Cowboy Church #170

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with their 1950 recording of May the Good Lord Take a Liking to Ya. This song was written by Peter Tunturin, who wrote songs that Roy sang in such movies as Days of Jesse James (1939), The Carson City Kid (1940), Young Bill Hickok (1940), Robin Hood of the Pecos (1941) and Sheriff of Tombstone (1941). Roy also sang this song in the movie, Trigger Jr. (1950). This is followed by Willie Nelson with his own self-penned Kneel at the Feet of Jesus. This song comes from Willie's 1971 album, Willie Nelson and Family. Next is The Sons of the San Joaquin with The Lily of the Valley. When Charles Fry wrote this hymn, he was inspired by The Song of Solomon, especially the following, “‘I am the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valleys.’ Like a lily among the thorns, so is my darling among the maidens. Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. In his shade I took great delight and sat down…He has brought me to his banquet hall, and his banner over me is love.” Song of Solomon 2:1-4. After he read these words, he began to write about his relationship with Jesus and what he wrote would become this hymn. It was first published in an issue of the Salvation Army's magazine The War Cry, dated December 29, 1881. This version of the song comes from the group's 1997 gospel album, Gospel Trails. Next is Johnny Cash singing Land of Israel. This song comes from his 1969 album The Holy Land. This album was inspired by a trip John and his wife made to Israel. He felt that visiting the Holy Land was truly a life changing experience and he knew he wanted to make an album about the effect it had on him as a Christian. Afterwards is The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Dwelling In Beulah Land. Len Slye (soon to be Roy Rogers) takes the lead vocal here. This was his last year being a member of the group, before starting his solo career. Roy and the Sons of the Pioneers though would still work closely together afterwards and the group would often receive prominent parts in Roy's movies. Next is Marty Robbins version of When the Roll is Called Up Yonder. This hymn was written by James Milton Black in 1893. Black was a Sunday school teacher in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. When a young girl did not appear in Sunday School, he was worried about her. He visited her only to discover she had pneumonia and she was probably not going to live thro ugh it. To cheer her up he wanted to find a hymn about a heavenly call but found none. So he decided to write one himself. Today's musical selection with Stonewall Jackson singing What a Friend We Have in Jesus. This hymn . still has an important message for us today. When it seems like there is no one to turn to at any moment of our lives, Jesus is always there. He is always there to listen to us, no matter what. More than that though he deeply cares about every single one of us. A better friend than Jesus could never be found no matter how hard we try. What a friend we have in Jesus indeed. 

Next is country singer Red Steagall with the cowboy poem, The Code Of The West Hasn't Changed.

Up next is C.S. Lewis' essay, The Laws of Nature.

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

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

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 

What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Mark 8:36

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13

For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. Mark 8:35

Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Luke 12:24

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 1 John 4:9

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

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