Cowboy Church #265

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

 

Today's musical begins with Roy Rogers with Peace in the Valley. The hymn was written by Thomas A. Dorsey who later explained the origins of this song, “Peace in the Valley,” “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.”

This is followed by Josh Turner with Great is Your Faithfulness. When Thomas Obadiah Chisolm was on a mission trip, he and his good friend William Runyan would write letters together. These letters often included poems that they would write. Chisolm was so moved by one of Runyan's poems that he would write a musical score to accompany it. This became the hymn you hear here. Great is Thy Faithfulness (retitled Great is Your Faithfulness here) was first published in 1923. This recording comes from Josh's 2018 gospel album, I Serve a Savoir.

Afterwards is The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Power in the Blood. This is probably my favorite version of this old gospel song, especially with how well it captures the pure joy of the lyrics. This recording was made during the time when Roy Rogers was still a member of The Sons of the Pioneers before beginning his solo career in the movies and his voice can be heard very prominently on this track. 

Then comes The Chuck Wagon Gang with When the Saints go Marching In. This recording comes from their 1960 gospel album, Perfect Joy. 

Next is George Jones with When Mama Sang a Hymn (The Angels Stopped to Listen). This song was written by Bob Warren and Danny Walls.

Afterwards is Ricky Skaggs with Sinners, You Better Get Ready. This comes from his 2009 gospel album, Songs My Dad Loved.

Today's musical selection ends with Johnny Cash singing All of God's Children Ain't Free. This song is from the 1965 album, Orange Blossom Special. In his Johnny Cash biography, The Man Called Cash, Steve Turner calls this "Cash's most folk-inspired album." This is no coincidence as John's heart was drifting heavily towards the current folk scene at this time. He had performed at the Newport Folk Festival was spending much time with Bob Dylan, was recording songs by current folk songwriters such as Peter La Farge, and was addressing politics and social commentary in his music in a way he did much less often in the 1950's. This album contained three songs written by Bob as well as some more traditional folk music. This song (written by John himself) was a protest song of the type that was popular in the folk work at this time.

Now for the 8th episode of The Lone Ranger TV show. 

Now for a message from the Reverand Billy Graham.

Psalm 103

Of David.

1 Praise the Lord, my soul;

    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

2 Praise the Lord, my soul,

    and forget not all his benefits—

3 who forgives all your sins

    and heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit

    and crowns you with love and compassion,

5 who satisfies your desires with good things

    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

6 The Lord works righteousness

    and justice for all the oppressed.

7 He made known his ways to Moses,

    his deeds to the people of Israel:

8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious,

    slow to anger, abounding in love.

9 He will not always accuse,

    nor will he harbor his anger forever;

10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve

    or repay us according to our iniquities.

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

    so great is his love for those who fear him;

12 as far as the east is from the west,

    so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

13 As a father has compassion on his children,

    so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;

14 for he knows how we are formed,

    he remembers that we are dust.

15 The life of mortals is like grass,

    they flourish like a flower of the field;

16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,

    and its place remembers it no more.

17 But from everlasting to everlasting

    the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,

    and his righteousness with their children’s children—

18 with those who keep his covenant

    and remember to obey his precepts.

19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven,

    and his kingdom rules over all.

20 Praise the Lord, you his angels,

    you mighty ones who do his bidding,

    who obey his word.

21 Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts,

    you his servants who do his will.

22 Praise the Lord, all his works

    everywhere in his dominion.

Praise the Lord, my soul.

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

Cowboy Church #213

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with Whispering Hope. This beautiful hymn comes from the pen of Alice Hawthorne (the pen name for poet Septimus Winner), who is best known for her contributions to children's music with songs like, Where, Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone? and Ten Little Indians.

This is followed by The Petersens with an original tune titled Goodness of the Lord. Katie Petersen co-wrote this song with her friend Liv Leggett, both of whom were inspired by Psalm 27. 

Afterwards is Henry Burr's 1905 recording of Saviour, Lead Me, Lest I Stray. 

