It is said that there was a time when Gene Autry was the hero of every red-blooded American boy. This may have well been true, but his fans were not limited to boys and child actress Jane Withers got the thrill of her life when she got to appear in a film with her favorite movie cowboy. The following article from a 1940 issue of the Screenland magazine tells this story.
If you have trouble reading the following article click on the pages below and use your touch screen to zoom in.
Here is the trailer for the movie in which the two appeared together in.
Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church.
Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with Jesus Loves the Little Children. This comes from a 1955 Little Golden Record that also included them singing The Good Lord is Going to Take Care of You. This song was written by C. Herbert Woolston and is said to have been inspired by Matthew 19:14 ( “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.”) The song is to the tune of the 1864 Civil War song, Tramp Tramp Tramp (written by George Fredrick Root). Roy and Dale only sing the refrain of this song as that is all that was commonly used in Sunday schools.
This is followed by Merle Haggard with Victory in Jesus. Though there are many times when we feel defeated, it is important to know that as Christians we have victory in Jesus. He is our savior and no matter what happens to us on Earth, one day we will find ourselves in heaven, where there will be blessings beyond anything we have ever known or could ever imagine. By dying on the cross, Jesus has won the fight against sin and as we know by the book of Revelations, one day he is coming back to Earth to put Satan in chains. Merle is joined on this song by his good friend, Albert E. Brumley Jr.
Next comes Kris Kristofferson and Larry Gatlin with Help Me. In 1971 Connie Smith had invited Kris Kristofferson to the Evangel Temple. Jimmie Snow (the pastor of the church) had asked Larry Gatlin, who was a member of this church and currently worker as a janitor, to come up and sing a song he wrote. That song was Help Me and it had a major effect on Kris. Kris would later say, "It was what I guess you call a religious experience. I've never had one before or since. To this day I don't know why I did it. I think Jimmy sensed I didn't know what I was doing because he asked me if I was ready to be saved and I told him I didn't know. He put his hand on my shoulder and asked me to get down on my knees. There were a number of us kneeling and I don't remember what he was saying. It was something about freedom from guilt. All I can remember is that I broke into tears. I was weeping and when it was over I felt like I had been purged. I was carrying a lot of guilt at that time. I felt I had disappointed my family, my friends, my ancestors and everybody that knew me. So I wrote that song [Why Me Lord]." Because of the effect this song had on Kris, Kris recorded the song as a duet with Larry Gatlin on his 1972 album, Jesus Was a Capricorn. Kris later talked about this saying, "I did it because I loved the song and was so grateful for the effect it had on me. To further demonstrate my gratitude, I put it on the B-side of my single Why Me instead of one of my own, giving Larry mechanical royalties on the biggest single I ever had. Payback!"
This followed by Rex Allen with his recording of Sleep Little Moses. This song comes from his 1959 album, Mister Cowboy. As well as my fellow country music fans, my fellow movie buffs might also know Rex Allen. Like Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, Rex had starred in some singing cowboy B westerns in the 1950's. However today his movie career might be best remembered by Disney buffs for narrating such Disney films as The Legend of Lobo (1962), The Incredible Journey (1963) and Charlie, the Lonesome Cougar (1967). He also narrated the Hanna-Barbera feature film, Charolette's Web (1973).
Personal Jesus is an example of how a song can take on a meaning to a listener that the author did not intend. Johnny Cash said that this was a song he wished that he had wrote. He felt it summarized perfectly man's relationship with God. That Jesus is always willing to forgive and have a relationship with anyone who desires to know him. Yet this when Martin Gore had originally wrote this song, he did not intend it to be actually about the Christian faith. He wrote it after having read Pricillia Presley's book Elvis and Me. Gore would state, "It's a song about being a Jesus for somebody else. It's about how Elvis was her man and her mentor and how often that happens in love relationships."
Next comes 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.
Today's musical selection ends with The Charlie Daniels Band with Awesome God.
Today's movie trailer is The Far Country (1954). This was the fourth of the great series of western films that director Anothony Mann and actor James Stewart made together. Despite having made so many Westerns together though the biggest hit the two collaborated on was the musical biopic, The Glenn Miller Story (1954). The three westerns the two made before this film were Winchester '73 (1950), Bend of the River (1952) and The Naked Spur (1953). The two made one more western together, The Man from Laramie (1955). They were set to make Night Passage (1957) together, but Mann was replaced as the director.
