Thought for the Day

Thought for the Day  

Christian music educators need to treat what the Bible has to say with much respect if they expect their students to develop a Christocentric Bible based philosophy of music.

 

Musical “Truth” Found in the Bible part 3

Musical “Truth” Found in the Bible  part 3 

There are many factors which will affect how a writer will arrive at a musical conclusion.  Factors that will affect a writer’s musical interpretation include musical worldview, general academic knowledge of music history and theory, knowledge or lack of knowledge of: ancient musical instruments, ancient species of music mentioned in the Bible, music worship practices in the first and second ancient Jewish Temples, the meaning of  musical terms used in the Bible, the ancient Jewish sociological and cultural limitations of the use of women in Temple music, the meaning of the biblical accents (te’amim) found below and above the OT texts, secular music and musicing mentioned in the Bible, ancient biblical principles of sacred music and musicing mentioned in the Bible, and an understanding of the music of the nations and cultures that surrounded ancient Israel. 

So, why does a Christian music educator care whether or not ancient cultures utilized harmony?  Furthermore, why does it matter whether or not Bible music includes harmony?  There are several reasons why a music educator should know about the music of ancient Israel and their neighbors.  One reason is that a great host of educators who still believe that the music of ancient Israel and their neighbors was written only in the pentatonic scale, or worse yet some weird synthetic scale, and that it could not have possibly been heptatonic, diatonic or have exhibited any characteristics like half steps between the third and fourth and seventh and eighth degrees of the scale.  Even the well-known fact that some of this music exhibited the use of octaves, harmony, and ornamentation is still sometime adamantly denied by writers. 

With these glaring misconceptions about ancient music still being believed and taught by multitudes of Christian music educators, it is of little wonder that they do not consider Bible music to be relevant to the process of music education.  Certainly such music educators will not teach that Bible music is an authentic source of truth concerning music and musicing.  Christian music education needs to get rid of the notion that information about music found in the Bible and other ancient extra-biblical sources is strictly dispensational and outdated.

Thought for the Day

Thought for the Day 

Even though some Christian musicians misquote and misinterpret Scriptures that mention music, Christian music educators can and should treat what the Bible has to say about music as authoritative.

Musical “Truth” Found in the Bible part 2

Musical “Truth” Found in the Bible  part 2 

  “Proof texting is the method by which a person appeals to a biblical text to prove or justify a theological position without regard for the context of the passage they are citing. Proof texting is the method by which a person appeals to a biblical text to prove or justify a theological position without regard for the context of the passage they are citing.”  http://www.theopedia.com/Proof_texting It stands to reason that such use of Scripture does not result in biblical accuracy or what Schaeffer called true truth.  However, one should be careful to not contend that quoting Scripture connotes that the one who quoted it is using it without regard to how it was used by the original author.  We should also remember that New Testament authors quoted verses from the OT to support their arguments.  Those who quoted OT passages of Scripture included Jesus who quoted Deuteronomy 8:3 when he was being tempted by Satan (see Matthew 4:4 and Luke 4:4).  So, it isn’t quoting Scripture that constitutes proof texting but rather misrepresenting the original intent of Scripture or the principle that the original Scripture represented.

What I am contending, for example, is that an author stating that a Christian musician should not music unto God with carnal songs, based on the use of pneumatikos  oide (4152 5603) in Ephesians 5:19, does not constitute the unwarranted use of Scripture which is called proof texting because lexicographers generally agree that pneumatikos oide means spiritual i.e. non-carnal songs. As we know, indiscriminate quoting of Scripture to try to prove a point will many times result in incorrect conclusions, but so will taking the usual meaning of an English word or words used in a Bible translation without regard to the meaning of the word or words used by the original author.  Words have meaning but their meaning is greatly influenced by how they are used in sentences.  However, how an author interprets what words mean in context is many times a matter of opinion. 

Thought for the Day

Thought for the Day   

Christian musicians must not fall into the philosophical trap of believing that the truth concerning music which is found in the Bible is relative.

 

Musical “Truth” Found in the Bible part 1

 Musical “Truth” Found in the Bible part 1   

            All Christian music educators should be concerned about the authenticity of   what they use in the instructional process.  Should a Christian music educator refer to Scripture as an historical and philosophical basis for what he or she believes about music?  At least two concepts are important to the process of Christian music education.  First, what the Bible has to say about music and musicing is relevant to music education in the twenty first century.  Second, the music educator should quote Scripture and treat it as authoritative truth concerning music. Many music educators are overly concerned about whether or not they are qualified in the process of music education to quote both Old and New Testament Scriptures that mention music.  It is true that the Bible does not deal with every aspect of music that twenty first century Christian musicians encounter.  

