Rich Maffeo on Nostr: One of the most faith-destroying songs I have ever heard sung in churches is ...
One of the most faith-destroying songs I have ever heard sung in churches is “Lonesome Valley.” Sadly, many of you probably know the lyrics that go like this: “You’ve got to walk this lonesome valley, you gotta walk it by yourself.”
Walk it by yourself? Really? The pastors and music directors who lead their congregations in that damnable song openly display their utter failure to shepherd the flock of God.
Christian! I urge you to never let those faithless words cross your lips. Solomon said it a long time ago: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21)
Anyway, when I minister next week at a local dementia care center, I plan to play this song instead: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFPV4AU1ywk .
I’ll then lead them in a Q & A related not only to the central message of that song, but also the Scriptures which promise the Christian: YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE. I offer the song and the questions to you for your own encouragement today.
1. The apostle Paul suffered many dangers and sustained many injuries as he served Christ Jesus. But listen to what he wrote to the Christians at Philippi: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14) HOW do you think Paul could continue to serve Jesus despite the many of life’s storms he endured?
2. EVERYONE walks through storms of life. How would God like us to walk through those storms? (Remember the song lyrics?)
3. What and WHO has God given us so that we CAN walk through life’s storms with our heads held high? (i.e. Faith, and the Holy Spirit who lives in us).
4. The lyrics of this song tell us though our dreams are tossed and blown around, we can still walk on with hope in our heart. How can we have hope even in the middle of sadness and loss in this life?
5. Jesus promised us we will never walk through life alone. Do you believe Jesus is always with you? Why do you believe that?
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Good questions for each of us to consider throughout the year.
Walk it by yourself? Really? The pastors and music directors who lead their congregations in that damnable song openly display their utter failure to shepherd the flock of God.
Christian! I urge you to never let those faithless words cross your lips. Solomon said it a long time ago: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21)
Anyway, when I minister next week at a local dementia care center, I plan to play this song instead: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFPV4AU1ywk .
I’ll then lead them in a Q & A related not only to the central message of that song, but also the Scriptures which promise the Christian: YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE. I offer the song and the questions to you for your own encouragement today.
1. The apostle Paul suffered many dangers and sustained many injuries as he served Christ Jesus. But listen to what he wrote to the Christians at Philippi: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14) HOW do you think Paul could continue to serve Jesus despite the many of life’s storms he endured?
2. EVERYONE walks through storms of life. How would God like us to walk through those storms? (Remember the song lyrics?)
3. What and WHO has God given us so that we CAN walk through life’s storms with our heads held high? (i.e. Faith, and the Holy Spirit who lives in us).
4. The lyrics of this song tell us though our dreams are tossed and blown around, we can still walk on with hope in our heart. How can we have hope even in the middle of sadness and loss in this life?
5. Jesus promised us we will never walk through life alone. Do you believe Jesus is always with you? Why do you believe that?
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Good questions for each of us to consider throughout the year.