Cowboy Church #250

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with The Lord is Counting on You. This Christian song was written for younger believers by Stuart Hamblen. This was appropriate as Stuart Hamblen had been a singing cowboy on radio since back in 1926. Probably his most famous compositions were It is No Secret (What God Can Do) and This Old House. The Lord is Counting on You reminds kids of the importance of Sunday School. This recording comes from Roy and Dale's 1959 gospel album, Jesus Loves Me.

This is followed by Washington Phillips with Train Your Child. Phillips recorded this on December 4, 1928, in Dallas, Texas. This is an interesting recording as it starts with Phillips simply speaking with no musical accompaniment. After he is finished speaking comes an instrumental solo. 

Afterwards comes Patty Loveless with Where I'm Bound. This comes from her 1997 album, Long Stretch of Lonesome. 

Then comes Merle Haggard with On the Jericho Road. For each of us there will be tough times in our lives (though some will have tougher times than others). However, it is lucky for us that none of us have to walk through any hard time by ourselves. Jesus is there beside us comforting us through every tough time we may ever have. He will be our true friend through all of it. This recording comes from Merle's 1971 album, The Land of Many Churches. This album features gospel songs recorded live at four different places. These were the Big Creek Baptist Church in Millington, TN, Assembly of God Tabernacle in Keyes, CA, San Quentin's Garden Chapel and Nashville's Union Rescue Mission. The female backing vocals for much of this album were by The Carter Family.

Next is The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1948 recording of The Old Rugged Cross. The song 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 Brenda Lee with Precious Memories.  Though this is a sweet uplifting song, it was based upon a tragedy. In 1922, John Wright lost his five-year-old son. Wright would later say about this song, “’Precious Memories’ was born in the midnight hours as I bathed by pillow with tears, likewise all my songs came through life’s severest tests.” Though this is a very famous hymn, John Wright only received $36 for writing it. He would remain a janitor that was always struggling to make ends meet for his entire life.

Today's musical selection ends with Johnny Cash performing Have Thine Own Way Lord. This hymn was written by Adelaide A. Pollard. It was partly inspired by how in 1902, she heard an old woman praying at a prayer meeting, "It really doesn't matter what you do with us, Lord -- just have your way with our lives." Adelaide wanted to be a missionary in Africa, but this was not happening as quickly as she would have hoped it would happen. Not long before writing this song, she tried to raise funds to go to Africa but this proved not as successful as she had hoped. This lead her to follow into what she called a "distress of soul." It was then that she attended this prayer meeting, heard that prayer and wrote this hymn. She eventually did become a missionary in Africa, even if it was only for a brief time. This recording features only Johnny Cash and his guitar with no backing band. 

Today's movie is Take Me Back to Oklahoma (1940) starring Tex Ritter.

Now for a message from the Reverand Billy Graham.

Psalm 87

Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm. A song.

1 He has founded his city on the holy mountain.

2 The Lord loves the gates of Zion

    more than all the other dwellings of Jacob.

3 Glorious things are said of you,

    city of God:

4 “I will record Rahab and Babylon

    among those who acknowledge me—

Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush—

    and will say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’”

5 Indeed, of Zion it will be said,

    “This one and that one were born in her,

    and the Most High himself will establish her.”

6 The Lord will write in the register of the peoples:

    “This one was born in Zion.”

7 As they make music they will sing,

    “All my fountains are in you.”

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