Entering God's Presence: Joyful Worship and Thanksgiving

Devotional

Day 1: Corporate worship: enter God's presence with joy.

This psalm is a recipe for how God's people should come together: to shout a victory shout, to serve with gladness, to enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise, bringing the joy of the king's triumph with them as they gather to celebrate what Christ has done for them. [36:40]

Psalm 100 (ESV)

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

Reflection: Before the next corporate gathering, write down three specific gospel truths (victories Jesus won) you will bring as a joyful shout when you enter worship today and say them aloud as you walk into the sanctuary.

Day 2: Celebrate assured victory through Christ's love.

Paul reminds the church that because of what Jesus accomplished there is no condemnation, adoption as sons, and an assured, overwhelming victory through Christ who loved us — a posture of joy and confidence the congregation is to carry into corporate worship, not defeat or despair. [47:09]

Romans 8:37 (ESV)

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Reflection: Identify one shame, worry, or fear you routinely carry; speak it aloud, then claim Romans 8:37 over it in a short prayer right now, and text or tell one trustworthy person that you are claiming this victory today.

Day 3: God dwells uniquely where believers gather.

Jesus promises a special presence when his people assemble—there is something unique that happens when two or three gather in his name—so corporate gatherings are not optional extras but moments where heaven and earth meet and God builds something beautiful among the living stones. [39:23]

Matthew 18:20 (ESV)

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.

Reflection: Send a message today inviting one person to meet you to pray (even 15 minutes this week), trusting God's promise to be present when you gather; schedule it now so the gathering becomes a concrete step of faith.

Day 4: Believers are living stones, built together.

Peter's image of Christians as living stones highlights that individual faith is meant to be fit together into a spiritual house; corporate worship and service are the means by which God builds something beautiful from imperfect people who come together and contribute their gifts. [42:31]

1 Peter 2:4-5 (ESV)

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in God's sight chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Reflection: During the next service look for one person who appears alone or sad; introduce yourself, ask a brief question about how you can pray for them, and offer to pray with them right then.

Day 5: Jesus tabernacled among us — God with us.

From Eden to the tabernacle to the temple and finally in the person of Jesus, God's aim has been to dwell with people; John declares the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us, so worship, communion, and thanksgiving celebrate a God who is with his people and whose steadfast love endures. [01:26:28]

John 1:14 (ESV)

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Reflection: Choose one worship song this week, learn one line that declares "God with us" (for example a line about Emmanuel), and sing that line aloud at least once today with intention about what God has done to dwell with you.

Sermon Summary

Psalm 100 gives a simple, beautiful recipe for how we come into God’s presence together. The psalmist calls us to enter with thanksgiving and praise, and that language of “gates and courts” points to the temple—where God’s presence uniquely dwelt. From Eden to the tabernacle, to the temple, to Jesus tabernacling among us, to the Spirit dwelling in us—God has always wanted to be present with His people. And when we gather, those “living stones” are built together into something God inhabits in a unique way.

So how do we enter? First, with a joyful victory shout. Not hype, but the settled delight that flows from Romans 8: no condemnation, adoption, God for us, overwhelming victory in Christ. We don’t gather to get victory; we gather because victory has been won. Bring that joy with you and let it overflow for the sake of those who come in burdened.

Second, we serve with gladness. Corporate worship is not a spectator event; it is a family meal where everyone brings something. A critical spirit kills service, but a generous spirit finds a hundred ways to bless: a smile, a conversation with someone alone, scooting in your row, praying for someone on the spot, parking farther out, giving generously, and yes—singing.

Third, we sing because God loves it. Singing is the sacrifice of praise. It blesses our Father and it forms us—opening us to God’s presence, giving God a way to address us, and helping us hide truth in our hearts. Your imperfect voice may be the very thing that frees someone near you to worship. Lead your section.

Fourth, we come to learn. “Know that the Lord, He is God.” Read ahead, take notes, aim for one clear takeaway. Don’t assume truth will enter by osmosis; come hungry and prepared.

Finally, we enter with thanksgiving. In the Old Testament, the thanksgiving offering could be imperfect, was meant to be enjoyed, and had to be shared that day. So we bring imperfect thanks, we enjoy God’s goodness, and we share gratitude with one another—intentionally and directly. All of this rests not just on what God has done but on who He is: good, steadfast in love, faithful to every generation. That’s why we come to the Table and why we keep showing up together—with joy, service, song, learning, and thanksgiving.

