Today's musical selection starts with the Southern Gentleman himself, Sonny James. The song is 'Til the Last Leaf Should Fall. Sonny originally recorded this song in 1955, but would reuse it later as the title track for a 1966 gospel album. Sonny co-wrote this song with Jack Rhodes. Jack Rhodes is best remembered as a co-writer for the country classic, A Satisfied Mind. Johnny Cash in the early years of his music career once asked Sonny James, how he managed to lead a Christian life, with the the temptations and demands of the entertainment world. Sonny responded, "I am not just an entertainer who became a Christian. I am a Christian who chose to be an entertainer. I am first a Christian." These are words all of us Christians should remember. There is no problem with having other passions, but God is to always be first in our lives. Next is Wilma Lee and Stony Cooper performing Walking My Lord Up Calvary's Hill on TV in 1964. This is followed by The Prairie Ramblers 1935 recording of Jesus Hold My Hand. After this comes Johnny Cash and Billy Graham with Preacher Said, Jesus Said. Johnny and Billy were great friends and John often appeared at the Billy Graham crusades and played a major role in leading many people to Christ. This song has Johnny singing with inserts of Billy Graham quoting Jesus. The message of this song was not only timely then as well as timely now. It will always be timely. When things are darkest and we don't know who to believe or trust, we know that we can always count on the words of Jesus Christ to be as true as they ever were. Despite not being better known by the general public, Billy Joe Shaver is one of the most important names in Outlaw Country music. With his 1973 album, Old Five and Dimers Like Me Helped define the sub-genre. As a songwriter he has few equals, and If I Give More Soul is one of his finest works. In many way this song mirrors his life. He searched for happiness in many things but wasn't able to find it until he turned his life to Jesus. Following is The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1934 recording Open Them Pearly Gates For Me. Like much of the work of The Sons of the Pioneers there is some good humor put into this song. This is followed by the Queen of Rockabilly, Wanda Jackson singing I Love You Jesus from her 1973 album, Country Gospel. If you can't guess by that title the album was made up of country gospel songs. Afterwards comes another gospel classic from a major force in rockabilly music, Jerry Lee Lewis. The song is He Looked Beyond My Fault. This comes from his 1971 gospel album, In Loving Memories. Jerry Lee proves here he can sing gospel music just as great as he does rock and roll. Today's musical selection ends with Ray Price singing Peace in the Valley. This version comes from his 1978 gospel album, How Great Thou Art.
As a bonus here is a 1971 episode of Hee Haw guest starring Roy Rogers and Dale Evans.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
“Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds! And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life’s span? If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith! And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:24-31
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
Thank you for joining me come back next week for more Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.
-Michael J. Ruhland
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