Did you hear that?

As minstrels and/or psalmists, many of us have heard countless songs on numerous media sources; that if heard often, could possibly influence your direction in how you play, sing or even write. Certainly, there are artists that are notable in presentation and in their ability to put together phenomenal and almost mesmerizing arrangements; ultimately leaving one impressed and clamoring for more. But do you use these artists or songs as the "bar" for success? Do you think subconsciously (or even consciously) that "I have to 'DO THAT' to BE LIKE THAT?'"  Family, it is not wise to get locked in to a personality, sound or even a movement. GOD is ALWAYS creating! HE's always pouring out fresh oil & doing new things. (No need for Dr. Dre loops & Jay-Z hooks!) We will talk about that in a later blog. Moving forward...Listen to God express His heart in Isaiah 43:19 saying, "BEHOLD, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye NOT KNOW IT...?"

Now I have to stop here...

It is imperative to "KNOW" when there is a shift in the atmosphere. Not only that, but it's important to listen for the 'Sound of Heaven.' (Ask me about that when you have some time) The only way to increase your ability to hear the sound, is when you practice a Life of Worship; especially when the PA system is off and the church doors are closed.

It's not too late though. If you fall short on your daily devotion to God. GET UP and begin today. The KING of GLORY awaits! Let's dive deeper...

• Now the B-clause of (Isaiah 43:19) goes on to say, "I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." My fellow minstrels, psalmists, and believers: God's intention is to raise you up and "make room for you in the midst of your wilderness" and use you to "bring moisture in a dry place". (Wow) And since HUMILITY is our posture, ALL GLORY belongs to GOD.  
• The A-clause of (Psalm 33:3) says, "Sing unto HIM a new song..." This is not to say that we should not listen or even worship God with songs that have been written by artists who've "heard" from GOD to write, compose, arrange, etc... 

Well frankly, that leads us to the point of this weeks thought. DID YOU HEAR THAT? What are you saying Jason? Well, I'm glad you asked. :-)

Question...Have you ever stopped and quieted your spirit to ask God: 

• What is it that YOU want to hear, Father? 
• What do YOU want me to sing to YOU, or play for YOU in Your honor?
• What is the sound that YOU want offered up to YOU?

These are all critical questions that need to be applied on a day-to-day or moment-to-moment basis. As God is always creating and looking for those that will worship Him in "Spirit" and in "Truth"...(John 4:23-24)

Make no room for your potential to be carnal. Don't be fooled! We all have the potential to be carnal, because of the raw gift. Remember: the 'gift' is there without repentance...(Romans 11:29). But take the gift and offer it totally to the Will of God and listen for the sound HE wants. Stay in HIS PRESENCE and YOU WILL HEAR THE SOUND. 

Upon GOD's command, release it!

To the Gifted in the Kingdom

It is imperative to know that we (psalmists and minstrels) are called to carry God's glory, but NEVER to take it. NEVER allow the accolades of men to cause you to put down your "stave" and put His glory on your own "cart."

Uzzi found out first-hand (in I Chronicles) the consequence of this disorder. Beyond the physical death of Uzzi, his purpose and destiny was snubbed out becuse now the "Ark of the Covenant" was being pushed and pulled (ie, taken, instead of carried).

Anytime you put your hands on it, the 'Death of Destiny' is emminent. Staves were specifically designed to go through the rings of the God-designated cart. In turn, the Ark of the Covenant would be elevated ABOVE the four (4) Levites that rested the staves on their shoulders. This indeed is God's visual position of "HUMILITY" for His people. I Peter 5:6 instructs us to humble ourselves UNDER the mighty hand of God that He may exalt us in due time (season).

So, my fellow friends, psalmists, and minstrels alike...hold on to your stave, and dont let anyone fool you into using a new cart.

Until next time...be blessed.


-Jason C. Smith (JCS)