Transforming Atmospheres Through the Power of Praise
Summary
### Summary
Hello, church! Today, we embark on a new series called "Praise Comes First." The essence of today's message is about positioning ourselves to see an atmosphere shift through praise. When we praise, miracles follow, and it becomes nearly impossible to remain grumpy. Praise changes the atmosphere, whether in our homes, our spirits, or our environments. As we move into the second half of the year, we have the opportunity to redetermine how we want to finish it—by just getting through or by creating an atmosphere where heaven can dwell.
I shared a personal story about preparing my son for his teenage years by instilling the Word of God in him, not just in him but through him. This is a reminder that we need to start our days, weeks, and years right, with praise. Praise is not just an internal act; it needs to be expressed outwardly. It’s a declaration of God's goodness, irrespective of our circumstances.
We also discussed how life can dull our perspective, making us forget that we are blessed. Just like wearing sunglasses indoors can dull our vision, focusing on our natural circumstances can dull our spiritual vision. We need to shift our perspective through praise, recognizing that we are blessed with every spiritual blessing.
I emphasized the importance of speaking out God's Word to change the atmosphere around us. Elijah changed the atmosphere of a nation with his words, and we can change the atmosphere of our homes and lives by speaking God's Word and praising Him. Praise is a sacrifice, especially when we don't feel like it, but it aligns us with God's goodness and blessings.
We concluded with a series of blessings over various aspects of our lives—our children, marriages, finances, minds, and health. Each blessing was a declaration of God's promises and a reminder that we are blessed because He is good. We ended with a call to praise, to lift our voices, and to change the atmosphere through our worship.
### Key Takeaways
1. Praise Shifts Atmospheres: Praise has the power to change the atmosphere around us. Whether in our homes, our spirits, or our environments, praise invites the presence of God and brings about breakthroughs. It’s hard to remain grumpy or downcast when we are actively praising God. [51:56]
2. Start Right with Praise: Just as I prepared my son for his teenage years by instilling the Word of God in him, we need to start our days, weeks, and years with praise. This sets the tone for our lives and aligns us with God's blessings. Praise is not just an internal act; it needs to be expressed outwardly. [55:54]
3. Perspective Through Praise: Life can dull our spiritual vision, making us forget that we are blessed. By focusing on our natural circumstances, we lose sight of God's blessings. Praise helps us shift our perspective, reminding us that we are blessed with every spiritual blessing. [01:00:58]
4. Speak God's Word: Elijah changed the atmosphere of a nation with his words, and we can change the atmosphere of our homes and lives by speaking God's Word and praising Him. Praise is a sacrifice, especially when we don't feel like it, but it aligns us with God's goodness and blessings. [01:02:42]
5. Blessings Over Our Lives: We concluded with a series of blessings over various aspects of our lives—our children, marriages, finances, minds, and health. Each blessing was a declaration of God's promises and a reminder that we are blessed because He is good. Speaking blessings and praising God changes the atmosphere and brings His promises into our reality. [01:05:22]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[51:56] - The Power of Praise
[52:43] - Atmosphere Shift
[53:28] - Praise in Everyday Life
[54:33] - Preparing for the Teenage Years
[55:54] - Starting Right with Praise
[56:40] - The Sacrifice of Praise
[58:05] - Perspective Through Praise
[01:00:58] - Changing Our Vision
[01:02:42] - Speaking God's Word
[01:03:16] - Declaring Blessings
[01:05:22] - Blessing Our Children
[01:06:01] - Blessing Our Marriages
[01:07:57] - Blessing Our Finances
[01:09:24] - Blessing Our Minds
[01:12:03] - Blessing Our Health
[01:14:16] - The Power of Jesus' Name
[01:17:41] - From Beggars to Believers
[01:20:51] - The Importance of Speaking Out
[01:22:15] - Declaring God's Promises
[01:24:15] - The Name That Changes Atmospheres
[01:26:02] - Changing Others' Atmospheres
[01:27:17] - Shifting the Atmosphere
[01:28:20] - Positioning for Praise
[01:34:06] - Final Praise and Worship
[01:40:27] - Invitation to Know Jesus
[01:43:51] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 103:1-3: "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases."
2. 1 Kings 17:1: "Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, 'As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.'"
