Cowboy Church #195

 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 to the Heart of God. This hymn was written by Cleland McAfee, a pastor and choir leader at the Presbyterian Church at Park College in Parkville, Mo. This song came about after his two infant nieces passed away from diphtheria. His daughter recounted in her book, Near to the Heart of God, “The family and town were stricken with grief. My father often told us how he sat long and late thinking of what could be said in word and song on the coming Sunday.... So he wrote the little song. The choir learned it at the regular Saturday night rehearsal, and afterward they went to Howard McAfee’s home and sang it as they stood under the sky outside the darkened, quarantined house. It was sung again on Sunday morning at the communion service.... The hymn was first included in The Choir Leader, October, 1903.”

 This is followed by Willie Nelson with his self-penned gospel song, In God's Eyes. Speaking about this song Willie stated, "I needed to remind myself that, although I've strayed from the straight and narrow, I never strayed from my core beliefs. In 'In God's Eyes,' the next song in the sequence, I made that very point." This song comes from Willie's 1971 album, Yesterday's Wine. About this album Willie would state, "I looked up and simply began asking questions. Rather than keep those questions to myself, I put them into songs. The songs became my own particular prayers, my own personal reflections. I strung those prayers and reflections together in a loose-fitting suite. Music critics were throwing around the term 'concept album' - like the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club or Marvin Gaye's What's Going On. I suppose you could say this new notion of mine came together as a concept album. Rather than trying to write a bunch of hit singles, I simply followed the natural path taken by my mind."

Afterwards is Jimmie Widener and the Voices of the West with their 1955 recording of Whose Side Are You On. 

Then comes J.E. Mainer's Mountaineers with their 1946 recording of Before Judgement Day. 

Next is The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Power in the Blood. Though there may be many tough times we may face in life and days that seem overwhelming, the blessing of Jesus Christ and the power of his love is greater than any hardship we might face. Roy Rogers sings lead on this track and the great bass vocals are by Hugh Farr. 

A Singer of Songs in my mind gets down to the essence of Johnny Cash and honestly when I first I found out I was surprised he had not written it. What is interesting is that when interviewed about this recording for the Unearthed Box set, Johnny stated, "Good song but I don't know whose it is." Producer Rick Rubin in comments for the box set stated that he felt this was "one of the most touching and emotional of all the songs." However, he admitted "I have no idea where it came from. I don't even remember recording it." He wondered how he could have possibly missed putting this song on one of the albums he and Johnny did together. Johnny's song John Carter Cash however shed light on where this song came from. "Every once in a while, I'd bring in a song or two - he knows instantly, when he hears a song, whether it will work out for him or not. This was written by Tim O'Connell." This song was recorded during the sessions for Johnny's third album for Rick Rubin, Solitary Man. Johnny was at heart simply a singer and a storyteller and he knew that there was no greater story than that of Jesus Christ. 

Today's musical selection ends with Mac Wiseman with Hold Fast to the Right. 

Now for a message from S.M. Lockridge. 

Now for an episode of The Lone Ranger radio show. 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

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