July 14, 2019 (Sunday)
The song we hear today is “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be.” I learned to sing it when I was a pre-schooler. Before listening to it and hearing the words, join me in reading words from two other songs about Heaven.
Onward to the prize before us. Soon his beauty we’ll behold. Soon the pearly gates will open. We shall tread the streets of gold. When we all get to heaven, What a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all see Jesus, We’ll sing and shout the victory.
Surrounded by Your glory, What will my heart feel? Will I dance for You, Jesus, Or in awe of you be still? Will I stand in your presence Or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing hallelujah? Will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine. I can only imagine.
Think of the most beautiful sight you have ever seen on earth. Put the scene before your mind. Then try to think of a scene a million times more beautiful, and perhaps you will have a tiny glimpse of Heaven’s beauty.
Mrs. A. S. Bridgewater, 1920
We read of a place that’s called heaven,
It’s made for the pure and the free;
These truths in God’s Word He hath given,
How beautiful heaven must be.
Refrain:
How beautiful heaven must be,
Sweet home of the happy and free;
Fair haven of rest for the weary,
How beautiful heaven must be.
In heaven no drooping nor pining,
No wishing for elsewhere to be;
God’s light is forever there shining,
How beautiful heaven must be.
Pure waters of life there are flowing,
And all who will drink may be free;
Rare jewels of splendor are glowing,
How beautiful heaven must be.
The angels so sweetly are singing,
Up there by the beautiful sea;
Sweet chords from their gold harps are ringing,
How beautiful heaven must be.
Last Wednesday, Wanda’s sister, Gwen Moore, went home to be with the Lord. Her death was sudden and unexpected. I conducted funeral services for her at Groesbeck yesterday morning. She would have been 81 a week from tomorrow. Please join me in praying for her loved ones. I first met Gwen when she was 13 years old. She was the first person I ever baptized. I was pastor at Oletha, where I had been ordained by that church in November of 1951. She retired as a registered nurse for over 30 years. She loved helping people. I loved her with all my heart. She will be missed.