Embracing a Life of Praise and Thanksgiving
Summary
### Summary
Today, we embarked on a journey of praise, exploring what it means to truly praise God in every aspect of our lives. We began by acknowledging the greatness of God, recognizing that His wisdom and knowledge surpass all understanding. We reflected on the story of Jonah, emphasizing that even when we make mistakes, God can turn our situations around for good. The key is to ensure that our praise is directed towards God and not towards idols or earthly things.
We discussed the importance of declaring God's greatness, even when we don't feel like it. This declaration is a powerful act of faith that acknowledges God's sovereignty and goodness. We also touched on the importance of rejoicing in the Lord always, regardless of our circumstances. Rejoicing is a choice that we must make daily, and it is essential for maintaining a heart of praise.
Intercession with thanksgiving was another crucial point. We are called to pray for others, including those in authority, with a heart full of gratitude. This form of prayer shifts our focus back to God and His ability to intervene in any situation. We looked at the example of Abraham interceding for Sodom and Gomorrah, showing that our prayers can have a significant impact.
Finally, we explored the concept of victorious praise. Praising God before, during, and after our battles allows us to acknowledge His power and sovereignty. We saw this in the story of Jehoshaphat, who sent worshipers ahead of the army, and in the account of Paul and Silas, who praised God in prison, leading to their miraculous release.
In conclusion, our journey of praise involves declaring God's greatness, rejoicing in His goodness, interceding with thanksgiving, and experiencing victory through praise. This journey transforms our lives and draws us closer to God, enabling us to live in His divine presence and power.
### Key Takeaways
1. Declare God's Greatness: Acknowledge that God's wisdom and knowledge surpass all understanding. Even when we don't feel like it, declaring His greatness is an act of faith that aligns our hearts with His sovereignty. This declaration is a powerful reminder of who God is and what He can do in our lives. [45:06]
2. Rejoice in the Lord Always: Rejoicing is a choice we must make daily, regardless of our circumstances. It is essential for maintaining a heart of praise and acknowledging God's goodness. This act of rejoicing strengthens our faith and keeps our focus on God's unchanging nature. [48:30]
3. Intercede with Thanksgiving: Praying for others with a heart full of gratitude shifts our focus back to God and His ability to intervene. This form of prayer is powerful and effective, as it combines our petitions with thanksgiving, acknowledging God's justice and mercy. [56:29]
4. Experience Victory Through Praise: Praising God before, during, and after our battles allows us to acknowledge His power and sovereignty. This victorious praise transforms our perspective and enables us to see God's hand at work in every situation. [01:02:12]
5. Exalt His Name Together: Lifting up God's name and magnifying His greatness is the pinnacle of our praise. This act of exalting God invites others to join in and experience His goodness, creating a community of believers who are united in worship. [01:16:30]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[38:57] - Opening Prayer
[39:49] - Introduction to the Journey of Praise
[40:42] - The Significance of Praising Hands
[41:18] - The Story of Jonah
[42:02] - Turning Mistakes into Praise
[43:37] - True Adoration and Humility
[45:06] - Declaring God's Greatness
[48:30] - Rejoicing in the Lord Always
[50:17] - Choosing Joy in Every Situation
[51:42] - Rejoicing Despite Challenges
[53:12] - Rejoicing Before, During, and After the Battle
[54:49] - Interceding with Thanksgiving
[56:29] - The Power of Intercessory Prayer
[58:17] - Praying for Those in Authority
[01:00:37] - Victory Through Praise
[01:02:12] - The Story of Jehoshaphat
[01:03:37] - Personal Story: Whitewater Rafting
[01:05:52] - The Confidence of David
[01:08:22] - Paul and Silas in Prison
[01:11:36] - Personal Story: Receiving Difficult News
[01:14:54] - The Power of Prayer and Praise
[01:16:30] - Exalting God's Name Together
[01:18:19] - Reflecting Deep Reverence and Honor
[01:21:39] - Declaring God's Goodness
[01:23:04] - Rejoicing and Interceding
[01:24:18] - Closing Prayer and Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 145:3: "Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom."
