Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church.
Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with The Old Rugged Cross. The song itself dates back to 1913 and was written by evangelist, George Bennard. Actually the first verse was written in 1912. It was written while Bennard was a part of a series of revival meetings in Albion, Michigan. He was worried about the complete disregard for the gospel around him and wrote this verse as a repose. Of writing it Bennard said, "I seemed to have a vision ... I saw the Christ and the cross inseparable." The song wouldn't be completed for several months, when he was leading meetings at a local church in Pokagan, Michigan. He played it for Rev. Leroy (the sponsoring pastor) and his wife, Ruby Bostwick, both of whom found themselves moved to tears. It was then incorporated into a service at that church on June 7, 1913. The song has the same effect today as it must have back then.
This is followed by Lorretta Lynn with If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again. Often times we Christians (sadly I have done this sometimes) can easily forget the power and the importance of prayer in our lives. When we simply get neglectful and forget to pray, it can greatly affect our whole attitude towards life and make us center our lives around other things than God. I believe in the power of prayer and that there is nothing stronger a human can deliver than a powerful prayer.
Next up is The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Lead Me Gently Home Father. Jesus in his earthly life spent much time talking to his father and before going to the cross he stated, "not my will but yours be done." This should be the way we approach God the father. We should talk to him before we make any major decision in life, for our life is not our own, but it belongs to God. Therefore we should follow him wherever he leads us knowing that he alone knows what is best for us.
Next comes Anne Wilson with No Place Like Home. This song is a tribute to her older brother, whom she loved dearly, and was only 23 when he passed away. She considers this her favorite of the songs she's written and it is my favorite too. This song is simply a beautiful combination of the sadness of missing him and the comfort of knowing he is in heaven. This is a wonderful look at the conflicting emotions of how us Christians feel when someone close to us passes away but we know they went to heaven. The song was written the same day as her massive hit, My Jesus and was released on her debut album, 2022's My Jesus.
Afterwards is Gene Autry with his 1945 recording of Silver Spurs (Upon the Golden Stairs). Gene cowrote this song himself with Cindy Walker (who wrote such great country songs as Bubbles in My Beer and You Don't Know Me).
Next comes Elvis Presley with If the Lord Wasn't Walking by My Side. This recording comes from Elvis' 1967 gospel album, How Great Thou Art.
Then is Johnny Cash with 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.
Today's musical selection ends with one of the most popular country gospel songs performed by the man who wrote it. The song is I Saw the Light and the singer and songwriter was Hank Williams. Hank wrote this song as he was heading home from a dance in Fort Deposit, Alabama. His mother was driving him home and told her son "Hank, wake up, we're nearly home. I just saw the light" (she was referring to the light near Dannelly Field Airport). Hank wrote the song on the rest of the way home. The song melody-wise strongly resembles Albert E. Brumley's He Set Me Free, but I Saw the Light has certainly taken on a life of its own apart from the earlier song, heavily through the powerful and inspiring lyrics that do what Hank did best as a songwriter, convey something powerful and moving in a way that seems so simple and unpretentious. Hank recorded this song on his first MGM recording session (April 21, 1947). However even though he was the first to record this song, his version was not the first released. Producer Fred Rose gave it to two other singers (Clyde Grubbs and Roy Acuff), both of whom had their versions released before Hank
Today's movie trailer is for Rooster Cogburn (1975). Though John Wayne appeared in many movies, this was in fact his only sequel and the only time he reprised one of his roles. Unlike True Grit (1969, the film which this is sequel to) which was directed by prolific director Henry Hathaway, this film was directed by Stuart Millar, whose filmography is quite tiny and for whom this is his best known film. John felt Millar was incompetent during the making of this movie and would often argue with the director. John's co-star in this movie was another legend, Kathrine Hepburn, who played a role very similar (too similar for many critics' tastes) in the brilliant, The African Queen (1951). Though her and John differed greatly when it came to politics, the two got along on set and she had great respect for the man's talents. Despite getting terrible reviews on its release and not being of the same quality as True Grit, this movie has become a staple on TV and has brought much joy to The Duke's fans.
Now for Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash talking about their trip to Israel. Having traveled there recently I can confirm that it is a beautiful and spiritually moving trip for any Christian.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:11
"Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed," he said. "Peace! Be strong now; be strong." When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, "Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength." Daniel 10:19
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Proverbs 28:13
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26
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://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-softly-and-tenderly-jesus-is-calling
https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-the-old-rugged-cross
Hank Williams: The Complete Mother's Best Recordings box set liner notes.
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