3. Ephesians 1:3: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 103:1-3 encourage us to remember and declare about God? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on praise? [01:12:03]
2. In 1 Kings 17:1, what authority does Elijah demonstrate, and how does this connect to the sermon’s message about speaking God's Word to change atmospheres? [01:02:42]
3. According to Ephesians 1:3, what kind of blessings have we received in Christ? How does this verse support the sermon’s point about shifting our perspective through praise? [01:01:33]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the act of praising God, as described in Psalm 103:1-3, help us to shift our focus from our circumstances to God's goodness? [01:00:58]
2. Elijah’s declaration in 1 Kings 17:1 changed the atmosphere of a nation. How can speaking God's Word in our daily lives bring about similar changes in our personal environments? [01:02:42]
3. Ephesians 1:3 speaks of every spiritual blessing in Christ. How can this understanding help us to maintain a perspective of gratitude and praise, even when facing difficult situations? [01:01:33]
4. The sermon mentioned that praise is a sacrifice, especially when we don't feel like it. How does this concept challenge our usual approach to worship and praise? [56:40]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent time when you felt overwhelmed by your circumstances. How might praising God in that moment have shifted your perspective? [01:00:58]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of starting our days, weeks, and years with praise. What practical steps can you take to incorporate praise into your daily routine? [55:54]
3. Think about an area in your life where you feel a negative atmosphere. How can you begin to change that atmosphere by speaking God's Word and praising Him? [01:02:42]
4. The pastor shared a story about preparing his son for his teenage years by instilling the Word of God in him. How can you apply this principle in your own family or personal life? [55:54]
5. The sermon concluded with blessings over various aspects of our lives. Choose one area (children, marriage, finances, mind, health) and discuss how you can actively declare God's promises and blessings over it this week. [01:05:22]
6. The pastor mentioned that life can dull our spiritual vision, similar to wearing sunglasses indoors. What are some "sunglasses" in your life that might be dulling your spiritual vision, and how can you remove them? [01:00:58]
7. How can you make praise a more outward expression in your life, especially if you consider yourself more introverted or reserved? [56:40]
Devotional
Day 1: Praise Transforms Our Atmosphere
Praise has the power to change the atmosphere around us. Whether in our homes, our spirits, or our environments, praise invites the presence of God and brings about breakthroughs. It’s hard to remain grumpy or downcast when we are actively praising God. When we praise, we shift our focus from our problems to God's greatness, and this shift in perspective can lead to miraculous changes in our circumstances. Praise is not just a reaction to God's goodness; it is a proactive stance that invites His presence and power into our lives.
When we choose to praise, we are making a declaration of faith that God is greater than our circumstances. This act of faith can break chains, lift burdens, and bring joy and peace into our hearts. Praise is a powerful tool that God has given us to combat negativity and despair. By praising God, we create an environment where His presence can dwell, and where miracles can happen. [51:56]
Psalm 22:3 (ESV): "Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life that feels heavy or burdensome. How can you intentionally incorporate praise into that situation today to invite God's presence and power?
Day 2: Begin with Praise
Just as we prepare our children for their future by instilling the Word of God in them, we need to start our days, weeks, and years with praise. This sets the tone for our lives and aligns us with God's blessings. Praise is not just an internal act; it needs to be expressed outwardly. When we begin with praise, we are acknowledging God's sovereignty and goodness, and we are positioning ourselves to receive His blessings.
Starting with praise is a way of setting our priorities straight. It reminds us that God is in control and that He is worthy of our trust and adoration. By beginning with praise, we are also setting an example for those around us, showing them the importance of putting God first in everything we do. This practice can transform our outlook on life and help us to see God's hand at work in every situation. [55:54]
Psalm 100:4 (ESV): "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!"
Reflection: How can you start your day with praise tomorrow? What specific words or songs of praise can you use to set the tone for your day?
Day 3: Praise Shifts Our Perspective
Life can dull our spiritual vision, making us forget that we are blessed. By focusing on our natural circumstances, we lose sight of God's blessings. Praise helps us shift our perspective, reminding us that we are blessed with every spiritual blessing. When we praise, we are choosing to focus on God's goodness rather than our problems, and this shift in focus can change our entire outlook on life.
Praise is a powerful antidote to negativity and despair. It helps us to see our circumstances through the lens of God's promises and blessings. By praising God, we are reminded of His faithfulness and love, and we are encouraged to trust Him more fully. This shift in perspective can bring hope and joy into our hearts, even in the midst of difficult situations. [01:00:58]
Ephesians 1:3 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places."
Reflection: What are some blessings in your life that you may have overlooked? Take a moment to thank God for these blessings and praise Him for His goodness.