Next is Mel Tillis with Just a Closer Walk with Thee. This old hymn's origin remains a mystery with no one knowing exactly how old it is. However, it is believed that this song must date back before the Civil War, because some personal histories have stated that there were “slaves singing as they worked in the fields a song about walking by the Lord’s side.” If this is true it shows the power of God and music as they could sing praise to the Lord even when being oppressed as part of one of the greatest injustices of American history. There is however a song published in 1885 called Closer Walk with Thee which had a very similar chorus. Just a Closer Walk's popularity grew in the 1930's with it being sung at several churches. The arrangement we know today was done by Kenneth Morris in 1940. The following is from Horace Clarence Boyer's book, How Sweet the Sound, “While traveling between Kansas City and Chicago in 1940, songwriter Kenneth Morris got off the train to stretch his legs. While standing on the platform, he overheard a porter singing some of the words to 'Just a Closer Walk with Thee'. Not thinking much about it, Morris boarded the train and went on his way. The words and melody of the song kept repeating in his head and he knew he had to learn the rest of it. At the next stop, Morris got off the train and took the next train back to the previous stop. There he managed to find the porter and Morris persuaded him to sing the song while he copied down the words. Morris soon added to the lyrics and published it in 1940.” 

Next is Johnny Cash with Dark as a Dungeon. In the liner notes for the Unearthed box set John stated, "You say it sounds like a song I should have written? I always thought that too. Merle Travis wrote that song in the '40's and I recorded it over the years two or three different times, but I never really got it the way I wanted it. But I kept on trying. I really don't know how to explain what the ingredient is that makes it a winner or a reject. It depends on the song, the performance, on a lot of things. Merle's been dead 10 or 12 years now, but I told him that I would keep trying until I get it right and I did. Hence this version here. 

Then comes Kris Kristofferson with the title track off his 1972 album, Jesus Was a Capricorn, one of the finest country albums of the 1970's. This title track is a true cowboy-hippie classic that I love. 

Now for George Jones and Tammy Wynette with their 1972 cover of the Tom T. Hall classic, Me and Jesus. This recording comes from the duo's 1972 gospel album, We Love to Sing Songs About Jesus.

Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. This hymn began with a man named Anthony Showalter. As a fan of gospel music and an elder in a Presbyterian church, he held many "singing schools" at various churches in the south. One day he received two letters from former students who were struggling after their wives had passed. To respond to these letters, Showalter consulted scripture. He came across Deuteronomy 33:27, "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." After reading this verse lyrics for a song chorus went through his head and he wrote down, "“Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms; Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.” After using this in the letters to his former students he sent this chorus to his friend hymnist, Elisha Hoffman. In the letter he also wrote, “Here is the chorus for a good hymn from Deuteronomy 33:27, but I can’t come up with the verses.” Hoffman then wrote the rest of the lyrics to which Showalter put to music. The hymn was published in 1887.

Now for a message from the reverend Billy Graham.

Now for a 1948 episode of the Abbott and Costello radio show guest starring that cowboy hero, Red Ryder. 

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalms 18:2

Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:17

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8

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

Cowboy Church #209

 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. Prayer is one of the important parts of a Christians life but it also something that many Christians don't spend enough time doing. I admit myself to having been guilty of prayer far less than I should. Yet talking to the God of the universe is an incredible privilege we have and one of the greatest blessings in our lives. 

This is followed by Henry Burr with his 1918 recording of Softly and Tenderly. The song was written by an Ohio businessman named Will Thompson in 1880.  As well as writing gospel songs Thompson also wrote quite a few secular songs and parotic songs. When the songs he wrote were rejected by publishers he created his own company, Will L. Thompson & Company. This company would not only publish music by sell musical instruments. Softly and Tenderly first appeared in 1880's Sparkling Gems, Nos. 1 and 2, a collection of songs from the company. When evangelist Dwight L. Moody was on his death bed he told the songwriter, "Will, I would rather have written ‘Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling’ than anything I have been able to do in my whole life." This was appropriate as Will decided to make songwriting his career while at a meeting held by Moody.

Afterwards is George Jones and Roy Acuff with their 1970 recording of Hank Williams' I Dreamed of the Great Judgement Morning, 

 This is followed by Gene Autry and Dinah Shore singing In the Garden. This song was written by C. Austin Miles. As well as a hymnist, Austin's hobby was photography. He wrote this song in 1912 while waiting some film to dry in a cold and leaky basement. Miles had discovered earlier that he could read the bible in the red lighting of his darkroom and often did. This day he was reading John 20. He read about how Mary went into the garden to see Jesus' tomb. Her heart was full of sadness, but when she learned that Jesus had overcome the grave she was moved to great joy. This passage moved Miles as he read it, and this song started to come to him. Miles originally intended this song to be an Easter song and for it to be from the point of view of Mary Magdalene. Miles would later say about this song, “This is not an experience limited to a happening almost 2,000 years ago. It is the daily companionship with the Lord that makes up the Christian’s life.” Learning this story has made this song all the more powerful for me and I hope it enhances the power of this great hymn for you as well.

