by Abishai Aiolupotea, human resources director
I am ever grateful for God-inspired songs!
They often take my attention away from my circumstances and fasten it on God’s amazing power and unfailing love. God-inspired songs also allow me to express to God in words and melody the joys that fill my heart.
I was recently meditating on the daily devotional by Ellen White called “Our High Calling.”
The theme was based on Psalm 36:8 which states, “They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of Thy house; and Thou shalt make them drink of the river of Thy pleasures.”
I received a needful reminder to seek “for the lasting joys of a home in the eternal city, where Christ lives, and where the redeemed shall receive the rewards of obedience to the requirements of God. These do not desire the transitory, cheap amusements of this life, but the enduring bliss of heaven,” (Our Highest Calling, p. 284).
I continued to meditate on these words as I drove into work.
Words like 'lasting joys' and 'enduring bliss' seemed to be on repeat mode in my soul on that drive.
My mind took me far away from the earthly to the heavenly. To keep my imagination flowing I quickly YouTubed a beautiful rendition of the song Jerusalem by The Hoppers.
It talks about Jesus revealing Himself to John while on the island of Patmos and revealing the heavenly throne and the glorious new Jerusalem.
I couldn’t help but sing with everything I had!
God’s presence filled my car and my heart. I was so overwhelmed by God’s love that joyful tears began streaming down my face.
Images of Jesus on the cross flashed in my mind reminding me that His sacrifice allowed me to one day be able to walk the golden streets and rest on the banks of the river in the new Jerusalem. Thank You, Jesus!
But I will sing of Your strength,
in the morning I will sing of Your love.
For You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
Activity Prompt
Read Revelation 21-22 as a family in reader's theater style where each person takes a turn reading. Notice the heavenly details. Talk together about heaven and what you are looking forward to experiencing.
Bonus prompt: plan a "heavenly supper" and invite another family to join you!
Prayer Prompt
Lord, oh how we long for heaven and Your soon return where everything wrong will be made right. Prepare us for that time. Journey with us through life. May we be faithful to You all the days of our lives. We look forward to spending ten thousands up ten thousands of years with You, our King, our Savior, our Redeemer, our Friend. Amen.
