The Lord’s Day, Tour Day II
Tehillah. Praise to our God. Praise. I was awakened just before first light by the sound of a crying baby–my own. This was not preferred. As I was walking around with Grace while her mother got ready, I wasn’t initially filled with the happiest of thoughts. But life goes on, and after a delicious breakfast courtesy of our hosts we made it back to the bus and departed for Canaan Fellowship in Plain City, Ohio.
Shortly thereafter our in-bus church service began. Dave led a very timely song: I owe the Lord a morning song, of gratitude and praise! I shall try to remember these words next time. There is too much good and too little time to give place to negative thoughts and emotions.
Kendrick talked about the meaning of our theme song, Arise My Soul, Arise. The lyrics, which I’ll share below, are adapted from the writings of Charles Wesley and are very powerful in their own right.
Arise, my soul, arise. Shake off your guilty fears.
The bleeding sacrifice in my behalf appears.
Before the throne He stands, my name is written on His hands.
He ever lives above, for me to intercede,
His all redeeming love, His precious blood to plead.
Before the throne of grace, He gladly takes my sinful place.
Five bleeding wounds He bears, received on Calvary.
They pour effective prayers. They strongly plead for me.
Forgive, forgive, they cry, this ransomed sinner must not die.
The Father hears Him pray, His dear anointed one.
He cannot turn away the present of His son.
He sees the priceless blood and tells me I am born of God.
My God is reconciled, His pardoning voice I hear.
He owns me for His child, I can no longer fear.
With boldness I draw nigh, and Abba, Father, I cry.
Arise, my soul, arise; I can no longer fear.
Kendrick referenced Romans heavily for context for this song. We deserve death, but God has given us life! In particular, to quote Romans 5:8-9 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
What do we fear? Why do we fear? The Lord is my Light and my Salvation! Whom shall I fear?
Arise, my soul, arise; I can no longer fear.
Today was Dave’s birthday! He turned 71! He has been singing choral music for no less than 55 years. Congrats, Dave; we are very grateful to have you in Tehillah.
We had sack lunches on the coast of Grand Lake in Celina, Ohio. Ruth’s sister who lives nearby brought dessert. It was quite windy and chilly, rather atypical for this time of year. After lunch, I went for a walk wrapped in a blanket. It was very soft and warm. I think the rest of the choir was judging me slightly, but I cared not for such things. One even ventured to ask if I was cold, I replied, “No, I’ve got a blanket!”
We had an engaging program to a responsive and packed house. Our comfort with the repertoire and cohesion as a group seems to be improving each day. Several of the songs especially seemed to resonate with the audience, with an encore request for This Little Light of Mine!
All in all it was a good day, with much to be thankful for.
– Written by Corey Miller