gnministry

Shy one

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 19:48:04 GMT

Dear Judy,

I am a very shy person. How can I overcome my shyness to talk to people about the Lord? Is there a secret to it?

Dear Shy One,

I had a hard time talking to people, but after I got saved, I realized I could not change myself, but with the Holy Spirit’s help, I could do anything. That is the secret! When we try and do things ourselves, we will mess it up, but the Spirit wants to help us all the time. When we spend time reading our manual for success (the Bible), our minds are being transformed from the world’s ways to the Spirit’s ways. Our faith gets stronger and our relationship with Jesus takes over our life.

We live in a very threatening dark world, but Jesus is the light of the world and He shines through us! Proverbs 28:1 says, “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” When we are followers of Jesus, we have His righteousness! I like to say right-wise-ness! Boldness is simply trust and confidence. We are now servants of God and when that is solid in our spirit man, no matter what comes at us, we will live according to Acts 4:29: “Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they [we] may speak Your word.”

We also have the only hope there is which is to anticipate with pleasure that the word of God works! This will make us bold in our witness to others! “Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech!” (2 Corinthians 3:12) We will have the right words at the right time with the right flavor! I love Colossians 4:6 that says, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

Now it brings me great joy to tell people about the One who has done so much for me, and that He is ready and willing to help them too.

I hope this helps you come out of that shell and live that abundant life God has for you!

Let us rise

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 19:44:59 GMT

Let Us Rise

This is resurrection season and a lot is happening everywhere! We hear about resurrection power! Well, I love to hear that, and we know it is about Jesus dying on the cross and in 3 days, He rose from the grave! He resurrected, and that is why we who belong to Him shall also! We have life forever because of the cross and the resurrection. But we must first be born again.

To be born again, we must do as Romans 10:9 says: “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” We do this confession; then we keep confessing what Jesus has done for us and we speak His truth!

Our words have great power! Life or death! It is our choice! Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:21) A lot of what comes into our life comes from our mouth, not from the devil! Speak death words and you will experience death words; speak life words and you will experience life words. No one can do that for us; only we can do it for ourselves. So, as the saying goes, watch your mouth or put a muzzle on it! We need to heed this bit of wisdom. When the Bible says to do something, there is a consequence when we do not do it.

We have the Holy Spirit living in us. That is so wonderful and amazing. He is the third person of the Godhead! He is God! One of the greatest scriptures in our manual for success (the Bible) is Romans 8:11: “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” NOTICE that little word “if”–only if we are born again or born from above does God’s Holy Spirit live in us. HE will give life to our mortal body, or as I like to call it to our EARTH SUIT!

Jesus did all the forgiveness of sin and healing on the cross; then He said, “IT IS FINISHED!” He rose from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit! NOW that same Holy Spirit, with healing power, lives in us giving us forgiveness of sin when we ask and life or healing to our mortal bodies! Let us keep confessing that truth and rise to become all that God has for us each day!

The Consequences of our choices—Good or Bad!

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 23:09:42 GMT

We are pilgrims just passing through here to our eternal home, but during this journey we have a purpose and plan from our God to complete. Set before us are many paths with many gates. We choose which ones we open. We are not robots. We have a free will.

God gave man free will when he created him, which cost all of us down through time. In the garden God told man and woman to work and take care of all He had created. Adam even named all the animals. They walked and talked with their Heavenly Father. Only one “do not” was given to them and that was for their best interest. All the trees in the garden you may eat of but not the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

When we tell our children not to do something, we’re thinking of their safety, but that is what they try us on. So did the first man and woman. Man was told do not eat of the tree, not Eve! She was deceived. If you have not read the beginning of our manual for success (the Bible), you should.

Wrong choices started in the Garden of Eden with Eve listening to the wrong voice. The voice of the serpent said you will be like God. Well, they already were like God. So, they started on the wrong path and opened the wrong gate! The consequence of that choice cost all of humanity and sin entered. Praise the Lord our Heavenly Father had a plan. Jesus came to right the wrong!

We do the same thing when we are not careful to read our instructions found in the Bible! We can read our manual for success over and over, but only if we obey it will we have success! We cannot just read and not obey. Adam and Eve heard but did not obey! One of the greatest mistakes we can make is choosing the wrong people to surround ourselves with. Proverbs 12:26 says, The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray. We will become like who we run with! I am even speaking about church people!

Remember, we have a real enemy who has chosen to harm us. Jesus tells us in John 10:10, The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. Our enemy’s whole goal is to take from us, but Jesus gives us life and not just a little life but MORE ABUNDANTLY.

Our choice! There are consequences for our choices. Choose to open the door to the enemy and suffer the consequences, or choose to open the door to Jesus and receive eternal blessings! It’s our choice! People can pray for us, ministers can teach us, the Holy Spirit wants to lead us, even the instruction from His Word shows us, but it’s about our will lining up with His will to have God-filled consequences in our life.

So as Joshua 24:15 states …. choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. CHOOSE CHRIST AND THRIVE!

We are hidden!

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 23:06:12 GMT

Dear Judy,

I hear people at my church talk about “hidden” in Christ. Can you tell me what that means?

Dear Clarity Seeker,

What a good question! This is not a natural concept but a spiritual one and is only understood from our manual for success, the Bible! To be hidden in Christ, you must be born again or if you prefer, born from above! We then must get in His word to understand anything spiritual. If you are in a good Bible preaching church, you will learn much. Then you go home and check in the Word what was preached that day! We need to do that by anything spoken by people who call themselves Christians.

Once we are followers of Christ, we are not our own. We belong to Him and we live our life according to His Word. The apostle Paul tells us in Colossians 3:2-3: Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God . This shows us we can transform our mind by what we allow in it. Every day, we can allow into our mind worldly, fleshly things, or eternal, godly things. The choice is ours and they both have consequences.

As believers, we are now dead to self or our old nature and we are now in Christ. The word hidden means to conceal. Now our identity is hidden, concealed, secured by Jesus. We are safely secured from spiritual harm. We are now known by Christ’s righteousness, not our own. Isn’t this encouraging!

Many Scriptures in our manual for success (the Bible) help us understand who we truly are now. Paul says in Galatians 2:20, I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. This also tells us we no longer live for ourselves because Christ is in us. We put our flesh under this truth and now live our life in Him and through Him.

It starts with knowing we are followers of Christ, knowing we are securely covered and protected by Christ, and knowing Christ lives in us! We set our mind on these truths and live our life reading His Word, praying His Word, and obeying His Word. Christ has done His part — we must (and get to) do our part! Aren’t you glad you are Hidden in Christ?!

Perilous Times Will Come by Dr. Judy Baus

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:55:10 GMT

We need to be very aware we are living in the last of the last days. All around us we see so much evil. Our manual for success (Bible) is very clear about these days in which we are living. But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come. 2 Timothy 3:1 Perilous times means dangerous and morally corrupt. It’s very clear we live in that time now. It breaks my heart and should break all our hearts to see what our country has become.

We must get rid of the thinking that holds onto unforgiveness, offenses, what ifs, should have, and on and on. We must let it go as the Apostle Paul said: Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. Philippians 3:13 We cannot reach forward while still hanging on to things behind us. This is a new year, and we can have a new start but not if hanging onto yesterday’s baggage! I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

Our Lord has so much for us to do but we must choose to let go and let God! We have a choice to allow our flesh which is carnal to win or to let our spirit to win! The Apostle Paul is very clear on this subject. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Romans 8:5,6 Carnal means fleshly or meaty or how about meat head! We are in a battle which is won by the Word of God, but if we are not spiritually minded, we will lose! We can never win carnally!

The Holy Spirit gives us tools to use which are spiritual and not earthly or fleshly! We want to go forward this year in the fullness of our Lord which means we are victorious no matter what is going on in this nation or around us, but it must be done according to the obedience of Christ which is remembering he died on the cross and rose again for ALL WHO WILL CHOOSE AND BELIEVE IN HIM.

Let us walk in forgiveness and not allow ourselves to be an offense or take on offenses. Let us seek our Lord before all things. To have success in getting close and remaining close to our Lord, we MUST keep this scripture before our eyes: For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15

Isaiah 5:20 (NKJV)

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

2 Peter 3:3 (NKJV)

knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts....

Searching One by Dr. Judy Baus

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:49:02 GMT

Dear Judy,

How can I understand the Bible when I read it?

Dear Searching One,

You ask one of the best questions possible! Every Christian needs to understand the Bible or as I call it our manual for success. There is no true good success outside of the Bible. Here are a few tips that I hope help.

First, have a good study Bible that has a lot of clarifications and explanations. I like The Spirit-filled Life Bible in The New King James Version (translation). It is full of explanations and defines some of the Hebrew/Greek words to bring more understanding.

Before I became a Christian, I had never once read the Bible. I was curious so I started to read it. I gave my heart to Christ while reading the Bible, so I know personally how alive God’s Word truly is! For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 Then after I became a child of God, I had the person of the Holy Spirit living in me and He brought me clear understanding of God’s very words. If you are born again, you have the Holy Spirit living in you to help you understand what you read.

There is a huge difference between scanning the Bible and slowly reading it, then stopping and chewing on what you just read. It takes time to fully process what you read. If you read it to see truth, you will see it. If you read it to find fault, you will never understand truth and your life will not be changed.

So besides having a good study Bible and being born again and filled with the Holy Spirit, attend a good Spirit-filled Bible-preaching Church. A church where the pastor teaches/preaches from the Bible, explaining the Scripture while you follow along in your Bible. Then go home and study again the Scriptures he/she used. You’ll be amazed how God’s Word comes to life for you. And remember, once Scripture shows you what God is asking of you, be sure to obey what it says in order to live a God-filled life.

Jesus said, I have come that they (you) may have life, and that they (you) may have it more abundantly. John 10:10b

Out with the Old; In with the New by Dr. Judy Baus

Sat, 03 Jan 2026 19:34:29 GMT

I find that many people I minister to are fully earth-bound and are not eternally focused. I’m not talking about unbelievers but Christians! This is sad. Think about this. Jesus came to earth as a baby and had a purpose and plan all brought forth at the cross where He took all the sins, poverty, sickness, and disease on Himself for us. Before He died, He said “It is finished.” He was buried, then He rose from the dead and gave instructions to His disciples. Then He went to His Father in heaven and is seated with Him.

Jesus said “It is finished” which means He turned His plans and purpose over to us, His children. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. (1 John 4:17) While He was on earth, Jesus did all He was going to do. . . and now He now works through us by the person of Holy Spirit.

We are His disciples and just as Jesus called them together, He calls us together to get our mindset changed from earthly things to heavenly things which is doing His work and taking our rightful authority. He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. (Luke 9:1) Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:19)

We are pilgrims passing through on this journey of life to carry out God’s purpose which is to help people get born again, set free, delivered, prosper, and live in health. For us to give this truth to others, we must live this truth ourselves. That takes our letting go of the old thoughts and allowing the Holy Spirit to make our manual for success (the Bible) go from the logos (written word) to rhema (life-giving essence of the word), causing it to explode in our spirit!

Let us have our mind reset from today and every day by seeing everything in the perspective of eternity and not allow the temporary to consume us. Jesus does not care if we have money or things; in fact, all we have is because He allows us to have it, but He does not want those things to HAVE us! Big difference.

Coming into the new, let’s be obedient to what Paul teaches us in Romans 8:5: For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

A key verse is Philippians 2:5: Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.

Have a Blessed 2026.

Abiding in Jesus by Dr. Judy Baus

Sat, 03 Jan 2026 19:28:06 GMT

Dear Judy,

I can’t figure out what it really means to “abide in Christ.”

Dear Confused One,

Abiding in Christ is abiding in Jesus. This is a question that all believers need to understand so I will try to bring a simple but clear answer to your question. To understand the biblical meaning of something, we must look at our manual for success (the Bible).

Jesus is teaching in John 15:5: I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. Jesus refers to Himself as a vine and to us as the branches. It’s really a beautiful picture of a vine with its many branches. See how close they are. A branch can only grow and produce fruit when attached to the vine.

The word ABIDE in this verse means to stay in a given place, relation, expectancy, continue, dwell, endure, be present, or remain. I like to look at it like a strong band aid stuck on our arm and very hard to get off! That is abiding in something or someone. In this scripture, it is Christ, our Messiah!

We all abide in something and some of those things we stick to so strongly need to be pruned away from us or cut off so that we can abide or stick to the ONLY One who can cause us to bring forth fruit in our lives.

That is the picture Jesus is showing us. He also shows us how to know if someone is abiding in Jesus and His biblical truth or if the person is half in the world bearing worldly truth. Jesus says in Matthew 7:20: Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Jesus is a fruit inspector and we should be also.

The key word is “IF.” When we abide in Christ or stick close like a branch to its vine, we will live our life from our only manual for success, THE BIBLE; then others will see His truth living through us! The fruit of righteousness or right-wise-ness!

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. John 15:7

Breathless

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 15:06:53 GMT

Dear Judy,

How do I get rid of all this anxiety this time of year? At times I feel so much pressure and confusion, it takes my breath away.

Dear Breathless,

I am going to assume you are a Christian writing me about this because only followers of Jesus have an antidote for anxiety this time of year, or any time of the year. You are not alone. It affects far too many Christians.

Our manual for success (the Bible) has the answer to this issue. Jesus clearly instructs us in Matthew 6:25-34. He says do not worry “but seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (verse 33) Then comes the last do not worry where He explains why we should not worry. He says in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” We are to handle one day at a time and not allow all the what ifs to come into our thoughts. This is a command of Jesus! We cannot be in faith and worry at the same time.

If we do not repent of our worries and fears, then anxiety appears! Paul says in Philippians 4:6, “ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” If we do not get this handled here and now, then anxiety drops into our heart and depression hits.

“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” (Proverbs 12:25)

I urge you to be aware of the process and stop it early on so that worry does not become anxiety in your mind. Remember, if it is not stopped, it drops into the heart! It doesn’t matter what time of year or what the issue is, we handle it all the same. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand what decisions are eternal and which are temporary. Do not allow the worldly perspective to control you. Look up and stay focus on Jesus and His perspective today and every moment. This will set you free and you will be breathless for HIM and His ways only.

Temporal or Eternal?

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 15:03:54 GMT

This article is titled Food for Thought so why don’t we give some thought to our walk with the Lord as we close this year out. What have we learned from this year? What things do we want to change and not take into the coming year? Actually, we need to bring this question into our life each moment of each day!

If we call ourselves followers of Jesus, we should be focused on eternal things and not temporary things. We should be focused on serving and giving instead of being served and getting! Jesus said in Matthew 20:28, “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Jesus came to earth to GIVE. He gave His life for all humanity, but sadly, many do not accept this precious gift!

When we call ourselves Christians, we are not to serve money, but money is to serve us so we can sow into others’ lives. Many people are focused on the grandeur of stuff, always wanting more and more. Jesus is very clear when he said in Luke 12:15: “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” Take heed and beware are sure words of caution from our Lord and Savior because He knows this is an issue with people, including believers!

Another warning from Jesus is Matthew 6:24 : “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Jesus would not give us these stern warnings if it were not possible for His children to get caught up in them! He is talking to believers, not unbelievers! Most often, pride is right in the middle of all this. Remember, Jesus resists the proud, which is huge!

Our manual for success (Bible) gives us all the instructions we need to stay victorious. When reading it, let’s allow the Holy Spirit to correct us! No point in reading it if we are not going to obey it. While checking our motives each moment of each day, let us purpose in our heart to change what needs changed to help us become more like Jesus. Ask Jesus to help us take only good habits into the new year, and keep focused on eternal goals!

Dangerous Times

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:58:36 GMT

We need to rise in gratefulness and thanksgiving to our Lord and Savior. We need to praise Him more than we ever have. Like no other time has it been more important that we be in our manual for success, the Bible. We need to know for a fact that if we should die today, we are going to heaven. Heaven and Hell are real, whether we believe it or not. God is real whether we believe it or not!

The Apostle Paul left us these words to read and know: But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come… (2 Timothy 3:1) The word know in the Greek is ginōskō which means to absolutely understand! The word perilous is chalepos which means reducing the strength, grievous, harsh, difficult, dangerous. It describes a society that is barren of virtue and abounding with vices! We just need to look around to know we are living in these perilous days.

Let’s look at the next few verses to see what else the Apostle Paul instructs us to know. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (2 Timothy 3:2-5) Sound familiar?!

Turn away means to avoid. Turn away from them, no matter who they are! Why? Because we will become like who we run with. This is serious and we need to obey. We are told in verse seven that some people are always learning but never come to the truth. We cannot just read, go to church and meetings, always learning but do nothing about what we are learning! James 1:22 tells us, But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Salvation is a free gift. We cannot work for it. Jesus paid it all for us, but once we are saved, it’s our responsibility to live a life of obedience. Remember, we will all be called upon to give an account before our Lord. So, let us rise to the call and let our light shine brightly in this very dark world!

What is Truth?

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:56:22 GMT

Dear Judy,

I go to church, and I also listen to services on line. It seems to me there is a trend toward thinking that hell is not real. Is this true? Is there a real hell?

Dear Wondering One,

You say you go to church and you watch services online, but do you read your Bible? We are told in Romans 12:2, … do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Being “conformed to this world” means to be molded by the world—looking, acting, thinking, and talking like the world.

The word transformed means changed! When we become children of God, we must have our mind changed from worldly to Godly. If we do not get in our manual for success (Bible), we will never be changed. We must righty divide the word of truth by studying what we are reading . Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

If we are born again, we have the Holy Spirit who will give us understanding about what we are reading and listening to—is it good for us or not? Jesus talks about hell a lot! Because people want to discount the truth about hell does not make hell not real. When we hear people say there’s no hell because Jesus is LOVE! He is love, that is truth, but He is also righteous and just. He died on the cross for all the sin in the world, but we must choose to believe what He did on the cross and then rose from the dead.

Jesus said in Matthew 23:15, Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves. He said in Luke 12:5, But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!

I could go on, but to simply answer your question, YES , hell is real, and the enemy’s job is to lie to everyone about heaven and hell. I tell people when I preach, do not take my word for anything, but get in the Word of God and find out for yourself! Read and obey! We are responsible for ourselves to know the truth, and we have the truth found clearly in the BIBLE!

Heaven in Earth-Victory and Power

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 19:27:55 GMT

The Holy Spirit has been speaking to me about prayer. We must give thought to how Jesus told his disciples to pray. If we call ourselves a disciple of Jesus, we should honor His words. So, let us look at our manual for success (Bible) on the subject.

In Matthew 6:9-13 Jesus said…

In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Let’s ask ourselves... Are we Hallowing His Name? Honoring His name? Hallowing means to make it Holy or set it apart or to sanctify. Are we truly doing what our heavenly Father created us to do? We start by acknowledging who He is and not with who we are or what we want!

The Gospel of the Kingdom brings heaven to earth. So what is in heaven? No sickness, doubt or disbelief, no poverty, no crippling thing in heaven. His will be done and that is calling heavenly things to earth!

Jesus came to earth to show us the way. He died on the cross for all humanity. He took our sin and our shame or pain and all our poverty and sickness. He brought heaven to earth! That was and is His will!

As Jesus hung on the cross, He said “IT IS FINISHED.” He then died and three days later, rose again and is alive and well. NOW our job is to show others the way, His way. That is bringing heaven to earth. It’s not all about us, but others.

The Father gave us all authority in heaven and on earth. Jesus has delegated His authority to us, His followers. We are His ambassadors of love and power! Might His will be done through us, on earth as it is in heaven. Amen!

Questiong One

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 19:25:21 GMT

Dear Judy,

I am a new Christian and many of my friends are very good people. Jesus died on the cross for all people, so will all people go to heaven?

Dear Questioning One,

That is a question often asked by new believers. The Bible is very clear about this. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

The word believe is not mental accent, but to have confidence and trust in what Jesus did on the cross. There are a lot of good moral people in the world, but being morally good and doing good things will not get us to heaven.

Jesus says in John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Jesus tells us He is the ONLY way, He is the ONLY truth you can stake your life on, and there is No life outside of Jesus Christ. All ways do not lead to the Father—only giving our heart to Jesus does! We must be careful to not be deceived with false understanding.

Paul also teaches us in Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved . There is a real heaven and hell and it is important to know that our good works are not what gets us into heaven.

Heaven is a free gift to those who believe what Jesus did on that cross for all of humanity, but humanity must receive the free gift of salvation, and then heaven becomes their home. These are just a few scriptures about how to get to heaven so when you read your Word, I encourage you to look the rest up as a Bible study.

Devastation in the World

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 14:55:56 GMT

So many horrible things are happening in our world today—children and adults gunned down in the middle of prayer, lives being destroyed by wars, famines, floods, fires, absolute madness– and if we allow ourselves to focus totally on these things, fear can totally take over and then we will become victims instead of a victors.

Jesus does not want us living in fear of all the darkness and “what ifs.” No! We focus on Jesus and His protection. We get in our manual for success (Bible) and read His promises and how to live our life amid it all. Jesus did not say it would be easy. He just said—Do it!

We are the light of the world and the salt! We are the reconcilers and ambassadors to the world! The Apostle Peter tells us in 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.

We represent Christ to the world. Jesus said we are in the world but not of it! So, we should not look like it! That is only done by FAITH and faith alone. We all have faith in something. We can even have faith in our fear and doubt, meaning we have confidence in fear and doubt more than we have confidence in Jesus and His promises.

Things are not going to get better in the world, but let’s not become bitter. Let’s become better because we know the end of the Bible says we WIN! When we remember that we are eternal and heaven is our home, we will keep the right perspective! Everything temporal will fade away and only the eternal will remain.

We are followers of Christ (I say “followers of Christ” instead of “Christian” because many who say they are Christian are not!); we have a purpose and a plan from our Lord. Let us learn to allow Him to work through us with boldness in the midst of darkness to bring light to those who are so in need of Jesus Christ. It is time to be bold and go forth trusting our Holy Spirit to open divine appointments for us to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us purpose in our hearts to get rid of fear and rise in faith releasing those who are in bondage of the devil. We have the authority!

Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19

Struggling One by Dr. Judy Baus

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 14:51:52 GMT

Dear Judy,

I am somewhat of a new believer. I struggle with who I am and my past HUGE mistakes. How do I get beyond all of this?

Dear Struggling One,

Once you put your trust in Jesus, you become a child of God, and your family is the Body of Christ. And you are going to live with those in the Body of Christ for eternity. In some ways, our relationship with fellow believers becomes even stronger than our natural non-Christian family ties.

About your past…Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17,18: … 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. This is powerful because when we are born again, ALL things are new. All is all and NEW means unused, fresh, in form and quality. Now you are of God and when you repented, those sins (missing the mark) are remembered by God no more.

Now your identity is found in Christ and Christ alone. Paul says in Galatians 2:20: I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. We can no longer find our identity in ourselves, situations, circumstances, or people. Our past is just that—our past! Before knowing Christ, we belonged to the kingdom of the devil, but NOW we belong in the Kingdom of God!

At salvation our spirit man is new, but we still have the same worldly thinking. It is MOST important that we get into our manual for success (Bible) to renew our mind! We must seek Jesus and His promises and that is only done through the word of God.

Paul tells us how to do that: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2) Spending time reading, meditating on, and memorizing the Word will rewire our minds from worldly to Godly! The Bible has the answers for everything and is the antidote for everything. The Holy Spirit will give you understanding! Find a good Spirit-filled church that preaches and teaches the Bible! Remember you are not who you used to be. So, keep seeking and reaching for Jesus. He has your past covered with His blood!

Does everyone go to Heaven?

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 15:25:23 GMT

Dear Judy,

Please help me understand. Does everyone go to heaven?

Dear Confused One,
Many people are confused by this question. But before I answer it, I want to make clear that there is a real heaven and a real hell! Everyone goes to one place or the other—their choice! So, no, everyone does not go to heaven, but everyone will go somewhere when they die.

For you to ask that question, I am thinking you are not saved and need to know how to get to heaven. Scripture says For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) This Scripture is for the whole of humanity! God loves us and gave Himself for us. What an amazing gift. We are to receive and believe in His Son Jesus Christ.

You can research all different ways to heaven, but only one way will get you there. Admitting you are a sinner and that Jesus Christ came from heaven to earth to walk, point us to the Father, and then went to the cross to die for our sins, was buried, and rose again three days later. Jesus is alive and well and sits at the right hand of God in heaven. No other gods or things people put their trust in are alive!

The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 10:8-10: But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

This Scripture clearly points the way to heaven. When you have confessed you are a sinner and believe in your heart, not just your head, that Jesus died for your sin and rose from the dead, you are saved. Next, you need a good manual for success (the Bible) to teach you the everlasting truth to keep you going forward and living life in the fullness of this truth.

Find a Spirit-filled Bible-believing church to teach you. Jesus gave Himself for us to have eternal life. I hope you and everyone reading your question and my answer comes to the truth of heaven for themselves, and that will keep hell out of the picture.

Are we ready?

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 15:25:07 GMT

ARE WE READY?

I am going to start this article with a question. Do you truly know that if you should drop dead in the next few minutes that heaven is your home? This is something we all need to be very sure of because life doesn’t stop when we die. We just change our address from earth to heaven or hell. There is no in between.

We are eternal beings, and we shall live for eternity somewhere! If we think we are saved, we are not! We must KNOW without a shadow of a doubt that we are born from above and have both an earthly address and a heavenly address. This is done by accepting Jesus as our Savior and living for HIM!

This is a very serious subject for these times in which we live. All prophecy has been fulfilled for the rapture (caught up) to take place. It could happen at any moment! Those who are watchful and ready will be caught up and meet the Lord in the air. Those not ready will stay through the tribulation. Our manual for success (the Bible) is very clear with this instruction:

1 Thessalonians 4:13-15 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. Notice it starts with not to be ignorant which means lack of knowledge! Well, reading this we now have knowledge so we should have hope and no sorrow! And the Scripture continues….

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

This Scripture says we are to comfort one another, so I send you comfort that when we belong to Christ, we are to be aware of the times we live in and be ready. This is not about where we go to church, but about the One we go to church to worship and learn about!

I have heard people say, “Oh Judy, I have heard that all my Christian life,” but I say NOW all the prophecies have been fulfilled for Jesus to blow that trumpet and we rise to meet Him in the air for Him to lead us to our heavenly home. Let us make sure we take inventory of our life and have no bitterness or hold no unforgiveness. That we put God first, and have a heart of repentance each day. Let us not get dull to the signs of the times.

For sure, we live in trouble times, but times that are very exciting. When we belong to Jesus, we are His light shining in the darkness. Let’s arise and shine His light, showing many the way to this eternal truth!

Focus and Obey

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 17:17:34 GMT

Focus and Obey!

I see so many believers focusing on world events and the despair in our world. That may well be a focus for the unbeliever but certainly not for a believer! If we read our manual for success (Bible) and obey what it is teaching us, then we will have all our focus on Jesus and the cross! Jesus did everything for us on the cross, and if we don’t understand this, we will be in big trouble!

From the cross, Jesus cried out “IT IS FINISHED.” (John 10:30) We need to spend time truly asking the Holy Spirit what that means. Those three words will set us free. Everything has been done that is going to be done! And now, He has turned it over to us . Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. (John 14:12) This is talking about quantity, not quality, because now many of His followers are doing His works!

To have the right focus, we must be doing whatever Jesus is telling us to do which is in His Word. Seven of the greatest words Jesus wants to hear are the ones His mother Mary said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” (John 2:5) If we would live our life remembering these words, IT IS FINISHED and WHATEVER HE SAYS TO YOU, DO IT, our total focus would be on eternal matters and not earthly temporary stuff!

The Bible is unfolding before our eyes and the rapture or catching away will soon happen for believers, but until that time, we have a lot to do because God wishes none to perish! … “It is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” (Matthew 18:14) Perish does not mean cease to exist. All humans, saved or unsaved, are eternal beings and will live for eternity somewhere. Heaven or Hell—it’s a choice!

With the help of the Holy Spirit, we must keep ourselves focused and obedient, bringing people the Good News of Jesus Christ. One day we will stand before Him to give an account of what we did with the time and resources He gave us. So, let us get our perspective and obedience correct before it is too late!

Speaking in Tongues

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 17:15:22 GMT

Dear Judy

Will people always speak in tongues after getting saved?

When we get saved or born-again which means we believe Jesus went to the cross for our sins, died, and rose again. Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Believing in Jesus is not mental assent but heart conversion . The Holy Spirit comes to live with and in us at that time. He becomes our guide through life teaching us from the scripture how to function . John 14:16-17 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever-- the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. So, every born-again believer has the person of the Holy Spirit living inside them.

Speaking in tongues is call the Baptism with the Holy Spirit and the Spirit comes upon us. Totally different experience with the Holy Spirit . Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. The word power is dynamis meaning miraculous ability. He now comes upon us to cause this miraculous ability to be in His service. We are to be a powerful witness for Him! The sign we are baptized in the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongue which is an unknown language to us. After salvation a tool to be a witness and advance the harvest of souls for the kingdom of God is tongues. Do not miss this wonderful opportunity to have miraculous ability to BE all you can be for the glory of God!

A Christian that is born-again has a choice to be baptized with the Holy Spirit! Speaking in tongues is not a requirement for salvation. It is a tool given to us after salvation to always be speaking the perfect prayer in every given situation. While I am here on earth, I want all Jesus has given to us for us to live a victorious, powerful, soul winning life. Makes no sense to me why any born again believer would NOT want to speak tongues boldly! We do not need it in heaven! We need it here!

Messy Life

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 13:14:05 GMT

June 2025

Dear Judy,

My life is a mess! I know I have done so many things wrong. I have hurt so many people. I call myself a Christian, so how do I make all this right?

Dear Messy Life,

You are sure on a good start by knowing you did wrong and want to make things right, not only in your own life but in the lives of those you hurt. This shows you are not deceived by all you did. I call it “coming to yourself.” Many people call themselves a Christian and just make excuses for the wrong. Your help comes from Christ for your mess!

If you have not repented to the Lord, then that is what you must do. Repent means you make a U-turn, turning from the wrong to Jesus who is the right . Acts 3:19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. Once you’ve repented, move forward because Jesus remembers no more what you have done.

People you hurt might be another thing. Sin means miss the mark, and those you have missed the mark with, ask for their forgiveness, if at all possible. Sin has consequences and not everyone may forgive you, but that is up to them. You did your part.

Those who do forgive you might take a long time before they ever trust you again! You will have to prove yourself trustworthy! Also forgive yourself! Sometimes, that is the hardest to do. If Jesus remembers no more the sins you repented for, then, oh my, we can do the same. Some of the things committed you may not forget but you are forgiven and now you must move forward, not reliving it all the time. You might have some clean-up to do such as monetary pay back, but you will feel a freedom as you do so.

NOW Jesus says, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. ( Matthew 4:19) Meaning go tell the Good News of a new life with Jesus to others! Now Jesus says in Luke 10:27…You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself. Notice the word ALL, meaning not just part but all of you, follow Me.

Now get in your manual for success (Bible) and seek HIM and obey HIM. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you into a fulfilling life with Jesus who empowers LIFE!

New Creation

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 13:11:56 GMT

The Lord speaks to us through His manual for success (Bible). But are we listening? We are living in very evil times, but we can also see revival among people if we watch Christian News. When people get saved in great numbers, we need to pray for them to truly get connected. A merely emotional experience is not becoming born again. Conversion is believing that the Lord Jesus Christ went to the cross, died, and rose again, and we ask Him to forgive our sin.

Once we are born again, we need to get a Spirit-filled study Bible and spend time in it every day to get instructions for how to live according to the Kingdom of God. Also, we need to find a Bible-based Spirit-filled fellowship where we can continue to learn and grow. Our learning continues for the rest of our journey until the “catching up, rapture” (1 Thessalonians 4:17) or this life is over.

Every follower of Jesus must have the same alertness about life. Sadly, we can go from one experience to another and never truly seek or find the depths of the Lord. We can get comfortable with life and not realize we’re just sojourners passing through to our eternal home.

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

After salvation

Thu, 01 May 2025 20:43:29 GMT

May 2025

Dear Judy,

What am I supposed to do after I receive salvation from Christ?

Dear New Believer,

First, I want to say how wonderful to have you in the family of God. Welcome! Heaven is joyful because of you joining the Family! It says in Luke 15: 6,7, ' Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

For me when I lead someone to Christ and they turn their life over to Jesus, I want them to have every tool they need to succeed in their new life with Christ! So, one great tool available is the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the sign of speaking in other tongues.

When you got saved, the Holy Spirit comes and lives in you! Get a good study Bible and read about the Holy Spirit. Read in the book of Acts about the baptism of the Holy Spirit where He comes upon you. Jesus is the baptizer. The word baptize means to dunk or immerse! So, you are going to be immersed in the Holy Spirit and He will come up and out of you with a new language that you will not understand. But you will be always speaking the perfect prayer and the mysteries of Christ.

By faith, just like you received Christ as your personal Savior and Lord, you will release the language! Just get on your knees and surrender. Ask the Lord Jesus to baptize you with the Holy Spirit and He will!

Find a Bible preaching Pentecostal church where the Spirit is moving with signs and wonders and miracles. This is all very exciting!

You may want to get my book Path of the Spirit which is about the Holy Spirit. It’s available from Amazon. If you need further help, you can call me directly .

