Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church.
Today's musical selection begins with Dale Evans singing, Did You Stop to Pray this Morning?. This recording from her and Roy Rogers 1959 album, Jesus Loves You. Prayer is an important part of the life of a believer but it is something too many of us Christians can easily overlook (I have done this myself many times). This song reminds us of the importance of prayer in our lives. This is followed by Hank Williams Jr. singing Jesus is Soul Man from his 1969 album, Sunday Morning. Though Hank Jr. is often associated with his more rowdy and rocking style of country music, this album shows just how versatile of an artist he is. The whole album is in a softer and more traditional country gospel style, which Hank masters very well. This is one of my favorite recordings off this great album. This is followed by Billy Joe Shaver and John Anderson with Get Thee Behind Me Satan. This 2007 music video shows two old country pros doing what they do best. This is followed by Willie Nelson and his sister Bobbie Nelson (on piano) with a lovely rendition of Just a Closer Walk. This old hymn's origin remains a mystery with no one knowing exactly how old it is. However it is believed that this song must date back before the Civil War, because some personal histories have stated that there were “slaves singing as they worked in the fields a song about walking by the Lord’s side.” If this is true it shows the power of God and music as they could sing praise to the Lord even when being oppressed as part of one of the greatest injustices of American history. There is however a song published in 1885 called Closer Walk With Thee which had a very similar chorus. Just a Closer Walk's popularity grew in the 1930's with it being sung at several churches. The arrangement we know today was done by Kenneth Morris in 1940. The following is from Horace Clarence Boyer's book, How Sweet the Sound, “While traveling between Kansas City and Chicago in 1940, songwriter Kenneth Morris got off the train to stretch his legs. While standing on the platform, he overheard a porter singing some of the words to 'Just a Closer Walk with Thee'. Not thinking much about it, Morris boarded the train and went on his way. The words and melody of the song kept repeating in his head and he knew he had to learn the rest of it. At the next stop, Morris got off the train and took the next train back to the previous stop. There he managed to find the porter and Morris persuaded him to sing the song while he copied down the words. Morris soon added to the lyrics and published it in 1940.” Hank Williams wrote How Can You Refuse Him Now for his wife Audrey Williams, who recorded it in March 1950. However he made a demo recording of the song also in 1950 and that is the version that is present here. Unlike his most famous gospel compositions (I Saw the Light being a prime example), this song is much slower paced and sung in a much more emotional style. However this song contains the pure lyrical poetry that only Hank could master. This song makes us realize how much Jesus has done for us and how little he truly asks of us. With this in mind why would we refuse his extreme generosity and grace when it is given to us as a free gift. Today's musical selection ends with a recording I have used often in these posts, The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Power in the Blood. The lead singer is Leonard Slye, who you probably know better as Roy Rogers. Len would soon leave the Sons of the Pioneers and change his name to Roy Rogers and begin a movie career in western films. His replacement in the band would be Pat Brady, who would later be Roy's sidekick on his famous TV show. The deep bass vocals here are provided excellently by Hugh Farr.
He sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety. Job 5:11
Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted. Isaiah 49:13
Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:25
Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. Romans 2:1
Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him. Proverbs 14:31
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. 1 John 4:20
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Luke 6:35
No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. Matthew 6:24
Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:13
See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:28
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense ; he has become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2
Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything. 2 Corinthians 6:10
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
Resources Used
http://dianaleaghmatthews.com/just-a-closer-walk-with-thee/#.X5TLNUeSlPY
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