Embracing the Power of Praise and Worship

Devotional

Day 1: Praise as an Outward Expression

Praise is not just an internal feeling but an outward expression of approval, admiration, and commendation. It is a natural state for us as God's creation, and when we don't praise, we are in an unnatural state. Our praise for God must be intentional and surpass all other forms of praise in our lives. [35:42]

Psalm 148:1-5 (ESV): "Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts! Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord! For he commanded and they were created."

Reflection: Think about the last time you praised someone or something enthusiastically. How can you channel that same energy and enthusiasm into your praise for God today?

Day 2: God Hears the Praiser

When we praise God, He hears us. The story of Hezekiah shows that God extended his life because Hezekiah desired to praise Him. This teaches us that our praise positions us to be heard by God, and it can lead to miraculous interventions in our lives. [46:22]

2 Kings 20:5 (ESV): "Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the leader of my people, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt God heard your prayers. How can you incorporate praise into your daily prayer life to ensure you are continually positioning yourself to be heard by God?

Day 3: God Inhabits Our Praise

God lives in the praises of His people. The story of Paul and Silas in prison illustrates that when we praise God, His presence inhabits our praise, leading to freedom and deliverance. This shows the transformative power of praise in our lives. [51:08]

Acts 16:25-26 (ESV): "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened."

Reflection: Consider a situation in your life where you feel trapped or bound. How can you use praise as a tool to invite God's presence and experience His deliverance?

Day 4: God Remembers the Praiser

The sacrificial act of the woman who anointed Jesus with costly oil demonstrates that God remembers our acts of praise. Our praise should come from a place of sacrifice, reflecting our deep love and reverence for God. [55:19]

Mark 14:3-9 (ESV): "And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head... And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her."

Reflection: Think about a time when you made a significant sacrifice for someone you love. How can you make a similar sacrificial act of praise to God this week?

Day 5: The Power of Unified Praise

Corporate worship and unity in praise are powerful. When we come together with one voice, the presence of God fills the house, as seen in 2 Chronicles 5. Unified praise not only blesses us individually but also creates an atmosphere where others can experience God's presence. [01:03:48]

2 Chronicles 5:13-14 (ESV): "And it was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to make themselves heard in unison in praise and thanksgiving to the Lord, and when the song was raised, with trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in praise to the Lord, 'For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever,' the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God."

Reflection: Reflect on your experience in corporate worship. How can you contribute to a unified atmosphere of praise in your church community this coming Sunday?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, CLC family! Today, we delved into the essence of praise and worship, exploring how it transcends mere songs and becomes a fundamental principle of our faith. We began by acknowledging the importance of lifting high praises to God, setting the tone for a service filled with heartfelt worship. Our series, "More Than a Song," emphasizes that our worship must be deeply rooted in the Word of God. Today, we focused on the song "Everything That's In Me," which calls us to praise God with all that we have.

We discussed how praise is not just an inward feeling but an outward expression of approval, admiration, and commendation. Authentic acts of praise are evident in our daily lives, whether it's celebrating a favorite artist, a sports team’s victory, or personal milestones like graduations and promotions. However, our praise for God must surpass all these because He is a jealous God who commands our highest praise.

We explored Psalm 148, which calls all of creation to praise the Lord, emphasizing that praise is a natural state for us as God's masterpiece. When we don't praise, we are in an unnatural state. We must assume our natural posture of praise, which is more than a song; it is an interaction with God in real-time.

We also examined the benefits of praising God. Firstly, God hears the praiser, as seen in the story of Hezekiah, whose life was extended because he desired to praise God. Secondly, God inhabits the praises of His people, demonstrated by Paul and Silas, whose praises led to their miraculous release from prison. Thirdly, God remembers the praiser, illustrated by the woman who anointed Jesus with costly oil, an act that Jesus said would be remembered wherever the gospel is preached.

