Though for the Day

Though for the Day

It is surprising that for centuries so many scholars of ancient music stubbornly resisted the thought that ancient music utilized octaves.

ARE WOMEN MUSICIANS MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE? Part 4

ARE WOMEN MUSICIANS MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE? Part 4
            At this point in our discussion it would be helpful to clear up some misconceptions concerning the use of women in the Temple.  They are never mentioned as part of the professional Levite musicians.  I Chronicles 25:5b states, "And God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters."  Many Bible commentators and writers on church music have taken this as evidence that Heman's three daughters were Levite musicians.  They were, of course, Levites, but they were not used in the Temple as musicians.  Verse 7 gives the total number of Levite musicians as 288 and verses 8-31 give the twenty-four divisions of musicians, each under the direction of a man, his sons, and his brethren.  None of the three daughters of Heman are mentioned.
            Statements in Ezra 2:64-65 and Nehemiah 7:66-67 refer to the number of those who returned from Babylon - 42,360 of the congrega­tion and an additional 7,337 servants.  Out of this group of servants there were from 200 to 245 singing men and singing women.  They were all servants, not Levites.  Likewise, the musicians mentioned in II Samuel 19:35 and II Chronicles 35:25 were public professional singers and mourners, not Levite musicians who performed a part of Temple worship.
            The use of the Hebrew word alamoth (5961) in I Chronicles 15:20 and in the title of Psalm 46 is often mistaken for the use of women in Temple music.  The word alamoth (5961) is the plural form of almah (5959), which is always, translated virgin, maid, damsels, and virgins.  A correct rendering of 5961 is probably soprano-like, in the range of maidens, soprano, or falsetto like.  The word probably should be rendered an octave higher that the voice of a man.  The subject of the use of a seven or eight note scale has been discussed more thoroughly in Chapter VIII of my book Music of the Bible in Christian Perspective.

Thought for the Day

Thought for the Day 

It amazes me to read the works of authors who respect the Biblical Record but entertain the notion that the authors of Scripture would alter the Record because of personal prejudice.

 

ARE WOMEN MUSICIANS MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE? Part 3

ARE WOMEN MUSICIANS MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE? Part 3

            So the question is not whether women were involved in religious and secular music in the Bible, but whether or not they were used as practicing Temple musicians.  Rothmuller quoted Ambros as saying that "This temple music differs from its contempo­rary Egyptian counterpart by the essential circumstance that Egypt music was already entirely the women's function, whereas in Jerusalem only men were appointed to its performance."    Aaron Rothmuller, The Music of the Jews p.44, (quoting August Wilhelm Ambrose)  Idelsohn agreed with Rothmuller when he stated that "Participation of women in the temple choir is nowhere traceable."  A. Z.  Idelsohn, Jewish Music in Its Historical Development, p. 16. 

                Sendrey, who did not have a high regard for the authenticity of the Biblical Record, believed that "In their purificatory zeal, the priestly chroniclers tried particularly to eliminate anything that might have alluded to, or recalled, the primitive pagan, pre-Yahvistic rites of the Hebrews, when women participated regularly in them."  Alfred Sendrey, Music in the Social and Religious Life of Antiquity, p. 251. However, Sendrey did not attempt to document his notion of women participating in pagan pre-Yahvistic religious music in ancient Israel.  Sendrey does concede that, "The Biblical account contains no direct references to the participation of female singers in the Temple choir."  Ibid, p. 251.

 

Thought for the Day

Thought for the Day 

It is a common misconception that the Old Testament mention of women’s involvement as musicians should be considered as Bible principles of musicing in public worship.

 

 

ARE WOMEN MUSICIANS MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE? Part 2

ARE WOMEN MUSICIANS MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE? Part 2
            As we mentioned in yesterday’s post, the examples of women's involvement in music mentioned in the Old Testament were not a part of Temple worship.  Yesterday we quoted Exodus 15:20-21 which mentioned women’s involvement in music. I Samuel 18:6-7 also considers women being involved as musicians when it states,

            And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philis­tine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing (7891) and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of music.

