Quote for the day-The Holy Spirit-Part 4

                              Quote for the day-The Holy Spirit-Part 4

“But ye shall receive power, after that the holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts I:8)

 

The Holy Spirit and music Ministry-Part 4

The Work of the Holy Spirit in Music Ministry-Part 4

Church musicians are commanded in Ephesians and Colossians to "speak", to "make melody" and to "sing with grace in the heart". Dr. Godbey states that these verses in Ephesians 

 

. . . establish the fact that the Holy Ghost not only fills the heart, but opens the mouth and makes us sing, and speak fluently an indefatigably for God. It is simply awful to spend an hour in a fashionable city church listening to Satan's giggling choir squeal out a few operatic songs, utterly unintelligible to the congregation sitting dumb as tombstones . . Rest assured the Holy Ghost always makes people sing. So when a congregation quits singing, they have already become a good missionary field.[i] 

 

Sometimes we lead our congregations down wandering paths as we try to substitute gimmicks for a lack of spiritual power and interest in our music ministry.  Holy Spirit filled music ministry is as Matthew Henry expresses, “A gospel ordinance: it is an ordinance of God, and appointed to his glory.” [ii]  Music ministry  is not a platform for our personal preferences. I have witnessed the anointing of the Holy Spirit on various groups and individuals as they honored Him and ministered under the divine influence.  Therefore, I am forever convinced that we as 21^st century church musicians can and must have the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit upon our public music ministry if our musicing is going to be efficacious.

---

[i] Godbey's Commentary Vol. 3 p. 49

[ii] Matthew Henry’s Commentary Vol.VI, p.713

Quote for the day-The Holy Spirit-Part 3

                                         Quote for the day-The Holy Spirit-Part 3

“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” ( Romans 8:6)

The Holy Spirit and Music Ministry-Part 3

The Work of the Holy Spirit in music Ministry-Part 3

In I Corinthians 3:1  St. Paul told the Corinthian Christians "And I, brethren, could not speak to you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as to babes in Christ."  He continues in verse three "For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?"  Because of carnality the Christian's witness and ministry at Corinth was hampered.

I am convinced of two things; first, the musicians with the carnal mind will not receive the concept of a music ministry "in the Holy Ghost" because it is foolishness to him. He is an autonomous man, and educated man, a sophisticated man, and an emancipated man. He is musically aware, artistically aware, aesthetically aware, politically aware, and his favorite color is plaid. He is like the Barber in Rossini's opera "The Barber of Seville" who said: 

I am respectable, highly acceptable in any circle I feel at home. I am reliable, clever and pliable, I am the king of lather and foam.

He won't admit it, but deep down in his heart he doesn't need the help of the Holy Ghost. Second, the carnal mind of the church musician has learned "the word's which man's wisdom teach him." He never stops his frenzied pace to tarry for the words which the "Holy Ghost teaches." You might ask, "What will the Holy Ghost teach us concerning music?" I know exactly what he wants to teach us. He wants to teach us the truth. St. John records the words of Jesus (14:26a) "But the comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things . . . . " I know that Christ was talking to his disciples. I know that there was a lot more involved here than just music. I believe that when Christ said all he meant all - yes, A - L - L, all truth including the truth about how to worship him in music "in spirit and in truth". Let me remind you that the Holy Spirit is a safe teacher.

Thought for the day-The holy Spirit-Part 2

 The Role of the Holy spirit in Music Ministry-Part 2
Music education, including a Bible based music philosophy, is vitally important to a practicing Christian musician, but it is the leadership of the blessed Holy Spirit that makes musicing spiritually effective.

The Holy Spirit and Music Ministry-Part 2

      The Work of the Holy Spirit in Music ministry-Part 2
  Yesterday we began a series of posts about how Christian musicians need the Holy Spirit in their music ministry.  Today and for several days to come we will continue that discussion. It is my belief that discussions of contemporary music in the church, rock music in the church and a host of other topics concerning the various ramifications of church music ministry are valuable to everyone involved in churches, Bible colleges, and Christian day schools. However, these discussions are what one may call "problematic" or "symptomatic" i.e. they deal with problems in church music and not necessarily the cure. Put another way, they deal with the "fruit" of the problem rather than the "root". We need to deal with not only what is wrong with church music, but what is right with church music. It is my belief that there is a wonderful positive cure found beneath the root of the multiplicity of problems arising in church music. The cure to many problems in church music is found in the divine influence of the Holy Spirit upon the musician and congregation alike.

This may surprise you, but I am convinced that there is only one safe teacher concerning church music, and furthermore, His name isn't Garen Wolf! He is the Blessed Holy Spirit. I Corinthians 2:12-16 states: 

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. [This man is ever learning, never coming to the knowledge of truth.] But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged by no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.  (Statement in brackets, mine)

The Work of the Holy Spirit in Music Ministry-Part 1-

         If you are new to my blog you should understand that when the posts are divided into several parts of a series, usually there is no attempt to draw each post to a definite conclusion.  Therefore, it would be a good idea to read any of the archived parts that you have may miss if you do not page view every day.

