Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church.
Today's musical selection starts 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.
Next comes The Carter Family's 1935 recording of Sea of Galilee.
This is followed by Anne Wilson with Closer to God. On the YouTube video for this song Anne comments, "In my deepest moments of pain is when I have found the Lord to be the closest and these moments have brought me closer to Him. Thanks for listening!!!" Anne is one of my favorite modern day Christian music singers and this is simply a lovely song. It comes from her debut album, 2022's My Jesus. I recommend to every fan of country style gospel music to get this wonderful album.
Afterwards is Carl Smith with his 1952 recording of Gethsemane. Sometimes for us Christians after hearing so much about the crucifixion, we very much sanitize it in our minds. But when we really look at the pain and torture he went through as well as how he for the first and only time was separated from God the father, we truly realize how much he loves us and how he will do anything for us, so that we do not have to be separated from God the father ourselves, no matter how we sin, the way Jesus was for this brief moment. What Jesus gave for us and the blessings we have received from it are beyond measure.
Up next is Johnny Cash with I'm Bound for the Promised Land. This song comes from John's 2003 album, My Mother's Hymn Book. This album was a collection of hymns that John had sang since childhood and were very near and dear to his heart. This is also a fully acoustic album, just featuring John and his guitar with no one else. I have a special fondness for John's recordings that are completely by himself, because they feel so open, honest and personal. John's liner notes for this song (in the box set, Unearthed) state, "Yeah even through the dark times, I always felt like I was bound for the promised land, especially singing these songs. They take you to the promised land. I remember Jerry Lee Lewis back in the Sun Record days saying we were all doing the Devil's work and we were all going to Hell. Did that scare me? No, I'd heard all that before. I just kept my eye on him (laughs) and everything worked out all right. He became a good friend." This song was written by Samuel Stennett and first appeared in John Rippon's collection A Selection of Hymns from the Best Authors, in 1787.
Next comes Bob Dylan singing Slow Train live in 1979. Though many Dylan fans look down on the Christian era of Bob's music (especially those who disagree with its message), I feel that some incredible music came out of this era. His lyrics were still amazing and cause one to stop and think after hearing them. As a Christian, these lyrics have had just as major of an effect on me as the old classic hymns, and touch me as deeply as Christian music can. Yet in true Bob Dylan style, these songs do not feel like anything we could ever hear from any other songwriter doing Christian music. This version of Slow Train is easily the best version of the song, Bob's voice never sounded better and the rocking guitar is fantastic. The "slow train" Bob talks about in this song is the second coming of Christ.
Up next is The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1948 recording of Old Rugged Cross.
Very recently we have lost a true country music legend, the one and only, Lorretta Lynn. As a tribute to this true great today's musical selection ends with her singing two great old hymns.
Today's movie trailer is one of the wonderful collaborations between actor James Stewart and director Anothony Mann, The Naked Spur (1953). Other films they made together include Winchester 73 (1950), Bend of the River (1952), Thunder Bay (1953), The Glenn Miller Story (1954), The Far Country (1954) and The Man from Laramie (1955).
The Exhibitor, 1953
Next is C.S. Lewis' essay, Work and Prayer.
Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Galatians 6:8
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
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
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26
For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
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
Thanks for joining me. Come back in a couple weeks for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.
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