2. Philippians 4:4: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
3. 2 Chronicles 20:21: "After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: 'Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 145:3 say about the greatness of the Lord? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on declaring God's greatness? [45:06]
2. According to Philippians 4:4, what are we instructed to do always? How does this instruction relate to the sermon’s point about rejoicing in the Lord? [48:30]
3. In 2 Chronicles 20:21, what did Jehoshaphat appoint men to do before the battle? How does this example illustrate the concept of victorious praise discussed in the sermon? [01:02:12]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to declare God's greatness even when we don't feel like it? How does this act of faith impact our relationship with God? [45:06]
2. How can rejoicing in the Lord always, as instructed in Philippians 4:4, transform our daily lives and perspectives, especially during challenging times? [48:30]
3. What does the story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:21 teach us about the power of praise in the midst of battles? How can this be applied to our personal struggles? [01:02:12]
4. How does interceding with thanksgiving, as mentioned in the sermon, shift our focus back to God and His ability to intervene in any situation? [56:29]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you struggled to declare God's greatness. How can you make a conscious effort to declare His greatness in similar situations moving forward? [45:06]
2. Think of a time when you found it difficult to rejoice in the Lord. What practical steps can you take to choose joy daily, regardless of your circumstances? [48:30]
3. Identify someone in your life who needs intercessory prayer. How can you incorporate thanksgiving into your prayers for them, and what impact do you think this will have on your prayer life? [56:29]
4. Consider a current battle or challenge you are facing. How can you practice victorious praise before, during, and after this battle? What specific actions will you take to acknowledge God's power and sovereignty in this situation? [01:02:12]
5. How can you create a habit of exalting God's name in your daily life? What are some practical ways you can invite others to join you in this act of worship? [01:16:30]
6. Reflect on the story of Jonah and how God turned his situation around for good. Have you experienced a similar turnaround in your life? How did it affect your faith and praise? [41:18]
7. How can you ensure that your praise is directed towards God and not towards idols or earthly things? What steps will you take to keep your focus on God? [42:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Declaring God's Greatness
In our journey of praise, the first step is to declare God's greatness. This means acknowledging that God's wisdom and knowledge surpass all understanding. Even when we don't feel like it, declaring His greatness is an act of faith that aligns our hearts with His sovereignty. This declaration is a powerful reminder of who God is and what He can do in our lives. By focusing on God's greatness, we shift our perspective from our problems to His power, allowing us to trust Him more deeply.
When we declare God's greatness, we are not just speaking words; we are making a profound statement of faith. This act of praise can transform our mindset, helping us to see our circumstances through the lens of God's infinite wisdom and power. It is a way of humbling ourselves before God, recognizing that He is in control and that His plans for us are good. Let us make it a daily practice to declare God's greatness, no matter what we are going through. [45:06]
Isaiah 40:28-29 (ESV): "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you feel overwhelmed. How can you declare God's greatness in that situation today?
Day 2: Rejoicing in the Lord Always
Rejoicing in the Lord is a choice we must make daily, regardless of our circumstances. It is essential for maintaining a heart of praise and acknowledging God's goodness. This act of rejoicing strengthens our faith and keeps our focus on God's unchanging nature. By choosing to rejoice, we are actively deciding to trust in God's plan and His ability to work all things for our good.
Rejoicing is not dependent on our feelings or external circumstances; it is a deliberate act of faith. When we rejoice in the Lord, we are reminded of His constant presence and His promises. This joy becomes our strength, enabling us to face challenges with a positive and hopeful attitude. Let us commit to rejoicing in the Lord always, knowing that He is with us and that His joy is our strength. [48:30]
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to rejoice? How can you choose to rejoice in the Lord in that area today?
Day 3: Interceding with Thanksgiving
Praying for others with a heart full of gratitude shifts our focus back to God and His ability to intervene. This form of prayer is powerful and effective, as it combines our petitions with thanksgiving, acknowledging God's justice and mercy. When we intercede with thanksgiving, we are reminded of God's past faithfulness and His ability to answer our prayers.
Intercessory prayer is a selfless act that brings us closer to God's heart. It allows us to stand in the gap for others, lifting them up before the Lord with gratitude for His goodness. This type of prayer not only impacts the lives of those we pray for but also transforms our own hearts, making us more aware of God's presence and power. Let us make it a habit to intercede for others with thanksgiving, trusting that God hears and answers our prayers. [56:29]
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV): "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs prayer. How can you intercede for them with a heart full of thanksgiving today?