A Biblical perspective of the influence of the Holy Spirit on church music is essential if a minister of music is going to have an efficacious balanced music ministry. Church musicians must remember that the Bible commands musicians to be filled with the Spirit. In Ephesians 5:18-20 we read:

And be not drunk with wine wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit. Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
            A companion musical discourse to the Ephesians scripture is found in Colossians 3:15-17:
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body: and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual song, sing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.
Notice that the musician is command to NOT be drunk and is command TO BE FILLED with the Spirit.
         The musician who is filled with the Spirit has as the Wesleyan Bible commentary states “. . . a reckless abandonment to the will of God. . . " 1. Pulpit points out that, " . . . we can never be too much abandoned to the spiritual appetite. It can never grow in us to dangerous strength." 2. Beacon states that:
The verb 'filled' is a present imperative and can be translated 'be continually filled with the Spirit.' But is stands to reason that a Christian cannot go on being filled until he has first been filled at some given time, as was true on the Day of Pentecost. Ralph Earle comments, 'This is not to be a transitory experience, but as abiding one.' The verbs in 19 - 21 suggest that Paul is not here calling his readers to the crisis of being sanctified wholly, but rather to the subsequent life in which the Holy Spirit fills us moment by moment, having already been 'sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise. . . . ' 3.

1. Wesleyan Bible Commentary p. 424
2. Pulpit Commentary p. 238
3. Beacon Bible Commentary p. 235

 

 

 

Thought for the day- The Holy Spirit-Part 1

                                               Thought for the day-The Holy Spirit in Music Ministry

The Holy Spirit will guide us in every part of our music ministry if we will only seek His guidance.

Musicing in Tears

                                         Thought for the day-Musicing in Tears

If you find a place of prayer and in humility and tears cry out to God for the Holy Spirit’s anointing and power, no one may ever know why your music ministry is efficacious, but you will know and God will know!

 

Musicing with Humility and Tears

 Musicing With Humility and Tears  

Psalm 126:5 states “they that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”  (Songs of joy- NIV)

       The Hebrew word rinnah (7440) is used with much latitude in the OT.  It often represented joy, rejoicing, shouting joyfully, or singing.  The Bible often speaks of the process of sewing and reaping.  In this instance one who desires to reap with the joy of singing must sow with tears.

       St Paul reminded the Ephesian elders that he had served the Lord with “humility of mind” and with many tears.  Many of the problems that plague our public music ministry will never be worked out in a rehearsal or in a board meeting.  The Psalmist reminds us in Psalm 126 that the humility of tears will bring the desired results. 

       Verse six states “He that goeth forth and weepeth bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again rejoicing (rinnah 7440 i.e. with joyful singing), bringing his sheaves with him.”  The word alummah (485 refers to some kind of grain bound together into a bundle.  In this case it connoted the result of a spiritual harvest.  If the Christian musician will have a tender “weeping” spirit, God has promised a precious harvest that will end in singing.  Some things are only accomplished by prayer and humility before the Lord.

       So, if we as Christian musicians, want to sing and have an efficacious music ministry there will be a time of waiting on the Lord with humility and tears until God hears and answers our prayers.  The Christian musical leader must desire the results of an efficacious musical ministry more than a music program that  is ”instant pudding, ” “flashy,” quick and showy.  It takes a time or continuous Spirit led musicing before one often sees the desired results.

thought for the day-Musicing the Word

 

                             Thought for the day-Musicing the Word 

If God’s Word is not true, then it is not worth musicing.  If it is true (and it most certainly is) it is the most important part of a Christian’s musicing.

 

Musicing the Word of the Holy One of Israel

                                             Musicing the Word of the Holy One of Israel   

Psalm 71: 22 states “I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee  will I sing with the Harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.”

       The God is worthy of our musical worship, is Elohiym (430) the supreme plural form of the word for the exceeding God.  The God who Israel worshiped with the harp and lyre in vocal and instrumental praise is identified as the “Holy One of Israel”.  The Hebrew word qadosh (6918) means the only true God who is morally perfect or clean.  This holy supreme God must be worshiped in his “truth”.  Our musicing proclaims the “true” truth of our holy, supreme exceeding God. 

       The psalmist was not only interested in  singing and playing the large hand-held lyre, but he was also concerned with proclaiming the absolute truth of God’s message to his people.  In order for a Christian musician to music the truth of the Bible, he or she must believe that it is the absolute accurate inspired Word of God.  St. John 1:1 very clearly proclaims that “in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”   As we know the word logos (3056) means something said and that all the divine expressions or accounts were breathed out by God and therefore God and what he has said in Scripture cannot be separated. 

       Therefore, every Christian musician must realize just how important his or her musicing really is.  As Christian musicians we have the awesome opportunity and responsibility to sing and play about God’s righteousness, wonderful works, salvation, and holiness.  Twenty first century Christian musicians must not get so busy performing that they forget that they are presenting the “true” truth of the “Holy One of Israel”.

