Lately the official Gene Autry YouTube channel has been posting song clips from the movie serial The Phantom Empire (1935). Strange does not even begin to cover this classic movie serial. It combines Gene Autry's country music and cowboy persona with corny action packed sci-fi, and it is just as weird as that sounds. However it is filled with so much corny fun that many film buffs (including myself) love it. Of course being Gene Autry there is little doubt the music is great, and that is why I am loving watching these musical clips on YouTube. Today's musical selection begins with Gene Autry singing Uncle Noah's Ark in clips from this serial. Next is The Monroe Brothers with their 1937 recording of I am Ready to Go. This is pure toe-tapping bluegrass gospel music at its best. This is followed by Roy Rogers with Peace in the Valley. Next comes Johnny Cash with the self-penned He'll Be a Friend. This song is a very important one for us believers, reminding us that there will never come a time when God will not be there with us every step of the way. Whenever we feel that we are alone in this world, we can remember that we never are because God is always there and as Romans 8:28 says "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Despite Johnny writing this song himself, many of the message is one Johnny would have to remind himself of in his darker moments. However as anyone who knows Johnny Cash's story knows, it is a story of how God will never abandon us and no matter how dark the roads are, he is always there to lead us back to where we need to be. Johnny had done so much wrong, yet God not only redeemed him, but used his story and music to bring many others to Christ. If Johnny can be used by God and truthfully call himself a Christian then we can too. This song comes from Johnny's 1959 album, Hymns by Johnny Cash. Johnny had wanted to be a gospel singer before he ever made music his career. Yet when he came to Sun records he was told gospel wouldn't sell like rock and roll or country music, so at Sun Johnny mostly recorded country and rock songs. However when he moved to Columbia, he was free to record as much gospel as he wanted. His first album for Columbia (The Fabulous Johnny Cash) would feature a good share of gospel music and his second would be this full gospel album. While making these Cowboy Church posts, I have grown a fondness for Skeeter Davis' gospel music. Her voice is perfect for country gospel songs and her choice of these songs was often excellent. Next is Skeeter's lovely 1967 version of No Tears in Heaven. In remembrance of the great Harold Reid of The Statler Brothers who passed away yesterday, next are four gospel classic performed by The Statler Brothers. These are Love Lifted Me, Standing on the Promises, The Old Rugged Cross and On the Jericho Road. They were one of the all time great musical groups and while we on Earth will miss him, I know for sure we will see him in Heaven someday. Love and God's peace to his friends and family and for those who also believe it is great that they can take comfort in the same. Luckily the world will always be blessed by their great music. Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers' 1937 recording of Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15
The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1
God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? Numbers 23:19
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
I have not come to call righteous people, but sinners, to repentance. Luke 5:32
No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as well! Luke 13:3
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some regard slowness, but is being patient toward you, because he does not wish for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9
For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 1 John 5:13
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 23:3
Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. Job 5:17
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:4
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
Thank you for joining me come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy Trails to you until we meet again.
-Michael J. Ruhland
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