Gushing Hallelujahs

True praise is NEVER an obligation - it's always a delight! - C.S. Lewis

The psalmist said he could hardly wait to go into the house of the Lord. I wonder why? - Hmm!

Imagine yourself at a championship ballgame. Your team is doing well, everything is falling into place for them to win it all. Big plays are being made again and again right before your very eyes. Now, imagine you're not allowed to express any type of response. You have to remain calm and composed. You're not allowed to even 'ooh and aah', or say 'wow', or cheer, or clap. Wouldn't that be totally frustrating! But often we do it Sunday after Sunday at worship. The bible actually commands us to praise profusely (Psalm 150) giving our 'Hallelujahs' to God. One way to define hallelujah is 'breath of praise to God!' And in Revelation 19 that 'breath' of praise is a rather loud 'roar' gushing forth. So ask yourself, when was the last time you actually 'gushed' over God?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him." - Psalm 33:1

Prayer in Concert With Faith

My obligation is to do the right thing. The rest is in God's hands. - Martin Luther King Jr.

James wrote to his listeners that his faith was actually shown by what he did, not so much what he said. Hmm!

"I've prayed about it!" It's often something we tell ourselves and others about situations or issues going on in our lives. But in truth, prayer is not a magical chant or spiel that puts an 'aura' or 'halo' over our head, nor build a fence around us to keep us from sin. It only works in concert with faith, which means we must do all we can to assist our requests of Almighty God. The Proverbs writer tells us that when we see the 'evil' before us to cross the street or go the other way, not just try and pray through it. (Proverbs 7:24-27). This means we must put action behind our requests to be victorious - a show of faith - that allows God to work in us a stronger resolve to remain true and faithful to Him. So, whether we're trying to break a habit, change society, remove ourselves from a bad relationship, or just grow in His grace, when the enemy attacks in all his subtlety, it will take a little more than just the words we offer, it will also require the Power of the Spirit we have within.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...But when you pray, o into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen..." - Matthew 6:6

Hallelujah Fresh

True praise is NEVER an obligation - it's always a delight! - C.S. Lewis

The psalmist said he could hardly wait to go into the house of the Lord. I wonder why? - Hmm!

Imagine yourself at a championship ballgame. Your team is doing well, everything is falling into place for them to win it all. Big plays are being made again and again right before your very eyes. Now, imagine you're not allowed to express any type of response. You have to remain calm and composed. You're not allowed to even 'ooh and aah', or say 'wow', or cheer, or clap. Wouldn't that be totally frustrating! But often we do it Sunday after Sunday at worship. The bible actually commands us to praise profusely (Psalm 150) giving our 'Hallelujahs' to God. One way to define hallelujah is 'breath of praise to God!' And in Revelation 19 that 'breath' of praise is a rather loud 'roar' gushing forth. So ask yourself, when was the last time you actually 'gushed' over God?

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him." - Psalm 33:1

Not an Afterthought

Give not from the top of your purse, but from the bottom of your heart. – Anon

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and teachers of the law often for their traditions of men which adhered to the 'letter' of the law but ignored the 'spiritual intent' of the law. He said they should do both. Hmm!

Often, in terms of what we give to God; whether it be praise, worship, offering, service, etc.; is done without much thought and preparation, but out of a sense of duty or obligation. God wants neither. He is seeking our love for Him, and our respect of His will. Just as we would never really want to be an 'afterthought' in people's dealings, God should not be in ours. If He is truly KING of Kings and LORD of Lords then only our best, as we have prepared ourselves will do. Remember you can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving. As we embark upon today may our heart be our guide.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“The Lord says; These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.” – Isaiah 29:13