THE HALLMARK OF THE FAITHFUL ARE THE STILL SMALL STRAINS OF OUR HEARTFELT SONG IN THE NIGHT. In the midst of a discourse between Job and his friends, Elihu profoundly describes God as “our Maker who gives songs in the night.” Elihu’s assertion is that people often do not seek God as we ought to, even in the midnight hours of our lives. But a great and ancient truth is contained within these words. God’s people enjoy a blessing known to no other, for even in the darkest of times, God has given us a ray of hope—and a song.
The gospel in song: The Armor of Light
SANCTIFICATION INFUSES THROUGH PRODUCTIVE FAITH, TAKES ROOT IN COMMUNITY, AND THRIVES IN UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. Conversely, sin lurks in idleness, takes root in isolation, and thrives in secrecy. In a time when more people are home from school and work than ever, and the threat of pandemic, death, and economic fallout looms large, Christians must brace themselves for the spiritual battle silently ensuing.
6 Ways to Beat Stage Fright
One of my greatest struggles as a growing song worship leader was overcoming stage fright. For years, nerves impaired my ability to execute my worship plan well, whether it was saying what I wanted to say, in the way I wanted to say it, interpreting a song well, or even hitting the high notes on … Continue reading 6 Ways to Beat Stage Fright
Forever Changed
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried … Continue reading Forever Changed
Which Hymnal or Song Collection Should We Choose?
Selecting a hymnal or collection of songs for a congregation is not an easy task. Oh, it's easy to grab a book with songs that I like, but choosing a hymnal for a congregation carries the daunting responsibility of providing a primary source of the spiritual language of the congregation, and a couple of generations … Continue reading Which Hymnal or Song Collection Should We Choose?
Homework – Getting the Most out of Singing School
So you're going to a singing school, this Summer, or perhaps you've already been to one. How do you make the most of the week? After all, these weeks are packed with powerful worship moments, new songs, music theory, and treasured memories with salt of the earth Christians. It's impossible to fully appreciate and apply … Continue reading Homework – Getting the Most out of Singing School
Resources for Hymn Writers
Someone once said that our hymns are the music of those who are not musicians and the poetry of those who are not poets. Hymns are the spiritual language of the church set to song. Every generation needs to express its faith through song, and every generation does. More importantly, every generation needs to express that … Continue reading Resources for Hymn Writers
“Holy New Creation”, a Brand New Hymn
From time to time, worship leaders run into dead ends when trying to find a song that makes a particular point. We have lots of songs that allude to baptism, but many of them were not actually written with baptismal regeneration in mind–baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I believe that the New Testament teaches … Continue reading “Holy New Creation”, a Brand New Hymn
Digging Deeper: The Invitation Song
It's Tuesday night, you're sitting at the computer browsing a digital song concordance (or perusing a hymnal), sipping a bold cup of joe, and making a song list for the upcoming Sunday worship. Sometimes, these lists practically write themselves and sometimes, it takes a bit of digging to compile a solid song set. In churches … Continue reading Digging Deeper: The Invitation Song