Non Union Biblical Musicians

  [This is another segment in the Music in the Bible series which begins in Genesis and finishes in Revelation.]

image source: hrchamber.com

However there were not made for the house of the Lord basins of silver, trimmers, sprinkling-bowls, trumpets, any articles of gold or articles of silver, from the money brought into the house of the Lord. (2 Kings 12:13)

Although there were detailed methods of payments outlined for the temple builders under Solomon's reign, the craftsmen who fashioned trumpets (and most likely other musical instruments) were not mentioned in any formal agreement. The workmen who repaired and upgraded the temple got paid freely and honestly from the tithes required by the people. It must have been a time of great wealth and prosperity and nobody felt the need to cheat or swindle in order to receive appropriate compensation for their work. When everybody prospers, there is no need for greed or unions to prevent exploitation of employees. Even Karl Marx would be envious of such conditions.

Now some have argued that Christianity is a kind of communism or socialism exampled by the distribution of good as told in the Book of Acts (Acts 4:35) but that sharing of personal wealth was all done voluntarily out of genuine love for the brethren which is proof of conversion into the kingdom of Christ (1 John 3:14). Marxism is forced distribution of wealth which not everyone is happy with except those who implement policy and those at the very bottom who benefit from it only slightly. God's plan for a Right to Work paradise is way beyond that and has no comparison in the earthly realm. And that's how they'll know we are Christians--by our love.

You've waited all your life

 And now the gates are open wide!

Listen to Patient Chill's hit single, From Now to Eternity, celebrating the return of Christ and the welcoming of the saints into His glorious kingdom!

John Byk and the Blind Guitarist · From Now To Eternity

Guitar World for God

[This is another segment in the Music in the Bible series which begins in Genesis and finishes in Revelation.]

source: guitarworld.com

And the king made steps of the almug wood for the house of the Lord and for the king’s house, also harps and stringed instruments for singers. There never again came such almug wood, nor has the like been seen to this day. (1 Kings 10:12)

Solomon enriched every aspect of the earthly kingdom of Israel ordained and blessed by God including lavishly supporting the temple musicians and funding and creating for them the best musical instruments that money could buy from the best materials that could be found.

Every serious musician knows that a good quality instrument motivates practice and playing and lends an edge to a performance that the audience will appreciate. After all (as the saying goes) you can't make silk out of a sow's ear. 

In today's highly interconnected world, it's easy to find the best guitar, harp or whatever by doing a Google search and ordering delivery to your doorstep. Not in Solomon's day. Merchants often risked their lives in caravans that troubled through rugged lands and climates to find priceless woods and other materials that the precise requirements for temple related construction and adornment demanded. Solomon's find and use of almug wood must have cost a pretty penny in blood and treasure but the wise king spared no expense or life in his plans and efforts to glorify Israel before the nations of the world. 

Teen Gospel Singer Katelynn McKinney

                                

Teen singer/songwriter Katelyn McKinney

Visit and subscribe to hear new music:

patientchill.com

King Solomon-God's Lucky Songbird

 [This is another segment in the Music in the Bible series which begins in Genesis and finishes in Revelation.]

image source: worldhistoryedu.com

 He spoke three thousand proverbs, and his songs were one thousand and five. (1 Kings 4:32)

People respect, or are at least fascinated by, a prolific artist. Add to that energy wisdom, wealth and ladies by the score, you have the envy and admiration of the world.

God blessed Solomon, King David's son, tremendously because when the Lord asked him what one thing he wished for before ascending the throne, he requested wisdom. Our Heavenly Father seems to respect and respond in gracious abundance to petitioners who are honest and humble. Witness Jesus' response when a Canaanite woman, who was outside of our Lord's earthly ministry mission at the time, pestered and begged him to release her daughter from demon control. He replied:

"I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

But the woman's quick retort about 'even dogs get to eat crumbs at their master's table," gained his respect and he granted her wish. Way to think on your feet! (Matthew 15:22-28)

The Almighty gave us critical reasoning powers to use and when we do so for His purposes, He is pleased and rewards beyond our imaginations. Solomon's wisdom has been recorded in Scripture in song, judgments and lyric. His brilliance (and Israel's rich splendor as a kingdom) was spoke of throughout the known world at the time. Even the Queen of Sheba made the arduous and long journey to be granted an audience with him. What a lucky man!

