Hello my friends and welcome back to another service of Cowboy Church.
Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with Have You Read the Bible Today. It is important for each of us to read our Bible each and every day. The Bible is not just some book, it is the living breathing word of God. It is easy for our faith and Christian walk to become idle and stagnant and the easiest way for this to happen is to simply not read our Bible. Taking some time each day to read the Bible is the best way for our faith and our walk with God to continue growing and maturing. This recording is the B-side of a 1955 Little Golden Record by Roy and Dale. The A-side was The Bible Tells Me So.
This is followed by Elvis Presley with his 1957 recording of Peace in the Valley. As much as Elvis is known as the King of Rock and Roll, perhaps no other type of music was nearer and dearer to his heart than gospel music. This was the music he grew up with and that continued to have a major influence on him through all the years. Elvis has been quoted as saying "I know practically every religious sing that's ever been written." There is no doubt that these songs moved him very deeply. After Elvis had made his first two appearances on TV's The Ed Sullivan Show, he was clearly a very controversial figure. These performances consisted of pure rock and roll music and Elvis shook his hips to them in a way that was considered much too suggestive for the 1950's. Many groups were quick to condemn this as a horrible influence on the kids and some even claimed it to be demonic. Yet Elvis' third appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show was quite different. This time Elvis did not perform rock and roll but instead did a gospel number in a slow and traditional manner. The song was Peace in the Valley and the performance was a huge success. Elvis had never done a studio recording of any gospel songs, but fans of the performance quite writing letters requesting a recording of Elvis singing Peace in the Valley. RCA quickly rushed Elvis to make a four-song gospel EP entitled Peace in the Valley. This EP of course included the title song, as well as Take My Hand Precious Lord, It is no Secret and I Believe. The EP was a huge success and gospel music would soon play a major role in Elvis' singing career.
Afterwards is Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper with their 1959 recording of There's a Big Wheel. This song was written by the great country music singer/songwriter/guitarist Don Gibson.
Next is the Delmore Brothers with their 1941 recording of Gospel Cannon Ball. This gospel song is to the tune of the classic folk song, Wabash Cannon Ball, which Roy Acuff's 1936 recording turned into a country classic.
Now for The Sons of the San Joaquin with the southern gospel classic, I'll Fly Away. This recording comes from their 1997 gospel album, Gospel Trails.
Then comes Anne Wilson and Chris Tomlin with The Cross. This recording comes from Anne's 2023 gospel album, Rebel. Anne Wilson co-wrote this song with Jeff Pardo, Matthew West and Jonathan Smith,
Next comes Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings with The Greatest Cowboy of Them All. This is a song about heroes and all of us have our heroes. While these heroes may be entertainers, writers, political figures, intellectuals and humanitarians, when you put any of them up against Jesus Christ, they simply pale in comparison. This because even someone who is great by human standards is nothing when compared to the glory of God.
Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers with Power in the Blood. This recording comes from their new 2024 gospel album, Campfire Spirituals. Though none of the original members may be alive today, the current line up does a wonderful job of keeping the legacy of one of country music's finest groups alive. Their new album is a wonderful example of this, and this version of Power in the Blood is simply wonderful. The Sons of the Pioneers have previously recorded this hymn in 1937 and 1948. This song was written in 1889 by Lewis Edgar Jones while at a camp meeting taking place at Mountain Lake Park, MD.
Now for an episode of Roy Rogers' radio show.
Now for a message from Billy Graham.
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.
No comments:
Post a Comment