Cowboy Church #194

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with Near the Cross. This hymn was written by Fanny Crosby, who had written many beloved hymns including Blessed Assurance and Pass Me Not, O Gentle Saviour. This song first appeared in an 1869 collection of hymns entitled Bright Jewels. One of those who put together this collection was William Doane, who would write the music for this hymn. Fanny had been blind since she was six weeks old. Evangelist Dwight L. Moody once asked Fanny, “If you could have just one wish granted, what would it be?” Fanny's answer shocked him. She said, “If I could have one wish, I’d wish that I might continue blind the rest of my life.” She explained this answer by saying “Because, after being blind for all these years, the first face I want to see now is the face of Jesus.”

This is followed by Mac Wiseman with his 1965 recording of Little Moses.

Afterwards is Jimmie Widener and The Voices of the West with their 1955 recording of Rollin' Tide. 

Then comes The Carlisle Brothers with their 1942 recording of She Waits For Me There. 

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.

Next up is The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Lead Me Gently Home Father. Jesus in his earthly life spent much time talking to his father and before going to the cross he stated, "not my will but yours be done." This should be the way we approach God the father. We should talk to him before we make any major decision in life, for our life is not our own, but it belongs to God. Therefore we should follow him wherever he leads us knowing that he alone knows what is best for us.

Today's musical selection ends with Cowboy Copas with Almost Home. This recording comes from his 1961 gospel album, Inspirational Songs. 

Now for a message from S.M. Lockridge.

Now for an episode of The Lone Ranger radio show. 

 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3

 But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

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

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:5

For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? Romans 8:24

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