Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church.
Today's music selection begins with the Louvin Brothers singing The Kneeling Drunkard's Plea. Their harmonies make tis pure country gospel at its finest. This song was written by the Carter Family and features much of the simple but powerful poetry that many country music fans associate with their best work. In the liner notes for his album, Unchained Johnny Cash remembered on of the thrills of his life was as a kid in 1947. He was a kid but made a long trip (hitch-hiking) to see the Louvin Brothers do their radio show, this was his first country music show and while that helped this story stick in his mind all those years later that is not the main reason. He sent a request for The Louvin Brothers to dedicate a song to his his mother and he was thrilled beyond words when they did. This was song they dedicated. Lonely Tombs is one of those atmospheric hymns filled with vivid imagery that Hank Williams did better than any other singer. The song dates a long way back. It was inspired by the Mississippi evangelist preacher, Joseph Thomas, who was known as The White Pilgrim because he also dressed heavily in white. His friend and fellow preacher John Ellis visited his grave in 1838 (Thomas died in 1835) and there wrote the words to this song. The version Hank sings here is from a 1951 episode of the Mother's Best Radio Show. Next is Johnny Cash singing a gospel song he wrote himself, Meet Me in Heaven. Though he wrote this song was written for his wife, June, the words "meet me in heaven" came from his brother Jack's tombstone (who died at the young age of 14 and whose death left an incredible impact on Johnny for the rest of his life). This recording comes from his 1996 album, Unchained and feature Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers as his backing band. In the documentary film, Running Down a Dream Tom Petty remembered this album as one of his favorites that he and his band ever worked on. This is followed by Willie Nelson and his sister Bobbie Nelson (on piano) with the gospel classic Farther Along. Continuing today's musical selection is Roy Rogers singing Read the Bible and Pray. Though this song offers simple advice, it is still advice we too often forget. The way we know God and feel his presence in our lives is through reading the bible and praying. These two things will bring us closer to him than we could ever imagine. This recording comes from Roy and Dale's 1959 album, Jesus Loves Me. Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers singing The Woodsman's Prayer. This lovely song was written by Stan Jones, who wrote one of the most popular cowboy songs of all time, Ghost Riders in the Sky. This recording comes from the Sons of the Pioneers' 1963 album, Hymns of the Cowboy.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. John 16:22
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15
The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. Isaiah 66:13
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10
Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Proverbs 13:10
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
Love them as yourself, for you were once foreigners in Egypt. Leviticus 19:34
After waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. Hebrews 16:15
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
No comments:
Post a Comment