Music

About My Music

They say there are two types of drunken Irishmen, the scrapper and the singer. When I was a drunkard, I was the singer. And since I've been saved I've been the singer even more so.

I am not a performer. Music is a ministry. And I am a minster. I am not a musician, I don't even read music. I am not that good of a guitar player, mediocre at best. I do not have an angelic voice, but rather, barely tolerable. But what abilities I do have were given to me by the Lord. And I will use them for His glory! Nothing if done for the right reasons we be in vain. I did not learn to play the guitar until after I was saved. And I learned by playing hymns.

I have led singing in churches with accompaniment, A capella, and with my guitar. I have done it on the streets, in nursing homes, jails, churches, hospitals, homes, and even cemeteries. I love to sing solo, in groups, or leading a congregation. I love listen to music, play and sing, or just sit and sing in a congregation, in our home, in my car, in the shower, or on the roof.

I've sung in jails and prisons and have seen God melt the hearts of hardened convicts. I've been in church services where the spirit there seemed so tight that you shoot an arrow without a bow, and after a few songs or hymns you could almost see heaven. I sang at a campmeeting one time and the Lord pointed out this lady to me. She had not been there previously and she had a hard look about her. But as I sung I could see the Lord was dealing with her. As the song progressed she went from hard to blank, and then from blank to soft, and from soft to relieved, and finally from relieved to tears of joy, smiling and weeping at the same time.

So even greater that any talent, (and I am the first to admit my lack thereof), the Lord gave me a desire to minister. And He has ministered through music, even mine.

On the other hand, I have seen musicians and singers who were blessed of the Lord incredibly, who used their talents to satisfy their ego. Loving the praise of men more than the praise of God. And to be honest if they want to be applauded I don't see any reason why we shouldn't.

Brother Tony! I can't believe you just said that we should applaud. Well I look at it this way... Those that are in it for money, or fame, or whatever have the wrong motive. Right? And as their works are judged for "what sort" they were of it will be revealed that it was not to minister of glorify Christ. Therefore, entire gospel music careers will go up in a puff of smoke. No rewards. So I figure why not give them something now, they will not collect later.

Think about that, the next time you are somewhere and see a "Christian Performer" instead of a music minister, applaud and cheer, pat 'em on the back, even get their autograph, it's the only reward they will ever see.

 

Singing and playing at a campmeeting in North Carolina 

Follow the links below and they will take you to the page described.

At Home With Hymn

At Home With Hymn is a CD collection of hymns about Him sung by Brother Tony. It will be a blessing to you if you like the old Hymn Book.

About My Guitars

I have certainly been blessed to have the instruments that I have, and here is where I will tell you a little about them. If you are interested that is.