If you have trouble reading the contempary review of The Far Country click on the page below and use your touch screen to zoom in.
Motion Picture Daily, 1955
Now for a sermon by S.M. Lockridge.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. Luke 3:8
Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. Proverbs 3:13
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Proverbs 26:12
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Thanks for joining me. There will be no Cowboy Church post for the next two weeks, because I will be on a trip to Israel with my church. However when I get back, these weekly posts will soon continue. Happy trails to you until we meet again.
Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church.
Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing Thank You God. Something we too often forget to do is to give God that thanks he deserves. It is impossible to overstate just how blessed we are. We have our friends, our family and a breathtakingly beautiful world to live. Too often we take these things for granted and don't reason, just how much God loves us and just how much he has given us.
Hank Williams Jr. has always been very influenced by blues music. Even though he is better known for his country and southern rock songs, blues has always been a strong part of his music. Ever since the 1980's Hank has been talking about making a blues album. Well, he finally has. Earlier this month, Hank released his first full length blues album, Rich White Honkey Blues. This album mostly consists of covers of classic blues songs. Today's musical selection includes a song off this album. It is his cover of Lighting Hopkin's Jesus, Won't You Come By Here.
Next Leadbelly sings Let it Shine on Me. In this great version of the hymn, Leadbelly shows how a hymn was sung differently by different churches but the same basic message stayed the same.
This is followed by The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1948 recording of The Old Rugged Cross. The song dates back to 1913 and was written by evangelist, George Bennard. Actually the first verse was written in 1912. It was written while Bennard was a part of a series of revival meetings in Albion, Michigan. He was worried about the complete disregard for the gospel around him and wrote this verse as a repose. Of writing it Bennard said, "I seemed to have a vision ... I saw the Christ and the cross inseparable." The song wouldn't be completed for several months, when he was leading meetings at a local church in Pokagan, Michigan. He played it for Rev. Leroy (the sponsoring pastor) and his wife, Ruby Bostwick, both of whom found themselves moved to tears. It was then incorporated into a service at that church on June 7, 1913. The song has the same effect today as it must have back then.
Next is Glen Campbell with He's Got the Whole World in His Hands. It is unknown who exactly wrote this song because it had been passed down through oral tradition long before it was ever published. However we do know that it was first published in 1927 in a Hymnal titled Spirituals Triumphant, Old and New. In 1933 Frank Warner, a folk art collector and singer, heard Sue Thomas sing this in North Carolina. Frank Warner then preformed and introduced this song throughout the U.S.A. In 1941 Robert Sonkin recorded a version of this wonderful hymn. Glen Campbell's version comes from his 1970 gospel album, Oh Happy Day.
Now Randy Travis sings The Heart of Worship.
Now Loretta Lynn sings 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.
Today's musical selection ends with Gene Autry with his 1946 recording of When its Round Up Time in Heaven.
Now for the trailer for one my favorites among the John Ford and John Wayne westerns, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949).
And here is John Wayne in a radio version of She Wore a Yellow Ribbon.
Showman's Trade Review, 1949
Next is C.S. Lewis' essay, Myth Became Fact.
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 1 John 5:4
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. Hebrews 11:7
And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way. Mark 10:52
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:6
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21
Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:5
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3
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
Thanks for joining me. come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.
Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church.
Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing Sweet Hour of Prayer on their 1957 album of the same name. This hymn was written by William Walford. Walford was a wood craver who had little to no formal education. However what he did have was a very close relationship with God. Those who knew him said that he knew the bible by heart and this man was even asked to share sermons at his church. One day around 1845 Pastor Thomas Salmon visited William Walford. Walford asked Salmon to write down a poem he had in his head. Salmon was so amazed by this poem that he right away sought to get it published. After Walford's death, William Bradbury wrote music for this poem and the hymn as we know it first appeared in the 1859 hymnal, Church Melodies. Bradbury had also composed music for such hymns as Just as I Am and He Leadeth Me. Next comes a real classic Red Foley's 1951 recording of Peace in the Valley. On September 19, 1968, Red Foley was doing a show in Fort Wayne, Indiana with Billy Walker and Hank Williams Jr. Billy Walker took the time they had together and share his faith in Christ. Red asked Billy, “Do you think God could ever forgive a sinner like me?” Billy told his friend, "Red, if God can forgive me, He can forgive you." The two then prayed together. Red ended that night's set with Peace in the Valley. After his set was over Red said to Billy, "Billy, I’ve never sung that song and feel the way I do tonight.” Later that night Red died in his sleep of respiratory failure. Hank Jr. would write a song about this last day entitled I Was With Red Foley (The Night He Passed Away). This is followed by Sonny James with Be With Me Lord from his 1966 gospel album, Til the Last Leaf Shall Fall. Johnny Cash once asked Sonny James (when John was first starting out), how to live the life of an entertainer and still be a strong Christian. Sonny responded with "John the way I do it is by being the way I am. I am not just an entertainer who became a Christian. I am a Christian who chose to be an entertainer. I am first a Christian. Remember that what you are and the life you live sings louder than any song. And don't forget to pray." Next we join The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1946 recording of Cowboy Camp Meeting. This song was written by one of the group's founding members Tim Spencer. Next is Billy Cate singing God Must Have Been a Cowboy at Heart from his 2017 album, A Cowboy's Prayer. This is followed by singer, banjo player and first star of the Grand Old Opry, Uncle Dave Macon with his 1927 recording of Shall We Gather at the River. Today's musical selection ends with Johnny Cash and U2 with The Wanderer. This song was written by Bono in 1993 (under the working title The Preacher). The song was inspired by the book of Ecclesiastes, but takes place in a future time with a narrator who is worried about the lack of God in society. It is considered to be one of Bono's best songs, but for some reason whenever he tried to record it himself, it didn't work for him. Then he came up with the brilliant idea of having Johnny Cash sing the song (this idea came to Bono when he learned Johnny was going to be in Dublin). Bono would say that Johnny would teach him a lot about how to deliver a song like this during this recording section giving advice about how to put over each word effectively. Johnny told a reporter, "I don't know if it will ever be released or even what it's called." The song would be released on the U2 album, Zooropa (one of U2's most experimental albums) and John would state that this song gave him a sense of artistic renewal.
The following is an episode of Gene Autry's Melody Ranch radio show, that aired July 26, 1942.
Up next is C.S. Lewis reading his essay, Two Ways With the Self.
And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.
Proverbs 11:24
Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor. Proverbs 22:9
In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty. Proverbs 14:23
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.
John 3:34
Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. Colossians 3:11
Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt. Exodus 22:21
When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. Leviticus 19:33
Now the man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all the living. Genesis 3:20
Do we not all have one father? Has not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously each against his brother so as to profane the covenant of our fathers? Malachi 2:10
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. John 5:24
Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out. Acts 3:19
This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 1 Timothy 2:3-6
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name's sake. I am writing to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth. Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life. I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him. 1 John 2:1-29
Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.
The following is a 1943 article from Movieland magazine. If you have any trouble reading, click on the pages and use your touch screen to zoom in. If that doesn't work click here.
Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church.
