Ezra 3:10-11 recalls, “When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the LORD, according to the ordinance of David king of Israel. And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD.

*Praise works best at the start, before the miracle, before the breakthrough, before the restoration. It sets the stage for our Almighty God to act on our behalf; that is why we sing songs of praise at the start of our services.

Ps 100:12 says, Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

As I read this I began to think about WOW Church. …the phrases, “when the builders laid the foundation ” and “praise works best at the start ” jumped out at me.

God, The builder of WOW Church has spent the last year laying the foundation for this work He had planned in Bowersville Ohio!   We began this walk of faith and obedience praising God for His promise of provision, for accomplishing the things He has shown and spoken to us by His Spirit.

God has BIG plans for this community. He desires to show Himself strong.   We have seen some great things but He has SO much more to do.   He needs YOU to enter His gates with thanksgiving – His courts with praise!   Thanksgiving for what He has done and praise in anticipation of what He is preparing to do. God needs your hands, your feet, your voice to accomplish His plans and purpose for WOW Church.

It’s time to  Plug in. Put your hands to something. Use the gifts and talents God has given you to bring His love, compassion, and grace to those who are hurting and in need.

There are people who need a miracle, a breakthrough, restoration. ..maybe you need one too. Praise!!! Our Almighty God becomes present in the praise of His people. (Psalms 22:3)

On Sunday morning when worship starts forget about everything and everyone else and focus on praise. Better yet, begin your praise every morning as soon as your eyes open.

 Do you want to see God move in our services, in your life, and in our community?   It all begins with praise. That is what sets the stage for God to move.   Let’s enter His courts with praise in expectation of His glory and prepare to be blown away by the faithfulness of our God.