Immanuel's Land!
(Gene Fedele, edited)
What can be more delightful
for the weary pilgrim who is
hastening to his heavenly
mansion, than to meditate on
the unspeakable wonders of his
future home beyond the skies?
There is much of Immanuel's Land
to engage our hearts in sacred
contemplation, even while we
sojourn and toil in this world as
strangers and pilgrims.
Heaven is the most cheering and
attractive occupation to which we
may set our hearts. Yet I wonder
why many of us fail to avail ourselves
of the enjoyment and spiritual strength
afforded in such a holy pursuit.
Could it be that the allurements of
the world keep us from recognizing
how near we are to the unseen,
supernatural, and eternal state?
Instead of dwelling on
the glorious world to come--
do we focus on the mere momentary
pleasures of time? We do well to
examine ourselves, with judgment
day honesty, that we may check
the affections of our heart.
It is the influence of the future
heavenly realities exercised in
our hearts and lives, which gives
vitality and beauty to our religion.
It reveals genuine piety, as our aim
is in contrast to the passing pleasures
of this fleeting earth. It affords light
along the path of life's dark trials,
and points to the realms of bliss,
where there shall be no more tears,
and sorrow is banished forevermore!
The glorious rest that remains
for our earth wearied souls;
the sweet consolation
of the redeemed in glory;
the unending fellowship of
that precious society of saints;
the incalculable riches laid up in store
for us to receive on that glorious day--
are all facets of Immanuel's Land,
that we might set an adoring eye
towards the one object of our
affections, CHRIST JESUS our LORD!
Let us, therefore, 'set our affections
on things above' and fix our hearts
steadfastly upon the heavenly joys
and glory of Immanuel's Land!
~ ~ ~ ~
(Gene Fedele, edited)
What can be more delightful
for the weary pilgrim who is
hastening to his heavenly
mansion, than to meditate on
the unspeakable wonders of his
future home beyond the skies?
There is much of Immanuel's Land
to engage our hearts in sacred
contemplation, even while we
sojourn and toil in this world as
strangers and pilgrims.
Heaven is the most cheering and
attractive occupation to which we
may set our hearts. Yet I wonder
why many of us fail to avail ourselves
of the enjoyment and spiritual strength
afforded in such a holy pursuit.
Could it be that the allurements of
the world keep us from recognizing
how near we are to the unseen,
supernatural, and eternal state?
Instead of dwelling on
the glorious world to come--
do we focus on the mere momentary
pleasures of time? We do well to
examine ourselves, with judgment
day honesty, that we may check
the affections of our heart.
It is the influence of the future
heavenly realities exercised in
our hearts and lives, which gives
vitality and beauty to our religion.
It reveals genuine piety, as our aim
is in contrast to the passing pleasures
of this fleeting earth. It affords light
along the path of life's dark trials,
and points to the realms of bliss,
where there shall be no more tears,
and sorrow is banished forevermore!
The glorious rest that remains
for our earth wearied souls;
the sweet consolation
of the redeemed in glory;
the unending fellowship of
that precious society of saints;
the incalculable riches laid up in store
for us to receive on that glorious day--
are all facets of Immanuel's Land,
that we might set an adoring eye
towards the one object of our
affections, CHRIST JESUS our LORD!
Let us, therefore, 'set our affections
on things above' and fix our hearts
steadfastly upon the heavenly joys
and glory of Immanuel's Land!
~ ~ ~ ~
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