Today's musical selection begins with Billy Cate singing Every Cowboy Knows There's a God Above. This song comes from his 2017 album, A Cowboy's Prayer. Next comes Johnny Cash with his self-penned My Children Walk in Truth. This song has an important message to all my fellow Christians. One of the most important things in any believer's life should be leading others to Christ or strengthening struggling Christians. I hope and pray that I have done this with my life and that hopefully through my blog posts, God can speak to those who need to be spoken to. If this can be true than my life has been more than worthwhile. Yet if this happens, I know that it is not me doing it, but God doing it through me. Still just to play a part in God's master plan means everything to me. However it must be remembered that we not only speak to people through our words but our actions as well. Johnny Cash once said, "There's three different kinds of Christian. There's preaching Christians, church-playing Christians, and there's practicing Christians. I'm trying very hard to be a practicing Christian. If you take the words of Jesus literally and apply them to your everyday life, you discover that the greatest fulfillment you'll ever find really does lie in giving. That is why I do things like the prison concerts." Next comes the Carter Family with their 1935 recording of Gospel Ship. This is followed by The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1941 recording, What Wonderful Joy. This song has a simple but very true message for each of us. While Christianity does tell us how to live our lives it should not be simply some rigid rules to follow but something that should give us true joy beyond anything the world could ever offer. After all we as Christians are incredibly blessed and one day will be able to spend entirety with God in heaven and there we will know joy beyond anything we can understand right now. Following is Sonny James with How Great Thou Art. Around 1886 Swedish pastor, Carl Boberg is said to have been caught in a violent thunderstorm. When soon after he saw the sun return and birds singing, he fell to his knees in amazement of God's incredible majesty. He then wrote the words to this song as a poem. Supposedly serval years later he was surprised to hear a congregation singing his poem to an old Swedish folk melody. Its first English translation was in 1925 by E. Gustav Johnson. However this version simply never caught on and has faded into obscurity. In 1927 it received a Russian version by Ivan S. Prokhanoff. This version inspired English missionary Stuart K. Hine, who began writing his own version. When Hine returned back to England in 1939, he brought this song with him and it is this version that we know so well today. The hymn reached a new popularity with Billy Graham's crusades. George Beverly Shea later remembered, "We first sang in the Toronto, Canada, Crusade of 1955. Cliff Barrows and his large volunteer choir assisted in the majestic refrains. Soon after, we used it in the ‘Hour of Decision’ [radio broadcasts] and in American crusades. In the New York meetings of 1957 the choir joined me in singing it ninety-three times!" This version of the song comes Sonny's 1966 gospel album Till The Last Leaf Shall Fall. Up next is Hank Snow with his 1951 recording of the simply titled Pray. Today's musical selection ends with a real classic, Hank Williams singing, I Saw the Light. Hank wrote this song as he was heading home from a dance in Fort Deposit, Alabama. His mother was driving him home and told her son "Hank, wake up, we're nearly home. I just saw the light" (she was referring to the light near Dannelly Field Airport). Hank wrote the song on the rest of the way home. The song melody-wise strongly resembles Albert E. Brumley's He Set Me Free, but I Saw the Light has certainly taken on a life of its own apart from the earlier song, heavily through the powerful and inspiring lyrics that do what Hank did best as a songwriter, convey something powerful and moving in a way that seems so simple and unpretentious. Hank recorded this song on his first MGM recording session (April 21, 1947). However even though he was the first to record this song, his version was not the first released. Producer Fred Rose gave it to two other singers (Clyde Grubbs and Roy Acuff), both of whom had their versions released before Hank.
Up next is a 1945 episode of Roy Rogers' radio show.
Here is C.S. Lewis' essay, What Are We to Make of Jesus Christ.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. Acts 16:30-33
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31
Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. Proverbs 3:31
Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil. Proverbs 4:27
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death. Proverbs 10:2
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
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15
Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. Proverbs 17:9
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
Thanks for joining me and come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.
Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church.
Today’s musical selection begins with the King of the Cowboys and The Queen of the West, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with Jesus in the Morning. This song reminds us that we are not only to leave a small part of the day with Jesus as our focus but all day long as well as everyday. We should wake up each morning with Jesus on our mind and go to bed each night the same way. While few of us will succeed with this every day, we will find that each day we do it will be an enriching day that will makes us grow as a person. This song comes from Roy and Dale’s 1973 gospel album, In the Sweet By and By. This is followed by Jim Reeves with The Flowers, The Sunset, the Trees. This song comes from Jim’s 1967 album, My Cathedral. Next comes Johnny Cash with Nazarene. This self-penned song comes from John's 1968 album, The Holy Land. This album was inspired by a trip to Israel that he and his wife, June Carter Cash took. As well songs, this album also included spoken word recordings that John made as he visited some of these places. After rededicating himself to the lord after years of sin and drugs, John stated, "I don't have a career anymore. What I have is a ministry. Everything I have and everything I do is given completely to Jesus Christ now. I've lived my life for the devil up until now and from here on I'm going to live it for the Lord." Up next is Gene Autry with Peace in the Valley. Thomas A. Dorsey would talk about the writing of this hymn, “It was just before Hitler sent his war chariots into Western Europe in