Up next is Kris Kristofferson with In the News from his 2006 album, This Old Road. As a Christian, nothing makes me sadder than those who try to use the bible to justify their own hatreds and prejudices. 

Then comes The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1948 recording of Read the Bible Every Day. This song was written by Tim Spencer, one of the group's founding members. 

Afterwards is Wayne Raney with When Heaven Comes Down. 

Today's musical selection ends with RaeLynn with an acoustic version of Small Town Prayer. RaeLynn co-wrote this song with Drew Kennedy and Ben Stennis. About this song, the singer would state, "I know that all our prayers mean something to God, but to me, the simple ones from a small town hit His ears a little different. "

Now for an episode of the Red Ryder radio show. 

Now for a sermon from Martin Luther King Jr.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 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 8:26-28

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins. Isaiah 40:1-2

But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them. 1 John 2:11

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

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

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

Cowboy Church #196

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with a wonderful version of the classic hymn, How Great Thou Art. In the book, Happy Trails: Our Life Story, Roy tells of a story that had to do with this song. "I'll tell you about one time we nearly got into a real war with the promoters: at the World Championship Rodeo at Madison Square Garden in 1952. During the first rehearsal I started to practice 'How Great Thou Art,' a religious song I wanted to make the centerpiece of our musical act. There's a line in that song that goes, 'Then sings my soul my Savior God to Thee...' Someone in the front office heard the rehearsal and came to me that night to tell me I wasn't allowed to mention Christ at the rodeo. 'It might work for the kids in Houston, Texas' he told me, 'But this is New York. You can't preach to kids here.' I told him I wasn't preaching but that the Savior was a part of the song and I fully intended to sing that song in New York or anywhere else we performed. They suggested that I could change the words of the song so it didn't mention Him. I'm not one for grandstand plays but I told those fellas that if I couldn't sing 'How Great thou Art' just how it was written, Dale and I would pack up and leave town. The song stayed in the show. That year we did forty-three performances over twenty-six days and broke all Madison Square Garden attendance records."

This is followed by Anne Wilson with a live performance of God and Country. 

Then comes George Jones with Cup Loneliness. This self-penned gospel song was the title track of George's 1967 gospel album. 

Afterwards is Mainer's Mountaineers with their 1936 recording of What Would Give in Exchange for Your Soul. 

 When Bob Dylan made his 1962 debut album (simply titled Bob Dylan), he was not yet known as a songwriter or a poet. Instead, he was an interpreter of old folk songs. Though this first album featured two songs written by Bob Dylan, the majority of the album consisted of old folk and blues songs. One of these was the gospel-blues tinged In My Time of Dyin'. The liner notes for the album state, "Dylan had never sung In My Time of Dyin' prior to this recording session. He does not recall when he first heard it. The guitar is fretted with the lipstick holder he borrowed from his girl, Susie Rotolo, who sat devotedly and wide-eyed through the recording session." This is in my mind one of the highlights off the album and one of my all-time favorite vocal performances by Bob Dylan. Despite the many jokes about his voice, there are quite a few times, when he turned in a great vocal performance and this is one of those times.

Now for  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 Willie Nelson and Bobbie Nelson with Revive Us Again. Bobbie Nelson was Willie's sister and is the piano player on this track. 

 

Now for the C.S. Lewis essay, Myth Became Fact. 

Now for an episode of Gene Autry's TV show.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3 

 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:3

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love. Psalms 33:18

Thanks for joining me. Come back in a couple weeks  for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again. 

Cowboy Church #166

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with their 1950 recording of May the Good Lord Take a Likin' to Ya. 

Then comes Jim Reeves with Where We'll Never Grow Old. This version of this classic hymn comes from Jim's 1962 gospel album, We Thank Thee. This song was written by James Cleveland Moore in 1914. This song was inspired by him listening to his father sing, but his father's voice failing him because of old age.

Afterwards is Kris Kristofferson with They Killed Him. This song (written by Kris) pays tribute to three heroes of Kris. Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr. and our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. It is a shame that in this world, people who preach a message of love can often get killed for doing it. As Christians though love for others should be a major priority. After all God us love and it is through love that we can best see him.  Despite Kris writing this song he was not the first to record it. Kris would record the song in 1986, but Johnny Cash had already recorded it in 1984. In 1986 Bob Dylan also recorded the song for his Knocked Out Loaded album. 

