Today's musical selection begins with The Statler Brothers with an all time gospel classic, Amazing Grace. It is impossible to count the amount of artists who recorded this song, however in my mind no one ever did it better than the Statlers. Despite how familiar this song is to all gospel music fans, The Statlers managed to make the song feel fresh and new each time they sang it and this is far from an easy feat. Jimmy Fortune gets to show off how incredible his high tenor voice can be here and he has never sounded better. Next comes a song from one of the pioneers of country music, Bardley Kincaid (who is best remembered today not for his music, but for giving Grandpa Jones the nickname Grandpa). This is his 1950 recording of the self-penned tune, Brush The Dust From That Old Bible. This song's references to the atom bomb date it today, but its basic message remains just as true today. Jesus said "Keep watch, then, because you are not certain of the day or of the hour" (Matthew 25:13) and this song tells us to live our lives for the Lord now and not put him off until some future day because we never know how long we have left until either we pass or God will release his wrath upon this world. This is followed by Roy Acuff with his 1946 recording of the gospel classic, That Glory Bound Train. Make sure you stay on the train Roy is singing about instead of The Devil's Train that Hank Williams will warn us about in the song following. Though Hank Williams Jr. is best known for his country-rock party songs, this is far from all he recorded. He has released a lot of sentimental heartfelt ballads, as well as some gospel songs.. In fact he has made whole albums of gospel songs. One of the best of these is the 1969 album Sunday Morning. Following is one of the great tracks off this album, I'm Gonna Sing, which had previously been recorded by his father. Jr. sounds more than a little bit like his daddy here. This is one of those fast paced upbeat gospel songs, that remind us that following God is not all about following a set of rules but that there is a great deal of joy in salvation. Next is an early Sons of the Pioneers recording from 1934, Open Up Them Pearly Gates. Despite being so early in the band's career their signature style is already completely in view, including their great sense of humor. This is followed Roy Rogers, Dale Evans and a bunch of kids singing A Rusty Old Halo on their TV variety show in 1962. Johnny Cash's last album was one that was very near and dear to his heart and one that showed him looking back at where his faith in God and love of music started. The album was called, My Mother's Hymn Book and would be made up of gospel songs he learned from his mother growing up. Despite this album being released in 2004 the songs were recorded in 1993 and 1994, so his voice sounds younger than it did on The Man Comes Around album, released before it. John would personally call this his favorite album he recorded and it is truly a treasure. Next is one of the songs from this album, When He Reached Down. John felt compelled to include this song not only because it is a great one but because it was one of his mother's favorites. Today's musical selection ends with Loretta Lynn singing the gospel classic, What a Friend We Have in Jesus.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men. Proverbs 22:29
Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Ephesians 4:28
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5:3
By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. 1 John 2:3
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. Romans 1:16
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. Revelations 3:20
that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9
For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. Romans 10:13
But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams..." 1 Samuel 15:22
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. Micah 7:7
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10
Thank you for joining me come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.
-Michael J. Ruhland
No comments:
Post a Comment