the late 1930s. I was on a train going through southern Indiana and saw horses, cows and sheep all grazing together in this little valley. Everything seemed so peaceful. It made me question, 'What’s the matter with mankind? Why can’t men live in peace?' Out of those thoughts came 'Peace in the Valley.'" Dorsey wrote this song in 1937 for the Queen of Gospel, Mahala Jackson. Gene's recording comes from an episode of his Melody Ranch radio show that aired April 12, 1952. He is backed by The Cass County Boys, The Pnafores, Johnny Bond and Carl Cotner's Orchestra. This is followed by Red Foley with his 1951 recording of Where Could I Go But to the Lord. This song was written in 1940 by James Buchanan Coats. He was standing beside a dying neighbor, an African American man named Joe Keyes. Coates asked Keyes if he knew where he was going after he died. Keyes responded, "Where Could I Go But to the Lord." Up next is Elvis Presley with An American Trilogy. This medley was meant to represent the Civil War Era and includes three 19th century songs: Dixie, The Battle Hymn of the Old Republic and All My Trials. The medley was created by county singer/songwriter Mickey Newbury. It would become a staple of Elvis' concerts in the 1970's. This version comes from his famous 1973 concert, Aloha From Hawaii. Today's musical selection ends with one of my favorites, The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58
because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you. 1 Peter 5:6
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
Boast not thyself of tomorrow; For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. Proverbs 27:1
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13
For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6
How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver! Proverbs 16:16
Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Proverbs 13:10
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Hebrews 6:1-2
Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the Lord his God. Psalm 146:5
He who despises his neighbor sins; But he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he. Proverbs 14:21
Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. 1 Samuel 12:23
The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them. Isaiah 11:6
You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Thank you for joining me come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again,
Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church.
Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers 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. Next comes the Oakridge Boys with In the Sweet By and Bye. This song came about because of a friendship between composer, Joseph Webster and poet, Dr. Sanford Fillmore Bennett. One day Webster was depressed and Dr. Bennett recognized this. Dr. Bennett asked his friend what was wrong. Webster replied, "Oh nothing. Everything will be alright by and by." This words brought up an idea in Bennett and he wrote down three verses and a chorus to this song as soon as he could. He handed it to his friend saying, “Here is your prescription, Joe.” Webster loved the lyrics and wrote music for them in practically no time at all. Dr. Bennett later said, “It was not over thirty minutes from the time I took my pen to write the words before two friends with Webster and myself were singing the hymn.” The hymn was first published in 1868 and went on to great fame since. Next comes Willie Nelson with When the Roll is Called Up Yonder. This hymn was written by James Milton Black in 1893. Black was a Sunday school teacher in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. When a young girl did not appear in Sunday School, he was worried about her. He visited her only to discover she had pneumonia and she was probably not going to live through it. To cheer her up he wanted to find a hymn about a heavenly call but found none. So he decided to write one himself. This version of the song comes from Willie's first and best gospel album, 1976's The Trouble Maker. Next comes The Sons of the Pioneers. With this 1947 recording they ask the deep theological question Will There Be Sage Brush in Heaven. This is followed by Gene Autry singing Cowboy's Heaven in a clip from a 1952 episode (entitled Horse Sense) of his TV show. Johnny Cash worked harder on The Man Comes Around, then any other song he had ever written. It is also one of the most ambitious songs he ever wrote. It is lyrically and musically complex with an intensity that leaves one with being unable to feel neutral about what he/she just heard. This song talks about God's grace and love but also offers a stark warning of what lies ahead for those who reject God. This songs origins first came from a dream of John's where he met the queen of England who told the singer, "Johnny Cash! You like a thorn tree in a whirlwind." He knew he had heard this phrase before and looking through his Bible he found it was from the book of Job. After this he began an extensive study of Bible verses dealing with prophecies and the end times. The result of this study is this song which deals with what will happen when Jesus comes back. Sound engineer David Ferguson would later remember, "We cut it a few times. We cut it first with Marty Stuart and Johnny as a tick-tock sort of thing. Then he worked on it again with Randy Scruggs. It was then edited to make it meter out. The way Johnny laid it out, only he knew where the changes were going to be in the instrumental parts. It was something you had to learn. Rick [producer Rick Ruben] would take a bar out here and a couple bars out there to make the whole thing uniform." The result of all this is one the finest songs John had ever written and a musical masterpiece on every level. Pastor and Johnny Cash Biographer, Greg Laurie wrote about this song, "Personally, I think this is the greatest song that Johnny ever wrote It is both biblical and personal, powerful and poetic. From its first rapid strum of his guitar to the pounding piano chords, it is a picture of complexity and simplicity. The deft production skills of Rick Ruben, who understood that 'less was more' in this case, added to the familiar voice of the American icon Johnny Cash, and the result was a match made in Heaven." Today's musical selection ends with The Charlie Daniels Band with Heart of My Heart. This comes from their 1997 album Steel Witness. This was the band's first Christian album and it was made of entirely original material. Charlie would state that he work harder writing songs for this album than he had any other album, as he wanted to convey the message to people like him who had a hard time understand the bible through much of their lives.
