Cowboy Church #243

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

Today's musical selection begins with The Sons of the Pioneers with The Woodsman Prayer from their 1963 album, Hymns of the Cowboy. This song was written by Stan Jones. Stan is best known for writing the cowboy music classic, Ghost Riders in the Sky. He also wrote the theme song for John Ford's The Searchers (1956), which The Sons of the Pioneers sang in that film. 

This is followed by Carrie Underwood singing The Old Rugged Cross. The song 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.

Afterwards is Connie Smith and Nat Stucky with If God Is Dead (Who's That Living In My Soul). This is from a 1970 gospel album the two country singers did together that is called Sunday Morning with Nat Stuckey and Connie Smith. This was the second album that the two made together. The first was 1969's Young Love. The idea to pair the two come from the record company, as both had recently had major hits and the company believed that their two voices would blend very well together. 

Then comes Marty Robbins with There's Power in the Blood. This recording comes from his 1963 gospel album, What God Has Done.

Next is The Chuck Wagon Gang with their 1949 recording of Shall We Gather At The River? This hymn was written in 1864 by Robert Lawery. He described the writing of this song by stating “One hot afternoon in July 1864, I was resting on his sofa, visions of heaven pervaded his senses. I saw the bright golden throne room and a multitude of saints gathered around the beautiful, cool, crystal, river of life. I was filled with a sense of great joy. I began to wonder why there seemed to be many hymns that referenced the river of death, but very few that mentioned the river of life. As I mused, the words and music to Shall We Gather at the River came to his heart and mind.” 

Then is Johnny Cash with Over There. It is important to remember that none of the hardships this world can give us can hold a candle to the joys of heaven. Likewise, none of the joys this world can offer us can compare to the joys of heaven. This is why no matter where we are in this world, we should always keep our eyes focused upon heaven. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, then this world is not your home. You are only passing through here on your way to the glories of heaven. 

Afterwards is Hank Williams with his 1949 recording of The Battle Armageddon. 

Today's musical selection ends with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with How Great Thou Art.   In the book, Happy Trails: Our Life Story, Roy tells of a story that had to do with this song. "I'll tell you about one time we nearly got into a real war with the promoters: at the World Championship Rodeo at Madison Square Garden in 1952. During the first rehearsal I started to practice 'How Great Thou Art,' a religious song I wanted to make the centerpiece of our musical act. There's a line in that song that goes, 'Then sings my soul my Savior God to Thee...' Someone in the front office heard the rehersal and came to me that night to tell me I wasn't allowed to mention Christ at the rodeo. 'It might work for the kids in Houston, Texas' he told me, 'But this is New York. You can't preach to kids here.' I told him I wasn't preaching but that the Savior was a part of the song and I fully intended to sing that song in New York or anywhere else we performed. They suggested that I could change the words of the song so it didn't mention Him. I'm not one for grandstand plays but I told those fellas that if I couldn't sing 'How Great thou Art' just how it was written, Dale and I would pack up and leave town. The song stayed in the show. That year we did forty-three performances over twenty-six days and broke all Madison Square Garden attendance records."

Now for a message from Rev. Billy Graham.

Now for a 1951 episode of Gene Autry's TV show. 

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love. Ephesians 3:16-17

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Discipline your body and make it your slave so that you will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:27

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here. 2 Corinthians 5:17

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby. Ezekiel 33:19
Sons
Thank you very much for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.