New Book

 

Paperback and Kindle

* * *

I really hadn't intended to even tell anybody about this book. It's mostly a re-hash of my other books of poems -- I just keep adding to the collection and then repackaging, with the addition of the most recent poems. "I don't understand all I know" (as Grandma used to say) about poetry. I just write stuff once in a while, when times get rough. Anyway, for what it's worth... 

* * *

I am starting to work on another Heart Bells type book -- about hymns and gospel songs. It will be a while, though, because I'm actually going to try to write it from scratch. 

George Lynn

PHOTO: Kenneth Davis, Jr. (standing) - my college choir director - and George Lynn, composer of the worst Christian choral music I ever heard.

REMEMBER WHEN I TOLD YOU ABOUT THE HORRIBLE MUSIC THAT OUR CHOIR DIRECTOR'S FORMER PROFESSOR WROTE -- AND FORCED US TO SING??? 

HERE'S A SAMPLE:

Music composed by George Lynn

Dr. Kenneth Davis, Jr. was my choir director at Harding College. He thought George Lynn was just great. I never understood that, because Davis was a really excellent musician and choir director. He just had a blind spot when it came to George Lynn.

Honey In the Rock

1 

O my brother, do you know the Savior,

Who is wondrous, kind, and true?

He’s the Rock of your salvation!

There’s honey in the Rock for you.

Refrain:

Oh, there’s honey in the Rock, my brother;

There’s honey in the Rock for you.

Leave your sins for the Blood to cover;

There’s honey in the Rock for you.

2 

Have you tasted that the Lord is gracious?

Do you walk in the way that’s new?

Have you drunk from the living fountain?

There’s honey in the Rock for you. [Refrain]

3 

Do you pray unto God the Father,

“What wilt Thou have me to do?”

Never fear, He will surely answer,

There’s honey in the Rock for you. [Refrain]

4 

Then go out through the streets and byways,

Preach the Word to the many or few;

Say to every fallen brother,

There’s honey in the Rock for you. [Refrain]

This is the Chuck Wagon Gang version.

Author: Frederick Arthur Graves

Honey in the Rock - Chuck Wagon Gang

Here is another similar but slightly different older version of the song, as recorded by the Carter Family.

1

Oh my brother, do you know the Savior

Who is wondrous kind and true?

He’s the Rock of your salvation

There is honey in the Rock for you

REFRAIN

   Oh, honey in the Rock (oh, honey in the Rock)

   Sweet honey in the Rock (sweet honey in the Rock)

   Oh it tastes just like honey in the Rock

   Oh taste and see if the Lord is good

   Oh it tastes just like honey in the Rock

2

Have you tasted that the Lord is gracious?

Do you walk in the way that’s new?

have you drank from the living fountain?

There is honey in the Rock for you

3

Oh, there’s honey in the Rock my brother

There is honey in the Rock for you

Leave your sins fur the Blood to cover

There is honey in the Rock for you

Honey in the Rock - Carter Family

Yer not gonna b'lieve this!

 If you've ever been to Bald Knob, Arkansas, you know what a small town it is, right? But I'll tell you what -- this little town GETS AROUND. I was at Sea World in San Diego, California, once. Near the "needle" ride, they had a map of the USA painted on the pavement, with just one or two towns included in each state. Wellsir -- the town they had for Arkansas was BALD KNOB. (And, by the way, the town they had for Alabama was FAIRHOPE -- another small town!) Seriously, now. I have lived in both of those towns. I took pictures of that map, because I knew nobody would ever believe me if I didn't have proof.

Well now.... guess what -- I just found out there is actually a SONG about Bald Knob, Arkansas!

Here it is --

Bald Knob, Arkansas - Roy Acuff

Bald Knob, Arkansas - Open Road

Vern Williams Band

Bald Knob, Arkansas - Louvin Brothers

(The Louvin Brothers wrote the song, as far as I can determine.)

(But wait, there's more! You wouldn't believe how many videos of this song are on YouTube.)

