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.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15, “If one died for all, then were all dead:  And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.”

It is wonderful to discover that once we have received Christ, He becomes our relationship to ourselves.

Paul makes this clear in the above verses.

When he says, “One died for all,” according to our understanding, we probably would continue the sentence by saying, “then all are forgiven.”

Of course, this truth is found in other passages of Scripture–when Christ died for all, He died to forgive all.

But here in these verses Paul is stressing another aspect of Christ’s death.

The statement “If One died for all, then all died” reveals a crucial fact about our relationship to ourselves.

In verse 15 Paul opens up what the issue should be of our having died in Christ’s death–“that those who live should live no longer to themselves, but to Him.”

In other words, our relating to ourselves has ceased.

Christ is now our true relationship to ourselves.

We do not live to ourselves any longer.

We live to Him.

The death of Christ is not only for our forgiveness; it is also for our termination.

The terminating of the self is very positive because it has one goal in view–the release of Christ living in us.

When we no longer live to ourselves, we are no longer our point of reference in our daily life and affairs.

Our point of reference is no longer the self, but Christ.

To live FOR Him is to live TO Him.

Until Tomorrow

With A Shepherd’s Love,

Pastor Jackson

Wayne Adams

Alice Barton’s Family – Funeral Today 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