Hello my friends and welcome back to another service of Cowboy Church.
Today's music selection begins with Gene Autry singing Vaya Con Dios. This version came out in 1953, the same year Les Paul and Mary Ford had a #1 hit off this song. This is followed by The Purple Hulls with What a Friend We Have in Jesus. The man who wrote the lyrics for this hymn was the Irish poet Joseph Scriven. He had been hurt by the tragic losses of two fiancés (at two different times in his life, of course) that died shortly before the respective planned weddings. However he felt that even through this Jesus had remained a close friend and comforter (he was still only 25 after the second of these deaths). When later his mother fell extremely ill, he did not have the money to go see her. So he wrote the words of this song as a letter to her, and they were meant to originally only be seen by her. It is unknown exactly when these words were put to music and made into the hymn we all know today. This is followed by Charley Pride singing God's Coloring Book live in 2013. Next is Webb Pierce performing Country Church in a 1952 recording. Webb co-wrote this song with Owen Bradley. Next is The Charlie Daniels Band with their version of Life's Railway to Heaven. This song was first published in 1890 and was written by Baptist preacher, M. E. Abbey and evangelist, Charles Tillman. Abbey wrote the lyrics, while Tillman wrote the music. Abbey's lyrics were inspired by the poem, The Faithful Engineer by William Shakespeare Hays. Tilman had previous used the tune for this song to accompany, Truth Reflects Upon Our Senses, a poem by Eliza Young, one of the wives of Mormon leader, Brigham Young. Perhaps this is why she is sometimes credited with writing some of the lyrics (something that has neither been proven or disproven). The version here comes from The Charlie Daniels Band's 2001 album, How Sweet The Sound - 25 Favorite Hymns And Gospel Greats. Afterwards comes The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1945 recording of Cool Water, a song written by Bob Nolan, one of the group's founding members. Now for the king of the cowboys and the queen of the west, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, with their 1973 version of This Little Light of Mine. This song was written by Harry Dixon Loes in the 1920's. He was a worked for the Moody Bible Institute and wrote this song to remind children to shine their spiritual lights. During the 1960's this hymn took on a new meaning as a protest song. Yet you can be sure that Roy Rogers and Dale Evans intended their recording in the manner of its original children's hymn origins. Today's musical selection ends with Zach Williams and Dolly Parton with There Was Jesus. This song was co-written by Zach and he has said that it is inspired by his own walk with Jesus. It comes from his 2019 album, Rescue Story.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 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 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby. Ezekiel 33:19 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 the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 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 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2 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 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 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
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3 Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Luke 6:35
Thank you for joining me come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.
-Michael J. Ruhland
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