Cowboy Church #68

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans performing a medley of western classics (including The Place Where I Worship, He Walks With The Wild and Lonely, Texas Plains and Happy Trails) on Hee Haw. This is followed by The Cox Family performing I am Weary Let Me Rest. Next is Eddy Arnold's 1962 recording of Love Lifted Me. This song was written by James Rowe and Howard E. Smith in 1912. This hymn was inspired by the biblical story of Peter being able to walk on water when looking upon Jesus, but starting to sink as soon as he looks away. While few if any of us will find our selves in this literal situation the story still has an important meaning to us today about how import it is to keep our eyes on God and how far we can fall if we take our eyes off him. This is followed by The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1946 recording of Cowboy Camp Meeting. This song was written by Tim Spencer who was one of the founding members of The Sons of the Pioneers and who helped pioneer (pun intended) the group's sound, that changed cowboy music forever and still inspires many cowboy singers today whether they realize it or not. Camp Meetings were very important to Christians who actually lived in the old west. These were traveling services that came to town and spread the gospel through hymn singing and preaching. These were lively services full of singing and excitement that were filled with the joy of the Lord. This song captures the pure joy and energy of the music there. Johnny Cash continues today's musical selection with his version of God Has My Fortune Laid Away. This recording comes from his 1962 gospel album, Hymns From the Heart. This song again has an important message for us Christians. We should not get to caught up in the things of this world as our true treasure is in Heaven and that treasure will last for all eternity, and not fade away like the things of this world. Following is Little Jimmy Dickens with his 1952 recording of I Shall Not Be Moved. Today's musical selection ends with Hank Snow's 1952 recording of Jesus Wept.

   



















For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:18

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby. Ezekiel 33:19

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Deuteronomy 6:4-5


Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:16

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise. Proverbs 20:1

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Isiah 12:3

 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:13

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 11:16

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12

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

-Michael J. Ruhland

Summer Concert Series: Down from the Mountain (2000)

 The movie, O Brother Where Art Thou (2000) brought a renewed interest in folk and bluegrass music. In fact the music was so important to that movie that a concert film was created based around the performers who did the songs heard there. As strange of an idea as this is, Down From the Mountain works wonderfully.

Despite the presence of D.A. Pennebaker (Don't Look Back (1967), Monterey Pop (1968)) as one of the directors there is little cinematic about this movie. You can close your eyes and simply listen to the music and get pretty much the same out of it. That may sound like a major insult, but when the music is this good one hardly needs anymore. Those who know my taste in music (or anyone who reads my Cowboy Church posts) will hardly be surprised to hear me praise this movie, it is a perfect example of what I listen to when I am not watching movies. Such incredible artists as Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss and Union Station, The Cox Family, Ralph Stanley, Gillian Welch, David Rawlings, John Hartford and The Whites perform here and all of them are at the top of their game. From the perfect voices of Emmylou Harris and Alison Krauss, to the incredible lyrics of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, to the incredible musicianship of Ralph Stanley and Union Station, this film gives country, folk and bluegrass fans all they could want from a concert movie and much more.

A pure auditorily treat, even if cinematically it leaves some to be desired. 

-Michael J. Ruhland

Cowboy Church #31

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

Though most of these Cowboy Church posts feature country-gospel music from the 20th century, there is a recent song that just came out that I loved so much I have to include it here. This is a song off Cody Jinks' new album, After the Fire. This lovely song is called William and Wanda. This is a lovely song about meeting your loved ones in Heaven. In my mind this is one of the best country songs in years. With incredible lyrics that tell a great story this song is exactly what country music should be. Next comes Ray Price's beautiful recording of In the Garden from his 1960 gospel album Faith. This song is in the countrypolitan style of the early 60's with lots of strings and an orchestral pop sound. Here it works perfectly especially with Ray's incredible voice. Next is The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1948 recording of Lead Me Gently Home. The group had recorded this song earlier in 1937 and to be honest this later recording doesn't differ much from the earlier one. Next comes Willie Nelson with a gospel song he wrote himself, Kneel at the Feet of Jesus. Next is the classic bluegrass band The Stanley Brothers with their version of Where Could I Go But To the Lord. Next is Roy Rogers and Dale Evans performing a medley of gospel tunes and country tunes on the TV show Hee Haw. These songs include The Place Where I Worship, He Walks With the Wild and Lonely, Texas Plains and their signature song, Happy Trails. This special medley was for the show's 10th anniversary special and they change the lyrics to Happy Trails to suit the occasion. This week's music selection ends with Allison Krauss and The Cox Family with I'd Rather Have Jesus from their incredible 1994 gospel album together I Know Who Holds Tomorrow. This is in my mind one of the loveliest versions of this great gospel song.

No Temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 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 41:10But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

 But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. Psalm 3:3-4

Thank you for joining me for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy Trails to you until we meet again.


-Michael J. Ruhland