Next comes George Jones with I Wonder How John Felt (When He Baptized Jesus). This comes from George's 1974 gospel album, In a Gospel Way. 

Now for Floyd Cramer with Peace in the Valley. The hymn was written by Thomas A. Dorsey who later explained the origins of this song, “Peace in the Valley,” “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.” This version of the hymn comes from Floyd's 1972 gospel album, Sounds of Sunday. 

Next is Josh White with his 1933 recording of I Don't Intend to die in Egyptland. 

Now for Charlie Walker with This World Is Not My Home. This recording comes from his 1968 gospel album, He is my Everything. 

Today's musical selection ends with the Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Heavenly Airplane. This song was written by Bob Nolan, one of the founding members of the group and one of my favorite songwriters. Bob also has the lead vocals on this song. Hugh Farr's fiddle playing here is truly wonderful. This recording was done when Roy Rogers was still a member of the group before embarking on his solo career. 

Next comes a full-length feature film starring Allan "Rocky" Lane as Red Ryder, Stagecoach to Denver (1946).

Now for a message from S.M. Lockridge. 

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 2 Peter 1:5-7 

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:29-32 

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:11

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:3-4

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

Cowboy Church #163

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing Softly and Tenderly. The song was written by an Ohio businessman named Will Thompson in 1880.  As well as writing gospel songs Thompson also wrote quite a few secular songs and parotic songs. When the songs he wrote were rejected by publishers he created his own company, Will L. Thompson & Company. This company would not only publish music by sell musical instruments. Softly and Tenderly first appeared in 1880's Sparkling Gems, Nos. 1 and 2, a collection of songs from the company. When evangelist Dwight L. Moody was on his death bed he told the songwriter, "Will, I would rather have written ‘Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling’ than anything I have been able to do in my whole life." This was appropriate as Will decided to make songwriting his career while at a meeting held by Moody. This version of the hymn comes from Roy and Dale's 1973 gospel album, In the Sweet By and By.

This is followed by Patsy Cline with Dear God.  

Then comes Kitty Wells with How Far is Heaven. This is as a pure of a heartbreaking country music song as there could ever be. If this song does not emotionally move, you I don't know what will. The song was written by Jimmie Davis and Tillman Franks. Jimmie Davis was a successful country singer in his own right, with quite a good catalogue of music. However, he is best remembered for being the writer of one of the most famous country songs of all time, You Are My Sunshine. He was also the governor of Louisiana from 1944 to 1948 and 1960 to 1964. Tillman Franks had worked as a bassist with such greats as The Bailes Brothers and Johnny Horton. He and Johnny Horton co-wrote such classics as Honky Tonk Man, Sink the Bismark and North to Alaska. Solo, he also wrote Johnny Horton's hit, When It's Springtime in Alaska (It's Forty Below).

Next comes Cowboy Copas with The Stone Was Rolled Away. This song was written by Mac Odell, who wrote quite a few country gospel classics including Four Books in the Bible, Purple Robe, The Battle of Armageddon and Thirty Pieces of Silver. 

Afterwards is The Carter Family with their 1934 recording of Working on a Building. 

Then comes George Jones with A Man I Always Wanted to Meet. This song was written by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman, the duo who wrote George's signature song, He Stopped Loving Her Today. This recording come from George's 1974 gospel album, I a Gospel Way. 

Next is The Weavers with I've Got a Home in That Rock. 

Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. This hymn began with a man named Anthony Showalter. As a fan of gospel music and an elder in a Presbyterian church, he held many "singing schools" at various churches in the south. One day he received two letters from former students who were struggling after their wives had passed. To respond to these letters, Showalter consulted scripture. He came across Deuteronomy 33:27, "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." After reading this verse lyrics for a song chorus went through his head and he wrote down, "“Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms; Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.” After using this in the letters to his former students he sent this chorus to his friend hymnist, Elisha Hoffman. In the letter he also wrote, “Here is the chorus for a good hymn from Deuteronomy 33:27, but I can’t come up with the verses.” Hoffman then wrote the rest of the lyrics to which Showalter put to music. The hymn was published in 1887.

Now for an episode of Roy Rogers' TV show. 

Now for a sermon from S.M. Lockridge. 