Finally, we discussed the power of corporate worship and unity in praise. When we come together in unified praise, the presence of God fills the house, as seen in 2 Chronicles 5. We concluded with a challenge to spend seven minutes each day in praise, using a curated playlist to help unify our worship.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Praise as an Outward Expression: Praise is not just an internal feeling but an outward expression of approval, admiration, and commendation. It is a natural state for us as God's creation, and when we don't praise, we are in an unnatural state. Our praise for God must be intentional and surpass all other forms of praise in our lives. [35:42]
2. God Hears the Praiser: When we praise God, He hears us. The story of Hezekiah shows that God extended his life because Hezekiah desired to praise Him. This teaches us that our praise positions us to be heard by God, and it can lead to miraculous interventions in our lives. [46:22]
3. God Inhabits Our Praise: God lives in the praises of His people. The story of Paul and Silas in prison illustrates that when we praise God, His presence inhabits our praise, leading to freedom and deliverance. This shows the transformative power of praise in our lives. [51:08]
4. God Remembers the Praiser: The sacrificial act of the woman who anointed Jesus with costly oil demonstrates that God remembers our acts of praise. Our praise should come from a place of sacrifice, reflecting our deep love and reverence for God. [55:19]
5. The Power of Unified Praise: Corporate worship and unity in praise are powerful. When we come together with one voice, the presence of God fills the house, as seen in 2 Chronicles 5. Unified praise not only blesses us individually but also creates an atmosphere where others can experience God's presence. [01:03:48]
### [63:48]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[29:09] - Opening Praise
[29:42] - Introduction and Welcome
[30:16] - Worship Pastors Introduction
[30:55] - Series Overview: More Than a Song
[31:24] - Recap of Previous Sermons
[31:53] - Today's Focus: Everything That's In Me
[32:21] - Personal Connection to the Song
[32:48] - Reciting the Lyrics
[33:18] - Principle of Our Faith
[33:53] - Revelation and Manifestation
[34:29] - Prayer for Illumination
[35:07] - Celebration and Praise
[35:42] - Definition of Praise
[36:25] - Authentic Acts of Praise
[37:03] - Examples of Praise in Daily Life
[37:59] - Continual Praise on Our Lips
[38:52] - Praise for God Above All
[39:45] - God's Jealousy for Our Praise
[40:36] - Natural Posture of Praise
[41:23] - More Than a Song
[42:20] - Testimony Service
[43:46] - Psalm 148: Call to Praise
[45:02] - Repetition in the Bible
[46:22] - God Hears the Praiser
[48:02] - Hezekiah's Story
[49:39] - God Inhabits Our Praise
[51:08] - Paul and Silas in Prison
[53:33] - The Power of Praise
[55:19] - God Remembers the Praiser
[57:02] - Sacrificial Praise
[58:34] - Corporate Worship
[60:53] - Music and Memory
[62:19] - Unity in Worship
[63:48] - Unified Sound in Worship
[65:28] - Seven-Minute Challenge
[66:33] - Everything That's In Me
[68:16] - Invitation to Receive God's Love
[69:38] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Psalm 148, who or what is called to praise the Lord? ([45:02])
What was Hezekiah's response when he was told he would die, and what was God's reaction to his prayer? ([46:22])
What happened when Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns in prison? ([52:46])
How does the sermon define praise, and what are some examples of praise in our daily lives? ([35:42])

Interpretation Questions

Why is it significant that all of creation is called to praise the Lord in Psalm 148? How does this relate to our natural state of praise? ([45:02])
What does Hezekiah's story teach us about the relationship between praise and God's response to our prayers? ([46:22])
How does the story of Paul and Silas illustrate the power of praise in difficult circumstances? What can we learn from their example? ([52:46])
Why is it important for our praise to be intentional and surpass all other forms of praise in our lives? ([39:45])

Application Questions

Reflect on your daily life. Are there moments when you naturally express praise, such as celebrating a personal achievement or a favorite sports team? How can you redirect some of that praise towards God? ([36:25])
Hezekiah's life was extended because he desired to praise God. How can you make praise a more integral part of your prayer life, especially in times of need? ([46:22])
Paul and Silas experienced freedom through their praise. Is there a challenging situation in your life where you can choose to praise God despite the circumstances? How might this change your perspective? ([52:46])
The woman who anointed Jesus with costly oil gave a sacrificial praise. What is something valuable to you that you can offer to God as a form of sacrificial praise? ([55:19])
The sermon challenges us to spend seven minutes each day in praise. How can you incorporate this practice into your daily routine? What specific steps will you take to ensure you follow through? ([01:05:28])
Corporate worship and unity in praise are powerful. How can you contribute to a unified sound in your church's worship? What can you do to encourage others to join in? ([01:03:48])
Reflect on the statement, "When we don't praise, we are in an unnatural state." How does this perspective change the way you view your daily interactions and expressions of praise? ([40:36])

