What shall I return to the Lord? (최재도 Vol.3)-Jaedo, Choi

Eight years after the release of my second album, The Grace of the Lord (2016), my third album has finally arrived.

It has been a long two years since I began the first recording session in October 2022. Finding the time and focus to record amid university lectures and the demands of everyday life was by no means easy. Yet I am deeply grateful that God, in His perfect timing, allowed everything to come together and be completed.

Like the miracle of the five loaves and two fish, I earnestly pray that the Lord will bless and multiply whatever small gift and ability I have when I offer my voice and talent to Him.

My first and second albums were produced in an omnibus style, featuring various vocalists. This third album, however, is filled entirely with my own voice. The songs on this album were inspired by Sunday worship services and times of meditating on God’s Word. In many ways, they are musical reflections of my everyday life and the faith journey God has led me through.

For some time, I had carried a desire to write songs that would convey a truly Gospel-centered message. While listening to an expository sermon series on the Gospel of John, I was inspired to write Jesus Who Came as the Word.

John 3:16 was commissioned for a performance by the 316 Ensemble, whose leader is a friend with whom I shared my faith and life while studying abroad.

What Shall I Give? was composed based on lyrics sent to me by Elder Jung-pyo Hong, a senior from my high school and a respected choral conductor.

There Is None on Earth I Desire Besides My Lord, which was originally released on my first album, was written during my university years while preparing for a summer ministry trip to Japan with the Seoul National University Praise Mission Team. For this album, I created a new arrangement featuring guitar and cello.

Hymns have always been an essential part of my albums, and this album is no exception.

Lord, I Have Seen You in My Dream Last Night was composed for an offering song at a Sunday worship service and arranged with a touch of jazz.

Having Finished the Race was composed after I was asked to prepare a song for the funeral service of my church’s senior pastor, just one day before the service. Drawing from Paul’s confession in 2 Timothy 4, I sought to express through music the heart of one who had faithfully completed the race and finished the work entrusted to him.

This album is a collection of songs born from worship, Scripture, prayer, memories, and the ordinary moments of life. Above all, I pray that these small offerings of music and voice may be used by God to bring glory to Him and to touch the hearts of those who listen.