Sunday, March 26, 2023

Cowboy Church #214

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers singing (There'll Be) 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.”

This is followed by the Louvin Brothers with their 1955 recording of Pray for Me. This song is about a man who after living his life in sin, decides to give his life completely to the Lord. When we travel down the wrong path and do things we know we shouldn't do, it can often lead us to this point. The point where we see how much we truly need God in our lives. I hope that during these moments we all do what this man does and stop fighting God and instead let him work in our lives. 

Next is Red Sovine singing Cast Thy Bread Upon the Waters

Now for Tennessee Ernie Ford 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. 

Afterwards is Johnny Cash with One of These Days I'm Gonna Sit Down and Talk to Paul. It amazes me so much that one day we as Christians are going to go to Heaven and meet so many of the people we have read about in the Bible. How amazing it will be to talk to the heroes of the faith, just like they are old friends. I am sure that when Johnny Cash reached Heaven, that he truly did sit down and talk to Paul. Paul of course meant a lot to Johnny Cash, who could relate to how Paul was one of the last people you would expect God to save (just like Johnny with his drug addiction and the selfishness he displayed while on these drugs), yet he would eventually not only be saved from his sins but lived a life spent trying to further the message of the gospel (which would become John's goal in life in later years). Johnny Cash would even write a book about the life of Paul, Man in White

Then comes The Sons of the San Joaquin with There's Power in the Blood. This recording comes from their 1997 gospel album, Gospel Trails.

Next is Jenny Lou Carson with her 1944 recording of Dear God, Watch Over Joe. This song was written by Jenny herself during World War 2 and is dedicated to all those who had loved ones fighting overseas, while also reflecting both the patriotism and the worriedness for their love ones, these people were experiencing.  

Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers' 1937 recording of Lord You Made the Cowboy Happy. I hope that like the narrator of this song, we do not take all the little blessings God gave to us from granted but instead take time to thank him for each one. 



































Now for a sermon from S.M. Lockridge.




Now for the next chapter in the Gene Autry movie serial, The Phantom Empire (1935).




But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

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

 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25

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

To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. Mark 12:33

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. Colossians 2:9-10

 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. Proverbs 17:17

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













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