          Although the Bible does not provide us with exhaustive truth concerning music, what it does tell us is always true. As Francis Schaeffer wrote, “It is an important principle to remember, in the contemporary interest in communication and in language study, that the biblical presentation is that, though although we do not have exhaustive truth, we have from the Bible what I term ‘true truth’.  In this way we know true truth about God, true truth about man and something truly about nature, thus on the basis of the Scriptures, while we do not have exhaustive knowledge, we have true and unified knowledge.” Escape from Reason, by Francis Schaeffer, p. 21  Every reference to music mentioned in the Bible, as II Timothy 3:16 states, is “… given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”  Ephesians 518 commands the Christian musician to “be filled with the Spirit”. 

Prayer, Song, and Thought for the Day

Prayer for the Day    

Heavenly father, I confess to you that I am weary in my writing efforts.  I confess that I need your help because, at this particular time I am not sure what I should write that will be of benefit to others. As I write about the Holy Spirit helping Christian musician’s music unto God and to people, I realize just how much I need Your help as I write about music philosophy and Spirit guided musicing. Lord, I am trusting You right now to help me.  These petitions I bring to You believing that you care and will help me.  Amen.   

Song for the Day Open My Eyes, That I May See by Clara H. Scott  

Thought for the Day   

The longer I walk with God the more I realize that sacred musicing is not merely an event or a religious musical concert but rather a means of grace whereby I am able to take the spiritual journey from the natural to actually commune with the Divine.

The Influence of the Holy Spirit on Music Ministry part 4

The Influence of the Holy Spirit on Music Ministry part 4    

          You might ask, "What will the Holy Ghost teach Christian musicians 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.  However, I believe that when Christ said “all” He meant all truth including the truth about how to worship Him with music "in spirit and in truth" (see St, John 4:23-24).  Since the Holy Spirit is a safe teacher, Spirit filled musicians who are Spirit led can always trust Him for correct musical guidance. 
          Perhaps I should explain that although the Bible does not provide us with exhaustive truth concerning music, what it does tell us is always, as Francis Schaffer often wrote, “true truth”.  Every reference to music mentioned in the Bible, as II Timothy 3:16 states, is “… given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”  Ephesians 518 commands the Christian musician to “be filled with the Spirit”. 
          The Greek word pleroo (417) which has been translated filled in the AV; means to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit so that the musician’s musicing may be efficacious (see verse 19).  Rather than being continually under the influence of wine (verse 18), the Christian musician is admonished to be continually under the influence of the blessed Holy Spirit. 

Prayer, Song, and Thought for the Day

Prayer for the Day  

Lord, I am thankful for the guidance of the Holy Spirit upon my musical efforts.  Thank You for helping this Kansas farmer to serve and honor you with the great art of music that You created.  I am asking you to allow me to music unto Your wonderful name as long as I live.  You are worthy of all praise so I want to praise you with music as long as I have any being.  This I am praying in Your worthy name.  Amen. 

Song for the Day Worthy is the Lamb by G.F. Handel  

Thought for the Day    

Christian musicians should be much more interested in what the Holy Spirit is able to teach about music and musicing than those things that are taught by worldly musicians

The Influence of the Holy Spirit on Music Ministry part 3

The Influence of the Holy Spirit on Music Ministry part 3 

I am convinced of two things; first, musicians who do not believe that it is  necessary to live a life in the Spirit will not receive the concept of a music ministry which is controlled by the Holy spirit because it is foolishness to them. Christian musicians who are humanistic in their philosophical beliefs become autonomous and see no particular need to be Spirit filled and thus Spirit controlled.  They won't admit it, but deep down in their heart they do not need the help of the Holy Spirit.

Second, the carnal mind of such a church musician has learned "the word's which man's wisdom teaches him." Remember that 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.”  He never stops his frenzied pace to tarry for the words which the "Holy Ghost teaches."  