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering. Colossians 3:12

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. 1 John 4:8

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

 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deuteronomy 31:6

 My grace is all you need, for my power is the greatest when you are weak. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus. Revelation 14:12

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

Cowboy Church #253

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

Today's musical selection starts off with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with Christmas is Always. In 1958 Dale had written a book entitled Christmas is Always, where she not only talked about her Christmas seasons but her childhood summers visiting with her family. About these summers she stated, "This was Christmas too in our hearts, for there was an abundance of peace and love for God and each other." This is the title track off of her and her husband Roy Rogers' 1967 Christmas album.

This is followed by Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Foy Willing and Riders of the Purple Sage with their 1949 recording of Christmas on the Plains. 

Then comes Eddy Arnold with I Love to Tell the Story. When recovering from a sickness, Arabella Katherine Hankey wrote a poem about the life of Christ. This poem was broken into two parts the first being called The Story Wanted (published in January 1866) and the second called The Story Told (published in November 1866). I Love to Tell the Story comes from this second part. In 1869 William G. Fisher put this text to music and that is the version we know today. Still, it is worth noting that Hankey wrote her own music for these words, but her music was seldom used and is now forgotten.

Next is Don Edwards with Every Day is Christmas in the West. This song was written by Jack Elliot and was first heard in the Roy Rogers movie, Trail of Robin Hood (1950). 

Now for George Jones with O Come All Ye Faithful.  It is unknown who wrote this hymn, but it first appeared in a 1751 collection of hymns by John Francis Wade. Some believe that the hymn was actually written by Wade but there is no definitive proof for this. 

Afterwards is The Maddox Brothers and Rose with their 1949 recording of Silent Night. This song was written in 1818 by Josef Mohr and Franz Xaver Gruber. Raised in Salzburg, Mohr became an ordained priest on August 21, 1815. He was then sent to a town just north of Salzburg called Obendorf. That is where he met a schoolteacher named Franz Xaver Gruber, who would later become the organist at Old Saint Nicholas Church in 1816. They were in a need for a song on Christmas Eve, 1818. Mohr presented Gruber with a poem he had written a few years before and Gruber quickly put it to music on his guitar (the organ was broken) and that Christmas Eve the first ever audience heard Silent Night. The tempo of that earlier version was faster paced than the one we know today but it was still very popular with the audience and would soon become a song synonymous with Christmas.

Then comes Gene Autry with his 1949 recording of If it Doesn't Snow on Christmas. This was the B-side to Gene's hit making version of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.  

Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers with Wonders of God's Green Earth. This is a song about appreciating the things that we always take for granted. This whole world is filled with the incredible wonders of nature. The fact that we get to live on a planet that is filled with such amazing natural beauty is an incredible blessing and something we should thank God for every day. So make sure that this Christmas season, you take a little time to enjoy all the wonderful blessings that the Lord has given us.  

Next enjoy one of Johnny Cash's TV Christmas specials. 

Now for the C.S. Lewis Essay,

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

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. Galatians 2:10

Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him. Proverbs 14:31 

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:11

We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. 2 Thessalonians 1:3

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. Romans 1:16

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

Cowboy Church #249

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing It is No Secret What God Can Do. Roy and Dale's granddaughter, Julie Rogers Pomilia would write in her book, Your Heroes, My Grandparents: A Granddaughter's Love, "It would be impossible to write a book about my grandparents without at least mentioning their faith in God. Even those who didn't agree with their beliefs respected them. For they loved people with the kind of love that built bridges instead of walls, definitely a trait that endeared them to the public, which I witnessed time and time again throughout my life." 

Afterwards is Tex Ritter and Ralph Carmichael with Salvation Oh the Joyful Sound. Salivation does not just mean going to Heaven. It means having a close and personal relationship with the God who created you and who loves you. The fact that we can talk to or walk with God is simply incredible and should never cease to amaze us. 

Then comes Wilf Carter with What a Friend We Have in Jesus. This recording comes from his 1964 gospel album, Let's Get Back to the Bible. This hymn still has an important message for us today. When it seems like there is no one to turn to at any moment of our lives, Jesus is always there. He is always there to listen to us, no matter what. More than that though he deeply cares about every single one of us. A better friend than Jesus could never be found no matter how hard we try. What a friend we have in Jesus indeed. 

