Sunday at Judah - Keyona Colbeth

"Praise That Betrays" was the title of Pastor Glenn's message this Sunday, (Matthew 26:1-50).  Jesus told Judas that he was going to betray Him because Jesus knew what really was in Judas' heart.  Even though Judas had spent personal time with Jesus his praise wasn't truly there.  Judas' betrayal didn't come from his hands but from his lips!  Let that sink in for a moment!

Like Judas' kiss our praise can be a betrayal to God.  Just because we praise Him doesn't mean we are giving Him the praise that He deserves.  Praise isn't just closing our eyes and clapping our hands.  True praise, that God receives, is not self-motivated but it's driven by the faith that God will put himself in the middle of our problems.  Jesus teaches us praise because He knows the power it holds in our fight against the enemy.  Pastor Glenn said "The enemy is there to stop us from getting to the next phase of our life or even take what we already have."  However, Psalm 8:2 states "From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger."  Giving false praise is in turn telling God that you don't think He is big enough to handle your problems.

Listening to PG's message Sunday made me think about the way I praise. There have been plenty of times where I have just raised my hand and sang the lyrics to a song not truly realizing my "kiss of betrayal."  Giving God the glory, honor, and true praise is my focus this week.  Are you praising with the right motives and is your praise being received?

Have a blessed week,

Keyona