 

 

Prayer, Song, and Thought for the Day

Prayer for the Day   

I want to thank you Lord that you have not left Christian musicians alone in this wicked perverse world. I also want to thank You heavenly Father that you have made it possible for the Christian musician to have you as a guardian and guide throughout this life.  Please help me to be filled with your Spirit every day.  Help me to be under your influence as I attempt to music unto God and unto other Christians.  Also, I am asking you to help my musicing to be a warning to those who hear me music unto your wonderful name.  These things I am praying in your wonderful name.  Amen.

Song for the Day   Breathe on Me, Breath of God by Edwin Hatch  

Thought for the Day  

If Christian musicians would be as concerned about what is right with Church music as they often are about what is wrong with it, their music ministry would be of a much more positive nature.

 

The Influence of the Holy Spirit on Music Ministry part 2

The Influence of the Holy Spirit on Music Ministry part 2   

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, Christian universities, and Christian 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 for many problems in church music is found in the divine influence of the Holy Spirit upon the musician and congregation alike.  Christian musicians must learn to depend on the Holy Spirit and to seek his guidance and anointing on their public music ministry.  +

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! The only perfect teacher 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, but 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 is mine)

Prayer, Song, and thought for the Day

Prayer for the Day

Dear heavenly father I am so grateful that You sent the Holy Spirit into this world to help your musicians.  I want to thank you that we are not left alone here on earth to minister without any guidance and assistance.  Blessed Holy Spirit I want you to know that I want and need your help and guidance every time I music unto God.  Please fill my life with your presence and give me daily wisdom to minister musically.  These petitions I pray in the name of the Father, the son and the blessed Holy Ghost.  Amen.  

Song for the Day  Holy Spirit, Be My Guide by Mildred Cope  

Thought for the Day 

Spiritual leaders of many different faiths believe that Christians need the guidance of the Holy Spirit for daily living and public ministry.

 

           

The Influence of the Holy Spirit on Music Ministry part 1

The Influence of the Holy Spirit on Music Ministry part 1

 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 no 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. . . “Wesleyan Bible Commentary p. 424 Pulpit points out that, “. . . we can never be too much abandoned to the spiritual appetite. It can never grow in us to dangerous strength." [1] Pulpit Commentary p. 238 Beacon states that: The verb 'filled' is a present imperative and can be translated 'be continually filled with the Spirit.' But are 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. . . .”  [1] Beacon Bible Commentary p. 235

Thought for the Day

Thought for the Day 

Ms. Wolf is correct in purporting that we all make musical judgments through our “worldview glasses”.  Unfortunately, many Christian musicians do not look at music through “biblical worldview glasses”.  As a matter of fact post-postmodern Christians consider a musician who does to be a religious extremist.  GLW

Finding Truth in Music Christian Education Part 3

Finding Truth in Music Christian Education Part 3  

       A musician’s philosophy is not established to make other people happy, but to set guidelines for living a Christ centered, God honoring life.  Christ must have preeminence in our lives; He must have lordship over all of our choices and decisions, including music.  Francis Schaeffer says, “There is nothing autonomous- nothing apart from the lordship of Jesus Christ and the authority of the Scriptures. God made the whole man is interested in the whole man, and the result is a unity.” (Schaeffer, Francis, Escape from Reason 1968 p. 29) Part of submitting to His lordship is considering what God thinks about music.  God loves beautiful things, and we bring to Him our best offerings and abilities, but we do not perform art for the glorification of art itself. Webber says that the arts are “vehicles for communication. The arts are not venerated or worshipped. Rather they are used to communicate truth about God.” (Webber, R, E. Enter his Courts with Praise, 1997, p. 78)  

       We must not take off our “biblical worldview glasses” in the area of music. It is not a neutral, ineffective, autonomous area, but on the contrary, it greatly affects our lives and we must surrender our musical tastes to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  There is a reason we must guard what we listen to.   K. Marie Stolba put it well when she said, “Music was peculiar among the arts in that it alone had the ability to influence character.”  (Stolba, K.M., The Development of Western Music, 1998 P. 13)

When we are making wise musical choices, we are able to enjoy the beauty of music as it infiltrates our lives. “The result of aesthetic experiences is a richer and more meaningful life…The antonym of ‘aesthetic’…can best be thought of as ‘anesthetic’- nothingness, no life, no feeling, no humanness.” (Abeles, Hoffer, Klotman, Foundations of Music Education, 1994 p. 63)  How much should we thank our heavenly Father for giving us so many aesthetics that our lives may be full and enriched! And how important it is that we honor that privilege and take advantage of what He has given us courts with Praise. (Ibid., Webber, 1997 p.78)

