BEYOND – Day 21

On May 14, Pam and I will celebrate our 39th wedding anniversary. Our wedding took place in the side yard of our home church (now a parking lot!) on a makeshift altar built by her father. We were children of the 70’s and our wedding photos reflect that. One of the songs we chose for the ceremony was written by an artist named Nancy “Honeytree” Henigbaum simply called “Treasures.” It was a beautiful song she had written for some friends on their wedding day.

Some years later, this “grandmother” of the Jesus Movement met a lady named Joni Eareckson. She and Joni became great friends. Joni’s outlook, resolve and heavenly hope in spite of her quadriplegic state inspired Nancy to write a song called, “Joni’s Waltz.” I thought this might be a good way to conclude our series. Thanks for following along these past weeks!!

Though I spend my mortal lifetime in this chair,
I refuse to waste it living in despair.
And though others may receive
Gifts of healing, I believe
That He has given me a gift beyond compare.

For Heaven is nearer to me,
And at times it’s all that I can see
Sweet music I hear
Coming down to my ear
And I know that it’s playing for me.

For I am Christ the Savior’s own bride,
And redeemed I shall stand by His side
He will say, “Shall we dance?”
And our endless romance
Will be worth all the tears I have cried.

I rejoice with him whose pain my Savior heals.
And I will with him who still his anguish feels.
But earthly joys and earthly tears
Are confined to earthly years
And a greater good the Word of God reveals.

In this life we have a cross that we must bear;
A tiny part of Jesus’ death that we can share.
And one day we’ll lay it down,
For He has promised us a crown,
To which our suffering can never be compared.


FOR MEMORIZATION: I am torn between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far…. Philippians 1:23

FOR REFLECTION: We live now in a body plagued by many limitations. Imagine the day when nothing is held back from our sight, our senses, our minds or body. Heaven awaits those who have trusted Christ, and Him alone, for their salvation. The door of grace is now open. Whosoever will may come.

RESOURCES FOR BLOG AND SERMON SERIES
Heaven, Joni Eareckson Tada
The Glory of Heaven, John MacArthur
Heaven, Randy Alcorn
Better by Far, J Oswald Sanders
Heaven, Peter Kreeft
Eternity, Joseph Stowell
Erasing Hell, Francis Chan
Heaven (Video for Youth), Francis Chan available on “Right Now Media”
Death and the Afterlife, Robert Morley
From Heaven’s View, TW Hunt

 

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