growing in the wheat.⁴  People won’t give up their selfish lives for Jesus if they can’t say His name without hesitation. They won’t die for a Man whose name they use as an expletive.

“The calling on the name of Jesus for salvation must flow from one’s heart. I desire for all mankind to be saved. Every sin has been accounted for, but for one to be saved, one must bring their sin and lay it at the altar as one would deposit money into a bank.”⁵

Lovingly yours,
Abba

1. Judges 17:6; 21:25; Proverbs 12:15; 21:2
2. James 1:22-23
3. Mark 7:6-8; Galatians 1:6-9; Titus 1:10-11;  I knew that what the Lord was referencing to me was a “mixture” from an array of Eastern religions, Gnosticism, intermingled with eclectic New Age practices. Even though Scripture clearly teaches against this practise, many have embraced it. The apostle John taught extensively against this in his three letters to the churches.
4. Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

5. Joel 2:13; Romans 10:13; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; 2 Peter 3:9

Judy Bauman: Urgent News out of Paris and Word from the Lord

Please pray for France, as Paris is under a State of emergency. They were attacked tonight on 5 different fronts, and at this time, 153 are confirmed dead. Hit were all soft targets (not military but civilian).

On Oct 9, 2015, I had been worshiping the Lord with a beautiful song a friend of mine wrote called, Jeremiah 29:11. Afterwards the Lord spoke this to me – and I know He also meant it for the Church (those who proclaim Jesus is their Lord).

He said, "Some things are going to happen shortly that will alarm many, but I want you to rest in Me and seek my counsel and wisdom. You will see things no one would imagine. I am with you to the end of this age."

Stunned and a bit dismayed, I replied, "I am not sure what to do with this message."

He simply stated, "Be at peace because I am with you."

My dear friends, nothing catches the Lord off guard. While the enemy has his plans, God's will always raise up a standard against him. Greater is He (Jesus) who is in us, than he who is in the world. Remember, we have a great harvest coming, but the laborers are few. Pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers. As Isaiah proclaimed, "Here I am! Send me."

It's time to re-dig and clean the wells of our inheritance in Christ Jesus. It is time to worship God like we have never done before. Together, we can send confusion into the camp of the enemy as we give God glory. (See 2 Chronicles 20:1-30) Here are a couple of words the Lord gave me awhile back that I see coming into fruition: http://thefathersloveim.org/clean_the_wells_of_your_inheritance
http://thefathersloveim.org/preparing_for_the_big_on_the_horizon

In the Father's love,

Judy A Bauman

Update by Judy Bauman

Recently, Paul Berry let me know that because of a new career and time constraints in the morning, he is changing the format of the weekday PBM shows to pre-recorded teachings. Because of this, I will not be sharing live messages on Thursdays. (Though I did finish the teaching on the Gift of Prophecy last week. My interview begins at about minute 29, and can be heard on a PC at: https://www.freeconferencecallhd.com/playback/?n=K8zT%2FjkOr6).

Interestingly, while he was making the decision to make changes at PBM, I felt prompted to learn how to record my teachings through podcasts. I have a lot to learn yet before I can produce them, but this seems the best plan in sharing Live Messages in the future. They will also be available on mobile devices.

While I have enjoyed writing these short teachings called “Daily Jewels,” I have found they are taking the writing time I need to finish Jewels from the River II. Since Paul Berry is transitioning the PBM Daily Calls, it seems a good time for me to transition out of writing these so I can focus on my book. I am very grateful to Paul for allowing me to be part of the PBM family and opening up this opportunity for me to share. Remember, all my recorded PBM messages can be heard in the order given at http://www.thefathersloveim.org/live_messages.

Many blessings in the Father’s love,
Judy A Bauman

The Weapons of the Spirit of God by Judy Bauman

What do you think about the most? Our thought lives tell a lot about us and our relationship with God, or lack thereof. The apostle Paul wrote that we are to cast down every imagination that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ Jesus. (See 2 Corinthians 10:3-6)

Remember, God doesn’t give us weapons like knives, guns and bombs; no, they are spiritual weapons not natural ones. These weapons are powerful in breaking strongholds. They are loving God the Father and our neighbor as ourselves. They are bringing a sacrifice of praise and worship to God, the continuing study and meditation of Holy Scriptures, prayer, fasting, operating in the gifts and developing the fruit of the Spirit, so that we can do good works, which God prepared us in advance to do.