 

Quote for the day-Singing Gave the Sense

Quote for the day-Singing Gave the Sense

       “The Talmud says that the Bible should be read in public and be made understood to the hearers in sweet, musical tune.  And he who reads the Pentateuch without tune shows disregard for it and the vital value of its laws.  A deep understanding can be achieved only by singing the Torah…and whoever intones the Holy Scriptures in the manner of secular SONG abuses the Torah.”  Abraham Idelsohn, Jewish Music in Its Historical Development, pp. 35-36, quoting portions of B. Megilla, 32a, and Sanhedrin, 1019.

Reading (Singing) Distinctly Gave the "Sense"

  Reading (Singing) Distinctly Gave the “Sense”   

Nehemiah 8:8 states, “So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.”

       This passage of Scripture has troubled many Bible expositors for centuries.  They have often queried, “What made the reading of the scrolls of the Law “distinct”?  They have also wondered how the Levite musicians were able to “give the sense’ of the meaning of the Law?  It has also been a great mystery as to what type or rendering of the scrolls by the Levite musicians actually took place.  (We know from verse seven that the Levites were among those who “…caused the people to understand the law…”)

       I have no doubt that this Bible reference, which over the many centuries has become an esoteric reference, is a reference to the intoning or singing of the Law by the use of the te’amim (the biblical musical notation) which is found above and below the text in some Hebrew Bibles.  This intoning, cantillation, or singing is what made the Levite rendering of the Law “distinct” i.e. more understandable to the people. 

       Note that the Bible does not say that the Levite musicians gave commentary (like the Halakah and Haggadah from the Midrash) on the content of the scrolls, but merely about their type of “reading”, which I believe refers to the singing of the Law through the use of the te’amim.  We know with certainty that this rendering was performed so distinctly (parash 6567, i.e. to separate or to specify) that it gave enough specificity to the meaning of the text that the congregation “understood the reading" of the Torah.

       So, you may legitimately ask, ”What should we learn from this text in the book of Nehemiah?”  I believe that Christian musicians in the twenty first century need to be aware that proper musical rendering of the good news of the Bible can make it more understandable to the hearers.  The music minister must render sacred music in such a way that the modern-day worshiper will be aware of the “sense” of the message in order to understand distinctly.

Thought for the day- Singing When You are Under Stress

                                      Thought for the day-Singing When Under Stress

       Being upset or angry at someone else hurts you much more than the person with whom you are angry.

 

Singing When You are Under Stress

Singing When You are Under Stress  

Psalm 57:7 states, “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed:  I will sing and give praise.”

       Evidently David prepared this Psalm for the chief Levite musician during the time he was fleeing from King Saul.  While under great stress the Psalmist David found it necessary to prepare his heart before he could sing and give praise unto God.  This scripture says that David “fixed his heart.  The Hebrew word kuwn (3559) means that David prepared his heart by making spiritual preparation so that he could sing and rejoice although he was under great pressure from King Saul.

       Christian musicians who are constantly working with others will from time to time find themselves under great stress.  At such times there will often be situations that cause hard feelings and misunderstandings that require much heart preparation.  If the Christian musician does not take time to make the necessary heart “fixing”, burnout is sure to happen.

      My beloved former pastor R.E. Carroll used to tell those of us who worked closely with him that when trouble and misunderstanding arose in his life that he would pray, “Lord handle me.  Lord take care of my attitude.”  Rather than pray that the Lord would change the other guy, he would ask the Lord to change him and his attitude.

       So, when the heat is on, do not try to music unto God until you have had an “attitude adjustment”.  I believe that it is impossible to have an efficacious music ministry when your heart is not prepared or “fixed’.  Heart fixing is absolutely necessary before you music unto God.  It doesn’t do much good to tune your harp until you have tuned your heart.

Thought for the day-Is Your Music Noisy?

                                         Thought for the day-Is your Music Noisy?   

Since the gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of “rest”, it seems to me, that noise based musicing is an incongruent attempt at accomplishing an atmosphere of stability and rest.

Is Your Music Noisy?

                       Is Your Music “Noisy”?  

Ezekiel 26:13 states “And I will cause the noise of thy viles to cease; and the sound of thy harps shall be no more heard.”

        The Lord God pronounced judgment against Tyre (Tyrus) because they had wasted Jerusalem.  Tyre was also indulgent in its musicing practices.  The Lord (Adonay 136) who is the sovereign controller of the universe promised Tyre that he would cause the noise of their songs to cease.

       Like the music praxis of ancient Tyre, some twenty first century Christian musicians have become indulgent in their way s of musicing.  One of the main causes of indulgent musicing is that musicians often become enamored with noise and decibels i.e. with noise based music praxis.  Twenty first century Christian musicians need to be careful not to become self-serving, performance oriented, noise makers.  A sense of musical priority is always appropriate when a Christian is attempting to music unto God.

