Embracing Praise: Faith, Family, and God's Unwavering Love

Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to magnify and praise the Lord, inviting His presence into our lives. We began with a heartfelt prayer, lifting up our needs for healing, financial breakthroughs, and mental peace. The Bible tells us that God inhabits the praises of His people, and we felt His presence as we worshipped with all our hearts. We were encouraged to step out of our comfort zones, greet one another, and believe that God is about to do something great in our lives.

We reflected on the importance of training up our children in the ways of the Lord, emphasizing that our actions as parents set a powerful example. We were reminded that no one is too proud or too good-looking to praise the Lord. Despite feeling under the weather, we were encouraged to press on and believe in the power of God to bring about miracles and blessings.

We discussed the need for a miraculous offering to support the church's mission and emphasized that our giving is an act of worship. We shared a powerful testimony of Sister Royster, who sang praises to God even when facing a daunting surgery, and how her faith led to a miraculous recovery. This story served as a reminder that the devil's lies cannot stand against God's truth and faithfulness.

We were challenged to put a voice to our problems and declare God's victory over them. We acknowledged that some people might cling to their problems for the drama they bring, but we were encouraged to shift our focus to God's greatness and deliverance. We were reminded that praising God can drive out the devil and bring about transformation in our lives.

We concluded with a call to action, urging everyone to bring their burdens to the altar and believe in God's healing power. We were reminded that God's love is unwavering and that He is always with us, ready to heal and restore. We were encouraged to have faith, fight through our doubts, and be thankful for God's blessings.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Praise: Praise is not just an act of worship; it is a weapon against the enemy. When we praise God, we invite His presence into our lives, and the devil has no choice but to flee. Praise can transform our circumstances and bring about miracles. [49:42]

2. Setting an Example for Our Children: Our actions as parents have a profound impact on our children. When we actively praise and worship God, we set a powerful example for them to follow. This not only strengthens their faith but also ensures that they grow up knowing the importance of a relationship with God. [23:56]

3. Faith in Action: Faith is not passive; it requires action. Whether it's stepping out of our comfort zones, bringing our burdens to the altar, or declaring God's victory over our problems, faith moves mountains. We must actively engage our faith to see God's promises fulfilled in our lives. [55:33]

4. The Importance of Thankfulness: A thankful heart opens the door to God's blessings. When we express gratitude for what God has done, we position ourselves to receive even more from Him. Thankfulness shifts our focus from our problems to God's goodness and faithfulness. [01:10:12]

5. God's Unwavering Love: God's love for us is constant and unwavering. Even when we feel alone or forsaken, He is always with us. His love is demonstrated through His willingness to go to the cross for us. We must trust in His love and believe that He is always working for our good. [01:01:06]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[06:03] - Purposeful Worship
[07:26] - Greeting and Fellowship
[23:23] - Training Up Children
[23:56] - Leading by Example
[24:37] - Miraculous Offering
[25:24] - Cheerful Giving
[26:04] - Worship Through Giving
[43:39] - Testimony of Sister Royster
[47:05] - Declaring Victory Over Problems
[49:42] - The Power of Praise
[51:08] - 10-Year Anniversary
[55:33] - Faith in Action
[01:10:12] - The Importance of Thankfulness
[01:17:02] - Rejoice in the Lord

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 150:6 (NIV): "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord."
2. Proverbs 22:6 (NIV): "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."
3. James 5:14-15 (NIV): "Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 150:6, who is called to praise the Lord?
2. What promise is given in Proverbs 22:6 regarding the upbringing of children?
3. In James 5:14-15, what actions are recommended for someone who is sick, and what are the expected outcomes?
4. How did Sister Royster's faith and praise impact her situation during her surgery? [43:39]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for God to "inhabit the praises of His people" as mentioned in the sermon? [06:03]
2. How can parents' actions of praise and worship influence their children’s faith according to the sermon? [23:56]
3. Why is it important to put a voice to our problems and declare God's victory over them? [47:05]
4. How does the act of thankfulness position us to receive more blessings from God? [01:10:12]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's presence through praise. How did it change your situation or perspective? [06:03]
2. As a parent or mentor, what specific actions can you take to set a godly example for the children in your life? [23:56]
3. Think about a current problem or challenge you are facing. How can you actively declare God's victory over it this week? [47:05]
4. In what ways can you step out of your comfort zone to greet and encourage others in your church community? [07:26]
5. How can you incorporate thankfulness into your daily routine to shift your focus from problems to God's goodness? [01:10:12]
6. Identify one area in your life where you need a breakthrough. How can you use praise as a weapon against the enemy in this area? [49:42]
7. Reflect on God's unwavering love for you. How can this assurance help you overcome feelings of loneliness or doubt? [01:01:06]

