Village Hymns Blog
Still Vol. 1
There’s nothing more beautiful when God meets us in big ways. God can show up with big miracles, moving mountains and breaking walls that keep people from knowing Him and it’s an incredible work when He does. However, in our loud, fast paced culture, we sometimes miss the moments that are equally as powerful, groundbreaking and life changing; it’s in the moments that we are still. Oftentimes it’s in the stillness where the deep things of our soul are revealed before God and we begin to let the Holy Spirit renew the things that are normally buried in the Busy.
Worship in the New Heavens and Earth
As I was walking the dog one particularly beautiful afternoon some weeks ago, the sun and breeze startled me from my screen-induced stupor and called my attention upward. A band of cirrus clouds slowly passed overhead as if to shout, “Hey! Look up here! What have you been so busy with indoors?” The nearby Ficus branches roared in the wind and reminded me of Isaiah’s words: “the trees of the field will clap their hands [in praise].” Foraging birds and squirrels froze at first sight of my four-legged best friend and then, all at once, scattered for shelter.
Contentment’s Hiding Place
I have discovered some unique things from this place of contentment. When you are looking for satisfaction in imperfect things like a church service, a spouse, children, home-making, and job performance, it’s nearly impossible to escape the loop of complaining and bitterness. You will evaluate everything, all the time, because you want “everything” to become your preference. A content soul in Jesus is not searching because it has already found him.
The Season of Giving
As the year comes to a close, and we begin celebrating the holiday season, there is a cultural phrase that sticks out to me the most this time of year: “the season of giving”. This usually is in reference to the fact that this time of year is when we tend to give gifts to our friends, families, neighbors, co-workers, loved ones; to show the appreciation and gratitude we have for them.
Eternity is Written on our Hearts
“Everybody has their thing,” my pastor said during our staff meeting one particular Tuesday as we were going over prayer requests that had been turned in the previous Sunday. A look around the table, I knew we, the staff of our church, were each carrying our own concerns as we met to lift up the burdens of others. We read off each request--failing health, unsaved family members, divorce, job changes--so many heavy weights, each a jumbotron scrolling the same headline: This is not how it’s supposed to be!
The Heart of Worship
The truest model of worship is love Himself—Jesus. It's evident that Jesus loves through the eyes of His Father, yet the only way He knows the heart of His Father is by being in the secret place–deepening His knowledge of God.
Which Voice Are We Listening To?
This current age, and time, is distinctly unique because there are so many influential and significant voices. Social media, televised news, written publications, local and national social trends; and even our own conscience speaks daily several times throughout the day. When leading worship or ministering the Gospel in any way, we directly combat these voices with the Truth! Ministering the Truth is such a vast task, to say the least. According to 2 Timothy 3:16, God’s Word is inspired by God and profitable for reproof, correction, and righteous instruction. God’s Word is true from Genesis to Revelation. With this concept in mind, as we minister we must think about the relevance of the truth.
Why We Worship
About five years ago I found myself deeply challenged by some questions that a friend raised about the way we did church. “Why do we have to have a sermon? And why does there have to be music? Why are we doing church like this and is there a better way to do it?” I had been leading worship for almost ten years at that point and found this question both disturbing and exciting. Why were we doing congregational worship the way we were doing it? Do we even need music in our gatherings?
One Thing is Needed
How many things are on your to-do list right now? Go ahead, think about the pressing tasks for a moment. Stuff to do, people to call, things to fix, flabby bodies to whip back into shape (maybe just me?)—anybody else working on a little home reconstruction over the past couple of months?
A New Song
Songwriting has always been a central part of Village Hymns, and we believe that songwriting is a form of worship. Psalm 96 lays it out perfectly; it begins by saying, “Sing to the LORD a new song…proclaim His salvation day after day.”
First Love
It is time for the church, the Bride, to come back to a revelation of first love.
I write this with affection and value to you, church of South Florida, the eklesia. I thank the Father for you, who has stood firm and stayed planted in a dry and weary land where at times it seems there is no water. You, church of South Florida, have endured. This is no small thing. Unity across borders, boundaries, and denominations has strengthened you. The Father is so proud. Unity will always command His blessing.
Collaboration with the Creator
Wherever you are right now, take a deep breath and just take in the richness of the beauty all around you!
Go ahead, take a second to look out of the nearest window or step outside and observe the wind in the trees, the sun on your skin. What a gift we have to feel and experience God‘s beautiful creation screaming his glory and proclaiming his mighty handiwork! Maybe as you read this you’re taking a sip of tea or coffee, or enjoying a meal. On your next sip or bite, really hone in on the deliciously complex and life giving flavors. Wow! Right?
Why Do We Sing?
For those of us who have grown up in church, singing before and after a sermon is perfectly normal. In fact, it’s expected. However, when I invite unchurched friends to a Sunday morning service, I take in the experience through their eyes and suddenly everything seems unusual. Especially the singing part.
The Thrill of Hope
Hope. Our hearts yearn for it. Our souls long for it. After a couple of years of chaos, caused largely by a global pandemic, the world is desperately seeking strength, joy, and hope when the surrounding world seems to be crumbling. To find that sense of happiness, some have turned to a false sense of hope… to try to fill the hole that only a relationship with Christ can fill. Where are we looking to receive the sense of “comfort and joy” that we all desperately desire? There can be only one true answer, and it was revealed thousands of years ago, found as a babe lying in a manger.
Jesus, Only Jesus - Song Story
As Village Hymns set out to write this song called “Jesus, Only Jesus”, these were the questions burning in our bones. Quickly, Jesus swooped in and redirected our questions. With His gentle voice, He reminded us of His power and His might. He placed His books on history in front of us and we were confronted with the revivals of our biblical fathers. What song could bring revival, or prayer a pentecost? What message could be preached that could call people to the altar to receive Jesus?
The answer is simply: none — not by themselves.
Abiding as Surrender
We have been created to bring glory to God. In a fast-paced culture of complexity and busyness, it has always brought me such peace to find the simplicity of the Gospel and the willingness of our God to give so freely and graciously to us if we abide in Him.
Abiding enables us to grow and produce fruit. So how do we do it?
The Dream of God’s Heart
A few months ago I asked God this question - “Father, what is the dream of Your heart for our city?” He spoke very clearly to me, “My dream for you is that you would know Me and take Me at My word. That you would believe that you are loved and that I am only good.”
His answers always surprise me.
Misplaced Hope
I was reminded of how many times I think I'm putting my trust in the Lord, but it's something completely different. If I'm honest, I like to say, "my hope is in God". But in reality, it's hanging on some irons I have in the fire…