            And the women answered (6030) one (NIO) another (NIO) as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.

On this secular occasion the women (no men involved) played, sang, danced, and anah (6030) sang together by course.

            It is commonly believed that music and especially singing was universal in the ancient Hebrew culture.  "Everyone in Israel sang, and playing the lyre and the timbrel was a common achievement, at least among women."  Curt Sachs, The Rise of Music in the Ancient World p. 90.    Also, "Written records as well as pictorial displays testify to the various activities of women as dancers, singers, and instrumentalists."  Alfred Sendrey, Music in the Social and Religious Life of Antiquity, p. 2.

 

Thought for the day

Thought for the Day

The reason scholars are so interested in worship in the first and second Temples is that they show us the Old Testament pattern for public worship.

 

 

ARE WOMEN MUSICIANS MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE? Part 1

ARE WOMEN MUSICIANS MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE? Part 1
            Along with the age old argument as to whether instruments should be used in the church, is the argument of the use or disuse of women in the music of the ancient Jewish Temple and its relationship to the use of women in church music today.  A review of Scripture does not reveal that women were used as musicians in either the first or the second Temple.  Also, Jewish history or rabbinical literature does not clearly substantiate their involve­ment as professional musicians in the Temple.  Research of other ancient cultures such as that of Egypt has shown that women were used extensively in public worship.  However, the culture and circumstances of ancient Israel precluded the use of women in Temple music.
            We know that it was common practice for women to sing and play instruments in ancient Israel since there are numerous Biblical references to their involvement in music.  Exodus 15:20-21 states,

            And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after he with timbrels and with dances.

            And Miriam answered them, Sing (7891) ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. 

Here we see a public rendering of praise to God in the performance of the "song of Moses."  Moses, the children of Israel (vs. 1) and Miriam and the women (vs. 20) sang the song.  Notice the separation of "Moses and the children of Israel" from the singing, playing and dancing of the women (vs. 20-21).  This example of women's involvement in music was not, of course, a part of Temple worship.

 

Prayer for the Day

Prayer for the Day

I want to Thank You Jesus for faithfully calling us to love You more.  Lord, please help us to not put anything in the way of my worshipping You.  Please help me to hear Your call in both times of joy and sorrow.  As the song teaches, help me to give my heart to fully obeying Your will.  This I pray in Your merciful and wise name.  Amen.

Thought for the Day

Although Christian musicians deny it, they sometimes pick up some figurative idols along life’s way that are doubtlessly a hindrance to true worship.

 

Jesus Calls Us

Jesus Calls Us

            I have been thinking about this great hymn for several days. One of my early memories of this hymn was hearing  my pastor’s wife  Mary Carroll sing it as a call to worship from the place where she always sat on the left side of the sanctuary of our church in Merriam Kansas.  She had a beautiful voice that was easy to listen to in the context of Sunday morning worship.  However, the thing that I remember the most was God’s presence that settled over the worshiping body of believers that morning.  There was simply no doubt about it, God was pleased with her sincere musical offering that Sunday morning.  I have included the words of Cecil F. Alexander’s hymn that she sang that morning:

1.    Jesus calls us o’er the tumult
Of our life’s wild, restless, sea;
Day by day His sweet voice soundeth,
Saying, “Christian, follow Me!”

2.    Jesus calls us from the worship
Of the vain world’s golden store,
From each idol that would keep us,
Saying, “Christian, love Me more!”

3.    In our joys and in our sorrows,
Days of toil and hours of ease,
Still He calls, in cares and pleasures,
“Christian, love Me more than these!”

4.    Jesus calls us! By Thy mercies,
Savior, may we hear Thy call,
Give our hearts to Thine obedience,
Serve and love Thee best of all.

