Faithful Praise and Community Support in Trials
Summary
### Summary
Today, we are reminded of the importance of praise and perseverance. The phrase "I won't let the stones cry out, I will praise you, something in me has to" is a powerful declaration of our commitment to worship God no matter the circumstances. This commitment is not just about singing songs but about living a life that reflects God's glory. We are called to be steadfast, to stand firm in our faith, and to support one another in our spiritual journey.
Elijah's story serves as a poignant reminder that even when we feel alone, God is with us. Elijah thought he was the only one left who was faithful to God, but God revealed that there were 7,000 others who had not bowed to Baal. This teaches us that we are never truly alone; there is always a community of believers standing with us. Moreover, God has a purpose for each of us, and He is not done with us yet. Just as Elijah had more work to do, we too have a mission to fulfill.
Gideon's story further emphasizes that God sees potential in us that we may not see in ourselves. Gideon saw himself as weak and insignificant, but God called him a mighty man of valor. This shows that God's perspective of us is often different from our own, and we need to trust His vision for our lives.
In times of trial and doubt, it is crucial to remember that God is in our corner. He is fighting for us, and He will never leave us. We must also be there for each other, praying and supporting one another. The church is not just a building; it is a community of believers who stand together in faith and love.
Finally, we are encouraged to take action. Whether it is through prayer, worship, or acts of service, we all have a role to play in God's kingdom. We must not let feelings of inadequacy or past failures hold us back. God is not through with us, and there is still much work to be done.
### Key Takeaways
1. Commitment to Praise: Our praise is a declaration of our faith and commitment to God. It is not just about singing but living a life that reflects His glory. We must not let anything or anyone take away our praise. [27:30]
2. You Are Not Alone: Just as Elijah discovered he was not alone, we too must remember that we are part of a larger community of believers. God is always with us, and there are others who stand with us in faith. [52:07]
3. God Sees Our Potential: Like Gideon, we may see ourselves as weak or insignificant, but God sees us as mighty and capable. We need to trust His vision for our lives and step into the roles He has for us. [54:10]
4. Support Each Other: The church is a community where we support and pray for one another. We must be there for each other in times of need, reminding each other that we are not alone and that God is fighting for us. [50:44]
5. Take Action: God is not done with us yet. We all have a role to play in His kingdom, whether through prayer, worship, or acts of service. We must not let past failures or feelings of inadequacy hold us back. [57:17]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[27:30] - Commitment to Praise
[28:31] - The Power of Worship
[29:08] - Standing Firm in Faith
[30:10] - Community of Believers
[30:51] - God's Purpose for Us
[31:45] - Supporting Each Other
[32:20] - God's Vision for Our Lives
[33:12] - Taking Action in Faith
[33:57] - Overcoming Feelings of Inadequacy
[34:52] - The Role of the Church
[35:46] - Perseverance in Trials
[36:26] - God's Unfailing Presence
[37:18] - Encouragement in Community
[37:56] - Final Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Kings 19:14-18 - Elijah's encounter with God and the revelation of the 7,000 faithful.
