Cowboy Church #208

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 Likin' to Ya. This song was written by Peter Tinturn, who wrote songs for the Roy Rogers movie, Days of Jesse James (1939).

This is followed by John Anderson 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.' 

Next is Johnny Cash (backed by The Carter Family and The Statler Brothers) performing a gospel medley on a 1971 episode of his TV Show. The songs included in this medley are Old Time Religion, The Fourth in the Fire and The Old Account.

Then comes The Carter Family with their 1930 recording of On The Rock Where Moses Stood.

Afterwards is Barbara Mandrell with Power in the Blood. I really love Barabra's version of this old hymn. She so well captures the feeling of unexplainable joy in the lyrics of this song. The word gospel means good news and therefore it only stands to reason that gospel music should be joyous. It is hard to listen to a recording like this and not feel good.  No matter how much we may love something this world has to offer us, none of it can ever compare to the power in Jesus' blood. For nothing else has the power to give us salvation or peace in times when we feel peace is impossible. This recording comes from Barbara's 1989 gospel album, Precious Memories.

Now for The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1948 recording of 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.

Today's musical selection continues with Josh Turner with Long Black Train. 

Next comes the first chapter of Gene Autry's movie serial, The Phantom Empire (1935). 

Motion Picture Herald, 1935

 Next is C.S. Lewis' essay, On Forgiveness.

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Acts 16:31

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:10

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Luke 19:10

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. Romans 1:16


 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

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

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalms 94:19

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalms 55:22

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

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