Thought for the Day

Thought for the Day   

It seem odd to me to me that Christian’s who base their music philosophy on Scripture are often considered by other Christian musicians to be extremists and overzealous “proof-texters”.  GLW

 

 

Finding Truth in Music Christian Education Part 2

Finding Truth in Music Christian Education Part 2                               
       The first step in developing a music philosophy is to go to the Word of God.  We cannot find wisdom and discernment in ourselves or in the world around us.  It must come from our Heavenly Father first and foremost.  I Corinthians 2:12-16 says, “We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.

        “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.  The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment: For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” (NIV)  Even as we discover truth and discern wisdom, our finite minds cannot cover everything. “No philosophy can be comprehensive in the omnipotent sense of providing the whole truth and nothing but the truth,” says Garen Wolf.  “A philosophy can never say all there is to say about something. However, a philosophy can and should explain what something is all about.” (Wolf, Garen, Church Music Matters, 2005 p. 18)  Not everyone will have exactly the same lines of demarcation, but we all must filter our philosophies through the gridlines of the Bible.

 

Thought for the Day

Thought for the Day  

Christian musicians often consider the appropriateness of what they say because it will affect their Christian witness, but at the same time do not seem to realize that what they music will also affect Christian witness. GLW

 

Finding Truth in Music Christian Education Part 1

Finding Truth in Music Christian Education Part 1  

       This philosophical excerpt is presented here as a part of our series of articles on music education philosophy presented by selected Christian musicians in various countries. This philosophical excerpt is taken by permission from the monograph                                    Finding Truth in a World of Musical Deception by Rachelle Wolf.  She holds a BA degree in Christian music ed. with a performance emphasis in applied violin from God’s Bible College.  She is currently a candidate for an MM degree in violin performance at Miami University at Oxford Ohio.  While studying at Miami University, she holds a graduate assistantship and teaches violin privately, and is active in her church.  (The thoughts for the day are mine.)                         

       What is music? Does it have value in the life of a Christian?  What does God think about music?  Are there specific kinds of music that are appropriate for a Christian musician?  Is there a place for secular music?  It doesn’t take long to find answers to these questions, many answers. It is not in finding answers that we have difficulty; ask anyone you meet.  Every musician has a music philosophy, regardless of how well it is developed.  The real challenge comes in wading through the stream of answers and philosophies to find the gold nuggets of truth. 

Prayer, Song, and Thought for the Day

Prayer for the Day   

Heavenly Father, I am asking you to help me to be a proactive Christian musician.  Help me to place my will in Your all wise hands.  I am looking to You as the source of my strength and gladness.  Help me to never get sour, but rather help me to keep my musicing sweet and joyful.  Please give me the wisdom to let you help me to control my emotions.  These things I pray in your all wise and loving name.  Amen.

 

Song for the Day Joyful, Joyful, we Adore Thee by Henry van Dyke   

Thought for the Day 

When I couldn’t seem to get my college choir to music with joy, I would sing this little song to them:

                          If you’re happy and you know it-show your face.

                          If you’re happy and you know it-show your face.

                          If you’re happy and you know it-then your face will surely show it.

                         So, if you’re happy and you know it-show shows your face.

 

 

Keeping Musical Meditations “Sweet” Part 2

Keeping Musical Meditations “Sweet” Part 2   

Psalm 104:33-34 states, “I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.  My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.”

            Christian musicians are emotional people who experience moments of extreme joy, but are also prone to times of great depression.  Many times during a musical presentation they soar to great emotional heights, and after the adrenalin ceases to flow two to four hours later, the bottom falls out emotionally and they find themselves in
John Bunyan’s “slough of despond”.

            This anonymous psalmist gave Christian musicians the formula for victorious musicing and living.  He testified in the first person, “I will”.  This statement declares that he would not let himself and his musicing to be controlled by his emotions.  Rather than erroneously believe that emotions dictate how one musics unto God, he refused to let his emotional state of mind dictate when he would music unto god with joy, sweetness, and gladness.  He was what we now call a proactive musician i.e. he created or controlled the situation by causing joy, sweetness, and gladness to happen rather than responding to emotions after they have happened.  He accomplished this by looking unto God for strength and gladness.  We know this because verse thirty four declares, “I will be glad in the LORD.”