We can’t walk in His grace if all we think about is what is going wrong with the world. We are to rejoice because the Lord is near. Let us not be frightened of anything, but instead come boldly to the throne of God and think on what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, and what is praiseworthy.

In the Father’s love,
Judy A Bauman

Free to Rejoice in the Father’s love – always! by Judy A Bauman

Today as I write you, I rejoice in the Father’s love. We can know that no matter what turns life may take, the LORD God will be with us. He will never leave nor forsake us. This is His promise! During difficult times, which are sometimes referred to as a “dark night of the soul,” we need to set our face like flint and seek the Father’s will in our situation. Jesus lived this by example. The Father will always provide a way for us when we seek Him. The Bible teaches that the testing of our faith is precious to God. He tested all the patriarchs and their examples are written so that we learn from them. God shares the good and the bad times so that we are strengthened in our heart, soul, mind, body, and spirit. I believe HOW we go through times of testing; these dark nights of the soul, will speak of our growth in Him to those around us. (See Matthew 5:16)

Right now, some of you reading this post may feel abandoned by God or that you are in trouble with Him. We have to learn to see through the eyes of our understanding. (See Ephesians 1:18) The atoning blood of Jesus covers ALL our sins! He is our High Priest; and because of this fact, we can go boldly to the Throne of Grace in our time of trouble.

Listen, we don’t need to beg and plead for mercy, or attempt to cover our own sin before approaching the Father. If we could cover our own sin, then we wouldn’t need a Savior! We are to RUN to Him at the very moment we need help. When we “come boldly to the receive mercy and find grace in our time of need” we are actually obeying Scripture! (See Hebrews 4:14-16) This coming boldly to the Lord is something that takes some practice, because it comes naturally to us to try to cover ourselves. That is what Adam and Eve did in the Garden when they sewed the fig leaves together! They were hoping to cover themselves and it obviously didn’t work. God saw their sin and took the skin of an animal and He covered them with that sacrifice. This was a type and shadow of what Jesus would do for all mankind as we turn to Him. If we repent and declare the Word of God over our feelings and situation, we will see the Lord’s hand swoop in and cover us. When God covers your sin, it is covered! Now that is the gift of God and our biggest part – is to rejoice in the freedom of it! Again, I remind you, whom the Son has set free is free indeed! AMEN!

In the Father’s love,
Judy A Bauman

Many Are Called, Few Are Chosen by Judy Bauman

A few years ago, after returning from a month-long mission trip, I was feeling uncharacteristically depressed. As I reflected on the trip, I saw so much need, and it seemed all my efforts were like a tiny pebble thrown into a sea. I honestly didn’t know if I had made any difference in the lives of the people I had ministered to or not. The helplessness I experienced was so palpable; I sat weeping before the Lord in the secret place. (The enemy of our soul loves to attack us when we are weary.)

As I had many times before, I questioned God for calling me into the ministry. Why would He choose me to speak to His beloved ones? I was certain there had to be better choices for Him – after all, He knew my rebellion and anger toward Him during my younger years. He knew all my brokenness, failings, and weaknesses. His choice made no sense.

The Holy Spirit brought to mind Jesus’ words, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” I believe He showed me that the word “chosen” doesn’t mean the choice is God’s. Rather He calls to us, and then it is our decision “to make a choice of one’s free will.” We must be mindful in making the decision to accept and choose whether or not to answer His call. This starts with salvation.

That morning, while sitting and pouring out my laments to God, the Holy Spirit spoke something to my heart I will never forget. I share it because perhaps you too feel unworthy of His calling. He said, “I was not wringing My hands in the days of your rebellion, for I saw your end before your beginning.”

That just floored me! I often bring this encouraging word to mind as the Lord confirmed in:

Psalm 139:16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.

In the Father’s Love,
Judy A Bauman
 
Here is the link for my Live Messages being recorded each Thursday on PBM

http://www.thefathersloveim.org/live_messages

Do you know why we don’t immediately receive answers from God? by Judy Bauman

Do you know why we don’t immediately receive answers from God? Some think that He doesn’t hear their prayers, as if those prayers stop at the ceiling. Many of us wrestle with the thought that God will answer other people’s prayers – just not ours. Often this thought comes from knowing our own unworthiness, but is that thought biblical? Actually, it is; however, it is still incorrect. The Bible tells us that none are worthy and that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. One prayer that God always answers IMMEDIATELY is the prayer for Him to save us. Through the shed blood of Jesus, the veil of the temple leading to the Holy of Holies was torn. We can come to Father to receive salvation, and God knows if we are sincere and answers it immediately. Like the prodigal son, the Father RUNS to us and embraces our turning to Him. Hallelujah!

