Heaven. . . really?

“If you think about in the angelic world, they’re just as real as you are. They’re just not made of the same physical properties. Life in their realm is just as real as it is in our realm. I've tried to show you that in heaven are farms and cities and manufacturing plants. We talk about the business of heaven. Paul describes the invisible realm and he use exactly the same terminology to describe it as he does for down on earth. There’s work, there’s jobs, there’s life to be carried on." -Pastor Richard Jordan, Grace Impact from Lisa Leland blog (February 20, 2011).

A good fear. . .

The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy. (Psalm 147:11)

Refuge and strength . . .

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea . . .” (Psalm 46:1-2).

Be still, my soul!

Be still, my soul! The Lord is on thy side:
bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide:
in ev'ry change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul! Thy best, thy heav'nly Friend
through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul! The hour is hast'ning on
when we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
sorrow forgot, love's purest joy restored.
Be still, my soul! When change and tears are past,
all safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Words: Katharina von Schlegel, 1752
Music: Finlandia, Jean Sibelius, 1899

I love the Finlandia melody. It is used with different words for several other hymns in the Hymnal.