Hope

Thu, 01 May 2025 20:40:02 GMT

Every day we hear something in the news that is so devastating, but as children of God we always have hope. So many Christians might attend church and read the Bible but still have no understanding of the Lord’s precious gift of Hope. Hope brings and builds trust IN our Lord no matter what happens.

Disaster is nothing new. All through the Bible, we can see trouble and tribulation, but saints of old had to stand on HOPE just as believers do today. Biblical hope means to be patient, trust, and anticipate that the Lord is true to His promises! We and all our brothers and sisters who are experiencing turmoil must study what Habakkuk declares in verses 3:17-19:

Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.

These are powerful words for us to live by! So many have had most everything taken from them, through natural disasters, wars, or from other hardships. Habakkuk is saying that followers of Jesus have hope and can say “He will make me walk on my high hills” or “He is my fortress and strength, and I shall recover all!”

Sad to say the unbeliever cannot say that. They have no hope or spiritual help except the devil, and he is the one that brought it all on. Our God is good but the devil is bad and comes only to kill, steal and destroy!

We are also told in Romans 12:12 “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.”

Why pray if we do not expect!! Rejoice means to be joyful which brings peace knowing our Lord will bring us through it ALL! “ Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23)

We need to rise in our hope not only for ourselves but for those around us, showing them our hope is based on the finished work of the Cross and the resurrection of Jesus. We shall prevail because we belong to Jesus, and He never fails!

So many horrible things

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 17:28:17 GMT

Everywhere we look, so many people are going through horrible things. Every time I take a hot shower, the Lord brings to my mind how many people have no water at all! Bad weather and fires have destroyed so many lives. People without the Lord have no hope. But those who have received Jesus as their personal Savior and are trusting HIM and His Promises found in their manual for success (the Bible) – they have hope !

The Apostle Paul tells us in Hebrews 10:23: Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. So, this is telling us to keep speaking out loud our hope which to the Christian means “to anticipate with pleasure the promises are sure and true!” As we make this our practice, our faith will always be grounded through the good and the bad times.

Paul also tells us in Hebrews 6:19: This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil. We need to meditate on these scriptures because it is our soul (mind, will, and emotions) that runs everywhere in a tragic situation, but an anchor will hold them steady, allowing our spirit man to rise as it is controlled by the Word of God!

In these very evil times, we must be very alert and focused to stay close to the Lord Jesus Christ and what He is doing! We must grow up and know that all is in line for the rapture or catching away of the believers in Christ! Let us keep our faith and hope without wavering.

Three things are coming against us, but we must take authority over them. They are the devil, the world, and our flesh!

1. The Devil. We are warned that the devil walks around like a lion. He is not a lion, but acts like it. When a lion hunts, he looks for the young, isolated, unguarded animals. An easy prey. The devil’s agenda is to destroy us. Not simply to maim or discourage us, but to devour and destroy us. This happens when we bow to circumstances, pressures, or forces designed by our adversary the devil. He wants our faith. We must be humble, not proud! We can do nothing without the help of Jesus. Read 1 Peter 5:1-11.

2. The World System. We must understand that this is an enemy of the believer with its values, mindsets, philosophies of life, and priorities that run contrary to the will and ways of God. The world says success is of utmost importance. It is not. Obeying God is most important, and allowing Him to open doors for us. Too often, the world’s way for success requires us to turn from the path of godliness and neglect developing our relationship with God. This is serious. Read James 4:4-6.

3. Our Flesh. Allowing our flesh to rule is to live with the tendencies of fallen mankind. It is the “me and mine” mindset. We are called to war against our flesh. Read Romans 8:12-14.

To overcome, stay alert and focused. Only BOW to one, and His name is Jesus!

BOW—B elieve, O bey, W orship.

Being happy versus having joy?

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 17:24:55 GMT

April 2025

Dear Judy,

What is the difference between being happy and having joy? Aren’t they the same?

Dear Questioning One,

You ask a good question. Being happy and having joy might appear similar, but joy has a far deeper meaning than happiness. The key difference is that Joy is rooted in the character and promises of God, especially as they are related and revealed to us in Christ. JOY is rooted in Jesus, not in external circumstances, so a Christian can have deep and lasting joy, even during life’s most difficult seasons. Jesus is the object of our joy.

Jesus said in John 15:11, These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. Jesus said that his joy may remain in you, showing us that this is not a joy that comes and goes but is a joy that is constant, no matter what is going on in our life or around us.

Not only do we need conspicuous joy, we need continual joy, and we need constant joy. We need joy like a river, and a river flows and flows and flows. We are never to be without this joy. That can only happen because of our salvation and our Lord’s joy deep inside us. What a precious gift from our Lord!

Look at Nehemiah 8:10 … Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Why does it say joy is our strength? Because it is from our Lord, not from self, and is made possible as we trust in HIM.

Joy means cheerfulness, calm delight, gladness with exceeding fullness! This covers every situation we are in or will be in. This means when great things are taking place, we can jump and shout for joy. When in troubled, discouraging times, or sorrowful times, we can just have a calm delight knowing that our joy is exceedingly full, no matter how we feel or how it looks, because our joy is always in the promises and love of our Lord!

Happiness is a positive emotional feeling, and it is temporary and fleeting. Like a child given a new toy, they are so happy, but when that toy breaks, the child is sad. Happiness depends on our circumstances, our emotions, our mood. Happiness is fleeting. It comes and goes.

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. Happiness is not. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness… (Galatians 5:22).

I trust this helps, and that you are full of the joy of our Lord.

What does it mean to have faith?

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 18:38:07 GMT

March 2025

Dear Judy

What does it mean to have faith?

Dear Wondering One,

What does it mean to have faith is a great question and means different things for different people. Faith means to have confidence and trust in something or someone. Before I was saved or a follower of Christ, I had faith in drugs and alcohol, that they would take away all my problems. Of course, they did not. I just got addicted to them and they caused depression to increase. So, to a non-believer, their trust and confidence are in worldly things.

Even for Christians, faith is something that must be developed. It can and should grow! When saved we all start out with the same amount of faith, but as we read the Bible (manual for success), our faith will grow. Our faith or confidence and trust in Jesus Christ and His promises grow. We learn not to rely on what we see but to rely on our faith which is believing, trusting and confidence.

Habakkuk 2:4 …. But the just shall live by his faith.

Romans 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."

Every morning, we wake up with decisions to make. Do we have faith in the reports of the world, or do we have faith in what the Word of God says? That is a choice we can make. But, sad to say, the non-Christian does not have that choice, because if no belief in Christ, no promises to stand on! Our trust, confidence, and believing which is faith goes beyond today, but all the way to heaven where we know our eternal blessed journey continues. That is faith!

Philippians 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Wilderness

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 18:35:24 GMT

Have you ever thought about the word “wilderness” and what that means for the Christian and the non-Christian? To be a Christian we must believe—which is to trust and have confidence that Jesus Christ died on the cross for the sins of the world and rose again ! Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved .

To confess with our mouth is to say it and believe it! Now we are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) and we are to talk like it, act like it, and live like it! As Christians, we are victors, not victims!

The word wilderness in the Bible (our manual for success) refers to dry places! But even in the dry unproductive times in our lives, we STILL have Jesus as our Savior, and we are His children, and He will take care of us.

The Bible is clear and gives us understanding about how God brought the children of Israel out of captivity in Egypt. The Red Sea miraculously parted, and the people walked on dry land, stepping right into the wilderness! I often think, wow Lord, that’s quite a miracle. . . but our Lord knew the Egypt mentality had to come out of them so that faith could arise and they could trust their God!

So, the wilderness taught many of the Israelites to trust God and rely on Him, even in the unfamiliar and dry times. I say many because if you read the events in Deuteronomy, you will see that some complained all the time, and they died in the wilderness!

The Israelites had a promise land that they were heading toward, and we have the same! They had physical land to inherit, but first they had to conquer it. The Lord told them to clear it all out and do not get involved in any of the foreign gods or their worship.

Here are the names of the tribes they had to conquer and their meaning. This looks very similar to the obstacles we face!

Deuteronomy 7:1….6

· Hittites. Terror or Fear

· Canaanites. Materialism

· Girgashites. Dwellers of clay (changes all the time)

· Amorites. Mountain people (pride)

· Perizzites. Immorality- not just sexual

· Hivites. Cave dwellers (deception)

· Jebusites . Trodden down (depressed)

Take some time and truly look at what they faced coming out of the wilderness to the land of promise. When we trust in Jesus, we come out of the world into the kingdom of God with all its wonderful promises . . . BUT we too have demonic activity that we must conquer!

Fear is the very first one we must conquer. If we do not and we allow fear to conquer us, we too will die in the wilderness. This would be sad because the Lord has given us everything we need to be more than conquerors . Romans 8:37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

The non-Christian has no way out of their wilderness. So, if you are not a Christ follower, why not become one NOW!

Stay Watchful

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 00:52:29 GMT

STAY WATCHFUL!

I am sure we can all agree, 2025 started off with much tragedy and woe! Terrorist attacks killing many, devastating fires in the LA area, a horrible plane and helicopter collision, and another plane crash two days later! Many families in mourning. Truly, the devil is out to steal, kill, and destroy, and sadly, he’s doing a good job at it. But remember, our Lord is far greater than the devil, and He is ultimately in control.

It is up to you and me as believers to be aware of the signs of the times! Scripture says, For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. (Romans 8:22) We are living in the last of the last days. Jesus made that clear to His disciples when He walked with them on this earth. Matthew records what Jesus said in Matthew 24:3-8:

Now as He (Jesus) sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" And Jesus answered and said to them: Take heed that no one deceives you. [Deceives means to roam, go away from, seduce, or be tricked! Jesus warns us today the same as He did then, be watchful and alert.]

For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. [Sorrows means pain like in childbirth.]

We can see all the above hitting not only the USA but all over the world. It’s time to stand boldly and steadfastly as children of God. If we are not sure we are going to heaven, or if we should die right now which we could, we had better get on our knees and ask Jesus to forgive us of our sins and come into our life as Savior and Lord.

Deception is everywhere! Make sure the church we attend is preaching the whole uncompromising Word of God with signs and wonders following! And we must be careful who we listen to or allow to speak into our lives. We are living in times where we can have no compromise or dullness. This world has no hope without Jesus. If we call ourselves followers of Jesus, then we are to follow from His perspective and not the perspective of the world or our own.

We live in very dark but exciting times right now! Exciting because light dispels darkness and the light of Jesus Christ shining through us is brighter than any darkness. Let us check our hearts and know we are clean and clear of any unforgiveness, arrogance, pride, doubt, or disbelief. Only faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work will bring hope and victory. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. Mathew 24:13

Can you explain what "saved is"?

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 00:48:55 GMT

February 2025

Dear Judy,

I hear the word “saved” a lot. Can you explain what “saved” is? And how do you get it? --Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

This is a wonderful question that all believers should be able to answer. In the Greek, the word “saved” is Sozo meaning to deliver or protect, heal, preserve, do well, be (made) whole. It’s a powerful word. It’s why God’s son Jesus came into this world! For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Sin is what we need to be saved or delivered from. When we are saved or delivered, it covers all aspects of sin and it affects our past, present, and future. The word saved simply refers to the relationship a believer has with Jesus Christ. When we are saved or delivered, we have the guarantee of heaven, and saved from eternal damnation in hell. When we are saved, we are sealed with the blood of Jesus Christ, are seen as righteous in the eyes of the Lord, and will be with God in heaven one day! That is why He went to the cross taking our sin upon Himself so we can be free from the bondages of the devil.

When we ask Jesus to be our Savior and Lord, we are saved from the penalty of sin because Jesus paid for our sin on the cross and was raised from the dead . Romans 10:9,10: that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Believe means to have confidence in and trust in Jesus Christ the Son of God. This believing process is for the whole world!

Romans 10:13: For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.

Getting saved is a free gift. We cannot buy it nor work for it. Ephesians 2:8,9: For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

We hear the term saving faith which means that we personally trust Jesus Christ to deliver us from God’s judgment by what He did for us on the cross and rose again. When we get saved, it means our past — we have been saved from the penalty of sin and we are justified (just as if it never happened). Our present — we are being saved from the power and presence of sin and are being sanctified (set apart). Our future — we will be glorified.

I hope this helps. Saved means having an abundant life with Jesus, not just someday, but today and forever. I pray that if you are not saved, you ask Jesus into your heart this very day.

Life with God after salvation!

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 15:27:53 GMT

Christianity 101—Life with God after Salvation

We are living in very tough times that are only getting harder. As followers of Jesus, we should be strong in the Lord and full of faith, experiencing the God of the impossible. But are we? Jesus said in Matthew 19:26, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” I believe Jesus is looking at us and our fellowships and asking if we truly believe this. Are we living this Scripture out to a watching world?

This is basic stuff but because so many do not have Christianity 101 (the basics) in place, they fall on their face. We must seek the Lord and learn how to be conformed to the image of Christ day by day and moment by moment. That is only accomplished by first getting saved, which immediately takes us from the devil’s wordly kingdom and places us in the eternal Kingdom of God.

When we put Jesus as Lord of our life, we become a new creation in Christ. Our spirit man is new, but our soul (our mind, will, and emotions) is not yet transformed. We must learn how to live for Christ and by Kingdom principles. We need to get that stinking thinking, self-centeredness, and living by our emotions changed, and live by God’s Word and God’s Word alone.

When I first got saved, a friend told me something about the power of prayer that I’ll never forget. She said, “Judy, put a note on your aspirin bottle that says: “PRAY FIRST!” Most people take the aspirin and then pray! This is a basic!

As children of God, realize that OUR HEAVENLY FATHER KNOWS BEST. Paul tells us in Romans 12:2, And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Spending time in the Word and studying it will rewire our minds from world-thinking to God-thinking. This is Christianity 101. Too many Christians seldom read their bible. Our minds won’t be transformed if we don’t spend time in God’s Word, His love letter to us.

Let us choose to be mighty men and women of God and move out of Christianity 101 to the fullness of Christ and see the miraculous in our daily lives. Let’s fellowship with like-minded believers, which includes in church in-person, with our Bible in our hands, not the phone! Let’s be in the Word, meditating on it, memorizing it, praying fervently each day, and seeking His will in every aspect of our lives.

I think I'm saved...

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 15:25:02 GMT

January 2025

Dear Judy,

I think I am saved… I go to church, but my life is sure not going the way I want it to go. I see many sitting in the church who look like they have no hope and no joy! Why? It’s sure not very encouraging to me.

Dear Confused,

Well, let me start with the most important thing you bring up. I noticed the word I THINK in your question. Just because you go to church does not mean you are a born-again believer. If you think you are saved, you probably are not. You will know deep down within yourself if you are a new creation in Christ. First thing is to make sure you KNOW you are saved . Romans 10:9 says that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Once you are positive you are going to heaven, we look deeper into the words of the “I and Me” attitude. As followers of Christ, our life is not about our wants but His wants. We learn that by reading our manual for success (the Bible) which has the only direction for success we will never need. Our Lord wants us to succeed in this journey through life which is heading us towards heaven. If we wake up every morning being grateful no matter what our day brings, then we shall have a day full of hope and joy. We have the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us.

As believers, we live our life in what the Apostle Paul tells us in Galatians 2:20 : I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Living by faith in Christ means we are confident that He is our hope and joy! No matter what comes our way, we focus on the promises given to us in the Bible! We read and we obey, knowing the only truth is found in those Spirit-inspired words — not my wants but HIS, which always gives us a future and a hope. We live the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:6 : Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

We must learn to be grateful for the very breath we breathe, and with every breath, be aware that without God giving it to us, we would NOT BE BREATHING! As followers of Jesus, we are the Church, His Body, and we go to a building to bless the Lord and learn more about Him. We are NOT to be looking around at people. So, I urge you to show those around you where your HOPE and JOY truly come from, and that is Christ and Christ alone!

Come out from among them!

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:23:38 GMT

We are living in some very dark, wild times. Our manual for success (the Bible) tells us to know the seasons in which we live. We must be alert and watchful and know and understand how our success manual tells us to have success.

1 John 4:4 reminds us, You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. The Holy Spirit is talking to us, not the unbeliever! We trust and believe as children, and a child trusts his/her parent, even when that parent is not good. But our Heavenly Father is trustworthy and good. The Holy Spirit in us has already provided for our victory. Our part is to enforce the victory by declaring what Jesus has already declared on our behalf on the Cross!

2 Timothy 3:1-5: But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

These verses describe what has infiltrated our world, and, sad to say, even some churches!

To Know this means “to understand what is being said to us.”

Perilous means harsh, savage, difficult, dangerous, painful, fierce, grievous, hard to deal with. The word describes a society barren of virtue and abounding with vices! This sounds like our world, the USA, and our communities! As we read these verses carefully, we must realize the importance of standing firm against these things coming into our lives.

Denying its power. Power in the Greek is Dynamis. It’s where we get the word dynamite. It means miraculous ability! The Apostle Paul strongly tells us to turn away from the people these verses describe. Why? Because we will become like those we hang with!

Paul goes on to say in Verse 7 of the same chapter that they are always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. In other words, sitting in church all the time or going from church to church but never understanding truth!

Feeling Empty

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:18:34 GMT

Dear Judy,

I know I am supposed to be joyful this time of the year, but I am not! It all seems so plastic and empty to me, even in the church! Feeling Pretty Empty

Dear Feeling Empty,

This time of year, and it starts at Thanksgiving, a lot of people are feeling the same way. Unbelievers have nothing to help them through these emotions, but born-again believers do. We are children of God and have so many reasons to be thankful, which we should be expressing many times each day — from the moment we get up to when we go to bed.

Heaven is our home, and we are just passing through here. We have an assignment to bring people to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords; to the only true hope — JESUS!

When we get our eyes off ourselves and on to what this season is truly about, then joy will spring up from our spirit, overriding our emotions and the lies of the devil!

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men! Luke 2:14

I encourage you to read and reread these Scriptures in your manual for success (the Bible). Allow the Holy Spirit to redirect your focus from plastic to praise for all you have in Christ —salvation, hope, and purpose! A Savior who will never leave you nor forsake you. Your emptiness will be replaced with joy as you realize Jesus loves you and gave Himself for you… and for all mankind. We are celebrating His birthday. We give because He gave humbly out of love! Focus on the reason for the season — JESUS! And have a very blessed Christ-centered Christmas.

November 2024: God’s Armor of Protection or Satan’s Armor of Deception?

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 22:11:48 GMT

To live the Christian life VICTORIOUSLY as God intends, we need to avail ourselves of the resources He provides, and one of those resources is HIS ARMOR! What does it really mean when we hear that we are to “put on the armor of God” every morning? It’s very important that we understand what the Holy Spirit is telling us to do concerning this VERY important subject!

We have a race to run while here on this earth. Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 1 Corinthians 9:24

John 17:15 records what Jesus said while talking to our heavenly Father: I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. These verses show us that we are IN the world but not OF the world and we will be set apart as we follow the Word of God, our manual for success (Bible).

So how should a Christian look, act, talk, and yes, smell!

1. A Christian says and thinks, “I am a light and salt in my community.”

You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:13-14

2. A Christian will be known by the fruit in their life — 9 of them.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

3. A Christian should be using the gifts of the Spirit — 9 of them.

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11

4. A Christian will have power when baptized with the HOLY SPIRIT.

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8

When we are saved, we receive the Holy Spirit, and with the baptism comes the power and the language of the Spirit. Tongues. Great commission signs will follow the believer!

5. As a Christian, what aroma are we giving out?

We will have the aroma of life or death.

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. 2 Corinthians 2:14-15

6. As a Christian, we are to bring hope to those around us.

People need hope and we have the only sure hope possible. Biblical hope is to anticipate with pleasure that something is going to happen or change. You expect God to be God! It is impossible for Him to lie.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you. 1 Peter 1:3-4

7. As a Christian, what are we giving up to serve?

Jesus gave His life so we could have eternal life.

Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28

A Christian does NOT say or think, “What have you done for me lately?” We are to help others. We are about others’ needs. Do I want to help my brother or sister with things they need by giving of my time, talent, or money? Do we get burned or hurt at times? Yes! So did Jesus but He did not stop.

8. As a Christian, we are not to be afraid.

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7

We must remember if we are followers of Christ and call ourselves a Christian, we are the key to God’s plan so let’s behave like one. Let’s live as Victors, not Victims!

Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the SOUL, have your CONDUCT honorable among the Gentile, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may BY YOUR GOOD WORKS which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:11-12

Day of visitation is any time God comes in a special act of judgment or mercy. Salvation gets us to heaven and it is a free gift, but then we have work to do!

Jesus knew who He was. He washed the disciple’s feet. That task was relegated for the lowliest of all people. In those days, people walked in sandals and their feet were very dirty. Jesus came to wipe away the very dirtiest of feet. We live in a very dirty, dark world but we are the light and hope to bring them out of the dirt and darkness.

Let’s spend time and truly study the Word that God gave us and allow Him to make adjustments in our lives so that everywhere we go, those around us will know we are followers of Christ.

Come out from the realm of the ordinary into the realm of the extraordinary.

Not Happy with How Life is Going

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 22:11:04 GMT

Dear Judy,

I go to church and I think I am saved, but my life is sure not going the way I want it to go. As I look around at church, it looks like I’m not the only one who isn’t happy with how their life is going. Why?

Dear Confused,

Well let me start with just because you go to church does not mean you are a born-again believer. I noticed the word I THINK in your question. If you think you are saved, you probably are not. You will know deep down within you if you are a new creation in Christ. First thing is to make sure you KNOW you are saved . Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Once you are positive you are going to heaven, then we look deeper into the words of the I and Me attitude. When we become a follower of Christ, our life is not about our wants but His wants. We learn that by reading our manual for success (Bible) which has the only direction for success we will ever have or need. Our Lord wants us to succeed in this journey through life which is heading us towards heaven. If we wake up every morning being grateful, no matter what our day brings, then we shall have a day full of hope and joy. We have the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us.

Now we live our life in what the Apostle Paul tells us in Galatians 2:20: I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Living by faith in Christ means we have confidence that He is our hope and joy! No matter what comes our way, we focus on the promises given to us in the Bible! We read and we obey knowing the only truth is found in those words; not my wants but HIS which always gives us a future and a hope. We live the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:6: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

We must learn to be grateful for the very breath we breathe, and with every breath, be aware that without God giving it to us, we would NOT BE BREATHING! I encourage you to have your closest friends be on-fire born-again servants of the living God. Those we hang out with make a big difference in how we view life. And get yourself in a good Bible study group.

As followers of Jesus, we are the Church. We go to a building (church) to bless the Lord and learn about Him. We are NOT to be looking around at people. So, let us show those around us where our HOPE and JOY truly come from and that is Christ and Christ alone!

October 2024: How does a Christian look, act, and talk?

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 19:46:41 GMT

How does a Christian look, act, and talk?

We live in a world that is on a downward path, but when we have given our life to the Lord Jesus Christ, we are to be different from the world. Let’s ask ourselves, if a stranger were to meet us, could they see that we are a Christian?

We have a race to run while here on this earth. Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 1 Corinthians 9:24

So how should a Christian look, act, talk, and yes, smell!

1. A Christian says and thinks, “I am a light and salt in my community.”

2. A Christian will be known by the fruit in their life — 9 of them.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

3. A Christian should be using the gifts of the Spirit — 9 of them.

4. A Christian will have power when baptized with the HOLY SPIRIT.

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8

When we are saved, we receive the Holy Spirit, and with the baptism comes the power and the language of the Spirit. Tongues. Great commission signs will follow the believer!

5. As a Christian, what aroma are we giving out?

We will have the aroma of life or death.

6. As a Christian, we are to bring hope to those around us.

7. As a Christian, what are we giving up to serve?

Jesus gave His life so we could have eternal life.

Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28

8. As a Christian, we are not to be afraid.

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7

We must remember if we are followers of Christ and call ourselves a Christian, we are the key to God’s plan so let’s behave like one. Let’s live as Victors, not Victims!

Day of visitation is any time God comes in a special act of judgment or mercy. Salvation gets us to heaven and it is a free gift, but then we have work to do!

Let’s spend time and truly study the Word that God gave us and allow Him to make adjustments in our lives so that everywhere we go, those around us will know we are followers of Christ.

Come out from the realm of the ordinary into the realm of the extraordinary.

Irrevocable Covenant

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 19:39:26 GMT

Dear Judy,

I don’t understand “irrevocable Covenant.” What does it mean?

Dear Questioning One,

The dictionary says irrevocable means not able to be broken, changed, or undone. Let’s see what God says about it in our manual for success—the Bible.

And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, "In you all the nations shall be blessed.” (Galatians 3:8) Notice it says ALL nations! God gave Abraham an irrevocable Covenant meaning He would never go back on the blessings. This scripture foresees that God would justify the Gentiles through faith, given to Abraham long before the Good News of Jesus Christ, saying, in you shall all nations be blessed. This is the Abrahamic Covenant foretelling the New Covenant!

Jesus said clearly in Matthew 5:17, Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. This means He came to bring to completion its partial revelation, fulfilling the messianic predictions. We live now under Grace, not the Law.

The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 11:29, For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Back to the question. All that our Heavenly Father has given to us is found in His covenant to us—the Bible. It is irrevocable for all humanity, but all of humanity must want and accept this wonderful covenant that is now found in Jesus Christ. Yes, it is irrevocable and never to be changed and it belongs to all people, but it's up to each individual to believe and accept His promises and live according to His ways, and not our own. God does not want robots. He gives us free will.

…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve….But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15)

September 2024: I'm Known in Heaven!

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 18:22:03 GMT

And of Zion [mountain of Jerusalem] it will be said, "This one and that one were born in her; And the Most High Himself shall establish her." The LORD will record, when He registers the peoples: "This one was born there." Selah (Psalm 87:5-7)

“The Lord will record” means the Lord writes up those who put their trust in Him! Praise the Lord that we who are saved are counted and registered in heaven!

But how can we be sure that our name is recorded in heaven? In John 3:1-3 Nicodemus wondered about this too. Jesus told him a person must be born again which didn’t make sense to Nicodemus. Jesus said you must be born to the earth and born from above! Nicodemus, you are a teacher, and you do not know this?! We are born to the earth which gives us an earthly citizenship. We are born again or from above by accepting Jesus as our risen Lord and Savior. A miracle is when the supernatural invades the natural, so this is the greatest miracle of all!

Sadly, many people go to a church Sunday after Sunday that does not teach the born-again experience. If we are not born again, our name is not registered in heaven. That should be a wake-up call for everyone! We who are born again should want everyone to be born again! Jesus went to the cross for ALL of humanity.

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ . . . (Philippians 3:20)

CHANGING OUR ADDRESS

What an encouragement to know that we have authority and we have certainty that we have a heavenly home. This life is simply our earthly journey! Temporal…. Our Heavenly home is Eternal, forever with the Lord! Heaven is our home. One day, each of us will die if the rapture does not happen first, and when that time comes, all we do is have a change of address….from Earth to Heaven!

The Lord has given us things in this life to use and enjoy. We are to be stewards of them. We shall take nothing with us to our heavenly address, so let’s ask ourselves, are we hoarding what God has given us, or are we sharing with others what the Lord has blessed us with? Are we using them for God’s glory and others’ good? Whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. (2 Corinthians 9:6) Let’s make our aim to help others come to faith in Jesus so that their names are also recorded in heaven.

Concerned One: Digital Dollar?

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 19:03:57 GMT

Dear Judy,

Do you know about the digital dollar or what to do if our banks close? I get my check from the government and do not know what to do?

Dear Concerned One,

First, yes, uncertain days are ahead of us. I do not know anything about the digital dollar, but one thing I do know, our Lord has, is, and will always take care of His Children! I am going to assume you are a follower of Jesus, but if you are not, you need to be. For the unbeliever, times of tribulation are here now and will get even worse in all areas of life. But if you are a believer, listen to what Jesus says: These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

Definitions of tribulation include “pressure, anguish, burden, persecution, or trouble.” It’s true, lots of unknowns are coming our way that we will not understand, not just concerning our money but other things in life, but the Lord is our refuge and strength in times of trouble.

I see people stockpiling food and all kinds of stuff, and maybe there’s no harm in that if that’s what they want to do, but we are to live by faith. " Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him." (Hebrews 10:38) Faith is to have confidence in Jesus Christ and Him alone, not in what is happening around us.

Many Christians live on a fixed income, but our Lord is not on a fixed income! He is unlimited! And He is the ONE who will always cause us to prosper -- no matter what the banks do! He is trustworthy!

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).

Christians involved in politics?

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 17:29:32 GMT

Dear Judy,

Should Christians be involved in politics or political discussions? I am in a dilemma.

Dear Dilemma,

Well, this is truly a great question because seems like everywhere we look, something is being said about this 2024 election. You say involved . That is a complicated word with many meanings, and most with negative connotations. If you are referring to being a US citizen and caring about the outcome of the elections, that kind of involvement is good. But how involved should we be?

Most definitely, we MUST VOTE! It’s a shame, the number of Christians who do not vote. Christians have a voice with their vote. I tell people, If you do not vote, you can’t gripe about the outcome! We are privileged to live in this country, and we have a responsibility to vote. Our voting (and prayer) can help turn our country back to the principle found on our coins—IN GOD WE TRUST!

How do we vote? Well, for the person who is going to do the best for the country! Where does he (or she) stand on biblical principles? We may not like everything about the person, but if he is closer to biblical values than his opponent, then vote for him. The same applies not just for the president, but for all government officials.

Remember, becoming involved in politics is complicated. Be concerned about politics, yes, even be in discussions if you want. Help in some ways, yes. Vote, yes! But to get involved or deeply entrenched in politics, I say not a good idea. Not unless you are called by God to run for an office.

Once we cast our vote, then move on. Every candidate will be accountable before God in how they live (as we all will be one day!). If a Christian runs for a political office, they will be the light in the darkness, because politics is full of lies and deceit. We want to pray that they stand strong for Christ and His Word which is our manual for success!

We must faithfully pray for those in leadership. Remember, we are just passing through this life and want to do our best for our Lord. The Bible says, For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. (I John 2:16) Let’s stay out of these pitfalls! And be sure to pray much for our November elections!

August 2024: Rise Higher

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 16:22:32 GMT

I want us to rise higher in the understanding of who we are in Christ! No matter what is going on around us or in our own lives, if we keep our focus on Jesus, He will see us through! All around are wars and rumors of wars, floods, tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, and many other devastating things. I live in northern California where one raging fire has grown to the size of the city of Los Angeles, and sadly, as of now, it is only 14% contained. That is just one fire and there are many burning right now, taking people’s homes and livelihoods. Difficult times for so many.

The Bible tells us all about these things! The disciples asked then, and we as followers of Christ ask now, what are the signs of Your coming? And Jesus answered and said to them: Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places…. Matthew 24:4-7.

We are living in these verses, but it also tells us in Matthew 24:13 , But he who endures to the end shall be saved. This is a great verse in our manual for success (Bible) because it gives us instructions on how to survive all the stuff coming at us and around us!

Endure: The word endure means to have fortitude, to persevere. We have the Holy Spirit to show us how to do that and to be a witness to the gospel and the power of the Lord during it all. Jesus is coming back, and we are to live expecting His return and to be ready!

Saved: The word saved means to save , deliver or protect , heal, preserve, do well, and to be whole. What a promise but we must believe and expect, knowing that through it all we shall come through with Jesus, bringing others to the kingdom of God, and not as victims but as VICTORS!

So, no matter what is happening, we look up and focus on what truly matters, and that is eternity, not the temporal! God will make a message out of all this mess! We stand firm and steadfast knowing our Jesus will make a way when there seems to be no way. Each child of God should be bringing hope to others because we have the only hope there is and His name is Jesus!

July 2024: Let the Blessings Come!

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 23:31:36 GMT

I call the Bible our manual for success! It is the truth that shows us the what, when, and how we so greatly need! What to do, when to do it, and how to do it. It is the only truth we can stake our life on! No other truth holds the promises of Jesus Christ, and which also causes us to be aware and submitted to correction.

If we are followers of Jesus, we have the person of the Holy Spirit to give us understanding and reveal with clarity what it is saying! So, with that said, I want us to give some thought to, and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us, about the following Scripture:

Psalm 33:12 "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance."

At one time this was a nation whose God is the Lord and His people had His inheritance. Inscribed on our money is IN GOD WE TRUST. Sadly, many of our country’s leaders have moved away from those words! At one time children were taught that God is the Lord, and in schools, the Bible was taught and prayer went forth!

I love the word blessed which means the state of "prosperity" or "happiness" that comes when a superior bestows his favor (blessing). The one bestowing favor is God Himself. This nation has chosen NOT to have God as Lord, but even amid atheism or agnosticism, His inheritance comes to His children.

Our nation just celebrated our very important holiday, Independence Day. Thank God for those who sacrificed so much for the freedom of this country. But no matter what the situation, believers need to remember we have freedom, and that freedom comes from God because wherever the Spirit is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17 "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. " And John 8:36 "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." In the midst of a nation primarily turning its back on our Lord, Christians need to remember that we are in the world but not of the world; we are in the Kingdom of God where He is King.

Let’s pray for this nation to come back to the things of God so all can see that God is blessing it and the people in it. If we call ourselves a Christian, that means Christ-like! Let’s allow God to use us to make a difference, and to do that, we must love as Jesus loved. Only He can give us this kind of love. He went to the cross for ALL and rose again for ALL! Let us purpose in our hearts to do all the Holy Spirit shows us to do and how we can make a difference right where we are. God bless you, and may God bless America!

