Cowboy Church #68

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans performing a medley of western classics (including The Place Where I Worship, He Walks With The Wild and Lonely, Texas Plains and Happy Trails) on Hee Haw. This is followed by The Cox Family performing I am Weary Let Me Rest. Next is Eddy Arnold's 1962 recording of Love Lifted Me. This song was written by James Rowe and Howard E. Smith in 1912. This hymn was inspired by the biblical story of Peter being able to walk on water when looking upon Jesus, but starting to sink as soon as he looks away. While few if any of us will find our selves in this literal situation the story still has an important meaning to us today about how import it is to keep our eyes on God and how far we can fall if we take our eyes off him. This is followed by The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1946 recording of Cowboy Camp Meeting. This song was written by Tim Spencer who was one of the founding members of The Sons of the Pioneers and who helped pioneer (pun intended) the group's sound, that changed cowboy music forever and still inspires many cowboy singers today whether they realize it or not. Camp Meetings were very important to Christians who actually lived in the old west. These were traveling services that came to town and spread the gospel through hymn singing and preaching. These were lively services full of singing and excitement that were filled with the joy of the Lord. This song captures the pure joy and energy of the music there. Johnny Cash continues today's musical selection with his version of God Has My Fortune Laid Away. This recording comes from his 1962 gospel album, Hymns From the Heart. This song again has an important message for us Christians. We should not get to caught up in the things of this world as our true treasure is in Heaven and that treasure will last for all eternity, and not fade away like the things of this world. Following is Little Jimmy Dickens with his 1952 recording of I Shall Not Be Moved. Today's musical selection ends with Hank Snow's 1952 recording of Jesus Wept.

   



















For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:18

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby. Ezekiel 33:19

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Deuteronomy 6:4-5


Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:16

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise. Proverbs 20:1

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Isiah 12:3

 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:13

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:16

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

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