Key Takeaways

1. Bring a victory shout, not fear Our gathering begins with remembering what Christ has already accomplished. Romans 8 frees us from condemnation, welcomes us as adopted children, and secures an undefeatable future. Joy isn’t denial; it’s the appropriate response to a King who has already triumphed. [47:09]
2. Serve with gladness, resist criticism A critical spirit suffocates love and paralyzes contribution. Glad service looks for simple, concrete ways to bless—moving in on the row, praying in the moment, thanking volunteers, giving generously. Service is how God turns a room of attenders into a family. [52:16]
3. Sing as sacrifice and service We sing first because our Father loves it—this is the “sacrifice of praise,” not a mood we wait to feel. Our singing also serves others; imperfect voices can embolden a whole row to worship. Let your voice lead a small circle around you into the presence of God. [60:23]
4. Learn intentionally before you gather “Know that the Lord is God” requires preparation, not passive listening. Read ahead, take notes, and aim for one lived takeaway. Partner with the teaching by arriving curious and ready; hunger turns a familiar passage into fresh bread. [70:05]
5. Enter with intentional, directed thanksgiving Thanksgiving doesn’t appear at the door; we carry it in. Be deliberate all week, and direct your gratitude to God—and then share it with people, naming how their life has blessed you. Imperfect thanks offered and shared becomes a feast for the whole body. [76:58]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:30] - Thanksgiving laughs and opening prayer
[03:10] - Psalm 100 read aloud
[05:30] - Corporate worship: gates and courts
[09:20] - God’s presence: Eden to Church
[15:00] - Joyful victory shout, not gloom
[18:30] - Romans 8 and assured victory
[23:00] - Serve with gladness, resist criticism
[28:30] - Everyday ways to serve each other
[35:00] - Why we sing: sacrifice and service
[41:30] - Singing shapes us and helps others
[48:00] - Come to learn: read ahead
[55:30] - Enter with thanksgiving: shared feast
[63:00] - God’s goodness, steadfast love, faithfulness
[70:30] - Communion, hope, and response

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Psalm 100 — 1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! 2 Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! 3 Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! 5 For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

Observation Questions

Read Psalm 100 aloud. What verbs and images does the psalm use to describe corporate worship (gates, courts, shouting, singing, serving, thanksgiving)? How do those words shape what worship looks like practically? [36:40]
The pastor connects the “gates and courts” language to the tabernacle/temple and God’s desire to dwell with his people. What concrete expectations about God’s presence and our gathering does that picture create? [39:23]
In the sermon the pastor explains the Old Testament thanksgiving offering could be imperfect, was meant to be enjoyed, and had to be shared. What were those three features and how do they change the way you think about bringing thanks to a gathering? [01:12:51]
The psalm begins with a “joyful noise.” The pastor ties that to Romans 8 and a victory-shout posture. What specific promises from Romans 8 did he point to as reasons for that joy? [44:24]

Interpretation Questions

How does understanding corporate worship as an entry into “gates and courts” (a place where heaven and earth meet) alter what a person should expect to give and receive when the church gathers? [39:23]
The pastor says singing is both the “sacrifice of praise” (it blesses God) and an act of service to others (your imperfect voice can free someone else to worship). How do those two truths work together, and what tensions might they explain in a typical worship service? [01:00:23]
The sermon uses Romans 8’s themes (no condemnation, adoption, God for us, overwhelming victory) to argue for arriving with joy rather than fear. How should those doctrinal realities shape a person’s emotions and behavior when they walk into corporate worship, especially if they are burdened or ashamed? [47:09]

Application Questions

The pastor challenged believers to “bring a victory shout, not fear.” What are two specific, practical steps you will take before next Sunday to cultivate that posture (for example: memorize one Romans 8 verse, write a short declaration to say on Sunday, pray a short list of gospel truths on your drive)? Be specific. [44:24]
Serving with gladness was emphasized as a posture anyone can have without formally signing up. Pick one small, concrete way you will serve the body in the next two weeks (options from the sermon: scoot over, park in the back, thank a volunteer, pray with someone on the spot). Which one will you do and when? [52:16]
The pastor suggested a simple service: look for someone who appears alone or sad and engage them. Who in your row or group will you intentionally look for next week, and what’s a one‑minute opening question you will ask to connect? (Example: “Hey — I don’t think we’ve met. What brought you here today?”) [54:41]
Singing was called both worship and service. Pick one practical singing goal for the next month: either (a) choose one line in a worship chorus to meditate on before Sunday and sing it out, or (b) commit to leading the little section around you by singing audibly for one verse. Which will you do and on what Sunday? [01:03:06]
The pastor pressed for reading ahead and aiming for one clear takeaway. What chapter or passage (or next sermon text) will you read this week for 10–20 minutes, and what one question will you bring to the sermon to help you take away one applied truth? Be specific (passage, time, question). [01:10:05]
Thanksgiving must be intentional and directed. This week write down three specific things you will thank God for, and pick one person in the church or your life to tell how they’ve blessed you. When and how will you share that thank-you? [01:16:58]