June 2024: Earthly Father and Heavenly Father!

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 02:01:46 GMT

The issue about fathers comes up a lot this month of June when we are to honor our fathers. Fathers come in all varieties: good, kind, gentle, loving, good provider, helps us through life, wants us to succeed, and helps us to do just that.

But not all earthly fathers are good. Some were mean, unkind, selfish, seldom home, and hurt the family both verbally and physically.

I had a wonderful earthly father who raised me with Christian principles, but not with God! That was not being a good earthly father! Sad to say, we did not have a Bible in my home when I was growing up. So, when I left home, I had no Christ-like guidelines.

The Bible gives us commands to follow concerning our earthly father, whether he is good or bad, godly, or ungodly. Let’s look at a couple.

Exodus 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you."

Mark 7:10 "For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’"

The word HONOR means to hold them in high esteem! It does not say, only the good ones! We cannot hold our father (or mother) in high esteem if we have bitterness or unforgiveness against them. This is not about what they did but how we will survive what they did! If for no other reason, we give our mom and dad honor because they gave us life! We would not be here on this earth without them!

When we give our life over to the Lord Jesus Christ, we start living in the kingdom of God and we become children of God. We now have a HEAVENLY FATHER who is only about our good and who shows us how to live successfully in this land He has given us. The Bible is our manual for success and there is no other manual. It shows us His promises which never change. Here are a few about our Heavenly Father.

Psalm 68:5 "A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation."

Psalm 89:26 "He shall cry to Me, 'You are my Father, My God, and the rock of my salvation.’"

Let us remember these promises and meditate on this truth. We are going to live with our HEAVENLY FATHER forever, and HE is good and kind and never changes. When we read His Word, we get to know Him and all His benefits!

Our Father is always willing to listen and even teaches us how to pray to Him!

In this manner, therefore, pray:

"Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Matthew 6:9-15

When we pray which is talking to our Father, we always start by giving Him honor!

Turbulent and Perilous Times!

Mon, 20 May 2024 19:11:17 GMT

"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come" - 2 Timothy 3:1

The words BUT KNOW THIS should certainly draw our attention! I see so many people just coming and going, doing their own thing! The Bible is to be taken seriously, and if we do not read it, we will not know what it says and what to obey! We certainly cannot get training and all the biblical understanding we need on just a Sunday morning! So, we must read and study our manual for success (the Bible) ourselves!

The word perilous means morally corrupt, difficult, dangerous, fierce, grievous, and the one I like is “reducing the strength!” That is so true! We can look around and see people living in all these messes. The sad part is people believe those messes are reality, the way it should be, and they become dull and get used to it. This should never happen to a child of God! We cannot allow what is happening to reduce our strength but should cause our faith in Jesus Christ and His promises to make us even stronger!

The last two words of this scripture says WILL COME! Well, those times have come! They are here now, all over the world! Culture now calls evil “good” and good is evil. People do not know their right from the left!

As followers of Christ, our hearts should be concerned about people’s destiny – hell or heaven. Our commission is to bring people to Jesus Christ Who, on the cross, paid the price of sin for everyone. If people will make Him their Savior, then HEAVEN becomes their home. If they do not, then we must have a sad heart because HELL will be their home . . . forever! This is reality!

All ways do not lead to heaven. What I mean is we cannot serve the god of self or the god of anything else – money, fame, other religions. One of the saddest songs of old was Frank Sinatra’s song, “I did it my way.” We must surrender all we are and ask for forgiveness of our sins. Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father who is the CREATOR OF ALL!

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

If we belong to the Lord Jesus Christ, we have hope and that is reality! Christian hope means to anticipate with pleasure that the Word works! Our hope has an anchor, and an anchor holds something tight in place! We are a spirit, we have a soul (mind, will, emotions) and we live in a body! It is our soul that gets us in trouble so put an anchor on it. Our Father’s OATH and COVENANT hold us steadfast amid the storm! Our Lord wants to touch people through us, showing them they too can have HOPE amid these perilous times.

"This hope we have as an anchor of the soul (mind, will, emotions), both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil." Hebrews 6:19

Rise Up!

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 15:15:19 GMT

As I look around at all that is going on, like this morning before I started to write this article, I saw on the news a great earth quake hit Turkey and Syria and it said 2500 thus far have been killed. Within that many people we know some of them are Christian I’m sure. We also hear each and every day about people being put in prison or killed for their faith in Jesus Christ. News of our fellow brothers and sisters dying or being torched for their faith comes over our phones all through the day! What do we do with them? Just delete them? This is serious question every follower of Christ including my self-need to answer now instead of waiting until we are ask by our Lord. Have we become so dull in our thoughts of our brothers and sisters overseas or even here that we just delete them like a computer.

Mark 14:38 "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. "

It is time that everyone who call them self a Christian come out of the closet and start to pray! Matthew 21:22 "And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."

We not only pray for our own needs, family needs, but for our bothers and sisters here and around the world. We must remember at any time things right here could change for the worst or worse than it is here already. Our call from the Lord as a Christian is to pray for one another and to remember there is power in the name and blood of Jesus. Those that are unbelievers all over the world need hope and their only hope is in believing in Jesus Christ!

Romans 10:9 "That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."

Communion Confused

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 15:15:19 GMT

Dear Judy,

I feel this is a silly question but the church I go to takes communion once month. Why only once a month?

Dear Confused,

I want first to say there is no such thing as a silly question only silly when we do not ask the question. Communion or also called the Lord’s supper is an ordinance given to Christian to follow reminding us what Jesus did for us at Calvary. Remember just like water baptism is an ordinance given by Jesus they do not save us. Only believing in Jesus Christ does that. It is a time of celebration and remembrance when we eat of the bread and drink of the cup. We are to remember and but worth to how Jesus gave Himself completely to give us and all humanity a better life, and new start. I do not believe Jesus is so concerned about the method of partaking of the bead which represents His body or drinking of the cup which is symbolizes His blood, but that during this time of communion with Him and other that we celebrate His victory for us.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 "For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, 'Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.' In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. Jesus was broken for us so that we can be made whole by Him."

As often means this is not restricted to any time frame! So to answer your question, different fellowships select a certain time so all can celebrate together. Some fellowships do communion every Sunday. That is up to the Pastor of the fellowship. But we can take part in the celebration of the Lord’s supper by ourselves at home, in a home group, or other places. But as often as we partake we are to remember it is all about Jesus, we should celebrate and be so thankful to Jesus. He provides all we need both physically and spiritually.

Friend

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 15:00:09 GMT

Dear Judy,

Very recently a dear, longtime friend passed away due to complications of Covid. I feel that he's in heaven, so that's a comfort. However, people often remind me, “After all, he did not always wear his mask!” I feel strongly that "masks" do nothing at all to stop the spread of this virus. How do I relay this to others when they ask without sounding insensitive or uncaring? Thank you for your advice.

Dear Friend,

My condolences to you! It is hard to lose a friend, but what a comfort to know that he is in heaven. Really when we know a person is a believer, we do not lose them because we know where they are; they just changed their address from earth to heaven. They are now pain-free and happier than we can imagine.

We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8

Now, about the mask which is coming back into the overall picture again. Some people never stopped wearing them. Do I feel they help? No, I do not, but that is my opinion. I have not studied it all out nor will I. Those who do not know the Lord, masks might be a temporary answer for them. Mask or no mask, that horrible virus hit a lot of people, and many did die.

For the Christian, our answer is Christ and Christ alone. Christians have a big advantage over non-believers regarding Covid and masks: We know that if this virus does take us out, we know WHERE WE ARE GOING! Sadly, non-believers have no idea that they are choosing their destination ‑ hell!

If someone asks me, I tell them what I feel, but if I am not asked, it is none of my business! Everyone is at a different place with this life. My greater concern is whether they know where they are going after death! So you go forward with the Lord, live what you know to be truth, do what our manual for success tells us, the Bible! Then all will be alright!

Attending Online

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 15:00:09 GMT

When Covid hit, sadly many churches closed and people began “attending” online. It became comfortable and people got used to watching in their pjs or whatever. But it grieves me to know that many are continuing that habit. When I hear a Christian say, “I don’t have to go to church. I watch it online and worship that way. It’s just as good!” I say, “Oh, Really? Just as good?” What does the Bible say about that?

I am not a fan of live streaming or internet programs. For the shut-in, it’s great, but if we can get to a fellowship, we are supposed to! Actually, it’s a command, not “if I feel like it!”

Christ followers are the Church! The building is just a building! We, the Church or the Body of Christ, are commanded to assemble together.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25

The word assembling means to gather together for worship! Whatever the place — large or small building, a home, or down by the riverside — does not matter! We go to learn, to pray, to give, and to sing praises to our Lord together. This builds us up in our faith and encourages those around us too.

We must be careful not to fall into the trap of thinking we have it all together, that we don’t need to assemble with other believers. This kind of thinking is not only foolish but dangerous to the believer!

And He Himself (Jesus) gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13

Be Obedient!

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 22:11:45 GMT

Each year I give the word of the Lord for that year. Here is the word of the Lord for 2023:

Thus He showed me: Behold, the lord stood on a wall made with a plumb line, with a plumb line in His hand. (Amos 7:7)

A plumb line is a measuring line used by carpenters to keep their work straight. The Lord has a plumb line drawn for His children to stay on while living life on this earth. If His children get off the line, they are allowing the world or self to guide their life. We have to fight the good fight (follow the rules of the Bible), running the race of life by faith. Let go of those things in the past and always press toward the goal of life forever with Jesus Christ.

I pray that 2023 is a very blessed year for us all!

Wondering

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 14:00:01 GMT

Dear Judy,

Does it matter which Bible version is used? The New International Version is easier to read than the King James Version, but the Amplified Bible gives better descriptions. Thank you!

Dear Wondering,

Personally, I prefer the New King James. I go further to say I prefer the New King James Spirit- filled Life Bible! I recommend this one because it has the Hebrew and Greek definitions of certain words. It also has many tools at your fingertips for understanding the Scriptures.

The Bible you want to use is a translation from the Hebrew and Greek, not a paraphrase or one person’s work. You may want to look up individual words to see what they mean and how they are used. A paraphrase Bible is not a word for word but a paragraph by paragraph. If you do some studying about them, they make each paragraph easy to understand, but it might be very different from the original meaning.

I like to use several different translations when I am studying. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you. When you are at your church, you might want to use the same version your pastor or leader is teaching from. If it’s only a paraphrase, though, I would not sit under their teaching. I do not want someone else’s opinion on what they think the Scripture is saying to help me understand it. The Holy Spirit will help you with understanding.

All the versions you mentioned are translations with credible translators who used the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts. I have used them all. I have pastor friends who preach out of many different translations. So, enjoy the Word of God and as I always say, it is our manual for success! The key is to get in it, read it, and obey it!

,

Believer

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 19:50:33 GMT

Dear Judy,

I want to first say, Judy, I love the Lord! But I’m having trouble keeping out thoughts of despair as I watch the news every day. The shooting of innocent people coming out of nowhere. How to cope?

Dear Believer in Jesus,

You use the word cope which means “to face and deal with responsibilities, problems, or difficulties successfully or in a calm or adequate manner.” The first step you have taken is accepting and loving the Lord. With this in place, you have Him as your refuge. Plus, He has given you a manual for success no matter what is happening around you – the Bible.

1 Peter 5:6-10 says, Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

We must remember who is behind all this discord and killing. When we start to get frustrated, we need to cast the reason for that on the Lord. Anything that causes us distress becomes a care in our life, and it needs to be given to the Lord. The devil looks for those who are burdened down with worldly concerns. They become an easy target for his dirty work.

I strongly suggest that you search the Bible for promises from the Lord and stand firm on them. Don’t be wavering in and out of believing, but trust that our Lord is faithful no matter what. How to cope is only done by the Word of the Lord . . . and maybe shutting off the TV. Hope this helps!

Encourager

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 19:50:29 GMT

Everywhere we look, some kind of tragedy is taking place. In other nations, in America, and closer to home, even in our own towns. The enemy is causing disaster, despair, and destruction of property and lives.

I lived without Jesus Christ in my life for many years, and I cannot imagine living without Him now! Without Jesus, there is no eternal purpose to life. Oh, we might have things going the way we want at the moment, but no Jesus, no hope for eternity. Eternity is a very long time so we all need to give serious thought to where we are going to spend it.

But putting one’s trust in Jesus brings a great purpose! No matter what happens, good or bad, believers have hope and Jesus is His name! When we understand this truth and live this truth, we are to share this truth with others. We must be ready to bring encouragement to others, lifting those who are in need or are beaten down by life. We all need encouragement to continue going forward when overwhelming situations arise.

The Lord encourages us throughout our journey with Him. Christ has already overcome the world and won the victory for us. He gave us our manual for success (Bible) full of His promises for our faith to arise causing good courage to overcome all. So let’s get in His Word today and stand on His promises, and encourage those around us to do the same!

So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Acts 20:32

Searching One

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 19:00:24 GMT

Dear Judy,

I worship with a loving group of people, but I think I'm outgrowing most of them, spiritually. I want more from my relationship with the Lord than what is being presented to me where I am. How will I know when it's the right time to move on?

Dear Searching One,

This is a hard question to answer because worship means to serve, have adoration, and reverence. All parts of the service are worship so when you feel you are outgrowing them spiritually, it may be time to rethink if you are where you belong, just as you are doing.

It is wonderful to have a fellowship that is loving and worships the Lord together, but we also need a pastor who is challenging us from the pulpit to become who God wants us to become. We are to be challenged to touch those who do not know the Lord to come to Jesus Christ, our only hope. We must be challenged to rise higher in the spirit of God, to know the spiritual realm and know the earthly from the spiritual. If this is not taking place where you followship, then the Holy Spirit will lead you elsewhere to equip you in this dynamic. Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit!

“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11,12

Thank you Lord!

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 18:58:15 GMT

So many people are going through tough times . . . I did say going through because when we are a child of God, we have Him holding our hand through it all! We live in a fallen world, but we are not of it! We need to rise up with a grateful heart for all His help and guidance.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. Psalm 100:4

I see people being thankful for so many things other than the ONE who made it possible for them to have those things, and most of all, for them to have eternal LIFE! His name is JESUS! Look around at what we have been blessed with; then be grateful to Him for allowing us to have it. Yes, our country has its problems and growing concerns, but if we study most other countries, we will be very grateful for what we have here!

All things belong to the Lord and He has made us stewards over both the spiritual and natural of which He has given us. Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:1,2

Put the Lord first with a grateful heart of thanksgiving before your new car, job, house, even the family! Yes, be grateful for what He has given you, but put Him first! Even if you are in desperate need, just keep thanking Him and praising Him with your hands lifted high and see what happens to your faith level. It will become so stable and high. Never quit. Just trust and believe in the goodness of your loving Heavenly Father! Thanksgiving means to extend a hand in adoration. If you have never lifted your hands in thanksgiving to God, try it. You need to do just that!

Unsure One

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 15:53:13 GMT

Dear Judy,

For reasons I won't mention here, sometimes when I give my tithes or offerings, I feel like I'm sowing into bad ground and it really bothers me. Is there something wrong with my thinking?

Dear Unsure One,

As followers of Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit in us who is to be our helper which means He will guide and direct us. We must know what kind of ground we are sowing into to get a good harvest. The Holy Spirit’s job is to show us all truth. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. (John 16:13) If you know something is happening that you know is not biblical, then you should not sow into that. At times we do not see or know something is wrong, but you said you feel like it’s bad ground.

We do not go by feelings because our feelings are part of our soulish realm which is our mind, will, and emotions! Many times, they are moved by our likes or dislikes. That will cause us to have a “feeling.” We have to be led by our spirit man which is subject to the Holy Spirit. When my spirit starts to be disturbed by a deep lack of peace, then I pay attention. This is when I ask for the Spirit to show me the truth of whatever it is. In this case, you would ask the Spirit where to plant your tithes and offerings. We have to learn how to hear what the Holy Spirit is telling us because He will lead us into all truth because He knows everything about the issue. Pray and obey…. I hope this helps.

Speak Up!

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 18:55:18 GMT

So many people are looking to this government to solve their problems. I am here to tell you, it won’t! Everywhere around us are a whole lot of very angry people. I say quit watching the news. I say get out and VOTE; then let it go.

Christians and non-Christians alike have an awesome opportunity to be part of the selection process of all our governmental leaders. I hear Christians say what’s the use to vote? We are part of the United States of America and if every Christian would vote for candidates who have biblical morals, then it just might change things, but when we, as Christians, vote for those who are against biblical principles, we have become part of the problem.

We followers of Christ are in the world but are not of it! Yes, this is truth, but our Lord has given each one of His people an assignment and that is to speak up, be bold, and if we can be part of a change TOWARD God, we are to do that! Anger does not solve anything. It just stirs up more anger. We are not to react but to respond with gentleness and kindness which will help bring peace in a situation. We can be bold and speak up with a gentleness and calmness, choosing our words according to what the Holy Spirit wants us to say. When we say what He wants, the truth will make a difference.

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

Upset One

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 14:00:14 GMT

Dear Judy,

I’m very upset. This Manual for Success as you call the Bible says "Calamity will surely destroy the wicked..." Psalm 34.21. We all agree, Putin is wicked, so why is the Lord allowing him to destroy the Ukraine and its people, many who believe in Jesus? What kind of love is this?!

Dear Upset One,

You sound mad, confused and hostile! Looks like you read my column because you notice I call the Bible our manual for success! Rightly so! I personally know pastors and other believers who are in Ukraine who are helping refugees and preaching the Gospel. I am told by them that many are giving their life to Christ and now have heaven as their Home.

In the first book of the Bible (Genesis), God gave man dominion over the earth, and as we can see, man has done a poor job. God created man with a free will and man’s free will went above God’s will, causing disharmony in every area of life.

Evil has existed from Genesis and will stay until the return of Jesus Christ. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) This verse is taken so lightly. This verse is for every human being! Yes, even Putin! Follow and be obedient to God or Follow and be obedient to Satan. This is a choice every human being must make!

When we are Followers of Jesus Christ, we must remember that we live in a fallen world and the world systems are governed by evil. Our Lord Loves us so much He came from heaven to earth to show us the way. Heaven is our Home and we are just passing through! Material things can be taken away and even our life here, but we will never die, just change addresses.

Here in good old USA we have a mess! Why? Because the USA left the manual for success, The Bible! Now going the way of evil! But Psalm 34:17 says, The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. Our deliverance is a better place than this earth! So whatever comes our way, we stand on that!

Our brothers and sisters in the Ukraine are about the Father’s business bringing others into the Kingdom of God where the only true life exists! We must be doing the same!

Are we pleasing God?

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 14:00:14 GMT

I am getting calls from people who need understanding about the signs of the times and how to live through all the wickedness going on around us. How do we please God in all the tragedy?

The Bible has all the instructions we need to follow. They will bring us through whatever is coming. Remember, our Lord knows about the unknowns that come our way. Seems like every day a new tragedy happens. Gloom and doom is everywhere, but we must not allow ourselves to fall into the trap of the media. Let’s purpose in our heart to see all this from God’s perspective. It's found in His Word!

Hebrews 11:6 says, But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. This is a powerful Scripture. Living in fear is not going to please our Lord. Only faith pleases Him! And our faith comes from believing that our Lord is who He says He is. It says He is the rewarder and we will be the “rewardee” if we diligently seek Him.

Faith is a combination of trust, confidence, assurance, courage, and action! It is an inner conviction that results in action. Diligently seeking Him is to crave, search out. How do we do that? We have to get in His Word, the Bible, and read to know what He has promised us, and to know His values and principles for living this life.

In the midst of all that’s going on today, let’s purpose to fulfill our purpose which is to bring others to eternal LIFE because without eternal LIFE, there is only eternal death! Jesus is life, so walk by faith and not by sight! Our brothers and sisters in Ukraine are telling others this life is temporary; come to eternal life and His name is Jesus! They are living this truth. Let’s do the same! Let’s let the light of Jesus shine through us and dispel all the darkness around us.

Rise in Courage

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 17:15:00 GMT

If we belong to the Lord, we have a manual for success as we go through this journey, and it is the Bible. I say manual for success because we will find no other book that holds the answers for our life!

So many times, we go through life looking for answers because we feel like we are sinking lower and lower. Without Jesus and His Word, we probably are sinking! I have been there and done that and know many of you readers have also. I was not poor and had a great business, but my inside was so void of satisfaction and peace! When I came to the Lord and realized how much He had done for me, I wanted to live eternally with Him. From that marvelous day of believing and putting my life in His hands, my life changed! Life was still hard, but I had a whole book full of instruction to guide me! The only truth is found in that book!

For example, I found Joshua 1:9: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. These are wow words! I am commanded as a Christian to have good courage and not be afraid. I now see how we belong to Christ. Remember, our comfort here is temporary, but our faith and trust in God will endure forever. When we face the unknown, it can bring fear, but we must remember that our unknown is not God’s unknown. Our Lord is all-knowing. There is nothing He does not already know. And He is worthy of our trust!

God calls us to forsake our own agenda and follow Him. We need the courage to move past our fears when we face overwhelming issues. We need to allow faith to arise believing that God is good, and He is for our good. God will do the impossible for us and bring forth His promises. So, we must arise and have good courage and cross over to the “promise land” which is His promises.

Friend

Sat, 28 May 2022 17:02:41 GMT

Dear Judy,

Wow, are the times hard! Everything has gone upside down. The city I live in is getting very liberal and dangerous! I love the Lord and would you give me a Scripture to rely on? Please help.

Dear Friend,

I want to encourage you to keep going forward with the Lord. All of His promises are sure and true. It might not look or feel like He is with us or working on our behalf, but He is! Yes, a lot of cities and whole states are moving toward the liberal side which will only cause greater moral decay and violence, but then those are the ways of the world. When we take trusting in God and praying out of the picture, nothing else can arise! That is the job of our enemy, the devil, who comes for no other reason than to destroy. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10) Notice it says Jesus comes to bring life! Not just life but MORE abundantly! So much life we can give it to others!

In the Scriptures we read about David and all he went through, yet he praised the Lord and sang Him praises. He knew his help comes only from God. Let’s look at one of the Psalms he wrote and learn from it. Psalm 103:1-2 Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. Bless is an act of adoration and Benefit is to treat a person well.

I know if you mediate on these truths from the Bible (our only manual for success), you will be able to stand up with your faith and hope in the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone, knowing He has you covered no matter what might come your way! Sing to the Lord and thank Him for all His benefits.

What are we seeking?

Sun, 01 May 2022 18:15:03 GMT

We live in a selfish, materialistic world where people are seeking after worldly goods to please themselves.

Sadly, this is even in our churches. We all need to take inventory of our heart and attitudes concerning this world. What are we seeking after and whom do we seek? Seek means to look for and go after. Our first and main focus is to be the Lord Jesus Christ and His righteousness. Then whatever we have need of, He shall supply! Let’s not allow the devil to deceive us and lure us with the world’s bidding. It holds nothing in comparison to what God has for us in this life and in the life to come.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Fearful

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 18:15:03 GMT

Dear Judy,

So many changes in our world. Things I could not have imagined. I love the Lord, but when I hear all the dark stuff in the news, it scares me. How do I keep from that happening!

Dear Fearful,

The greatest thing we always need to remember is what Jesus did on the cross for all humanity! He came from heaven to earth and went through a horrible death as He paid the price for all our sins; then He rose again and is alive and well, sitting at the right hand of the Father interceding for us! That is the good news! Those who believe this are saved and have eternal life. This means that once we complete our earthly journey, we shall live with Him forever! What could be better than that?

And God does not want us to keep this wonderful truth to ourselves. We should want others to know Him also. (Do you?) We are now ambassadors for Christ and reconcilers for Christ , according to 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, 6:1. Wow, what a job. When we remember this, we will know our Lord is with us and will help us to finish what we are purposed to do.

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

Yes, we should know what is going on in the world and our hometowns, but we have to monitor how much we allow in our life. No matter how dark or terrible things look, our Lord tells us to read His Word to know truth! We are called the light of the world, and light always dispels darkness! So if you are getting fearful, shut off the TV and read your Bible more to allow His promises to penetrate your life.

But You, O LORD, do not be far from Me; O My Strength, hasten to help Me! Palm 22:19

So Dark

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 18:15:03 GMT

We are experiencing the darkness of the world all around us! It can be very upsetting. So many things changing. Sadly, I’m seeing even Christians changing, like a thermometer, in their faith level, joy level, hope level, love level…. Troubles come and their level drops. Our manual for success is the Word of God, the BIBLE! We have to choose to either be a thermostat, which keeps a constant temperature, or be a thermometer which changes with its environment!

A person who does not have Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior is like a thermometer constantly changing with the times and what is going on around him, but Christians are to be different! We have the Lord and His promises in the Bible to trust in and believe. When we read, trust, believe, and do what the Bible tells us, we will be like a thermostat keeping a constant level of confidence, with our faith, joy, hope, and love levels HIGH! Why? Because no matter how dark it gets, our Lord never changes! People change, things change, situations change, but the Lord Jesus Christ never CHANGES! He never goes back on His promises to us. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8

We are not accountable for others; just accountable for ourself. This might be a good time to look deep inside and allow the Holy Spirit to search our hearts. Are we a thermostat or a thermometer?

Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23,24

Curious

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 03:46:35 GMT

Dear Judy,

I’ve heard friends talk about something and have no clue what it means. What is backsliding? Thanks!

Dear Curious,

That is a question a lot of people want to ask, but do not. We hear talk among Christian circles, “Oh, I think he’s backsliding,” or “I’m sure she’s going to backslide if she doesn’t get her focus back on Jesus.” Backsliding means to go back, to retreat, turn away. Proverbs 14:14 puts it clearly: The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied from above. So, backsliders are Christians who allow themselves to be filled with their own ways, or who choose to live for something, someone, or self, more than they want to live for Christ.

All through the Bible, we read how God’s people wandered from the things of God and became backsliders, so this is nothing new! My people are bent on backsliding from Me.

Though they call to the Most High, none at all exalt Him. (Hosea 11:7) It truly is easy to start sliding away from our first love of Jesus. The secret to NOT backslide or slip away from the boldness and fervency we had for the Lord when first saved is to stay in prayer and in our only manual for success, the Bible. Stay full of His Word and keep claiming His promises to us. Look to the One who is eager to help us 24/7. That will keep us going forward, not backward. When the people of God did look to the Lord, He brought them back to Himself.

I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, for My anger has turned away from him. (Hosea 14:4)

Use Wisdom

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 03:40:59 GMT

I get a kick out of some of these ads that say “Spend More, Save More!” or “Buy 2 — get the 3 ^rd FREE!” “Only 3 left! Sale ends midnight tonight!” Businesses pay big bucks to figure ways to trap us. I was looking at a beautifully jeweled bracelet on a store’s online ad. I read everything about the bracelet which took a few minutes. Then I closed it out. The very next day I got an email from that store saying something like, “Still thinking about that bracelet, aren’t you? Can’t get it out of your mind, can you?” Unbelievable the depths advertisers will go.

These ads try to trick us into thinking of all we’ll save by buying more of their stuff. Truly, we’d save more if we’d just stay home or didn’t go online. We the followers of Christ must be very careful of the devil’s devices to suck us into his schemes to take our money. So many Christians are over their heads in debt when the Bible says, Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. (Romans 13:8) To owe means to be under obligation, be bound, in debt.

We are to be doers of the Word, not hearers only. I tell people never buy emotionally and never give emotionally. Ask the Holy Spirit if this is what you are to do. His job is to lead us into all truth, so let’s let Him to do it. Walk away and allow our emotions to be quiet over the item; then, if we are to have it, go buy it.

When a Christian lives above their means, they have fallen into the devil’s plan. John 10:10 says, The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. No way can we have that abundant life that our Lord promises if we are preoccupied with how we are going to pay our bills because of a silly emotional purchase. Followers of Christ — let’s not allow the enemy to trick us into worldly spending. Remember, we are to be good stewards of what God gives us!

Serious Times

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 00:11:30 GMT

We are living in very serious times. We never know what the next minute holds for us, or that we’ll have a next minute. I ask you, if you should die in the next second, do you truly know where you will go? Years ago, that very question haunted me. I knew there was a Creator God. I only had to look at the night sky to see that, or at the birth of a baby. But after death — then what? I certainly knew I was not coming back here as a worm or anything else. Reincarnation was not for me. So what was for me?

I will never forget when I got the news my dad only had six months to live. He looked me in the eyes and said, “Judy, I need to know where I am going!” Dad had grown up going to church, but he and my mom had long gotten away from all that. Now, death at his door brought the question, “Where am I going after I die?” I remember asking him, “Dad, Where do we start?” and his response was — the Bible!

Like any book, I started reading at the beginning, Genesis, and kept on reading aloud through the entire Bible. In the process, we discovered the truth of eternal life. As we read, God’s truth pierced our hearts and we both received Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord! We found the promise that not only do we have a citizenship here on earth, but also in heaven! Philippians 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Let me ask you, “Do you know beyond a shadow of a doubt where you will spend eternity?” I pray you do know.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

High in Faith

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 00:09:37 GMT

Dear Judy,

I am a Christian and I see so much fear around me. I even see it in the church I attend. I want to keep my faith high so how do I handle this?

Dear High in Faith,

I have said for years that I do not base my faith on someone else’s experience! Not even my own. We can only base our faith and keep our faith level high by trusting the Word of God and that alone. The Bible is our manual for success on this life journey. Nothing else will work.

God did not create humans to be robots; He gave us a free will. Every person has choices to make. Each moment we must decide what and who we will follow. If we do not choose to follow Jesus, then we choose to be defeated! It’s our choice.

Each person’s choice starts with one of the greatest Scriptures for all humanity: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 This is probably the most known verse in the Bible — and the most ignored. Great depth in it. Our salvation starts and continues with the truth of this verse.

Fear and faith do not mix; we are in one or the other. Dear Reader, you will handle those in fear around you by keeping your focus on trusting and believing in Jesus Christ, just as you did when you got saved. The Lord has a lot for you to do. Keep your faith level high, and you’ll accomplish that by looking up, not around!

Stay Focused

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 18:10:51 GMT

It is hard for me to wrap my head around the words “2022.” 2021 came and went so fast. We, as Americans, and all the world, had so much to contend with! People ask me what I think the future holds. Well, first, I do not see into the future, but I do know that the Bible is the only truth we can stand on. I also know that only standing on the promises of God will help us through 2022.

One of the greatest Scriptures we can follow is Matthew 6:33-34: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

The word seek means “to search for,” and that is exactly what we must do. No more just thinking about, but doing. Only His kingdom and His righteousness will see us through. Often we get too far into what tomorrow’s problems might be instead of handling today’s.

Every day as we wake up, we should ask the Holy Spirit to guide us through the day. We need to start everyday by believing in the promises and protection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Every day we have a choice ‑ to walk in the thief’s plans or our Lord’s plans. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I [Jesus] have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10) Satan is called a thief because he will do all he can to keep us from receiving the more abundant life Jesus Christ has for us.

Let’s stay focused and not allow fear to overcome us this year because we know Who we serve. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) When fear tries to come on us, remember it is not from God! So let’s replace it with one of God’s many promises. Our Lord has given us good and perfect power, love, and a sound mind! This New Year let’s focus on Jesus!

Friend

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 18:06:56 GMT

Dear Judy,

I am a Christian as are most of my family. Most of us live far from each other. I have Christian friends I feel closer to than I do my own children. Somehow this doesn’t seem right. Is it?

Dear Friend,

We do not choose our birth family, but we do choose our friends. Good Christian friends are so valuable to us, but we need to be careful to not put too much emotional stuff on them. The Lord Jesus Christ is the One to give us our emotional support... more than family or friends. He is the only perfect family or friend we will ever have.

Even though our family members are Christian, it does not mean we agree on everything. We must agree on Jesus and let all else go. Our friends on the other hand, we choose! So be wise when choosing. Choose those who will be co-laborers with you for Jesus! We have a purpose to fulfill while here on this earth. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38) We are the laborers and the enemy wants to distract us with issues. Family issues is one the biggest tools the enemy uses.

These friends we pick will stay close to us as we walk this walk of life. A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24) Let us spend some time looking at ourselves and allow the Holy Spirit to show us how we can be a better family member and friend. If an issue is not in the scope of eternity, it really does not matter. Stick to Jesus. He is the only perfect one and the only one who will never let us down!

Time to Think

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 22:13:31 GMT

December is a busy month for us all. In the midst of all the busyness, believers must get excited about Jesus and what He has done, what He is doing, and what He is going to do!

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:1-5

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

These are great scriptures to mediate on as we are about to enter a new year. When we go to bed at night and when we get up each morning, a great peace will come on us because, as believers, we have given our life to the creator of it all and He holds it all together. He came from heaven to earth to show us the way! This brings me great comfort because I know that no matter what comes my way, my Lord and Savior will see me through!

If we get so busy focusing on other things and allow this great understanding to be pushed to the side, our life will be full of chaos and confusion. Let’s mediate on what went right this year and what went wrong. First and foremost, wrong is if we have not received Jesus as our personal Savior, or if we have placed Him second to anything or any person.

Let’s take some time this month to purpose in our heart to change some things so next year is more fulfilling than this year. And remember why we celebrate Christmas — JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!