Day 4: Experiencing Victory Through Praise
Praising God before, during, and after our battles allows us to acknowledge His power and sovereignty. This victorious praise transforms our perspective and enables us to see God's hand at work in every situation. By praising God in the midst of our struggles, we are declaring our trust in His ability to bring us through.
Victory through praise is not about the absence of challenges but about recognizing God's presence and power in the midst of them. When we praise God, we invite His presence into our circumstances, and His presence brings peace, strength, and victory. Let us commit to praising God at all times, knowing that He is with us and that He is able to turn our battles into victories. [01:02:12]
2 Chronicles 20:21-22 (ESV): "And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise Him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, 'Give thanks to the Lord, for His steadfast love endures forever.' And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you incorporate praise into your response to this challenge today?
Day 5: Exalting His Name Together
Lifting up God's name and magnifying His greatness is the pinnacle of our praise. This act of exalting God invites others to join in and experience His goodness, creating a community of believers who are united in worship. When we exalt God's name together, we are reminded of His greatness and our shared faith in Him.
Exalting God's name is a powerful way to build community and strengthen our collective faith. It encourages us to focus on God's attributes and His works, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among believers. Let us make it a priority to exalt God's name together, inviting others to join us in worship and experience the joy of His presence. [01:16:30]
Psalm 34:3 (ESV): "Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together!"
Reflection: How can you invite others to join you in exalting God's name today? What impact do you think this will have on your community of faith?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Every single one of us are in a journey. We're journeying through our life. And this vehicle, this body that we have. So we have to decide what is our journey going to look like? Who's going to be in the boat with us? Who are we going to allow in the boat with us?" [41:18] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The key is you're going to praise something but what are you going to praise? Are you going to praise the Dallas Cowboys maybe maybe not are you going to praise the Texas Rangers or the Houston Astros maybe maybe not are you going to uh praise the Coppers Cold Bulldogs yes you are come on but are you going to praise them as God no." [42:02] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The first step in our journey of praise is to declare the greatness of God that if you declare the greatness of your God we have to acknowledge that he is beyond our understanding understand that we don't understand and that's okay his ways are greater than our ways." [46:53] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say what rejoice in the Lord what always and again I say as always watch this psalms 118 this is the day that the Lord has made let us what rejoice and be glad in it this is the day let us what let us what come on say it and be what glad yea happy is the people whose God is what your Lord the joy of the Lord is what my strength and my strength is renewed every day." [48:30] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Our praise should not depend on our external situations don't let it depend on our external situation but be rooted in the unchanging what goodness of God God is a God at what change is not so he's a good good guy good good father rejoicing his goodness and then when you drive on you're rejoicing you declare it you're rejoicing now you have to intercede intercede with thanksgivings." [54:49] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "When that happened, those people started praising God. god the one and true god and now they started a journey of praise in their life to the one and true god the key is you're going to praise something but what are you going to praise are you going to praise the dallas cowboys maybe maybe not are you going to praise the texas rangers or the houston astros maybe maybe not are you going to uh praise the coppers cold bulldogs yes you are come on but are you going to praise them as god no." [42:02] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The first step in our journey of praise is to declare the greatness of God that if you declare the greatness of your God we have to acknowledge that he is beyond our understanding understand that we don't understand and that's okay his ways are greater than our ways and so I do not understand how like this thing works I understand there's a battery in there I under but I do not I remember taking a computer class in junior high." [46:53] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say what rejoice in the Lord what always and again I say as always watch this psalms 118 this is the day that the Lord has made let us what rejoice and be glad in it this is the day let us what let us what come on say it and be what glad yea happy is the people whose god is what your lord the joy of the lord is what my strength and my strength is renewed every day." [48:30] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Our praise should not depend on our external situations don't let it depend on our external situation but be rooted in the unchanging what goodness of God God is a God at what change is not so he's a good good guy good good father rejoicing his goodness and then when you drive on you're rejoicing you declare it you're rejoicing now you have to intercede intercede with thanksgivings." [54:49] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When you do that there's a victory in your praise when you understand that i'm declaring the goodness of god that i'm not just declaring it i'm rejoicing in it also and at the same time i'm interceding as the bible says also pray without ceasing always praying so i'm declaring i'm rejoicing and i'm interceding when that happens in this journey of praise you're going to have a victorious praise." [01:00:37] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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