Book of Jonah
1 The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.”
3 But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.
4 Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. 5 All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship.
But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. 6 The captain went to him and said, “How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us so that we will not perish.”
7 Then the sailors said to each other, “Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity.” They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. 8 So they asked him, “Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What kind of work do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?”
9 He answered, “I am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.”
10 This terrified them and they asked, “What have you done?” (They knew he was running away from the Lord, because he had already told them so.)
11 The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, “What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?”
12 “Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.”
13 Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. 14 Then they cried out to the Lord, “Please, Lord, do not let us die for taking this man’s life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, Lord, have done as you pleased.” 15 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. 16 At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him.
17 Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.
2 1 From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. 2 He said:
“In my distress I called to the Lord,
and he answered me.
From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help,
and you listened to my cry.
3 You hurled me into the depths,
into the very heart of the seas,
and the currents swirled about me;
all your waves and breakers
swept over me.
4 I said, ‘I have been banished
from your sight;
yet I will look again
toward your holy temple.’
5 The engulfing waters threatened me,[b]
the deep surrounded me;
seaweed was wrapped around my head.
6 To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you, Lord my God,
brought my life up from the pit.
7 “When my life was ebbing away,
I remembered you, Lord,
and my prayer rose to you,
to your holy temple.
8 “Those who cling to worthless idols
turn away from God’s love for them.
9 But I, with shouts of grateful praise,
will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good.
I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’”
10 And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.
3 Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”
3 Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. 4 Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” 5 The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.
6 When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. 7 This is the proclamation he issued in Nineveh:
“By the decree of the king and his nobles:
Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. 8 But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. 9 Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.”
10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.
4 But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. 2 He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. 3 Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”
4 But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”
5 Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. 6 Then the Lord God provided a leafy plant[a] and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant. 7 But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered. 8 When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.”
9 But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?”
“It is,” he said. “And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.”
10 But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. 11 And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”
Thank you for joining me come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.
Resources Used
The Man Called Cash by Steve Turner
Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon by Greg Laurie with Marshall Terrill
Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church.
Today's musical selection begins with Jim Reeves singing Have Thine Own Way Lord. This song was written by Adelaide A. Pollard in 1902. Pollard had a strong urge to go to become a missionary in Africa. When her attempt to raise funds failed to fall through she found herself feeling distressed. However at a prayer meeting she heard an elderly lady pray, "It really doesn't matter what you do with us, Lord -- just have your way with our lives . . .." This simple prayer stuck with her an moved her. When she got home that night she sat down and wrote this song. This simple story shows us that God may not give us something we think we should have when we think we should have it because he has a powerful work to perform through our lives first and with how many people have been moved by this song it is easy to say that God knew what he was doing. Next up comes Tennessee Ernie Ford singing Rock of Ages. This hymn was written by Augustus Toplady. In the 1775 article, Life a Journey, he published the first stanza of the hymn. A year later the complete hymn appeared in Gospel Magazine under the title A Living and Dying Prayer for the Holiest Believer in the World. This is followed by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing Softly and Tenderly. This song was written by Will Lamartine Thompson, who also wrote patriotic and secular songs as well as gospel. His other gospel song include Lead Me Gently Home Father and Jesus is all the World to Me. Softly and Tenderly was first published in Sparkling Gems, Nos. 1 and 2, a collection of hymns published by Thompson's own company, in 1880. Before his good friend evangelist Dwight L. Moody passed away Moody told Thompson “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 recording comes from Roy and Dale's 1973 gospel album, In the Sweet By and By. Next is The Bailes Brothers with their 1951 recording of Daniel Prayed. Next comes Charlie Rich singing