Cowboy Church #200

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with A Christmas Prayer. This recording comes from Roy and Dale's 1967 Christmas album, Christmas is Always. 

This is followed by Gene Autry with An Old Fashioned Tree. This recording comes from an episode of Gene Autry's Melody Ranch radio show, that aired on December 5, 1948.

Afterwards comes Tennessee Ernie Ford with his 1971 recording of Hark the Herald Angels Sing. This hymn was written by Charles Wesley. Wesley stated that what he hoped to achieve through his hymns was to teach sound doctorine to the poor an illiterate, who may not be able to read the Bible for themselves. His brother John Wesley, who was a famous theologian and one of the founders of Methodism, stated that Charles' hymnal was the best book on Theology there was out there. Charles wrote the words to this hymn as he heard the church bells ringing on his way to church on Christmas Day. He intended this to be a poem that would be read in Church on Christmas Day. This poem first appeared in print in 1739 in Hymns and Sacred Poems. In 1753 George Whitefield, put these words to the music we know today. Whitefield also added the term “newborn king.” 

Next comes Merle Haggard with Santa Claus and Popcorn. This song comes Merle's 1973 Christmas album, Hag's Christmas. It is important to remember that no matter how we celebrate this Christmas to remember that the reason that we celebrate is because of Jesus Christ and that Jesus loving us is something that we must never forget. It may be the simplicist piece of theology, but it is something that must be instilled and us and something that we never forgot on our Christian walk. 

Now for the Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Power in the Blood. 

Then comes The Petersens with O Holy Night. This hymn was written in 1847. The lyricist for the song was Placide Cappeau. Cappeau was a poet who rarely wrote about Christian subjects, however the local priest asked him to write a poem for Christmas mass. He didn't know what to write so he looked at the story of Jesus' birth in the book of Luke and tried to place himself there. He then asked his friend Adolphe Charles Adams (who had composed over 80 operas) to write some music. This hymn would gain controversy in France, when the church learned of its writers. Cappeau had left the church and joined the socialist party. Adams was not Christian, but rather Jewish. The idea that neither of the writers of a Christian hymn were in fact Christian, upset many church leaders. These church leaders denounced the song and deemed it not fit to sing in a church. Yet despite this the hymn was one of the most popular Christmas songs in France at the time. 

Then comes The Sons of the San Joaquin with It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. The song was written by Edmund H. Sears. This hymn first appeared in Boston's Christian Register, on December 29, 1849 (yes after Christmas). That version has a verse that does not appear in this version, "But with the woes of sin and strife the world has suffered long; Beneath the angel-strain have rolled Two thousand years of wrong; And man, at war with man, hears not the love-song, which they bring: O hush the noise, ye men of strife, and hear the angels sing!" This verse reflects the state if America at the time this song was written. The Civil War was approaching, and Sears found himself concerned with the division in our country. Unlike many Christmas songs, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear is not a song about peace on Earth but rather a plea for it. With the division and anger that is so prevalent today, this is a perfect Christmas song for our time. This song has been put to different tunes over the years and the two most prevalent are Carol (by Richard Storis Willis in 1850) and Noel (by Sir Arthur Sullivan in 1878). Carol is the preferred version of this song in the U.S. and is the one Willie performs here. The tune had been used for other lyrics dating back to when it was written in 1850, and was first used to accompany, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear in 1878.

Today's musical selection ends with Johnny Cash singing God is Not Dead. This recording comes from John's 1968 gospel album The Holy Land. This album was inspired by a trip John and his wife, country singer June Carter Cash, took to Israel and as well as music also including some recordings of John narrating what sees while in The Holy Land. If you ever get the chance to go to Israel, it will become very clear to you that God is definitely not dead, as you can fully feel his presence with you while you are there. This song was written by John himself and fully reflects the sentiments of any Christian who visits Israel.  

Today's movie trailer is for a fun and silly little B-western, Gold Raiders (1951). This film stars George O'Brien and The Three Stooges. Today George O' Brien is probably best remembered for his role in F.W. Murnau's Sunrise (1927). However he had a very prolific career in Westerns. He rose to prominence in John Ford's landmark silent western, The Iron Horse (1924). He went on to star in a large number of B-westerns in the 1930's as well as having supporting roles in A-Westerns including the John Ford and John Wayne masterpieces Fort Apache (1948) and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949). Naturally, I don't need to tell you who The Three Stooges are. This is the second and last feature film that features Shemp as a member of The Stooges. The other feature films with The Three Stooges had either Curly or Joe DeRita in the role of the third stooge. The movie was directed by Edward Bernds, who was a regular director of The Stooges short films if this era. The film was written by Elwood Ullman (a regular writer for The Stooges) and William Lively (who wrote a good number of B-westerns). 