      Notice that the Lord (Adonay 136) God (Jahovih 3069) was concerned with the sounds (qowl 6963) that the musicians were making with their musical instruments. The sovereign controller of the universe who is the autonomous self-existent God was not pleased because of, among other things; they were producing noise based music.  The Hebrew word used here is hamown (1995) which means tumultuous sound.  So, the bible music lesson is very clear in this Scripture.  God hears noise based music as we know from Ezekiel 26: 13 and He was not pleased with it.  Therefore, it is not a farfetched philosophical concept that God will be displeased when we try to music unto Him with noise based music.  The great music historian Curt Sachs once stated, “How did the ancient Jews sing?  Did they actually cry at the top of their voices?  Some students have tried to make us believe that such was the case, and they particularly refer to several of the Psalms that allegedly bear witness of praying in fortissimo.  But I suspect them of drawing from translations rather than from the original.”  The Rise of Music in the Ancient World, by Curt Sachs, p. 80

Thought for the day-Righteous Musicians sing and Rejoice

                     Thought for the day-Righteous Musicians Sing and Rejoice  

Always remember that Jesus gently entreats the Christian and Satan accuses us and tells us there is no hope.

Righteous Musicians Sing and Rejoice

Righteous Musicians Sing and Rejoice   

Proverbs 29:6 states, “In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doeth sing and rejoice.”

       Are you a Christian musician who has a singing heart instead of merely a musician who sings?  In other words, are you a rejoicing musician?  It is one thing to sing songs about rejoicing and it is entirely another to rejoice when you music unto God. 

       When trouble comes do you proclaim God’s power and love or do you let Satan lead you into depression?  God’s inspired Word teaches us that the righteous sing and rejoice.  It doesn’t say that the righteous sing and rejoice only in the good times, it simply states that if you are righteous you will sing and rejoice.  Ouch! 

       Verse eight of this Proverb tells us that the scornful set things on fire, but the righteous “turn away wrath”.  As a righteous musician you have the opportunity to use singing as a means of grace that can actually keep one’s from sitting in the seat of the scornful (see Psalm one).  The Bible teaches clearly that there is a difference in what an evil man and a righteous man or woman does.  An evil person is ensnared by his or her sin and the righteous person sings and rejoices in the LORD who is willing and able to deliver the Christian out of life’s troubles.

       If you have been ensnared by some trick of the enemy of your soul, do not give up spiritually.  Tell Jesus that you are sorry and really mean it. I Chronicles 16:10 and Psalm 105:3 both say, “Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.”  Rejoice, because only a person who remains evil has to remain ensnared.  Remember that I John 2:1 is an admonition to us, “My little Children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.  And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”  Wow!  Jesus is right now sitting at the right hand of the Father praying for us.  He is praying for us because he cares about us very much.  We know this of a surety because Romans 8:24 states, “Who is he that condemneth?  It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who makes intercession for us.”  If Jesus is praying for us, and we know that He is from this Scripture, we can make it through all the troubles of life.

Choosing Blessing and Life

                          Prayer for the day-Choosing Blessing and Life 

 Lord, I am asking you to help me to choose life every day that I live.  I am also asking you to help me to have and exhibit a forgiving attitude toward others that I work with from day to day.  Lord, please help my wife and my children to also choose life and blessing over death and cursing.  Please help me to bridle my tongue, and at the same time, I am asking you to pour honey over my soul in so much abundance that out of my innermost being will flow rivers of sweet living water.  These things I earnestly pray in your wonderful name.  Amen.

 

Choosing Blessing and Life

Choosing Blessing and Life  

Deuteronomy 30:19 states, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”

        This verse is part of a covenant god made to Moses for the Children of Israel when they were in the land of Moab. The LORD called heaven and earth to record that they had a choice to make between life and death.  God’s will for them was that they would choose blessing and life.  However, since they were free moral agents, the final choice was theirs to make.

       As a Christian musician, you once chose to accept “life” which comes with the blessings of God as a concomitant to that choice.  Along the way, your attitude may have caused you to accept the council of the ungodly and thereby you man at this point in your life be sitting in the seat of the scornful.  If you have chosen to become scornful and bitter in your spirit, you are choosing cursing and ultimate spiritual death for you and your children.  (see Psalm One)

       If you have chosen to love, forgive, obey and to accept life and blessing you are on the right spiritual path.  Your children are able to read your silent actions like they would a book.  If you are bearing scornful, sour fruit, you are poisoning your soul and the souls of your family.  God has promised in this verse of Scripture that he will and has set before you the path of life and blessing.  I suggest that you take that path today. 

 

Prayer for the day-Burden for Song

                  Prayer for the day-Burden for Song 

       I want to thank you Lord for giving me the opportunity to music too and with other Christian musicians.  Please help to never lose the wonder of musicing with others unto you.  As a Christian musician, help me to be a good and faithful musical servant.  Lord, help me to be ever aware that if I am not a “good” servant all my musicing and all my leading will be in vain.  I am asking you to keep developing my musical and leadership skills.  Please protect me from burnout, discouragement and depression which all come from my enemy and your enemy Satan.  These things I pray unto you because by faith I know that you are seeing this little written prayer.  Thank You in advance for your answer.  Amen.

