Cowboy Church #228

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with In the Sweet By and By.  This song came about because of a friendship between composer, Joseph Webster and poet, Dr. Sanford Fillmore Bennett. One day Webster was depressed, and Dr. Bennett recognized this. Dr. Bennett asked his friend what was wrong. Webster replied, "Oh nothing. Everything will be alright by and by." These words brought up an idea in Bennett and he wrote down three verses and a chorus to this song as soon as he could. He handed it to his friend saying, “Here is your prescription, Joe.” Webster loved the lyrics and wrote music for them in practically no time at all. Dr. Bennett later said, “It was not over thirty minutes from the time I took my pen to write the words before two friends with Webster and myself were singing the hymn.” The hymn was first published in 1868 and went on to great fame since. 

Next comes Anne Wilson with Seventh of June. In the comments section for this video Anne wrote, “'Seventh Of June' is a song that was written about the day that forever changed my life. The day that I lost my big brother Jacob in a tragic car accident. No matter how much time passes, this is a day that will always be so important to me. I really pray this song impacts people and reminds them that it’s ok to grieve. Jesus is with us in the midst of it all!! This is for you, Jacob."

Then comes Connie Smith with How Can You Refuse Him Now. This comes from Connie's 1975 album, Sings Hank Williams Gospel, an album made up of gospel songs written by Hank Willaims.

Afterwards is Ray Price with What a Friend We Have in Jesus. This hymn still has an important message for us today. When it seems like there is no one to turn to at any moment of our lives, Jesus is always there. He is always there to listen to us, no matter what. More than that though he deeply cares about every single one of us. A better friend than Jesus could never be found no matter how hard we try. What a friend we have in Jesus indeed. 

Now for Wanda Jackson with I Love Jesus from her 1973 gospel album, Country Gospel.

Next is George Jones 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.

Then comes Homer Rodeheaver with his 1913 recording of The Unclouded Day.

Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers with God's Got His Arms Around Me. This song reminds us that no matter what we go through in life, we will never have to walk through it alone. God is always there with his arms around us for both the good times and the bad and that is true no matter how hard the bad times get. 

Now Dale Evans shares her testimony. 

Now for the silent short film, Broncho Billy's Narrow Escape (1912).

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8

For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. Romans 10:10

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

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isiaih 41:10

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. Nahum 1:7

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. James 2:18

No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Luke 13:3

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

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

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