Psalm 16:8-9 | An Original Song
Inspired by the words from the Psalmist, David, Joy created this song directly from the words of the Bible (Psalm 16:8-9). She came across the verses when she was really overwhelmed, and the words ministered so much to her. She didn't spend a lot of time writing the music but when she sent the song to Bethany just to show her what she did, Bethany fell in love with it. Joy and Bethany waited months to record this song together (they live thousands of miles from each other) and can't wait for you to hear it!
From Bethany: I have a cool story with this song. A couple months ago I had a really hard drive back home...to the point where I was in tears driving down the road. On top of that, I'm not the best at directions and was lost. Jesus prompted me to sing this song (I had just recently memorized the words after Joy had sent it to me) and I found myself singing it over and over for the next forty-five minutes until I reached my destination. If I stopped singing it, I would no longer feel peace and started freaking out. This song will always be special for me and I'm SO glad I could finally record it with Joy! We hope you love this song as much as we do.
Joy in Jesus Medley | Written by Abigail
The Vergeer sisters sing a medley including a song Abigail wrote about having Joy in Jesus. Her song reminds us that steady joyfulness comes only from Jesus, and nothing needs to shake that joy.
Our culture, even among Christians, says it's too optimistic and ingenuine to rejoice in everything. What do you think? What does the Bible say?
What if you made the commitment to give thanks in everything. To give up the desire to engage in self-focused pity, and choose a joyful heart and countenance instead.
It is possible, dear friend, by God's help, to make the choice to rejoice.
Check out The Hope Factor's upcoming blog post for Abigail and Joy's thoughts on rejoicing while still being vulnerable with each other.
Angels Watching Over Me | Live Christmas Choir
Our choir sings "Angels Watching Over Me"
Arranged by: Joel Raney
Director: Nancy Shirley
Vocalists: Faith A, Grace A, Kenny S, James F, Daniel F, Andrew V, Pam, Sara K, Amanda, Matthew A, Brennen F, Jonnie M, Caitlin A, Abigail F.
Audio Recording: Noah F, Jesse A.
Video Recording: Kiera F.
Photography: Eden M.
Who You Say I Am by Hillsong Worship | Music Cover
Check out our other music done by Bethany!!
As the Deer | 10,000 Reasons Piano Medley - YouTube
My Hope is in the Lord | 4-part Violin Cover - YouTube
Blessings by Laura Story | Music Cover - YouTube
Lyrics:
Verse 1
Who am I that the highest King
Would welcome me
I was lost but He brought me in
Oh His love for me
Oh His love for me
Chorus
Who the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
I’m a child of God
Yes I am
Verse 2
Free at last
He has ransomed me
His grace runs deep
While I was a slave to sin
Jesus died for me
Yes He died for me
Chorus
Who the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
I’m a child of God
Yes I am
In my Father’s house
There’s a place for me
I’m a child of God
Yes I am
Bridge
I am chosen
Not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me
Not against me
I am who You say I am
Outro:
In my Father’s house
There’s a place for me
I’m a child of God
Yes I am
Truth vs Lies | Identity in Christ Challenge Video
The challenge video for the “Identity in Christ” theme is here! It’s super do-able, only takes 10-15 minutes and as a bonus, is fun! Watch ‘til the end of the video as there’s bloopers waiting for you!
There are some examples down below of some lies and countering Scriptures that you can use. These are the ones that Bethany used in the video.
Lie: “I’m ugly”
Scripture:
1 Peter 3:3-4 “Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.”
Lie: “God doesn't care about me.”
Scripture:
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2
He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” Isaiah 40:11
Lie: “I’m not good at anything”
Scripture:
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Your Identity Changes Everything
Our identity as followers of God is super important. In Paul's epistles he encourages us believers to be “in Christ,” “in him,” or “in the Lord” 160 times! This video starts the ”Identity in Christ” theme. Be sure not to miss it because it’s a good one!
Holding Onto God During Difficulty
How do we hold onto God during difficult times in our lives? In this video, Caiti shares in a beautiful way a little bit of what she does to keep close to God when hard times come.
The Power of Words: How to Help A Hurting Friend
Catie shares from her own experiences how words can tear down or bring life to someone suffering or in a hard place. Watch to find out how to bring life through your words!
Blessings by Laura Story | Music Cover
Bethany, Sara, and Faith perform a cover arranged by Bethany of Laura Story’s “Blessings”.
Musical Charades Competition | Christian Songs
Join us as we try and guess the song! There's going to be a couple twists along the way so watch til the end!
5 Practical Ideas for Strengthening Your Walk with God | Q&A
You all asked for it and here we are! Looking for practical ways on how to strengthen your relationship with God or revive it? Catie and Bethany give you five different ways to do just that! Be sure to watch this video to get ideas or be refreshed on ideas!
Why I Spend Time with God
Why do you spend time with God? In this video, find out why Bethany believes it’s important in each of our lives.
The Importance of an Eternal Mindset
Do you have an eternal perspective? Do you know what that means? In this video, Brennen and Bethany discuss how the promise of living eternally with Jesus makes a difference in our everyday lives!
An Eternal Perspective in the Midst of Suffering
Catie shares from her heart on why having an eternal perspective matters when going through suffering in this life. She reminds us that suffering is not the end. Watch to find out how she manages going through hard times.
"God's Presence in My Pain": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7Rwk9Gnldk
How to Get to a Place of Surrender | Discussion
Caiti, Brennen, and Catie talk about how to get to a place of surrender in our lives. Listen in on this longer, podcast style video - it's worth the watch!!
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus | Cover by The Hope Factor
Caiti, Brennen, Grace, Andrew, and Faith sing an acapella version of Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, the classic hymn. We love this song because it reminds us to look beyond our current difficulties and hardships and remember that we are blessed to have access to a relationship with Jesus and a future with Him!
Learn How to Strengthen Your Relationship with Christ
Welcome to the Hope Factor, where our aim is to strengthen your relationship with Christ, the one who gives us true hope. You can find encouraging testimonies, Christian music videos, challenge videos, comedy shorts, and engaging discussions of Christian topics!
Check out all of our videos here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYFEIf8dDImLWCWPJCzv1dg/about?view_as=subscriber
Sister Duo | 'Have it All' & 'I Surrender All' Medley
When the theme of Surrender was chosen for the Month of June, we gladly agreed to do a video because of the satisfaction and joy we've both experienced through surrender, yet we had no idea what a test was ahead of us. Over the course of the last month we have been struggling to surrender certain things that have NOT been easy to give up. Sing these words to the Lord with us—the words that have become our anthem as we let God give and take as He chooses. And be reminded, dear ones, that when He takes something away, He always has something better in its place.
-Abigail and Joy
If Preachers Voiced Your GPS
Brennen explores in a humorous way what it might look like if different types of preachers told you where to go as you drive.