Once there was a pastor of a church who asked his members to take out two sheets of paper. On one he said to write what's wrong with the church? and on the other what's right with the church? There was plenty written about the music, the sermons, the sanctuary, etc. But, no one seemed to answer what does God want?

In Isaiah, there are passages about our spiritual DNA. You were created to praise. God said that "they may proclaim my praise." We are proclaim Him with our lips and our lives. Sometimes we praise in different ways and we have different ways. Which way is right? To God, it doesn't matter. It's never been about us. It's about Him. God just wants a red-hot church. We have been called a coliseum of praise!

Praise builds a throne for God to sit in. How big is the throne for God to sit in? Praise is the prescription to change our environment, but how many times do we argue with the doctor about the prescription?

Praise is when we express commendation, approval and favorable judgment. In Indiana, we know how to praise during a basketball game. We scream, cheer, stand, sit, chant, take your money and we never complain. However, in church, we sit, sulk, hang our heads and whine when they take our money. We would much rather go nuts for a pigskin or a round piece of leather than go nuts for Jesus. We need to high-five each other at church. Oh! That we would get excited about God.

Praise is an outward expression of inward thoughts and feelings.. Singing. Shouting. Making a joyful noise. Laughter. Thanksgiving. Standing in God's Presence. Kneeling. Clapping. Dancing. Uplifted hands. Speaking in tougues. Playing instruments. In other words, God likes noise. If you read about Heaven, you'll find that it's a noisy place, so be ready! God is creative and God is stretching us.

Praise testifying of the goodness of God. Acknowledge that God gave us every good and perfect gift.

Praise is an expression of our faith. We are praising Him for what He's going to do for us in the future. Faith is a declaraion of praise!

Praise is continual. No one can praise for you. You cannot hire a substitute. If you show up on Sunday morning and don't praise, the congregation didn't do it for you. It's not the church's job to tell you how good your Daddy is to you.

- Jon Bruney
(credit to Miles Monroe)

Jon Bruney
Pastor

Leona Sattison
Secretary





Drew Kuespert
Webmaster