Cowboy Church #206

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing The Old Rugged Cross. The song itself dates back to 1913 and was written by evangelist, George Bennard. Actually the first verse was written in 1912. It was written while Bennard was a part of a series of revival meetings in Albion, Michigan. He was worried about the complete disregard for the gospel around him and wrote this verse as a repose. Of writing it Bennard said, "I seemed to have a vision ... I saw the Christ and the cross inseparable." The song wouldn't be completed for several months, when he was leading meetings at a local church in Pokagan, Michigan. He played it for Rev. Leroy (the sponsoring pastor) and his wife, Ruby Bostwick, both of whom found themselves moved to tears. It was then incorporated into a service at that church on June 7, 1913. The song has the same effect today as it must have back then.

This is followed by Billy Walker with his version of How Great Thou Art. This classic hymn was originally based on a poem by Swedish Pastor Carl Gustav Boberg. He wrote this poem after walking home one day and a sudden storm came. When the storm stopped he saw the clear bay in front of him and heard a church bell in the distance. This inspired him to write the poem. He first published it in 1886. When he published it again in Witness of the Truth (a newspaper he edited) in 1891, it included both words and music. The English language version we all know was translated by missionary Stuart K. Hine. 

Next comes Dennis Agajanian with Goodbye Old Man. When we give ourselves completely over to God, we should be completely changed. We all have that old man in us. That old man is the way we used to live apart from Christ. When anger, fear, anxiety and sinful deeds ruled over us. These things can grab a hold of your soul and make you into someone who is simply heading for his or her own destruction. While they may seem impossible to fight, God is greater than all these things and though with man it is impossible with God all things are possible. Though sometimes, we still hear from this old man and sometimes we still fall into the things of the past, with God we now have the ability to keep fighting and pushing forward. I hope we can all say goodbye to that old man, because once you leave him, you will never want to see him again. 

Now for The Carter Family with their 1940 recording of Heaven's Radio. It is important to remember that even during the times, when we don't feel like God is there, he is always watching over us and there with us through any rough time we may have. 

Then comes The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1948 recording of Rounded Up in Glory. In a 1972 interview Ken Griffis asked Sons of the Pioneers front man, Bob Nolan, "Well, OK. As you progressed as a group, did you use the older type songs as the basis for your programs? Or did you try to blend in more the newer things? Did you try staying with the older things?" Bob responded, "Yeah, we tried to stick strictly to the old ones and, of course, I had an idea or I felt that my songs—the ones that I was writing at the time—were authentic. I tried to keep them authentic. Western." This applied not only to the songs Bob wrote, but the songs the group recorded written by others. There was always a real cowboy feel to nearly all the songs they recorded. That is definitely true here, as this song sounds like something that would feel completely natural in an old west setting. 

Then Johnny Cash with God Has My Fortune Laid Away. No matter what blessings we may have in this life, they will never compare to the blessings God has waiting for us in Heaven. In the same way, any troubles we have in this life can never compare to the blessing God has waiting for us in Heaven.

Today's musical selection ends with Randy Travis singing Nothing But the Blood. 

Now for Roy Rogers on a 1953 episode of TV's This is Your Life.

Now for a message from S.M. Lockridge.

You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:18

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:16

God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Numbers 23:19

say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” Isaiah 35:4

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. James 4:17

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1:27

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:l6

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Acts 16:31

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:10

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

Resources Used

https://www.tumbleweedtrail.net/griffis-nolan-perryman-spencer

https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/the-history-behind-the-old-rugged-cross-hymn-george-bennard-revival

Cowboy Church #205

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing Have You Read the Bible Today. This recording is the B side of a 1955 Little Golden Record the husband-and-wife duo made, with The Bible Tells Me So as the A side. Backing them up on this recording is Mitch Miller and his orchestra. Reading the bible each day should be an important part of every Christian's life. The Bible is how God can speak to you any day or any time. Reading the Bible plays an important role in how we grow and mature in our faith instead of remaining stagnant. With this growth and maturity, we can experience greater joy in our lives and have a greater more personal relationship with God himself.  