Following that is The Chuck Wagon Gang with their 1941 recording of I Love My Savior Too. The Chuck Wagon Gang which in their original incarnation consisted of D.P. Carter, his Son, Jim (Ernest) Carter and his daughters, Rose (Lola) Carter Karnes and Anna (Effie) Carter Gordon Davis. The group recorded mostly old gospel songs. Incredibly the group is still around today (though with completely new members). Because of another country music family with the same last name, they have been referred to as "the other Carter Family." 

Next comes Johnny Cash singing Let the Lower Lights Be Burning. In the notes for the box set Unearthed, John wrote, "This is a very special song for me, and I'll tell you what it means to me now. When my father was dying, he was in a coma, and all my brothers and sisters and I were gathered around the bed, and we felt like telling him goodbye. But my oldest sister Louise said, 'Let's sing to him.' So, we started singing 'Let the Lower Lights be Burning.' At some point I looked at him and, though he had been sound asleep in a coma for days, his lips started moving and he started singing that song along with us. The more we would sing it the more he sang. And he opened his eyes, and he looked around at us as we were singing. Ad of course everybody had a good cry as watched him and listened to him as he sang 'Let the Lower Lights be Burning' with us." 

Then comes George Jones with Mama's Hands. This song comes from George's 1974 gospel album, In a Gospel Way. 

Afterwards is Bob Dylan with Gonna Change My Way of Living from 1979 Christian album, Slow Train Coming (his first album after converting to Christianity). When we give our lives to the Lord, we have to give our whole lives. We can no longer live in the sins we did before. This may sound like it would not be worth it, but it is. The peace and that Jesus gives us is beyond anything the world can and will hold through good times and bad. 

Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Power in the Blood. 

Now for an episode of Gene Autry's TV show. 

Now for an essay from C.S. Lewis. 

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8-9

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19:21

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18 

Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; And I will bear you and I will deliver you. Isaiah 46:4

A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal. Proverbs 12:10

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matthew 6:26

The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. Psalm 145:9 

And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” Revelation 5:13

And I brought you into a plentiful land to enjoy its fruits and its good things. But when you came in, you defiled my land and made my heritage an abomination. Jeremiah 2:7 

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

Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him. Proverbs 14:31

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

Cowboy Church #248

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with May the Good Lord Take a Likin' To Ya. 

Afterwards is The Louvin Brothers with This Little Light of Mine. This song is often credited to Harold Dixon Loes, but there is some debate as to whether or not he wrote the song. This hymn is said to date back to the 1920's. However the first known recording of the song comes from 1934, where it was sung by a man named Jim Boyd, who at the time was imprisoned in the Huntsville, Texas State Penitentiary. In 1939 a recording was made of a woman named Doris McMurray, who was serving time in a prison in Huntsville. She stated that she learned the sing from her grandmother in Waco. Since she was an African American woman this supports the belief that this song was originally an African American spiritual. In the 1950's and 60's this song would take on a whole new meaning as it would be used for the Civil Rights movement. Civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer would state, "Singing is one of the main things that can keep us going. When you're in a brick cell, locked up, and haven't done anything to anybody but still you're locked up there and sometimes words just begin to come to you and you begin to sing. Like one of my favorite songs, 'This Little Light of Mine, I'm Going to Let it Shine.' This same song goes back to the fifth chapter of Matthew, which is the Beatitudes of the Bible, when he says a city that sets on a hill cannot be hid. Let your light shine so that men would see your good works and glorify the father which is in heaven. I think singing is very important. It brings out the soul." 

Then comes The Carter Family with their 1941 recording of Something Got a Hold of Me. 

Up next is Stonewall Jackson with Save a Little Place for Me. This recording comes from his 1969 gospel album, The Old Country Church. 

Then is Del McCoury with Get Down on Your Knees and Pray. One of the easiest things for a Christian to do and one of the most harmful is for us to not pray. To speak to God is one of the greatest privileges we have as Christians, and it is our best way not to fall into temptation. It also keeps our minds from drifting from the things of God and on to the things of this world, until we get to the point that we are no longer living for God. Being able to talk directly to the God of this universe is an incredible blessing and one we should never take for granted. How truly blessed are we. 

