Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church.
Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing, Sweet Hour of Prayer. The words of this hymn are believed to have come from William W. Walford, a blind preacher from Warwickshire, England. It is believed that when fellow minister and friend, Thomas Salmon visited him in 1842, he asked Salmon to write down the words of a poem he had written about prayer. When Salmon was in the United States, three years later, he showed the poem to an editor of The New York Observer. It was then printed in an issue dated September 13, 1845. In 1861, William Bradbury would write the music for this hymn. Bradbury had also written the music for such Hymns as Just as I Am, He Leadeth Me and The Solid Rock. This recording of the hymn was the title track of Roy and Dale's 1957 gospel album. Up next is Johnny Cash with Jesus was a Carpenter. This recording is a live performance of the song, John did at the White House on April 17, 1970 (Richard Nixon was president at this time). It would be released as part of the 2011 Bootleg Vol. III: Live Around The World, two CD set. Though Gene Autry was never as vocal about his faith as Roy Rogers was the church played a major role in his musical life. His grandfather, E.W. Autry had been a Baptist preacher and the first time Gene ever sang in public (at the age of five) was at the Missionary Baptist Church, where his grandfather preached. He wasn't the only member of the family to perform music at that church as his mother also played the organ there. With that in mind my next musical choice is When Mother Played the Organ (And Daddy Sang a Hymn). This song was written by Dick Sanford and George McConnell. The recording comes from an episode of Gene's Melody Ranch Radio Show (dated 8/25/46) and Gene is backed by The Cass County Boys, The Kettle Sisters, Johnny Bond and Carl Cotner's Orchestra. This song features a tiny bit of the hymn Beautiful Isle of Somewhere, which Gene sang in the movie, Colorado Sunset (1939). The Cass County Boys would appear in a number of Gene's movies including Valley of Fire (1951), Indian Territory (1950), Wagon Team (1952), Twilight on the Rio Grande (1947) and Robin Hood of Texas (1947). Next comes Elvis Presley with It is No Secret (What God Can Do). This song was written by cowboy singer and actor Stuart Hamblen. Before turning to God, this man's life could hardly be considered Godly. He often drank and fought and this often landed him in jail. When in 1949 Hamblin went to a Billy Graham crusade, he turned his life over to God. The drinking and fighting were put behind him and his whole life changing. One day he was talking about this change to his good friend John Wayne (yes that John Wayne) and that it was no secret what God had done for him. John Wayne said, that he should write a song with those lyrics. This is followed by The Louvin Brothers with The Christian Life. This recording comes from their 1960 album, Satan is Real. Next is Randy Travis with Blessed Assurance. This recording comes from his 2003 gospel album, Worship and Faith. Afterwards comes The Carter Family with their 1934 recording of Working on a Building. Many who write and discuss Bob Dylan tend to overlook and dismiss what is known as his "Christian Period". This took place from 1979 to 1981. At this time he became a born again Christian and was very vocal about it. His albums at this time were full of nothing but Christian songs and at concerts he left out many of his past hits to make them all about his Christian music. This alienated much of the audience that had once embraced him as the voice of a generation and felt that he was no longer speaking for them. As well as alienated they felt Bob was betraying them. Many still feel this way when looking back at this part of his career and some Dylan fans feel it should just be forgotten. Yet one song from this period that actually receives praise from those who dismiss this period is Every Grain of Sand. While this song is just as overtly Christian as any others from this period, it is simply too beautifully written for anyone who appreciates Bob's song writing to resist. This song truly shows how amazing of a song Bob could right just as much as any of his work from the 1960's and its lyrics always speak to me each time I listen. Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Lord You Made the Cowboy Happy. Whether you are or are not a cowboy, this song should remind you just how many blessing the Lord has given you each day that you don't even think about.
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
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6
Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:4-6
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Numbers 23:19
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Luke 23:43
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6
Thank you for joining me come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.
Resources Used
https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-sweet-hour-of-prayer
https://www.christianpost.com/news/the-story-behind-it-is-no-secret-what-god-can-do.html
Liner notes for the CD Gene Autry: Cowboy Hymns and Songs of Inspiration by Holly George-Warren
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