Today has been a tale of two melodies,

After morning prayers, I relaxed and finished writing a musical setting to Psalm 10, and even though this psalm starts with a sombre question sung by a solo treble voice “Why do you stand far away?” – a question many have asked of God. The psalm ends with such confidence that the musical setting finishes with bell effects of the piano and a glorious high chord from the choir and the wonderful line “He causes His ear to hear the cry of the humble”.

What I would give to hear my music performed by actual musicians? Every time I finish one of these musical settings I feel I have said another prayer, but how much greater a prayer if they were to be sang for real? Have a listen and let me know your thoughts. I have always written music that is to be performed, and I do feel one day this will be of use to praise God’s kingdom. (Let me know if you want to perform any as it would be a joy to help)

As I wasn’t with the Pathfinders today I went and visited Crossgate Church in Preston. Firstly let me say what an awesome privilege this was and a wonderful church and worship they have leading where many fear to tread. It was the opposite ends of worship to what I am used to and so a full modern band with many accomplished musicians praising God was wonderful.

In the middle of a song I had to sit and reflect on Gods words which were impacting me. God has been urging me to continue with music; Continue playing? Continue performing? Continue conducting? Continue composing music? Continue reaching people with my music, but how? All these different ways are praises to God, but how can I use music as a evangelistic tool?

I raise a hallelujah, my weapon is a melody

Raise a hallelujah – Bethel Music

It may seem awful to say my weapon is my melody, but when there is a spiritual war and spiritual walls to break down, then a spiritual weapon is what you need, and I believe firmly that music is one of those key weapons that connect us to God’s heart and when it comes from scripture it is even more powerful.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword

Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

Using scripture as an inspiration for music is a great way to express your love for the Lord. But in writing music I have always put much emphasis on writing good strong melodies. Yes the chords have to be effective and the other devices within a musical composition, but the melody is key.

He will make her wilderness like Eden,
And her desert like the garden of the Lord;
Joy and gladness will be found in it,
Thanksgiving and the voice of melody.

Isaiah 51:3 NKJV

Melody reaches the heart of God and when we praise Him with melody it breaks down so many walls and dominions and when you are in a desert then you need small signs to guide you out. My voice singing a melody is awful but God can use anyone in anyway He sees fit.

Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!

Psalm 140:1-6 NKJV

This was a joyous song praising God at the worship this morning but God had a message for me. Have a listen to Bethels version here;

Music is prayer and it opens God’s ear so that he hears our prayers, even more so than when we just mutter some words and don’t mean them. But even if you can just mutter or make a noise, if your belief is real and you are humble then God will hear.

So I have a long journey ahead following God, but Music is going to be key to the journey, whether that is conducting a band for as long as they want me, or performing on trumpet when ever I am called, or writing music to praise God, I will dance the dance allotted for me and do this all for the glory of God.

Raise a Hallelujah

Amen