Troubled One

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 22:11:02 GMT

Dear Judy,

I have trouble expressing how uptight I get at Christmastime. It is full of decisions I just have trouble making! What to give? To whom? Where to go? It brings up past stuff . . . and on and on. I know it is not about me but about Jesus, but I can’t seem to get past the anxiety of it all! Help !

Dear Troubled One,

You are sure not alone in this dilemma, but the answer is found in Jesus and His Word to us. We have to take control of our time and our thoughts. We also have to let go of what others expect of us. This whole season is about the birth of Jesus and His coming to earth!

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

To be anxious is to be constantly giving thought to something. The enemy does not want us to obey this scripture because then we will be pulled into depression; then oppression will come. The Apostle Paul uses the word NOTHING and that means what it says. Whatever comes our way, give it to the Lord. Then we won’t be hanging on to it. If we do not own it anymore, then we’ll have no reason to be anxious.

I am not into the fat man in the red suit! He did not come to die on the cross for our sin to make us free to live for eternity! He only comes to hand out presents that only last a season! Jesus brought us the gift of His life — eternal life for all mankind!

Christmas is a birthday party for Jesus! We come to the Lord and worship Him and Him alone. When our focus mainly is on Him, we will stay out of debt and have a priceless celebration day!

Wondering

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 15:23:26 GMT

Dear Judy,

I’ve been wondering, is it ok to work on Sunday? I mow my lawn, wash my car, help my kids paint their house, etc., and even do office work sometimes. My Christian friend says I shouldn't do any of that. It's a day the Lord wants us to rest... When else would my lawn get mowed?? Appreciate your thoughts.

Dear Wondering….

I do not see you saying anything about going to church on Sunday, reading your Bible, and prayer! Church service on Sunday is a time we go and bless the Lord with our worship and praise. While we are there, we will be hearing a sermon, reading Scripture, and prayer will go forth. This brings peace and resting to our souls, and feeds our Spirit. Exodus 34:21 says, "Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; in plowing time and in harvest you shall rest."

Rest is about recovery. It is knowing when we are drained, exhausted, and need to breathe deeply for a while. It is us recognizing our limits and how we are handling the demands of our daily life. Rest is about renewal. It is spending time with God so that we are spiritually made new. We must learn to remove things that cause mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical depletion from our life. Many times this is not easy because so many demands take first place in our life. We must be aware that our body and spirit need refreshing and renewing which means spending time with the Lord in His Word and prayer.

If the daily chores or even fun stuff come before going to church on Sunday, then yes, working is wrong. Many people have their job demands on Sunday. We should strive to get Sundays off so we can go to church and fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. But if that is not possible, then look for an evening or mid-week service. Remember, even Jesus pulled away from the crowd and rested. His rest was spending time with the Father. So make your priority with Jesus first; then mow your lawn. You’ll be happier and healthier for it.

Where do you find comfort these days?

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 15:21:08 GMT

We live in very difficult, stressful times but let’s remember we have the Father of mercy who will help us through it all. God also comforts us through our problems.

Our Heavenly Father will not deliver us from all our situations, but He will always comfort us in and through them. Peace comes when we understand and are secure in that fact.

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6

The key to these above statements is to believe them. Many people say they believe that Jesus is with them all the time, but live as if He does not exist! Fear is not of God. We cannot be in fear and faith at the same time. It is a choice to allow the things of this world to engulf us, or live our life confidently know that Jesus is right by our side through it all! Only He can comfort us in overwhelming situations. I say to many, TURN OFF THE NEWS! It only tells of the negative (no shortages there!), but our Lord tells us of the positive. He is the one who brings comfort, and He is the only one who CAN bring us comfort.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ." 2 Corinthians 1:3¬5

A World Upside Down

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 21:15:00 GMT

Our world is upside down. I live in California and wow is our state having a hard time. (Like many of our states, actually!)

Again this year, we are experiencing huge fires that have already burned many thousands of acres. The town of Greenville burned to the ground! And thousands of families in other towns have evacuated, pending fire coming their way. On top of that, people who lost their homes in previous years are suffering devastating flash backs.

Another huge disaster is our lack of water! Entire towns are running out of water because of the drought. Lakes and reservoirs are going dry which means wells are going dry! Just nine miles from where we live, people turned on their faucet and nothing came out! Another state has insects eating their crops. We just came through the Covid stuff, and now another strain is causing havoc.

If you read your Bible at all, you can see these are signs of the times. I think this scripture is for today: Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, and the strength of salvation; The fear of the LORD is His treasure (Isaiah 33:6). Wisdom and knowledge will stabilize us in these trying times. Fear of the Lord means reverencing the Lord. That is a treasure we will have when we humble ourselves before the Lord and allow Him to show us His wisdom and knowledge at this time. Our salvation is the only strength we will ever have!

The world holds nothing for us. Only know that we are just passing through and heaven is our home if we are followers of Jesus. We still have a lot to do if we call ourselves a Christian. Fear or Faith is a choice, and we cannot be in both at the same time. The Bible is our manual for success, and there will be no success outside the instructions given to us in it. Jesus said in Matthew 26:41: Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. This is a good word for us today. The temptation is to believe all the world says and do what it says! Watching and praying will keep us focused on Christ and Christ alone. Without Christ, NO hope! With Christ, the ONLY hope! Choose today!

Concerned Mom

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 21:12:46 GMT

Dear Judy,
My son has been in rebellion for the last several years. Lately, he has begun reading his Bible again and studying with a friend. I am glad this is happening, but I still have concerns. I am trusting that the Word will get IN my son as he studies. I will not stop praying, but am I just kidding myself into thinking all will be well just because he is studying his Bible again? Thanks!

Dear Concerned Mom,
We all have loved ones who need the Lord. You stay very excited to hear that your son is studying the Bible with a friend. For him to do that means he is seeking truth, and when we seek, we shall find. The Bible is the only truth that will rule over rebellion. If he and his friend are studying, then that means they look up the verses and discuss them. Isaiah 55:11 clearly says, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. I suggest that you stand on this scripture and do not let the devil lie to you that your son will always be a rebel.

You need to get excited and continue to pray for him that he will continue to grow in the Word of the Lord and one day give his heart to Jesus Christ. I too was a rebel before I got saved but I started to read the Bible and my mind got renewed. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2). I stopped looking like the rebellious world I lived in, and my mind was transformed into the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I believed the truth when I read how Jesus died on the cross for my sin and rose again and is alive and well. He did that for me, and He did that for your son and for the world! But we must choose to believe!

So keep thanking the Lord for your son’s seeking truth. Psalm 34:10 says, … But those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing. We have promises, so trust, believe, and stand firm that truth will replace rebellion in your son.

Who is Your Master? Faith or Fear

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 01:20:57 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

I know I talk about “Faith or Fear” a lot but in the times we are living in, we MUST know that a Christian cannot be in both at the same time! We are in one or the other, Faith or Fear! Notice, I put faith before fear. Why? Because faith will drive out fear in all circumstances in our life if we allow it to. I have to say, at times I am ashamed of people who call themselves Christians and yet act the same as this unbelieving, frightened world.

We Christians have the only hope in the world, and if we show fear in these perilous times, why would anyone want the Jesus we are proclaiming! Fear comes from the devil and Faith comes from our Lord.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) This scripture shows us clearly that fear is a spirit, and not of God, so where is it from? The devil! Our Lord gives us power, love, and a sound mind! We choose faith or fear!

Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself (Jesus) likewise shared in the same, that through death (the cross) He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil. (Hebrews 2:14-15) Our Lord on the cross defeated the enemy!

For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:7-8) Let’s quit looking at things through natural eyes, but look through the spiritual eyes of faith! Get in His word and read His promises. The Lord gave us faith when we got born again and now we live by faith in His kingdom. Whether we live or die, we are with Christ. We have to stop being earthbound and get heavenbound! Faith or fear—our choice!

A Christian is called to the purposes of God and that is to bring others to faith in Jesus Christ! Fear will not accomplish the call of God on our life. Only faith in the living God pleases Him.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Choose this day who is your master: the devil or Jesus Christ?—Faith or Fear?

Sensitive One

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 01:08:56 GMT

Dear Judy,

As the days draw nearer to the return of the Lord Jesus, I find people more difficult to get along with. Are people truly becoming more selfish and more offensive, or am I being too sensitive? Thanks.

Dear Sensitive One,

We are called to be sensitive to the Spirit of God. He shows us things and declares things to us. Yes, selfishness is huge, maybe becoming more so, not only in worldly people but in believers. Offensive they are also, but we are not to get offended because it solves nothing. A selfish, offensive person is deceived and not walking in the light of Jesus, but in the darkness of his or her worldly self! Most times it’s not even caused by the devil, but by their flesh wanting its own way! The Bible tells us . . .

. . . that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (2 Timothy 3:1-6)

The Apostle Paul wrote this to Christians! Perilous times means difficult, dangerous, and morally corrupt. This is where we live! Our nation is becoming more ungodly and chaotic by the day. We are not to be like the world. Yes, I do believe Jesus is coming back soon. We do not know when, but we are to be ready and waiting for His return, doing our daily life bringing people into the kingdom of God.

People are watching us. Let’s make sure our character is in line with God’s Word! It is called a personal relationship with Christ. We are each accountable for our own actions, including how we handle selfish and offensive people. Hope that helps.

Fearful One

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 16:33:20 GMT

Dear Judy,

I'm older and have seen long-time friends get cancer and all they go through. I have no one who could care for me if I were to go through what they have. Frankly, I'm really scared of that C word. I keep checking for lumps, afraid one day I'll find one! This concern is starting to control my thoughts.

Dear Fearful One,

You did not say whether or not you are a Christian. If you are not, then it’s understandable that you are afraid. But if you are a Christian, you have no business being overly concerned (or obsessed in your case) with the C word! A child of God is told not to fear!

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

This verse says God did not give us this fear, so it comes from the enemy. God gives us power, love, and a sound mind and a sound mind has no fear in it. If you have no one to help you go through something overwhelming, remember, you have your Lord who promises to be with you always.

If a Christian walks around afraid of getting something, what kind of conduct is that showing others? What kind of Christian are we if we are not believing our Lord loves us so much that he died for us and will help us through whatever comes our way?

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" Hebrews 13:5-6

We have eternal life! The unbeliever cannot say that. Only we who believe in Jesus Christ and His promises can.

Job 3:25 is a sobering verse. Job says, “For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me.” So instead of all your focus going to a “what if” mentality, allow your focus to go on God’s healing promises, His shelter and refuge promises, and all His other promises to His children. As our former President Franklin D. Roosevelt aptly put it, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself!” As a Christian, you be that person who goes through difficulties with the Lord Jesus Christ at your side! What a comfort that will be to you, and testimony to all around you.

Joy, Joy, Joy

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 16:30:26 GMT

Joy and more joy is needed in our society today. If we Christians cannot be joyful, how can we tell others they can have joy no matter what is happening around them? We live in very tough times and it is going to get worse, not better (read your bible). The Christian should be joyful through it all because we know to whom we belong, and we are just passing through this life to the next! Joy is a choice!

The world has nothing to offer the child of God! We are not to be friends with the world because then we are an enemy to God.

Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4

These are strong words given to us. We need to heed them. Friendship is a fondness for the world system and the things in it. We cannot have it both ways. We are either in the Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of the world. I sure do not want the Lord to be my enemy! That is a very fearful place to be!

To have joy in the world system would only be if the circumstances of life were perfect for us. But things are never just perfect…not for long anyway. We live in a fallen world with fallen things affecting us. Jesus found joy in the things He came to do for all of humanity!

. . . looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

Jesus shed His blood on the cross and rose again so that we too will rise and live for eternity with Him. He shouted from that cross “It is finished,” meaning He paid the price for us to be free from the bondage of sin. This brings great joy! Our salvation is what we have joy in, not the circumstances going on in our life!

“. . . Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; 'For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.'" Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:2-3

Is the Resurrection a Myth?

Sat, 17 Apr 2021 17:45:31 GMT

Here we are in April and soon will be celebrating Resurrection Sunday, or maybe you already have. It really makes no difference because we should celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ every day. Without the Resurrection, we have no hope.

1 Peter 1:3-4 says, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy, has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you. These are my hope-delivering scriptures that I stand on when the issues of life try to overwhelm me. Everything on this earth will pass away, so if we put our trust in anything here on earth, we are very silly because our hope is in a living God and one who has our inheritance saved for us in Heaven.

Heaven is the home for all those who have made Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior! We must believe we are sinners and need a Savior to cleanse us from all sin! Jesus paid the price for us on the cross by shedding His Blood for all humanity. Once we have believed (trusted in and relied upon Him), we no longer belong to our self but to Him. We are a part of the family of God. We are just sojourners and pilgrims on this earth with a purpose to see all come to the knowledge of Christ. Believers are no longer poor old sinners, but saints that still sin, but are quick to repent and ask God for forgiveness. We no longer have a lifestyle of sin which is missing the mark.

Every blood-bought child of God needs to adjust their thinking to the Resurrection of Jesus, not to the Easter bunny! Research it…Easter is pagan and Easter bunnies do not lay eggs. Our children should learn who Jesus is and the power of His resurrection, so they too can grow up with the assurance that He is with them and for them. I do not think the word Easter or bunny can do that.

We live in a world gone crazy so as Christians we need to help by praying, reading the word, and delivering the words of truth found only in the Bible. We need to do some straightening out based on truth from the Bible, not myths or magic which is not of God.

Concerned

Sat, 17 Apr 2021 17:40:30 GMT

Dear Judy,

I always consider myself as a forgiving person, even before I was saved I tried to see the best in people. But lately, I find myself seeing people from a different angle from the scope of eternity, so to speak. I see people as either saved or unsaved, but I still try to see good in everyone. I think that this is a fault in myself, thinking unsaved people can behave like saved people. Am I now being too critical?

Dear Concerned,

I like the words “in the scope of eternity”! I use that all the time. Eternity is the most important thing because it is forever. We should see people as saved or not saved because the saved and unsaved think differently. The Bible is clear on that. The Apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 6:14, Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? The key word here is fellowship… the unsaved or unbeliever is in darkness and has no understanding of the things of God. We are to witness to them and pray for the Holy Sport to work in their lives, but do not expect them to think the way a believer does.

There is good in most people, but that does not mean they are saved. Until a person comes to realize that they are a sinner and need a Savior, they are not born again with the Holy Spirit living in them. Once we are saved, we are in the world but not of the world. This is a huge difference.

As believers, we are told by the Lord we are to forgive everyone! Saved or not saved makes no difference. We are to forgive. Matthew 6:14-15 says, For, if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

We might not like what someone does, but we are to forgive them for it. When we do not, it only holds us prisoner to the issue. Let them go, and let God handle it. Look what Jesus did for us on the cross! He forgave us! I hope this helps.

Stench or Perfume?

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 23:43:29 GMT

Is our life a stench or a sweet perfume? If we call ourself a Christian or Christ-like, then we must do some self examination before we can examine others. I also like to ask, are we perfume or cologne? Cologne is wonderful but it fades quickly, whereas perfume is bolder and lasts longer. But both have a pleasing aroma! Stench on the other hand is offensive and foul smelling.

The Apostle Paul says the Lord will lead us to victory and cause a fragrance of the knowledge of Christ through us in every place! That to me is a Wow!

The closer our relationship to Christ, the stronger the delightful smell of eternal life becomes, not only to those in Christ and their lives being transformed, but also to those who do not have eternal life. I ask myself and other believers, are we perfume or cologne? Other Christians and non Christians need to see us as perfume. To the saved it is eternal life to them.

When we believers come into a situation, we bring the smell of life or death! Why? Because Jesus is life and those who want life must choose to believe in Him. Some choose not to receive what He offers and death is a very strong stench. I say to all of us, carry the strong aroma of eternal life! I say to those not living for Jesus, choose life today and not death. Follow the aroma of LIFE….JESUS!

Blessed in Him

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 23:39:57 GMT

Dear Judy,

I have noticed that the more time I spend in prayer, the better my attitude is, the better my days go, and the less I allow irritations to get to me. Is this normal?

- Blessed in Him!

Dear Blessed in Him,

Yes, that is normal! We live in the world, but we are not of the world when we have Jesus as our Savior and Lord! I tell people that when our vertical looking is based on Christ and Christ alone, then our horizontal looking will be correct. Our vertical looking is straight up to Jesus and His power and promises.

When we start our day praying and reading the Bible which is our manual for success, then our day starts correctly. We have His Word to stand on throughout our day and we have His direction because we sought Him in prayer.

B ut seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33). Matthew was talking about how all the worries of life can come upon us; they are very real. Life brings normal needs to survive and relations to handle. But this verse says to seek first (not second!) God and His righteousness. Righteousness is right-wise-ness! When this is done which is our vertical looking up to Jesus, then and only then will all other things come in line.

When we look to Him first, He will give us His peace and joy no matter what comes our way. When we read His Word and pray, it causes our spirit man to increase in our trust and faith in our Lord. It matures the fruit of the Holy Spirit in us which we can then apply to our everyday challenges that many times are people.

Our greatest priority is to seek the Kingdom of God FIRST before all else or anyone else. Then we will want God’s will in our life at all times. This is a choice for all of us. Choose the Kingdom of God first and be led by the Spirit. Choose anything else first and be led by feelings! Victor or Victim? Up to us.

Television, Live Streaming, or Assembling?

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 01:36:53 GMT

Did you stop going to church because yours closed down with the COVID lockdown? Have you been having “church” from your TV or computer in the comfort of your living room? If so, that is very, very sad. You see, the Church is made up of the people of God who come together in fellowship to worship the Lord. Whether they worship together in a building or a home or under the trees, it is believers in Jesus assembling together in fellowship. They meet together to learn, sing songs of praise to the Lord, pray, love one another, encourage one another, and so forth. Nothing can replace the assembling of the men and women, boys and girls, who consider Jesus their Savior and Lord. To assemble means to gather together!

There’s so much fear of that word assembling! If we are leaders in the Kingdom of God, we are accountable to stand firm on the word assembly and teach the people in our fellowship to continue to assemble, not in fear but in faith. Fear comes from the devil and Faith is of God! We cannot have both. Here are a few scriptures to back this up:

Psalm 89:5 And the heavens will praise Your wonders, O LORD; Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the saints. Do we really believe that is done from a live stream or TV program?

Psalm 111:1 Praise the LORD! I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation. This is certainly not fulfilled on live streaming or TV.

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Forsake means to leave something! We cannot be together encouraging one another, praying with one another by live streaming or TV.

We were not created to be loners who “do church” sitting in front of a TV or computer! God created us to bless and be blessed by gathering together. I know a habit can be broken in 30 days and one can be formed in 30 days! A lot of people are not going back to their fellowship to gather with other believers IN PERSON because of the new habit they have developed -- staying home and watching a sermon on TV or computer! If a person cannot get to a local fellowship, that is totally different than just staying home due to laziness. We are the Body of Christ and the whole body needs to assemble.

Jesus is coming back. What do we think He will say?

Irritated One

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 01:33:30 GMT

Dear Judy,

I am having a hard time dealing with unsaved people in my family. They curse, they get angry easily, and sometimes they drink, among other things. I don’t even want to be around them! What does the Bible say about not wanting to be around people like that in your family? I get irritated easily when I’m with them. While I love them, most of the time I don’t even like them, and I’m ashamed of feeling this way.

Dear Irritated One,

Because you are born again and a follower of Christ, you now have the Holy Spirit to lead you into all truth and show you things to come. Whether it is family or not, it is hard not to get irritated when evil things are going on around us.

Unsaved people think and do things differently than believers in Jesus. When we become saved, the things of this world should cause us to be agitated! We now live by what the Bible says and the principles of the Kingdom of God, not the world. The words of the prophet Isaiah speak volumes to us. Isaiah 5:20: Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Before we came to Christ and gave our life to Jesus, we too lived in darkness and did not know the light of Jesus Christ.

We are to pray for the unsaved, but we cannot participate in their wrong! No reason to be ashamed because Jesus speaks about separating ourselves from evil, and family is the hardest. Jesus teaches us very clearly that He did not come to bring peace but to separate the righteous from the unrighteous! Jesus said in Matthew 10:34-37, Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man's enemies will be those of his own household. These are hard words but necessary for the Christian to understand and to stand for the truth of the Gospel, no matter who it is, even our family members.

Stay in prayer and the Word. Trust and believe. Just as our Lord drew us to salvation, He shall draw others.

What Now?

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 16:17:08 GMT

Dear Judy,

I am starting a new year but I sure feel like I am bringing 2020, along with its bad decisions, fear, loneliness, depression and fatigue, into the new! I am a Christian but lack of fellowship has taken a toll on me. I find I am in my Bible less and less! What now?

Dear What Now,

You need to look for a church that is staying open through this COVID thing. I know a sister who drives one hour each way to get to a good fellowship that is open. We have to learn to push our self through laziness. Laziness is not in the Bible. The main way we are going to grow is through the Word of God. The Word is alive and life changing but not if we do not know what it has to say.

We Christians have so many promises and hope that the rest of the world does not have. Do we have problems? Of course, sometimes more so because the devil comes against those who want to succeed. Our purpose is to live in faith and hope, not fear. Our purpose is to bring others to the light of Jesus Christ, but if we have a downcast look and are always complaining and never content, who would want to follow that kind of Jesus?

Remember what Jesus said in John 10:10: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they (Christians) may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” All the issues you mentioned that you are bringing over from 2020 into 2021 are in the steal, kill, and destroy part and that is of the devil. Jesus does not give these to you but the dark side does. We must learn to live in the life and more abundantly part.

We have an antidote from the Bible for every issue that comes our way! All you mentioned are feelings and thoughts so the Apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 10:5, “casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ . . . .” We have to choose to do this! We can entertain thoughts against what God would say or cast them off us by bringing them under a promise of God.

Go to the Bible and look up what it says about each one of the issues you mentioned and choose to obey what it says. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue . . . . ” (Proverbs 18:21a).

Repentant

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 16:14:20 GMT

Dear Judy,

Since the beginning of 2020, our country has been in a great uproar. First, there was the flu from China (which is still here), then the President of the United States was under impeachment accusations. Next came fires across part of our land and numerous hurricanes in other parts, and now there is a real possibility of voter fraud and election scandals. Is this God's anger being poured out on America? Thanks for your insight!

Repentant in Louisiana

Dear Repentant,

Is God pouring out His anger on America? That’s a good question. I too have been repenting for America! It was founded on God and biblical principles. The Bible was taught and followed by most of our founding fathers. How could God not be angry with what is going on in this great nation? Killing babies, moral decay, no prayer in schools, same sex marriage, children and adults choosing to change their God-given gender, and on and on.

What is happening and has happened is horrible. God has given us the good and the perfect! Jesus went to the cross so people could be redeemed if they choose Him. I believe God is lifting His hand and the devil is trying to prevail. Actually, Jesus told His disciples (and He tells us): Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:4-14)

A New Year!

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 16:10:48 GMT

I am so glad that I am a child of God. I cannot imagine going through what we have gone through and are going to go through without knowing what Jesus did on the cross for me, and my faith in Him stands on that!

Unmovable!

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 16:20:18 GMT

I write the articles for this column a month before they come out in the paper so as I write this one, the election for the President of the United States is still undecided. I do hope all of you reading this voted! Voting is a wonderful privilege we have here in this country. No matter who wins the election, the actions of the follower of Christ is the same: Pray for those in leadership, whether we agree with them or not!

When we become a follower of Jesus Christ, we change kingdoms and now we are in the kingdom of God. Jesus says in John 15:19, If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. We live in this world, but we are not of this world. We are to live according to the standards of the Bible, no matter who our leaders are. We have a purpose while here on this earth and that is to represent Jesus Christ and bring people to Him. We cannot do that if we are caught up in all the stuff going on around us. We should always vote the Bible, not personality, and then just let it go and pray for those who are elected.

Our Lord is with us through it all and wants us to live in this world His way and not compromising His way. I am accountable for that before Him. I am not accountable for how others live!

2 Corinthians 1:12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God….

Remember heaven is our home if we call ourselves a Christian; we are just passing through here. Stay steadfast with the truth found only in the manual for our success (the Bible).

Hebrews 2:1-4 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?

Wondering

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 16:56:54 GMT

Dear Judy,

The Bible says we will be accountable for every word we speak. Does that include the songs we sing?

Sincerely,

Wondering from Louisiana

Dear Wondering,

The issue of the words coming out of our mouth is huge. We can love the Lord and be serving Him and still speak the wrong words which will truly hurt us. Why would singing be any different? Our mouth is singing so to me that is just speaking with a melody attached to it. No different.

The Bible is very clear about our mouth and the consequences of what we speak! Proverbs 18:21 says Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. This is pretty clear and whether we speak or sing, it’s the same consequence. “According to your faith” is what we speak! So if we do not read our Bible, we have no idea what the will of the Lord is or even who He is or what we have as Christians!

When the words of a song come up on the screen or singing from a song book, if the words do not match what is in the Bible, I do not sing it, just as I would not speak it. When we sing, we are singing unto the Lord. There is nothing but faith in our Lord which is the God of the impossible.

Some people suffer loss because they speak loss or sing a song with words that are not true to our Lord and who He is. You are snared by the words of your mouth; You are taken by the words of your mouth. (Proverbs 6:2) Sometimes we blame too much on the devil and not enough on the words we speak or sing.

The Bible is very clear about how instrumental our mouth is in our life. It can bring wisdom to overflow in all areas of our life. Proverbs 18:4: The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook. As we live our life here on this earth, we are accountable for every word we speak. Those around us need us to be singing and speaking correctly about what the Lord has done and is doing and is going to do.

So to answer your question, yes, we are accountable.

Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand. (The word of God) (Psalm 149:6)

Help is on the way!

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 16:54:12 GMT

I am writing this article from California which as most of you know has been hit hard with the virus and fires. I do feel it is time to re evaluate where we stand with the Lord.

So many Christians have been on the fence meaning one foot in the Kingdom of God and the other foot in the kingdom of the world or devil! We live in very serious times and if we call ourself a Christian, we have to make some major changes.

To be a born-again Christian is to be a follower of Christ and Christ alone. We will either be victorious and rise above all the horrible things going on in this land, or sink into them. Christians have a hope which non-believers do not have. I would hate to live in these times with no hope beyond the now. Tomorrow for Christians is greater than today.

We have help from the One who created us and all things! We can stand on the promise found in Psalm 38:22: Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation! Salvation means deliverance, help, safety, victory. So when we are saved, we simply ask for His help. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for my help. (Psalm 35:2) Our Lord is our protector even when we are in overwhelming situations and feel He is not with us. He is right there when faced with fires, virus, and the overwhelming moral decay so prominent in our society! At times we might need to say, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” When we ask we will receive because our help comes from the Lord!

Questioning One

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 16:33:00 GMT

Dear Judy,

Fear is running rampant these days! I live in a town where church was part of my life and that of many of my friends. So much has changed and so quickly, not only in how the church functions, but in how believers and even I function. Looks to me that fear of this virus has replaced faith and trust in the Lord! Why is this?

Dear Questioning One,

You are asking a very good question… a question all believers should be asking themselves. Yes, fear is very prominent everywhere. It is truly sad when it affects the Church, the Body of Christ which are the believers. Some people say the building is the church, but it is not! It’s just a building until the believers walk into it. It’s true, this virus stuff has brought huge changes in the believers.

Fear or faith? We cannot be in both at the same time. Fear is very real, but it is not of God! 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” God gives us the power to love and overcome fear with a sound mind that comprehends who God is in all His power and glory.

Born-again believers in Christ have a purpose and a function to fulfill. Heaven is our Home, but until it’s time for us to go there, we are to be bringing others to Jesus. The Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:7-8: For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. When we understand this verse, fear cannot come on us. Whether we live or die, we are still with Christ!

Luke 18:8 says, “...when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” This is a thought-provoking scripture that each believer must be ready to answer! Fear or Faith, we cannot have both at the same time, so instead of looking around at what others are doing, let us get ourselves ready to say, Yes, Jesus, I stand in faith until You bring me Home!

Strange Times

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 16:29:35 GMT

We are living in very strange times. I am a follower of the Lord, and I know what the Bible says about the end time. This is something every believer should know.

But I must say this came as a surprise to me all the virus stuff and the reaction from so many people everywhere. I know it is a true struggle for many who have had this virus, but no matter what the sickness, disease, or crisis, there is a true struggle.

As believers we have a living hope and His name is Jesus. Whatever comes our way, He is with us and we are with Him!

The determination of relying on and being a doer of the promises of God is what will see us through. We are foolish if we read or hear the Word of God and do not do what it says. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (James 1:22) Obedience is the key to victory!

When this pandemic is all over, something else will appear on the horizon to try to sidetrack us from standing in faith. That is because this side of heaven we will always have conflict! The enemy is about us giving up our hope and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s a choice. No matter what comes our way, choose to stand firm on the promises of God and help others come to Him. Time is winding down and Jesus is coming back. Heaven and Hell are very real, so I tell people wherever I go to get right with God before it is too late!

We have choices!

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 00:15:38 GMT

I see so many people who have trouble with happiness. No one is in charge of your happiness but you. Happiness is being content, cheerful, or merry and this does not depend on circumstances or people. It’s a choice! When we have Jesus Christ in our life, we can be happy no matter what is going on around us. Here are some promises from God to stand on!

A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. (Proverbs 15:13)

All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast. (Proverbs 15:15)

A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)

So many times we allow depression to enter our life; then we go to a doctor and he/she gives us a prescription! I am not against doctors and medicine but every medicine has warnings. Read the label. And most of the time the warning is worse than the actual thing wrong with us. The best prescription we can ever have is from Dr. Jesus and His words of wisdom and power. It is a decision on our part to stay happy and have a merry heart.

We Christians have no reason to fear or be depressed! We cannot be in fear and faith at the same time and we cannot be depressed and happy at the same time. It is our choice which of these we allow in our life. What I choose today will affect my tomorrow!

Standing Strong

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 00:13:07 GMT

Dear Judy,
I am shocked at how so many churches and pastors are still choosing not to worship together in person as a congregation. And many of those churches that are meeting are requiring people to wear a mask, even while praying! Jesus set me free from drugs and alcohol and I believe strongly that He can keep a virus from taking me out! What do you think about all this?

Dear Standing Strong,

I also am shocked! I too was set free from drugs and alcohol! I was like you, right in the middle of the enemy’s camp when Jesus came into my life and set me free. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (John 8:36) The word free means to liberate or deliver! I have used your exact words. If I have been delivered from those horrible things, no virus is going to take me out. People also say, the mask is not for me but I am afraid I will hurt someone else. The word fear should not be in our vocabulary except to fear the Lord which is the beginning of wisdom. Fear of the Lord is to reverence Him! Believing His words is giving Him reverence!

Fear and faith are total opposites! I know masks are required in many places, but in church? Please! The reality is that whether I live or die, if I am in Christ, I am always going to be with Him either way. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. (2 Corinthians 5:8-9) The key is to be well-pleasing to the Lord! So I ask the question to many who are not opening or returning to their fellowship – “What do you really believe Jesus would do?”
I also know I am not my own but I belong to the Lord and I am to live like He is in me and shining His light through me in this very dark world! I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain. (Galatians 2:20-21)
Hope this helps you and all the readers to rise up!

If Only...

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 20:00:04 GMT

Dear Judy,
I get those texts you send out each day. Something you wrote in today's baffles me. You wrote: “.... we are compelled to let go of our old life. We look forward in faith instead of backward in fear or regret.” I’m finding it impossible to quit regretting the mistakes I made. I was on fire for the Lord, but circumstances and isolation from believers eventually put the fire out. And you say to forget it and move on! How I wish I could.

Dear If Only,
Some of the readers do not know that I send a short daily devotional text message to those who want it. I am glad you are receiving them. You are right, I did say we look forward in faith instead of backward in fear or regret. But I did NOT say to forget it and move on. When we go forward in faith believing what the Word of God says and knowing that we are now living our life for Jesus, we are not allowing our past to control us.

Forget means to lose the memory from our mind, and that takes allowing the Lord to handle the past mistakes, knowing He can take the regrets and turn them around for us. The more we mediate on the Word of God and His promises, the more trust and belief in who we are in Christ will grow. The more we move forward, the further away our past becomes. The enemy will always try to bring up our past mistakes if we allow it but live in the abundant part of what Jesus did for us on the cross. “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

You say isolation from other believers? I am sure you can find a fellowship around you somewhere. If not, volunteer at a Christian ministry. Believers are everywhere; ask the Lord to help you with that issue. But believers do not make us on fire for the Lord; the Holy Spirit does. Maybe your priorities are wrong because the Holy Spirit brings the fire to us when we are in the Word and prayer. Relationship with God brings fire!

The Apostle Paul made a LOT of mistakes and I’m sure he had a lot of regrets before his encounter with Jesus, but here are his instructions to us: “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14) This is a choice!

Our Refuge!

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 19:56:49 GMT

What uncertain times we are living in. Things are changing day by day, minute by minute.

There are no certainties in this life – well, I should not say that because we do have some. The Bible and what it says is a certainty, the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ is a certainty, Jesus’ returning is a certainty, promises in the Bible are certainties, believing in Jesus Christ and going to heaven is a certainty, and not believing in Jesus Christ and going to hell is a certainty. These are all certainties. Whether we believe them as truth or not, they are still true.