Next is the C.S. Lewis short story, The Man Born Blind.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 1 John 5:14

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18

You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows. Job 22:27

They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. 1 Peter 3:11

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2

 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23

 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:9

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

Cowboy Church #134

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing Sweet Hour of Prayer on their 1957 album of the same name. This hymn was written by William Walford. Walford was a wood craver who had little to no formal education. However what he did have was a very close relationship with God. Those who knew him said that he knew the bible by heart and this man was even asked to share sermons at his church. One day around  1845 Pastor Thomas Salmon visited William Walford. Walford asked Salmon to write down a poem he had in his head. Salmon was so amazed by this poem that he right away sought to get it published. After Walford's death, William Bradbury wrote music for this poem and the hymn as we know it first appeared in the 1859 hymnal, Church Melodies. Bradbury had also composed music for such hymns as Just as I Am and He Leadeth Me. Next comes a real classic Red Foley's 1951 recording of Peace in the Valley. On September 19, 1968, Red Foley was doing a show in Fort Wayne, Indiana with Billy Walker and Hank Williams Jr. Billy Walker took the time they had together and share his faith in Christ. Red asked Billy, “Do you think God could ever forgive a sinner like me?” Billy told his friend, "Red, if God can forgive me, He can forgive you." The two then prayed together. Red ended that night's set with Peace in the Valley. After his set was over Red said to Billy, "Billy, I’ve never sung that song and feel the way I do tonight.” Later that night Red died in his sleep of respiratory failure. Hank Jr. would write a song about this last day entitled  I Was With Red Foley (The Night He Passed Away). This is followed by Sonny James with Be With Me Lord from his 1966 gospel album, Til the Last Leaf Shall Fall. Johnny Cash once asked Sonny James (when John was first starting out), how to live the life of an entertainer and still be a strong Christian. Sonny responded with "John the way I do it is by being the way I am. I am not just an entertainer who became a Christian. I am a Christian who chose to be an entertainer. I am first a Christian. Remember that what you are and the life you live sings louder than any song. And don't forget to pray." Next we join The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1946 recording of Cowboy Camp Meeting. This song was written by one of the group's founding members Tim Spencer. Next is Billy Cate singing God Must Have Been a Cowboy at Heart from his 2017 album, A Cowboy's Prayer. This is followed by singer, banjo player and first star of the Grand Old Opry, Uncle Dave Macon with his 1927 recording of Shall We Gather at the River. Today's musical selection ends with Johnny Cash and U2 with The Wanderer. This song was written by Bono in 1993 (under the working title The Preacher). The song was inspired by the book of Ecclesiastes, but takes place in a future time with a narrator who is worried about the lack of God in society. It is considered to be one of Bono's best songs, but for some reason whenever he tried to record it himself, it didn't work for him. Then he came up with the brilliant idea of having Johnny Cash sing the song (this idea came to Bono when he learned Johnny was going to be in Dublin). Bono would say that Johnny would teach him a lot about how to deliver a song like this during this recording section giving advice about how to put over each word effectively. Johnny told a reporter, "I don't know if it will ever be released or even what it's called." The song would be released on the U2 album, Zooropa  (one of U2's most experimental albums) and John would state that this song gave him a sense of artistic renewal.

The following is an episode of Gene Autry's Melody Ranch radio show, that aired July 26, 1942. 

Up next is C.S. Lewis reading his essay, Two Ways With the Self.

And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.

Proverbs 11:24

Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor. Proverbs 22:9

In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty. Proverbs 14:23

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.

 John 3:34

Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. Colossians 3:11

Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt. Exodus 22:21

When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. Leviticus 19:33

Now the man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all the living. Genesis 3:20

 Do we not all have one father? Has not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously each against his brother so as to profane the covenant of our fathers? Malachi 2:10

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. John 5:24

Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out. Acts 3:19

This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 1 Timothy 2:3-6 

 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name's sake. I am writing to you, fathers,

    because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children,  because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men,  because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth. Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.  I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him. 1 John 2:1-29

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

Resources Used

http://www.limerickcitychurch.com/blog/hymn-history-sweet-hour-of-prayer

https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-sweet-hour-of-prayer

https://www.countrythangdaily.com/peace-in-the-valley-red-foley/

Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon by Greg Laurie and Marshall Terrill. 