Chenaniah Had Burden For Song

    Chenaniah Had Burden For Song  

I Chronicles 15:22 states, “And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he was skillful.

       We’re back to I chronicles 15:22 again.  This verse of Scripture is loaded with pertinent musical and spiritual information.  So, let’s dig in!  Have you ever wondered how this Levite became chief of the Levite Musicians?  At another time we will discuss Chenaniah’s burden (massa, 5375) for song and how this burden for music was borne in upon him of God.

       Today let us consider that this musician came to prominence because he was a skillful musician.  The Hebrew words yacar (3256) and biyn (9950 connote that he was a cunning performer who was knowledgeable enough to be a music instructor of the other Levite musicians.

It is never easy for a minister of music who is very busy to take time to search out the history and meaning of the music he or she leads others in singing or playing in the church service.  Personal practice is very time consuming and so is giving lessons to other church musicians.  Goading those who study music with us to practice; digging out spiritual meanings in the music; directing choral and instrumental rehearsals; and working with soloists is exhausting but very worthwhile.  Holding rehearsals when key members are absent is frustrating and challenging.

       Faithfulness and a good attitude on the part of the minister of music is absolutely essential to an efficacious music ministry.  I often think of the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:21, “his lord saith unto him, Well done thou good and faithful servant: Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make the ruler over many things: enter thou into the joys of thy lord.”

Thought for the day-Record, thand, and Praise

Thought for the day-Record, Thank, and Praise  

I Chronicles 16:4 gives us an Old Testament formula for musical worship.  It is simple but profound—record, thank, and then praise.

 Appointed to Record, Thank, and Praise   

I Chronicles 16:4 states, “And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank, and praise the LORD God of Israel.”

       Yesterday we considered the appointment of the Levite musicians to minister in the spirit of humility.  Today we are going to consider the words record, thank, and praise.  The Hebrew word zakar (2143) which was translated” record” means to remember.  Before a congregation of believers can truly worship they need to remember.  Our musicing needs to cause them to remember who God is, what He is like, what He has done, and what he will do for  those who love and serve Him.

       After we have led the congregation in remembering God’s Goodness, then we need to lead them in musicing that will cause them to be thankful.  A Christian who remembers will become a thankful worshiper.  The Hebrew word yadah (3034) that has been translated thank means to reach out or to extend the hands. True heart-felt thanksgiving to God will cause the assembly of believers revere God and to reach out in avowal with extended hands (yadah 3034) to God.

       When the congregation of believers has musiced unto God with recording and thanking they are then ready to give praise unto God.  The word praise put for the Hebrew word halal (1984) means to be “clear” or to “boast”.  Recording and praising will cause Christians who worship to brag and boast about Jehovah Elohim.  As they do so, they will be lifted up in the most holy faith.

Thought for the day-Appointed to Humbly Minister

    Thought for the day-Appointed to Humbly Minister

The most educated, prepared and qualified Christian musicians that I have had the privilege to work with were also down-to-earth humble musicians.
                                                                                                                                          

Appointed to Humbly Minister

Appointed to Humbly Minister  

I Chronicles 16:4 states, “And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank, and praise the LORD God of Israel.”

       The Hebrew word Nathan (5414) which has been translated appointed in this verse is used in the O.T. with great latitude.  In this verse it connotes to assign or to commit. King David assigned or committed the Levite musicians to minister to Jehovah Elohim (3068, 430) the self-existent eternal god who is the supreme exceeding God.  The word certain does not appear in the original text so this appointment was not an esoteric calling for a small number of musicians, but rather that God appointed all these musicians to minister unto Him.

       The Hebrew word sharath (8334) translated minister means to serve, wait on, or minister as a menial worshiper.  These Levite musicians were by no means “menials”.  However, they were instructed to minister in the spirit of humility like the most menial worshiper who worshiped Jehovah Elohim. 

       As kings and priests unto God (see The Revelation 1:6) we, as Christian musicians, are appointed by our heavenly Father to minister musically unto god and unto his people.  No matter how accomplished we are as musicians, we are commanded to wait on or serve others with our musicing in the spirit of humility.

Quote for the day-Musicians Who Ministered

  Quote for the day—Musicians Who Ministered

        My former pastor, R.E. Carroll, often admonished those of us that were regularly ministering unto God to “Practice the presence of God every day of the week” so that we would be in a position spiritually to minister unto God on Sunday.

Musicians Who Ministered

 Musicians Who Ministered   

Ezekiel 40:44 states, “And without the inner gate were the chambers of the Singers in the inner court…”

       Bible expositors have had a field day with this Old Testament text.  Many of them simply ignored it as though it was extraneous material without meaning.  Others simply ignored the word shiyr (7788) translated “singers” which meant singer-players. Some believe that this Scripture refers to the chambers where the Levite Musicians lived.