2. Judges 6:11-16 - Gideon's call and God's declaration of him as a mighty man of valor.
3. Hebrews 13:5-6 - God's promise to never leave us nor forsake us.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Elijah's initial reaction when he felt alone and threatened? How did God respond to him? ([52:07])
2. How did Gideon perceive himself before God called him a mighty man of valor? What was God's perspective of him? ([54:10])
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the phrase "I won't let the stones cry out, I will praise you, something in me has to"? ([27:30])
4. What role does the church community play in supporting each other according to the sermon? ([50:44])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose to reveal to Elijah that there were 7,000 others who had not bowed to Baal? What does this teach us about God's awareness of our situations? ([52:07])
2. How does Gideon's story illustrate the difference between our self-perception and God's vision for us? What can we learn from this about trusting God's perspective? ([54:10])
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of praise and worship. How does living a life that reflects God's glory go beyond just singing songs? ([27:30])
4. In what ways can the church community act as a support system during times of trial and doubt? How does this align with the concept of God being in our corner? ([50:44])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt alone in your faith journey. How did you find support, and how can you be a support to others in similar situations? ([52:07])
2. Gideon saw himself as weak, but God called him a mighty man of valor. Is there an area in your life where you feel inadequate? How can you start trusting God's vision for you in that area? ([54:10])
3. The sermon encourages us to take action in God's kingdom. What specific steps can you take this week to serve others, whether through prayer, worship, or acts of service? ([57:17])
4. How can you incorporate a lifestyle of praise into your daily routine, ensuring that your actions reflect God's glory? ([27:30])
5. Think of someone in your church community who might be struggling. What practical steps can you take to support and encourage them this week? ([50:44])
6. The sermon mentions that God is not done with us yet. What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to step up and take action? ([57:17])
7. How can you remind yourself daily that God is with you and fighting for you, especially during challenging times? ([50:44])
Devotional
### Day 1: A Life of Praise
Description:
Our praise is a declaration of our faith and commitment to God. It is not just about singing but living a life that reflects His glory. We must not let anything or anyone take away our praise. This commitment to praise is a powerful declaration that we will worship God no matter the circumstances. It is a reminder that our worship is not confined to songs but is expressed through our daily actions and choices. By living a life that reflects God's glory, we become a testament to His goodness and faithfulness.
In moments of difficulty, it is easy to let our praise wane. However, the phrase "I won't let the stones cry out, I will praise you, something in me has to" serves as a powerful reminder that our praise is essential. It is a declaration that we will not be silenced by our circumstances but will continue to worship God with all that we are. This unwavering commitment to praise is a testament to our faith and trust in God's goodness. [27:30]
Bible Passage:
"Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name." (Hebrews 13:15, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you choose to praise God in the midst of it today?
### Day 2: You Are Not Alone
Description:
Just as Elijah discovered he was not alone, we too must remember that we are part of a larger community of believers. God is always with us, and there are others who stand with us in faith. Elijah's story serves as a poignant reminder that even when we feel isolated, God is with us. Elijah thought he was the only one left who was faithful to God, but God revealed that there were 7,000 others who had not bowed to Baal. This teaches us that we are never truly alone; there is always a community of believers standing with us.
In times of loneliness or isolation, it is crucial to remember that we are part of a larger body of Christ. The church is not just a building; it is a community of believers who support and encourage one another. By reaching out and connecting with others, we can find strength and encouragement in our shared faith. [52:07]
Bible Passage:
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection:
Who in your church community can you reach out to today to offer encouragement and support?
### Day 3: God Sees Our Potential
Description:
Like Gideon, we may see ourselves as weak or insignificant, but God sees us as mighty and capable. We need to trust His vision for our lives and step into the roles He has for us. Gideon's story emphasizes that God sees potential in us that we may not see in ourselves. Gideon saw himself as weak and insignificant, but God called him a mighty man of valor. This shows that God's perspective of us is often different from our own, and we need to trust His vision for our lives.
In moments of self-doubt, it is important to remember that God sees us through the lens of His purpose and potential. He calls us to step into roles that we may feel unqualified for, trusting that He will equip us for the tasks ahead. By embracing God's vision for our lives, we can overcome feelings of inadequacy and step into the fullness of His calling. [54:10]
Bible Passage:
"But the Lord said to him, 'Peace be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die.' Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and called it, The Lord Is Peace." (Judges 6:23-24, ESV)
Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you feel inadequate? How can you trust God's vision for you in that area today?
### Day 4: Support Each Other
Description:
The church is a community where we support and pray for one another. We must be there for each other in times of need, reminding each other that we are not alone and that God is fighting for us. The importance of community is highlighted in the story of Elijah, where God revealed that there were 7,000 others who had not bowed to Baal. This teaches us that we are never truly alone; there is always a community of believers standing with us.
In times of trial and doubt, it is crucial to remember that God is in our corner. He is fighting for us, and He will never leave us. We must also be there for each other, praying and supporting one another. The church is not just a building; it is a community of believers who stand together in faith and love. By supporting each other, we can find strength and encouragement in our shared faith. [50:44]
Bible Passage:
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)
Reflection:
Who in your church community is going through a difficult time? How can you offer them support and encouragement today?