Prayer, Song, and Thought for the Day

Prayer for the Day

Lord. You are a wonderful caring God who is concerned when Your musicians are depressed.  Since You are a God who is above all gods, You are truly worthy to be praise even when I do not feel like praising or singing for that matter.  Lord, I want to tell You that I love You and want You to know that I believe that You are able to lift me up from this pit of noise and depression. Thank you in advance for what You are going to do for me this day!  This I am praying in Your trustworthy name.  Amen.

Song for the Day “Let All the People Praise Thee” by Lelia N. Norris

Thought for the Day

It is a Truism that the Christian musicians who need to sing God’s praises the most are those musicians who do not feel like singing or praising!

Do You Feel Like Praising God?

Do You Feel Like Praising God?

            Psalm 96:1, “O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.  Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.  Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.  For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.”  Psalm18:3, “I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies…vs. 6, “In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.”

            Are you catching on to the thought that I am emphasizing?  IF the past few days haven’t been the most joyful and stress free, try blessing the LORD by singing “new song” i.e. a song of praise unto Him. You are probably thinking that you do not feel like singing or praising God at this time.  I suggest that you do it anyway. What could it hurt?  Perhaps you will find that obeying God’s Word will be a help to your stressed condition. 

            You might even try telling someone who you work with who is not a Christian something God has done for you in the past.  Something such as “I thank God that he has given me a wonderful wife or I have been so blessed to grow up in such a wonderful family.”  Surely you can think of something good that the Lord has done for you.  As the little chorus I once heard says, “It’s amazing what praising can do.”

 

Prayer, Song, and Thought for the Day

Prayer for the Day

Lord I am bringing my troubled emotions to You this morning.  I know that You can lift me up but my trouble is being able to believe that You will lift m up in the most holy faith.  I am asking You to take care of me and lift me up out of the pit of noise that seems to surround me at this time in my life.  Help me to trust You in child-like faith.  I am now saying “”Abba Father”—my Father.  I am lifting my hands up to You like a toddler who believes that his father will take him up in His arms.  These things I am praying in Your Loving Name.  Amen.

Song for the Day “Arise My Soul Arise” by Charles Wesley

Thought for the Day

Musicians are most often sensitive and very emotional people, therefore the fact that they often have emotional highs and lows should not surprise anyone.

Emotions and the Christian Musician

Emotions and the Christian Musician

            1Kings 19:4 records a time in the prophet Elijah’s life when he was so weary that his emotions were controlling his thought life. “But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.”  We can make fun of him but he was actually running to save his life.  We can say that he should have trusted God more since he had seen many mighty works of God in his lifetime.  There is no doubt about it we have never walked in his sandals.  If we had, we wouldn’t make fun of the prophet who was truly a man of God.

            It is easy for others to say that a Christian musician has to simply control his or her emotions.  That is much easier said than done!  I am well aware that our God has enough grace and power to sustain every Christian in the world who is under pressure and is struggling with all kinds of negative emotions.  Here is what God said to St Paul in 2Corinthians 12:9, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”  Paul was referring to what he called his “thorn in the flesh” which he had repeatedly asked the Lord to remove.  Instead of removing it God simply whispered to Paul, “my grace is sufficient or thee”.  Do you believe that God’s grace is sufficient for your troubles that have caused your emotions to run wild?

Quote and Thought for the Day

Quote and Thought for the Day 

Luke 16:8 “And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely (phronimos, 5429): for the children of this world are in their generation wiser (phronimos) than the children of light.”  Even though a music philosopher is not a Christian, he or she may have more practical skill (phronimos) than some Christian music philosophers.

