Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church.
Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with Sweet Hour of Prayer. This hymn was written by William Walford. Walford was a wood craver who had little to no formal education. However what he did have was a very close relationship with God. Those who knew him said that he knew the bible by heart and this man was even asked to share sermons at his church. One day around 1845 Pastor Thomas Salmon visited William Walford. Walford asked Salmon to write down a poem he had in his head. Salmon was so amazed by this poem that he right away sought to get it published. After Walford's death, William Bradbury wrote music for this poem and the hymn as we know it first appeared in the 1859 hymnal, Church Melodies. Bradbury had also composed music for such hymns as Just as I Am and He Leadeth Me.
This is followed by Carrie Underwood with Because He Lives. Though this song in many was feels like an old hymn it is actually much more recent than you might think. The song was written by Gloria and William J. Gaither and won an award for being the Gospel Song of the Year for 1974. In an interview the couple stated how this song came to be, “‘Because he lives’ was written in the midst of social upheaval, threats of war, and betrayals of national and personal trust. It was into this world at such a time that we were bringing our third little baby. Assassinations, drug traffic, and war monopolized the headlines. It was in the midst of this kind of uncertainty that the assurance of the Lordship of the risen Christ blew across our troubled minds like a cooling breeze in the parched desert. Holding our tiny son in our arms we were able to write: How sweet to hold our newborn baby, And feel the pride, and joy he gives; But greater still the calm assurance, this child can face uncertain day because He lives.’”
Afterwards is The Chuck Wagon Gang with their 1941 recording of O Rock of Ages, Hide Thou Me.
Next is Leroy Van Dyke with Just as I Am. Despite being written in 1835, this song is known by many today, because of it being used often in Billy Graham's Crusades. Nearly 100 years later in 1934, Billy will dedicate his life to the Lord at one of Mordecai Ham's revival meetings and this song was played during the alter call. With this it should come as no surprise that it was a favorite of the great evangelist and that he would use it in his own alter calls.
Then comes Marty Stuart (with his mom Hilda Stuart) with the old Carter Family song, The Old Gospel Ship. It is important to remember that this life is not the end and as Christians, we should all know that one day we will take a trip on that old gospel ship.
Next is Johnny Cash with I'm Gonna Try to Be That Way. While this song's message may seem simple, it is one we should all try to live. When we read or hear about what Jesus did during his time on this Earth, our reaction should be to try to do as close to what he did as we possibly can.
Now for Charley Pride with Wings of a Dove. This song was written by Bob Ferguson in 1958. However, most music fans would first hear the song when Ferlin Husky recorded it in 1960. That version of the song was a major hit staying number one on the country charts for 10 weeks straight. Naturally after this many more country singers (as well as some singers from other genres) would record this song, including Charley here. This version of the song comes from Charley's 1968 album, Make Mine Country.
Then comes Bob Dylan with Do Right to Me Baby (Do Unto Others). This song comes from Bob's 1979 album, Slow Train Coming. This was his first album of Christian songs after having converted to Christianity.
Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.
Now for Billy Graham giving a message on Johnny Cash's TV show.
Now for a 1938 episode of The Lone Ranger radio show.
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:3-4
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. Psalms 126:2
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Proverbs 16:24
The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16
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 2:12
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35
For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. Deuteronomy 30:16
Thanks very much 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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