So why doesn’t He answer all our prayers as He does the prayer for salvation? Two Scriptures came to me this morning as I was pondering this spiritual dilemma. The first was Philippians 2:12 where the apostle Paul wrote that we are each to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. When a baby is born (as we are born again when we are saved), it must learn (work out) who its parents are, how to nurse, roll over, sit up, crawl, walk, run, dress itself and so on. So it is in the kingdom of heaven. We must be nourished by the milk of Scripture, and then learn to feed ourselves the daily bread and meat of God’s Word. We must learn to spiritually sit up, then crawl, and then run the race set before us. We must learn to dress ourselves by shedding the old clothes of the sin nature and put on the love of Christ.

This leads to the second Scripture. In Romans 5:3-5, we can see the progression that is God’s desire to develop in us all. We are to “glory in tribulation, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character hope. Now hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

Hope is not wishful or fanciful thinking. No! Hope is waiting expectantly as a woman waits for her baby to be born. We can expect God to be developing perseverance as we wait for an answer to our prayers – as we hope in HIM during times of tribulation. We can expect God to develop our character in the process and trust His timing is perfect. It may be painful, but in your prayers, I encourage you to include proclaiming your trust in God’s timing.

In the Father’s love,

Judy A Bauman

Are We too Busy? by Judy Bauman

Yesterday, during the funeral service of a friend, one of the presiding pastors said something I have been pondering. He said that even though most of us have busy schedules, when we receive the news of the death of a loved one, we drop what we’re doing to come together, as we were doing.

This morning I was relating this to how we choose to spend time with God. We can be so busy that we forsake spending time with the One who loves us most until something terrible happens. So let me ask you something. Does it take a death in the family or a terrible report from a doctor before you really take time to talk to God? (This is when I used to talk to Him most, or should I say complain, blame, and rant. Yet through all of it, He loved me into His arms!)

Many times, once troubling times pass, we tend to forget to converse with our heavenly Father. God loves us and desires us to continue a dialog with Him! Wouldn’t we have greater wisdom in life’s decisions if we talked to God during good times as well as the bad? I have found it is so much easier to hear His “still small voice” if my emotions are not up in arms! Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to listen to others when you are upset? How much more difficult to hear what God is spiritually speaking to your heart if the only time you speak to him is when you are upset?

We are urged in Psalm 46:10 to “be still and know” that He is God. Jesus said He was going to send the Helper, the Holy Spirit and that He will lead us into all truth (see and John 16:7-14). The only way to receive the HELPER is to receive Jesus. How do we do that? Ask the Father in faith as He gives without reproach! He promises to help us in good times and bad. How many more good times we would have if we were continually seeking the Lord’s will for our lives?

I pray you won’t allow the busyness of life to keep you from the best God has for you. Please don’t wait to talk to Him. He truly knows what is best for you. Talk to Him – and then listen! You will know He loves you as you do. Amen!!!

In the Father’s love,

Judy A Bauman

Take Heart! by Judy Bauman

www.thefathersloveim.org

Do you feel completely overwhelmed by life? Don't feel alone. You are in good company! There are many cases of people in the Bible feeling discouraged to the point of wishing for death. I strongly encourage you to speak this over yourself, “Take heart! The Lord is near and His awesome redemption power is at hand!”

The Bible reveals that God’s people were constantly getting themselves into trouble and needing God's mercy and unfailing love to get them out of it. Often times the people would run from what God had spoke to them to do, but God brought them back with His Mighty Hand. Are we any different today? We humans may have a lot of “advancements” in life, but we all need God. I am so glad there are examples of people’s struggles all throughout Scripture. Otherwise, we would all think it was a cakewalk for those who passed before us. Here are a few examples I share in the hope of encouraging you today:

Joseph - His father dearly loved him, and because of this, his brothers were so jealous that they plotted to kill him. Instead they sold him into slavery. They told his father that a wild beast had killed him. Joseph later ended up in jail for not agreeing to sin against God and spend 14 years in jail; however, God did not forget him there. Joseph walked in such integrity that he was not only released, but given great power and many blessings. He was not only able to save his father and brother's from starving, but the entire population of people survived because of his insight from the Lord.

