From the Pastor's Desk

John Wesley was about 21 years of age when he went to Oxford University. He came from a Christian home, and he was gifted with a keen mind and good looks. Yet in those days he was a bit snobbish and sarcastic. One night, however, something happened that set-in motion a change in Wesley's heart. While speaking with a porter, he discovered that the poor fellow had only one coat and lived in such impoverished conditions that he didn't even have a bed. Yet he was an unusually happy person, filled with gratitude to God. Wesley, being immature, thoughtlessly joked about the man's misfortunes. "And what else do you thank God for?" he said with a touch of sarcasm. The porter smiled, and in the spirit of meekness replied with joy, "I thank Him that He has given me my life and being, a heart to love Him, and above all a constant desire to serve Him!" Deeply moved, Wesley recognized that this man knew the meaning of true thankfulness.

Many years later, in 1791, John Wesley lay on his deathbed at the age of 88. Those who gathered around him realized how well he had learned the lesson of praising God in every circumstance. Despite Wesley's extreme weakness, he began singing the hymn, "I'll Praise My Maker While I've Breath."

In Luke 19:37-40, we find a multitude of disciples giving Jesus the praise that was needed at the time. The Pharisees didn’t like it and wanted Jesus to rebuke them. Instead, Jesus makes a very profound statement, “If these should keep silent, the rocks would immediately cry out.”

Do not let the rocks steal your praise. The Bible says in Psalm 150, “everyone who has breath, praise the Lord!” There is a praise on the inside of you that is just bursting to come out. We need to give him the adoration that He deserves! He is worthy of our praise!

-Pastors Tim & Katrina