Good morning Minstrels. Saw this Q&A with Nathaniel Bassey somewhere and thought it could help someone here
Q: I know you’ve mentioned spending time with God and connecting with Him first. What other habits have you imbibed over the years that have been responsible for your growth?
A: One of the craziest habits I’ve had is praying in tongues, extensively. There was time we did a 24-hours non stop, I’ve done a 16 hours praying in tongues, I’ve done a couple of hours and I just found out by the Holy Ghost that it’s one of the most potent instruments to fellowship with the spirit. Praying in the spirit is like a habit. You know, because when you do that you’re doing many things at the same time. You accelerate spiritual growth , you speak to God directly, you’re building your most holy faith, you’re praying for things you may never know about, so you’re praying the will of God over your life so you just find out that you’re in God’s will and then I will say swim in the word of God. Musicians don’t read the word of God. We go to church and as soon as you’re done with service or you’re done playing, you check out of the very essence of life … Over the years I sing the revelation of God that I find. The Bible says let the word of God dwell in you richly. Spend time growing character. Be consistent, get a mentor . I was blessed to be raised under pastor Eskor who -and for many years I didn’t understand why – people would come from the US to ask “let’s take this boy (Nathaniel), there’s a platform in the States” and he will say to them blatantly “He’s not going anywhere, he’s not ready. He’s got the gift but the character is not formed”. And I thought sometimes, “this man, your children are abroad, they’re living well and I’m here” But the day God opened my eyes, I understood personally that character is the infrastructure that hosts your gift and the weaker it was, the shorter you would last. The stronger it is, the longer you would last. Character ensures posterity. So take the fruits of the spirit seriously and that comes over time, that is progressive spiritual growth.
And then practice your music , engage, give yourself to your craft. I teach on the concept of the total music minister which is to have spirit, to have skill, to have character. I mean it wasn’t tongues that opened the door to the palace for David. The Bible says bring me a man…Saul said bring me a man who can play well not who can pray well. Unfortunately skill does not come by praying and fasting… It comes by engaging your craft and having a routine, doing the same thing again and again. Simple repetitive practice over time will just strengthen your gifting.
No comments:
Post a Comment