Notes on the Notes – March 24, 2019

Third Sunday of Lent

Walking with God

This week’s Scripture readings:

    Psalm 42         1 Corinthians 10:1-13        Luke 12:1-9

This week’s music:

“All who are Thirsty” (MV #4)

“All who are thirsty
All who are weak
Come to the fountain
Dip your heart in the streams of life

Let the pain and the sorrow
Be washed away
In the waves of his mercy
As deep cries out to deep, we sing

Come Lord Jesus, come
Come Lord Jesus, come
Come Lord Jesus, come
Come Lord Jesus, come”

This song was written by Brenton Brown in 1998.  In John 7:37b-39, Jesus said, “‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.’

Are we thirsty? Humans inherently feel that there is something more to life than just living and dying, or gaining reputation and amassing great wealth. There is a deep hunger and thirst for some spiritual meaning in our lives.   Jesus satisfies us.   Through the lyrics of this song,  all who are “thirsty” are invited to come, and Jesus will give us the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us.  Through this, we find meaning in and through our lives.

Hear the song at:  https://youtu.be/zviSoihOEHU

“As the Deer Pants for the Water”

 “As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you,
You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship you.
You alone are my strength, my shield,
To you alone may my spirit yield;
You alone are my heart’s desire, and I long to worship you!

I want you more than gold or silver, only you can satisfy;
You alone are the real joy-giver and the apple of my eye.

You alone…

You’re my friend and you are my brother, even though you are a king;
I love you more than any other, so much more than anything!

You alone…”

This song is a paraphrase of Psalm 42.   Through the words, the psalmist expresses the desire for the renewal of the divine presence and an affirmation of the central position of God in their life.  The melody for the song can be found at VU #766.

Hear this song at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5pZkLWZv-E

“He Will See You Through”

“He will see you through; He’s promised.
He will see you through.
He will be for you a refuge,
He will see you through.
He will be your peace in the night.
He will be your strength in the fight.
He will see you through; He loves you.
He will see you through.

Our God is merciful and He is might.
He knows your need before you even call.
He is faithful to carry every burden.
He is able to see you through it all.

When we can’t see an answer, God’s still working.
His plan is greater than we can conceive.
He is faithful to carry out His purpose.
He is ready to meet your deepest need.

He will see you through…”

The words and music for this week’s anthem are by Ron and Cheryll Cochran (2003). The words of the song are a beautiful assurance of God’s faithfulness through the challenges in the our life’s journey.

“Lord Jesus, of You I will Sing as I Journey”

“Lord Jesus, of you I will sing as I journey.
I’ll tell all my neighbours about you wherever I go.
You alone give us life, give us peace, give us love.
Lord Jesus, of you I will sing as I journey.

Lord Jesus, I’ll praise you as long as I journey.
May all of my joy be a faithful reflection of you.
May the earth and the sea and the sky join my song.
Lord Jesus, I’ll praise you as long as I journey.

As long as I live, Jesus, make me your servant,
To carry your cross and to share all your burdens and tears;
For you save us by giving your body and blood.
As long as I live, Jesus, make me your servant.

I fear in the dark and the doubt of my journey,
But courage will come with the sound of your steps by my side,
And with all of the people you saved by your love,
We’ll sing to the dawn at the end of our journey.”

Our closing hymn this week is taken from the United Church’s hymnal supplement, “Songs for a Gospel People.”  It was written in French by “Les petites soeurs de Jésus” (“The Little Sisters of Jesus”) and translated to English by Stephen Somerville.   This song continues this week’s theme of walking with God.

Hear an instrumental version of the song at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgpTs7vq2sA

To ponder:  

What are you waiting for, deep down?

Check out this blog post about the art of spiritual waiting:

http://www.flowingfaith.com/2011/09/the-art-of-spiritual-waiting.htmln

Bonus video: