Cowboy Church #79

 Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church. 

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Acuff with a 1956 live performance of The Great Speckled Bird. Though many country singers have recorded gospel songs few of them have it become one of their signature songs. A very clear exception was Roy Acuff with The Great Speckled Bird. Roy had originally received writer credit on this song, but in a later interview Roy would state that the song was written by Reverend Guy Smith. The title is a reference to the book of Jeremiah, where it is stated "Mine heritage is unto me as a speckled bird, the birds round about are against her." The song was released in August 1938, a few months after Roy had introduced it on the Opry. Lord Build Me a Cabin in Glory is not one of the better known hymns especially at the time Hank performed on the Mother's Best radio show in 1951. Though Roy Acuff, Bill Monroe and Charley Pride would later record this song, at the time few had recorded this song and even many gospel music buffs had no idea this song existed. It's biggest claim to fame at the time was to appear in the 1944 hymnal, Banner Songs. This song was written by Corporal Curtis Stewart, who this is this the only known song from. Next is Willie Nelson and Sister Bobbie Nelson (on Piano) with some Old Time Religion. Though fans of classic country music mostly associate The Wreck on the Highway with Roy Acuff, he was far from the only country singer who recorded it. One of the best versions is from The Wilburn Brothers. This is followed the Sons of the Pioneers singing about the Wonders of God's Green Earth. This recording comes from their 1963 album, Hymns of the Cowboy. The song was written by Leon Rene, who is better known for writing such songs as Rockin' Robin, When the Swallows Come Back To Capistrano,  When It's Sleepy Time Down South and Boogie Woogie Santa Claus. Today's musical selection ends with Dale Evans with her 1973 recording of This Little Light of Mine. 

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 1 Peter 1:13

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10

Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Galatians 6:8

And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. Hebrews 11:11

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jerimiah 29:11

But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish. Psalm 9:18

For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? Romans 8:24

 But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:1-2

When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” John 5:6

 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. Proverbs 28:13

Thanks for joining me come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.

-Michael J. Ruhland