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

This is followed by Diana Trask with One Day at a Time. This song was written by Marijohn Wilkin and Kris Kristofferson.

Next is The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Power in the Blood. 

Now is Billy Cate singing The Touch of God's Hand. This recording comes from Billy's 2017 gospel album, A Cowboy's Prayer. The song was written by one of the all-time greatest writers of Cowboy music, Bob Nolan from The Sons of the Pioneers. Though many of us get to points where we feel that God is nowhere near us, he always is and you can see the blessings of God that abound us, by simply opening your door and seeing this beautiful world God has given us to live in. The trees, the plants, the fresh air and the animals are all evidence that there is a God who truly loves us and delights in blessing his beloved creations (us). 

Now is Johnny Cash and his wife, June Carter Cash performing Over The Next Hill We'll Be Home. Listen closely to the lyrics of this song, they are truly beautiful and offer a wonderful message to every Christian. I know these lyrics touch me deeply and can help me, whenever I am feeling weak or down. 

Next is Willie Nelson and his sister Bobbie Nelson (on piano) performing Just a Little Talk With Jesus. This hymn was written by Rev. Cleavant Derricks, a pastor of a small African American church in Alabama. During the great depression, his church was desperately in need of new hymnals. He had written hymns but none of them had been published. He contacted the publisher Stamps-Baxter in hope of giving them some of his songs in exchange for hymnals. They had little interest in most of the hymns, but they really liked Just a Little Talk With Jesus. For writing this beloved gospel song Derricks received 50 hymnals. How blessed are each and every one of us that we can talk to Jesus anytime we want to and that he will actually listen to us and truly hear what we have to say. He may not always answer each of our prayers the way we want him to, but this never means that your prayer fell on deaf ears, but that he knows what is best for us and always has a plan for us. At the same time, he is willing to give us the comfort and strength we need to make it through every situation. Because there is nothing this world can do to us that God isn't bigger than. 

Today's musical selection begins with The Louvin Brothers with their 1955 recording of Just Rehearsing.

Today's movie trailer is for Santa Fe Trail (1940), directed by Michael Curtiz and stars Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland and Ronald Reagan. Michael Curtiz is one of the great directors of Hollywood's golden age, having directed such films as Casablanca (1942), Mildred Pierce (1945), Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) and White Christmas (1954). He also directed this film's star, Errol Flynn in some of his most popular movies including Captain Blood (1935), The Sea Hawk (1940), The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex (1939) and The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938). He also directed my favorite Elvis movie, King Creole (1958). Santa Fe Trail may be far from a historical accurate movie, but it is still a delightful film. 

Hollywood, 1941

Now for a sermon by S.M. Lockridge.

Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:10

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7

So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; and it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. Corinthians 15:42-44

For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. Thessalonians 4:14

He is your praise and He is your God, who has done these great and awesome things for you which your eyes have seen. Deuteronomy10:21

 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25

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

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

In that day you will say: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.” Isaiah 12:4

I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king. Daniel 2:23

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

Cowboy Church #202

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

Today's musical selection begins with Gene Autry with his 1945 recording of Silver Spurs (On the Golden Stairs). Gene co-wrote this song with Cindy Walker, who also wrote the country classic, You Don't Know Me. 

This is followed by The Gatlin Brothers with It is Well With My Soul. Though this is a hymn of hope and peace it was written in a time of great sadness. The song was written by Horatio G. Spafford in 1873. He had planned a European trip for himself, his wife and four daughters, however because of his work he was unable to go, and he let his family go without him and after he finished his work, he would meet them there. However, the ship was hit and quickly sank. Though his wife was saved all four of his daughters had gone down with the ship. Amazingly he wrote this hymn when approaching an area near where his daughters had sunk.

