Cowboy Church #190

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

Today's musical selection starts with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with Take My Hand Precious Lord. This song was written by Thomas A. Dorsey after the passing of his wife and newborn son in 1932. Though Dorsey had given his life to the Lord and was moving away from his career as a blues singer instead writing gospel songs and even pastoring churches. Still after the death of his beloved wife and child, he began to question his faith. Instead of giving up his faith he turned to prayer. He prayed that God would lead him through all the troubles of life. He put his prayer to music (George Allen's Maitland) and this turned out to be one of his most popular songs. 

This is followed by Melba Montgomery with King of Kings. This recording comes from her 1966 gospel album, Hallelujah Road. 

Then comes Kenny Roberts and Tommy Sosebee with their 1951 recording of Let Jesus Come into Your Heart. 

Next comes Johnny Cash with Oh Bury Me Not. This recording comes from John's 1994 album, American Recordings. This was his first album for the American Recordings record label. This record label was not known for country music, but rather heavy metal and rap. The Black Crows, The Beastie Boys, Sir Mix-A-Lot and Slayer were among those he had recorded there. What drew John to this unlikely label was the complete musical freedom he would have. For this album, producer Rick Ruben had John simply record whatever songs he felt like (from any genre and any time period), just him and his guitar. This was a success and revived John's musical career which had been on a downslide commercially, critically and creatively. Reviews said that this was not just one of John's best recent albums, but one of the best albums he had ever done. John now found himself with a new young audience whose musical taste consisted of heavy metal, hip hop, punk, alternative and rap. The reason, Bury Me Not is included in this week's Cowboy Church is that it has a spoken introduction that is a prayer from the point of view of a cowboy.

Next is The Frank Luther Trio with their 1934 recording of When the Saints Go Marching Home. 

Next comes Bob Dylan with Gospel Plow. Though Bob Dylan is praised today hugely for songwriting at the beginning of his career, he was often an interpreter of old folk songs. His 1962 debut album only contained two original songs, and all the rest were covers. He would return to the role of an interrupter of folk songs for his 1992 album, Good As I Been To You and his 1993 album, World Gone Wrong. Gospel Plow comes from Bob's self-titled debut album. It is unknown who actually wrote this song, but it is believed to be an African American spiritual. It was most likely inspired by Luke 9:62, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."

Then comes Roy Drusky with God Planned It That Way. 

Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1948 recording of The Old Rugged Cross. 

Next comes an episode of Hopalong Cassidy radio show. 

Now for a message from the Rev. Billy Graham. 

The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2

Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually! 1 Chronicles 16:11

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

 For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory. Deuteronomy 20:4

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12

For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:24-25

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

Thanks for joining me come back in a few weeks  for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.