Together Forever By Jerry Nicklas Together forever from now on Together forever from now on Rain, Shine, Sleet or Snow There is one thing I know Together forever from now on Black-White, Red-Brown, Yellow No matter where you are found Rich-Poor, illiterate or Ph.D. Whatever gender you may be From The White House, all the way To my house out in the street Good News—We’re all human-seed! Someone needs to hear “My Words” Yes, Someone needs to know today There is Joy and Hope, Believing “I Am” The Truth, Light and Way Love God, Love One Another Deny yourself, take up your cross And follow me—Yes, follow me Together forever from now on One race—saved by grace Together—you’re My face For the whole world to see Good News—We’ve been redeemed! (c) Jerry Nicklas

My Attorney By: Laura Howard After living what I felt was a "decent" life, my time on earth came to the end. The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a courthouse. The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table. As I looked around I saw the "prosecutor." He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me. He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen. I sat down and looked to my left and there sat My Attorney, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I knew Him. The corner door flew open and there appeared the Judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room. I couldn't take my eyes off of Him. As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, "Let us begin." The prosecutor rose and said, "My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this man belongs in hell." He proceeded to tell of lies I told, things I stole, and in the past when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible perversions once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank. I was so embarrassed, I couldn't look at anyone, even my own Attorney, as the Devil told of sins even I have completely forgotten about. As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at My Attorney who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all. I know I was guilty of those things, but I did some good in my life - couldn't that at least equal out part of the harm I'd done? Satan finished with a fury and said, "This man belongs in hell, he is guilty of all I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise." When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the bench. The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward. As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendor and majesty. I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior. He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, "Hi, Dad," then He turned to address the court. "Satan was correct in saying this man sinned, I won't deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this man deserves to be punished." Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, "However, I died on the cross so this person might have eternal life and he accepted Me as his Savior, so he is Mine." My Lord continued with, "His name is written in the Book of Life and no one can snatch him from Me. Satan still does not understand yet. This man is not to be given justice, but rather mercy." As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said,"There is nothing else that needs to be done. I've done it all." The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words bellowed from His lips... "This man is free. The penalty for him was already paid in full. Case dismissed" As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, "I won't give up, I will win the next one." I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, "Have you ever lost a case?" Christ lovingly smiled and said, "Everyone that comes to Me and asked Me to represent them, received the same verdict as you, "PAID IN FULL." By Laura Howard

The Celestial City By: Diane Wright I went to visit a city In a body not known to man. I was awed by what I saw there; I felt I could barely stand. This city, so like a child’s fairytale Only God alone knows ‘till death Where man will go after death’s repose. Until now, all the details remaining   stealth. I felt blessed beyond measure Not knowing where to go; Greeted by angelic beings on foot Who moved freely walking to and fro. I wondered why I was so blessed To be able to visit this godly place. I heard the angels say back to me “It is because you seek God’s face.” The city has streets paved in gold; Mansions of enormous measure and height. Gems of bright colors everywhere. Onyx, sapphire, diamonds --- a beautiful sight. Perfect is the scene within the city; No sadness, only happiness are the souls. David, Abraham, Joseph, and Noah Tell me of Heaven’s stories that unfold. We soon stand at the foot of a hill At the top, the light emanating brightly glowed “You may not climb this hill,” my escorts said. “This is NOT where you may go.” “Why?” I asked in amazement, “You have shown me much of this Heavenly sod." The reply, “Only those who stay may go “For this is the throne room of God.” (c) Diane Wright