This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of the sermon, encouraging personal reflection and practical application of biblical principles.

Devotional

### Day 1: The Transformative Power of Praise

When we praise God, we invite His presence into our lives, and the devil has no choice but to flee. Praise is not just an act of worship; it is a powerful weapon against the enemy. It can transform our circumstances and bring about miracles. When we lift our voices in praise, we shift our focus from our problems to God's greatness and faithfulness. This act of worship can drive out the devil and bring about transformation in our lives. Remember, God inhabits the praises of His people, and when we praise Him with all our hearts, we can expect to see His power at work in our lives. [49:42]

Psalm 22:3 (ESV): "Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel."

Reflection: Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you incorporate praise into your daily routine to invite God's presence and power into that situation?

### Day 2: Leading by Example for Our Children

Our actions as parents have a profound impact on our children. When we actively praise and worship God, we set a powerful example for them to follow. This not only strengthens their faith but also ensures that they grow up knowing the importance of a relationship with God. Children learn by observing, and when they see their parents prioritizing worship and praise, they are more likely to adopt these practices in their own lives. It is crucial to demonstrate a life of faith and devotion, as this will leave a lasting impression on the next generation. [23:56]

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."

Reflection: Reflect on your daily interactions with your children. How can you more intentionally demonstrate your faith and devotion to God in a way that they can observe and learn from?

### Day 3: Faith in Action

Faith is not passive; it requires action. Whether it's stepping out of our comfort zones, bringing our burdens to the altar, or declaring God's victory over our problems, faith moves mountains. We must actively engage our faith to see God's promises fulfilled in our lives. This means taking tangible steps towards what we believe God has called us to do, even when it feels uncomfortable or challenging. Faith in action is about trusting God enough to move forward, knowing that He is with us and will guide us every step of the way. [55:33]

James 2:17 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to take action. What specific steps can you take today to move forward in faith?

### Day 4: The Importance of Thankfulness

A thankful heart opens the door to God's blessings. When we express gratitude for what God has done, we position ourselves to receive even more from Him. Thankfulness shifts our focus from our problems to God's goodness and faithfulness. It is a powerful practice that can transform our outlook and bring joy into our lives. By cultivating a habit of thankfulness, we acknowledge God's hand in every aspect of our lives and create an atmosphere of positivity and hope. [01:10:12]

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV): "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Reflection: Take a moment to list three things you are thankful for today. How can you make thankfulness a daily practice to keep your focus on God's goodness?

### Day 5: Trusting in God's Unwavering Love

God's love for us is constant and unwavering. Even when we feel alone or forsaken, He is always with us. His love is demonstrated through His willingness to go to the cross for us. We must trust in His love and believe that He is always working for our good. This trust in God's love provides a foundation of security and peace, knowing that we are never alone and that He is always with us, ready to heal and restore. [01:01:06]

Romans 8:38-39 (ESV): "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt alone or forsaken. How can you remind yourself of God's unwavering love and presence in your life today?