So with Jesus in our life all the changeable seasons really do not matter to us because our God is not changeable. The promise of Him as my refuge is still the certainty I rely on and not what is going on or what the media has to say. “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, and will say, ‘Destroy!’” (Deuteronomy 33:27) A refuge is a place of safety for animals. Likewise, for Christians our refuge in God is a place of safety from all the traps and snares of the enemy.

During this journey we are on now, we see some huge bumps in the road before us. We have to speak who He is and what He promises us and know He is with us. We shall have no fear but faith when we mediate on His wonderful words to us. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” (Psalm 91:2) Stop and think when fear tries to arise and ask yourself, “Am I running to my God as my refuge and fortress and trusting Him?” When we worship Him in spirit and truth, our doubts fade away and our faith arises, no matter what we see or hear.

Confused and Shocked

Sun, 03 May 2020 15:23:19 GMT

Dear Judy,
I am very confused and I hope you can give me some insight into the craziness going on with my fellow Christians about that virus. I see fear and this really bothers me. Why are people so afraid? The world I can understand but followers of Christ? If Jesus really is who He says He, is why the fear?

Dear Confused,

I too am shocked at the reaction of many of my fellow brothers and sisters. I too would have never believed what I am seeing and hearing. Church doors closing? That is a wow to me also. But you and I are only accountable before God for how we act or react to this virus situation (or any situation).

Yes, Jesus is who He says He is and He is our healer and redeemer! He is our strength and refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah

The word Selah means to pause and think about it! If we believe the Scriptures and since the word of the Lord is true, then pause and think about what it says. NO FEAR! No matter what happens around us, our Lord has us covered.

We cannot be in fear and faith at the same time! I always tell people to keep their faith high because when a crisis comes, where your faith level is will be where you are. Little faith, no faith, big faith – it’s our choice, but when the crisis hits, it is very hard to climb up in our faith.

I do believe this is what we have and are seeing going on around us. We cannot live by sight but by faith. Habakkuk 2:4 Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith. If we live by or make our decision by what we see going on in the world, fear will overtake us but if we live our life and make all decisions standing in the faith of what Jesus did for us on the cross, by the power in His blood, His resurrection, and His ascension, then peace will come beyond understanding! Then joy will return!

I am one who does not believe the same anointing can come from a cell phone, computer, or TV! The body of Christ is designed to fellowship, worship, and learn together. We are designed to lay hands on the sick and they will recover. Jesus has given us the authority to bind and loose. I say to you and all readers that the times we are living in are called the last of the last days. We must watch and be ready for the return of the Lord. Every believer is in a different place with their faith so let’s just make sure ours is strong and unchanging!

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Is this Just the Beginning of Sorrows?

Sun, 03 May 2020 15:14:45 GMT

What a mess we see in the world and our nation. We have been and are watching things crumbling all around us. I sure would not like to be in this mess without Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and Lord.

To the believer we are watching prophecy unfold, and to the unbeliever, I would say you better take another look at the Bible because it is true! These times are dangerous but most exciting for the child of God.

Matthew 24:3-7

Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.

Here we are right in the middle of all this…The word pestilence means plague and diseases! God has not brought this on our world, but God knew it was coming! The devil is sure doing a great job with his purposes, but our Lord will turn it to good for His children.

Matthew 24:8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Sorrows in this verse means travail or pain like giving birth. It is like having a child which is messy, painful, and many times travailing, but in the end with the last push baby is born.

Matthew 24:13-14

But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Key words in this passage are ENDURES.. This does not mean to just hang on till the end but to stand against the conflict and to PROCLAIM OR PREACH the gospel of Jesus Christ until the end of it all. We win if we do not quit or get in fear. Truly we have seen so much fear coming from people who calls themselves believers. It is very unbecoming. We win because Jesus already said from His cross IT IS FINISHED. We are to stand now taking authority over the plans and purposes of the devil and to stand from the point of victory. We win! Read the back of the book (the Bible)!

Look up!

Sun, 03 May 2020 15:09:44 GMT

Through it all, keep your eyes on Jesus! I do believe this is the best advice I can give to myself and those around me.

When we do that, we will be looking at the One who has all the answers. Look up, not around! When we look up we are looking toward the heavens, but when we look down or around, we are looking only at the carnal world. Earthly carnal things change, but heavenly things always remain the same; they never change! Looking up and to the light of Jesus Christ, we will have joy and strength. Nehemiah 8:10 … Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Everyone who calls himself a Christian should have the joy of the Lord because his or her strength comes from that joy. We need to read the scriptures about joy and apply them to our life.

We live in a very sinful, sick world, but when we have Jesus in our life, we are to tell others about where our hope, joy, and peace come from -- His name is Jesus. He came to make a way (the only way!) for all people to have eternal life. We simply must believe and trust in Jesus Christ who died to pay for our sins. Our purpose is to tell others that they too can have hope, joy, and peace of mind.

The joy comes because we have life eternal with the Creator of the world and we are saved from our sin because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross. The early disciples had extreme hardships. Nevertheless, Paul wrote in Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. P aul calls our purpose a race and we need to finish it with joy, just like Paul and the other disciples did.

I feel sorry for those who turn their back on the Gospel of Jesus Christ because time is running out! For those of us who know Heaven is our home, let us enjoy the journey, even in hard or devastating times. Joy comes when we know our Lord is with us, and He will see us through.

1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.

Fearful One

Sun, 03 May 2020 15:06:07 GMT

Dear Judy,
It seems like everything in this world is getting so dark. In my own town I see violence everywhere and sickness. So much devastation with fires, tornadoes, flooding. . . the uncertainty scares me. I go to church, read my Bible and pray but fear at times tries to grip me almost paralyzing me. Help!

Dear Fearful One,

You are so right about the world and the uncertainties we’re facing, but we Christians are the ones who have to stand fast in the midst of the darkness. Instead of being in fear, we are to see Who the Light is in the darkness. His name is Jesus!

As we read our Bible and apply what we are reading, we will keep our focus on the promises instead of the problems. When fear comes we must remember what the Apostle Paul says to us in II Timothy 1:7: For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. This verse says 1) God does not give fear, and 2) it is a spirit, so 3) where is it from? Fear comes from the devil so rebuke it and live in love and have a sound mind that is able to comprehend all things.

Sometimes we just have to turn off the news and certainly get off Facebook and just mediate on all the scriptures that hold all the promises of God. This will keep us through, no matter what comes our way.

Key to this is to not hold the cares of our life, the cares of the world, or anyone else’s cares. Again, apply the scriptures such as 1 Peter 5:7: casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. The first care in this verse is any anxiety, stress, distraction, preoccupation with insecurity, or worry! It suggests the kinds of thoughts that trouble us and keep us from peace of mind and joy in the Lord. The second care in this verse is talking about the care of the Lord which is His concern about us and if we caste our worry to Him He will handle it for us. Our God knows all things and He loves us. We can cast all of worry, anxieties, and insecurities upon Him because He cares for us. Are we in tough times? Yes but the end of the Bible says we win, so stand on winning!

Troubled One

Fri, 01 May 2020 17:57:37 GMT

Dear Judy,

I have some huge overwhelming issues in my life. My mind will not shut up. How do I live in God’s peace through this turmoil? I love the Lord but need help in this storm!

Dear Troubled One,

The first and most positive thing is to make sure you have Jesus and His Word in your life. I call the Bible my manual for success because there is no solid help outside of the Lord and His promises. Everything we need is found in that Manual (Bible). Through your storms of life, you will find your peace in the promises of our Lord.

We must not always speak the problem but speak the promises of God. Right now, I am going through the biggest storm I have ever had to face, and I am standing on Matthew 19:26: But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." This scripture helps me bring my storm out of the natural realm and into the spiritual. If we view our problem from man’s perspective, then we have no peace! Peace of God comes from the spiritual realm, so we keep our eyes on Jesus!

The Apostle Paul faced a lot of big storms in his life, and he says in Romans 8:6, For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Carnally minded means to think as the world thinks which will not bring us peace. Peace comes when we are spiritually minded which we get when we look up at Jesus and what He has done for us, is doing for us, and will do for us; then spend our time meditating on that!

What's Your Yield -- Fruit or Weeds?

Sun, 08 Mar 2020 23:55:55 GMT

Hard to believe but spring is just around the corner. Here in California where I live, the weather has been sunny and beautiful. Cold but nice. While enjoying the nice sunny weather, I also realize winter is still with us and it will bring more cloudy, rainy days before spring. I am noticing weeds popping up everywhere!

I think about my life as a Christian and the seasons we go through. What are the weeds growing in our life? When we plant seeds for beautiful flowers or vegetables in our garden, we are careful to watch over them with the right amount of water, and most definitely pull all the weeds that try to overtake the tiny plants.

This is how we should watch over our Christian life also. We get saved and are planted in the Family of God, but to grow into that mature useful Christian, we must watch over what is planted in our hearts. This is our choice! When we get into the Word of God, seeds will be planted in our heart. As we continue to read and apply what we learn, we are adding nourishment to our lives. The Word waters that seed in us so it will grow. Salvation is a free gift from our Lord. We must always realize He paid for our sins on the cross with His blood! After salvation we have to do something if we are going to produce fruit.

Matthew 13:22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. This Word tells me very clearly that cares of this world and the trickery of riches are like weeds and thorns that will cause us to become unfruitful. Meaning we were fruitful at one time, but we BECOME unfruitful. This does not happen overnight as weeds in our garden do not kill overnight, but if not pulled out of the garden, no flower or vegetable will appear!

The Lord knows what we need. 1 Peter 5:7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. He knows we need provision and health. A “care” means a distraction, and the world is full of them. Pleasure seeking is also huge and that sure has to be dealt with! Let’s keep the thorns and weeds out of our lives.

We want to be fruit bearers advancing the Kingdom of God. Matthew 13:23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."

Discontent

Sun, 08 Mar 2020 23:46:13 GMT

Dear Judy,
I am a Christian and I pray and read my Bible each day. I have not been able to find a church I like so here’s my question. Why do I need to go to church when I can watch good Christian programs on TV and praise the Lord at home?

Dear Discontent,

I hear this same question a lot so I shall tell you as I tell others. Television is meant for those who are shut in and cannot get to a fellowship. When a Christian who is able to drive or take a bus or get a ride sits in front of the television is not getting the corporate anointing our Lord intended for us to get. We need other Christians and they need us!

The governmental ministries are given to us by Jesus Christ! Ephesians 4:11-12 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. The Lord wants us to be equipped and edified! I have been preaching and teaching for 28 years now and if I am not standing in the pulpit doing that, I am sitting on the pew learning from the one who is preaching and teaching in the pulpit.

It is not about what we like, but what Jesus commands, and He commands us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together. Hebrews 10:25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to the exact fellowship to attend.

Remember there are NO perfect fellowships because they are all made up of Christians—i.e. humans! And there is no perfect Christian. We are all being perfected day by day. We need one another. We need accountability also which we are not going to get from the TV. We are supposed to be reading, praying, and being equipped so we can apply to our lives what we are learning.

So bottom line to your question is we need one another and that is not found on TV.

Stench or Perfume?

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 03:00:28 GMT

Here we are the second month into this new wonderful year. I say wonderful because whether we are Christians or not, it is God who gives us breath and is continuing to allow us to breathe. I think as long as we have breath in us, we need to think about our life and see if we are living up to our full potential.

Before I gave my life over to the Lord, my full potential was met and that was living for Judy and what made me happy. Now I live for the Lord and what makes Him happy. Huge difference. Living for Judy was sending me to hell and living for the Lord is sending me to heaven. It’s my choice where I go when the breath in me stops. I tell people to be ready for that to happen. It is happening all the time, not only to the older but also the young.

The USA is unraveling because of moral decay, and the moral decay is because God has and is being pushed out of our nation! What happened to the words IN GOD WE TRUST which is on our currency? Because of pushing the Lord out of our nation, now children and adults can choose if they want to be male or female or both! That is pushing God totally out and self totally takes over.

What happened to the biblical principles that guided and were even taught in our schools not so many years back? What happened to prayer in school? People think… what if I might offend someone?! Because we have complied to a small majority in this country, the Christians are losing their voice.

It is time for Christians to come out of the closet! We need to quit compromising our values and use our voice with authority and boldness! Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing (2 Corinthians 2:14-15).

Christians need to know what fragrance their lives are giving out. Is it a stench or a sweet perfume?

It is our job to bring the sweet perfume of the Lord Jesus Christ to the world. Our perfume will not be so sweet to those who do not believe yet. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life (2 Corinthians 2:16). To those who are smelling death, why don’t we be bold and tell them about the fragrance of life through asking the Lord to forgive their sin and believe in Him. Live for Christ, speak about Christ, and live for Him as a sweet perfume!

Happiness Seeker

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 02:55:53 GMT

Dear Judy,
Does the Bible guarantee we’ll all eventually find happiness on this earth?

Dear Happiness Seeker,

What a great question! You do not say if you are a Christian or not so I am going to answer it for the believer and nonbeliever. I am also giving my opinion according to how I have studied and allowed the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to me.

In this life on earth I see many guarantees. Eternal life is guaranteed for all humans. We shall all live forever somewhere. Forever with the Lord if we believe Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and we put our trust in Him as our Savior. Or forever in hell if we have refused to believe that we need a Savior!

Just believing in God is not enough to guarantee forever with the Lord. We must be born again, believing as Jesus says in John 14:6: I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

This being said, when we are true Bible-believing Christians, we know we live in a fallen world and that good and bad things happen to everyone. But we can stand on 1 Peter 3:18: For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit. Knowing that I am born of God is true happiness on this earth. Because no matter what comes my way, my happy place is in Jesus Christ and His promises!

The word happy in the Hebrew means to rejoice, be glad, or brighten up! In the Greek it means blessed, fortunate, well off. The English says it is a feeling of pleasure when something nice has happened or a feeling of satisfaction in life. With all of these definitions in place, believers have the Word of God to help them when unhappy things come their way. When we read and obey what the Bible says, His words will get us beyond where we are emotionally to where we are supposed to be emotionally.

Emotions come and go! Situations come and go! People come and go! But our Lord is and will always be with us wanting us to be joyful and at peace no matter what good or bad situation we are facing. The apostle Paul knew who he was in Christ and he knew his journey on earth. He was on trial for his very life when he spoke how we can be happy on this earth no matter what…. I think myself happy Acts 26:2. Paul’s whole life after he became a believer was to please the Lord. When we want to please the Lord, this will bring peace, no matter our situation!

Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10

Add to not Take away!

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 20:10:46 GMT

This is the first month in a New Year and I am sure we all made some declaration for this New Year which wholes new beginnings if we will allow them to be. Instead of giving up I always add something to my walk with the Lord and when I do that it seems to take care of what I should give up or change.

When we are born again or born from above we are instantly new creations in Christ. We just celebrated His virgin birth and why and how He came from heaven to earth to show us the way. So now our God is in the process of removing anything that is not of Him. The Apostle Paul says, … you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him. Colossians 3:9-10 This is a wonderful understand for all of us who are followers of Christ.

I love the words, being renewed, which means it is a continual process of being set at one again. Before we accepted Jesus and totally gave our hearts and lives to Him we were opposing Him and we found nothing foundational or permanent for our life. But after our acceptance we are beinging renewed which sets us at one again with a purposes and hope for eternal living with Jesus Christ the Savior of the world! He was born, walked this earth, and died for every human being in this world but all the human beings in the world must choose Him.

Start this year by adding something to our life and that might be walking with Jesus for the first time or being more consumed with our walk with Jesus adding more time for Him. This will add more hope, love, joy, peace, faith, strength, encouragement, sel control, and the list goes on and on.

Dear Judy,

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 20:01:30 GMT

A new year and the old is behind me and for this I am thankful. I have a lot in my past I am not proud of. How do I keep yesterday from coming into my tomorrow? I have only been a Christian for a short time but I really am different. How do I stay this way?

Dear Different

First of all welcome to the family of God. You now have a huge family who want to help you keep going forward and we must always remember our kingdom of God family will live together forever. I was an only child so I had to learn how to get along with siblings! Like any family differences will arise but the difference in our Kingdom family is we always submit to our Heavenly Father, we are humble, we love one another, and we are to help one another. We follow the principals and the commandments of God. This is how our family lives! We also live by 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. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18

You are different and the above scriptures show you that. So we walk from this point and allow the Lord to instruct us in what He wants us to do. This scripture tells us who we are and what we are to do. All of us have the same job to do after salvation just different ways we are used to do it. We all have a yesterday but when the enemy brings it up I bring up His future! Our Lord will make a message out of our mess if we just stay in the now with Him. Now praying, Now reading His word, Now praising Him, Now trusting Him and the Now goes on and on.

N (need) O (obedient) W (walk) NOW!

Leave yesterday with the Lord because I cannot change it and leave tomorrow with the Lord who knows our unknowns already. Choose your friends wisely because we become who we run with. Stay into a bible preaching spirit filled submitting to the Holy Spirit leading fellowship!

Concerned One

Sun, 03 Nov 2019 16:18:34 GMT

Dear Judy, I have been watching the news and seeing so many hopeless people living on the streets or in cars in California. I pray but seems like I should be doing more. Do you have some insight for me?

Dear Concerned One,

I was born and raised in California, and still live in this beautiful state. My husband Vic was raised in Wheatland, Wyoming. There are huge differences between these states that make the homeless population different. One difference is the weather! The weather is milder in California so it’s easier to survive outside.

There are many reasons people are homeless. They do not just wake up one day on the streets. The housing prices and cost of living have sky-rocketed in California. Some of these people have jobs. Some have 2 jobs, but they still cannot afford to buy a house, let alone rent one. Some of them with jobs just live in their cars and take showers at the gym. They have a cover over their heads, but it’s a very, very hard life.

Drugs and alcohol have brought many people down to homelessness. Some are mentally ill with nowhere to go.

Nevertheless, all of these people need HOPE! Vic and I go to the streets taking lunches and warm socks, etc. which helps for a short while, but the main reason we are out there is to tell the people about Jesus and the hope they can have in Him. This is the one thing that can truly change them inside out.

Only an intervention of Jesus Christ into our society can change situations. Shelters, rescue missions, mental help facilities, and lower cost of housing are all good things, but prayer is the greatest thing any Christian can do because prayer moves mountains. So I encourage you to keep praying. Prayer is the highest calling to help all who need help . Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice (Psalm 55:17).

The NOW!

Sun, 03 Nov 2019 16:16:23 GMT

What is living in the now? I know people in the world and of the world do not understand that statement.

People without Christ are the ones I am talking about because Christians live in the world BUT are not of the world. We are no longer of the world because we are born again and now are part of the Kingdom of God. We are called from living, acting, and thinking as the world, and to live, act, and think by God’s principles.

Living in the now to us means letting go of yesterday with all of its mistakes or accolades. Yesterday is over and we learn from failures and success but they no longer rule our life. I hear Christians go on and on about what they should have done, did not do, or did do. Others constantly live in the tomorrows with all of its unknowns and what ifs.

The only way to live this life successfully is God’s way, living in the NOW. We cannot undo or redo the past and we cannot control tomorrow. I am not saying we do not plan for tomorrow both physically and financially. We live each day as if Jesus is returning any moment, but plan till He comes. Jesus said So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, “Do business till I come” (Luke 19:13).

I like to see the word NOW as a choice I make each day… N--N eed O--O bey W--W ord NOW.

For the Christian the Word of God is our manual for success. If we read it each day, we need to obey it. Before I was afflicted I went astray , but now I keep Your word (Psalm 119:67). Yesterday is over and tomorrow has not come, but NOW is here.

Let’s wake up each morning ready to live life full of HOPE which includes love, peace, and joy! Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

New Believer

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 14:57:50 GMT

Dear Judy, I am very confused! I go to church and hear them say you need the Holy Spirit! You must seek to get the Holy Spirit in your life. I am a new believer. What’s this mean?

Dear New Believer,
Welcome into God’s Family! I am sorry you are confused. Confusion is not of God, so if something is not of God, then it is from the dark side. When I was a new believer in Christ, I went to my Bible for every question I had, and still do 33 years later. Christians all have an opinion, but the great authority comes from the Word of God and His Word alone.

Before Jesus went to the cross He instructed His disciples… If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever; the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you (John 14:15-17). And Jesus goes on to say in the next verse, I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

Jesus’ followers who had been with Him three or so years believed and trusted Him to guide them. Jesus knew He was going to the cross for all human sin and would rise on the third day and ascend to the Father. He knew they would feel abandoned, like an orphan would feel. He assured them that they would have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them for their guidance and to lead them into Truth.

When we believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us. No way can we do this Christian walk without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Jesus knew that so He taught that. Do not confuse this with the baptism of the Holy Spirit. After the cross and before His ascension, Jesus told His disciples, But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8). Power comes with the baptism of the Holy Spirit. These are two different things….

The Holy Spirit dwells with us and in us when we are born again, but He comes upon us when we are baptized with Him. If you want to learn more about this, go to Amazon.com and order a book I wrote called “Path of the Spirit.”

Do you have a question? Send your questions to Judy Baus, baus1@juno.com

Stable Faith?

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 14:54:20 GMT

What do we put our faith in? So many things are happening in the world and even closer to home—in our country, state, community, and in our own lives. No matter where disaster and destruction hits, we are still affected.

Every time we turn on the news it is a wow! As I write this article in California, I’m often reminded of the tragedy to hit our state just over a year ago -- the deadliest wildfire in California history that destroyed much of the town of Paradise and killed 40+ people. People are still trying to pick up the pieces, but reality is that people will never recover all they lost.

We have fires going on right now and just came through that horrible storm that took out so much of the Bahamas before moving to the Carolinas. I know someone who was scheduled for surgery in Savannah, Georgia, but his surgery with hundreds of others had to be canceled because of the storm. In times like these, we have to think about where we place our faith and trust. Can we say with the Psalmist, "Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You…. In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?" (Psalm 56:3-4)

Everything on this earth is temporary. Material possessions rust and decay. People live out their lives assuming there will be a tomorrow, but tomorrows end. The Bible says "even the earth will cease and the heavens will roll up like a scroll" (Revelation 6:14). Most people live like they have forever here on this earth, but it’s simply not true.

We must recalibrate our thinking about who or what we are depending on. Is it our job or ministry? Is it our friends or family? How about our retirement fund? I could go on and on. What if all those things were taken away? Would we still say with the prophet Habakkuk, "Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills." (Habakkuk 3:17-19) No matter what comes my way, I want to have that kind of faith in my God!

We must put our faith in the only One who is truly unending and unshakable. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Amen!

Does It Really Move Mountains?" “On the Road Again with God” and “Path of the Spirit.” She and her husband Vic, who was born and raised in Wheatland, started Good News Ministries, Inc. in the early 1990's and travel throughout the United States in their conversion motor home as missionary/evangelists. Visit Judy’s Website www.judybaus.org

Heaven or Hell? It is a Choice!

Sat, 14 Sep 2019 21:16:13 GMT

We are living in tough times. Where do we go for help when a crisis hits our life or the lives of our family?

How about the words, “You are going to die!” Do you know where you’re going when you die? As a minister, people often ask me this question. Readers, I ask you, if you should hear the statement, “Get your things in order; you are going to die,” do you know for certain where you are going?

Many people are concerned about having a Living Trust or a Will, but have no Idea what will happen to them when they die. Having your life in order is not just a Living Trust or Will . . . it is knowing Heaven is your home.

When our earthly journey is over, we will spend it in one of two places — Heaven or Hell. People say, “Judy, I do not believe in Hell” or “I do not want to talk about it.” We do not hear much from the pulpits about hell but a whole lot about God’s love! Yes, He is love but that does not take away the fact that Jesus talked about Hell a lot! Read your Bible.

The Book of John very clearly tells us that the Savior came: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved (John 3:16-17). These are great Scriptures to mediate on. Every human being must believe in Jesus Christ if he or she is not to be condemned by God. Not just mental assent but to believe means to be fully assured and convinced He is the only one who gives eternal life and that He went to the cross for our sins . “ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’” ( John 14:6) . Belief in Jesus as our Savior and Lord is the most important decision we could ever make in our life.

If you do not have a Bible (our manual for success), then you need to get one. Start reading it. That is how I came to the decision that when I leave this earth, I want Heaven as my eternal home and not Hell. I am an evangelist and I do not sugar coat eternal decisions. Make the right one today. Our only hope is Jesus Christ. Then go tell others.

Wondering One

Sat, 14 Sep 2019 21:13:33 GMT

Dear Judy,I am somewhat a new Christian and as I read my Bible, I read how the Apostle Paul talks about the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He also says, “I speak in tongues more than you all.” Why do we not hear more teaching about the gifts in our fellowships? If important for the disciples then, why not for us now? Just WonderingDear Judy,I am somewhat a new Christian and as I read my Bible, I read how the Apostle Paul talks about the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He also says, “I speak in tongues more than you all.” Why do we not hear more teaching about the gifts in our fellowships? If important for the disciples then, why not for us now? Just Wondering

Dear Wondering One,

This is a powerful question, and a full answer would certainly take more space than we have. You ask why gifts are not taught. I cannot answer for another pastor on that, but I can say that I certainly teach and release the gifts, and know many fellowships that do.

When Paul says he speaks in tongues more than you all, he is speaking about our prayer language, or “speaking in tongues.” This was the first gift given after the ascension of Jesus Christ. After His resurrection Jesus’ last words to the disciples are recorded in Acts 1:4-5: And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem , but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “ which,” He said, "you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."

Notice Jesus said DO NOT DEPART from… The disciples were already born again and when born again, we have the Holy Spirit within us. But Jesus knew that for them to do the great work ahead of them, they would need power from on high. They would need to be immersed in the Holy Spirit! That is what baptism is!

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8). That word power in the Greek is Dunamis … Miraculous ability! They waited. Then When the Day of Pentecost had fully come . . . they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues , as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:1-4). Tongues was the first and only gift given at Penetcost! The other gifts are mentioned later in 1 Corinthians 12.

Paul urged us to desire spiritual gifts, so my friend, if you desire them, the Holy Spirit will show you someone who can help you understand more fully. My book, Path of the Spirit is a study on the Holy Spirit, and it will help you to understand all questions you have concerning the Holy Spirit!

Confused

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy,I love the Lord and I know heaven is my home. But I’m confused when I see many Christians hanging on to this life so very hard. I think they are afraid of dying. I need help understanding this.

Dear Confused,

When I was saved 33 years ago, I knew I was solid in the kingdom of God and in the truth found in my manual for success (the Bible). I knew that I simply had a journey here on earth to complete, and when that was done, I was out of here! I will shuck this earth suit and receive my heavenly suit!

Clearly, when we have been born again, Scripture says in 2 Corinthians 5:17-19, 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. Salvation is a free gift, but as His children, we have work to do.

We are called Ambassadors FOR Christ, NOT for the world. The Apostle Paul clearly teaches us in Philippians 1:21-23, For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Even Paul said he was hard-pressed between the two. He gives us clear understanding that we should all have a desire to be with Christ, and know it is a far better place. Paul knew his work was to reflect the light of Jesus Christ from within him to a very dark and lost world. When this work for him was completed, he would go to be with Christ, which was always his first choice.

Yes, the world pulls on all Christ’s children. It is a personal decision to want to be in heaven more than here. We need to pray that self-serving, worldly desires, and greed loose off the people of God and that only the desire for the things of our Lord arises in our hearts. Dying (or sleeping as Jesus called it) for a Christian is simply stepping out of earth and stepping into heaven.

We want to hear … “ Well done, good and faithful servant…. Enter into the joy of your lord.” (Matthew 25:23).

Spiritually Blind

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

As I travel around and preach and teach the Holy Spirit is impressing upon me how much the influences of the world is impacting our fellowships. Why is that? Well the church is the body of Christ!

Those who love have known that were a sinner and that Jesus paid the price on the cross for our sin. Now we are not old poor sinners any longer but saints that do sin. Sin means miss the mark or be an offense. Every believer will do that remember Jesus calling Peter who had just had a revelation of Jesus is the Christ how he became an offence to Jesus. Matthew 16:23 But He (Jesus) turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men." We all do walk that path at times because we allow the things of man to come in when we do not have our MIND FULL of the things of God. So we are quick to repent. Our fellowship building is not the church we are!!!!!

We are to discern what is of God and what is of the world because we bring into the fellowship those things. In Ephesians 6:10-18 it talks about standing and know it is not people we are wrestling with but the demonic. Let go of people and put it back on the source. It also talks about putting on the whole armor of God~ Why does the Holy Spirit say whole armor 2 times because it is possible to only put on part of God’s Armor. That will not work. The very first piece of the armor is truth. Gird yourself with the belt of truth. Notice yourself.. no one will do that for you. The Truth is the word of God. If we do not have truth firmly in place none of the other pieces will be correctly placed. We will then not be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

We have to know the word of the Lord to know what truth is! The truth says in John 10:10
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. In the body of Christ I see the enemy stealing our fervency in prayer and reading His word, killing our confidence, destroying our watchfulness. He is causing us to be complacent lazy and compromising! Jesus has come to give us an abundant life full of fervency, confidence, and watchfulness.

Isaiah 42:18-19 "Hear, you deaf; And look, you blind, that you may see. Who is blind but My servant, Or deaf as My messenger whom I send? Who is blind as he who is perfect, And blind as the LORD'S servant? It was happening in Isaiah day and it is happening in ours. He is talking to HIS people and if we allow the Holy Spirit to take the scales off our eye then we will be able see truth clearly and understand to live totally for Christ then others will want what we have.

To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27

Just Stuff

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

The other day I received a phone call from a friend who lost her home in Paradise, CA, last November to the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history! Most of the town was burned. At least 85 people died and nearly 2,000 homes and buildings burned to the ground.

Even today, 10 months after the fire, the town still looks like a war zone. Hundreds of trucks continue to haul debris from the area each day. Some residents are now waiting for the okay to go back, though the water is still not safe to drink. I have not even mentioned all the animals displaced.

This friend who called me the other day -- I was praying with her as she traveled down that burning hill with the fire on every side of her, so close it was scorching the paint off her car. I don’t know how long it took her to get to safety, but some drivers took four hours to get away. Others abandoned their cars and fled on foot.

Along with the tragic stories, we hear miraculous ones. Amazing interventions. My friend got down that hill to her son. Just months before, she lost her husband of 61 years, and now everything she owned was gone except for the clothes on her back and her very damaged car. In spite of this, she said to me, “Judy I have great peace and a living hope – my Jesus. This was only STUFF! I will not be taking it with me when I exit this life!”

Such a difference in those who know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord and those who do not. Believers have a living hope. They know they are just passing through this life and will soon be in another called Heaven! Sadly, non-believers have no living hope , only a worldly hope that is so often disappointing. Without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, this very sad world and its systems are all they have.

So, the reason my friend called the other day was to tell me that the Lord had provided a house for her. She looks forward to moving into it, and added, “I am not going to clutter it up with a bunch of STUFF! I have been abundantly blessed, Judy.”

John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Fearful One

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, As I get on in years, I’m losing some long-time friends to cancer. Most of them go through terrible times. I have no one who could care for me if I were to go through what they have. Frankly, I'm really scared of that C word. I keep checking for lumps, afraid one day I'll find one! This concern is starting to control my thoughts. I’m afraid.

Dear Fearful One,

My first question is, Are you a believer? Since this is a Christian column, I’m guessing you are a Christian. I don’t know of anyone who likes the C word, as you put it, but being scared is certainly NOT the answer. Each of us must choose our own path if cancer were to manifest in our life. A believer sure has more help than a non-believer. Believers have made Jesus Christ their Savior and Lord so they have the promises in His Word to stand on, trust in, and believe . Isaiah 59:19 says, “So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun; When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him.”

I always pray that the Big C – Christ will devour the little c – cancer! The Book of Job (3:23) says that which he feared most came upon him. Fear is a horrible enemy. The enemy is the source of all evil, and cancer is evil. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). God does not give us fear because he is the God of the impossible. He is our healer.

A sound mind can comprehend things. He (Jesus) was beaten and shed His blood for our spiritual healing and physical healing . “… He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). We are healed. Claim it! It’s up to us to stand on this promise. We cannot base our faith on someone else’s experience! We have an opportunity to rise up with the God-faith we need, standing on the promises trusting and believing, yes, but we must also apply and live it out.

If you are not a believer, then yes, you can be scared, but if you are a believer, you have a manual for success in every area of your life. THE BIBLE. Get in it and renew your mind on how you are a child of the King and you have all of heaven on your side! Pray this – “Your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.” NO little C in heaven. ONLY THE BIG C—CHRIST.

Believer

Sat, 01 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, A woman is reaching out to me to help her through some hard steps in her marriage! She is not a Christian, but knows I am a strong believer. Well, I am sure not a marriage counselor…. Any ideas on what I can say to help her?

Dear Believer,

I think this is wonderful that the Holy Spirit is sending someone your way for help. You carry the light of the Lord Jesus Christ which penetrates the darkness. If a person is not saved, then all they have is darkness, and this person reaching out sees Jesus in you. She needs help and you have the hope and help – Jesus! I have experienced something of this woman’s pain when a marriage is failing and no answers in how to fix it. Secular marriage counselors give secular answers that have no true foundation.