PHOTO: Lester and Cleffie Burford's house on Victory Street, Bald Knob, Arkansas, 1986 (That's Cleffie coming out the door.)

Oh, wait -- yes I do...

The Gospel Plow

Well I got my hands on the gospel plow

And I wouldn’t take nothin’ for my  journey now

Keep your hands on that plow of  God

Hold on hold on

Keep your hands on that plow hold on

Well Matthew Mark Luke and John

All those prophets are dead and gone

Keep your hands on that plow of God

I never been to heaven but I’ve been told

The streets up there are made of gold

Keep your hands on that plow of God

* * *

Like most folk and mountain gospel songs, the lyrics are very fluid, and can be ad libbed by the singer during the performance. 

Here are three different renditions of this old folk gospel classic.

Keep Your Hand On the Plow - Mahalia Jackson

The Gospel Plow - Nashville Bluegrass Band

The Gospel Plow - Chance McCoy

Daniel Prayed

I heard about a man one day who wasted not his time away

He prayed to God every morning noon and night

He cared not for the things avail, he trusted one who never fail

Oh, Daniel prayed every morning, noon, and night

   Oh, Daniel served the living God while here upon this earth he trod

   He prayed to God every morning noon and night

   He cared not for the kings decree he trusted God to set him free

   And he prayed to God every morning, noon, and night

They cast him in the lion’s den because he would not honor men

He prayed to God every morning noon and night

The jaws were locked and it made him shout, and God soon brought him

safely out

Oh, Daniel prayed every morning, noon, and night

Now brother, let us watch and pray like Daniel did from day to day

He prayed to God every morning noon and night

We can gladly dare and do the things that God will take us through

Oh, Daniel prayed every morning, noon, and night

Daniel Prayed - Patty Loveless, Ricky Skaggs

Here's another version that is arranged like an old-fashioned convention song.

Daniel Prayed - Greater Vision

Here's the whole story...

Daniel 6

King James Version

6 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; 2 And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage. 3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. 5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. 6 Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. 7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. 8 Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. 9 Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.

 10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

11 Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. 12 Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. 13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day. 14 Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him.

15 Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed. 16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.

17 And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. 18 Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.

19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?

21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. 22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

23 Then was the king exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God. 24 And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.

25 Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. 26 I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. 27 He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.

Ain't No Grave

CHORUS

There ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down

There ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down

When I hear the trumpet sound

Gonna get up outa the ground

There ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down

 

Well go down yonder Gabriel

Put your foot on the land and sea

But don’t you blow that trumpet 

until you hear from me [Chorus]

 

Well look way over yonder

See people dressed in white

I know it was God’s people 

I seen ’em doin right [Chorus]

Oh look way over Jordan

What do you think I see

I see a band of angels 

and they’re comin’ after me [Chorus]

Well I goin to the river of Jordan

Bury my knees in the sand

Gonna holler high Hosanna 

til I reach that promised land [Chorus]

Well meet me Jesus meet me

Meet me in the middle of the air

And if these wings should fail me 

there won’t be no other pair [Chorus]

Ain't No Grave - The Isaacs

Ain't No Grave - Twang

Twang is an all girl string band from Mountain View, Arkansas. Note the quintessential instruments that define Bluegrass music - mandolin, fiddle, guitar, banjo, and upright bass. (As with jazz performance, there are usually segments of bluegrass songs that feature each single instrument.)

There is another version of this song with wholly different lyrics on the verses. I would classify this performance as "praise" style.

