PRAISE YE THE LORD

How is it that God's crown jewel of creation can stand or sit in a worship service and not express adoration for its Creator?  The trees lift their branches heavenward and wave them before the Lord. The oceans swell and roar their applause to His Majesty.  The streams ripple their anticipation of His soon return.  The winds rush through their courses, preparing the way for the King of kings.  The earth shuffles and convulses, attempting to settle itself in His Presence.  Creatures great and small unite their voices in a magnificent chorus to His Greatness.  Willows and reeds reach high and then fall prostrate before His Holiness...and yet we sit.  Voices silent.  Hands clenched.  Feet immobile.  So very aware of ourselves.

THAT MOMENT

I am thinking of that moment when I come to myself and realize that I am in eternity.  Time is no more for me.  I have made it to the other side.  I am very much alive and alert to my surroundings.  I am thinking, knowing and loving.  

I am seeing beauty as I’ve never seen it before -fresh, pure and radiant.  Colors, textures, sounds and fragrances -all more complete, more true than I ever thought possible.  

Faces that I know and love are smiling at me in welcome.  Arms embrace me.  Memories envelope me.  Applause cascades around me.  I am laughing in sweet relief.  

Suddenly He is there with me.  Jesus.  My Savior.  My Friend.  I am crushed to His chest, sobbing.  Breathing in His holiness.  Bathed in His forgiveness.  I am cherished.

I am longing to reassure you that all is well.  Don’t sorrow for me, dear one.  I have seen His face.  Looking ahead, I can tell you it was worth it all.  The heartaches, trials and injustices in no way compare to being in that moment.

HEAVEN

There is a world that I cannot perceive

using only my natural eyes.

And yet it is so real to me;

I shall behold it by and by.

There is a realm often dreamed about

where God’s purpose and angels kiss.

Should greater value rest on earthly things,

I would assuredly be remiss.

There is a chamber allusive to some

yet believers know it by faith.

Pulling my heart on a tender cord,

jubilation in a holy conclave.

There is a city outside of time.

A million steps couldn’t reach it’s shore.

Yet close my eyes to gather sleep,

and I’ll wake up there one morn.

There is a face, my sweet Savior’s face,

drawing my spirit beyond.

His voice, a whispering thunder,

calling, “Arise, my child, come home.”