You be who she knows you are and that is the person she is reaching out to. The first step to this meeting is to be prayed up and go knowing what God wants. We know that our Lord wants all marriages to be whole and healthy. We also should know and understand Malachi 2:16: “For the LORD God of Israel says that He hates divorce.” I do not have room to go into all the reasons of the why in this Scripture, but if they have children, it causes great hurt, despair and scars in the children, whether the parents are saved or unsaved. I am talking in general of course.

People have many different reasons to get a divorce, but probably the most common is that they have simply grown apart and are going separate ways. So as you talk with her, just be yourself… which is that you are a new creation in Christ with a new way of thinking. The basis for all your decisions are found in the Word of God. Your friend must want her marriage to be healthy or she would not have called you, and that is a positive. Give her the foundation she needs to cause that to happen. His name is Jesus! The Holy Spirit will help you with the words.

Why Lord?

Sat, 01 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT

I am writing this from California. Wherever we live, most Christians are facing or watching others facing huge situations.

I had one sister in the Lord say to me, “Judy, I do not understand why all this demonic stuff is happening around me.” My answer was, just because we are followers of Christ does not make us exempt from having to deal with the demonic. Most times we get more attacks, and the Bible tells us we will . The Bible is clear about this: “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My (Jesus) purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10 (NLT)

It is our choice how we live our life and face life issues. If I see things coming at me or someone else, it is very easy to see where it is coming from if I just apply the above Scripture. If a situation or issue is full of stealing, killing or destroying, then it is demonic, but if it is in the rich satisfying part, it is from God. The Holy Spirit sure made this easy to understand and apply!

Whether we are saved or not saved, we all live in this world, but the difference is when someone has accepted Jesus as personal Savior and Lord, they have help from above! I lived half of my life without the Lord and wow what a mess that was. With the Lord we have His promises to stand on.

“We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.” Psalm 33:20-22 (NLT) As we meditate on the different aspects of the Lord, trust will arise no matter what comes our way. He is our hope in the midst of it all. He is holy, just, true, gracious, faithful, and unchanging. He is all wise, almighty, and everywhere present. We can rejoice while relying upon Him.

Jehovah-Jireh will provide; Jehovah-Shalom will send peace; Jehovah-Tsidkenu will justify; Jehovah-Shammah will be forever near; and in Jehovah-Nissi we will conquer every enemy. Mediating on who He is, what He does, and what He has done will cause trust and hope to arise and cause rejoicing to flow out of us, no matter what comes our way!

Fear...or Faith, Courage, or Love?

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT

4/1/2018

In his inauguration speech in 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt is known for his statement, “The only thing to fear is fear itself.” That is so true -- then and today! Every day I am around people who are experiencing very tough times. The unknowns of tomorrow seek to swallow them up.

Once we receive Jesus as our personal Savior and Lord, we are to look into our manual for success (the Bible) for promises to stand on when all around us seems so bleak and uncertain. Every promise in the Bible belongs to us. We need to find those that will help to remove fear from our life.

The apostle Paul tells us in For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Notice it says 1) God did not give and 2) fear is a spirit! God gave us power (miraculous ability), love, and a sound mind (safe thinking). Fear must leave if we choose to believe that God gives us miraculous ability, His mighty and wonderful love, and a mind that can understand Scripture.

Another way to stay out of fear is to know what our God does for us and it will cause us to shout -- Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph for the LORD Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth. He will subdue the peoples under us, and the nations under our feet. He will choose our inheritance for us, the excellence of Jacob whom He loves. Selah (Psalm 47:1-4). (Selah means to pause and think about what you read). The devil wants to set an environment of fear and insecurity. But the Lord wants us to shout knowing that the Lord is awesome and will help us no matter what we are facing. So why fear?

Our God knows what is coming our way and how to handle it even when we do not. We are hearing and seeing so much happen with the weather and what those changes have done to our environment, but Psalm 46:1-3 tells us our God is A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah (pause and think about this).

Present is right now, but present is also a gift which needs to be unwrapped! Sometimes we leave the gift of promise wrapped up by unbelief and lack of trust which will cause us to allow that spirit of fear to come on us. When we read Scripture and ponder His promises for us, no matter what today holds we are unwrapping and using His promises. Doing this will cause us to go from fear to faith; then we will have courage which will cause joy to spring forth from us. We must choose daily how we are going to live each day.

Sad one

Sun, 17 Mar 2019 01:50:11 GMT

Dear Judy, First I want to say I am a Christian and I love the Lord, but wow, how do I handle all the danger around me each day? I find nothing to smile or be joyful about! People say smile but what is there to smile about?

Dear Sad One,

I am so glad that you are a follower of Christ. I am a little confused with your question though. Saying I am a Christian but I have nothing to smile or be joyful about do not go together. As a Christian, my smile and joy are not coming because of what is going on around me. Danger has and always will be all around us because we live in a fallen world. But when someone gives his or her life to the Lord Jesus Christ, they are now in the Kingdom of God and not in the Kingdom of this world or satan! Right there is the reason we smile and have joy!

A very well-known Scripture is John 3:16- 17: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved . You say you believe, so you are saved! The word saved is Sozo and it means “ safe , deliver or protect , heal, preserve, do well, be (make) whole”. That alone should put a smile on your face and joy in your heart. And coming out your mouth – “ Jesus loves me this I know!”

Wondering one

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 16:32:15 GMT

Dear Judy,

A few Christmases ago, after enjoying our family dinner at my mother-in-law’s, she opened her door to see a skinny, very afraid cat trying to come in, obviously hungry. My mother-in-law was a widow and lived alone. She had never had a cat, nor did she want a cat! Long story short, for four years, this wonderful cat loved my mother-in-law and became her companion all through a tough illness, right to the day she died. My mother-in-law loved the Lord very much and served Him with her whole heart. Do you think this could have been God sending her a little bit of joy through this cat because of what was to come? We still have this wonderful cat! Just wondering. . . .

Dear Wondering One,

Yes, of course I believe our God has the ability to send a cat that needed your mother-in-law as much as she needed the cat! When we know the Lord, we have the assurance that God loves us and knows what is ahead and what we will need to see us through whatever comes our way. He has promised to supply when we have need. “ And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Most times this is seen as monetary need, but often we have emotional needs too! God’s “riches in glory” are whatever we need, and given to us by Christ Jesus.

Your mother-in-law may have not needed money at that time, but a widow alone needs a companion and the Lord knew this cat would provide that for her. She had something to care for and think about other than sickness or loneliness. She was forced to feed and care for this under-nourished cat, and the cat loved her for it and filled the void in your mother-in-law’s life.

What a wonderful God we serve to give wonderful gifts to His children that help us through this journey of life until we are called up to our heavenly home! Now your mother-in-law is walking with Jesus, and you have the privilege of caring for her cat and her cat caring for you! What a blessing passed down from our wonderful Lord.

Love

Fri, 01 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

To the world this is the month of love! But to the Christian everyday we are commanded to love. Love in the eyes of the world is really lust and conditional according to what they do for me. This is not Christian love commanded by the bible. In the book of John it clearly tells us A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35

We see the word new commandment because now as the Lord loves us we are to love one another to be called a disciple of the Lords. The word love is Agapē and is used in the NT to describe the attitude of God toward His Son. This love is an act of our will not our feelings. This love gives and does good not expecting anything in return. This is totally opposite of worldly love which is based on a merit system of I will love you if you do not hurt me or do me wrong. That is not Agape love commanded each of us believers.

This is a commandment to love one another is not exclusive to just our brethren or the ones we like but our enemies also! Matthew 5:43-44 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. This love is an action word as stated in this verse. It is easy to love someone who loves me but wow is it hard to love someone who has abused me or cheated me and the list goes on and on. Within the action of love is blessing them, doing good to them, and pray for those enemies. Didn’t Jesus say from the cross forgive them they know not what they do. The disciple Stephen in the book of Acts as he was being stoned said the same thing. Forgive them!

When I follow the Lords commands it is always best for me! The Lord loves all people and died on the cross for all people. He has asked us to die to self and arise in Christ and by doing this we can do as He commands. Start today and see how we will then we are able to forgive them and then we will be forgiven!

Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Seeker

Sat, 22 Dec 2018 12:32:32 GMT

Dear Judy, I want this to be a “God year” with me following our Lord and not people or myself. I sure have trouble with being a self-pleaser and people-pleaser. Do you have any words of wisdom to help me?

Dear Seeker,

I am glad you are wanting to follow the Lord all the way by only pleasing Him. When we do that, we will not be a self-pleaser or people-pleaser. We are to not be following our emotions; rather, the Holy Spirit will guide us from within. That is His job. Everything we need for help is found in our manual for success – the Bible. There can be no success outside of that most wonderful book. It shows us how what we choose affects our life, and not only ours but other people’s lives too.

If you do not know where to look in your Bible, just look in the back to the Concordance. Find what you need help with and turn to that Scripture and read it; then do it! That is following the Lord. If your Bible does not have a Concordance, get a different Bible.

I looked up “wisdom” in my Concordance and it led me to James 1:5: If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. This tells me that if I need wisdom in a situation or in making a decision, all I have to do is ask God and He will help me!

The Bible also tells us how to be led, and that is not by self or by people, but by the Holy Spirit. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God (Romans 8:14-15).

Following people or self is an emotional response, but being led by the Spirit of God is spiritual. The Spirit of God will always lead us to the path Jesus wants us to take. So make a determination to be led by the Holy Spirit this year and your path will be the right path every time. Hope this helps!

Bad Attitude

Sat, 22 Dec 2018 12:24:21 GMT

Dear Judy, I do not like Christmas! It makes me sad because of all the demands put on me during this time. I am expected to be all things to all people and I just do not want to do that anymore! I am tired of all the commercial stuff and putting my Lord in the background. Even in the church! How do I handle my bad attitude?

Dear Bad Attitude,

I am with you on all points of your letter! Sad to say Christmas stuff is coming earlier and earlier. I saw some out even before Halloween and it was not about the birth of Christ but about the man in the red suit! Sad to say, this is what our children are seeing before they see any decorating for the birth of Christ!

It is our choice to get caught in it all or stay out of it all. If we choose to stay out, just learn to say NO! People pleasers do not know how to say no, but God pleasers do! Only I can put limits on my own life and that is my responsibility to do that or else I too get a bad attitude! No person or circumstance can cause my bad attitude; only I can by not doing what the Lord wants but what people want or expect of me.

So this Christmas season choose to not participate in the commercial side; only in the true reason for the season and that is the birth of Jesus! Choose to stay joyful through it all because of all the Lord has done for us. This is truly a most wonderful time for the whole of humanity and pray that their eyes will open to the truth of that fact! May we all use this time to pray that the entire world might see!

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

Luke 2:13-14

Afraid One

Sat, 27 Oct 2018 01:35:50 GMT

Dear Judy, I have a feeling I’m missing out on so much in life because my faith to believe for it is weak. Like, if I had the faith to believe God for a good husband, maybe I’d get one?? Is my low-level faith keeping me from that abundant life Jesus promises in John 10:10 . . . or does it depend on me and my ability to believe for it? I’m afraid I’m losing out.

Dear Afraid One,

The Bible is clear about our faith. We all receive the same amount at the new birth! At the time we believe Jesus died on the cross for our sins and we put our trust in this truth, we receive a measure of faith. For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith (Romans 12:3). This verse puts us all on an equal beginning in our walk with God. It does not matter if we are rich or poor, all of us at the point of conversion receive the faith of God.

We then begin to see who we are in Christ and who He is in us. It is no longer I that live but Christ living in me. Scripture clearly states that faith means a firm conviction and confidence in our belief system. We can have faith in many things -- ourselves, others, situations, circumstances or God! The only one who has all the answers is our Lord. Any trust or confidence outside of Him is futile. The Lord spoke clearly to Habakkuk who was asking the Lord some hard questions. The Lord said, Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith (Habakkuk 2:4).

Are you missing out? Well, I do not know the answer to that question. I would say yes to all of us living below what we should have in this life. I do not believe it is that our faith is not strong enough, but that we put limits on a limitless God! How do we increase our faith? So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17) . Keep hearing the Word and do not settle beneath the Word. All things are possible with God. He is the God of the impossible!

Distressed

Thu, 27 Sep 2018 17:16:01 GMT

Dear Judy, This married couple are friends of mine. They are Christians and have four precious young children. Now I’m no expert on marriage, but I see things that make me concerned. She stays at home with the children and he works. She will have dinner on the table when he comes home from work, but instead of sitting down to eat, he takes 20 minutes to straighten up the house. I might add the house looks fine. So, dinner gets cold and the family waits while he does his thing. He knows what he does makes his wife feel badly, but he excuses himself saying simply, “Well, I’m just OCD. A lot of people are OCD” (Obsessive/Compulsive Disorder). I told him, “You need counseling!” Do you agree with me, Judy?

Dear Distressed,

Well, the key word I see here is Christian , so they have a counselor within them and His name is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit uses the Bible to do all His counseling. Now, do not get me wrong. I am not against Christian counseling, but why not allow the Holy Spirit and His word to work first? Jesus says very clearly in John 16:13: However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority , but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. When we are saved, we have the person of the Holy Spirit living in us to help us with all things, including our flesh!

The husband needs to get in the Bible and see how God would want him to treat his wife with respect and honor. Most and foremost, the children are watching him disrespect his wife and her work at cooking and cleaning. To allow someone to wait and food get cold, that is sure naughty!

Always remember, as an outsider we never know the whole truth in a matter. So the wife might need to change a few things too, as the Holy Spirit helps her. Maybe they need to sit and talk about a later dinner and if changes need to be made around the house. Communication is where one person talks and the other person listens; then the other person talks, and the other person listens. Then the understanding goes from listening to hearing and to application of what has been learned.

Marriage is not 50/50 but 100/100! Both people must be giving 100 percent of themselves to the other. Thinking of the other’s feelings greater than their own.

Single people reading this, take head who you marry! Make sure he/she is first a Christian; then living with this concept! Each must put aside their flesh which means “me and mine and what is in it for me!”

If you have children or are going to one day, have the children remember first and foremost that they belong to God. Parents are only stewards over them and are highly accountable before God as to how and what we teach them. Children learn from our words and how we live our Christian life. I hope this helps put things in perspective for you.

Confused

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I need help to understand how well-meaning Christians can mix the Bible up with so many different beliefs? I read the Bible and I believe the Bible, but some of my friends read other kinds of books and they are confused. Like the New Age stuff, and views on gender and sexual orientation…I get confused too when I try to read the stuff they’re reading! Help!

Dear Confused,

My husband Vic always tells me people are people, they are only people, and they will always be people, Judy. Get it together! In others words I am not accountable for other people’s actions nor do I follow the beliefs and actions of others. As a born-again Christian, I am out of the kingdom of darkness ruled by evil, and I am in the Kingdom of Light where Jesus Christ rules. When I changed kingdoms by receiving Jesus as my personal Savior and Lord, I trusted His Word to be my manual for success, my only manual for my success. This should be true for anyone who is a follower of Jesus.

Jesus says in John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. This is a very clear promise! No way except His way, no truth outside of His truth, and no life except His life. This is what it says and what it means! So error and confusion will always come to followers of the Lord if they dabble in other mindsets, religions or philosophies, including New Age.

If we do not stay in the Bible to know the truth that makes us free, we can get deceived by the mirage of stuff that the devil lays in our path to bring us down. Remember, Jesus says in John 10:10: The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. That abundant life is for you and me and all other believers who truly believe!

Promise or Problem?

Sat, 23 Jun 2018 17:32:26 GMT

Dear Judy, Many of my Christian friends and I are dealing with all kinds of problems. I see this “Oh poor me” attitude arise in us all. You know the attitude – “I’m the only one going through this awful stuff.” Some of the issues are health and some are finances. How do I help myself and my friends stay out of griping and grumbling all the time?

Dear Grumbler,
I am sorry for all the problems but just because we are Christians does not mean we are exempt from bumps in our journey. We live in fallen world and bad things happen to good people. Knowing the truths found in the Bible will see you through if you apply the promises (not people’s opinions!) to your life. The difference between the believer and the non-believer is that the believer has the promises of God and the non-believer does not.

There is a real enemy seeking to defeat every child of God. Jesus says in John 10:10, The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. Jesus says choose life and abundant life! Our joy is in our salvation, not in our circumstances or situations! Griping and grumbling reveals doubt and unbelief! Keeping our eyes on Jesus and knowing that all things are possible with Him will keep us from becoming a grumbler.

Let’s speak His promises and not the problem! This will keep us from sinning with our mouth. It is our job to help one another do that! When we have a problem, whether health or finances or something else, we can always find someone worse off than we are. Find that person or persons and tell them where your hope comes from and that they too can have that hope…. His name is Jesus!

Send your questions to Judy Baus, 9309-99W Highway, Gerber CA 96035 or baus1@juno.com

Anxious One

Sun, 20 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I am single and I have no children. I am not young but not old either. I like my life but I often get caught up in what will happen to me when I cannot take care of myself. I am an only child so who will help me when I cannot help myself? Sometimes I dwell on this question and anxiety takes over, even though I am a Christian!

Dear Anxious One,

Even if you had a husband, children, and siblings, this is no guarantee that any of them would help you. I have seen people who have all of these people in their life and NOT one of them offered to help. And that’s a double hurt for the one needing help.

Praise the Lord for that family member who will be faithful to help, but we can never depend on that. We have the Lord and His Word full of promises for us to stand on. Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"

It is easy to look at someone else’s life and want what they have, but we truly do not know what they have. Things might look so wonderful on the outside but be rotten on the inside. People disappoint us and leave us but our Lord will never do that.

Fear has no place for a Christian because our God is for us and will help and stand close to us at all times. Even when we do not feel Him, He is there right beside us. We cannot go by what we feel but must stand firm on the truth of His word.

The Apostle Paul went through all kinds of tough stuff and yet he pinned Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. The word anxious means to take thought of. Paul says quit giving it place in your thought life. Find the promise you need and stand on that promise. God will always provide somehow, somewhere with someone for us.

You are allowing yourself to get caught up in the “what if’s” which probably you will never experience! Why? Because you are a daughter of the King and the King takes care of His children.

Send your questions to Judy Baus, 9309-99W Highway, Gerber CA 96035 or baus1@juno.com

Believer

Sat, 21 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, A Christian friend called me last night to see how I was doing. I told her I’d been to the Emergency Room and I was quite sick. She asked if there was anything she could do for me. I really didn’t need anything so I said, “Yes, please pray for me. That would be the best thing you could do for me.” Before we had finished talking, she said at least twice more how she sure wishes she could do something to help me. I said, “You are if you'll pray for me.” My question to you is, Don't people believe in prayer anymore? That is the most powerful thing a friend can do for another friend, to pray for them. But I felt she wasn't even hearing me.

Dear Believer,

I do understand what you are saying. So many people are living in the realm of reason and not in the realm of faith. Prayer is the most powerful thing we Christians can do for others, no matter what their need. It does not matter what issue we are facing, the power of prayer is amazing. Doctors are wonderful and we are blessed to have them, but they do not know everything. Remember, they are practicing physicians. Only Dr. Jesus has ALL the answers for all issues of life.

It is sad when someone who says I am a Christian does not know prayer should always be first. Yes, we need to help people in need with physical help also. We need to do both! Matthew 21:22 says, And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive. Notice the words believe and receive. Another great scripture is James 5:15: And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. With faith-prayers the Lord saves and raises! The prayers come first before the answer!

In this great country, we can pray anywhere and anytime. That should cause the child of God to use the most powerful tool they have to change the course of things. If we really believe it is God’s will to heal and deliver, then we need to trust and believe and start praying. One prayer all of us should pray is for every Christian to boldly lay hands on the sick and watch them recover!

Concerned

Fri, 30 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I've been praying for my brother's salvation for many years. My mom prayed for him before she passed away. He seems to be getting further from believing in Jesus. I don't understand the place of prayer and free will. How can my brother's mind change to start believing something he thinks is a myth? I love my brother. He is getting old and I'm concerned for his salvation.

Dear Concerned,

Many people can relate to this question, myself included. Our job is to tell people the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and it is the Holy Spirit to bring the increase to their heart. This scripture helps me understand this: Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:5-7)

God created all people with a free will. Each person has to accept the truth and realize they are a sinner and that Jesus took their sin on the cross, died, was resurrected, and is sitting now at the right hand of the Father in Heaven!

Prayer causes movement in the spiritual realm and is in accordance with the will of the Father. The Lord wants no one to perish so when we are praying for someone, I believe it is only a matter of time before somehow and somewhere the timing of the Holy Spirit will bring the increase of faith into their heart to receive Jesus as their Savior. My job is to speak to them which is planting seeds and keep watering that seed with prayer until it increases to salvation! My job also is to not compromise my belief and to live a godly life showing others the light of Jesus Christ. We are to be in the world but not of it. We are to not act, talk, or look like the world.

We stand in faith for others knowing that only God truly knows the heart of a person, and it is His will that all be saved. So no matter what we are seeing, we just keep praying and believing that the Holy Spirit is working in their heart.

Confused

Fri, 30 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I hear people in my church saying, “Peace be with you.” Living in this upside down world, I wonder what that statement really means. How can we have peace when children are shooting other children in our schools, or when we can’t even open a package on our doorstep in case it’s a bomb! What is going on in our country? I am so troubled by the hatred all around. I get very confused at what “peace be with you” really means today.

Dear Confused,

First of all God does not want His people to be confused! He wants peace for His children. The Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14:33, “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.”

The statement “peace be with you” is said many times in the Bible. Jesus told His disciples before He went to the cross, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). Then after His resurrection, “… the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, ‘Peace be with you’" (John 20:19).

In both of these scriptures Jesus is telling them -- and us -- that the world will go upside down, but His peace will come to our hearts. This is powerful because Jesus made a way for us to experience His peace no matter what is going on in our life or in the world around us.

The antidote for fear is peace. Peace means “to be at one again” or “harmony.” We are a spirit, have a soul (mind will emotions) and live in a body. We need all three to be in harmony in order for fear to release its grip! So when someone says to you or you say to someone else, “Peace be with you,” this is a very powerful statement to receive or to give. You are saying, “Let God’s oneness be with you!” We all should speak this statement of Jesus to one another!

At Odds

Sat, 23 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, It seems like my husband and I are just not agreeing. It seems like we can do nothing to please each other. I must say I am critical and he is also. Discontentment is just on both of us. This is just not like us. Even our walk with the Lord seems to be at odds. Help me handle this please.

Dear At Odds,

You did not tell me how long you have been married but the principals of overcoming are the same no matter. How wonderful you both have a walk with the Lord. With those words used it sounds like you know what that means to have a walk with the Lord. When we get to expecting too much and looking at faults in one another instead of assets it will be a downhill pull. You must slow down and put Jesus back in the middle of your marriage and first in your lives. It sounds like SELF has risen on both of you!

Marriage is not 50 50 giving it is 100 percent and 100 percent giving. Agape love expects nothing in return. Stop and look at why you married in the first place. Circumstances in life tend to take from us and from our marriage if we allow it. Sad to say the church has as many divorces as the world has. That should not be. Our Lord can work in our marriage if we will ask Him to help us. Just remember He will change both of you individually.

The most important thing to remember it is the devils job to kill your marriage. Steal the joy from your marriage. John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. The scripture also says in Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Notice both of these show us that it is not our spouse but the devil that is working through them to get to us. With you writing me I am assuming you want your marriage to work so you are the one who needs to get the battle back to the spiritual where it belongs. Both of you must put Jesus first then one another with that in order then you can hold hands and pray and know where the attacks are coming from.

Choose to put your will with God’s will who wants your marriage full of trust in Him which will cause it to be full of joy. Choose to encourage and uplift one another with words that bless not expecting a return. Bad times do come but standing together with Christ your marriage will make it through.

Confused

Sat, 23 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, Everything is going wrong that can go wrong in my life. I love the Lord with all of my heart, but it seems I am in this pit of darkness in every area of my life. How can that be a witness to others? How do I handle everything crashing down around me? I am confused and fearful. Why this is happening to me?

Dear Confused,

The very first scripture I want to give you to stand on is 2 Timothy 1:7: For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. When life seems to be crumbling around us, we must combat fear! This says God does not give us this fear, but the devil does. God gives us power which in the Greek is dynamis meaning miraculous ability and a sound mind. Fear tries to come to us all but we have to know that it is NOT of God. Our God gives us the miraculous ability to get beyond what the devil is doing and stand, understanding His promises are sure and true.

Life is tough at times for us all, but we have to know that we are His children and whether things change now or later, God is for us and wants us to succeed. I do believe we all must take an evaluation of our life now and then, and sometimes He shows us things we need to correct. We must get in and read the Word to know what belongs to us and adjust our life accordingly.

Whatever is happening in my life, to be a good witness, I must show others that I trust and know that God’s Word is sure and true and in time, all things will work for my good. How can I say that? Because the Word says that: Romans 8:28… We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. When we know this in our heart, then we will live with hope, and others will want to know what our hope is. Then we tell them…. Jesus is my hope and I know He loves me and His promises are mine no matter how things look or feel. This is light dispelling the darkness.

Why Are We Thankful

Fri, 03 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I get so down during Thanksgiving and Christmas. I've lost my mom who was my best friend all my life. She and I did so much together, including going to church. And we enjoyed making preparations to celebrate the holidays with rest of family. The days are dark and bleak...I wish I could fast forward to spring. Any help you can offer to help me get me through these lonely winter months?

Dear Downer,

Both of these holidays are to be kept in the right perspective. What is the meaning of these holidays and why do we celebrate? I must say both of them have gotten way off base as to why we celebrate and how.

The first Thanksgiving was neither a feast nor a holiday; it was a simple gathering following the Mayflower’s arrival at Plymouth Rock on December 11, 1620. It progressed from this point and took a span of 150 years to establish Thanksgiving as it is now celebrated and was proclaimed a national holiday by George Washington. Then President Lincoln proclaimed the holiday to be celebrated the last Thursday in November; then Congress sanctioned it as a legal holiday in 1941.

Thanksgiving is a relationship between God and man. Upon their arrival at New Plymouth, the Pilgrims composed the Mayflower Compact, which honored God. Thanksgiving begins with acknowledging God as faithful, earnestly giving Him thanks, in advance, for His abundant blessings. This sounds like Philippians 4:6.

Christmas is all about Christ and what He did being born and coming into this world for all mankind. Once again this holiday is about relationship between God and man! With this very short history lesson, we can see both holidays start with humble beginnings and both got all blown up and now have a worldly, commercial spin.

How wonderful you had your mom to go to church with and to celebrate with, but your mom is walking through heaven now and would not want you to have dark days during these holidays. Be a doer of the words you learned while sitting in church and have thanksgiving in your heart for Christ coming into the world setting His people free.

While you focus on the TRUE meaning of both Thanksgiving and Christmas, go out and help others with joy and a song in your heart. You’ll see what a difference this makes in their lives…and in yours.

Send your questions to Judy Baus, 9309-99W Highway, Gerber CA 96035 or baus1@juno.com

Missing out?

Sat, 19 Aug 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I don’t do Facebook or really any social media. Many of my friends are often talking about what they read on Facebook and how they knew things about people and how they keep up with so many people. I sometimes feel I am missing out on something, like I’m an outsider. But I just don’t have time (nor desire!) for it. What do you think?

Dear Not Missing Out!

I too am not on Facebook. Does it have good in it? Yes! Was it intended for good? I do believe so. I simply do not have time to spend on Facebook. I also have seen people use it as a sounding board, or to give their opinion on politics, ethics, and so on. It riles people up and causes division and strife.

Truly Facebook has been abused and misused. It is used to bully others who would not have been bullied if they had not been on it at all. I also believe it should be monitored more closely and where children are concerned, not be on it at all.

I know people who have to get up in the middle of the night to check their texts or Facebook. That is an ADDICTION! I was once addicted to alcohol. I needed that drink and then more drinks to get through the day. But deep down, I needed something far beyond that. I read the scripture in John 3:16: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. I knew I was in the world and I was so perishing because of addiction! I wanted to be free and I wanted life! So I am now addicted to living my life for the One who gave His for me, JESUS!

An addiction is to have a very strong desire or need for something. I suppose if a person can control his use of Facebook and Facebook does not control him, then I do not see anything wrong with it. If you ever decide to use social media or Facebook, remember what I tell people: Say it; forget it. Write it; regret it! Always keep Jesus above it all! When one uses Facebook, think of what Jesus would do and say. Hope this helps.

Bothered One

Sat, 19 Aug 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I am really bothered by fellow Christians! Every Sunday in church, I look around and see fellow believers praising the Lord and saying Amen to the pastor’s words. I then see the same people Monday through Saturday frustrated and worried about things in their lives and the future. Hope on Sunday and no hope the rest of the week? That certainly isn’t causing others to desire Jesus and His salvation.

Dear Bothered One,

No need to be bothered! We go to our fellowships to bless the Lord and get filled up. We are to then go out and give out! We are to live and do what we learn. James 1:22 says But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. The word deceived means beguiled or tricked which we do to ourselves when we ignore what we have learned from the word of God.

It is sad to see so much emotion in our fellowships. Sadly, some of the praise and worship is designed to build upon our emotions and make us comfortable rather than be holy and set apart to glorify our Lord. It should be designed to bless God; then God will bless us through it.

Besides emotion, much in churches nowadays seems to be about self! Our services should point us to the One who died on the cross to pay for our sins and who offers us abundant life today. Church should challenge us; not make us feel comfortable. The Bible challenges us to trust and believe and that is not comfortable to do in a crisis situation.

Always remember, the people of God are the Church (the Body of Christ) and the Church worships in a building. There is no perfect church because only Christ is perfect and He is perfecting us daily! This will cause us to go easy on others. This journey called life here on earth is not easy. Let’s not get frustrated at fellow believers when we think they are not living up to God’s standards. Let’s just make sure we are, and pray for them.

People around us need hope and Christians have the only hope available to all -- Jesus Christ and Him crucified for the world. John 3:16 says For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. This is a promise for the world and the Christian is supposed to be giving this truth away.

The antidote for frustration is to repent and allow HOPE to arise in our spirit…biblical hope means to anticipate with pleasure the promises of God that are sure and true. This is an anchor for our soul (mind, will, emotions). Read Hebrews 6:19. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast… When we truly get this, we can help others understand it, even those we are fellowshipping with!

No Regrets

Tue, 25 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, This month we honor our mothers. That opportunity is lost to me for now because Mom passed away. I do know my mom is walking the streets of gold in Heaven because she was a born-again Christian. I too am a born-again Christian so I know I shall see her again in Heaven, but how I regret not spending quality time more often with my mother. I miss her so much. This month I just want to encourage your readers that if their mom is still alive, make more time to really love her, listen to her stories, even if you've heard them a dozen times before. You will honor her...and have fewer regrets.

Dear No Regrets,

This is a great reminder to all of us who still have our mothers with us to honor them. This is a command from God in the Bible both Old and New testaments: Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you (Exodus 20:12); “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth (Ephesians 6:2-3). The word honor means to value or give high esteem.

How wonderful to know we will live together for eternity with our Christian loved ones. But for sure, we still miss them until then. Enjoy the memories of the times you had and do not focus on the time you did not have. Some of the readers may not have had a good mom, and I say to them to give your mom value because she brought you into this world. You are reading this article because of your mom. Value them for that and forgive the rest, whether she is still living or not. It is wise for us all to reread the scriptures above… Our life depends on it.

Thank you for reminding us to not get too busy for our moms now and honor her every day! If your mom is gone, find a mom who needs to be HONORED. We want NO REGRETS!

The Value of Prayer

Tue, 18 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I'm a new Christian and I love Jesus, but I have a big question. I don't know how to pray! Is it important to pray? Where do I start? How do I learn how to pray?

Dear New Christian,

First, let me say welcome to the family of God. I well remember when I first became a Christian. I too felt like I knew nothing, and guess what -- I didn’t! When we first trust in Jesus for salvation, we are spiritual babies in Christ, just like a baby in the natural. When we ask Jesus to forgive us of our sin and give our life to Him, we belong to a whole new kingdom. We were brought out of the Kingdom of the devil and placed in the Kingdom of God. We now have a Heavenly Father who gave us His words in the Bible to teach us the ways of His Kingdom. We have to learn to walk and talk with our Lord.

The way you communicate with your friends, communication with the Father is the same way. Talking with Him and listening to Him -- that is prayer. The Psalmist of old wrote: “Hear my prayer, O God; Give ear to the words of my mouth” (Psalm 54:2). “Let my prayer come before You; Incline Your ear to my cry” (Psalm 88:2). Our Father loves us and yearns to hear from us. He wants to hear what we need, not only for ourselves but for others we see who have needs.

Getting into a good prayer group might help you. I remember my first one right after I became a Christian. I was so nervous I did not say a word for a week. I just listened and learned. I learned to talk with the Father; then listen to what He had to say….I just started by opening my mouth and talking!

The Apostle Paul gives us great instructions from Romans 12:2: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” The only way to not look, think or act like the world we came out of is to be changed in our thinking. That is only done by reading our manual for success, the Bible. By reading and reading, we will see how important it is to talk or pray to our Father.

He is with us always and wants us to involve Him in everything we do. This is done through communicating in prayer! Over time, your prayer life will become richer and more meaningful to you. Your thinking and praying will become more and more His ways – with eternal values in view.