 

 

 

What is Philosophy? part 4

What is Philosophy? part 4

Can Christian musicians who are in the process of developing a Christocentric Bible based music philosophy learn from non-Christian music philosophers?  The answer is an emphatic yes!  Not every aspect of music philosophy purported by worldly non-Christian music philosophy will be in conflict with Christian philosophy in general or specifically with what the Bible teaches.  When a music philosopher’s thoughts are worthy of consideration and are congruent with Christian thought, a Christian musician may consider them for incorporation in his or her music philosophy. As a caution, please allow me to return to St. Paul’s discourse on philosophy.  In1Corinthians 1:25, he warns that the Christian philosopher should stand firm “Because the foolishness of God is wiser (sophos) than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”  Some Christian musicians seem to have forgotten just how strong the wisdom of God is. 

1Peter 4:1 addresses the issue of philosophical mindset before and after becoming a Christian.  He explains that the world will not be happy with much of Christ centered philosophy when he states, “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin…”  He later warns Christians in 1Peter 4:4-5, “Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.”  So the Christian music philosopher should get prepared to be misunderstood and spoken evil of by worldly music philosophers.  At the same time Christian music philosophers should embrace worthy philosophical thought and reject that which is not congruent with a Christocentric Bible based music worldview.

 

 

Quote for the Day

Quote for the Day

Ephesians 5:6 “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.”

What is Philosophy? part 3

What is Philosophy? part 3

1Corinthians 1:20 Paul asks the question, “Where is the wise (sophos, 4680)? where is the scribe? where is the disputer (suzetetes, 4804) of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom (sophia, 4678) of this world?  Paul’s worldview helped to keep him on track philosophically.  He understood that in the light of the true truth of God’s Word, the wisdom of the philosophical disputers of this world does not matter.  He furthermore understood that in the light of God’s truth, the supposed wisdom taught by worldly philosophers is proved to be foolishness. 

At this time in the history of mankind, Christian Bible based music philosophy is considered by the world to be falsely based and therefore foolish.  Those of us who have rubbed shoulders with non-Christian music philosophers have often experienced a condescending smile or a look of mild disgust that we even believe the Bible let alone believe what it teaches about music.  Again St. Paul understood why worldly philosophers believe what they believe when he stated in 1Coorinthians 1:21, “For after that in the wisdom (sophia) of God the world by wisdom (sophia) knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”  One of the mistakes that Christian musicians often make is coming to the conclusion that those who have by philosophical reasoning chosen not to submit their hearts to God will come to the same philosophical conclusions as Spirit filled Christian musicians who has studied music philosophy.

 

 

Scripture for the Day

Scripture for the Day

Romans 1:28 “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;”

 

 

What is Philosophy? part 2

What is Philosophy? part 2 

If one is going to search after wisdom the Bible should be the place to start.  In I Corinthians 1:17 Paul presents a discourse on wisdom, “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom (sophia, 4678) of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.” Paul was more interested in what God thought than what man’s “wisdom” taught at that time.  His reasoning was that as he states in verse 19, “For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”  He was referring to Isaiah 29:14, “Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom (chokmah, 2451) of their wise (chakam, 2450) men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.”

 After only a brief study of sophia, chokmah, and chakam in the context of Paul’s discourse on philosophy in the first chapter of I Corinthians, it is evident that he was referring to conventional worldly wisdom as compared to God’s wisdom.  If we as Christian musicians are not careful we will place current philosophical thought on an equal basis or even above what God’s Word teaches. We claim that we are not squeezed into the world’s mold, but if one was to shake us all up together in a sack, when we came out would our music philosophy sound any different than that of worldly musicians who are not Christians?

Thought for the Day

Thought for the Day

If you want to know what a Christian musician believes philosophically about music, just listen to him or her music unto God.

 

What is Philosophy? part 1

What is Philosophy? part 1

What is philosophy?  If one is going to read about philosophy it seems logical to start with some understanding of what it is.  Philosophy is generally believed to be the pursuit of wisdom which involves an understanding of the nature and value of some aspect of life or all of life for that matter.  It is a search for a general understanding of a field of knowledge that will reveal what the “main thing” is.  It will include an analysis of the basic principles for one’s underlying beliefs that serve as the grounds for why one does what he or she does.   It will reveal how to keep the main thing the main thing.  It is a search for wisdom that will guide one’s processes of thought and conduct.