Next is Cowboy Copas performing When Jesus Beckons Me Home, at the Grand Ole Opry on April 21, 1956.

Now for Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing Jesus Loves the Little Children. Jesus would state, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me." There is no doubt that Jesus did love the little children and he loves us big children too. If we will humble ourselves and become like little children, the blessings he has for us are immeasurable. 

On the same note is the Sons of the San Joaquin with God Leads His Dear Children Along.

Now it is time for T. Graham Brown 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.

Next is Johnny Cash with I Talk to Jesus Every Day. My New Years resolution this year is simply to spend more time in prayer. This is because there is no feeling better than or joy greater than being able to talk to our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. The fact that we can do this at anytime is truly amazing. While we all have our heroes, all of them look small when compared to Jesus.

Today's musical selection ends with the Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Lead Me Gently Home Father. 

Today's movie trailer is for King of the Cowboys (1943) directed by Joseph Kane and starring Roy Rogers. Like many Roy Rogers movies, though this is a western it takes place in contemporary times. This is more important here than in many of Roy's other westerns as this film deals with World War 2 and Nazi spies. This film also features some of Roy's finest movie songs, including I'm an Old Cowhand, A Gay Ranchero and Roll Along Prairie Moon. This movie also features the Sons of the Pioneers, who perform some wonderful songs as well including ones written by members of the group, Bob Nolan and Tim Spencer. Also here is Smiley Burnette, who is better known as Gene Autry's sidekick in many movies. Here he even uses the same character name that he uses in the Gene Autry films, Frog Milhouse. 

Now for a sermon from S.M. Lockridge. 

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

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

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15

“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. Mark 10:52

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16

On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.” The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?” When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing. Luke 13:10-17

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

Cowboy Church #198

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with the medley Remember Whose Birthday It Is/Happy Birthday, Gentle Saviour. There is no problem at all enjoying all of the presents, decorations and movies that come with Christmas (and no one loves them more than me), but we must always remember that Christmas is all about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and it is important every Christmas to remember what Jesus gave up by coming down from heaven to be a human here on Earth. Most importantly it is important to remember why he did it. He did it because of his love for us and his desire for us to be able to spend eternity in heaven with him. This wonderful recording comes from Roy and Dale's 1967 Christmas album, Christmas is Always.

Next comes The Louvin Brothers with their 1961 recording of 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 Louvin Brothers perform 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.

This is followed by The Stanley Brothers with Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. This is one of my favorite versions of this classic hymn. The boy's harmony here is simply perfect and the bluegrass stylings of this version seem to fit the lyrics and the singing perfectly. 

Afterwards comes Gene Autry with O Little Town of Bethlehem. This lovely rendition comes from an episode of Gene Autry's Melody Ranch radio show that aired on December 22, 1946. The lyrics to this hymn were written by Phillips Brooks in 1865. He wrote the words this hymn after taking a group of Sunday school children on a pilgrimage to Bethlehem. The music was written by Louis H. Redner, the church organist. There was originally another verse to this hymn, "Where children pure and happy pray to the blessed Child. Where misery cries out to thee, son of the undefiled; where charity stands watching and faith holds wide the door, the dark night wakes, the glory breaks, and Christmas comes once more." However, Redner objected to the words "son of the undefiled." Brooks briefly changed the line to "son of mother mild" before dropping the verse all together. This hymn appeared on a small leaflet in 1868 and in The Sunday School Hymnal in 1871.

Now for Martha Mears and The Sons of the Pioneers with a 1944 recording of Jingle Bells. James Lord Pierpont wrote this song in 1857. Despite being known as a Christmas song today, it was originally written with a different holiday in mind. Under its original title, One Horse Open Sleigh this song was written to be used in a Thanksgiving service at a Church where Pierpont was the organist. The song was so well received that it played again at the Church on Christmas day. For a song written to be performed at a Church, the original lyrics were racier than one would think and would be changed so that children's church choirs can perform the song. This version comes from a 1944 episode of the radio show 10-2-4 Ranch.