       Matthew Henry believed that, “Some [chambers] were for the singers v.44.  It should seem that they were first provided for before any that other that attended [ministered] this temple-service, to intimate, not only that the singing of Psalms should still continue a gospel ordinance, but that the gospel should furnish all that embrace it with abundant matter of joy and praise, and give them occasion to break forth into singing, which is often foretold concerning gospel times.”

 Matthew Henry’s Commentary, Vol. IV, Isaiah—Malachi, page 985

       You are probably thinking, "How could this quaint esoteric text from the Bible have meaning to musicians in the twenty-first century?”  There are at least two thoughts that are worth considering.  First, the Levite musician’s chambers were in very close proximity to the place of worship in the Temple.  For some reason God wanted these musicians to live very close to their place of music ministry.  Evidently Jehovah wanted them to dwell close to where they met with God in worship.  Perhaps Christian musicians may learn from this O.T. example that we all need to “dwell” close to where true worship takes place.  These musicians lived in the” inner court” of Jehovah’s Temple.

       Second, this Scripture is proof that the ancient church took care of the Levite music ministers who regularly musiced unto Jehovah. I believe that in this age of financial affluence, the twenty-first century church must take care of its music ministers.

       The Priests and the Levite musicians were described as those (vs. 46) who “came near to the LORD to minister unto him.”  The Bible example in this passage of Scripture is very clear.  One who would wish to minister unto the Lord, both then and now, must live in such a manner that that he could and can come near to the LORD to minister unto Him!

Prayer for the day-God's Supper

    Prayer for the day-God’s Supper 

       LORD you are the one that controls the universe that you created.  Please help me to keep oil in my spiritual lamp so that I will be able to have the strength to keep musicing for you.  I am asking You to open my understanding of Your Word so that it may feed my soul.  Please give me the unction and anointing of the Holy Spirit for daily service for You.  LORD, I know that it isn’t by my might or by my own power, but by Your Spirit that I may have an efficacious music ministry.  thank You LORD for caring about me, and for loving me enough to give Your only son for my sin. These things I pray with a grateful heart.  Amen.

"Taste of My Supper"

                                                        “Taste of My Supper”

St Luke 14:16,17,18a,24,  “Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for  all things are now ready.  And they all with one consent begun to make excuse… For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.”

       This bible lesson that Jesus taught has a pleasant beginning but a sad ending.  In this parable taught by Jesus it is easy to visualize a great many people who have been called to a feast at God’s great table.  I have lived long enough to see young men and women who were called by God to serve Him.  They traveled on the College Bus with me for thousands of miles.  They feasted at the Lord’s table as they musiced unto God then but they have not continued to heed his call, follow His will, and feast at His table

       Galatians 5:7 asks the important question, “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?”  Although God sent his servant to admonish you, while you were in Bible College, to use your musical talents for the Lord, someone or something has caused you to fail to continue to give your music talents back to God.  Nothing in this world is important enough to be worthy of causing you to stop musicing unto God.

     When I read this parable taught by Jesus, I am reminded that whatever it takes to keep my appointment at God’s supper is worth it.  I want to make sure that I keep oil in my spiritual lamp because I have been invited to taste of the God’s great” supper”. Over the years when I faced burnout, the only thing that would help was to find a place of prayer and pour out my troubles to the Lord.  Jesus always listened patiently and never accused me or made fun of me.  After the depression went away, most of the time I would come to the realization that I had been listening to the wrong voice.

Prayer for the day-Singing to Remember

                                      Prayer for the day-Singing to Remember      

       I thank you Lord!  I thank you for bringing to my memory all the times you have come to my deliverance. I thank you who for saving and sanctifying power that are real in my life.  Please, Lord, accept my songs of your deliverance which I am singing unto you as a sacrifice of praise. I am asking that, as I take the journey from the natural to the supernatural to give you praises from deep within my heart, that my prayer will ascend from my little office where I am typing this little earnest prayer unto heaven where you dwell in power and splendor.  I want You to know that I love you and that I thank you for all you have done for me just because You love me.  Also, thank you in advance for all you will do for me during this day!

 

 

Singin g to Remember

 Singing To Remember 

Psalm 30:4 states “Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.”

       Many times in the Book of Psalms we are admonished to “sing unto the LORD”.  As a matter of fact the Hebrew title for the book of Psalms is the Cepher Tehillim (5612, 8416) which means the Scroll of Praises.  This verse from the Scroll of Praises specifically admonishes those who are “saints of his” to sing unto Jehovah.  It is a good thing for the unregenerate person to sing about God, but this psalm is directed to the redeemed.  This lyric poem is identified in the superscription as a mizmowr shiyr (2167, 7892) which the AV renders a Psalm Song.  These two words actually mean a song set to instrumental music.  So, we justly gather that it is a praise song (poem) set to instrumental music. Furthermore it is a song of thanks and remembrance.

