Greetings from Pastor James,   

     It is good that we are praising God when good things are taking place in our lives. Praise is easy then because something pleases us and costs us nothing. That kind of praise, although it is good, is not a sacrifice.

    But what about the times when things do not go as well as you hoped. Perhaps the one you love and treasure gets bad results from a medical test. Or, because of difficult and unforeseen circumstances, bills pile up. Maybe you don’t know where the money will come from for the bills for the next month.

    Read Hebrews 13:11-16.

    Through carnal eyes, God is nowhere to be seen. To praise God in the bad times requires personal sacrifice. It takes an act of our will to lay our “all” on the altar before a God we don't understand. And when we bring a "sacrifice of praise," we choose to believe that, even though life is not going as we think it should, God is still good and can be trusted.

    Many have suffered loss in the past few years. We have come through unpleasant times. Some have praised God through it all. Some have been angry at God or believe God has forsaken us. Believe me, God is always with us.

     In a world of wars, fear of a pandemic, a failing economy, haters chanting death to America, abuse of children over gender identity; God’s people need to find reasons to praise! The God who created it all is still in charge of it all. There is nothing happening in our world that surprises God. COVID-19, the wars, the disdain for family, did not shock God or frustrate His plans. Our Father in heaven who watches every sparrow has His eye on you and I.   

    A “sacrifice of praise” can only come from the humble. Only the humble experience true worship. Don’t let pride keep you away from church.  A “sacrifice of praise” can only come from someone that has chosen Christ over the world. A “sacrifice of praise” is when we praise God by using the gifts He has given us to serve others. And we continually thank Him for it.

     Sacrifice of praise is given when we don’t have the best clothes but we thank God we have clothes that are decent. “Sacrifice of praise” is when we don’t have much of anything but we are able to thank God for everything, including and especially, the very breath that we breathe.

     A sacrifice of praise worshiper says, “God, if all these things were taken away. Even if I lost my home and never get anything, I will still praise you and worship you.  I will praise and worship You because You are God. You don’t have to perform miracles. Just because You are God I praise you.” And, we continually thank Jesus for giving us a treasure that cannot be taken or fade away.

     Only when your praise to God becomes a sacrifice to God can there be true worship. Only through true and pure worship of our Lord and Savior can we experience the blessings of His love, mercy and grace.

Blessings to all,

Pastor James Boyette

Living Water Christian Church                 lwccsv.org

72 N Lake Ave

Front Royal VA 22630                                        l