“I will praise you, O LORD my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever” Ps:86:12
I remembered when Jude was at school, every Friday she would grab an early lunch and head straight for the school disco. She loved to dance, loved music and had quite a collection of 45’s. She also had a sweet voice to go with it!!
When we become Christians, there is no guarantee God will use our natural gifts since He ultimately just wants us walk in obedience to His will. Yet, in so many cases He does use people’s talents and Jude would be no exception. She took her eyes off the world and its sensual pleasures and pastimes when it came to music and she became a singer in God’s choir.
Early on she was part of the church worship group and also supported a ministry to the Jewish people in song. She would sing in the house and in the garden and I’m sure when she cleaned her customers houses.
Once she did a number of recordings with a friend of ours called Ray Sullivan who also is singing with Jude right now in Paradise. I have included a sample below. Jude comes in after Ray, a beautiful song called, “Oh Messiah Reign”…….enjoy
In the latter years Jude was taken by the worship group from King of Kings Church in Jerusalem, she loved Hebraic worship to her Saviour. Enjoy this one too, “Gadol Adonai”.
The following is my very last picture of Jude. Caught in the moment, painting the garden furniture, listening to music on her phone……….what a joy !
Finally, I would like to include a quote read out at the celebration of her life written by a friend in the church.
“Jude was one of life’s brightest lights. She had the widest smile that would warm the coldest heart and burn through the densest of fog. She was always so encouraging and often had the kindest words to share. Her big standout characteristic was the fact that she LOVED to worship The LORD.
I can see her yet…..hands raised, head tilted to the heavens, her face dawning the most radiant of smiles and a heart bursting with adoration for the one whose bosom in which she now resides, she is at home, she is made whole….”
It only goes without saying that at this very moment she will be in the choir of heaven, in her element, praising Him face to face who saved her. Thankyou LORD.
Prayer
Thankyou Father that we were created to worship You and enjoy Your presence.
Thankyou for the grace bestowed upon Jude that she was able to worship you in sickness and in health and I am still amazed at the times, especially at home, when she poured out her love songs to her king.
I pray Father, for those who are going through the valley, that even in the midst of pain, you will fill their hearts with joy and gladness.
The world does not understand how it is possible to praise in pain but You make it possible and we are therefore eternally grateful to You.
In Jesus’ Name–Amen
Jude Gray 