Notes on the Notes – May 26, 2019

This week’s Scripture Readings:

Acts 16:9-15       John 5:1-9

This week’s Music:

“This is the Day” (MV #122)

“This is the day that God has made;
We will rejoice and be glad!
Singing hallelu! Singing hallelu! Singing hallelu!
We will rejoice and be glad!

Voici le jour que Dieu a fait;
Nous le vivrons dans la joie.
Chantant Allelu! Nous le vivrons dans la joie!”

This hymn by Bruce Harding (2003) is inspired by the words of Psalm 118:24.   Harding wrote both the text and music, which was translated to French by David Fines in 2005.

To hear the song go to:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88a-8OXGYk4

“The River is Here”

“Down the mountain the river flows and it brings refreshing wherever it goes.
Through the valleys and over the fields the river is rushing and the river is here.

The river of God is teeming with life and all who touch it can be revived;
And those who linger on this river’s shore will come back thirsting for more of the Lord.

Up to the mountain we love to go to find the presence of the Lord.
Along the banks of the river we run – we dance with laughter giving praise to the Son.

The river of God sets our feet a-dancing,
The river of God fills our hearts with cheer.
The river of God fills our mouths with laughter,
And we rejoice for the river is here.”

Andy Park wrote this song in 1994:  ‘This song began when I received a picture in my mind’s eye of a mountain with a river running down it. I prayed about it, not realizing that it was a word from God to prompt a new song. I did a word study in the Bible for “mountain” and “river” and found imagery in Ezekiel, the Psalms and the book of Revelation which provided the basis for the song. While on a brief personal retreat I wrote the song.’

See the song interpreted through dance at:  https://youtu.be/rbs0sAgG2s8

“This is My Commandment”

“This is my commandment – that you love one another,
That your joy may be full.”

The composer for this song is not known, but the words are inspired by the Great Commandment given by Jesus, “Love one another as I have loved you.”

“Spirit of Life”

“Spirit of Life, come unto me.
Sing in my heart all the stirrings of compassion.
Blow in the wind, rise in the sea; move in the hand, giving life the shape of justice.
Roots hold me close; wings set me free;
Spirit of Life, come to me, come to me.”

This sung prayer is by Carolyn McDade and was written in 1981.  It was arranged by Grace Lewis-McLaren and published in 1993.  The words are a plea for the Holy Spirit to come us so that we may move into the world with justice and compassion.

Hear a choral arrangement of the song at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XM-MHSKBL4g

“His Love Remains”

“He’s holding me in his arms of love.
He’s leading me along the way.
He’s loving me exactly where I am,
And in my heart his love remains.

Jesus Christ, God’s only Son,
Risen Lord, the Everlasting One!
Make your home within my heart,
King of Kings, Lord of Lords
You will never depart!

He’s holding me…

Jesus Christ, the reigning King,
I will lift my voice, your praises sing!
In my life and in my heart,
King of Kings, Lord of Lords,
You will never depart!  

He’s holding me…”

This song by Dan McGowan was arranged by David Das in 2001.

“You are Holy”

Michael W. Smith, well-known contemporary Christian artist, popularized this song by Marc Imboden and Tammi Rhoton. We will be using the arrangement by Richard Kingsmore.

“You are holy, You are mighty, You are worthy of praise.
I will follow, I will listen, I will love you all of my days.
I will sing to And worship The King who is worthy
I will love and adore Him And I will bow down before Him

You are Lord of Lords.  You are King of Kings.
You are mighty God – Lord of everything.
You’re Emmanuel.  You’re the great “I AM.”
You’re the Prince of Peace who is the Lamb.
You’re the living God.  You’re my saving grace.
You will reign forever.  You are Ancient of days.
You are Alpha, Omega, Beginning and End.
You’re my Saviour, Messiah, Redeemer and friend.
You’re my Prince of Peace and I will live my life for You.”

Watch Michael W. Smith performing the song at:    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt9hWMufODY

“Go Make a Difference” (MV #209)

“Go make a difference.
We can make a difference.
Go make a difference in the world.

We are the salt of the earth, called to let the people see
the love of God for you and me.  

We are the light of the world,
not to be hidden but be seen.
Go make a difference in the world.

We are the hands of Christ reaching out to those in need,
the face of God for all to see.
We are the spirit of hope;  we are the voice of peace.
Go make a difference in the world.

So let your love shine on, let it shine for all to see.
Go make a difference in the world.
And the spirit of Christ will be with us as we go.
Go make a difference in the world.”

This lively song enthusiastically sends us out to carry our faith into the world.  It was written by Steve Angrisano and Tom Tomaszek in 1997.

Watch Steve Angrisano singing the song at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQJ4TLRy1KI

To ponder:

What is the cost of healing?  What is the payoff for remaining sick, confined, distressed, complacent?