 

Prayer, Song, and Thought for the Day

Prayer for the Day   

I want to thank You LORD for the gift of music.  I also want to thank you that, in Your great wisdom, You created the great art form called music so that we can have another means of communicating with You.  Please help me to always music unto you with great gladness.  These things I am praying in your wonderful name.  Amen. 

Song for the Day—I will Sing of My Redeemer  by Philip P. Bliss   

Thought for the Day   

After reading Psalm 104:33-34, I believe that Christian musicians never get to retire from joyful musicing unto God.

 

Keeping Musical Meditations “Sweet” Part 1

Keeping Musical Meditations “Sweet” Part 1   

Psalm 104:33-34 states, “I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.  My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.”  This psalmist takes the responsibility to remain glad and to be sure that he keeps his musical meditations remain sweet.  We do not know who this psalmist was but whoever he was he purposed in his heart to have control over his emotions.  Verse thirty three explains that he will travel around and sing (shiyr 7891) as I play i.e. touch or play my stringed instrument (zamar 2167) as I celebrate JHVH.  He was declaring that he would on purpose sing and play the praises with a glad (samach 8055) heart.

  Furthermore, he purposed to keep his musical praises sweet (areb 6149) I.e. with pleasantness or pleasure.  If there is anything that a church full of people should experience, it is to observe a musician who sings and plays the high praises of God with great pleasure.  Certainly they should not have to endure a musical performance by a Christian musician who looks like he or she has just eaten a sour lemon.

            This psalmist pledged to sing and play with pleasure as long as he lived (owd 5750) had any continuance.  It is worth noticing that this determined psalmist fully understood that the source of his gladness was God and not music or musical performance i.e. singing and playing musical instruments.  This musical discourse makes it very clear that although this musician enjoyed singing and playing a stringed instrument he purposed to worship God—not music. 

Thought for the Day

Thought for the Day   

Praying the words of a well written hymn can be an effectual way of telling God how you feel about Him.  If our own words simply fail us in the time of prayer, the words of a great hymn may help us to express our heart’s petition to God.

Reading Hymns Can Shapes Our Faith Part 2

Reading Hymns Can Shapes Our Faith Part 2  

Serious music worship leaders are not trying to lead a congregational musical event but rather a time of valuable musing (thinking).  We all know that the majority of great hymn text were written first as lyric poetry and then later were set to a tune.  I doubt that any thinking church musician would deny that they have great value as poems.  Perhaps we consider the reading of poetry to be a task undertaken only by those who gather to partake of tea and crumpets and recite the works of dead poets.  So, since we know that quoting this great poetry skillfully can have a positive effect on a worshiping body of believers as well as being a form of catechism to those who are unchurched, why not practice up on our dramatic reading skills and give this form of hymn usage a try?

There is another point that should be considered in our discussion of quoting hymn texts.  I remember my former pastor Rev. R.E. Carroll saying that he often took not only his Bible but also his hymnal to his trysting place with God.  We pray out loud so why shouldn’t we read hymns out loud during our time of devotion.  It is a fact that praying out loud keeps my mind from wondering during my time of private devotion. Quoting hymns from memory or reading them during private devotions can be a wonderful experience.  Telling God how you feel or what troubles you by reading to Him can be an expression of prayer and praise.

 

 

 

Thought for the Day

Thought for the Day  

Worship musicing should always be musing—i.e. it should cause us to think.

Reading Hymns Can Shapes Our Faith Part 1

Reading Hymns Can Shapes Our Faith Part 1  

I was reading in James Sydnor book the other day and ran across a statement that made me ponder on the worth and relevance of hymns. “In corporate worship and in daily life, hymns can have a profound, sustaining, and complex effect on a person.  Therefore, leaders who are interested in improving congregational singing should spend some time pondering the means whereby hymn reading and hymn singing can shape the faith and influence the daily lives of their congregational members.” Hymn and Their Uses, by James Sydnor, p. 23 Those of us who believe that hymn singing is a valuable part of worship, do not need to be convinced that Christians may be edified by singing the great hymns.  

            However, I must confess that over the years I have not taken advantage of utilizing speaking the words of hymns as calls to worship and as transitions to hymn sequences.  Church musicians like me have the faulty notion that we have to sing hymns to derive value from them.  I have quoted hymns many times in my lectures on worship but I am woefully negligent when it comes to reading hymn texts in public worship.  Think about it.  The skillful presentation of part of a hymn text can be a source of valuable congregational cognition. 