Nest is Anne Wilson with I Still Believe In Christmas. This original song written by Anne herself comes from her 2022 Christmas EP, The Manger. I hope that none of us ever stop believing in Christmas. 

Now for The Carter Family with their 1930 recording of On My Way To Canaan's Land.

After this is Third Day with Christmas Like a Child. Christmas is a time of childlike wonder, where even those who are well past childhood can feel like children once again. This makes it the perfect time to come to Jesus, because as Jesus said, "Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein." So if you have walked away from Jesus and turned your back on him, this time of the year in many ways is perfectly designed for you to come back to our Lord and savior Jesus Christ and if you choose to humble yourself and come as a child, the blessings you will receive are plentiful.

Today's musical selection ends with The Charlie Daniels Band with Christmastime Down South. This is the title song for the band's 1990 Christmas album. This song talks about some of the simple joys that make Christmas extra special. I hope this Christmas we can all take some time out of the hustle and bustle to reflect on all the little blessings God has given us that make life extra special.  

This week's movie trailer is for Andrew V. McLaglen's McLintock (1963). This film was made after John Wayne had lost a lot of money and box-office capital with The Almo (1960). John needed a movie that would help him make up for both loses and that came with this film. This movie was a fun comedy that placed Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew in the old west. Since The Quiet Man (1952), John Wayne had been wanting to work with Maureen O'Hara again and this film gave him that chance. 

Now for a sermon from S.M. Lockridge about John 3:16.

Pslam 27

1 

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—

    whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life—

    of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When the wicked advance against me

    to devour[a] me,

it is my enemies and my foes

    who will stumble and fall.

3 Though an army besiege me,

    my heart will not fear;

though war break out against me,

    even then I will be confident.

4 One thing I ask from the Lord,

    this only do I seek:

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord

    all the days of my life,

to gaze on the beauty of the Lord

    and to seek him in his temple.

5 For in the day of trouble

    he will keep me safe in his dwelling;

he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent

    and set me high upon a rock.

6 Then my head will be exalted

    above the enemies who surround me;

at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;

    I will sing and make music to the Lord.

7 Hear my voice when I call, Lord;

    be merciful to me and answer me.

8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”

    Your face, Lord, I will seek.

9 Do not hide your face from me,

    do not turn your servant away in anger;

    you have been my helper.

Do not reject me or forsake me,

    God my Savior.

10 Though my father and mother forsake me,

    the Lord will receive me.

11 Teach me your way, Lord;

    lead me in a straight path

    because of my oppressors.

12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,

    for false witnesses rise up against me,

    spouting malicious accusations.

13 I remain confident of this:

    I will see the goodness of the Lord

    in the land of the living.

14 Wait for the Lord;

    be strong and take heart

    and wait for the Lord.

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

Cowboy Church #197

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

With Christmas not being too far off, I am going to start incorporating Christmas music into these posts. First up is a favorite for me Roy Rogers singing Silent Night. This recording comes from 1940 and it is part of a session he did with The Jimmy Walley Trio where they recorded a few Christmas songs together. 

Next comes Charley Pride with They Stood in Silent Prayer. This version of the song comes from Charley's 1970 Christmas album, Christmas in my Hometown.

Now for Tennessee Ernie Ford with It is Well (With My Soul). Though this is a hymn of hope and peace it was written in a time of great sadness. The song was written by Horatio G. Spafford in 1873. He had planned a European trip for himself, his wife and four daughters, however because of his work he was unable to go, and he let his family go without him and after he finished his work, he would meet them there. However, the ship was hit and quickly sank. Though his wife was saved all four of his daughters had gone down with the ship. Amazingly he wrote this hymn when approaching an area near where his daughters had sunk. 