Ain't No Grave - FBA Worship

Shame is a prison

Cruel as the grave

Shame is a robber 

And he's come to take my name

Love is my redeemer

Lifting me up from the ground

Love is the power

Where my freedom song is found

CHORUS

Fear is a liar

With a smooth and velvet tongue

Fear is a tyrant

Always telling me to run

Love is a resurrection 

Love is a trumpet sound

Love is my weapon

Gonna take my giants down

CHORUS

Oh there was a battle

A war between death and life

And there on a tree

The lamb of god was crucified

He went down to grave

And took back every key

He rose up as a lion

And he set all captives free

PRAISE INTERLUDE --

HE'S ALIVE ALIVE

ALIVE HALLELUJAH

ALIVE FOREVER AMEN

PRAISE AND GLORY TO THE LAMB

WORTH IS THE LAMB

WORTHY OF OUR PRAISE

WORTHY IS THE ONE WHO HAS OVERCOME THE GRAVE

LET THE PEOPLE DANCE

LET THE PEOPLE SING

WORTHY IS THE MIGHTY KING

If you walked out of the grave

I'm walking too

CHORUS

* * *

Here is some interesting information about the history of the song and the composer Claude Ely -

Claude Ely, a songwriter and preacher from Virginia, describes composing the song while sick with tuberculosis in 1934 when he was twelve years old. His family prayed for his health, and in response he spontaneously performed this song. An African-American gospel song, "C'aint no grave," has been traced back to a 1933 Church of God in Christ hymnal by blogger Debi Simons.

 Blog post by Debi Simons

That version was recorded by Bozie Sturdivant in July 1942 (and released in 1943 as "Ain't No Grave Can Hold My Body Down") in a slower, gospel style 

Bozie Sturdivant

and in 1946-7 by Sister Rosetta Tharpe with barrelhouse piano, Tharpe having grown up in COGIC.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe

The song in Ely's version was recorded (and copyrighted) in 1953, even though he wrote it as early as 1935.

Precious Memories

1

Precious memories, unseen angels

Sent from somewhere to my soul

How they linger, ever near me

And the sacred past unfolds

2

Precious father, loving mother

Fly across the lonely years

And old home scenes, of my childhood

In fond memory appears

3

In the stillness of the midnight,

Echoes from the past I hear;

Old time singing, gladness bringing,

From that lovely land somewhere.

4

As I travel on life's pathway,

Know not what the years may hold;

As I ponder, hope grows fonder,

Precious mem'ries flood my soul

CHORUS

Precious memories, how they linger

How they ever flood my soul

In the stillness, of the midnight

Precious sacred scenes unfold

Johnnie Robert Wright

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK-E3TTBSLg&list=RDZK-E3TTBSLg&start_radio=1

You Don't Love God

Here's a smile to brighten your day...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLCuhwHuEvU

 There are many people who will say they're Christians

And they live like Christians on the Sabbath day

But come Monday morning till the coming Sunday

They will fight their neighbor all along the way

Oh you don't love God

If you don't love your neighbor

If you gossip about him, if you never have mercy

If he gets into trouble and you don't try to help him

Then you don't love your neighbor

And you don't love God

In the holy Bible, in the book of Matthew

Read the 18th chapter and the 21st verse

Jesus plainly tells us that we must have mercy

There's a special warning in the 35th verse

Oh you don't love God

If you don't love your neighbor

If you gossip about him, if you never have mercy

If he gets into trouble and you don't try to help him

Then you don't love your neighbor

And you don't love God

There's a God Almighty, and you've got to love him

If you want salvation and a home on high

If you say you love him while you hate your neighbor

Then you don't have religion, you just told a lie

Oh you don't love God

If you don't love your neighbor

If you gossip about him, if you never have mercy

If he gets into trouble and you don't try to help him

Then you don't love your neighbor

And you don't love God

MATTHEW 18:21-35

21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. 23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

I Am Dwelling on the Mountain

1

I am dwelling on the mountain,

Where the golden sunlight gleams

O'er a land whose wondrous beauty

Far exceeds my fondest dreams,

Where the air is pure, ethereal,

Laden with the breath of flowers,

They are blooming by the fountain,

'Neath the amaranthine bow'rs.

2

I can see far down the mountain,

Where I wandered weary years,

Often hindered in my journey,

By the ghosts of doubt and fears;

Broken vows and disappointments,

Thickly sprinkled all the way,

But the Spirit led, unerring,

To the land I hold today.