       The poet remembers that the LORD has lifted him up, healed him, brought his soul from the grave, made him to stand strong, as well as other wonderful things.  The thought that is amplified here is that although he now has, and has had in the past, had many needs, the self existent, eternal God who not only was but is alive, has and will deliver him from his troubles.

       Christian musicians, being often prone to melancholy, often fail to have the attitude of this psalmist.  Because they often get depressed they “sing the blues’ about their troubles.   Ministering musicians are so intensely involved in their busy little “cloudy world” that they fail to take advantage of the means of grace that will build them up in the “most holy faith”.  These depressed musicians lead others in worship but fail to partake of the divine fruit that is on god’s table.

        The psalmist admonishes these musicians to “Sing unto the LORD”.  He also emphasizes the importance of singing songs of praise that will cause the “saints” to remember of Jehovah’s holiness (quodesh 6944), which means remembering “most holy” things about God.

   Why not stop whining right now, and start singing God’s praises as you call to remembrance all the wonderful things God has done for you.  Surely you, as a musician, know an appropriate praise chorus that is fitting for your situation.  I suggest that you sing out loud so that you can drown out the whispering of Satan.  Remember that you will probably remain depressed if you continue to listen to the wrong voice.

Thought for the day-Chosen Last

Thought for the day-Chosen Last 

There is no Scripture in the Old Testament where it is recorded that the Levite musicians fought over position or place for themselves or their children.

What if Your Musician Son Was Chosen Last?

What if Your Musician Son Was Chosen Last?  

       I Chronicles 25:31 states, “The four and twentieth to Romamtiezer, he his sons, and his brethren, were twelve.”

       This is a  wonderful chapter which I have read over and over and over again. Although I have studied this passage of Scripture many times, I never thought about the significance of verse until I read it this morning.  David and his captains separated the sons of Asaph, Heman (Ethan) and Jeduthun to prophesy with singing and with instruments.

       I can see in my mind’s eye this great event in the life of the Levites who were music ministers in the Temple.  The Biblical record states, “Now the first lot came forth for Asaph to Joseph…” (verse 9a).  Wow, think of it, Asaph’s son Joseph was chosen first.  Think of how fast his father Asaph’s heart must have been beating when The first lot fell to Joseph.  Asaph had to have been justifiably proud that Jehovah had chosen his son first by the casting of lots.

       So, I wish that I could have been there as the choices were being made.  Number two went to Jeduthun’s son Gadaliah; the third to Zaccur who was also Asaph’s son.  The fourth lot fell to Jeduthan’s son Izri (who was also called Zeri) and so on down the line the sons of the chief musicians were chosen one by one by the casting of lots.

      I can’t help wonder what was going on in Heman’s mind as the casting of lots drew near to the end of the Levite sons.  When lot 23 fell to Mahazioth, Heman knew that his precious and faithful son Romamttiezer was destined to be LAST.

       No matter how dedicated you are as a Christian musician, it hurts like fire when your child is chosen last.  It hurts much worse for one of your children to be chosen last than if it was yourself.  Let me remind you that the Biblical record did not put any premium on Joseph being chosen first or any stigma placed on Romamtiezer being chosen last.  Romamtiezer’s name is just as much on the list of these famous Levite musicians as any of the others.  He was listed with the faithful and was given just as much of an opportunity to serve Jehovah with his musicing as any of the other musicians.  It would be well to remember that Jesus said in Matthew 19:30, “But many that are first shall be last, and the last shall be first.”

The Bible lesson here in First Chronicles is clear.  We have no record that Heman or his son were in any way disappointed or upset about “position”.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could say that of twenty-first century Christians in regards to their children?  It is the explicit stratagem of Satan to get parents upset over which chair is given to their child or who gets the solo in the Christmas production.  The thing that should matter to Christian parents is the fact that their children are giving their talents back to the God who gave them musical gifts and graces.

Scripture for the day-Dated

Scripture for the day-Dated 

Galatians 1:10, “For do I now persuade men, or God?  Or do I seek to please men?  For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”

Post-Moderns May Consider you Dated, Dazed, and Dumb

 Post-Moderns May Consider You Dated, Dazed and Dumb 

Romans 1:16 states, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: For it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth, to the Jew first, and also the Greek.”

       If you are a Christian musician who still ministers with traditional hymns, gospel choruses, and gospel songs, you may be discouraged since many post-moderns consider you dated, dazed, and just plain dumb.  St Paul declared in this verse that that he was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.  If you desire to include more than a long string of praise choruses in your music ministry, so that you are able to music the whole gospel of Christ, you should not be intimated or tuck your head as though you were some outdated dunderhead.  (This not to say that there is anything wrong with a string of praise choruses.) However, St Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the gospel of Christ is the power of God.  Furthermore, the inspired Word of God declares very clearly that the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Although praise is essential to Christian worship, it is not expository enough to fulfill all the elements necessary in complete Trinitarian worship.