Philosophy is more than a quest for wisdom that guides our thought patterns.  It also guides what we do.  Historically a strong philosophy was a love for wisdom.  Our word philosophy is derived from two Greek words philos, which meant a predilection or love for something and sophia, which meant wisdom.  Thus philosophy from at last the early writings of the Greeks may be described as preconceived love for a wisdom that would bring a systematized calm or composure.  Classical philosophers believed that philosophy could and would bring about a unified filed of wisdom based on knowledge that would give an “inner peace”. 

 

Thought for the Day

Thought for the Day 

The only thing that post postmoderns seem to know for sure is that they cannot know for sure.

 

 

All Music Represents Some Philosophical Presupposition part 2

All Music Represents Some Philosophical Presupposition part 2

            It is of little wonder to me that many 21^st century musicians compose music that consists of all or nearly all tension and distortion.  These composers are faithless because they are looking for answers without coming under the “way” or lordship of Christ.  It is no wonder their music is so tense and grotesque since it is a mere reflection of their philosophy that man exists in a purposeless universe trying to authenticate himself through an act of his will.

         These composers and performers have never passed from death unto life, so they have never experienced the “new and living way.”  They are searching for truth within themselves.  It is sad but most often they will never come to the knowledge of truth because they will not accept Christ who is “the way the truth and the life.”  I Timothy 3:7 explains that they are “ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  This hopeless searching for truth often makes these musicians bitter, confused, and sometimes nihilistic.  Their philosophy is distorted therefore their music is distorted because it represents their worldview.  To accomplish this effect they use fuzz guitars and distorted sounds on keyboards and turn the volume up until the speakers distort while they literally scream out the vocal lyrics in an un-vocal manner.

 

Thought for the Day

Thought for the Day

A presupposition is an implicit assumption about a belief that a person takes for granted.  I choose to believe that God exists and that He will guide Christians into all truth.  Those who do not believe in God choose not to believe so they miss the blessing of having the Holy Spirit  guide them in making life’s choices.

All Music Represents Some Philosophical Presupposition part 1

All Music Represents Some Philosophical Presupposition part 1

            Christian musicians must realize that all art forms are the product of the artist’s philosophical presuppositions.  Many composers who are not Christians believe that life exists in a purposeless universe with no absolutes, no order and no answers. In other words, to the 21^st century man outside of the grace of God, life is meaningless, and to them, there are no answers to life’s questions. 

            These musicians often do not believe what Jesus said in St. John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”  Jesus didn’t say, I am the answer but rather, “I am the way”.  This generation is searching for the answers without taking the way of Christ.  Hebrews 10:20-23 states, “By a new and living way, which he [Christ] hath consecrated [made new] for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.  Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised)”.  (Words in brackets are mine.)

 

Prayer, Song, and Thought for the Day

Prayer for the Day

Oh my wonderful and precious loving Lord and Savior, I am coming to You this day to thank You for Your Word.  Thank You that it is “quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”  Praise God! I love You and I want to express that love to You this morning!  Lord, I am asking you to help me to be Your good and faithful musical today.  Lord I am sorry that I have been whining for the past few days about possibly losing the Christian battle for music.  This morning I am giving this battle back to You.  These things I am prying in Your Strong name.  Amen.

Song for the Day How Firm a Foundation  Attr. to John Rippon

Thought for the Day

The reason that God’s word is relevant today is because as Hebrews 13:8 explains Jesus Christ really is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

Have We Lost the Battle for Christian Music?

Have We Lost the Battle for Christian Music?

Our God made a wonderful promise in Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”  Jesus made the same promise when He declared in the Gospel of St. Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”  Sometimes I need to read these Old and New Testament proofs after I have had conversations with my colleagues.  The other day one of my longtime musician friends made the statement “I think we have lost the battle on that one.”  His statement came as a result of my conservative stand on a particular aspect of how we should music unto God. 