Prayer and Thoughr for the Day

Prayer for the Day  

I want to thank You precious Savior that You are truly my friend.  Thank You that You are always bigger than my troubles.  I also want to thank You for the privilege of coming to You in prayer.  In the time of trouble and temptation I can always come to You our sinless Savior for help.  Even if my earthly friends were to forsake me, You are a friend that will stick closer than a brother.  Lord, help me to draw close to You so that You can take me up in Your strong arms and shield me from life’s stormy blasts.  Thank You for being such a wonderful Savior and friend.  Amen.  

Thought for the Day  

Although sometimes prayer is not a time of sweetness but rather a titanic struggle, it is still a privilege to come to God in prayer.

 

 

 

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

What a Friend We Have in Jesus 

Joseph Scriven’s late 19^th century hymn is many times published in standard hymnals with only the first three verses.  The first verse introduces the hymn’s prayer theme by establishing that it is truly a privilege to take everything to our God through prayer.  The second verse teaches that we should not let life’s troubles discourage us because we are able to take our weaknesses, trials and temptations to our faithful friend Jesus.  The third verse reminds us that when we are weak, heavy-laden, and even forsaken by our earthly friends, our precious Savior will take us in His arms where we may find solace. 

The forth verse adds a wonderful final dimension to this wonderful hymn.  It reminds us that as Hebrews 4:15 teaches we do not have to bear our burdens alone, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”  It also teaches that Jas 5:16b states, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”  Finally, this verse states that the Christian will soon be in the presence of our Lord where prayer will be replaced with endless worship.  Praise God for this last verse which should always be included when we sing this great prayer hymn.  Read it and rejoice! 

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.

Quote for the Day

Quote for the Day

“The importance of song as attracting to the House of God, as interesting and spiritually benefiting those engaged in worship, and as finding audible expression for devout feeling, should be fully enforced.  It therefore becomes the duty of all who have the gift to lay it on the altar of God’s service in the sanctuary.”  The Pulpit Commentary, 1 Chronicles, p. 95, Canon Spence & Joseph Exell editors

 

More on Good and Faithful Musicians Part 4

More on Good and Faithful Musicians Part 4    

            Nehemiah 8:10  states, ”Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”  Psalm 89:15 states, “Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound [teruah 8643—great acclamation of joy]: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.”  Psalm 149:1-2, “Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.  Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful [giyl, 1523] in their King.”  The word giyl is used in a great variety of applications in the OT but it most often connotes gladness and rejoicing.  These scriptures are only a few of the multitude of Scriptures that teach worshiping with much joy. 

 Certainly the fact that the Bible repeatedly mentions singing with joy should encourage us to music with outward joy and emotion.  1Chronicles 15:16  states, “And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy [simchah, 8057-exceeding gladness and pleasure].”  Isaiah 12:2-3 states, “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.  Therefore with joy [sasown, 8342—cheerfulness, gladness and mirth] shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.”  Zepaniah 3:17 states, “The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy [giyl, see above] over thee with singing [rinnah, 7440—singing with gladness and joy].” 

            I believe that sacred musical performance that has been devoid of the aforementioned characteristics has been one of the reasons that so many Christian musicians becoming disillusioned with traditional sacred music.  One of the other reasons has been that some busy musicians have failed to seek the aid and anointing of the Holy Spirit upon their sacred musicing.  Therefore, I contend that a part of being a faithful servant (pistos doulos 4103, 1401) is being completely submissive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  Furthermore, I believe that a part of faithful musical servanthood involves being as passionate, and being even more passionate, about sacred musicing than one is about secular musicing.