Concerned Friend

Thu, 02 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I have a close friend who professes to be a born again Christian and I do think she is. But I get bothered when she uses foul language and talks bad about people whose lifestyle or actions she disagrees with--illegal immigrants, child molesters, homosexuals, etc. I might not agree with what these people do, but I believe God calls us to love the person, just not the sin. And that we’re to forgive others, not hold grudges, etc. If I were to say anything to her, I know she would blow up at me. I am concerned for her, but do not want to lose our friendship. Any ideas on how to handle this?

Dear Concerned Friend,

It sounds like you are a born-again believer. What bothers me the most is your friend’s professing to be a believer and those who are NOT believers see how she is acting and speaking. To me that is the most disturbing. I’m sure she prays and when we pray it says in Mark 11:25-26: Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses. These are strong words from our Lord Jesus Christ Himself.

Sounds to me like your relationship is one-sided already. You cannot change her but the Lord can through you by just loving her and praying for her. As a believer we must always stand on the word of God and the truth it holds. We do not have to listen to foul language or bad things against people who are living their life in darkness to what the word of God says.

Is your friend saved? Luke says in 16:15: And He (Jesus) said to them, You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts…..Jesus also said in Matthew 12:33: Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit.

Remember, prayer changes things. You are pretty sure she loves Jesus; just not some of the people He died on the cross for. That should keep you fervent in your prayer life and until that changes with her, simply refuse to listen to foul language and foul talk of others by changing the subject. Let her know you do not want to talk about that subject, or simply walk away at that time. You are commanded to love her where she is with the Lord and pray she gets where she is supposed to be with the Lord. Pray blind eyes will open to the truth!

Concerned Parent

Sat, 04 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I have a daughter who all of her life was raised to love the Lord. She has been in church from the womb. Now she has become a 15-year-old teen. She has always listened to praise and worship music and even plays her guitar. Recently she has been listening to a radio station that is supposed to be Christian, but I’m concerned about some of the songs. They are very sad and don’t even mention God or the Lord. She has become moody and depressed much of the time. Could music be part of this change?

Dear Concerned Parent,

First off, I am not a doctor of medicine but a doctor of Theology. I minister in the spiritual realm with what is good for the spirit/inner man and soul (mind/will/emotions). To keep our body healthy, we have to eat healthy food, and to keep our spirit and soul healthy, we must eat proper spiritual food.

From the physical point of view, make sure your daughter has regular medical checkups to see that her body is functioning correctly, including her hormones.

From the spiritual point of view, encourage your daughter to feed on healthy spiritual food which includes hearing and reading the Word of God each day. Listening to good Christian music is also good. The songs contain words that are uplifting. Praise and worship music leads us to a place of peace, hope, love, and reminds us of how great and faithful our Lord is.

Paul tells us in Romans 10:17-18, So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God….Faith means assurance, confidence, fully persuaded. So no matter what our age, what we listen to is very important. It will affect our thinking. If it’s praise and worship music, it will bring faith in a wonderful heavenly Father who is the God of the impossible. All of us, but especially teenagers, face seemingly impossible situations. Jesus says in Matthew 19:26: "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." But if it is secular music or some so called Christian music that says nothing about the love of Jesus, it does nothing for our spirit. It reaches out to our emotions. The words are only about human love, and wow, that human love can sure let you down.

I tell people of all ages, one of the greatest songs they can listen to is this: “Jesus loves me this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong. They are weak but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me….” What great theology and truth in that little song.

To get back to your question, yes music could certainly be affecting your daughter’s mood and sadness, but it could be something else too. Pray about it and then talk to her about your concerns. Remember, our children belong to God. Parents are just stewards of their children. A good steward will guide them away from worldly music, no matter what station it is on, so they do not become a victim of that music. Ask God’s help to guide your daughter to love praise and worship music that will lead her to love, hope, encouragement and belief in a faithful God.

Do you have a question? Send your questions to Judy Baus, baus1@juno.com

Scared One

Mon, 02 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, My Christian neighbor follows prophecy and tells me about things like the 4 Blood Moons (we saw the last one, the 4th, this fall) and that big trouble that will come to our nation right after that. She also says most prophecy has been fulfilled that is supposed to be before Jesus' return. I hear that our country is pushing for a national ID number and if we don't have one, we can't buy or sell or work, etc. Can you throw any light on these scary thoughts? Should I be stocking my shelves with non-perishable food?

Dear Scared One,

You said your neighbor is a Christian and I am going to answer your question as if you are also a Christian. I too, as most Christians, hear all that your neighbor is telling you, and is it true? Well, only time will release that knowledge to us. We can listen to many different opinions concerning all of these things. Some people really push that we need to stock up on food for the last-day events, and there is no harm in doing that. It may even be wise. But it is our job to get in the Bible for ourselves and see what it says. When we get into our “manual for success,” we read that for His children, “No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling” (Psalm 91:10). And in Proverbs 12:21, “No grave trouble will overtake the righteous.” These are two of many promises that belong to the child of God. This is not saying trouble will not come, but will not come near or overtake us.

Are things coming to this earth that are not good? Yes, of course and they are here right now. We live in a fallen world, but Jesus came and gave His life for those who would accept Him as their Savior to take away their sin and cause them to have authority over the evil and help others.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:13, “You are the salt of the earth” and in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” This makes it clear that as a Christian we are to bring flavor and light to the people living in a very dark world. We have a job to do and we cannot do that if we are scared or afraid of the future and what it might bring our way.

We can be assured that every promise is the Bible belongs to us and whatever does come our way, our Lord will help us get through it. One of my favorite verses, John 10:10, says, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” I focus on trusting and believing my God, the one who created me and all things; then I always know and can say ALL IS WELL WITH MY SOUL…..

Thankful

Sat, 17 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I need help! Seems like my thoughts are being consumed with the evil going on in this world. Where is my God in all of this? How do I shake this feeling of doom?

Dear One,

I am glad you said “my God”. This makes answering this question a lot easier. Our God has told us to pray, read His word, trust, believe, and do! This is the whole of following Him and getting our thoughts consumed with our God rather than the doom going on in the world. For the Christian we have no doom. We have so much to be thankful for!

The very first thing we are so thankful for is the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for us. By His coming to earth, dying on the cross, resurrecting from the dead, and His ascending back to His original abode in heaven, we have the ability to live with Him for eternity! I am so thankful for that, and that is the second thing for us to be thankful for… OUR SALVATION.

Salvation in the Greek is soteria meaning deliverance, preservation, soundness, prosperity, happiness, rescue, general well-being. The word is used both in material, temporal sense and in a spiritual, eternal sense.

The Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 6:17, And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. The word take means to use the helmet and the word of God to overcome the evil in this world. The helmet of salvation covers our head causing our mind to only think on how the promises of God belong to us…then we can use the word of God and His promises to overcome the evil that is in the world around us. Feelings are just feelings but truth is what we stand on. We are in the world but not of it! This alone will cause us to be thankful knowing our Lord is in charge no matter how it looks or feels.

Mrs. Newlywed Evangelist

Sat, 17 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I am somewhat of a newlywed. I married a traveling evangelist. He's been telling me the do's and don'ts for my behavior when we go to church to worship when he’s not preaching. We don't get ourselves involved with the church, such as attending an activity, or going forward to help when the preacher makes an altar call. He feels we would be robbing the church of the blessing that is meant for them. Is there a code of ethics that I need to learn? Thanks, New Mrs. Rev. Evangelist

Dear New Mrs.,

You sound a little frustrated with all the rules and regulations set by your husband. You did not say what he told you to do during worship.

I am an evangelist and my husband and I have been on the road preaching for almost 25 years, and when I am not preaching we are in a fellowship being taught. As believers, we are called part of the body of Christ. The Apostle Paul said in Romans 12:4-5, “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” We are one in Christ with different functions, but no one is greater than the other. We are all to serve the Lord and one another.

My husband and I often are blessed to help during an altar call by praying for those who need prayer. Sometimes we are in the front to receive prayer too! This is called being part of the family of God and enjoying the family.

Is there a code of ethics? Paul says to the Church in Galatia: Galatians 3:1-3 “O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?... Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? Paul says it is foolish to live by a religious mindset. We are to remember that salvation in Jesus in a free gift, not a set of rules.

It is easy to allow pride to stop us from receiving from the Lord through our brothers and sisters simply because we are preachers. I would say you and your husband need to sit and read what Jesus says about being part of the body of Christ and enjoy your very large family!

I’m Overwhelmed

Tue, 27 Sep 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I so desire to get my house clean, but I just can’t strum up the will or energy to clean it. It’s getting so bad, I am too embarrassed to ask people over anymore. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I used to keep a clean house.

Dear Overwhelmed,

If you used to keep your house clean, then you can again. I do believe as we get older our priorities change somewhat. I know some people would rather be working in their yard sprucing up their flower or vegetable garden than inside taking down cobwebs! You are not alone about cleaning house. Personally I would rather write than clean! I also know if I go with my rathers and not clean, then the cleaning part gets huge and I get overwhelmed.

I think it will help if we look at the Scriptures and see what it says about where and who our things come from. The Apostle Paul says in 1 Timothy 6:17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. We are told to not trust in our stuff but to enjoy our stuff that the Lord has given to us….richly. I like that. I am sure from your cry for help with cleaning your house that you are not enjoying it when it is NOT clean. When we understand God wants us to enjoy our things, then we should want to keep our home in a way that we enjoy it. . . CLEAN!

I also know that I would have nothing if God had not allowed me to have it. As Christians we are servants and stewards in the household of God. We represent Christ on this earth, and for me, how I treat and keep what I am given reflect my Jesus to the people around me. Put on praise music and praise HIM when you have to clean house. Just start one room at a time. Then when it’s all finished, sit down and look at the fresh wonderful home you live in. The key is to then keep it up one room at a time before it gets overwhelming again!

Send your questions to Judy Baus, 9309-99W Highway, Gerber CA 96035 or baus1@juno.com

Still Waiting

Thu, 01 Sep 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I have a deformed body part that over the years I've been able to cover up quite well. In the Bible, Matthew tells of a man with a withered hand that Jesus "restored whole, like as the other" (Matthew 12:10-13). I have believed, prayed and cried this passage for me, yet I'm still cursed. Why? Still waiting for my healing.

Dear Still Waiting,

First of all I want to tell you how sorry I am that you have a deformity in your body. Healing is a mystery my sister. No one on this earth understands or comprehends all the aspects of healing. I have been on the road preaching and laying hands on people for healing 23 years. I have seen people standing right next to one another where one is healed instantly and the other walking back the same as they were. After 23 years of praying over hundreds of people, it still remains a mystery to me. My part is to be available for the Holy Spirit to use me to pray, but it is the Holy Spirit’s part to bring wholeness to the person.

I do know that a born again child of God is not under any curse. The Apostle Paul tell us: “But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree’” (Galatians 3:13 NLT). The word cursed means accused! Jesus took all curses meant for me on the Cross. As His children, we are free from being accused. His blood was shed for us, so cursed we are NOT!

We live in a fallen world which is full of sickness and disease. Jesus did creative miracles as with the man with the withered hand and He is still doing them. I am glad to hear you have not quit believing for your creative miracle. We do not base our faith on our own or someone else’s experience. We base our faith on the Word of God. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Our walk is our journey through this life. Faith is our believing laced with confidence that God is who He says He is and He will do what He said He will do. So many times we get focused only on what we can see instead of trusting in what God says in His Word.

Some people are healed instantly but others it takes years for the manifestation of healing to come. The scripture to hang on to is 1 Peter 2:24: ”Who Himself (Jesus) bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed.” In the Old Testament hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus our Messiah, the great prophet Isaiah prophesied the same thing in chapter 53:5. Both accounts are spoken of in past tense to show us healing is already done for us. We need it to manifest in our bodies, and when that will happen is totally up to the Holy Spirit.

I urge you to keep walking in faith, not doubt or fear… As long as we live in this demon infested world, we will see deformities, sickness, disease, poverty, hopelessness but we need to remember we have our Lord and His promises to stand on. Jesus loves us this I know and one day we shall have a brand new body and live forever whole…. But until then keep thanking, trusting, and expecting your miracle.

Troubled One

Tue, 26 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I am very troubled about what is happening in our society and schools. I am offended at this transgender bathroom situation and same-sex marriage. I am a Christian but I know people who are not and they are equally troubled. How can a few rule for the majority?

Dear Troubled One,

I am very troubled also at the way our country is going. I was shocked when same sex marriage was approved by our government and now the transgender bathroom stuff. I agree with you concerning the Christian and non-Christian alike having issues with both of these huge changes in our country. I do believe people have to stand up for what they believe.

With the same sex marriage issue each minister must have a right to say NO if they or their church disagree with this type of marriage. A lot of ministers, including me, have taken a stand and will not marry same-sex people. This is a non-compromising stand which the Bible teaches very clearly. As an American we have that right and I stand in that right.

Now the issue of bathrooms and transgender -- this is really solved easily by simply putting in another bathroom with a sign indicating it’s for either men or women. As for schools, I think it is pure silliness to think that whatever gender a person identifies with in their mind is which bathroom or locker room the student can go into. I feel strongly as do many others that if the parts on the body is of a boy, then they must go to the boys’ locker room and if body parts are of a girl, then they go to the girls’. NO EXCEPTIONS. If the person has gone through a sex change, then they will have the parts for the correct locker room. We have a choice whether or not to allow ourselves or our children to share a bathroom or locker room with a transgender person.

It is up to the parents or whoever is in charge of the children to take a stand and speak up. For the Christian, the Bible is our guideline. Hebrews 13:6 says, So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" It is time to stand up and speak out that neither we nor will our children be exposed to all this confusion when there is an easy solution. For the majority to rule, let’s not compromise and let us do something about the wrong. This might involve getting involved.

Send your questions to Judy Baus, 9309-99W Highway, Gerber CA 96035 or baus1@juno.com

Problem with My Mouth

Tue, 28 Jun 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I have a problem with my mouth! When I am working and hurt myself, profanities just roll out. Believe it or not, I love the Lord and I am even an ordained minister. My flesh just rises in a flash. I know that swearing is not pleasing to the Lord, but I don’t seem to be able to stop myself.

Dear One,

It sounds like this might be a pattern for you in certain situations. We all have flesh issues to work on, but when we are saved, we have the Holy Spirit to help us overcome our flesh. Before I got saved, whenever I got stressed, I would reach for comfort from a bottle and not a soda bottle! Flesh is flesh and we have to take control of it.

We always must go into the living word of God to find the answers. Apostle Paul tells us in Galatians 2:20, I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Paul says again in Colossians 3:3, For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Paul cannot mean physical death because we are still alive. He means dying to the world and self. Let Christ arise and live with us and in us… What a miracle! It takes our choosing to do this. But dead people have no rights, thoughts, or expressions. They are dead! We need to understand we are alive unto Christ, meaning that our rights, thoughts and expressions are to come from Him.

Our minds must be renewed by the Word of God. Romans 12:1,2 tells us not to be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This means we have to read and do the Word. It does not matter if we are young or old in the Lord. This is a continual process this side of heaven. Ordained or not, obviously you need to be in your Word more. It’s sad that when a Christian, especially a minister, speaks profanity, others hear. What a horrible witness….

The power to overcome and stay dead to self is also found in the marvelous gift of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit was first given by the resurrected Jesus to believers at Pentecost (the first Church). The Spirit came giving His gift of “tongues” to the believer. Tongues is the supernatural gift of speaking in another language without its having been learned (see Acts 2 and 4).

If you do not have this gift, you need it, and if you do have this gift, you need to use it. Allow that wonderful language to flow through you. It’s the gift of speaking to God the right and perfect things at the right and perfect time. Tongues will control your tongue! Every believer in Christ needs to study about this first and only gift given at Pentecost to be used as a tool for every situation and circumstance. You will go from Victim to Victor over your mouth!

Confused

Tue, 28 Jun 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, Can you explain the spirit of Jezebel? I am always confused by this when people talk about it at my church?

Dear Confused,

First of all the word “Jezebel” comes from the OT story of Queen Jezebel back in the days of Elijah. She was a ruling queen at that time and she had killed in cold-blood many of God’s prophets during her rule. There is only one devil, one Satan, but there are many spirits. These evil spirits have a particular type of personality and a specific way in which they like to operate. The term, “Jezebel spirit,” is because of the nature of its personality and the way it operates once it sets up shop on someone.

The Apostle Paul helps us to understand this concept in Ephesians 6:10-12 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord…… For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. The heavenly places here is the atmosphere around us. This shows us that demonic spirits have different levels of authority just as the heavenly angels do.

Look at Jezebel’s personality. She was prideful, cunning, domineering, deceiving, intimidating, causes fear, a murderer, and was a master at wanting her own way at all times. So a spirit of Jezebel means this spirit can take on all these different personality traits found in Queen Jezebel of the O.T. Be very clear Christians cannot be possessed with a demonic spirit because all believers are filled with the Holy Spirit but they can be demonized or influenced by these very powerful spirits.

Our soul is our mind, will, and emotions which can and will be controlled or influence either by the world or by the Bible. It is very clear in Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. When we do not allow the word of God to change our soulish realm, we will be prime targets for the spirit of Jezebel to use us. Sad to say many read the Bible but do not obey it. They do exactly what they want to when they want to. Followers of Christ cannot do that. If they do, in time, they become a problem taking on the spirit of Jezebel in our fellowships instead of being a blessing.

I also want to say this spirit attaches to both male and female. Humility and not wanting our own way is a safe haven for all Christians.

Do you have a question? Send your questions to Judy Baus, baus1@juno.com

Troublesome Times Ahead

Mon, 14 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, My Christian neighbor follows prophecy and tells me about the Four Blood Moons and says that big trouble will come to our nation right after that. She also says most prophecy has been fulfilled that is supposed to be before Jesus' return. I hear that our country is pushing for a national ID number and if we don't have one, we won’t be able to buy or sell or work. Actually this has already happened in some countries. Can you throw any light on these scary thoughts? Should I be stocking my shelves with non-perishable food?

Dear Scared One,
Wow, you have a lot of very deep questions. A child of God has nothing to be afraid of because we belong to Jesus Christ and He shall protect us. I do not think anyone has all the answers to your questions. Why? Because they are part of the unknown, but the Bible does give us a heads up on many issues. Are we close to the coming of Jesus? I would say according to the Bible yes…. But then the writers who penned the Bible said to stay ready and be watchful. In their time they thought Jesus could return so how much closer now….

I do believe the teaching of Paul back then and now is very IMPORTANT for us to remember … But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus… For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

The key words to look at here are “ignorant” and “comfort.” Ignorant means to not understand something and we cannot comfort someone or our self with something we do not understand. So I would say we must understand that Jesus is coming back for His believers. Some people do not believe that but it is like the heaven and hell teaching. Whether we believe or not, it is truth.

If we keep our focus on this truth then we can all live this life with peace and joy because no matter what is around the corner for us, Jesus has it handled. I am just passing through this life as it is taught in the Bible, and I am a sojourner with a mission to bring others to know the only living hope… Jesus!

Now to stockpile provisions. I always feel the lord will provide but wisdom is to keep things such as water, food, flashlights and batteries, etc. in case of an emergency. I do not think we need to stockpile provisions because God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble….. Fear not says our God.

Two Paths—Choose the Right One

Mon, 25 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I want to make the most of the New Year….. So many things look hopeless around me. I read my Bible and go to church. I have to admit I do not always like what I see fellow Christians doing or saying. Seems to be so much compromise, but is it my place to say something?

Dear Child of God,

You are so right about seeing so much compromise in the people of God. I would pray about what you are seeing. If it is against the Word of God, yes, it is your place say something if they ask you, and of course do not join in what they are doing. 1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner--not even to eat with such a person (1 Corinthians 5:11). Notice the word “brother” in this verse. This is not talking about the people who are not Christians, but those who are Christians. This verse always makes me sad.

A child of God should be showing the world we are different and not doing the same things as the people of the world are doing. But hopeless you are not nor are those around you who are true children of God. Why? Because we have a living Hope. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3).

You cannot stop others from compromising God’s Word but you and I have the ability to stop it in our own lives and to choose not to be with those who do compromise or are not living according to Scripture. All of us will mess up from time to time, but our Living Hope—Jesus--is faithful to forgive us of our sin (which means miss the mark) if we ask Him.

We need to do our best and let our light shine brightly in this very dark world. Never quit or give up on what you know is truth. Be fervent at all times, even in the midst of people who are choosing the wide path which leads to destruction. We choose the narrow path leading to life.

Is Forgiveness Real?

Mon, 25 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, When I was younger, I had an abortion. I have asked God’s forgiveness, but recently I heard some Christians on social media saying that women who have had abortions are going to hell. Please, help me understand this.

Dear Forgiven,

The very first thing I want to say is I do not do social media…….Some of it is good but wow some of it is ugly and dangerous. The only source of information which will lead me to the truth concerning my life, your life, or anyone’s life is found in the word of God…..THE BIBLE.

Now back to your question. All Christians have a past before Christ and a future with Christ. When I gave my heart to the Lord and said I know I am a sinner, I know that Jesus died on the cross for my sin, I know He rose from the dead, and I know that He ascended back to heaven and is sitting on the right hand of the Father….. I knew I needed forgiveness and I asked and I received….

John 3:16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (NLT)

Micah 7:19 Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! (NLT)

Acts 13:38-39 “Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God—something the law of Moses could never do. (NLT)

These are just a few scriptures and there are many more. We do not live under the law anymore but under grace. . . by the blood of Jesus which cleanses us from sin (missing the mark) when we ask. Others might not forgive you, you might not forgive yourself, but your Lord forgives you!

Do not allow your past or others to define who you are! Allow your NOW obedience to Christ to define who you are. Your Bible tells you that you are a New Creation in Christ; old things have passed away. . . 2 Corinthians 5:17. So the only truth you shall believe is what the Bible says and certainly not social media.

Clutter—Is it Paralyzing Your Life?

Tue, 24 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, Help please…..I have stuff everywhere in my home. It gets bigger and bigger day by day and I cannot get myself to approach it when it gets like this. I think clutter isn’t only overwhelming, it’s also paralyzing. Sometimes I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t even care and I do forget about it…until I start getting “Final Notice” in the mail, and phone calls threatening to stop service because I have not opened my mail. I quickly paw through papers for those bills to pay. And I usually find them, just in the nick of time. This is surely no way to live. Actually, I haven’t always been this way. It just came over me through time and now is covering me! Someone rightly said that nothing will change until the pain of staying the same is worse than the pain of changing. I hope I’m there. I know I have to ask the Lord Jesus Christ to help me with this change. Only time will tell.

Dear Overwhelmed,

Change only comes when a person applies what I call the 4 D’s of God to their life.

They must first decide to change,
they have to be determined to change by setting godly priorities and boundaries,
disciplined for change which is the hard one because we don’t like discipline,
and diligence to change by continuing day in and day out to change.

If these 4 Ds are not followed, then the other 4 D’s will come. I call them dismay, disappointment, discouragement, and depression! The child of God can choose which 4 D’s they want to rule their life.

To remove clutter from our lives, a person has to rethink their priorities and when this is done, put boundaries up around yourself. For a child of God the number one priority must be the Lord Jesus Christ.

Colossians 1:18 says, “And He (Jesus) is the head of the body the church, who is the beginning the firstborn from the dead, that in ALL things He may have the preeminence.” Think for a moment about Jesus being the head. In the head are our mind, eyes, ears, and mouth. When we put Him first in all things, we are thinking how He would think, seeing how He would see, hearing how He would hear, and speaking what He would speak!

The Bible says that the natural comes and then the spiritual (1 Corinthians 15:46). Usually when a person is cluttered in the natural, they are cluttered in the spiritual. Do we really believe that Jesus would have clutter in His life either in the natural or spiritual? I don’t think so. As we seek Him first, He will help us decide to apply determination, discipline, and diligence to our daily life leading to a life that is full of organization and excellence!

Clutter does not become clutter overnight as you said. So organization and excellence are not going to come overnight! How do you start? Get a pencil and paper and write down all that needs to be done for change. Take one thing at a time and DO IT, and then cross it off your list. Learn to say NO to things that take you away from the priorities and boundaries you have set for yourself, and experience a life free from the things that trip you up, including clutter!

On No, Divorce!

Fri, 20 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I have been married for a few years and wow we are a mess! My wife and I are believers, read our Bible and love the Lord. I just do not want to be with my wife anymore. I want out! Neither of us is having an affair or even interested that way. We have just fallen out of love. Divorce is always on my mind!

Dear Discontent,

Yes, I would say what a mess, but I would say your mind is in a mess and that is why your marriage is a mess! I am so sorry you and your wife are going through this. It’s good no other people are involved because it makes it easier to put back together, plus you have no solid ground before the Lord for divorce!

You say both of you are saved, read your bible, and love the Lord. Okay, then you must know what the Lord says about divorce. He says in Malachi 2:16, For I hate divorce! says the LORD, the God of Israel. So if God hates divorce, then that means He can keep a marriage together if it is submitted to Him. To read your Bible and not be a doer of what it says, you are deceiving yourself (James 1:22).

Jesus was asked why divorce was permitted by Moses in the Old Testament and His reply is found in Mark 10:5-9: And Jesus answered and said to them, "Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. But from the beginning of the creation, God 'made them male and female.' 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate." Hardness is dull or destitute of (spiritual) perception.

If you will both stop and remember the enemy has a job to do. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10 Do you want to allow the enemy to do his job and do it well? He wants to kill your marriage, but the Lord wants it to have life!

Stop and allow the Holy Spirit to show you where the devil got a stronghold on you both. Repent to God and ask Him to soften your heart and give you both spiritual perception in what you have done wrong and how to fix it. Put and keep Jesus in the middle of your marriage, stop the selfishness. Both of you must give 100 percent to the other. Seek counsel from a Christian marriage counselor if you need to.

Love is an act of the will. The will of the Lord is for your marriage to work so line your will up with His and watch what He will do to restore what once was beautiful.

Truth Trumps Feelings

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I'm a believer and I read in the Bible that I am complete in Jesus, yet I don't feel complete. Everything in this world seems to be about family – a husband, children, grandkids – and since I don't have any of those, I don't feel I belong! That my life isn't counting for much. I keep thinking maybe I should move somewhere else, that it'll be better there. I'll finally belong, find my place in life. But will I really? Why do I have such an empty feeling? At the same time I feel guilty because I'm supposed to feel complete since I have the Lord . . . but I don't feel very complete.

Dear Feeling One,

The Scripture you are referring to is Colossians 2:10: “. . . you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” This word complete means fulfilled because you have Him, Jesus, in your life and He is over all the works of the enemy. This is not talking about being fulfilled by people or things. You talk a lot about feeling and you are basing who you are by how you feel. This is WRONG thinking for a child of God.

Feelings are part of our soul realm — mind, will, emotions. Remember we are a spirit, have a soul (mind will emotion) and live in a body. When you received Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, your spirit came alive! You are now living in eternal life, not eternal death! But your soul has to be renewed by the Word of God to know who you are, who Jesus is in your life, and how you should now live and think.

We get saved; then we have to change our thinking. The great Scripture to remember is Romans 12:2: And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…. This means we no longer think, act, look or feel like the world does. When we read the Bible it will change us from worldly to godly acting, looking and thinking. Having a husband and children can be wonderful, but it can also be a lot of heartache and work.

Family is not how we are fulfilled. We are fulfilled first and foremost because we belong to God and have purpose in Him and Him alone. Families break apart every day, sad to say. Circumstances change. But belonging to Christ is the MOST important fulfillment we can have, and an eternal one!

The Apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 13:11: Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Finally means at the end of it all or the final conclusion of his statements to us… Become complete. This means thoroughly equipped or perfection. He says become… meaning to be thoroughly equipped is a process and takes time. Notice “good comfort, one mind, peace” come after become complete.

As you read the Word and apply what it says to your life and do not allow your feelings to override what the Bible says about you, then fulfillment and equipping come. I have learned that feelings are just that and they change minute by minute, but Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever… He never changes, His truth for me never changes, His love never changes, and He is always with me. Truth trumps Feelings!

Seeking God

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I'm a believer and read my Bible fairly regularly, pray and attend church. For a long time now, I have been praying for direction about some important matters in my life. But I get no inkling of “this is the way, walk ye in it.” Why can't I hear from God? What am I doing wrong?

Dear Seeking One,

The direction you are going is correct. Reading your Bible, praying and attending church is most important. Why? It keeps your eyes on the things of God more than the things of the world. Change and direction are tough on us because we do not want to make a mistake. When I’m making an important decision, I can allow my soulish realm (mind will emotions) to guide me. When I do that, I have allowed my feelings to guide me. My way trumps God’s way!

Here are some Scriptures I use to help me know what God wants me to do.

I follow what the Apostle Paul says in Romans 8:13: For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. I am a child of God so I allow the Holy Spirit to lead me, not Judy or people to lead me. He will lead me by His Word and the Spirit within me.
Isaiah tells us in 52:12, “For you shall not go out with haste, Nor go by flight; For the LORD will go before you, And the God of Israel will be your rear guard.” Sometimes we like to outrun the Lord with our own plans which come from our emotions. We never have to do anything in haste except obey God.
When I hear, Judy you have to make a decision right now or you will lose this opportunity, this is a huge red flag for me. Now I apply Psalm 46:10: Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
Waiting is so tough because we live in a microwave society. I want it now. I need to decide now! Not so with God. While I am waiting I will not move on any decision until I can go in obedience to what the Prophet Isaiah says in 55:12 "For you shall go out with joy, And be led out with peace…” When God is in it, this joy and peace will be in your spirit no matter what your head is saying.

This life is a journey and we are LEARNING to follow the Lord. Learning takes time and if we follow what the Scripture says to us, we can trust God with the unknown in our journey. Will we make mistakes? We probably will, but when our heart is right and we have truly asked the Holy Spirit to lead us, and we do not go fast, and we wait on the Lord, then joy will come with the decision, and peace will rule and reign in our hearts at all times.

I hope this helps; it sure helps me!

Giving One

Fri, 29 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I am getting frustrated because many of my friends think I should be working more to make money instead of volunteering at Christian charities as much as I do. I do not have a lot of money but my needs are met and I am at peace with what I am doing. I am trying to shrug off their comments, but sometimes I wonder if they are right.

Dear Giving One,

I say “Giving One” because you are doing just that -- giving of yourself to help others without remuneration for yourself. I think I Timothy 6:17-19 fits your situation well.

“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”

The Lord knows it takes money to live in this world. Our work is our mission field for us to shine for Jesus in all that we do. Yes, you get a pay check but God is your ultimate provider through that job.

I believe the Lord wants us to live nicely and enjoy our life. God knows our heart when it comes to money. Nothing we have really belongs to us anyway. It all belongs to the Lord and He has made us stewards over it. If we would always see our profession in that light, we would trust the Lord for the increase and do our very best because we are working as unto the Lord! The Bible is very clear about the Lord providing for His people, but it is also clear that during that providing, we can get concerned more about the money than the mission!

God does not care if we have money – what He cares about is if money has us! I do not know where your friends are with this issue except what you mentioned. Many people who work all the time never feel they have enough. There’s a parable in the Gospel of Luke that says, “So he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods” (Luke12:18). This is not trusting God but trusting in our bank accounts.

I am glad to hear you are volunteering at Christian charities. They need your help. It sounds to me like you are balanced with work and volunteering. So just love your friends and let the comments go over your head, not lay in your heart. You are helping to advance the Kingdom of God.

Every child of God is to have the same vision of advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Money is to help us live life and enjoy life. God is to be served, not money. “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24 NLT). Keep up the God work!
May 2015 - The Neglected Ones by Dr. Judy Baus

The Neglected Ones

Mon, 11 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I am so blessed to have the ability to help my mom through some health issues in her life. During this time I have seen many elderly people being neglected by their family. I feel this is a huge issue even in the body of Christ. It seems that doing things, even “Christian” things, take more priority than their own mom, dad and grandparents. I just can’t understand how a Christian or better yet a minister can be so neglectful of their own family.

Dear Caring One,

God bless you for caring for your mother in her time of need. God will honor you for that. But about your concern for neglected parents, I too see this so many times in this country. I have traveled to other countries and I have seen that mom, dad, and grandparents have top priority. This is very true with the Christians and ministers.

Even in America, we see other cultures take very good care of older members of their family. You are observing correctly when you see the business of the ministry or Christian priorities taking the place of care caring for the elderly. This is so wrong. The Bible says, “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). One of the greatest burdens an elderly person can have is facing losing their strength and health. Bearing that with them is to help them know that they are useful, the Lord heals, and He loves them! I had someone say to me once, if you save the world Judy and lose your family, what good is that! This is a true statement.

I truly did not understand some of this until I was faced with this issue with my own mom. I am an only child so all of the decision-making is on me. I felt overwhelmed and got on my knees and asked the Holy Spirit to show me what to do. He showed me each step of the way, and continues to do so.

I sat in the hospital with Mom 24/7 and saw so many who had no one with them. My heart broke and it sure showed me how to pray. Yes caring for another person can get overwhelming and we may feel other things are more important, but then I feel that is just plain being selfish. Christians are not to be selfish. Sometimes life as we have known it must stop!

Elderly people are on the backside of life and it is so important to help them come to the Lord and know they have life beyond this life when they have Jesus Christ as their Savior. Those who love the Lord look forward to living forever with Him. We get to help them understand their time is in the Lord’s hands and He will keep them on earth until that time.

Christians especially should be helping their aging family and others who need help. Jesus says, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends” (John 15:12-13). May 2015 - The Neglected Ones by Dr. Judy Baus

Disgusted?

