Day 301 | Thursday, 14 January 2021

Day 301 - Audio Version

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Day 301 | Thursday, 14 January 2021

 As we continue to follow the aftermath in Washington DC, I came across this quote that I wrote down during a speech made by someone I do not remember.  “Those who travel the high road of humility in DC are not bothered by high traffic.”  Just thought I would share it with you.

 One of the gifts I count among my blessings from God is the gift of a good voice.  I have always enjoyed singing.  I sang in the high school chorus.  I sang in my home church children’s choir and adult choir.  I continued singing during my college years both with the local church choir and the college choir.  I have sung with every church choir while serving as pastor and continue to sing at Christ First (when we are able to do so).  I am not a trained musician, but I do have a good voice.  I also played the trombone in high school, college and in the Cassadaga Community Band. 

Singing hymns and anthems is a way of praising God for blessings.  Not everyone is blessed with a singing voice.  In fact, I have always had parishioners’ who belonged to the monotone choir.

 God knows the power of music, and God told Moses to “write down this song and teach it to the Israelites and have them sing it” (Deuteronomy 31:19). God knew that long after Moses was gone, when God had brought Israel into the Promised Land, they would rebel and worship other gods. So, God told Moses, “This song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten by their descendants” (v. 21).  Chapter 32 is the poem which Moses recited for the people.

 Some hymns, songs, anthems get stuck in my head and they just keep playing over and over until another one comes along and replaces them.  How about you – do you have a favorite hymn or song that is meaningful to you?

 The hymn “Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above”, words: Johann J. Schutz, 1675; trans. Frances E. Cox, 1864, is based on Deuteronomy 32:3.

1.   “Sing praise to God who reigns above, the God of all creation, the God of powers, the God of love, the God of our salvation.  With healing balm my soul is filled, and every faithless murmur stilled: To God all praise and glory.”

2.   “The Lord is never far away, but through all grief distressing, an ever-present help and stay, our peace and joy and blessing. As with a mother's tender hand, God gently leads the chosen band: To God all praise and glory.”

3.   “Thus, all my toilsome way along, I sing aloud thy praises, that earth may hear the grateful song my voice unwearied raises. Be joyful in the Lord, my heart, both soul and body bear your part: To God all praise and glory.”

4.   “Let all who named Christ's holy name give God all praise and glory; let all who own his power proclaim aloud the wondrous story! Cast each false idol from its throne, for Christ is Lord, and Christ alone: To God all praise and glory.” 

 To you oh God all praise and glory. Thank you for those whom you have inspired to write songs of praise, songs which express our love, our praise. Our thanks to you for your many blessings. Thank you for hymn writers, song leaders, choristers, accompanists and people who love just to sing. Lord help us to use the words of these songs to express our gratitude to you.
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 Today: those who lead us in singing praises.  (Do you have a favorite hymn you would like to share?)
 
Another COVID-19 death in the county reported yesterday