Quote for the Day

Quote for the Day   

“One hallmark of the Spirit’s filling will be a desire to give vocal expression to the heart’s devotion to the Lord by the use of canticles and songs which the Spirit inspires.”  The Broadman Bible Commentary, Vol. 11, p. 166, Ephesians by Ralph P. Martin

 

More on Good and Faithful Musicians Part 3

More on Good and Faithful Musicians Part 3 

            I strongly believe that the good and faithful musical leader should and must be moved deeply by the message of the music that is being used as a worship vehicle.  It is one thing to be moved intellectually by the meaning of the music but it is another to have the dunamis (1411) of the Spirit which  I believe comes to only to good and faithful Spirit filled musical servants.  As I have often stated in my philosophical writings that many Christian musicians seem to forget the great musical discourse in the fifth chapter of Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians not only includes verse nineteen but also verse eighteen that states, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.”  To me, what is taught in verse nineteen can only happen to those who are living a life in the Spirit.  I believe that verse eighteen teaches a continual life in the Spirit after the Christian is once filled.  The good and faithful musical servant that is spoken of in the fifth chapter of Ephesians is also admonished to let the Holy Spirit have control of his or her life and music ministry. 

            The influence of the Divine upon the human can and should be a reality in the twenty first century.  The musician who is touched and moved by the Holy Spirit has the right to be passionate about the music that he or she uses as a vehicle of worship.  All of the Christian musicians that I have had the privilege to know, who were accomplished musicians, have been very passionate about their secular musicing.   However, some of them believe that their sacred musicing should be very sedate and staid and should be executed in a manner that is seemingly almost detached from any passion or emotion.  I see no place in Scripture where Christian musicians are instructed to perform sacred music in a manner that is devoid or outward emotion; outward evidence of meaning (understanding); or outward physical expression of being passionate about the music being performed .  Therefore, I am drawn to the philosophical conclusion that although sacred musicing is very serious business, we may and should perform it with joy.

Quote for the Day

Quote for the Day 

“Faithfulness over a little opens the way for one to be entrusted with much. The reward for faithful service is also known in terms of entry into the joy of one’s master.” The Broadman Bible Commentary, Vol. 8, p.225 by Frank Stagg et al

More on Good and Faithful Musicians Part 2

More on Good and Faithful Musicians Part 2   

Matthew 25:21states, “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” A part of being a faithful musical servant is learning how to use music as a worship vehicle.  Even if a musician loves music and is passionate about performing it, he or she is not necessarily a faithful musical servant.  There is a vast difference between loving music so much that one worships it and loving God so much that one has a great passion to use music to worship the God who created music.  As we all know the Bible condemns worshiping created things (see Romans 1:25).  The faithful musical servant leads others in worship and at the same time worships God through the music he or she is using as a worship vehicle. 

          The faithful musical servant is not only a leader and a worshiper but also a

 faithful teacher.  Faithful musical leadership includes teaching others to worship God by musicing unto Him.  The faithful musical servant utilizes teaching skills in their most profound form i.e. teaching by example.  The faithful musical servant is not only a technical leader but also a “touched” leader.  I contend that the touched servant is an anointed servant.  Starting late in the twentieth century Christian writers and music philosophers began to make acrid comments about those who sought the anointing or the Holy Spirit as though such philosophical belief was egotistical or somewhat fanatical.  Although it may not be a popular concept among Christians in this century, the visitation of God upon human servants is certainly a biblical concept.  For examples see Leviticus 7:35, 8:12, 1 Samuel 15:1, Isaiah 10:27, James 5:14, and 1 John 2:27.

Quote for the Day

Quote for the Day

Lenski states that the master who is a type of Christ pronounces this verdict, ‘“Slave excellent and reliable!’ and thus furnishing his master great satisfaction.  No higher commendation can come to any believer from the lips of Jesus” The Interpretation of St. Matthew’s Gospel by R.C.H. Lenski, p. 979

 

More on Good and Faithful Musicians Part 1

More on Good and Faithful Musicians Part 1 

Matthew 25:21states, “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” 

            A musician can be a good servant morally and not be passionately faithful to the responsibilities of the music ministry where God has placed that musician.  Christian character is what makes a musician a good (agathos 18) person.  The word agathos means good in any sense but its meaning is different than the word pistos (4103) which means objectively “trustworthy” i.e. in the case of a Christian musician, one who experiences the actual reality of being a completely trustworthy servant musician of Christ.  It stands to reason that moral goodness is a necessary requirement of the ministering musician who is a bond servant (doulos 1401) of our lord and savior Jesus Christ.  Ralph Earle stated that, “these are the only two things God requires of everyone—that he be good in character and faithful in service.”  Beacon Bible Commentary, A.F. Harper, Editorial Chairman, Vol. 6, p. 237  Although God requires both, I do not believe that being a morally good person automatically makes one a quality musician or does it make one a faithful trustworthy music leader.