3

I am drinking at the fountain,

Where I ever would abide,

For I've tasted life's pure river,

And my soul is satisfied;

There's no thirsting for life's pleasures,

Nor adorning rich and gay,

For I've found a richer treasure,

One that fadeth not away.

4

Tell me not of heavy crosses,

Nor the burdens hard to bear,

For I've found this great salvation

Makes each burden light appear;

And I love to follow Jesus,

Gladly counting all but dross,

Worldly honours all forsaking,

For the glory of the cross.

5

Oh, the cross has wondrous glory!

Oft I've proved this to be true;

When I'm in the way so narrow,

I can see a pathway through;

And how sweetly Jesus whispers:

"Take thy cross, thou need'st not fear,

For I've trod the way before thee,"

And the glory lingers near.

CHORUS

Is not this the Land of Beulah?

Blessed, blessed land of light;

Where the flowers bloom forever,

And the sun is always bright.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLFd6UT9FRg

Moses Smote the Water

Writer: John Lee Hooker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCh6bpgshI0

The first video (above) is the original version recorded by the writer of the song Moses Smote the Water. 

[Intro]

You ever heard thing 'bout Moses Smote the Water?

[Chorus]

Brother Moses smote the water

And the children all passed over

Brother Moses smote the water

And the seas gave way

Moses smote the water

And the children all passed over

Brother Moses smote the water

And the seas gave way

[Verse 1]

Hey, God told Moses to go down yonder

In Egypt land

Lead my children all away

[?] throw down the rod and lead the children

He got there, way down there in Egypt land

Children is down there, they was slaves

Workin' them all day, all day long

Workin' them children all night long

My God stop says "In the fold"

Great God almighty says: "Don't work no more"

[Chorus]

Moses smote the water

And the seas gave way

Moses smote the water

And the seas gave way

Moses smote the water

And the seas gave way

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[Verse 2]

Great God almighty

My God stopped and began to try

If that child don't work no more

I got a home with a restin' place

Great God almighty won't be no slave

Great God almighty

My Lord stopped and looked around

All the plague was all around

Great God almighty

My children yell

Lord they workin' all night and day

Great God almighty my God said

Lord walk down to the sea

And the sea gave way

And the children all passed over, Lord

Won't have to cry no more

God knows

[Chorus]

Moses smote the water

And the seas gave way

Brother Moses smote the water

And the children all passed over, Lord

* * *

The second video (below) is the white folks' version of the song, which is the way I first heard it. (I didn't know about the original version.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LycV9PCzH9o

DAILEY & VINCENT

(Well) A-Brother Moses smote the water

(and the) Children all passed over

A-Brother Moses smote the water

And the seas give a-way

Sister, ain′t you glad you passed that sinful army?

Brother, ain't you glad that the seas gave a-way

(Well) A-Brother Moses smote the water

(and the) Children all passed over

A-Brother Moses smote the water

(and the) Seas give a-way

Well, now God called Moses on the mountain top

A-Brother Moses smote the water

(and) the seas give a-way

And He stamped His laws into Moses heart

A-Brother Moses smote the water

(and) the seas give a-way

Well, if you get there before I do

A-Brother Moses smote the water

And the seas give a-way

You may look for me, cuz I'm coming too

A-Brother Moses smote the water

And the seas give a-way

(Well) A-Brother Moses smote the water

And the Children all passed over

A-Brother Moses smote the water

And the Seas give a-way

EXODUS 14

13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. 14 The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. 15 And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: 16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. 17 And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. 18 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

19 And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: 20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night. 

21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. 23 And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. 

24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, 25 And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians.

26 And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen. 27 And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. 28 And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them. 29 But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

30 Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. 31 And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses.

Working on a Building

Well, I didn't notice until today that there are two completely different versions of this song. The one I had in mind was Elvis Presley's version (which is basically just the refrain, repeated over and over).

