Today's musical selection starts off with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing Pass Me Not on their 1962 album, The Bible Tells Me So. This is followed by the one and only Willie Nelson with Whispering Hope. This recording comes from his first and best gospel album 1976's The Troublemaker. Like many country singers, gospel music played an important part in Willie's musical education and on this album you can tell how important this music is to him. His performances of these songs is lively, fun and extremely heartfelt. It is a must for any fan of country music, gospel music or Willie. It is hard to believe that a song like The Man Comes Around was so late in Johnny Cash's career. Most of the time singer/songwriters don't release and certainly don't write their best music in their sixth decade, but as all music fans know Johnny was one of the rare artists with such a long career, who left this world at the top of his game musically. At this time John was on fire for the lord. No longer was he the wild crazy man he had been in the 1950's and 60's, instead by this time he had become a true man of God, and wanted to do all he could for the lord before he passed away. He knew he had wasted too much of his life being controlled by sin and finally wanted to be a servant to God instead of to his own fleshly desires. At this time he was also seeing a musically resurgence, where he was more popular than ever and young audiences were embracing his new music just as much as they did any younger artist of their generation. What he wanted to do was to create a modern day gospel song that would speak directly to this younger audience and The Man Comes Around more than fit that bill. Because this song was so near and dear to him he spent more time writing it than any other song he had composed. In his book, Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon, Pastor Greg Laurie wrote "Personally I think it is the strongest song Johnny ever wrote. It is both biblical and personal, powerful and poetic." Next comes The Sons of the San Joaquin singing the gospel classic, It Is No Secret on their 1997 album Gospel Trails. This is followed by The Monroe Brothers with their 1938 recording of A Beautiful Life. Afterwards is The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1947 recording of The Old Rugged Cross. Afterwards comes The Statler Brothers singing Power in the Blood. As many of know recently we have lost the group's bass singer, Harold Reid. He is currently in heaven sing the praises to the Lord Jesus there and those who love both Jesus and The Statlers can take comfort in knowing we will see him in Heaven. The music selection ends with Merle Haggard singing What A Friend We Have Jesus.
Just as Death and Destruction are never satisfied, so human desire is never satisfied. Proverbs 27:20
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7
For receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair. Proverbs 1:3
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3
The people served the LORD throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had seen all the great things the LORD had done for Israel. Judges 2:7
With God are wisdom and might; He has counsel and understanding. Job 12:13
But He is unchangeable, and who can turn Him back? What He desires, that He does. For He will complete what He appoints for me, and many such things are in His mind. Job 23:13-14
Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it. Job 40:2
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. Romans 8:28
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
When I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee. In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can [mere] man do to me? Psalm 56: 3-4
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. Romans 8:6
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7
But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. Romans 1:16
And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Acts 2:21
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. 2 Timothy 1:9
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:10
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Thank you for joining me come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails until we meet again.
-Michael J. Ruhland
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