Day 4: Speak God's Word
Elijah changed the atmosphere of a nation with his words, and we can change the atmosphere of our homes and lives by speaking God's Word and praising Him. Praise is a sacrifice, especially when we don't feel like it, but it aligns us with God's goodness and blessings. When we speak God's Word, we are declaring His promises and truths over our lives, and this can bring about powerful changes in our circumstances.
Speaking God's Word is an act of faith that can transform our lives. It helps us to focus on God's promises rather than our problems, and it can bring hope and encouragement to our hearts. By declaring God's Word, we are also reminding ourselves of His faithfulness and love, and we are positioning ourselves to receive His blessings. [01:02:42]
Isaiah 55:11 (ESV): "So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Reflection: What specific promises from God's Word can you declare over your life today? How can you incorporate speaking God's Word into your daily routine?
Day 5: Declare Blessings Over Our Lives
We concluded with a series of blessings over various aspects of our lives—our children, marriages, finances, minds, and health. Each blessing was a declaration of God's promises and a reminder that we are blessed because He is good. Speaking blessings and praising God changes the atmosphere and brings His promises into our reality. When we declare blessings, we are aligning ourselves with God's will and inviting His favor into our lives.
Declaring blessings is a powerful way to speak life and hope into our circumstances. It helps us to focus on God's promises and to trust in His goodness. By declaring blessings, we are also setting an example for those around us, showing them the importance of speaking God's truth over their lives. This practice can bring about powerful changes in our hearts and in our circumstances. [01:05:22]
Numbers 6:24-26 (ESV): "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."
Reflection: What specific blessings can you declare over your life and the lives of your loved ones today? How can you make this a regular practice in your daily routine?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Because when you get praise in your spirit, it literally looses on earth what's been loosed in heaven. It's a declaration of not how I feel, but how good God is. And all of a sudden, you get an awareness that you are blessed and walking in the blessing of God." [56:40] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Do you just want to get through this year? Or do you want an atmosphere and expectation that heaven can live in your home, can be in your spirit, can be where you go? I believe God wants to do something in you, but it doesn't just go in you. It needs to go through you." [52:43] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you get praise in your spirit, it literally looses on earth what's been loosed in heaven. It's a declaration of not how I feel, but how good God is. And all of a sudden, you get an awareness that you are blessed and walking in the blessing of God." [56:40] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Because it actually costs us. It's a sacrifice of praise. Because if I don't feel like it, I praise him. And if my conditions aren't good, I praise him. If I know I'm not good, I praise him. If I'm in the pit, I praise him. If I'm on the mountain top, I praise him. My posture is to praise." [57:27] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Some of us literally do this. We see our natural circumstances. And we see the world around us. And we're listening to the news. And we're watching all the chaos and everything that's going on. And we're hearing all the negative stories. And we're hearing everyone else's stories. And eventually it becomes our perspective. And we think we don't have anything to praise God for. And we forget that we're blessed." [01:00:58] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "When the word of God gets in you, it's not meant to stay in you. It's meant to come through you. So many of us get the word in us, and then we're speaking out our natural circumstances. We hear the word in us and we know the truth, yet we're talking about the problem." [01:02:42] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Some of us need to start our days off right. You need to start this next school year off right. You need to start, that's why you're in church today, because you start your week right. And the way you start it is with praise." [55:54] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Praise changes your position. It's hard to praise and not feel faith. It's hard to praise and not feel joy. It's hard to praise and not start to remember the Scriptures and the promises and the prophecies that God's given you. Because what does is praise moves you from your condition and positions you as a reminder that He is good. And if He's good, therefore I'm good." [01:18:27] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You can be in the presence of God and not praise, and things don't shift like you need it to. It says this in Genesis. We'll put it up on the screen. It says, Now the earth was formless and empty. It's how we feel sometimes. A team can come. Darkness was hovering over. The surface of the deep. That's sometimes what it feels like, the atmosphere. It's like a darkness hovering. The Spirit of God and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. Now watch this. The Spirit of God is there. The presence of God is there. But nothing changes and nothing new is formed until the Word of God comes." [01:21:26] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You might be like, you can't bless me, Greenwood. Only God can bless me. I tell you what, 1 Kings 17, Elijah goes to King Ahab. Says, there will be no more rain or no more dew until my word. You might be like, it's a little bit arrogant, Elijah. It's until his word. Now here's the thing. You've got to know this. When the word of God gets in you, it's not meant to stay in you. It's meant to come through you." [01:02:06] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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