Cowboy Church #167

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing Softly and Tenderly. The song was written by an Ohio businessman named Will Thompson in 1880.  As well as writing gospel songs Thompson also wrote quite a few secular songs and parotic songs. When the songs he wrote were rejected by publishers he created his own company, Will L. Thompson & Company. This company would not only publish music by sell musical instruments. Softly and Tenderly first appeared in 1880's Sparkling Gems, Nos. 1 and 2, a collection of songs from the company. When evangelist Dwight L. Moody was on his death bed he told the songwriter, "Will, I would rather have written ‘Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling’ than anything I have been able to do in my whole life." This was appropriate as Will decided to make songwriting his career while at a meeting held by Moody. This is followed by Tex Ritter with There Shall Be Flowers of Blessings. This recording was originally released in 1952 with The Letter Edged in Black on the other side. However in 1956 it would be released in the UK with the theme song from High Noon on the other side. Next is Willie Nelson with Shall We Gather at the River. This hymn was written in 1864 by Robert Lawery. He described the writing of this song by stating  “One hot afternoon in July 1864, I was resting on his sofa, visions of heaven pervaded his senses. I saw the bright golden throne room and a multitude of saints gathered around the beautiful, cool, crystal, river of life. I was filled with a sense of great joy. I began to wonder why there seemed to be many hymns that referenced the river of death, but very few that mentioned the river of life. As I mused, the words and music to Shall We Gather at the River came to his heart and mind.” Next comes Jeanie Seely with What a Friend We Have in Jesus. Despite being Joseph Medlicott Scriven's most famous composition,  when he made a collection of his writings entitled  Hymns and Other Verses it did not appear. It has been assumed that the reason for this is that he probably wrote it for his mother when she was sick and not for the public. It is believed that it is through his mother that the hymn reached the public. It first appeared in 1865's Social Hymns, Original and Selected credited as anonymous. Afterwards is The Sons of the San Joaquin with a medley of the classic gospel songs, Sweet Hour of Prayer / Amazing Grace / Great Is Thy Faithfulness. This lovely melody comes from their 1997 gospel album, Gospel Trails. Next is Johnny Cash with God Must Have My Fortune Laid Away. This recording comes from John's 1962 album, Hymns From the Heart. This was only John's 2nd full length gospel album. Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers asking the age old theological question, Will There Be Sage Brush in Heaven with a classic 1947 recording. 

Next is an episode of Roy Rogers' TV show. 

Next is a message from the Reverend Billy Graham.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Romans 16:20

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

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

And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:7

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

The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. Habakkuk 3:19 

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

Resources Used

https://dianaleaghmatthews.com/shall-we-gather-at-the-river/#.YlMpLZHMK3A

https://www.bing.com/search?q=softly+and+tenderly+hymn+history&qs=RI&pq=softly+and+hymn+history&sc=2-23&cvid=0B3B379127954EBC9BA9C49F75876631&FORM=QBRE&sp=1