Today's musical selection begins with the king of bluegrass, Bill Monroe with his 1954 recording of A Voice From On High. This song perfect captures the high lonesome sound that makes Bill the master of the genre. No one else sounded like this before, then or now. Turning to some more modern bluegrass this will be followed by Southern Raised singing What a Day That Will Be. This is a very important song for all of us believers. When we go through trails and hard times (and we will), remember that this is but a brief part of our existence as we will somebody spend eternity with our Lord separate from all the troubles of this world. So never let the world bring you down because God is with us and he has overcome the world and he will give us peace and rest. Next comes Johnny Cash performing In The Garden on his last (not including the ones after his death) and personal favorite album, My Mother's Hymn Book. This album features just John and his guitar performing hymns that John grew up with as a child and which still meant a lot to him. In the booklet accompanying the Unearthed box set John stated "That's a nice slow song, a beautiful, peaceful song about a beautiful peaceful place. I hope I'll see it some day but I'll leave the timing up to God." This song was written in 1912 by C. Austen Miles. Miles later told the story of how the song was written stating "One day in March, 1912, I was seated in the darkroom where I kept my photographic equipment and organ. I drew my Bible toward me; it opened at my favorite chapter, John 20 . That meeting of Jesus and Mary had lost none of its power to charm. As I read it that day, I seemed to be part of the scene. I became a silent witness to that dramatic moment in Mary's life, when she knelt before her Lord, and cried, "Rabboni!" . . . Under the inspiration of this vision I wrote as quickly as the words could be formed the poem exactly as it has since appeared. That same evening I wrote the music." Next comes one of favorites to share on these posts, The Sons of the Pioneers' 1937 recording of Power in the Blood. Leonard Syle (better known as Roy Rogers) sings lead on this song but the highlight is the beautiful harmony when they are sing together. Gospel means good news, so it makes sense the gospel music should be joyful and this is a joyful as it gets. This should remind that a Christian walk isn't limited to hardships (though there will be those) or following rules (though we should follow what God has commanded us), but it is also something joyful that will bring us happiness in a way this world never could. This song was written in 1889 by Lewis Edgar Jones while at a camp meeting taking place at Mountain Lake Park, MD. This is followed by Tennessee Ernie Ford singing the gospel classic What a Friend We Have in Jesus on his 1961 album Tennessee Ernie Ford Sings From His Book Of Favorite Hymns. This song reminds us of one of the most amazing things about Jesus. He is not just a lord and master, but a friend, who truly cares about and watches over each of us. Next is Cowboy Copas with his 1961 recording of Almost Home. Today's musical selection ends with Waylon Jennings singing Precious Memories from his 1976 Are You Ready For the Country album. Recordings like this make you sad Waylon didn't record more gospel songs, his beautiful voice is perfect for them. I honestly don't think anyone has ever sung this song better.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. 2 Corinthians 2:14
With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him. Daniel 11:32
A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things. The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. Proverbs 18:9-10
Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow. Proverbs 13:11
Therefore he [Jesus] is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:10
Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:1-2
Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Acts 3:19
Than you for joining me and come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails until we meet again.
-Michael J. Ruhland
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