Afterwards comes Willie Nelson and his sister Bobbie Nelson (on piano) with Are You Washed in the Blood. This hymn was written by Elisha Albright Hoffman (Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, Glory to His Name) in 1878. It first appeared in his book, Spiritual Songs for Gospel Meetings and the Sunday School. Yet it was strangely dropped from later versions of this book. This version of this classic hymn comes from Willie and Bobbie's 1996 gospel album Just as I Am. This album consisted of hymns and gospel songs that the two have known and held dear to them since they were small kids. 

Then comes The Carter Family with their 1932 recording of Church in the Wildwood. This hymn was written in 1857 by a music teacher named William S Pitts. On a stagecoach ride to meet his fiancé, he stopped in Bradford, Iowa. While there he took a long nature walk. Seeing an especially beautiful valley near Cedar River, he began to picture a church building here. The idea became engrained into his mind and even after he was back home in Wisconsin, he still couldn't stop thinking about it.  He later stated that only after he had written this hymn, was he at peace with himself. In 1962 the songwriter and his now wife, had visited the spot and found a church right there, even the same color he mentioned in the song.  

Now for Anne Wilson 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. 

Gene Autry continues the musical selection with his 1956 recording of Everyone's a Child at Christmas. This song was written by Johnny Marks, who also wrote Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, a song that Gene would help turn into a Christmas classic. 

As today's musical selection ends, The Sons of the Pioneers ask the theological question, Will There be Sagebrush in Heaven in a classic 1947 recording. 

Today's movie trailer for Hop-Along Cassidy (1935). This is the first of 66 films in which William Boyd, would play the famous cowboy character. The last of these films would be Strange Gamble (1948). To say this movie series became a major success is a huge understatement. Hop-Along Cassidy movies would become a sensation, capturing the hearts and imaginations of all red-blooded American boys. Though the character had existed since 1904 as the star of a series of books written by Clarence E. Mulford, from this point on the character would be associated mainly with William Boyd. As if playing the character in 66 movies wasn't enough Boyd also played the character in a radio show that ran from 1948 to 1952 and a TV series which ran from 1949 to 1952. Boyd's version of the character owed little to the book character. Boyd's version was much more clean living and a role model for young kids. Few of these movies, radio episodes and TV episodes borrowed anything from the books for story material. 

If you have a hard time reading the following page, click on it and use your touch screen to zoom in. 

The International Photographer, 1937

Now for a sermon from S.M. Lockridge. 

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

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your people! Selah Psalm 3:8

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 1 Peter 1:13

Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Galatians 6:8

But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:1-2

Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.” Joshua 10:25

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.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, today's musical selection begins with Gene Autry singing Bless This House. God has given us so many blessings, many of which we simply take for granted. This Thanksgiving, let us make sure we take the time to thank God for every blessing we have in our lives and to reflect on how blessed we truly are. 

This is followed by Charlie Rich with Down by the Riverside. This recording comes from his 1976 gospel album, Silver Linings. 

Next is Johnny Cash with I Won't Have to Cross Jordan Alone. This hymn was written by Charles Durham. Durham's day job was as a postman, yet he found himself often moved by God and wanted to write down what God would speak to him. He carried a paper and pencil with him on each trip, in case a hymn would come to him, while he was on his route. It is believed that he wrote over 100 hymns this way. Later in life he would publish hymn books and organize gospel quartets. His first hymn was published in 1912. This hymn was published in 1934. John's version of the hymn comes from his 1962 album, Hymns From the Heart. This was his second full gospel album.

Now for 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.

This is followed by Anne Wilson with This House. This song was written by Anne herself and comes from her debut album, 2022's My Jesus.

Now for The Blue Sky Boys with their 1940 recording of I'm S-A-V-E-D. While we all are going to fall short and sin sometimes, if we are true Christians, we should not gladly or proudly live in sin, but be constantly working towards being more like Jesus and less like this world. 

