Cowboy Church #179

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

Today's musical selection begins with The Sons of the Pioneers with God's Speaks. This song reminds us that although sometimes we may think God is silent, he is constantly speaking to us through his beautiful creation. I know sometimes if I just spend time in nature, I can come away feeling incredibly loved by a wonderful God. This recording comes from the group's 1963 gospel album, Hymns of the Cowboy. 

This is followed The Carter Family place with their 1934 recording of There's No Hiding Place Down Here. 

Next is the one and only Loretta Lynn with Peace in the Valley.  The hymn was written by Thomas A. Dorsey who later explained the origins of this song, “Peace in the Valley,” “It was just before Hitler sent his war chariots into Western Europe in the late 1930s. I was on a train going through southern Indiana and saw horses, cows and sheep all grazing together in this little valley. Everything seemed so peaceful. It made me question, “What’s the matter with mankind? Why can’t men live in peace?” Out of those thoughts came “Peace in the Valley.”

Afterwards is The Sons of the San Joaquin performing God Gave the Cowboy Montana. This song may not necessarily be a gospel song, but it still reminds us, just how much God has blessed us with the little things that we take for granted every day.     

Next is Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing Wings of a Dove. This song was written by Bob Ferguson in 1958. However, most music fans would first hear the song when Ferlin Husky recorded it in 1960. That version of the song was a major hit staying number one on the country charts for 10 weeks straight. Naturally after this many more country singers would record this song, including Roy and Dale here. 

Now for everybody's favorite cowboy/hippie Willie Nelson with his cover of Bob Dylan's Christian song, Gotta Serve Somebody. Willie and Bob are not only fans of each other's work, but they have also worked together multiple times. They have toured together and performed duets onstage. The two recorded a duet on Willie Nelson's 1993 album Across the Border with a song entitled Heartland which the two wrote together. Just as Willie covered Bob, Bob also covered Willie's songs including a lovely version of Willie's Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground in 1983. Willie's version of Gotta Serve Somebody comes from his 2008 album, Moment of Forever.

Afterwards is The Stanley Brothers with Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. This hymn began with a man named Anthony Showalter. As a fan of gospel music and an elder in a Presbyterian church, he held many "singing schools" at various churches in the south. One day he received two letters from former students who were struggling after their wives had passed. To respond to these letters, Showalter consulted scripture. He came across Deuteronomy 33:27, "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." After reading this verse lyrics for a song chorus went through his head and he wrote down, "“Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms; Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.” After using this in the letters to his former students he sent this chorus to his friend hymnist, Elisha Hoffman. In the letter he also wrote, “Here is the chorus for a good hymn from Deuteronomy 33:27, but I can’t come up with the verses.” Hoffman then wrote the rest of the lyrics to which Showalter put to music. The hymn was published in 1887.

Today's musical selection ends with Gene Autry singing God's in the Saddle.

 

Today's movie trailer is for the Roy Rogers western, King of the Cowboys (1943). This World War 2 flavored western features some of Roy's best musical numbers. In this film he sings such songs as I'm an Old Cowhand, Ride 'Em, Cowboy (with the Sons of the Pioneers), A Gay Ranchero, Roll Along Prairie Moon and Ride, Ranger, Ride (with the Sons of the Pioneers). 

Film Bulletin, 1943

Next is the C.S. Lewis essay, The Laws of Nature. 

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth. Exodus 9:16

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:6

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://mediahistoryproject.org/

https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-leaning-on-the-everlasting-arms

https://dianaleaghmatthews.com/peace-in-the-valley/#.YsJhsWDMK3A