Following will be Randy Travis with Blessed Assurance.  This hymn came about when songwriter Fanny Crosby visited composer Phoebe Palmer Knapp. Knapp played a tune for Crosby and asked what came to her mind with that tune. Crosby said, "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!" She then immediately followed it with more lyrics that would be in the finished song. The song was published in 1873 and first appeared in a monthly magazine for which the editors were Joseph Fairchild Knapp and Phoebe Palmer Knapp (who were husband and wife). When it later appeared in 1887's Gospel Songs, No. 5 by Ira Sankey, this we lead it to greater fame as it would be commonly sung in the revivals of Dwight L. Moody and Sankey. By 1889, the hymn commonly appeared in Methodist hymnals. 

Now for Tim Spencer (from the Sons of the Pioneers) and his family with Circuit Riding Preacher. 

Afterwards is George Jones with How Beautiful Heaven Must Be. Though we like to think about Heaven and what things will be like when we get there, the truth is none of us can come even close to comprehending just how beautiful Heaven truly is. 

Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. This hymn began with a man named Anthony Showalter. As a fan of gospel music and an elder in a Presbyterian church, he held many "singing schools" at various churches in the south. One day he received two letters from former students who were struggling after their wives had passed. To respond to these letters, Showalter consulted scripture. He came across Deuteronomy 33:27, "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." After reading this verse lyrics for a song chorus went through his head and he wrote down, "“Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms; Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.” After using this in the letters to his former students he sent this chorus to his friend hymnist, Elisha Hoffman. In the letter he also wrote, “Here is the chorus for a good hymn from Deuteronomy 33:27, but I can’t come up with the verses.” Hoffman then wrote the rest of the lyrics to which Showalter put to music. The hymn was published in 1887.

Now for an episode of Roy Rogers' radio show. 

Now for a message from Billy Graham.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8

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

For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? Romans 10:13-14 

And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? Matthew 6:27

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24

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

Movie Review: still playing possum: Music and Memories of George Jones

 

Michael's Movie Grade: A-

A simple wonderful concert film that will delight all country music fans. 

As anyone who reads this blog knows, as well as movies, I am also passionate about country music. To me and many other country fans, George Jones is not just a country singer, but he is the embodiment of country music. The very idea of someone calling themselves a country music fan and not loving George Jones seems completely impossible to me. Naturally because of this it is only appropriate for country singers (both those who are fairly new and those who have been around a while) to put on a concert to pay tribute to the possum. I am even more grateful that this concert was not only filmed but was put on movie screens so that those of us who couldn't be there in person could enjoy it to. The line up of singers in this movie is incredibly impressive. Performing here is Tanya Tucker, Trace Adkins, Tracy Bird, Tracy Lawerance, Brad Paisley, Janie Fricke, Jelly Rolly, Travis Tritt, Wyonna, Sam Moore, Mark Chesnut, Gretchen Wilson, Uncle Kracker, Justin Moore, Jamey Johnson, Joe Nichols and Dierks Bentley. Not only is this a wonderful line up but all of them are at their absolute best. As they perform George's most famous songs, there is not a single performance that misses here, each one is wonderful. I guess there is something about paying tribute to one of the greatest country singers of all time that brought out the best in each and every one of these artists. 

If I have on complaint, it is that the way this movie was filmed is not very cinematic but feels more like a concert that also airs on TV.  However I would still rather watch this concert and a movie theater rather than on TV and the lack of cinematic visuals can hardly take away how great the music is. 

This is a pure treat for country fans. 

Cowboy Church #238

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

Today's musical selection begins with The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1948 recording of Lead Me Gently Home Father. The band had recorded this song before in 1937 and I personally love both versions. Jesus in his earthly life spent much time talking to his father and before going to the cross he stated, "not my will but yours be done." This should be the way we approach God the father. We should talk to him before we make any major decision in life, for our life is not our own, but it belongs to God. Therefore we should follow him wherever he leads us knowing that he alone knows what is best for us.

This is followed by the Buchman Brothers with their 1946 recording of Singing an Old Hymn. I often times find that when I am going through a tough time, the words of these old hymns come directly to my mind. When I think about the lyrics, I am often touched by the beautiful truths that are contained in the lyrics to these songs. 

Afterwards is Connie Smith with a gospel song written by Hank Williams, A Home in Heaven. This recording comes from Connie's 1975 album, Connie Smith Sing Hank Williams Gospel. This album consists entirely of gospel songs written by Hank Williams. 

Next is Tennessee Ernie Ford singing I Love to Tell the Story. When recovering from a sickness, Arabella Katherine Hankey wrote a poem about the life of Christ. This poem was broken into two parts the first being called The Story Wanted (published in January, 1866) and the second called The Story Told (published in November, 1866). I Love to Tell the Story comes from this second part. In 1869 William G. Fisher put this text to music and that is the version we know today. Still it is worth noting that Hankey wrote her own music for these words, but her music was seldom used and is now forgotten.