Emerson, Lake and Palmer Live

Stace Fauske Rocks for Jesus

 It just keeps getting better with all this new musical talent I am privileged to feature on this blog. Do enjoy this profile on Stace Fauske and the review of his latest release, A Better Way, available on major digital platforms on March 4, 2022.

StaceFauske.com

Please tell us about your musical journey in Christ. How long have you been making music? Any formal training? Professional experience?

I've been writing songs for 20+ years but recently at NSAI songwriter meetings I have been getting so many compliments on my music that I decided to get some of them produced. Though I have performed at many "songwriter nights" I have never really toured or been a featured artist at a concert. So I'm putting my best foot forward hoping that my music can be a light for someone, and maybe help somebody somewhere!

What music inspires you the most (Christian or secular)? Name your favorites.

Christian music such as Third Day, Casting Crowns, TobyMac, and Skillet are what inspire me for the past decade. In my youth I was more into bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, and Pink Floyd.

How has making music made a difference in your Christian walk?

It has made me believe that music makes a difference in people's lives and it is truly important for the kingdom of God. All over the psalms it says to "sing to the Lord a new song". I believe that He loves when we use our gifts that He gave us to further His kingdom!

What projects are you working on now? What are your hopes for them?

I am constantly writing new songs, it is a great way to get out any thoughts that are on my mind. I also have a handful of other songs that have been produced and I will be releasing them as singles over the next year or so.

Let us know where we can follow you and your music and give us any last words of encouragement, advice or anything else you wish to add.

I am on Facebook, and Instagram as stacefauske.

Post any and all social media links to where more information about you or your band's music can be found.

stacefauske.com
https://www.facebook.com/stace.fauske.7
https://instagram.com/stacefauske

Music Review of "A Better Way'

From the pile driving intro rhythm guitar hook to the outro vocal chop at the end of the song, Stace Fauske brings home and reinforces the gospel message of living a life free of sin through Jesus Christ and His awesome redemptive powers.

Not only are all the solid classic rock elements perfectly mixed with quality production in this track, but the lyrics and vocals are clear in spirit and perfectly tuned to those who have "ears to hear" as our Lord was fond of saying:

"I was a man who ran to sin and all the deceptions of the world...

Thought I was lost beyond all hope but I'm here to let you know

that there's a better way...

Listen my brother, God can help you change...

Listen for the voice of Jesus calling you back home!"

I've added Stace's music to my Amazon and Spotify playlists and I should probably create an entirely new category which is inspired by this song-- Christian Rock Anthems--because that's exactly what this music is--an uplifting, solidly encouraging tune that you need to play full blast on your car radio on your way to wherever because this sound will make your journey rock!

Stace Fauske and his music are definitely worth checking out and you should follow this musician for the Lord and download his new EP coming out on March 4th of this year. We can only hope that his career in this ministry continues to grow and to draw and inspire many to the message of the kingdom found in Christ Jesus. It's definitely a better way!

stacefauske.com

A Concert to Change the World

 [This is another segment in the Music in the Bible series which begins in Genesis and finishes in Revelation.]

And all the people went up after him; and the people played the flutes and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth seemed to split with their sound. (1 Kings 1:40)

pinterest.com

In this biblical account, we come to the end of King David's life. As he is about to shed the mortal coil and pass to eternity, it is important for him to name his successor to the throne. Like the wise and loyal king he has always been, he seeks counsel from God and the prophets before officially making the decree that his son, Solomon, should reign after him. This announcement is made with much fanfare, music and merry making because Solomon's reign became the high point of Israel's earthly glory. The terrestrial stretch of the kingdom fulfilled God's promise of reaching from the Euphrates to Egypt and rulers and princes from all over the world came to his courts to marvel at the greatness and wisdom that the Lord bestowed upon his servant and his people. It was truly a concert that changed the world with its message!

Change the World LIVE - Eric Clapton

Sing so the world will hear!

 [This is another segment in the Music in the Bible series which begins in Genesis and finishes in Revelation.]

"Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among lthe Gentiles,

And sing praises to Your name." (2 Samuel 22:50)

King David's song here is almost identical with Psalm 18. You should read all of chapter 22 as it is a full ballad of deliverance and description of God's working in his life through all the tribulations he experienced. The warrior poet king magnifies the Lord's promises and deeds in peace and in war, testifying to the repeated declaration throughout Scripture that "Vengeance is mine, says the Lord. I will repay." 

If the Lord is on your side, who can be against you? What can man do to you? He might be able to destroy your body, but your redeemed soul belongs to Christ Jesus for all eternity and those that harm you because of your faith have sealed their own fate into damnation. How often we forget the victory celebration that awaits us as believers! How many times have we neglected to give thanks and praise God for what He has done through us so that others may know of his Goodness and Greatness! After all, that is what we our commanded to do in the gospels--let our lights shine before others so that our Father in heaven may be glorified! (Matthew 5:16)

Amy Grant -- Mountain Top

Biblical Rebel Yell

 [This is another segment in the Music in the Bible series which begins in Genesis and finishes in Revelation.]

image source: NellaWare.com

"And there happened to be there a rebel, whose name was Sheba the son of Bichri, a Benjamite. And he blew a trumpet, and said:

“We have no share in David,

Nor do we have inheritance in the son of Jesse;

Every man to his tents, O Israel!” (2 Samuel 20:1)

It did not end well for Sheba, the rascal rebel horn man who tried to lead yet another uprising against Kind David. In fact, he was pursued by General Joab and was beheaded by his own townsfolk in order to stop the king's forces from sacking and razing the Israelite town. Rock anthems (or any genre anthem for that matter) has the potential to create a buzz with people that can end up badly in the long run depending upon the spiritual force behind the sound. My constant prayer is that the Lord examines my motivations not only in the musical realm but in all realms of my daily walk. Otherwise, there is no point in the show going on. That being said, Christ was the penultimate rebel in a good way by bringing truth to light and exposing the misunderstanding and hypocrisy of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. That's a rebel yell I can get behind!

Patient Chill Presents Katelyn

 

Teen singer/songwriter Katelyn McKinney

Visit and subscribe to hear new music:

patientchill.com

Musically Sinful Preaching

 Since there is a lull in interview requests (and a backlog in music reviews), I thought I'd take this opportunity to fill your screen with random Christian thoughts from a neophyte's perspective. Hey! It's my blog so I can do what I like! :)

Patient Chill

My new band, Patient Chill, has released their debut album of the same name. We are mixing and mastering the last track, From Now to Eternity. The EP is a concept album which offers a Christian response to the pandemic--a topic that has become morbid and rightly so, but this release offers hope through trusting in Christ after subtly exploring the situation and redefining it musically in a gentle way. The titles of the five tracks should give you a clue:

1. Patient Chill

2. VaRiAnCe

3. Injection 6

4. Boost Her

5. From Now to Eternity

Some may criticize its seemingly secular sound and overt appeal to worldly sensibilities with its initial EDM track and psychedelic rock riffs, especially in Injection 6, but I offer here an early apologetic based on Scripture.

In the Book of Acts, Paul addresses the Athenians in the Areopagus and acknowledges their religiosity before telling them about Jesus and salvation. It is an attempt to reach people on their own level before praying that the Holy Spirit will lead them to repentance and a higher level of existence through the conviction of solid preaching. As he writes in 1st Corinthians 9:

19For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

Now the obvious danger in adopting this approach is that you must have the clear objective of ultimately giving the gospel as your final appeal. In other words, be like the Lord was when He so graciously dwelt among us rebellious sinners. His presence affected them with holiness and His holiness was not affected by our sin natures. And as Shakespeare so aptly put it: Aye! There's the rub! 

Watch Boost Her lyric video from Patient Chill EP

Get Boost Her

Listen to more Patient Chill music at patientchill.com

 

Biblical Spy Signals

[This is another segment in the Music in the Bible series which begins in Genesis and finishes in Revelation.]