Quotes

1. "If you have a child that's in the altar and they're praising and magnifying the Lord, how about following suit? Amen. How about following suit? How about letting them know that mom and dad praises the same God that they praise and magnifies the same God that they magnify? I found out a long time ago that when I got my pride out of the way, I could praise the Lord with everything that's within me. Amen. When I got my pride out of the way, look, ain't nobody too cute to praise the Lord." [23:56] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "But we don't need to just be survivors. We need to be thrivers. We need to be out in the community using God's resources to bless people. Let's praise and magnify Him in prayer right now. Lord bless a cheerful giver today. God return it back to them sevenfold. God whatever they put in this offering plate today, God turn it back to them sevenfold. God I just praise you and magnify you God. Lord you let this money be used for your kingdom and your salvation. Let this put you in purpose in Jesus' name." [25:24] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Somebody needs to put a voice on their problem. Somebody needs to tell the devil, devil, you've come at the wrong time to mess with me now. Amen. Amen. trying to be, I know we got visitors in the house today, guests in the house. I'm trying to be polite. But sometimes I believe people go through problems and go through sickness and go through trial because it's the greatest thing that they've got a voice on. They love it. It gives drama to their life. Their addiction brings drama. Their sickness brings drama. It's a conversation piece in their life." [47:39] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Here's a revelation. We're always going to have drama. But let's have some drama with the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Let's allow the Lord to be our drama. Praise the Lord. Whoo. Man, I don't know which way to go today, but I do know this. I feel like the devil's in the house. But I know how to get the devil out of the house. Amen. You begin to get in the house, the temple of a living God, and you begin to praise and magnify the Lord, and the devil begin to pack up some stuff and leave the house." [49:11] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "I want to tell you something that happened in this, in this room Friday, Friday, I come down and man, I'm going to tell you what, anytime you baptize somebody, it doesn't matter who they are. It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter. I've never had a bath that morning and come to the house of the Lord to get baptized. I've never, I've never baptized somebody and come and cleaned out a clean baptismal tank. I'm serious. I've never done that. And I looked in the water Friday and I said, oh my Lord, the baptismal tank needs, and I, and you know, we just look at it as preachers. We say, well, that's the sin that was left behind. Come on somebody." [53:33] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "God told me this. He said, tell my people there's healing in the heart. There's healing in the house today. So evidently God has something very special reserved for us in the house of the Lord. You know the frustration of a pastor, I don't get frustrated until Saturday night and Sunday morning and I wish I could throw this Apple phone in the lake of fire where it needs to be because on Saturday night and Sunday mornings when I get all my calls and they're not good phone calls either. They're all, oh brother, I can't come to the house of the Lord today. We got bingo in the morning. I can't come to the house of the Lord today." [59:26] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "The Lord told me this. He said, tell my people that I love them and you've got to understand God's love is not on the same level as our love. His love is on a level to where he said, I'll go to Calvary's cross. I'll yield myself to a wooden stake and I'll die for you. Amen. Okay. I'm just going to say it for a moment. If Jesus Christ died for me, shame on me if I can't do some things for him. Shame on me if I can't believe his word. Shame on me if I can't believe and trust him. If he died, if he was willing to die for me, shame on me if I can't trust him." [01:01:06] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Some people don't get healed because of what you're going to lose, not realizing what you're going to gain. Amen. And then there's this woman with the issue of blood. She went out to touch Jesus. But she said, the Bible said that ABC, Fox News, and CNN was there because the King James Version said that she had to fight through the press. And sometimes, sometimes you've got to fight through your own press. You've got to fight through what others say about you. You've got to fight through what the news is being told about you. You've got to fight through what's going on in your mind." [01:09:22] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "If you'll thank him before you're healing, I promise you God will begin to make some things whole in your life. Some things that you even said yourself can't be healed. God began to heal some things. But we've got to have a thankful heart. Number one, through blind Bartimaeus, we learned it all. That our faith can stop him. Through the issue of blood, we learned that we can fight through those voices that are talking bad about us and running us down. And number three, we know that there's power in thankfulness." [01:10:51] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Some of you, it don't matter what, it don't matter how long this line is today. Some of you, God's not going to heal, but it ain't going to destroy my faith that God can't heal. Amen. Because, and bro Scott, I'm not saying, Scott Allen, you got a Scott Reynolds spirit. Amen. Scott Reynolds come into the church desiring to be healed, but there was some things at his house that he was running back to. Oh, come on somebody. You got some stuff up in your cabinet. You got some stuff hid up in your house. It's your safety net of what you run back to." [01:11:34] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?