Cowboy Church #233

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing 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.

This is followed by Willie and Bobbie Nelson with When We All Get to Heaven. On this recording Willie sings the classic gospel tune while his sister Bobbie accompanies him on piano. This comes from a 2013 gospel album the two made together called Just As I Am.  

Afterwards is Anne Wilson with Stars. This song will be on her upcoming album, Stars, which will come out on October 17, 2025. 

Next comes Patty Loveless with Two Coats. This recoding comes from her 2001 gospel album, Mountain Soul. 

Then comes The Monroe Brothers with What Would You Give in Exchange for Your Soul. They recorded this song on February 17th, 1936, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Next comes Johnny Cash with the self-penned He'll Be a Friend. This song is a very important one for us believers, reminding us that there will never come a time when God will not be there with us every step of the way. Whenever we feel that we are alone in this world, we can remember that we never are because God is always there and as Romans 8:28 says "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Despite Johnny writing this song himself, many of the message is one Johnny would have to remind himself of in his darker moments. However, as anyone who knows Johnny Cash's story knows, it is a story of how God will never abandon us and no matter how dark the roads are, he is always there to lead us back to where we need to be. Johnny had done so much wrong, yet God not only redeemed him, but used his story and music to bring many others to Christ. If Johnny can be used by God and truthfully call himself a Christian, then we can too. This song comes from Johnny's 1959 album, Hymns by Johnny Cash. Johnny had wanted to be a gospel singer before he ever made music his career. Yet when he came to Sun Records, he was told gospel wouldn't sell like rock and roll or country music, so at Sun Johnny mostly recorded country and rock songs. However, when he moved to Columbia, he was free to record as much gospel as he wanted. His first album for Columbia (The Fabulous Johnny Cash) would feature a good share of gospel music and his second would be this full gospel album. 

Then comes Jean Shepard with Sunday Christian. This is the closing song on her 1969 gospel album, I'll Fly Away. 

Today's musical selection concludes with The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1947 recording of The Sea Walker. This song was written by Tim Spencer, one of the group's founding members. Music was a major part of Tim's life from very early on. In fact when he was only 3 years old he was already singing at the church he grew up in. His love of things cowboy and western related also began very early as he had grown in awe of western movies and screen cowboys like Tom Mix, Hoot Gibson, William S. Hart and others were his boyhood heroes. With this it is no surprise that in 1931, he went to California to see how his talents could be used in Hollywood. Yet music always remained a major passion for him. As he worked in a warehouse, he would spend his weekends and time after working going around to all the country music radio shows, getting to know all the people he could. This is how he met fellow founding members of the Sons of the Pioneers, Bob Nolan and Leonard Slye (later Roy Rogers). The Sea Walker as well as being written by Tim also features him as the lead singer. The great Bass vocals in this song are courtesy of Hugh Farr.

Now for the seventh chapter of the Buck Jones movie serial, The Red Rider (1934). 

Now for a message from S.M. Lockridge.

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Colossians 3:12

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:26

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. Proverbs 19:17 

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death. Philippians 3:10

 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

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

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