ELVIS

Well, I'm a-workin' on a building

It's a true foundation

I'm holding up the blood-stained

Banner for my Lord

Well, I never get tired (tired, tired)

Of working on the building (for my Lord)

I'm going up to heaven (oh, yeah)

To get my reward

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YP-wODhJRPk

Here is an even better rendition by GAITHER VOCAL BAND

Sometimes I'm crying 

But I'm workin...

Sometimes I'm praying

But I'm workin...

Sometimes I'm preaching

But I'm workin...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFfIlMJqh34

And one by the OAK RIDGE BOYS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSQMiTZSmS0

* * *

Now, here's the more traditional Bluegrass song with the same title, but a completely different song.

BLUEGRASS

If I was a sinner I tell you what I would do

I’d quit my sinning and work on a building too

If I was a liar I tell you what I would do

I’d quit my lying and work on a building too

If I was a drunkard I tell you what I would do

I’d quit my drinking and work on a building too

If I was a gambler I tell you what I would do

I’d quit my gambling and work on a building too

If I was a preacher I tell you what I would do

I would keep on preaching and work on a building too

REFRAIN:

*It’s a holy ghost building

 It’s a holy ghost building

 It’s a holy ghost building

 For my lord, for my lord

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFKZJdSLJZw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P0tBjnyzCQ

*Keep in mind that most of the churches up in the hills (Appalachians and Ozarks) are what we call "pentecostal" -- that is, they believe in direct contact with the Holy Spirit, manifested by things such as "speaking in tongues" and "praying through" based on Acts 2:1-11:

1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

The Old Rugged Cross

1 

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,

the emblem of suffering and shame;

and I love that old cross where the dearest and best

for a world of lost sinners was slain.

2 

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,

has a wondrous attraction for me;

for the dear Lamb of God left his glory above

to bear it to dark Calvary. [Refrain]

3 

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,

a wondrous beauty I see,

for 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,

to pardon and sanctify me. [Refrain]

4 

To that old rugged cross I will ever be true,

its shame and reproach gladly bear;

then he'll call me some day to my home far away,

where his glory forever I'll share. [Refrain]

Refrain:

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,

till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

and exchange it some day for a crown.

Author: George Bennard

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JS9P8d2iOc

Life's Railway to Heaven

Life is like a mountain railway, with an engineer that's brave

We must make the run successful, from the cradle to the grave,

Heed the curves and hills and tunnels, never falter never fail,

Keep your hand upon the throttle, and your eye upon the rail.

Blessed Savior, thou will guide us,

Till we reach that blissful shore,

Where the angels wait to join us,

In God's praise for evermore.

As we roll along the mainline, they'll be storms and they'll be night,

They'll be sidetracks unexpected, on the left and on the right,

But with the straight always before us, and our hearts upon the prize,

They'll be no disembarkation until we reach paradise.

Blessed Savior, thou will guide us,

Till we reach that blissful shore,

Where the angels wait to join us,

In God's praise for evermore.

Eliza R. Snow & M. E. Abbey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKoIuz71hbg

On the Wings of a Dove

1

When troubles surround us

When evils come

The body grows weak

The spirit grows numb

When these things beset us

He doesn't forget us

He sends down His love

On the wings of a dove

2

When Noah had drifted

On the flood many days

He searched for land

In various ways

Troubles, he had some

But wasn't forgotten

He sent him His love

On the wings of a dove

3

When Jesus went down

to the waters that day

He was baptized in the usual way

When it was done

God blessed his Son

He sent him his love

On the wings of a dove

CHORUS

On the wings of a snow-white dove

He sends His pure sweet love

A sign from above

On the wings of a dove

Songwriters: Bob Ferguson

Ferlin Husky was the main performer of this song, in its day. But I found another singer whose rendition I like a lot better.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbJ7s48oyDw

GENESIS 8

6 And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made: 7 And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth. 8 Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground; 9 But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth: then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark. 10 And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark; 11 And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf pluckt off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth. 12 And he stayed yet other seven days; and sent forth the dove; which returned not again unto him any more. 13 And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry.