Job – Here was a man who suffered nearly every calamity known to man. All his children died in an accident, his servants, livestock were either killed or stolen by his enemies. All this took place within a few hours. His first act was to fall to the ground and worship God! This left me with my mouth hanging open. I doubt that would have been my response, but praise God it was Job’s. Then the devil was allowed to further torment him by giving him an ailment causing him great distress. His wife's advice was to curse God and die. Most of his friends accused him of offending God when the opposite was true. The long and short of the story of Job was that he loved the Lord and didn't fall into the trap of the enemy which was to curse God.

Moses – Nearly killed at birth, lived like a king, but then murdered an Egyptian soldier and fled to the dessert. He spent the next 40 years there before even beginning his ministry, which led millions of Hebrews out of bondage. Many examples could be given about Moses’ reliance of God.

David – Had relations with a married woman, got her pregnant, and then tried to hide it by getting her husband to come home and have relations with her. He could not take comfort from his wife knowing his fellow soldiers were on the battlefield. Then King David sent him back with written and sealed orders for the troops to fall back from pregnant woman’s husband so he would be killed. Talk about abuse of power! Then David did not even repent for a year afterwards. However, God loved David. The Bible says that David was a man after God's own heart. WHY? Because God knew David truly loved Him. While David suffered in his lifetime for his iniquity, he was also greatly blessed.

Jehoshaphat – the enemy was coming to destroy the nation, so he called the people to fast and pray. The Lord spoke through a prophet that the battle belonged to Him. God said to stand firm and watch. King Jehoshaphat had a job to do and that was to trust God at His word. His job was to believe that God would defeat the great multitudes coming against him. He ended up on his face before God in worship when most men would have been arming up to do battle. He called the worshipers to go before the army, and because their enemies suspected treason by their allies, the enemies were self slaughtered! Not one survived! It took three days to bring in the booty.

Esther – She was prepared to please the king and saved her entire race. However, it could have cost her life. She fasted and prayed for three days, and had all the other Hebrews and all the animals fast and pray as well. The Jews were saved and the gallows built to hang her uncle were used to hang the one responsible for the evil plot against the Jewish nation!

Matthew – He work for the Romans to collect taxes from the Hebrews and was hated among his own people for it. It is likely even the other disciples were wondering why Jesus called him. His gospel is foundational in our understanding of the Jesus’ teaching on the kingdom of heaven.

Peter – He was constantly being corrected by Jesus. One time Jesus actually said Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." Just before Jesus was killed Jesus told him that he would deny Him three times. Peter said that there was no way! Yet that is exactly what happened. When Jesus arose from the dead he sent word to the apostles and Peter with a special mention for Peter, because Jesus knew that he was deeply grieved. Like Job, Peter was tested of the devil and passed the test. When he returned, he strengthened the brethren and you and I are tested and strengthened likewise.

Paul – This man killed Christians in what he believed was a service to God! God saw his heart and appeared to him on the road to Damascus. Paul, then Saul, did not consult men, but got still before God and studied himself approved.

What all these people have in common was that they were not able to save themselves, but God redeemed their lives. Many of them struggled fiercely. God's power was made perfect in their weakness. There are many other excellent examples of how to rely on God when it could not look worse. Just as Lazarus was raised from the dead, we need to understand that we have the power of the resurrecting God living on the inside of us. He can and He will bring us back to life. We need to take off the grave clothes, and go forth in the confidence of the Lord. Amen

Arise and Fulfill Your Destiny by Judy Bauman

www.thefatherslove.org

An exhortation from the Father: Arise and Fulfill Your Destiny

“The church’s voice has come into agreement with the schemes of her enemy by speaking his lies over America rather than My truth. The hopelessness of My people comes from the lack of faith in Me and the price I was willing to pay for them to be in communion with Me.

“If My people would sit and be still, (the words most hate to hear because the world’s busyness demands their attention) then they would hear from heaven and I would, as promised, heal their land. It is ‘My people who are called by My name’ that need to humble themselves, seek My face, turn from their wicked ways, then I will fulfill what is written. (See 2 Chronicles 7:14) I urge you to urge others to seek My face and hear My plans, not man’s. You are in the world, but not of it.

“Arise, My children! Arise in the love and well-being of your Father. Arise in My peace. Arise in My goodness and the bold meekness of My strength. Arise and fulfill your destiny in this day and hour.”

Your loving Abba