We Have a Place Prepared for Us

I will cast my ballot, bathed in prayer for our nation and my state today, then, packing guitar and Bible, head again north to be with Warren again, the spiritual dad I have spoken recently in my blog.  Anticipating my return, I warned him I would come today, 'dad' requested the musical part of me show up.   

I love music.  Nothing can speak to a soul, connect a heart, soothe and change our attitude like music.  It can become an scintillating beacon of living light in the darkest of times and it has connected me with God frequently as I encounter Him in this medium.  Music opens the doors of heaven in praise of His glory as I worship God bonding my heart with His, linking light and life.  Lyrics have risen regularly from my soul as I ponder my time here, the meaning and purpose of this soul placed in this time, with others around me. 

Psalm 47 says, Psalm 42:7 Deep beckons deep in your roaring waterfalls; all your pounding waves and breakers have swept over me...11 Why then are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God!

Our nation sits in interesting times.  As a country we have lost sight of The One who gave our forefathers purpose in freedom, The One who challenged a group of human to endure great hardship, giving birth to a great nation.  A nation 'Under God' and indivisible, and as we walk away from God, we drift toward divisibility, loosing focus, loosing purpose, loosing freedom.  You may not think it, but there is great freedom in Jesus Christ.  Freedom to be and do right in a hurting world.  Freedom to encourage and build up others rather than attempt to destroy character.   Freedom removing chains of evil from the heavyhearted.  

In these times I cling to Psalm 47 and my LORD, for I know who is in control, raising up leaders and nations, tearing them down as well.  I am not downcast, in despair, or disturbed at the trials heaped upon us as a nation.  I am also not downcast, in despair or disturbed with my 'dad's' situation, standing in line at the welcome window to heaven.  

Today, I go to vote and spend a little more of the final times with my spiritual dad, Warren.  Both bathed in prayer, I can do little to change what God has ordained.  I am compelled to do my part in each, thankful for the freedom to do so.  I do not know what awaits us as a nation but pray for God's mercy for His remnant here, His children choosing to follow and listen.  As I listen, I vote and head up north, pleading for our nation and beseeching God's great comfort for my friend Warren, and His family as they watch him slip away into eternity.  'Dad's' earth suit has fulfilled it's earthly purpose; his mind sharp and intact.  He finds himself slipping into eternity fully cognizant and fully prepared.  He leaves a nation steeped in turmoil into a kingdom full of grace and peace, absent of suffering, and, for those of us blessed to have deep relationship with God, as my 'dad'?  We are heading there too.  

I share with you lyrics I will sing to my 'dad' as he lay in his hospital bed in preparation for entrance to his eternal rest.  I am not lost in despair, downcast or disturbed.  As I walk with my LORD, my God, the God of our nation, I am to endure the hardship and joys of sharing life together, looking forward, with great anticipation, the life beyond, with him.

And We Love to Glorify Your Name
Words and music by Bob Arii

One day I'll live in a place that I'm told
Where the streets are like gold.
Tears will be vanquished peace without anguish
Never more to be cold
Or ever grow old.

I have a place prepared for me
In heaven.

Hope can be found here as I look around near
the end of my rope.
You come beside me to comfort and guide me
Through Your life I find hope
And the courage to cope.

You fill my life with the peace and joy
Of heaven.

And I love to glorify Your name.
Jesus you came to walk the earth and bury my shame.
At the cross You suffered and died for me
So life would be made new.
And when I live to bring You glory
My heart finds life in You.

Glory and honor now rise to the Father
As we sing You our praise.
Hearts You've made holy for You and You solely
Hear the thanks that we raise for all of our days.

You are the reason we're part of the kingdom
Of heaven.

And we love to glorify Your name.
Jesus you came to walk the earth and bury our shame.
At the cross You suffered and died for us
So life would be made new.
And when we live to bring You glory
Our hearts find life in You.

One day we'll live in a place that we're told
Where the streets are like gold.
Tears will be vanquished, peace without anguish
Never more to be cold
Or ever grow old.

We have a place prepared for us
In heaven.

You have prepared a place for us
In heaven.