Tue, 31 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, Do you remember kindergarten or first grade? I'd venture to guess most of us don't have the best memories of that time. It bothers me when I see so many Christians are acting like they are still in kindergarten. Doesn’t the Bible tell us to grow up? I get so disgusted!

Dear Disgusted,

You are right about many Christians not growing out of the kindergarten stage in their walk with the Lord. This grieves me and I know it grieves our Lord. We are to grow each day in the Lord. So many people get stuck in different phases of their walk with the Lord. At least if a Christian is in the kindergarten stage, they are out of the baby stage!

A kindergarten Christian has several things going for him. He can feed himself, is learning his ABCs, and is often very curious, so if they will use these skills, they will grow beyond this stage. We have to do it for ourself; no one can do it for us. We have to choose to pray, read our Bible and do what it says to do. With you being disgusted with seeing so many Christians not going beyond this point in their walk with the Lord, it should challenge us to keep growing and going forward with our own personal Christian journey.

So instead of being disgusted, I urge you to rise higher by being on your knees crying out to the Lord for His people to grow up! The Psalmist encourages us, “Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice” (Psalm 55:17). It’s a wonderful promise to know that He hears our voice. It is our duty as Christians to pray for the body of Christ to grow up, keep going forward and be doers of the Word of God. The world is a dark place that needs Christians to bring the light and hope of Jesus Christ to the people of it.

A Lesson from the Oxen

Fri, 13 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I’ve been troubled by a question someone put to me recently. This friend asked me, “Are you and your fiancé evenly yoked? Both in business and personally? I had to stop and give it some thought. Actually, the question confused me. What do you say about this question?

Dear Confused,

This is a great question that I wish more people would ask before they marry or start a business! My opinion really does not matter but what the Bible says about it sure does. I am going to guess that you are a Christian since you are asking me for my opinion. Believers have one manual for success in this life and for all eternity--the Word of God. The Apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 6:14,

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?

This verse is very clear; it says DO NOT! A yoke holds something together, like oxen pulling a plow, and is a balance beam. There is no balance with a believer and an unbeliever. They will always be lopsided. One person lives in the Kingdom of light while the other lives in the kingdom of darkness. Two totally different kingdoms with totally different kings and different principles. Jesus Christ is the King of the Kingdom of light and satan is the king of the kingdom of darkness. How can correct decisions be made from both kingdoms? It cannot happen!

If a Christian disobeys what the Bible says, he or she will suffer consequences. Both in business and in personal life, we need the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. If we allow an unbeliever to yoke with us in making decisions, we will find these decisions go toward the ways of the world, not the ways of Christ.

When we become a Christian we are now a new creation in Christ and Jesus Christ is our personal Savior. We now do everything according to how it will affect the Kingdom of God and do it with the character of Jesus.

When you or any believer gets married, you want someone who is excited about the Lord Jesus Christ and wants to advance the Kingdom of God. If the thought comes, “Oh, I will change him (or her) after marriage,” most times you will be facing a long hard haul with many lonely moments. Get evenly yoke in marriage; then if you enter business together, you will be evenly yoke in the business field also. Balance is believer with believer! Wisdom speaks!

Where’s Your Focus this Season?

Sun, 25 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, Here we go again with the Holiday issues! I have read your column before where people have questions concerning this season, but I am still going to write to you with my concern about this special time. It is Money, Money, Money and the expectations I feel concerning this season. It annoys me when the focus is off the reason for the season, Jesus, and on the fat man in the red suit and all the glitz and the push to buy, as if that’s what Christmas is about. I mean, I get really out of sorts and it affects me a lot. Many of the churches do not even have services Christmas Eve or Christmas Day! Annoyed!

Dear Annoyed,

I totally agree with you and I go a step farther. Instead of saying Merry Christmas, many say Happy Holidays to not offend someone. So I choose everywhere I go during this season to say Merry Christmas to as many people as I can while running around getting stuff done for the very special day. We are not responsible for what others do; only for what we do. It is our choice how much we spend. If we are pushed to spend more than we have or should spend, that is no one’s fault but our own.

I do not entertain the idea of Santa Claus, but there was an Old Saint Nick in history; sadly, it has gotten far away from that concept. But again, it is our choice what we do with that. This is a special time for me personally, and it sounds like it is for you also. I do not allow others and their ideas to take that from me. My husband and I always find a service to attend on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It might not be where we are accustomed to going, but if they are lifting up Jesus and His birth, then that is the service for us.

I always have a choice in everything I do, and so do you. I also like to go and join with those ministries that are feeding the homeless or giving out gifts. Sometimes I go to rest homes and visit people who have no one to visit them. I ask what they would like (within reason, of course), and I go buy it and give it to them. This blesses not only them, but me also.

At Christmastime, I focus everything on the birth of Jesus which is the greatest gift of all. I meditate on Luke 2:10 that says,

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.”

And Luke 2:11-14,

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord… And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

I think it will help if we remember these words from the Bible and not allow the season to frustrate us. Rather, let’s help others know Jesus is the reason for the season. I choose not to be annoyed. Why not make that your choice too!

First Things First

Sun, 25 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, Setting aside time to be with the Lord is not easy for me. I'm just too busy. I seem to be coming and going all the time. Something is always pulling on me, putting me on edge and short with others! I don’t think this is how I’m supposed to be living, but it’s how it is for me.

Dear Edged,

You are making a choice not to set aside time for the Lord. This is a huge mistake. When we are too busy for the Lord, we are too busy. We all have the same about of time in our day. Jesus says in Matthew 6:33-34: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Seek means to search, and first means before all else. Nothing comes before first! You must be a Christian or you would not even think of setting time aside for the Lord! This Scripture tells us that as we put the Lord and His kingdom first, we will learn to handle life, one day at a time.

Christians belong to a different kingdom where God is the King. He knows we have to work and make money to live. He knows too that people will pull on us for help, but we cannot help others if we cannot help ourselves. The only way we will help ourselves is by seeking what is in the Kingdom of God. His righteousness is His wisdom in every situation. When we get His thoughts and His plans on how to do something, we will be clear in thought and not pulled in all directions. This is only possible as we pray and read His Word. His Word is our manual for success in this life.

People who do not read the Bible do not know their authority or their benefits! That is sad! When we set time aside for this before we start our day, we have the correct directions for our day. Some read and pray at night because of their schedule, and have directions for the next day. You cannot live by any other book and succeed in His kingdom which has the only eternal answers for everything. Anything other than His answers will just be temporary! Start today seeking Him first and see how stable and content your life becomes which will lead you to be patient and understanding with others. Your example will hopefully lead them to also seek first the kingdom of God.

Love and Forgiveness Go Hand in Hand

Sun, 25 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, Do you remember that song by Frank Sinatra, I did it my way? Well, I am tired of doing everything my way. I am a Christian and I know the Bible does not teach that, but for us to live our lives God’s way. Love is tough for me, but unforgiveness comes easy. When I see so many calling themselves Christians who also are full of unforgiveness, I feel I too can walk that path! Sure is an easier path.

Dear Easier,

Just because something is easier does not make it right. But you already know that, based on your letter to me. So I am just reaffirming what you already know! Love is an act of the will. We receive the ability to live a life of love because of the Holy Spirit who lives in us! The Apostle Paul tells us this in Romans 5:5: 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 means to anticipate with pleasure that the love of God is in our hearts because the Holy Spirit put it there.

The Apostle John tells us in John 13:34-35, A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." Christians have a personal relationship with Christ and are responsible for their own actions. I am not to follow people and how they handle the commandments of the Lord, but I am to follow what I know is truth from the Word. Clearly just these two verses tell us love is in us and it is an act of our will to exercise it in our lives. If we do not love others, we are not His disciples. This is very clear.

Forgiveness is taught by the Lord Jesus Christ strongly! But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses" Mark 11:26. This is a command we must follow if we want forgiveness ourselves! Strong words, but true. It is an act of our will to forgive and to love. It’s very clear and simple, both about love and forgiveness. I truly hope you will say, “not my will Lord but your will be done!” Chose what you want ruling your life!

Betrayed

Fri, 31 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I have been betrayed and deeply hurt by a member of my family. We are both Christians and I thought we followed biblical teaching. Wow, was I wrong! This person totally ignored the principles in the Bible and followed a double lifestyle which sure has affected me and others. Sure, “I’m sorry” has come forth and a lot of so-called repentance along with the tears. But I am still so angry! I used Facebook to vent but have since taken it down. How do I get through this hurt?

Dear Betrayed,

First of all, we should never use any kind of social media to vent anything. I am not a social media person. Can it be useful? Yes, at times, but it is so abused. I do believe this modern invention is sucking up our time, distracting us from more important things such as time with the Lord, and is addicting our children and youth.

Second, because you feel hurt and betrayed, you have to be careful not to fall into the enemy’s trap of vengeance. The Apostle Paul had many opportunities to be vengeful, but instead, he told us in Romans 12:19,21: “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. ... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

This is not easy because we want to avenge ourselves. We want the world to know what they have done and how they hurt us! When we are a follower of Christ, we just have to follow Christ’s lead! He tells His followers in Matthew 5:44 “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Here Jesus speaks to us concerning many different situations but the first thing He says in this verse is to LOVE! That is an act of our will, and we are commanded to do that. Is it easy? NO! But through Christ we can do what He commands.

This person who betrayed you and hurt you deliberately has become hostile toward you which is what the enemy wants. We are going to have people in our lives who speak bad about us, who hate us, who spitefully use us, and who persecute us. But I am not to retaliate by doing the same to them. When I pray and do good, it will always conquer evil. I can then forgive and be forgiven.

Is this easy? NO WAY but when I do what Jesus commanded and leave the actions of others to the Lord, I will become the Victor and not the Victim. That is a choice we get to make.

Walking On Egg Shells!

Sun, 21 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, When my sister and I talk on the phone, she gets angry at me for anything she disagrees with. Her voice changes…she tries to put a guilt trip on me… and so on. I just want to hang up. If I told her her words were hurtful, she would hang up and I’d feel worse. She’s not always testy and I know she really loves me, but how do I keep her words from affecting my attitude?

Dear Hurt One,

You have to love people where they are, not where you want them to be. If you will remember this, it will help. You did not say if you are a Christian or your sister is a Christian, but the principles laid out in the word of God will help either way. If you are a Christian you have the Lord to help you through. If you are not a Christian, I would seriously think that decision through because you have bigger problems than your sister’s wrath! Where you spend eternity depends on it.

Now back to your question. The Bible has answers to any question or problem. You cannot change your sister but you can change you! You need peace instead of offense! Peace only comes from the Lord. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6-7: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Paul goes on to tell us to think or mediate on the good things, not the things that bother us. Do this and peace will come to your heart. It won’t be as easy to become wounded, and you’ll find your love will outgrow your discontentment for your sister!

Do You Use Your Release Valve?

Sun, 27 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, My mom died almost a year ago and I still have days where I just get overwhelmed with missing her. I know she loved the Lord and is in a better place with her Lord, but I sure miss her, a lot. I miss talking with her. I find myself crying when these feelings come. I shed a lot of tears; then I feel better and go on. Will it get easier with time? Will this deep sadness and loss go away?

Dear Sad One,

First I want to say I am sorry for your loss. I too lost my father several years back. I say lost because that is what it feels like; I feel lost without him. But like you said, we know in our heart our loved one is in heaven with our Lord Jesus and we shall see them again. My dad and your mom have just changed addresses! Yes they are in a better place. Every Christian should want to be in that place and one day will be. We know from the Bible that Jesus will return for His own, and it could be at anytime. Then we will be with our Lord and our loved ones. What a glorious day that will be.

Does it get easier to be without them? Yes, in time. As time goes by, and with the Holy Spirit’s help, the Lord will fill that void in your heart if you allow Him to. Crying is good. Our Creator made our bodies and He made tear ducts for several reasons. One is to keep our eyes moist and I am sure there are other medical reasons, but I look at the spiritual one. Tears are the release valve for the buildup of pressure within us. I too feel better after a good cry.

The Holy Spirit revealed it to me like this—we are like a pressure cooker. Different things happen in life which we must go through. These situations, attached with many different emotions, build up inside of us and sometimes we feel like we are going to explode. They must be released and when this happens, many people burst forth in tears, bringing about that release. Every part of our body feels better when the pressure is released. So let the tears flow! We need to teach our children, both boys and girls, that it’s okay to cry. What a mighty Creator we have to think about giving us that release valve!

King David had a number of crises in his life. In Psalm 6:6, he said, “… I drench my couch with my tears.” The prophet Jeremiah said in Lamentations 2:11, “My eyes fail with tears, my heart is troubled…” because of the crisis with God’s people. The Apostle Paul says, “Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears” (Acts 20:31). Paul, knowing his time was short on this earth, was in such turmoil about what would take place after his death that tears flowed. All through the scriptures we see how tears have released the pressure from within people.

In heaven we will not need tears: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). Until then let the release valve flow!

Overwhelmed Again!

Sun, 27 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I feel so overwhelmed with everything. I read my Bible and pray but I still feel covered with anguish over everything. I have no motivation. How do I get out of this pit I’m in?

Dear Overwhelmed,

I am sorry you are in this pit, but reading your Bible and praying is the right way to get out of it. Overwhelming means shroud or to be covered over, darkness, fainting, feeble! This is a feeling and we cannot go by feelings, but by what the Bible says. Your faith comes from the Bible, not a feeling. We live in this world, but we are not of this world. This is a fallen world so we have to look at everything through the eyes of Jesus and how He would see our situations and circumstances. If we don’t do this, everything will overwhelm us! We will not see properly!

The Psalmist David got overwhelmed and said in Psalm 102:1 “…when he is overwhelmed and pours out his complaint before the LORD. Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come to You.” So this feeling you are having is certainly not new to God’s people.

When we read the Word, we have to do the Word! The book of James 1:22-23 says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror.” This means we can read but we have to do something with what we just read or heard.

The root cause of being overwhelmed is anxiety! The Apostle Paul says in Philippians 4:6,7: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

This shows us our part and God’s part. Peace comes after we do our part and do not allow our minds to be anxious no matter what comes our way. We do that by finding the promise attached to the problem and keep speaking it out and thanking God for the answer! You will begin to see that overwhelming feeling leave you and your faith will grow stronger each day. Speak the promise, not the problem!

Tenacious Faith

Fri, 09 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I am a believer and a strong one I think. I have been in some very tough situations where I have gone against the norm of the world around me. I firmly believe in all the promises of God and know they are for all who put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. I find it harder to be around believers who are wishy-washy in what they believe than to be around unbelievers who simply do not believe period! I know their eyes are still blinded. During tough times it seems my faith gets even stronger and will not move away from what God would say in the situation! Why?

Dear Resolute!

You end your letter with “Why?” I think you are asking why you are strong in your faith even when times are tough and when others are not strong. Well, you are blessed to have a gift of faith that goes beyond the faith given when you first believed in Jesus for your salvation. The gift of faith is listed in 1 Corinthians 12:9 and it is a gift of the Holy Spirit which He gives when you need it. The gift of faith puts a tenacity in you that keeps you believing in God’s goodness and His promises no matter what the situation, kinda like a dog with a bone!

I have this gift and it is wonderful but it does make you feel alone at times. I remember the Holy Spirit gave me the gift of faith when I was believing for my husband to get saved. For six years, I saved a seat next to me in church, knowing one day Vic would walk in and sit next to me. People would tell me he is never coming to Christ, but the gift of faith would rise in me and I would firmly rebuke them using 2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. And one day Vic did come and sit next to me. It took six years but he finally saw the truth and gave his heart to the Lord. Trust and tenacity! Don’t lose this gift!

A recent “Daily Bread” devotional gave insight into the buoyancy that faith can provide when coping with life’s many demands. The word buoyancy means the quality of being able to float. If you are in water and pushed under you bounce right back up, and that is exactly what our faith in God does for us. No matter how hard the enemy hits, he cannot keep us under because we will bounce right back up! Knowing this brings a firm confidence and joy to our heart!

The believer has God’s promise, “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:28-31). Our daily reading of the Bible—God’s love letter to us—keeps our faith strong and unmovable!

Keep your eyes on Jesus and not on what others believe or don’t believe. We are accountable before God for what we do in our walk, not anyone else’s. Remember, the wishy-washy Christians and unbelievers are watching you and how your faith stays high in the midst of troubled times. Keep showing them how it is done by believing and trusting in God’s promises!

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Laid Off…Again

Wed, 02 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I was recently laid off…again. This time it’s tougher to find another job because there are fewer of them, plus I’m over 65. I don’t have good enough retirement to not work and Social Security doesn’t cut it. Last week someone said to me, “Do you think your age has anything to do with your not finding work?” I hadn’t even considered that because I don’t feel old and I’m healthy! Yikes. He’s right. Who wants to hire a 68-year-old??? Now I feel more scared. What if I don’t find work? What if…. All my life I’ve worked, since I was 13. I guess I took my identity from my jobs. My sense of worth. My value. Now, I feel like a has-been. Now what? Some days I just want to stay in bed and sleep all day.

Dear Valued One!

Getting laid off might have caught you by surprise, but not your Lord. Take comfort in that! Still, getting laid off is tough and it is happening to a lot of people. You did not say if you are a Christian or not. If you are not, then I am afraid you only have the job market and this economy to rely on which is very shaky indeed!

If you are a Christian, you know you have the Lord Jesus Christ on your side. He is the One you need to be taking your identify from, not a job! Get in the Bible which is full of promises for us to claim. Hebrews 13:5-6 says, “…be content with such things as you have. For He Himself [Jesus] has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’”

Isaiah 46:4 is one of my favorites: “Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” This speaks to me about a God who knows my needs and has handled every single thing that affects me. And about your age, remember that with age come experience, wisdom and knowledge.

As we get older we need to slow down a bit, but if you need to continue working, I believe the Lord will open the doors for you. It may take a little longer, but trust Him in this. Don’t give up. The Lord wants His children to be successful and to prosper. He knows what we need even before we know we need it!

Do Obstacles Set You Singing?

Tue, 04 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I read somewhere that obstacles ought to set us singing. That doesn’t make sense to me. How can they? I do all I can to avoid problems and suffering.

Dear Avoider,
I think we all would really like to avoid problems and suffering. But obstacles serve a purpose in our life. God uses obstacles to take us higher and deeper in our relationship to Him. When life is the same, it becomes mundane and we get lazy in our spiritual walk. We forget we have an enemy who is seeking whom he may devour. John 10:10 tells us, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy….”

When we’re not on guard and troubles come, we could get derailed but the second part of that scripture says, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” This is Jesus talking and warning us about a real enemy who wants to derail us with the obstacles of life. But the verse also shows us how not to derail and that is by believing Jesus came to give us not only life, but an abundant life. It is true, this world is full of obstacles, tragedy, and suffering. But with the Lord by our side, we can have His joy, peace, and hope through it all!
We cannot avoid or jump over the obstacles, nor should we even try to. In 1 Timothy 6:17-18 Paul says, “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.” When we trust in the living God no matter what we have or where we are, we can experience joy! We must be able to get beyond the obstacles and suffering to do that. These verses show that it can be done.

Watch the birds and how they fly with the wind if it’s flying for pleasure. But if the bird meets danger, it turns right around and faces the wind, in order that it may rise higher…. Sufferings and obstacles in this life are God’s winds.

The following short poem expresses what I’m saying.

“Be like a bird that, halting in its flight,
Rests on a bough too slight.
And feeling it give way beneath him sings,

Knowing he hath wings.”

The cross of Jesus and His word are our wings!

Needing Propped Up

Wed, 22 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, Here I’ve been a Christian for 47 years and yet I still feel I am weak in the faith. I should be stalwart in the ways of God, sought after for my depth in biblical understanding. But alas, I feel just the opposite. I need others to prop me up when my way is tough. Why is this? What am I doing wrong? I gave my life to the Lord for His service when I was about 20. I read my Bible and pray a little each morning, and other times as situations arise. But this quaking tree feels like it could tip over if a strong wind came up. Can you help me figure how to go from weak to strong in the Lord?

Dear Quaking One,

You are certainly asking the right questions! When you gave your life to the Lord, did you also resolutely determine to study and apply the word to your life? Did you decide to make daily “yes’s” to God and His ways? Many people study the Word, but do not apply it to their daily decisions, to their life in a practical way.

When we are saved we are all given the same amount of faith. Romans 12:3 says, “God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” This means when we are saved we all start with the same amount of faith. God does not play favorites. We all get the same amount of supernatural God-kind of faith! We read throughout Scripture about weak faith, little faith, and great faith.

I believe at one time or another we all walk in all three. We all have strengthens in different things. Some are strong in faith when believing for healing, some for finances, some for relationships, and in other areas our faith level must be worked on.

You say you need someone to hold you up. The body of Christ is designed to hold one another up. We need one another, for sure. Jesus said in John 13:35, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” When you love other people, you help them. I am sure you have supported and helped someone else when their faith was causing them to tip a little.

None of us has it all together in every area of our life. Daily we are growing in our faith and the trials of life are our educators in faith. We will know where we are when an unforeseen situation comes. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT): “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into His glorious image.” The veil is removed when we are saved! Now it is a daily walk of living by faith and not by sight, allowing the Holy Spirit to move us closer to being like Christ. He was full of faith, no doubt in Him!

One last thought. Maybe you are being too hard on yourself. The fact that you’ve kept close to the Lord all these years says something! Your roots might be deeper than you think. Trust what God says and not what you are seeing going on in the world! Even the apostles said to Jesus, “Increase our faith” (Luke 17:5). Your faith will keep growing when you stay in the Word of God, apply what you read to your daily life, and pray more than a little! Never quit or give up and stay close to brothers and sisters who are strong in their faith.

WHERE IS THE JOY?

Sun, 08 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I need you to help me focus during this Christmas season. I have mixed emotions about so many things…all the gift giving, the glitter and glamour in all the stores, relatives, expectations...

Dear Mixed One,

I look around at this time of year and I always have mixed emotions too. I am now in the ministry full time, but I came from the professional arena as a manicurist. My clients were at my station from one to two hours, and I heard a lot about what was going on inside them. I saw a definite line drawn: those who were most joyful because of the upcoming holiday season, and those who dreaded the holiday completely.

Our Lord came to bring joy and peace to all people, but as I look around I don’t see joy in all people—not even in all Christians, nor do I see peace on this earth. As Christians we are to show the joy and peace we have in our salvation. Maybe we need to get back to the basics and “see this thing that has come to pass”--our Savior whose birth we celebrate at Christmas.

A lot of things will try to steal our joy during the holidays. Many people fight loneliness and depression during this time. Or we may want to buy, buy, buy, but if we don’t have much money, this can be frustrating. Or we may just get so busy, we have no energy to spend time with the Lord in the Word and in prayer—which is the source of our strength and joy.

Here are some tips that might help you have a more joyful Christmas:

Don’t overspend. Only do what your budget will allow. Maybe choose to give of your time, or make your gifts such as candy or crafts.
Don’t allow yourself to get caught up in the busyness of it all and forget what Christmas is all about—Jesus!
Don’t allow the enemy to put loneliness and depression on you. Choose to spend more time in prayer, reading the Word of God and helping someone less fortunate than you.
Remember the bottom line is that Christmas is not about a fat, jolly man in the red and white suit. It is about Jesus, our Savior, our Lord, our Life.
Through this holiday season, in every situation ask yourself what would Jesus do? What would Jesus say? How would Jesus act?
Call upon Him all the time. He is our best friend and He is our family.

Following these tips, we will have joy and peace no matter what our circumstances. We will be able to help others through this time and teach them about the true meaning of Christmas.

If you know the Savior, keep looking only at Him. If you do not know the Savior of the world--the Lord Jesus Christ--I invite you to get to know Him, the true meaning of Christmas. Admit you need a Savior; ask for forgiveness of your sin; and ask Jesus to be Lord of your life. Hear as the shepherds did so long ago “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

Come join us in church this Christmas to celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world which includes you and me.

Oh No! The Holidays are Coming!

Sun, 10 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT

This time of year makes me squirly! I get frustrated and anxious at the thought of the holidays. So much is demanded of me and I seem to demand of others. Silly, I know, and I get hurt about dumb stuff that any other time of the year would not faze me. I am a Christian but this time of year I see so much lack of Christ in the things and people around me. I need to get over this but how?

Dear Squirly,

You are so correct that holidays change people. They will change them for the better or worse! My advice would be to quit looking at others and just focus on you and how you are looking and acting during holidays. When I do that I can put the blame where it belongs and that is with me personally. I am not responsible before God for what others do or say but I am responsible for what I do or say.

Holidays are just another day with an event attached to them. True, holidays bring with them their own special demands. Prayer and reading the word of God is your key to all things. By doing these two things it will put Jesus in the center of your days. Every day we need His direction and guidance to go through it.

Stress does not have to overcome the child of God during these days. It is by choice that we get overcome because we have not put boundaries around ourselves. Ask the Lord to help you put boundaries around yourself.

Learn how to say no! People have a hard time saying that word. I tell them to go to a mirror and practice how to say no. You are not to be all things to all people! Only the Lord can do and be that. Also let go of comparing yourself to others during this time.

Jesus says in John 10:10, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” You cannot be living an abundant life if you are allowing the thief or devil to steal your joy, kill your enthusiasm, and destroy your peace during holidays. This is your choice to not allow this to happen.

We must not allow others to determine for us how we will handle the holidays. A child of God is not a people-pleaser but a God-pleaser! We can only please the Lord when we read His word and pray to know what He wants us to do and how He wants us to act during these times.

Each day, whether it be a holiday or not, is a day full of opportunities for the light of the Lord Jesus Christ to shine through us. You will have happy God-filled holidays if you keep your eyes on the Lord and not others no matter what they are saying or doing!

Does God Get Tired of Repeated Prayer?

Sun, 18 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy,I’ve been wondering if God gets tired of hearing the same prayers over and over. Every day I keep asking him to heal a family friend who has stage-4 cancer. Kirsten is about 40 and has a loving husband and three young children. Neither she nor her husband is a believer; actually, he’s an atheist. It would be such a strong testimony if God would heal her. So I keep praying, but I wonder if God gets tired of my constant praying the same thing. He hears our prayers so maybe once is enough.

Dear Praying One,

Yes, God does hear our prayers. The Scripture that is coming to me is the parable about the widow who needed help. She had an adversary coming against her and she went to a just judge for help. However, the door did not open for her right away, but she persisted until the door was opened to her. She said to the just judge, “Get me justice against this adversary!” Well, sickness and disease are adversaries against us! We need help to get rid of it so that is why we ask. Our just judge is Jesus Christ (see Luke 18:1-8).

God never gets tired of our prayers! Prayer does change things. It is a wonderful privilege to be able to pray for friends and loved ones. Yes, God hears us the first time we pray, but different situations arise concerning the same problem so we have different areas to pray about during the crisis. When I understand that God has heard me, I start to thank Him for His intervention in the situation.

I believe the very first prayer before healing of the body is healing of the spirit. So with your friends being unbelievers, this would be my first prayer for them. I would pray that God would open their eyes to see truth and the One who brings truth—Jesus Christ, the One who died on the cross for their spiritual and physical healing. People without the Lord have no hope. Hope to the Christian means to anticipate with pleasure that the Word is true. We always have hope and it is that hope inside us that can work through us! Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).

Yes, your friend needs your prayers but she needs your love, faith, and hope to stand strong no matter what. Just keep loving her and thanking God for His healing power to surround her. Then leave it to God, knowing His word, the Bible, is the truth we stand on!

School is Tough

Sun, 18 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT

School has just started and I’m about to enter high school. I am a girl torn between wanting to be popular and a desire to keep high moral standards. I’m in public school which is very hard as a Christian. My friends are good people, but they don’t have the same standards I have. I find myself being pulled directions I don’t want to take, but it’s awful to be a wallflower every day. I’m scared of what might happen.

Dear Pulled,

School is tough and it is more so now than it has ever been. You have said you WANT to keep high moral standards which is the first important step towards that goal. You have to keep that decision in front of you! Every morning before you leave for school, take time to read your Bible and pray. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Taking a stand on morality and not allowing others to pull you down shows great strength. Others will see that strength in you and it will help them also to stand against peer pressure.

Can you do this on your own? NO! A child of God always has the Lord’s help if they want it. Call on the promises found in the Bible: “Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!” (Psalm 38:22) Process in your mind what popularity is and who you want to be popular with. You can do that by thinking about what you want to do with your life and knowing you have a God who has great plans for you. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

What kind of friend are you? Are you a friend who wants others to do what you say and think or do you want others to be the best they can be? How you answer that is the kind of friend you should want around you and the people you want to be popular with! Think of morality and immorality and what each means for you. Choose to be a person of integrity and keep yourself pure for your husband. What greater gift could you give him?!

You will become who you run with so think about whom you want to be popular with and why. Ask the Holy Spirit what “being popular” really means. In the Kingdom of God the person who has high moral standard is very popular and highly favored!

Keep reading your word and praying! Stay close to the Lord and He will bring you fullness of joy as you maintain high moral standards. Remember too, high school might seem like forever right now, but it is a short time compared to the years you will likely live. Don’t mess up the rest of your life by your desire to be popular now! As a child of God, you are in the world but not of the world. God will send you the right friends and help when you ask.

God Works in Messes

Sat, 20 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I have people say to me that if I have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that it will produce obedience to the things God wants me to do or become. I do love the Lord but I also doubt and like to do things my way. As a result, I’ve really messed up my life. You see, I’m a teenager and am pregnant! I have repented to my parents and they are helping me. What are your thoughts?

Dear Messed Up,

I do know that obedience and blessings do not just fall in our lap. Faith has a lot to do with whether we receive the blessings of God. However we must be obedient to the things of God. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land (Isaiah 1:19). Faith is our belief system. We will believe either the word of God which is always for our higher good, or our self which always wants its own way, or the devil who will always be against the word of God and wants to destroy us.

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly (John 10:10). We choose who we want to follow—God, ourself, or the devil. The one we choose is the one we will obey. Which one has our best interest at heart?

With you pregnant you obeyed self which said I want this experience with a man. By obeying yourself instead of the word of God that says DO NOT FORNICATE, you now have a baby on the way who needs you to choose correctly to raise him or her correctly. Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication…. Galatians 5:19.

Our Lord works in messes and because you knew you were disobedient and repented to your parents and hopefully the Lord, now you are obedient to what God says and your faith led you to obey His word. You need to thank the Lord for godly parents who will help you raise this child. The Lord also will bless you with the help you need to live your life and teach your child to live for the Lord. You can help others to stay out of the way of disobedience to the word of God, and testify to the fact it will always cause distress!

Disobedience to God always brings consequences. Your life will not be easy. You will have to grow up very fast now. Many of your plans for your future will be put on hold because you will now be responsible for this baby and his or her future. Notice I said put on hold, not over. Jeremiah 29:11 says, For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Get serious with the Lord and He will help you with everything you are going to face. You get serious by reading His word and praying to Him for guidance each day; then do it His way. The LORD has heard my supplication; The LORD will receive my prayer. Psalm 6:9

Divorce on the Mind? by Dr.Judy Baus

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Judy, I am a Christian and my husband and I go to church. We have been married 20 years, but we’ve gotten far apart. We’ve lost that concern and love we used to have for one another. Honestly, I feel like he takes me for granted, like I’m not valued anymore. I’m stressed, confused, and feel very alone. I’m tired all the time and don’t know what to do. I cannot talk to anyone about this because I do not want them to judge me. I keep thinking that divorce is the only solution. Can you help?

Dear Tired One,
I can give you some food for thought but you are the only one who can make the final decision on the outcome of your marriage. I find it sad when people go through 20 years of marriage and then think of divorce. My first thought would be to see your doctor for a physical to make sure there is nothing going on in your body to cause you to be tired all the time. I know stress and depression can make a person feel tired all the time.

After you get your doctor’s okay and there is nothing wrong physically, then take the next step which is to get your priorities in order. The Lord must be first in your life; then your husband. If you do not have your relationship right with the Lord and allow Him to fill all your emotional needs, you certainly cannot have a right relationship with your husband. Spend time in the Word of God and find out where your true worth and value come from. Your expectations must be from the Lord, not from your husband who is a mere human being!

Now for your thoughts about a divorce…I heard no mention of your husband verbally or physical abusing you or cheating on you. These would be valid reasons for a divorce. God says He hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). So if He hates divorce and He knows marriages have their troubles, then He also knows how to fix them.

The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 10:5, “…casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” It’s interesting that it says “casting down arguments” because that is what is going on in your head. One time you think you want out of this marriage and the next moment, you want your marriage! That is an argument in your mind that you have to settle.

You have to cast down the argument for divorce because God hates that, and bring that thought into obedience with the thoughts of Christ which is to have a happy marriage. Whichever argument you feed will win. God’s word… or the world’s word that says divorce is okay?

The Lord hates divorce, yes, but also He is not in favor of an unhappy marriage! Ask the Lord to show you how you can make your marriage better and healthier. Spend time in the Bible and do what it says.

You said your husband goes to church which is a blessing that many Christian wives do not have. Talk with him about putting Jesus at the center of your marriage. Women are famous for thinking their husband should know what is going on and how they feel. Men will not know unless you tell them. Then start praying together as a couple. If you do not usually do that, just start simple and short. God hears and will help.