            Although he did not mean to depress me, I went away from that conversation about music with a heavy heart. Since then I have pondered for days on the question of whether or not we are pressing musical issues that are not really relevant in this century.  I have pondered over whether or not I am the last “musical boy scout”.  I keep quoting Scriptures on music from the Bible and studying what lexicographers and trusted Bible writers have had to say about the meaning of these passages of God’s Word.  Is all this study “much ado about nothing”?

            This morning I got up early, made some coffee and picked up a book and read these words, “The only reason the Bible can be relevant today, as well as at all other times, is that it is true.  It claims within itself to come from an all-knowing all powerful, persona and only existing God.” The Best of Josh McDowell A Ready Reference by Josh McDowell and Bill Wilson p. 23.  My heart was instantly blessed and I headed to my lap-top to tell you Christian musicians that I believe.  First, I believe because I trust God’s Word to be “true truth” yesterday, today and forever.  Second, I believe because 2Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us that, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

            So, I am blessed in my human spirit because the Holy Spirit has witnessed to me again this morning that God’s Word is true and relevant in this century.  Third, I believe because Christian musicians have not “lost the music battle:, because regardless of how many people do not believe what the Bible teaches us about music, I believe that just as YHVH reminded Jehoshaphat  in 2Ch 20:15 “… the battle is not yours, but God's.”  My problem in the past few days has been that I temporarily forgot that the battle for Christian music is not my battle but rather it is the LORD’S battle.  I am reminded this morning that He is saying to me what he said to Timothy in 2Timothy 2:3 “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”

 

Thought for the Day

Thought for the Day

Omitting standard punctuation from song texts which are projected on an overhead screen because of the notion that some worshipers will not understand its meaning is somewhat like teaching to the bottom of the class—it may seem like a good idea but it hinders more than it helps.

Punctuating Our Worship Music part 2

Punctuating Our Worship Music part 2

            I am well aware that many Christian musicians are interested in warm fuzzy statements about music worship.  However, it appears to me that someone needs to bring to the attention of worship leaders how illogical it is to handicap the gospel message by omitting something as important as standard punctuation marks. Words have specific in the context in which they are used in sentences. Worship music has many purposes but it is ultimately about meaning.  I am also aware that worship music is more than rhetoric, but it till is rhetoric.  Christian musicians should realize that rhetoric is an effective technique of using language which is either written, spoken or sung to more persuasively present the meaning of the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.            

              I am concerned about the inadvertent philosophical statements we make when we fall into the current trend of dumbing down the presentation of church music. When one partially strips words from their meaning by removing punctuation from their meaning, that worship leader is guilty of dumbing down the spiritual message of the lyric poetry which is being sung. Surely any thinking worship leader could not believe that punctuation marks get in the way of cognitive worship or the emotion of worship for that matter. 

            Perhaps the reason that many churches find it hard to attract and engage educated people is that the message of the gospel is so often presented in such uncultured and uneducated ways. True believers should always seek to present the spiritual messages of worship in the best possible ways!  If God is the audience and our aim is a greater understanding of His moral nature, then a musician should use every appropriate means to engage the minds of the worshipers as they music unto God.

 

Thought for the Day

Thought for the Day
Although over punctuating a music text could hinder the flow of that text, omitting all punctuation is certainly not the answer.

 

Punctuating Our Worship Music part 1

Punctuating Our Worship Music part 1

            Sunday morning I was delighted to see the music texts come up on the screen all punctuated nicely.  It was a delight because most often we have to endure the text being shown before us with absolutely no punctuation.  If the presentation of music texts without punctuation marks bothers a music teacher, I wonder what it does to the psychic of an English teacher who is trying to worship.