       It is your responsibility to present the whole gospel of Christ who suffered, died, paid the penalty for our sin and it is the responsibility of the Holy Spirit to convict and convince seekers of their need of repentance and forgiveness of sins “unto salvation”.  It is not the power of your charisma or performance ability but rather the power of the whole gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit that is the power of God.

       In order for your musicing unto God to be completely efficacious, it must contain the whole gospel.  This is the reason that a thinking minister of music includes hymns, gospel songs, gospel hymns, and gospel choruses along with praise music in his or her balanced musical diet for the assembly of believers and seekers who attend worship services.  The saint needs to be reminded of what God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit has accomplished in the plan of redemption, and the seeker needs (must) be made aware of the same things.  How can seekers have Godly sorrow that leads them to repentance if they do not know what God has done for them?

       Let me make it very clear, that there is absolutely nothing wrong with a praise chorus sequence in worship.  (That statement must be qualified with the understanding that a praise sequence should not exceed the attention span of the modern audience.  Also, the notion that this sequence must drone on until the minister gets his or her desired overt emotional response from the audience is misguided philosophically.)   It is important that a congregation of believers sing of the love of God and also testify of their love of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  (There needs to be much more written about the need for Christian worship to be Trinitarian and “complete”.) 

      So, if your musicing presents a clear gospel message, and if your musicing includes traditional gospel music and hymns, take heart, you are on solid philosophical ground.  Do it in the right spirit, but square your shoulders and keep presenting the old, old story.  When you music, never be ashamed to confront saints and seekers with the claims of the gospel.

 

 

                           

Thought for the day-Heirs of the Kingdom

 

                                               Thought for the day-Heirs of the Kingdom

If God’s Word is inspired, and it is, Christian musicians do not have anything to whine about.  They are rich in grace now and have a rich inheritance in Heaven for eternity!

Heirs of the Kingdom

  Heirs of the Kingdom   

James 2:5 states, “Harken, my beloved brethren, Hath not god chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him.”

       This verse is a wonderful thought and a precious promise to them that love the Lord.  God has chosen the poor so that certainly includes me! Though many musicians are “on the short end of the stick” when it comes to this world’s goods, they are actually rich.  They are rich in the things that really matter.  This verse reminds all who read it that those who love the Lord are rich in faith.  They are rich because they were adopted into the family of God when he forgave them and redeemed them by his precious blood which he shed on Calvary’s cross.   Furthermore, they have been called to be saints and Jesus suffered without the gate that they might be sanctified by his own blood (Hebrews 13”12).

        The Christian musician should also remember that God has protected, rewarded, blessed, and called them into his service.  Since all those who love the Lord are his sons and daughters, they are rich because they are God’s heirs and will receive a great inheritance that is so great that it is more than we can ask or think.

       Christian musician, it is time for you to cheer up!  There is no reason for you to let the Devil depress you or to cause you to think negative thoughts.  If you truly love the Lord, you are rich in faith now, and god has promised you an inheritance among them who are sanctified.  Acts 20:32 tells us all’ “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.”  Praise God!  What more could you want?  You are now rich in grace in this life and you have an inheritance among those who are sanctified.

Thought for the day-The LORD Will Rejoice

                                                  Thought for the day-The LORD Will Rejoice

It is only natural that a Christian would want people to rejoice while he or she musics unto God.  However, it is much more important for God to rejoice over us than our listening audience.

The Lord will Rejoice Over You

 The Lord Will Rejoice Over You   

Deuteronomy 30:8-9, “And thou shalt return and obey the voice of the LORD, and do all his commandments which I command thee this day.  And the LORD thy God will make thee plenteous in every work of thine hand, in the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy cattle and the fruit of thy land, for good: For again the LORD will rejoice over thee for good, as he rejoiced over thy fathers.”

       Israel had disobeyed the law of God and Jehovah had been angry with them.  However, this Scripture lesson promises mercy to the penitent and blessing on those who would obey the commandments of Jehovah.

       Verse nine explains the thoroughness of how the self existent, eternal, sovereign God will bless those who keep His commandments.  Some ministers of music might say, ”I am single, I don’t have any cows, and I don’t own any land, so how is God going to rejoice over me with prosperity?”  God has promised to prosper the obedient by rejoicing over them “for good”.  Our heavenly Father has promised ,on the authority of His Holy Word that if ministers of music will obey what he tells them to do that he intends to “do you good” as we know from Deuteronomy 28: 63:a.

       Hebrews 11:16 tells us “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is the rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”  God will prosper those who have faith in Him in every way that matters, if they will believe that “He is” and that he is actually will keep His Word and reward those who diligently “seek Him”.  When a Christian musician comes to an understanding of what God is willing and able to do, this wonderful knowledge should bring a smile out of at least one side of his or her mouth!  The Christian musician should remember that, on the eternal authority of God’s inspired infallible Word, one cannot fail while God is smiling on his or her music ministry.