Arise

By Chuck Spangler

Grace Memorial Parishioner

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Matthew 5:3-12

In the midst of so many disturbing global events that seem to dominate both the national media and social media, it seems the only viable (and indisputably the superior) tool available to us as Christians is to focus on what we can control within our own community through love, mercy, generosity that is passed on from Jesus Christ to all of those that we encounter.

This cut was written by Mac Powell and performed by Third Day soon after the series of devastating floods, earthquakes, and civil disorder in Haiti. The petition then seems appropriate to us now.​

​Cut: “Arise”
Artist: Third Day
CD/Album: Lead Us Back

I sit alone and think about the world and all the people without freedom, without justice.
And then I wonder if there's any more that I can do to help the broken, to help the hopeless.
And, Lord, You know I can't do this without You…
God, I need You now, help me to make a move

Arise, o God…Lift up Your hand. Bring freedom and forgiveness
Arise, o God…Help us to stand, For mercy and for justice.

As I sing along with all the worship and the praises of Your children, of Your people.
I know that there is so much more that we can all be doing for the broken, for the hopeless.
Lord, You know we can't do this without You.
God, we need You now, help us to make a move…Help us to make a move.

Arise, o God…Lift up Your hand. Bring freedom and forgiveness
Arise, o God…Help us to stand, For mercy and for justice.
Arise, o God…Lift up Your hand. Bring freedom and forgiveness
Arise, o God…Help us to stand, For mercy and for justice.

Only You can save us, Lord, Only You can rescue us
In the name of Jesus, there is hope...
Only You can save us, Lord, Only You can rescue us
In the name of Jesus, there is hope...

Arise, o God…Lift up Your hand. Bring freedom and forgiveness
Arise, o God…Help us to stand, For mercy and for justice.
Arise, o God…Lift up Your hand. Bring freedom and forgiveness
Arise, o God…Help us to stand, For mercy and for justice.