Cowboy Church #237

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with Thank You God. This lovely recording comes from a 1956 Little Golden Record (Let There Be Peace was the B-side).

This is followed by Roy Acuff and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band with I Saw the Light. This combination was far from a natural one. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band consisted of some long-haired hippie boys and their sound combined traditional country music with a more modern rock style. Roy Acuff was not only a great country music traditionalist, but also a very conservative man who was about as far from a hippie as you can get. This track comes from The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's 1972 album, Will the Circle Be Unbroken. That album consisted of the group doing many of the great country classics with some of the greatest names in country music. Roy Acuff was originally not sure he wanted to record with these hippie boys for this album, but luckily changed his mind. The result was this wonderful version of a Hank Williams classic that not only stood as one of the highlights of the album, but one of the truly great recordings of country gospel music. 

Then comes The Heavenly Gospel Singers with their 1936 recording of Moving Up That King's Highway.

Afterwards is Gene Autry with his 1956 recording of There's No Back Door to Heaven. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." While some may try to get into Heaven in different ways, no way but Jesus Christ can get someone there. Though this may sound exclusive, it is in fact very inclusive. Because with Jesus being the only way there is no one in this world, who is incapable of getting to Heaven because Jesus is willing to save anyone who is willing to come to him. 

Next is The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1948 recording of The Old Rugged Cross. This hymn 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.

Then comes Carrie Underwood with Blessed Assurance.  This hymn came about when songwriter Fanny Crosby visited composer Phoebe Palmer Knapp. Knapp played a tune for Crosby and asked what came to her mind with that tune. Crosby said, "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!" She then immediately followed it with more lyrics that would be in the finished song. The song was published in 1873 and first appeared in a monthly magazine for which the editors were Joseph Fairchild Knapp and Phoebe Palmer Knapp (who were husband and wife). When it later appeared in 1887's Gospel Songs, No. 5 by Ira Sankey, this we lead it to greater fame as it would be commonly sung in the revivals of Dwight L. Moody and Sankey. By 1889, the hymn commonly appeared in Methodist hymnals. This version of the hymn comes Carrie's 2021 gospel album, My Savior. 

Afterwards is Johnny Cash with You'll Get Yours and I'll Get Mine. This recording comes from John's 1979 double length gospel album, A Believer Sings the Truth. Columbia Records did not have much faith in how a double length gospel album would sell and did not want to release this album. However, John (with Columbia's blessing) would release the album under his own Cachet label. In 1982 Columbia would reissue the album on the Columbia label. In 1984 Columbia would release a much shorter version of the album as I Believe. 

Today's musical selection ends with George Jones with Homecoming in Heaven. This is the title track of George's 1962 gospel album. This was the first of George's gospel albums. 

Now for a message from S.M. Lockridge. 

Up next is a 1941 interview with a man who was born in 1843 and worked as a photographer. Here he talks about the old west. 

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

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

A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. Proverbs 15:13

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! Proverbs 15:23

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17


Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33 

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