Old Time Religion. It is unknown all who wrote this song, yet Charles Davis Tillman plays a major role in why we know this song today. Tillman was born shortly after the American Civil War and one day he was passing some fields in South Carolina and heard some former slaves singing this song. It stuck with him and he jotted down the lyrics. The song was officially published for the first time in 1873, but who knows how long it was around before then. This recording comes from Rich's 1976 gospel album, Silver Linings. Next is the singing cowboy, Gene Autry with Silver Spurs (Upon the Golden Stairs). Gene co-wrote this with Cindy Walker. This recording comes from an episode of Gene's Melody Ranch Radio Show dated 11/18/45. This is followed by Johnny Cash singing No Earthly Good. In the notes for the Unearthed box set, John wrote, "That's a song I wrote for phony pious Christians 'You're so heavenly minded you're no earthly good.' People who are always talking about Heaven and how close we are to being there give Christianity a bad name. And it should have a good name because it's a wonderful thing. Wonderful and I don't like it, it makes me very angry, when charlatans abuse and misuse the Gospel of Jesus Christ, It's outrageous and totally uncalled for." Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers singing The Place Where I Worship. This recording comes from their 1963 gospel album, Hymns of the Cowboy.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:8
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. Psalm 30:11
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3:3
I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws. Psalm 119:30
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? Psalm 56:3-4
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. Isaiah 26:3-4
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 1 John 4:18
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your covenant is trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. 2 Samuel 7:28
A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. Proverbs 11:13
Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. Proverbs 28:26
The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. Daniel 6:23
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelations 21:5
Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. Luke 3:18
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble on its own. Matthew 6:34-35
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18
Thanks for joining me come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.
Hello my friends and welcome back to another service of Cowboy Church.
Today's musical selection begins with The Louvin Brothers singing There's No Excuse. This song was written by the Louvins themselves and comes from their 1957 gospel album, Nearer My God Thee. This was the Brothers' first gospel album, though they had released quite a few gospel singles before this. The song has an important message for all those who here God's word. As humans we tend to hear God's word and try to come up with some excuse as to why it doesn't apply to us or why we shouldn't follow it. Yet in the end all these excuses are simply nothing but a waste of good time we could be spending in the joy of God's word. This is followed by Gene Autry and Dinah Shore with their 1950 recording of In The Garden. This song was written by C. Austin Miles (who also wrote Dwelling in Beulah Land). 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. The same day Gene and Dinah recorded this song (April 20, 1950), they also recorded a lovey version of The Old Rugged Cross. Next comes Tom T. Hall with his self penned song, Me And Jesus. This song comes from his 1972 album, Ballad of Forty Dollars. After this comes Nickel Creek with The Hand Song, from their 2000 self titled debut album. The song was co-written by the band's own Sean Watkins (with David Puckett). His sister and bandmate Sara Watkins takes lead vocal. The album was produced by bluegrass great Alison Krauss. Next is Sonny James with Does Jesus Care from his 1966 album, Till The Last Leaf Shall Fall. The answer is yes by the way. This is followed by George Jones singing Old Brush Arbors. This was the title track of his excellent 1965 gospel album. Next we join the King of the Cowboys with a beautiful version of Peace in the Valley. This recording comes from a 1952 episode of his radio show entitled The Rene Eigen Case. This song was written in 1937 by Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey. Dorsey's music had not always been so based in Christianity. During his teens he fell in love with jazz and by 17 he was a nightclub owner and a writer of jazz and blues music. He was living a life that may have been satisfying to his love of music but made him feel that he was leaving his Christian beliefs behind for a life that God had not meant him for. This is what lead him to leave this life behind and write hymns of which this is one of the most famous. Later he would talk about the creation of this song saying, “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.” Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. This hymn began creation 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.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. John 16:22
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
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? Psalm 27:1
May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Psalm 119:76
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3
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
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
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
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them. John 3:36
From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 4:17
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. Acts 3:19
I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. Acts 20:21
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
For nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12
And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:5
Thanks for joining me come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.