Now join Willie Nelson and his sister Bobbie (on piano) as they perform When We All Get to Heaven. This hymn was written by Eliza E. Hewitt. Eliza was a public schoolteacher who due to a serious spinal problem was confined to her bed for a while. During this time, she was moved to write hymns. Despite her situation, these hymns tended to be very joyous and uplifting. This sends a couple of very powerful messages. God is able to use the hard times in life for his glory. At the same time he is able to give us comfort and joy even in our most difficult times.  

Today's musical selection ends with Roy Rogers singing 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 week's movie trailer is for The Magnificent Seven (1960). This film was directed by John Sturges and starred Yul Brynner, Eli Wallach, Charles Bronson, Steve McQueen, Horst Buchholz, Robert Vaughn, Brad Dexter. This movie was a remake of Japanese director Akira Kurasawa's brilliant film, Seven Samurai (1954). Akira Kurasawa loved this remake and sent John Sturges a ceremonial sword from Japan. This film is one of the few remakes of a true classic that is also viewed as a true classic in its own right. This movie would again be remade with The Magnificent Seven (2016). Unfortunately, that version would fail to live up to either the original Japanese version or this beloved remake. 

To read the article below, click on the page below and use your touch screen to zoom in. 

Film Bulletin, 1960

Next comes S.M. Lockridge with his sermon, Stumbling Over Simplicity.

 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalms 100:4

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

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17

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

The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments. Habakkuk 3:19

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2

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

Resources Used

https://wordwisehymns.com/2018/07/02/i-wont-have-to-cross-jordan-alone/

https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1801-1900/eliza-edmunds-hewitt-songs-from-a-bed-of-pain-11630486.html

https://mediahistoryproject.org/

https://dianaleaghmatthews.com/peace-in-the-valley/#.Y3sRlEnMK3A

 

Cowboy Church #189

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with Thank You God. This is the A-side of a 1956 Little Golden Record. The B-side was Let There Be Peace on Earth.

This is followed by Roy Clark with 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.

Next comes The Carter Family's 1938 recording of Walking in the King's Highway. 

This followed by The Sons of the San Joaquin with their cover of The Sons of the Pioneers song, Read the Bible. This song was written by Tim Spencer, one of the Pioneer's founding members. The Sons of San Joaquin' version comes from their 1997 gospel album, Gospel Trails. 

Up next is Lorretta Lynn with Gethsemane. This song comes from her 1970 gospel album, The Gospel Spirit. This song speaks about how perfectly Jesus' death and resurrection fulfilled the words the prophets had written long before it came to be. 

Afterwards is Marty Robbins with There's Power in the Blood. No matter how much we may love something this world has to offer us, none of it can ever compare to the power in Jesus' blood. For nothing else has the power to give us salvation or peace in times when we feel peace is impossible.

Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of What You Gonna Say To Peter. I don't know about you but it always amazes me knowing that one day, when I go to heaven, I am going to see so many of the men and women I have read about in the Bible. It is a humbling and wonderful thought. Of course, nothing though will compare to seeing my lord and savior Jesus Christ. This song was written by the Pioneers' own Bob Nolan, who also sings lead on this song.  

Today's movie trailer is for the wonderful Howard Hawks western, Red River (1948), starring John Wayne and Montgomery Clift. As film lovers know, Howard Hawks and John Wayne were a match made in heaven and the films they made together show the talents of both men to perfect advantage. They made five movies together were Red River (1948), Rio Bravo (1959), Hatari (1962), El Dorado (1966) and Rio Lobo (1970). Though John Ford is the director most often associated with John Wayne, Howard Hawks is often the second most thought of director for John Wayne movies. 

If you have trouble reading the pages below click on them and use your touch screen to zoom in. 

Motion Picture Herald, 1948

Now for sermon from S.M. Lockridge.

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

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6–7

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

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

For the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory. Deuteronomy 20:4

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

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

My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Psalms 119:28

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

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

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:6

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

Resources Used

https://mediahistoryproject.org/

https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/articles/history-of-hymns-what-a-friend-we-have-in-jesus