Cowboy Church #69

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

Stuart Hamblen's story is one of a person whose life God completely changed. He was a country music singer/songwriter, radio host and actor in many cowboy movies (including ones starring Roy Rogers, John Wayne and Gene Autry). Despite his popularity and talent, he unfortunately fell deep into alcoholism. His alcoholism lead to him fighting and destroying property. Because of this he frequently found himself in jail, only for his radio sponsors to bail him out only so he could return to his destructive ways and wind up there again. In 1949 he attended a Billy Graham Crusade and gave his life to the Lord. He gave up his drinking and even got fired from his radio job when he refused to do beer commercials. This was not a set back at all as he soon got into the world of Christian broadcasting with a radio show called Cowboy Church of the Air. Today's musical selection begins with him singing Teach Me Lord to Wait. This is followed by Hank Thompson singing This Train is Bound For Glory on a 1964 episode of The Jimmy Dean Show. Molly Bee, Roy Clark and Jimmy Dean all join him for this song. Following is our good friend the King of the Cowboys himself Roy Rogers singing Peace in the Valley. This song was written by one of the best songwriters in the history of gospel music, Thomas A. Dorsey (who also wrote Precious Lord Take My Hand). This is followed by The Possum himself, George Jones singing Lord You've Been Mighty Good to Me. This great song comes from his 1966 gospel album, Old Brush Arbors. George was on top of the country music world for much of his great career, yet he always made sure scared songs would always continue to play a part in his repertoire. Like many country singers of his era, he grew up with gospel music and these songs stayed with him his whole life. This song has an important message for us. We can too often get caught up in what we don't like about our lives that we fail to realize what God truly has done for us. I know I have done this and I am sure many of you have as well. Next comes one of the best Ride This Train segments from The Johnny Cash Show. This segments feature Johnny taking us on a little trip and through a mixture of spoken word story telling and the singing of related songs. The segment was based off his similarly done 1960 album, Ride This Train. In this version of the segment Johnny takes us on a trip to Israel including some great holy songs. Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers with their reminder to Read the Bible Everyday. 

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

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

 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. 2 Corinthians 4:16-17

Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. Romans 14:1

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

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

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ. Colossians 2:2

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 wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you." John 5:14

No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. 1 John 3:6

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. Mark 11:25

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. Acts 3:19

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Acts 2:21

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. Proverbs 16:32

But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Colossians 3:8

Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 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 40:30-31

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Thanks for joining me, come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy Trails to you until we meet again. 

-Michael J. Ruhland