Cowboy Church #131

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

Today’s musical selection begins with the King of the Cowboys and The Queen of the West, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with Jesus in the Morning. This song reminds us that we are not only to leave a small part of the day with Jesus as our focus but all day long as well as everyday. We should wake up each morning with Jesus on our mind and go to bed each night the same way. While few of us will succeed with this every day, we will find that each day we do it will be an enriching day that will makes us grow as a person. This song comes from Roy and Dale’s 1973 gospel album, In the Sweet By and By. This is followed by Jim Reeves with The Flowers, The Sunset, the Trees. This song comes from Jim’s 1967 album, My Cathedral. Next comes Johnny Cash with Nazarene. This self-penned song comes from John's 1968 album, The Holy Land. This album was inspired by a trip to Israel that he and his wife, June Carter Cash took. As well songs, this album also included spoken word recordings that John made as he visited some of these places. After rededicating himself to the lord after years of sin and drugs, John stated, "I don't have a career anymore. What I have is a ministry. Everything I have and everything I do is given completely to Jesus Christ now. I've lived my life for the devil up until now and from here on I'm going to live it for the Lord." Up next is Gene Autry with Peace in the Valley. Thomas A. Dorsey would talk about the writing of this hymn, “It was just before Hitler sent his war chariots into Western Europe in the late 1930s. I was on a train going through southern Indiana and saw horses, cows and sheep all grazing together in this little valley. Everything seemed so peaceful. It made me question, 'What’s the matter with mankind? Why can’t men live in peace?' Out of those thoughts came 'Peace in the Valley.'" Dorsey wrote this song in 1937 for the Queen of Gospel, Mahala Jackson. Gene's recording comes from an episode of his Melody Ranch radio show that aired April 12, 1952. He is backed by The Cass County Boys, The Pnafores, Johnny Bond and Carl Cotner's Orchestra. This is followed by Red Foley with his 1951 recording of Where Could I Go But to the Lord. This song was written in 1940 by James Buchanan Coats. He was standing beside a dying neighbor, an African American man named Joe Keyes. Coates asked Keyes if he knew where he was going after he died. Keyes responded, "Where Could I Go But to the Lord." Up next is Elvis Presley with An American Trilogy. This medley was meant to represent the Civil War Era and includes three 19th century songs: Dixie, The Battle Hymn of the Old Republic and All My Trials. The medley was created by county singer/songwriter Mickey Newbury. It would become a staple of Elvis' concerts in the 1970's. This version comes from his famous 1973 concert, Aloha From Hawaii. Today's musical selection ends with one of my favorites, The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. 

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and  believe in your heart  that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you. 1 Peter 5:6

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

Boast not thyself of tomorrow; For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. Proverbs 27:1

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13

For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6

 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver! Proverbs 16:16

Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Proverbs 13:10

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Hebrews 6:1-2

Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the Lord his God. Psalm 146:5

He who despises his neighbor sins; But he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he. Proverbs 14:21

Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. 1 Samuel 12:23

The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them. Isaiah 11:6

You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

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

Resources Used

The Man Called Cash by Steve Turner

https://dianaleaghmatthews.com/peace-in-the-valley/#.YQ_zBvKSlPY

https://dianaleaghmatthews.com/where-could-i-go-but-to-the-lord/#.YQ_07vKSlPY

Happy Birthday to Me

 Guess what my friends, it's my birthday.

This birthday things look brighter than they did last year. A major reason for this is that I can once again go to the movie theater. Like many film buffs, the movie theater is a second home to me. Not even those movie pests can ruin it for me. 

Besides movie theatres I used to spend much of my time volunteering at a horse stable. Unfortunately this is not back for me yet. Because of Covid they are currently limiting the amount of people there. However I know that one day this will come back for me and I can't wait for that day. It is still strange not to have horses being a big part of my life though. Still in the meantime I can cheer myself up by watching videos of horses on YouTube. 

Just in time for my birthday, here are a couple of classic cartoons about birthdays. 

As a country music fan, I am honored to share my birthday with a true country music legend, Loretta Lynn. She released a new album this year and I love it. Here are a few highlights off the album.

Speaking of Lorretta, Coal Miner's Daughter (1980) is still the best movie about a singer's life. 

 I have been having a blast this year watching classic cartoons each morning on Me-TV, it is truly a delightful way to start the day. 

What better way to celebrate a birthday than with some good laughs. And where better to go for laughs than Laurel and Hardy and Charlie Chaplin.

Lately I have been watching a lot of D.W. Griffith's short films for Biograph. If you are a movie fan and have not seen these shorts, you must watch them. 

I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Every good gift, every perfect gift, comes from above. These gifts come down from the Father, the creator of the heavenly lights, in whose character there is no change at all. James 1:17

You crown the year with your goodness; your paths overflow with rich food. Psalm 65:11

Certainly the faithful love of the Lord hasn’t ended; certainly God’s compassion isn’t through! They are renewed every morning. Great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23