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"Now get up, it's getting late? We 'HAVE to' go to church!" Was this a sentiment expressed to you growing up or even practiced today as you prepare to worship each Sunday morning? This statement and others like it implies an obligation, doesn't it? We HAVE to go to church; we HAVE to tithe; we HAVE to love our spouse; we HAVE to pay our taxes. Until recently, I too found some of these words personally uttered without really thinking about it. This month, I want to share an eye opening "attitude adjusting" experience that I personally feel has changed my LIFE. Recently my pastor gave a sermon about being the "best YOU you can be", which I was really looking forward to hearing. I love a challenge and I am constantly looking for ways to make a difference in every aspect of my life. One of the points of his delivery addressed attitude. I thought, "well, I think I HAVE a great attitude; I love my Lord, my husband, my children, my job, my family and friends? I feel pretty good about my attitude." Then he referenced the "HAVE to" to "GET to" line, and a light bulb went off in my head! I immediately began to see how blessed my family and I REALLY are. I don't "HAVE to" go to church, I "GET to!" I don't "HAVE to" love my husband, I "GET to!" My daughters don't "HAVE to" go to school, but because we live in a free society, they "GET to?" and the list goes on. As a Christian, I HAVE found that faith is a "GET to." I don't "HAVE to" believe that Jesus died on the cross for the ultimate salvation of my soul, but because I do choose to believe that He did, "I GET to" enjoy eternity in a mansion that He prepared for me when my time here is done! Yah God! There are great illustrations of faith throughout the Bible in many different books. Let me point out a few stories shared through the songs of several of our Spring Hill artists. I HAVE really come to appreciate the following story of the woman with the issue of bad blood. For 12 years she had suffered with no hope of recovery. All of the physicians of the day had pretty much written her off. She had heard that the Messiah was coming to the town where she lived. She may HAVE thought, "He's my only hope? I don't HAVE anything else to lose? If I could just get close enough to touch the Master, I may HAVE a chance." Her case could HAVE easily been called a "HAVE to." She might HAVE thought, "I 'HAVE to' GET to Jesus to survive, after all, He has been reported to HAVE performed a few miracles, maybe I will be as fortunate and my life will be restored. " However, the story goes on the say that not only did her faith save her but Jesus was touched by her determination to touch the hem of his garment in her ill health. It was her faith that made an extraordinary impression on the Master, not a selfish act on her part to be healed or any undue expectation of Him to heal her, though the outcome was in her favor. It was her faith that was the force that carried her to the feet of the Master that day. Spring Hill Records' female trio, The Ruppes, sing She Touched His Heart, which recounts this story with passion and beautiful family harmony. You can request it nationwide on Southern Gospel radio or you can hear it on the "Free" CD, available now in Christian bookstores. Another phenomenal story of faith is exhibited by three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego whose faith and love for the Lord carried them safely through a very "heated" test. When faced with the choice ordered by King Nebuchadnezzar of kneeling before an idol god or face death, their faith would not be daunted. Angry at the defiance of the three friends, the King tied and bound them and had them thrown into the fiery furnace. But because of their faith, not only were they spared, but their courage and the fact that God showed up in the fire, converted the King to the "God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego". The biblical reference of this story can be found in the book of Daniel. The story in song is coming soon to Southern Gospel radio from CrossWay. This young spirited, male quartet, who HAVE been associated with the radio successes of "I Won't Look at the Lions" and more recently for the single and title of their latest CD, "Walk on Water Kind of Day", will hit the airwaves again with their latest upbeat single, "Prayin' for Deliverance." This song is sure to become a favorite in the coming weeks! If you cannot wait, you can hear the song on the Walk on Water Kind of Day CD also available now where Christian music is sold. It is sometimes difficult to step away from the lives hat we lead and really examine how blessed we as Christians. We are faced with daily trials, meetings, schedules, and we are in constant motion. But, I challenge you to revisit your attitude. Do you do things in your day and for the people in your life because you "HAVE to" or because you "GET to?" That small little attitude adjustment adds so much perspective As I close this month, here is one more question to ponder. If you've ever wondered about how much you are loved and sought by our loving Lord, think about this as we approach the Easter season. Jesus didn't die on the cross because he "HAD to?" Our Lord loved us so much that He gave his son for us. Jesus "GOT to" fulfill His father's will to save us? We are indeed a blessed people! God keep and bless you until next month, Buffi Holland Spring Hill Music Group National Radio Promotions Coordinator Phone- 615-312-5647 Email- Psalms 100- Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!

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