Sermon Clips

1. "So, today I'll be providing you with a bit of information and the goal of that information is to lead us into a season of revelation. And when we talk about revelation, what we're saying is we're wanting God to reveal and open our eyes to something that we've never known or have never seen before. The prayer goes beyond that, that the Holy Spirit takes that word and he illuminates that word in our lives. He takes that word and he affirms it and lets us know that this is a good word for us to take in. And we move beyond the illumination into manifestation because as God affirms that word in our lives, we pray that that word manifests in our lives and we can see the work of the Lord and the word of the Lord moving in our lives." [34:29] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "So, this word celebration, I want to tie celebration into praise because praise, at its core, is a celebration. Webster says that praise is the expression. Everybody say the expression. Or it's the expression of approval, commendation, or admiration. So, this is not just a thought or an idea. It's also, in fact, an outward expression. Amen? This is not just a thought or idea. This is an outward expression. In our lives, there are positive things that we see that causes this expression from us. So, these are positive things that we have achieved or something good that has happened in our favor. So, in our everyday walk, there are authentic acts of praise that we experience." [35:42] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "So, God created us to praise, but God created us to praise him. You can find this in Psalms 148. And we'll go back to that scripture and read it a little bit more. But God, our praise for God, because God has created us to praise him, our praise for him has to be above anything else. So, if we're praising our spouse, and we're praising our kids, and we're praising our dogs, and we're lifting up our teams, and we're going to the concerts, and we're having a great time, do you know that a characteristic of our God is that he is a jealous God? He is jealous of our praise. So, our praise for God has to be intentional. Now, we must know that this is a command that God has given all of us. All of creation." [39:45] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "When we don't praise, we are actually in an unnatural state. We're in an unnatural state. So, I want you to tap your neighbor to the left. Tap him on the shoulder and say, neighbor. Assume your natural posture. Turn to your neighbor to the right and say, neighbor. Assume your natural posture. Now, I want you to take your hand and I want you to tap yourself on the chest and say, self. Assume your natural posture. Why? Because praise is more than a song. It is an interaction with our God in real time. This is nothing to be taken lightly. We have made this celebration of our God about ourselves and our own personality. It is about our own personal desires." [40:36] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "God hears the praiser. Everyone say, God hears the praiser. Praise positions us to be heard by God. know this. Let's go to Isaiah 38, 1 through 5. If you can put it up on the screen so we can all look at it together. And it says, in those days Hezekiah was sick and was near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, thus says the Lord, set your house in order for you shall die and not live. Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall and he prayed to the Lord and said, remember now, Lord, I pray how I have walked before you in truth and with a loyal heart and have done what is good in your sight. Hezekiah wept bitterly and the word of the Lord came to Isaiah saying, go and tell Hezekiah. Thus says the Lord, the God of David, your father, I have heard your prayer and I have seen your tears and surely I will add 15 years to your life." [46:22] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "When we find ourselves with a stale posture of our praise to God, then we are on the wrong side of what praise should be. When we find ourselves getting tired of singing, praise the Lord, oh my soul. There's a psalm that says, rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, and again I say, and again I say, because we do this always. So, this is something that is important for us to understand, these ideas and these things that God do for us when He delivers us, when He gives us a testimony. We must remember these songs." [49:39] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "So, when we come into worship, our goal is to get to a unified sound and a unified expression of praise so that not just myself can feel the presence of God. So it's so that others could also have the same hope that I have. So this is this is one of the things that my wife. And I, we pray about week after week. Lord, what songs should we choose to unify the house? There's a lot of songs that we personally enjoy that we look over because we know that it won't it won't unify the sound. Oh, it's too musical or it's too many words or it just it just won't capture the attention. So the goal is that we unify this sound and that we unify our expression of praise in the house. Of CLC and not just CLC in the house of the Lord." [01:03:48] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "So I want to challenge us to seven minutes a day for the next month. And hopefully this turns into a habit and it actually turns into a state of obedience. So I want to challenge us to that seven minute a day praise. Now, I want to go back to when we talk about everything that's in me. This song, this song, this song, everything that's in me is more than a song. We can actually find the bridge of the song and Psalm 103. And this is where we find where he heals our diseases. He forgives all of our sin. He has crowned us with mercy and every good thing. He's rich in compassion, abounding in love. Praise to the father, the spirit and son." [01:06:33] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "When we praise the Lord, what we're doing is we are affirming what God has done for us. So we command our bodies and soul to praise because it is. It is a celebration. It is a declaration and affirmation to a holy God who is good, who hears us, who lives in our praise, who remembers us and has shown us his love by giving us victory over sin and death through the blood of his only begotten son, Jesus Christ. That alone is worthy of a praise. So because we we we celebrate in this victory. I want to, I want to offer to the room for those of us who have not accepted the love of God in our lives. I want to give us an opportunity to receive this free gift that God has given us because God wants an authentic praise." [01:08:16] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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