In our busy lives, it’s easy to lose sight of the true essence of worship and praise. The modern culture often emphasizes self-reliance and performance, shifting our focus away from genuine connection with God. However, praising God isn’t just about rituals or words; it’s a gateway to experiencing His transforming presence in our lives. The Bible teaches us that praising God involves our whole being, from heart and mind to soul. It’s about acknowledging His greatness, goodness, and sovereignty, which in turn brings us closer to Him, filling us with peace, joy, and love.
Surrendering control to God is a vital part of this journey. It means trusting His provision, aligning our priorities with His kingdom, and acknowledging our dependence on Him. When we prioritize God over worldly concerns, we experience freedom, peace, and intimacy with Him. This act of surrender leads to spiritual growth, maturity, and a life that reflects His love and truth to others. Ultimately, praising God and surrendering to His control are transformative acts that enrich our spiritual connection and bring abundance into our lives.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
Romans 3:24-26, “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”
We see the scenery of God’s righteousness at the cross, where God’s way of dealing with and relating to man is demonstrated.
This demonstration unveils the fact that God’s procedure and way is embodied in His Son.
Christ went to the cross to be nailed there representatively and substitutionally.
He bore all our sins, replacing us and receiving the punishment for sin.
The One who knew no sin became sin for us (2 Cor. 5:21).
He shed His blood, pouring out His life in death.
All of this was a demonstration of God’s righteousness.
The Father saw the suffering of His Son’s soul and was satisfied (Isa. 53:11).
He accepted the death of His Son for sin.
He accepted the shedding of His blood on our behalf.
He pardoned man for Christ’s sake.
This is God’s way, or procedure.
Now I, as a sinner, simply need to look at Jesus, to look at the cross.
Christ died for me.
This look itself is faith and constitutes me righteous.
I am righteous not because of what I have done–not because of my history, my potential, my promises and deals with God, or my resolutions to reform myself.
God does not make me righteous because of any works of the law done by me.
He makes me righteous because of something done outside of me.
Wonder of wonders!
Something outside of myself!
Calvary was outside of myself!
God accepted the death of Christ for my sins and made me righteous.
It was all because of Calvary.
Now I can look at that One who died for me.
And in that look not only are my sins forgiven, but I am quickened and made alive by the life of God imparted into me.
This is God’s way of doing things.
This is God’s righteousness
Until Tomorrow
With A Shepherd’s Love,
Pastor Jackson
TUESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Wayne Adams
Alice Barton’s Family – Funeral Wednesday at 1:00 PM at Henry’s in Lithonia
Linda Hodges Family in passing of her older brother.
Kim McClain
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband) – Home
Joe Shelnutt
John McClain’s Mother
Amy Garner
Amy Garner’s Mom & Dad
Andrew Halevi & Daughter
Ashely Burn’s Sisters
Coly/Connor – Allison’s G’sons
Dan Haines
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
David Harrison – Riverside
Deanna Fowler
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Drew
Easton Fielder
Ed Mays
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Freddie May’s Mom
George & Linda Alexander
James Burnette
James Garner’s Friend
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
John Austin
June Cronan’s Sister
Junior Stephens
Kailey Bateman
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary Sims
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Miles Bradshaw
Nora Allison
Pastor & Mrs. Driskell
Ricky Gipson
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Roseleigh Osborn
Sandra Graham
Scott Lanier
Soso Nzolo – 17 Yr. Old South African Pastor’s Daughter
Susan & Alexis Tesone
Susan Mosley
Tom Witcher