Cowboy Church #188

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with Whispering Hope. This beautiful hymn comes from the pen of Alice Hawthorne (the pen name for poet Septimus Winner), who is best known for her contributions to children's music with songs like, Where, Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone? and Ten Little Indians.

This is followed by Johnny Cash singing All of God's Children Ain't Free. This song is from the 1965 album, Orange Blossom Special. In his Johnny Cash biography, The Man Called Cash, Steve Turner calls this "Cash's most folk-inspired album." This is no coincidence as John's heart was drifting heavily towards the current folk scene at this time. He had performed at the Newport Folk Festival was spending much time with Bob Dylan, was recording songs by current folk songwriters such as Peter La Farge, and was addressing politics and social commentary in his music in a way he did much less often in the 1950's. This album contained three songs written by Bob as well as some more traditional folk music. This song (written by John himself) was a protest song of the type that was popular in the folk work at this time.

Afterwards comes The Chuck Wagon Gang with their 1949 recording of When the Saints Go Marching In.

Then comes Carrie Underwood with Great Is Thy Faithfulness. When Thomas Obadiah Chisolm was on a mission trip, he and his good friend William Runyan would write letters together. These letters often included poems that they would write. Chisolm was so moved by one of Runyan's poems that he would write a musical score to accompany it. This became the hymn you hear here. Great is Thy Faithfulness was first published in 1923. 

Next comes Frank Luther and Carson Robison with their 1928 recording of At the Cross. 

This is followed by The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Power in the Blood. This is probably my favorite version of this old gospel song, especially with how well it captures the pure joy of the lyrics. This recording was made during the time when Roy Rogers was still a member of The Sons of the Pioneers before beginning his solo career in the movies and his voice can be heard very prominently on this track. 

Then comes Pete Seeger (with a little help from Arlo Guthrie) with You've Got to Walk That Lonesome Valley. 

Today's musical selection closes with The Statler Brothers with Keep Your Eyes on Jesus. 
 

Now for a message from S.M. Lockridge. 

Now for an episode of The Lone Ranger radio show. 

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26 

 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:12

We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds. Psalms 75:1

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

The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2

As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

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