Let me preface this article by saying that I in no way intend to be offensive in anyway. This is meant to heal, to help and to encourage singers and musicians. I have played trumpet for the Lord for 22 years and I write this from my heart.

The battle for Jericho was most likely one of the strangest battles ever fought. It was fought by praise! They marched around the city and the priests blew their trumpets. Jericho was defeated by making a joyful noise in obedience to the Lord.

Now, here is where it might get sticky for some musical types. We have cities, towns, communities and neighbors to win to the Lord. We have battles to face and an enemy to defeat.

What would happen if the singers and musicians were in tune with the Lord? Ouch! Let me confess. Sometimes I leave my trumpet in my gig bag, tucked safely away in the trunk of my car, just so I can have the freedom to worship the Lord.

I have been troubled of late to see musicians clamor up on the platform (stage to some) with sad and forlorn expressions on their faces as if to say, "Once again it’s time to go through the drudgery of praising God."

To some, it has become a job in the church. God has blessed some with amazing talent and ability to play or sing. That ability, that calling, places the musical types at the forefront of the spiritual battle. Singers are often the first to be criticized, musicians are next. If you do both, you may really be in for it.

Jealousy and envy will, sooner or later, flare up and nail you. When it does it hurts, and it hurts bad. That is why it is incredibly important that we stay focused and pray, pray, pray.

The musicians and singers must continue to lead others in praise and worship even though the enemy seems to come in like a flood. It is okay to lay aside your instrument, get off the platform and dance, shout and clap your hands unto the Lord. It’s even okay to sing at the altar. To be effective for God, there has to be an altar in your life. If, as a singer, you can’t pray, you will be ineffective as a praise leader.

If, as a musician, you can’t pray, then you can’t play. Sure, we can all make noise, but is it anointed? You see, that is what disturbs me. I have noticed tired, worn out musicians with great talent and ability beaten down by the enemy of their souls. Why? Because we sometimes fail to put God first and we forget that we are playing and singing for Him.

Singers and Musicians are a special group, but if we give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare for the battle? We must press on. We must fight the good fight of faith. It is a great honor and privilege to play and sing for the King of Kings and his bride. The church is my life and playing an instrument is how I worship the Lord. It is my voice.

With the talent He has given to me I want to praise and honor Him. Blessing others is a great by-product. We must stay focused on praising the Lord, not ourselves or music in general. It is the Lord who is worthy to be praised and worshipped. I pray this has not been offensive to anyone who sings or plays an instrument. I just know that if we stay in tune with God, He can do great things through us.

God Bless you, Bro. Ty Sauer. [][][][]