### Day 5: Take Action
Description:
God is not done with us yet. We all have a role to play in His kingdom, whether through prayer, worship, or acts of service. We must not let past failures or feelings of inadequacy hold us back. The call to action is a reminder that we all have a role to play in God's kingdom. Whether it is through prayer, worship, or acts of service, we are called to be active participants in His work.
In moments of doubt or hesitation, it is important to remember that God is not done with us. He has a purpose and a plan for each of us, and there is still much work to be done. By stepping into our roles and taking action, we can fulfill the mission that God has for us. We must not let past failures or feelings of inadequacy hold us back, but instead, trust that God will equip us for the tasks ahead. [57:17]
Bible Passage:
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection:
What is one specific action you can take today to serve God and others in your community? How can you overcome any feelings of inadequacy to take that step?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I might feel like I'm alone. I know that. You know it too. You know what it's like, but you're not alone. That's my best biggest, maybe the biggest part of a message. You are not alone. Somebody's praying for you. Somebody still loves you. Somebody still is concerned about you. You may be asleep at night, Ashley, but somebody's praying for you. You may be going through a trial, but somebody's praying for you. You may be in a fight of your life, but Jesus ever lives." [49:11] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So the Lord is going with you. God is fighting for you, and God is in your corner. And I know sometimes it just, it's hard to just, well, it's good that God's in my corner, but I'd really like to know that somebody else is in my corner. I know how that feels, and I appreciate all that, but there's really nothing like having God in your corner." [50:44] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I think we should give the Lord a mighty hand of praise right now that God is with us. I am with thee. I am with you. I'm with you in the trial. I'm with you in the test. I'm with you in the battle. I'm with you in the storm. I'm with you when things are good. I'm with you when things are not so good. I am with you, Gideon. And I think he finally got through to him. You are a mighty man." [55:17] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I wish to God somebody would say it's not going to end this way. I'm not going to go out. I'm not going to go out not fulfilling what the Lord has for me. I'm not going to die in this place. Somebody ought to say I will live and not die. I will live and not die. We will live and declare the works of the Lord. We will be on location. We will be positioned by God's grace." [01:00:15] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I'm not going to lay here and die. I'm not going to lay here and just become a ruin and a relic of the past. I'm not going to just lay here and die here looking back at past victories. No! God's not done yet. Come on, Elijah. Go anoint the next people. Go anoint the next prophet. Come on, Elijah. Hallelujah." [01:02:38] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We're not going to fold up like a deck of cards and fall down. We're not going to lay down. We're going to stay standing by God's grace. There's a church that God has raised up that they have a backbone and they have a stick to it and they got some fortitude. They got some passion. We're not going to say everybody is not going to quit this thing. We're going to stay with each other. We're going to believe that we're not in this virus. We're going to believe that. Actually believe that." [45:18] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The church, the only place it's going is up. It's not going down. The church isn't going to forfeit all that we know. The church isn't going to quit. Jesus said upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell won't prevail against it. Come on. That's you and that's me. That's this family. That's that family. That's that man. That's that couple. The gates of hell won't stop us. Come on. The church goes on. The church is mighty. The church is glorious. And the church is triumphant today." [46:20] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You are a mighty man of God. You are a mighty lady of God. You are a Holy Ghost filled, a person with destiny, a person with a call of God, a person with an anointing, a person with a ministry. Not was, you are. The devil would like to say, nah, you're on the island. You're isolated, you're by yourself. Get over it, Elijah. Nothing, nothing gonna change for you. You're here by yourself, nothing left. You're here by yourself." [56:02] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You wanna be part of it, you can be a part of it. But you gotta pull yourself up. You gotta get your big boy pants on and realize God's not playing around with your call, or your ministry, or your destiny. God's got a purpose for you. But you can't just dilly-dally, flip-flop, willy-nilly. You gotta dig into it. You gotta buy into it. Say, this is true. God's not through with me yet. God's gotta work for me." [58:35] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We will work. We will be a blessing. We will make a difference. We will be a part of the kingdom. We'll be a part of the Lord's work. We'll be a part of what God's doing. We'll be a part of that. You're not alone. not alone. If you're here today and you feel like you're alone, this altar is open for you. You're not alone. There's a word from God for somebody. You're not alone. It's not over. You're not through." [01:04:10] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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