Without hesitation, if you were to ask me, “HiScrivener, what music do you prefer when you need a quick pick-me-up,” I would answer before the first verb came out of your mouth.
Sure, I like some old school hip-hop as much as the next (or even Nu Soul), but that’s not it. I fancy some New Jack Swing to feel good, or even classic soul to get a little chill. I have even been known to throw on “The Eagles Greatest Hits” or anything by Stevie Ray Vaughan when mowing the grass.
However, none of those melodious genres can put a smile on my face and a tap in my step as quickly as Southern Gospel.
Whether it’s something you would hear from the Gaithers or anything when the great Donnie McClurkin is waxing nostalgic on a live CD, praise that name of Jesus and this brother is feeling good.
So, when I visited another brick in the Wall, Wickle, and saw the name “Ray Stevens,” I was so in. Glad I did because although this song is a classic and helped me get my groove on, and the visions in the video are all too familiar, this genius song forces the Church to consider who it is we worship rather than the tools he uses.
(And I meant that as vessels… not dimwits. But eh, a little Freudian slip never hurt anyone.)
The Ten-Trillionaire Televangelist
By Robert Winkler Burke
Of inthatdayteachings.com
Copyright 4/26/2009
When he drew a boundary for Sea,
posted a sign that said no trespassing,
(The Message Proverbs 8:29)
One day a televangelist appeared on the scene,
He was handsome, charismatic, lean, not mean.
He said, Hello World! Give me your tithes!
He broadcast a wild show, it was quite a ride.
To one hundred-forty nations his show was sent,
From one hundred-forty nations came tithes’ ten percent.
At that time the world’s income was one hundred trillion,
And, by golly, he received ten-thousand billion!
Ten-thousand billion was his wonderful income,
Which was ten trillion, give or take a million.
As he had more cash than any known government,
Ambassadors from the US and China were sent.
Please help us, oh televangelist, they asked of him,
Would you buy us an aircraft carrier, or moon landing?
Our nations are broke, said ambassadors of the world,
Build us a freeway, or school, or tractor for field!
All the world’s excess cash has gone to you,
What, oh great man of God, with it will you do?
The world was quiet that day, waiting to hear,
What the richest man of God would say sincere.
But he said, Sorry to inform you, oh ambassadors,
I spent it all on myself, and perfume for my whores.
Did you think I’m not subject to the maxim,
Power corrupts: It did with my tithe taxing!
Don’t blame me for wasting all the world’s wealth,
To stop waste, oh world, keep your money yourself!
But honestly and quite frankly, since the world is so cotton-picking gullible,
I’ve decided to now become the world’s first quadrillion evangelist lovable!
When you said “Southern Gospel,” I thought: Allman Brothers.
Hip-hop? Well, after you’re done with the lawn, you can bag that crap in with the clippings and take it to the curb.
Loving the tune
He was frill-less the first time wasn’t He?
Hey, thanks for the mention!
I love that song …
Oh yeah!! That’s what I’m talkin’ bout!! Never heard the song before but oh man is it ever appropriate. Should be a must listen to for everyone in the pew.
Ron