            Use a comma to make sentences easier to understand by creating a pause between elements need to be separated Use a period at the end of a complete thought Although there are several rules concerning the use of a semicolon let me over-simplify by saying that it allows the writer to imply a relationship between different ideas without actually stating that they are related A colon is used to mark a major division in a sentence to indicate that what follows is an elaboration summation implication etc of what precedes it Use an explanation mark at the end of a declaration that should be greatly emphasized Use a dash when you wish to have a greater separation than a comma but perhaps less formal than colons or parentheses

            Was the paragraph above hard to conceptualize?  What was missing?  Why was it difficult?  One might argue that all the words were there and that the beginnings of sentences were marked by capital letters.  So, why all the fuss over punctuation marks?  Below I have included some (there are fourteen) of the punctuation marks and their use in the presentation of the English language to make it clearer to the reader:

1.     Use a comma to make sentences easier to understand by creating a pause between elements need to be separate. 

2.    Use a period at the end of a complete thought.

3.    Although there are several rules concerning the use of a semicolon, let me over-simplify by saying that it allows the writer to imply a relationship between different ideas without actually stating that they are related.

4.    A colon is used to mark a major division in a sentence, to indicate that what follows is an elaboration, summation, implication, etc., of what precedes it.

5.    Use an explanation mark at the end of a declaration that should be greatly emphasized. Use a dash when you wish to have a greater separation than a comma but perhaps less formal than colons or parentheses.

            Ministers of Music and Worship Leaders should remember that “Punctuation marks are signals to readers. When you speak, you can pause, stop, or change your tone of voice to make your meaning clear. You cannot do this when you write. When writing, you must use punctuation marks such as commas and question marks to make your meaning clear”.   http:www.how- to-study-skills.com   We should all remember the purpose of placing punctuated music texts on the overhead screen.  They are there to engage the worshiping body in more effective singing because they assist the musicer in his or her understanding of the meaning of the text.    If a worship leader really wishes for the audience to muse—to think as they sing-- then he or she should want the meaning of music texts to be presented as clearly as is possible.

 

 

Prayer, Song. and Thought for the Day

Prayer of Thanksgiving

I want to take time to thank you Lord for the reality of seeing You work on my behalf.  Once again, I want to thank You for supplying a real need in my life according to Your riches in Christ Jesus.  Thank You Lord for reminding me this morning that You own all the trees on the street where I live.  Thank You for being such a wonderful God.  These thanks I now give to You.  Amen.

Song for the Day This Is My Father’s World by Maltbie D. Babcock

Thought for the Day

If a Christian does not recognize God’s working in the little things in His or her life, he or she may not believe that God will work in the big things.

 

 

 

 

Blessed While Splitting Wood

Blessed While Splitting Wood

            Psalm 71:18, “Now also when I am old and gray headed, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.”  This morning I finished splitting wood that we will burn this winter.  When I was folding the big splitting beam down to transport the splitter, I praised God for the gas operated splitter, the wood which had all been given to me, and for the strength that God had given me to do this kind of work.

            I also thought about the Scripture in Psalm 37:25 that says, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”  A few days ago I realized that I did not have enough wood to make it through the winter.  I breathed a short prayer to my heavenly Father and went on about my every day chores.  About two weeks ago the utility company started putting in some new electric poles on our street and wouldn’t you know it, they had to cut some trees to get the job done.  Hence, I received four loads of wood that need spitting.  I do not know about you, but I believe that my God cares about my wood supply for this winter. I am grey headed and am of an age that somewhat qualifies me as being old.  I received a blessing this morning when God brought these Scriptures to my remembrance. 

            You may not be grey headed and you may not need wood for this winter, but you do have needs and your heavenly Father cares about them.  No matter how big or small they are, I am convinced that as Philippians 4:19 promises that even though you may be overwhelmed right now, “… my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Thought for the Day

Thought for the Day

I know that when the Bible is completely silent on a concept it is often an indication that Christians should not erect a major philosophical platform on that area of life.  However, the Bible is not silent when it comes to the concept of training our own musically.

