This article will deal with a subject that is not discussed often enough in the Christian music world. Yet it is very important to bring it to the forefront and that is keeping your priorities in perspective. I believe all
singers start out because they love to sing and because they love to win souls to Christ. But along they way they begin to look at the glory, the complements, and the money, or at least the need for more of it, and loose sight of their original purpose.
When you loose sight of your original purpose the first thing it effects is your attitude. You become less interested in peoples’ hearts and more interested in their wallet. I know that you have to have finances to survive but when you start out you trust God and He can still meet those needs no matter how big your ministry gets. Deuteronomy the 8th chapter warns against being lifted up and having plenty and forgetting that the Lord is the multiplier. Deuteronomy 8:19 tells you “you will perish” if you are not thankful and mindful of the Lord instead of looking at what you have as your God. Always be thankful for what God has brought to your life and what he has yet to bring to you. Being thankful before you receive it will help it to come to you sooner.
As I sat down to write this article Joyce Meyer came on the television and her subject matter happen to be about this very thing. One point she made was, “We have two tests we have to pass and they are, 1- Our attitude when we don’t have money and 2- Our attitude when we do have money." It is very important how you handle both situations. You should always be thankful for what you have at the present no matter what your financial status maybe at the moment.
Take time to look back at where you have come from and appreciate the trip. You can get so busy looking at where you want to be in life that you forget to enjoy the journey. Never get so busy that you don’t take time to enjoy where you have been and be thankful for the experience. Always remember it has helped you grow in your spiritual walk to where you are today.
You must take time for the Word and tithing should always be of your first fruits. 3 John 1:2 tells us, “Beloved I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”(KJV) That scripture reminds you that as you grow spiritually your finances and your health will improve. That is a pretty big return on staying in the Word. Keeping your attitude balanced and your ministry healthy takes a lot of effort but you must do it to stay in line with the Word.
Don’t forget to make time for your family. Sometimes you may allow them to take a back seat to your ministry. Your family should always come first.
Save some time for them and keep the home front healthy. Don’t mistake your ministry for a relationship with God. Your ministry is a result of your relationship to God but it is not God. Your spiritual walk with God comes first, then family, then ministry. Keeping these priorities straight can take some effort but it is important that you do it according to the Word. Remind yourself daily of those priorities. It will help you to walk that narrow path and keep you balanced.
I want to take a minute to say that I had a great time teaching at Dr. Charles Novell’s Christian Music Conference School this last July. We had a great time in the Lord and I want to say hello to all of my students. Keep up the good work! You all were wonderful. It was great seeing many of my friends from when I was a student there.
I would like to encourage you to start thinking about going next year. It will be an experience that you will never forget that I will promise you. The dates for next year is July 10th-16th, 2005. To get a brochure with all the information on it you can go to the school-web site http://www.schoolofgospelmusic.net and ask for them to send you one or you can email me at http://www.martiled@excite.com with your address and I will put you one in the mail. You can also request me for you teacher if you would like or someone else on the list. They are all great. If you are serious about your singing this is where you need to be!
Until next month, keep singing His praises.
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 09/30/2004
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Category: Monthly ArticlesThe Vocal Coach
Comments: 5
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Are you planning to start back with vocal coaching articles... I like your articles on attitude and getting bookings. But, I really appreciate the vocal topics. God Bless and Keep up the good work.
G Thompson
Marti,
I agree with Shawn on this. I have been working with Marti for several years now, and these lessons she throws in on the side, apart from vocal lessons, are extremely beneficial. As a matter of fact, when used correctly they relieve the tension and stress that can mess up the vocal abilities. All aspects of the "business" ties in, and it takes a well-rounded person to correctly minister. And hopefully we are all past the point of just wanting to "sing".
Another factor to consider is EGO. As an independent producer in Nashville, I've learned a great deal about artists and their fragile egos.(Don't be mistaken friends. Some of the biggest egos I've ever had to deal with are in Gospel music and in the ministry. Spend a little time behind the scenes and you'll understand what I'm saying).
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