Sermon Clips

``God's always wanted to dwell with his peopleFirst it was Eden Then it's tabernacle Then it was the temple Then it's actually in the person of Jesus Christ As he comes And he dwells among us First John 1 tells us That the word became flesh And dwelt among us That word is literally tabernacled That Jesus came to tabernacle To be with his people Because God has always wanted his people To be in his presence. [00:40:23] (27 seconds) #GodDwellsWithUs

And that's why Jesus says this amazing thing In Matthew chapter 18 He says where two or more are gathered I am in their midst That there's something special that happens When God's people gather together That creates this space for God To be in uniquely And it doesn't mean that throughout my day When I'm by myself I'm in my truck I'm singing songsI'm in my devotions in the morning That God's not there with me That he's not meeting me That he's not speaking with me But there's this thing that happens When God's people come together That is unique. [00:41:05] (34 seconds) #GodInOurMidst

I love the way that Peter describes it In 1 Peter chapter 2 He calls you and I the believers He calls us living stones And it's beautiful Like we're a living stone And stones are cool My kids collect rocks And an individual rock Like that's a cool thing But what he's driving at there Is when you get all the living stones togetherThat God can build something beautiful with us As he puts us and fits us together That every single time The body of believers gathers together He's in our midst And he wants to build something unique And something beautiful. [00:41:39] (33 seconds) #LivingStones

Man, we don't have any condemnation In our lives I don't have to walk in here On a Sunday morning Burdened and weighed down By my mistakes By my past By my failures There's no condemnation for me Because of what Jesus did How good is that?Like that deserves a shout of victory Does it not? [00:45:31] (21 seconds) #NoCondemnation

Overwhelming victory is ours Through Christ who loved us Overwhelming victory is ours And too often I see Christians walking around Acting like the wickedness that we see all around us And there is much There's many things to see out there That are evil, frankly But we act like that's evidence that we're losing We're not losing That's evidence that there's lots of work to do There's a battle to be continually fought But we can't lose Victory is assured. [00:47:09] (31 seconds) #VictoryInChrist

Because he starts with joyful shout Come with joy And he goes immediately into serve with gladness That as we come together here As a corporate body We are supposed to serve with gladness That corporate worship Is not something that's supposed to be Just observed Or participated in It's something that's supposed to be Contributed to And I love that. [00:50:06] (25 seconds) #ServeWithGladness

We sing because it blesses God That's why we sing And to put it more bluntly We sing because it's an act of worshipThat's what the Bible says Whether or not it's our favorite song Whether or not it's our favorite worship team Whether or not we really even feel like it Because I'll talk to people sometimes I just couldn't get into that set I just wasn't feeling it I didn't want to act You know, unauthenticallyAnd I don't want anybody to Fake an emotional response But there's a reason that Hebrews calls it The sacrifice of praise. [01:00:42] (33 seconds) #SacrificeOfPraise

But the thanksgiving offering Could be imperfect I love that picture That as we come here Together To gather We are celebrating What Jesus did Living a perfect life To pay perfectly For our sins And then we bring Our imperfect thanksgivings In here I like that Because so often My thanksgiving is imperfect. [01:13:27] (22 seconds) #ImperfectThanks

For the Lord is goodHis steadfast love Endures forever And his faithfulness To all generations So the reason That I want to come here Week in and week out And be in God's presence With you Is because he's goodBecause he's a good father The reason I want to come here Week in and week out And be in God's presence With you Is because of hisSteadfast love Steadfast love means this It means that his love Is not based on my actionsGod's love is unconditional God loves us Because he promised To love us And he does not Break his promises That's what steadfast love means And because of his faithfulness. [01:20:38] (46 seconds) #SteadfastLove

What I love About God's faithfulness Is it's backwards looking As we look at all the ways That God has been faithful In our lives And we can be thankful For those And we can sing praises About those And we can learn about them But faithfulness Is also forward looking That we know That God will be faithful To do the things That he's promised That he will complete The good work in us And that he will return For us To take us into paradise That not only Do we get to enter His gatesWith this shout of praise We're also simultaneously Waiting at the triumphal arch For his return Because he will be faithful To come back For his people. [01:27:50] (36 seconds) #GodIsFaithful

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