Cowboy Church #172

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

Today's music selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with 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 Molly O'Day with her 1946 recording of The Tramp On The Street. This song was written by the husband-and-wife team of Grady and Hazel Cole. This duo not only wrote great songs by recorded some as well. 

Afterwards is a recording by Grady and Hazel Cole (who wrote the last song). Here is them with their 1939 recording of Brother, Be Ready For That Day. 

Then is Johnny Cash 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. This version of the hymn comes from John's 1975 gospel album, Johnny Cash Sings Precious Memories. 

Up next is Larry Gatlin performing Great Is Thy Faithfulness at the 17th Dove Awards.

That is follow by The Sons of the San Joaquin with God Leads His Dear Children Along. This recording comes from the group's 1997 gospel album, Gospel Trails.

Now for the Sons of the Pioneers with 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. This version comes from the Sons of the Pioneers' new gospel album, Campfire Spirituals.  

Today's musical selection ends with Wayne Raney with his 1949 recording of Gathering in the Sky. 

Now for a message from Billy Graham. 

Now for the Roy Rogers movie, Bad Man of Deadwood (1941). This film is once again directed by Joseph Kane, who directed many B westerns starring such cowboy stars as Roy Rogers, Gene Autry and John Wayne. Also in this film's cast is Gabby Hayes (who always made every B western he was in better), Carol Adams (who spent most of her career playing small uncredited roles), Henry Bradon (best known as the villain in Laurel and Hardy's Babes in Toyland (1934) and Chief Cicatrizin The Searchers (1956)) and Sally Payne (who had also been in the Roy Rogers movies, Young Bill Hickok (1940) and   Robin Hood of the Pecos (1941)). 

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5

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

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. James 5:14-15

On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.” The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?” When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing. Luke 13:10-17

And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. Matthew 9:35

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

Thanks for joining me. Come back in a couple weeks for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.