Cowboy Church #186

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing In the Sweet By and By. This song came about because of a friendship between composer, Joseph Webster and poet, Dr. Sanford Fillmore Bennett. One day Webster was depressed and Dr. Bennett recognized this. Dr. Bennett asked his friend what was wrong. Webster replied, "Oh nothing. Everything will be alright by and by." These words brought up an idea in Bennett and he wrote down three verses and a chorus to this song as soon as he could. He handed it to his friend saying, “Here is your prescription, Joe.” Webster loved the lyrics and wrote music for them in practically no time at all. Dr. Bennett later said, “It was not over thirty minutes from the time I took my pen to write the words before two friends with Webster and myself were singing the hymn.” The hymn was first published in 1868 and went on to great fame since.

This is followed by The Weavers with When the Saints Go Marching In. 

Afterwards is The Frank Luther Trio with their 1933 recording of When I Take My Vacation in Heaven.  This song was written by Herbert Buffmun, a Pentecostal Evangelist who lived from 1879 to 1939. Writing gospel music was a passionate hobby for him and he is said to have written around 10,000 songs with around 1,000 of them being published. Ripley's Believe It or Not claimed that he once wrote 12 songs in one hour. However songwriting can hardly be said to have made a living for him. Most of his songs were sold for $5 or even less. This did not stop The Los Angles Time from calling him, “The King of Gospel Song Writers” upon his death.

Personal Jesus is an example of how a song can take on a meaning to a listener that the author did not intend. Johnny Cash said that this was a song he wished that he had wrote. He felt it summarized perfectly man's relationship with God. That Jesus is always willing to forgive and have a relationship with anyone who desires to know him. Yet this when Martin Gore had originally written this song, he did not intend it to be actually about the Christian faith. He wrote it after having read Pricillia Presley's book Elvis and Me. Gore would state, "It's a song about being a Jesus for somebody else. It's about how Elvis was her man and her mentor and how often that happens in love relationships." 

Next is Kenny Roberts and Tommy Sosebee with their 1951 recording of Its Great to be a Christian.

Then comes Hank Williams Jr. with Wrapped Up, Tangled Up in Jesus (God's Got It). This recording comes from his 2016 album, It's About Time. 

Afterwards is Anne Wilson with Still God. This song comes from her first album, 2022's My Jesus. 

Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1948 recording of The Old Rugged Cross. The song itself 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.

Now for a message from S.M. Lockridge. 

Now for an episode of the Lone Ranger radio show. 

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 1 John 4:18

I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4

Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. Psalms 27:3

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

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

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalms 94:19

For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13

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