  "Then Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’ ” (2 Samuel 15:10)

image source: eniolaositelu.com

There is always intrigue at play within any king's court and David, who had by this time been Israel's sovereign for 40 years, was not exempt to the evils of treason under his feet. His third son, Absalom, was a charming and manipulative prince who had his eye on the throne and you can almost sense a Satan type and shadow in his attitude and behavior. He was not happy with being favored among the Israelites and trusted by David. He wanted it all so he planned to usurp the king, his father, through a subtle grassroots rebellion that would come to fruition when he gave the signal to sound the trumpets after all his schemes had been laid out and his army had been prepared. How painful this betrayal was for David and the schism that arose because of it left a deep scar on the society as all civil wars do. Aside from intrigue and spy stuff being cool in its entertainment value, there was nothing else 'glamorous' to be found in this biblical account except for the way Absalom finally met his untimely death--his beautiful head of hair got caught in some low hanging tree branches and he ended up a swinging duck for the darts and spears of his enemies from David's camp. His mission failed.

Mission Impossible Theme by a Symphony Orchestra

Bible Face Melt Music

[This is another segment in the Music in the Bible series which begins in Genesis and finishes in Revelation.]

 "So Joab blew a trumpet; and all the people stood still and did not pursue Israel anymore, nor did they fight anymore." (2 Samuel 2:28)

image source: 8tracks.com

Anyone who likes rock music knows what a 'face melting' guitar solo is. The shred blows you away and immobilizes you with its searing riffs and causes you to pause and admire the sound of the performance. 

In this passage, civil war has been raging in the Promised Land for seven years after King Saul's death between those who supported David and those who were still loyal to Saul's tribe. This particular battle takes place in the wilderness of Gibeon which was not far from Jerusalem. The limited but ferocious conflict was led by Joab from David's immediate clan and Abner of the Benjamites who were still loyal to Saul. Both sides fought bravely but Abner's men suffered greater losses and he called for a truce which Joab agreed to and signaled with the blowing of the trumpet that stopped everyone in their tracks--a face melt if you will and a purposeful solo to end the bloody game.

WARNING:THIS video may cause serious injury or death, side effects may include melting of face due to awesomeness, hair falling out, and eyes and ears to explode!

A Priest and a Thief Walk Into a Blog

 

This Italian priest makes you an offer you can't refuse Don Pasquale Ferone hails from a parish in Naples, Italy and is a Catholic charismatic priest who plays some spirited guitar and writes songs unos post alium. Check out his songs and bio HEREand follow this talented and gifted padre on his Facebook page along with thousands of others. CMA is officially an international blog now! The Good Thieves is the creation of Hugo James from the United Kingdom and is a very eclectic collection of songs that feature instrumental tracks with lyrics that stick closely to Scripture stories. Read more HERE. Business is good at CMA through my fiverr gig and the reviews are all 5 star so praise the Lord for that! Our new EP is in the works now. Fee Nix is another concept production centered on the idea that our redemption cost has been PAID IN FULL by Christ's sacrifice on the cross. This collection introduces teen singer/songwriter, Katelynn McKinney, who adds a brilliant new, young and energetic dimension to vocals on at least one song so far. We are looking to make it available around Easter. Visit patientchill.com and subscribe if you want to be kept in the calm loop. Thanks for subscribing to the CMA newsletter and remember: As crazy as things appear on earth these days, all is right in heaven! Just keep calm and listen!

Injection 6

 

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Biblical Music Memories

  [This is another segment in the Music in the Bible series which begins in Genesis and finishes in Revelation.]

"And the servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David the king of the land? Did they not sing of him to one another in dances, saying:

‘Saul has slain his thousands,

And David his ten thousands’?” (1 Samuel 21:11)

image source: WRWH

We are all aware of the power of music in triggering an emotion or perhaps a memory of some (hopefully) past event in our lives. But did you know that hero songs were common in biblical times? Since there weren't any digital capabilities to capture and preserve sound, songs were learned and relearned to keep important people and their deeds fresh in the collective memory. But sometimes the blowback is not good.

In this case, David is fleeing from King Saul who wants to kill him out of jealously. When he ended up in foreign territory and was brought face to face with Achish the king of Gath, the king's servants reminded him of this song and David was afraid because he did not want his fame as a warrior to proceed him in these circumstances since he was looking for shelter. So he started acting weird and the king dismissed him as a madman. Safe by reason of insanity!

Adele - Crazy For You