MATTHEW 3

13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Let Us With a Gladsome Mind

1 

Let us, with a gladsome mind,

praise the LORD, for He is kind:

for His mercies shall endure,

ever faithful, ever sure.

2 

Let us blaze His name abroad,

for of gods He is the God:

for His mercies shall endure,

ever faithful, ever sure.

3 

Let us all His praises tell

who doth wrathful tyrants quell:

for His mercies shall endure,

ever faithful, ever sure.

4 

He with miracles doth make

heav'n and earth, amazed, to shake:

for His mercies shall endure,

ever faithful, ever sure.

5 

He by wisdom did create

starry heav'ns so full of state:

for His mercies shall endure,

ever faithful, ever sure.

6 

He did solid earth ordain

t'rise above the wat'ry plain:

for His mercies shall endure,

ever faithful, ever sure.

7 

He, with all commanding might,

filled the new-made world with light:

for His mercies shall endure,

ever faithful, ever sure.

8 

He hath caused the golden sun

all day long his course to run:

for His mercies shall endure,

ever faithful, ever sure.

9 

He doth shine the moon at night

with her spangling sisters bright:

for His mercies shall endure,

ever faithful, ever sure.

10 

He with thunder-clasping hand,

smote firstborn of Egypt land:

for His mercies shall endure,

ever faithful, ever sure.

11 

And in spite of Pharaoh fell,

He brought forth His Israel:

for His mercies shall endure,

ever faithful, ever sure.

12 

Red Sea waves He cleft in twain,

split in two the ruddy main:

for His mercies shall endure,

ever faithful, ever sure.

13 

Floods stood still like walls of glass,

while the Hebrew bands did pass:

for His mercies shall endure,

ever faithful, ever sure.

14 

But full soon did they devour

Egypt's king with all his pow'r:

for His mercies shall endure,

ever faithful, ever sure.

15 

He His chosen race did bless

in the wasteful wilderness:

for His mercies shall endure,

ever faithful, ever sure.

16 

He in battle has brought down

kings of prowess and renown:

for His mercies shall endure,

ever faithful, ever sure.

17 

Conquered Sihon and his host

of the Amorrean coast:

for His mercies shall endure,

ever faithful, ever sure.

18 

Large-limbed Og He did subdue

with his over-hardy crew:

for His mercies shall endure,

ever faithful, ever sure.

19 

To His servant Israel,

gave their land therein to dwell:

for His mercies shall endure,

ever faithful, ever sure.

20 

He hath with a piteous eye

looked upon our misery:

for His mercies shall endure,

ever faithful, ever sure.

21 

Freed us from the slavery

of th'invading enemy:

for His mercies shall endure,

ever faithful, ever sure.

22 

All things living He doth feed;

His full hand supplies their need:

for His mercies shall endure,

ever faithful, ever sure.

23 

Let us therefore warble forth

His high majesty and worth:

for His mercies shall endure,

ever faithful, ever sure.

24 

He His mansion hath on high

out of reach of mortal eye:

for His mercies shall endure,

ever faithful, ever sure.

Author: John Milton

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCSmBFlPY5Q

PSALM 136 

1 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

2 O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.

3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.

4 To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.

5 To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.

6 To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.

7 To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:

8 The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:

9 The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.

10 To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:

11 And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:

12 With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.

13 To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:

14 And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:

15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.

16 To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.

17 To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:

18 And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:

19 Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:

20 And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:

21 And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:

22 Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.

23 Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:

24 And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.

25 Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.

26 O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

During my freshman year at Harding College, my Old Testament Survey professor, Dr. Neale Pryor, recited this psalm and had us all sing the refrain "For his mercy endureth forever" at each verse. (Which we improvised in four-part harmony, of course, because Church of Christ.)

Neale Pryor was one of the best Bible teachers of all time. If it hadn't been for him, I never would have read the Old Testament all the way through. He made it interesting.

Even though Dr. Pryor died in 2011, apparently, you can still take this class online... ???

 https://thelink.harding.edu/hu16/show/pryor-ots-lessons-64/