Then is George Jones with God Keeps the Wild Flower Blooming. This recording comes from George's 1974 gospel album, In a Gospel Way. The Jordanaires are on background vocals here, they also did backing vocals on many of Elvis' gospel recordings.  

Next is The Petersens with Come Ye Sinners. 

Then is Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with Have You Read the Bible Today. It is important for each of us to read our Bible each and every day. The Bible is not just some book, it is the living breathing word of God. It is easy for our faith and Christian walk to become idle and stagnant and the easiest way for this to happen is to simply not read our Bible. Taking some time each day to read the Bible is the best way for our faith and our walk with God to continue growing and maturing.  

Today's musical selection ends with Woody Guthrie with Ezekiel Saw the Wheel.

Now for a message from S.M. Lockridge.

Now for an episode of Gene Autry’s TV Show. 

I delight greatly in the Lord;  my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10

“So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear me,” says the Lord Almighty. Malachi 3:5

The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Isaiah 60:19

The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper. Proverbs 28:25

Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses. Proverbs 28:27

He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son. Proverbs 10:5

 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children. Ephesians 5:1

 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. Ephesians 5:8

Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. Isaiah 59:1

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

Cowboy Church #224

 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. This is another song about the importance of prayer. Many Christians (me included) will sometimes take prayer for granted without realizing what an amazing blessing it is to be able to talk directly to God. Not only this but he listens to everything we say and cares about us each as individuals is simply hard to even fathom but it is also completely true. 

This is followed by Moe Bandy singing What a Friend We Have in Jesus. Despite being Joseph Medlicott Scriven's most famous composition, when he made a collection of his writings entitled Hymns and Other Verses it did not appear. It has been assumed that the reason for this is that he probably wrote it for his mother when she was sick and not for the public. It is believed that it is through his mother that the hymn reached the public. It first appeared in 1865's Social Hymns, Original and Selected credited as anonymous.

Then comes Eddy Arnold with Open Thy Merciful Arms. 

Next is Lorretta Lynn with Old Camp Meetin' Time. This song comes from Lorretta's 1965 gospel album, Hymns. This is a song about the joy of following the Lord. Being a Christian should not be some solemn thing. God has given us so many blessings and continues to do so each and every day. The fact that there is a God who loves us so much should be something that gives us incredible joy. 

Next up is The Sons of the San Joaquin with Ridin' Up the Glory Trail. This song comes from the group's 2005 album, Way Out Yonder. This song states that as you ride the Glory Trail, God will be riding with you the whole way. This is completely true and there is nowhere we can go in this life where God won't be with us. No matter how hard things get in this life God is right beside us through each heartbreak as well as each blessing.  

Afterwards comes Arizona Dranes with her 1928 recording of God's Got a Crown. 

Now for The Sons of the Pioneers with The Mystery of His Way. This song was written by Bob Nolan, who was one of the founding members of the Sons of the Pioneers and one of my all-time favorite song writers. The song comes from the group's 1963 gospel album, Hymns of the Cowboy. 

Today's musical selection ends with George Jones with Softly and Tenderly.  The song was written by an Ohio businessman named Will Thompson in 1880.  As well as writing gospel songs Thompson also wrote quite a few secular songs and parotic songs. When the songs he wrote were rejected by publishers he created his own company, Will L. Thompson & Company. This company would not only publish music by sell musical instruments. Softly and Tenderly first appeared in 1880's Sparkling Gems, Nos. 1 and 2, a collection of songs from the company. When evangelist Dwight L. Moody was on his death bed he told the songwriter, "Will, I would rather have written ‘Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling’ than anything I have been able to do in my whole life." This was appropriate as Will decided to make songwriting his career while at a meeting held by Moody


 

Now for a sermon from the Rev. Billy Graham.

Now for the next chapter of Gene Autry's movie serial, The Phantom Empire (1935). 

And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. Exodus 33:19

So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 1 John 4:16

They refused to obey and were not mindful of the wonders that you performed among them, but they stiffened their neck and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them. Nehemiah 9:17 

And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day." 1 Kings 3:6

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Know therefore today, and lay it to your heart, that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other. Deuteronomy 4:39

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isiaih 41:10

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