HEAVEN ON EARTH...

I'd like to  dedicate today's entry to Pastor Mark who was able to lead many of us as we grew more aware of just how 'heavenly' it is to know the Lord personally!       He no longer needs to sing, "I Can Only Imagine," but now sings, "If You Could See Me Now!"                                           

                    

 As I sit here, I am listening to a song called, I HAVE HEARD OF A CITY CALLED HEAVEN and, I have just read comments from the family of a very beloved pastor who recently went home to be with Jesus after more than 10 years of Lou Gehrig's (ALS) disease.  The comments indicate just how many lives were blessedly impacted through his life on Earth... Then, some of them convey how Heaven must blessed to have him there now...  Prior to this morning, I'd been intending to write this message and had already chosen its title... For, you see, as the pastor's family can testify to, those of us who are the Lord's CAN live in 'Heaven' on Earth.... I don't know about most of you reading this, but to me, it is HEAVENLY to live at peace with my Lord as I appreciate the hope and joy (and, of course, his merciful, gracious,  never failing love !) his presence within me generates. In fact, I propose to all of us today that it is this wondrous indwelling of his Holy Spirit which enables us to be blessed by, and to be a blessing to, our Lord as well as to others daily. For, as we convey the true PEACE, HOPE, and JOY He provides, we are indeed presenting the reality of 'heaven on Earth..' Living in his presence and with his presence within us is meant to be 'Heavenly' for we ARE in personal communion and fellowship with HIM here and now! YES Lord, yes Lord, yes, yes Lord! 

As I proofread this, the song on my new CD is,   I CHOOSE JESUS- 'not for a day, but for eternity!' HE is here now! I hope and trust you all have chosen Jesus not just for today, but for eternity! If you happen to be uncertain, simply call 1-888-NEED HIM.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN.........

LOST IN HIS LOVE? Today's title is finished by these capitalized lyrics found in BLESSED ASSURANCE. They have to be some of my absolute favorite words in the many hymns I know.... This is because each time I sing them (at least 3 times weekly as I lead hymns in various care facilities), I find myself being able to identify with the wonder of truly being 'lost' in his love... This does not mean I am 'lost and not findable!,' but means I'm awed as I wander freely and without cares in the depths of his wondrous love for me! So, when I get to sing these words, they are much more than simply 'words.'  

While I'm on this topic, I also love to sing, "fills my every longing- keeps me singing as I go.." These are found at the end of  HE KEEPS ME SINGING.  What a blessing it is to be able to truly say that HE does fill my every longing...HE KNOWS all I need and He's always a step ahead of me as HE meeets fills those needs and longings..

Finally, for now,- The lyrics, "Hast thou not seen how all thy desires have been granted in what He ordaineth?" almost always come to mind when I sing the above lyrics.. I don't 'get' to sing this song, PRAISE TO THE LORD THE ALMIGHTY as often since it's not in my group songbook, but I've internalized its message...  What a fantastic truth! Do you have any favorite songs? (or parts thereof?)

Ignorant Does Not Mean Dumb...

Recently, I've had the opportunity to point out that being ignorant of something does not mean you are 'dumb.' It's OK to admit lack of knowledge of a certain realm of facts.. I can tell you right now that I am NOT a rocket scientist so you won't find me working at NASA!   So, what am I writing about this title for?  Well, let me tell you that one of the last things I said to someone today was basically, "You just haven't had the opportunity to learn much about this particular topic." It's no shame to  not know 'something about everything'! In fact, it can be quite fun and enlightening to decide to welcome new knowledge!  So, dear readers, I'd like to encourage you to set your minds on things above as you realize the Father up above is looking down in love! HE has so much waiting for you to learn and, He is a very merciful, compassionate, and gracious instructor! In II Timothy 3:16, we find that 'All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, and for training in righteousness...'  We can be very grateful for the Bible since it truly allows us to come to know more of the LORD.. I am so fascinated when I stop to consider just how HE inspired its contents so HE might reveal himself to us. Have you paused to consider the wonder of being able to approach the LORD GOD, creator of all, in an intimate manner?  JESUS himself, called his disciples friends..! That's another wonder!

I'll close now by simply challenging you (as well as myself!) to grow in knowledge of HIS word, and of HIM personally!  DID you know that Jeremiah 9:23-24 says we CAN know HIM?  Just open your mind and heart to welcome his presence within you if you haven't known about these wonderful truths yet! Afterall, JESUS did say He is THE Way, THE Truth, and THE Life! Blessings to all...as you continue or begin to discover just how MUCH He loves you!