 

 

Christian Musicians Who Know Teach More Effectively part 4

Christian Musicians Who Know Teach More Effectively part 4

            At the risk of repeating myself, I must also add the Bible is not silent concerning musical performance in the process of training our young people.  The twenty fifth chapter of I chronicles begins by explaining that,  “Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals…”  This verse make it very clear that these Levite sons were separated to perform on instruments of music.  They were commissioned and taught how to perform the music of the Temple.

             Verses six and seven of the twenty fifth chapter of I Chronicles give further explanation of this ancient music education process.  “All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God, according to the king's order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman.  So the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the LORD, even all that were cunning, was two hundred fourscore and eight.”  Notice that the chief Levite musicians instructed (lamad 3925) i.e. taught their sons to be skillful performers of the songs (shiyr 7892) of the LORD (YHVH 3068).  This Scripture leaves no question about the specificity of their performance education—they were not only taught about this music but were also taught to perform the songs of the LORD.  I have no doubt that they studied about the ancient didactic lyric poetry that was a part of their music  ministry in the Temple, but the study and appreciation of this ancient lyric poetry was certainly not the end of the praxis of musically educating these Levite sons—they actually performed this music in the context of Temple worship.

 

Prayer, Song, and Thought for the Day

Prayer for the Day

Our dear loving and all-wise heavenly Father I am asking You to repair any false thinking that I may have about what You have taught us in Your Word.  I am aware that I am hard headed at times and am slow to learn new concepts about You.  Lord I confess that I need Your help and that I am not above You.  I know that the blessed Holy Spirit is the only completely safe teacher.  So melt and mold my thinking until it is in agreement with Your true truth which You have given us in your inspired Word.  These petitions I am praying in Your perfect name.  Amen.

Song for the Day He Leadeth Me by Joseph H. Gilmore

Thought for the Day

The word inspiration (theopneustos 2315) used in 2 Timothy 3:16 means “divinely breathed in”.  Therefore, it is of little wonder that theologians say that God cannot be separated from His Word.

 

The Learner is Not Above THE TEACHER

The Learner Is Not Above THE TEACHER

Luke 6:40, “The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.”  Adam Clarke had this to say about verse forty, “Everyone who is thoroughly instructed in Divine things, who has his heart united to God, whose disordered tempers and passions are purified and restored to harmony and order; everyone who has in him the mind that was in Christ, though he cannot be above, yet will be as, his teacher-holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners.”  Adam Clarke, Adam Clarke’ Commentary, Vol.5, p. 409.  

                 Albert Barnes further explained, “The learner is not above his teacher, does not know more, and must expect to fare no better.  This seems to have been spoken to show them that they were not to expect that their disciples would go beyond them in attainments; that if they were blind, their followers would be also; and that therefore it was important for them to understand fully the doctrines of the gospel, and not to be blind leaders of the blind”.   Albert Barnes.  Barnes Notes, Vol. 9, pp. 47-48.  

            Matthew Poole had this to say on the statement, “…for the disciple is not above his master, none must look to learn of another more than the teacher knoweth himself. But it is better applied to Christ, and is as much as if our Lord had said, I am your Master, you are my disciples, and by that relation engaged to learn of me, and to follow me. I have taught you no more than I am ready to practice; I am merciful, I forgive, I give, looking for nothing again. I do not look that you should do anything above me, an thing as to which I have not set you, or shall not set you, an example; but your perfection lieth in coming as near to me as you can, in being as your Master.”  Matthew Poole. Matthew Poole’s Commentary, on Luke 6:40.

            Every Christian musician should be a student of Christ’s teachings.  If he or she is, there will be a carefulness to impregnate these principles in that musician’s musicing.   Christ is not expecting great fetes from us, but He is expecting us to be thoroughly taught. The word katartizo (2675) which is translated perfect in the AV means to be completely or thoroughly repaired or taught.  Sometimes God has to repair or adjust our thinking.  We must be willing to let Christ tech us, because we are not above our teacher.