Practicing Praise (Psalm 95:1-11) | God in the Highs and Lows | Eric Saunders

[snorts] MLAN Bible Church. Good [snorts] MLAN Bible Church. Good morning. How we doing this morning? morning. How we doing this morning? morning. How we doing this morning? Listen, it is good to be with you guys Listen, it is good to be with you guys Listen, it is good to be with you guys again. My name is Eric, one of the again. My name is Eric, one of the again. My name is Eric, one of the pastors around here. And so, if you got pastors around here. And so, if you got pastors around here. And so, if you got a Bible with you, go ahead and turn to a Bible with you, go ahead and turn to a Bible with you, go ahead and turn to Psalm 95. Uh Psalm 95. While you turn, Psalm 95. Uh Psalm 95. While you turn, Psalm 95. Uh Psalm 95. While you turn, first of all, shout out to our first of all, shout out to our first of all, shout out to our locations, Arlington, Prince William, locations, Arlington, Prince William, locations, Arlington, Prince William, Lowden County, McGomery County, Lowden County, McGomery County, Lowden County, McGomery County, everybody who's watching online. And everybody who's watching online. And everybody who's watching online. And then also, while you turn, quick then also, while you turn, quick then also, while you turn, quick announcement. Uh we'll be having our announcement. Uh we'll be having our announcement. Uh we'll be having our church family meeting uh this coming church family meeting uh this coming church family meeting uh this coming Wednesday at 7 pm and so excited about Wednesday at 7 pm and so excited about Wednesday at 7 pm and so excited about that. Uh during that uh meeting we'll be that. Uh during that uh meeting we'll be that. Uh during that uh meeting we'll be um voting about our budget and also new um voting about our budget and also new um voting about our budget and also new members um as well. So especially if you members um as well. So especially if you members um as well. So especially if you are a member uh you don't want to miss are a member uh you don't want to miss are a member uh you don't want to miss that. And if you need a copy of our that. And if you need a copy of our that. And if you need a copy of our budget proposed budget uh those are at budget proposed budget uh those are at budget proposed budget uh those are at the lo in the lobbies of any location the lo in the lobbies of any location the lo in the lobbies of any location that you attend this morning. All right. that you attend this morning. All right. that you attend this morning. All right. And so, listen, uh, this week, our next And so, listen, uh, this week, our next And so, listen, uh, this week, our next three weeks, you've seen the bumper. three weeks, you've seen the bumper. three weeks, you've seen the bumper. We're in the middle of a series titled We're in the middle of a series titled We're in the middle of a series titled God in the Highs and Lows. And so, this God in the Highs and Lows. And so, this God in the Highs and Lows. And so, this morning, we're in Psalm 95. And so, what morning, we're in Psalm 95. And so, what morning, we're in Psalm 95. And so, what I'm going to do is that I'm going to I'm going to do is that I'm going to I'm going to do is that I'm going to read the text. Uh, we're going to pray read the text. Uh, we're going to pray read the text. Uh, we're going to pray and then we're going to see what God has and then we're going to see what God has and then we're going to see what God has for us. Amen.

for us. Amen. for us. Amen. >> All right, let's do this. Uh, Psalm 95, >> All right, let's do this. Uh, Psalm 95, >> All right, let's do this. Uh, Psalm 95, verse one. Here it is. It says, "Oh, verse one. Here it is. It says, "Oh, verse one. Here it is. It says, "Oh, come, let us sing to the Lord. Let us come, let us sing to the Lord. Let us come, let us sing to the Lord. Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our make a joyful noise to the rock of our make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come into his presence salvation. Let us come into his presence salvation. Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving. Let us make a joyful with thanksgiving. Let us make a joyful with thanksgiving. Let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise. For noise to him with songs of praise. For noise to him with songs of praise. For the Lord is a great God the Lord is a great God the Lord is a great God >> and a great king above all gods. >> and a great king above all gods. >> and a great king above all gods. >> In his hands are the depths of the >> In his hands are the depths of the >> In his hands are the depths of the earth. The heights of the mountains are earth. The heights of the mountains are earth. The heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his for he made it. his also. The sea is his for he made it. his also. The sea is his for he made it. And his hands form the dry land. Oh And his hands form the dry land. Oh And his hands form the dry land. Oh come, let us worship and bow down. Let come, let us worship and bow down. Let come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord, our maker, for us kneel before the Lord, our maker, for us kneel before the Lord, our maker, for he is our God. he is our God. he is our God. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> And we are the people of his pasture, >> And we are the people of his pasture, >> And we are the people of his pasture, the sheep of his hand. Today, if you the sheep of his hand. Today, if you the sheep of his hand. Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hear his voice, do not harden your hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as at Meabbah, as on the day at hearts as at Meabbah, as on the day at hearts as at Meabbah, as on the day at Massa in the wilderness, when your Massa in the wilderness, when your Massa in the wilderness, when your fathers put me to the test and put me to fathers put me to the test and put me to fathers put me to the test and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.

the proof, though they had seen my work. the proof, though they had seen my work. For 40 years I loathe that generation For 40 years I loathe that generation For 40 years I loathe that generation and said they are a people who go astray and said they are a people who go astray and said they are a people who go astray in their heart and they have not known in their heart and they have not known in their heart and they have not known my ways. Therefore I swore in my wrath my ways. Therefore I swore in my wrath my ways. Therefore I swore in my wrath they shall not enter my rest. they shall not enter my rest. they shall not enter my rest. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> And this is the word of the Lord. >> And this is the word of the Lord. >> And this is the word of the Lord. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Uh let's take a moment. Let's pray >> Uh let's take a moment. Let's pray >> Uh let's take a moment. Let's pray together this morning. together this morning. together this morning. Lord, we love you Lord, we love you Lord, we love you and we thank you that we've got a reason and we thank you that we've got a reason and we thank you that we've got a reason this morning to praise you. Yes, this morning to praise you. Yes, this morning to praise you. Yes, >> you have been so good to us. And so God, >> you have been so good to us. And so God, >> you have been so good to us. And so God, I pray as we sit beneath your word and I pray as we sit beneath your word and I pray as we sit beneath your word and hear your word this morning that we'll hear your word this morning that we'll hear your word this morning that we'll respond to your word appropriately in respond to your word appropriately in respond to your word appropriately in faith and obedience to the glory of your faith and obedience to the glory of your faith and obedience to the glory of your great name. We love you and I pray these great name. We love you and I pray these great name. We love you and I pray these things in the name of Jesus. If you things in the name of Jesus. If you things in the name of Jesus. If you agree, say agree, say agree, say >> amen. >> amen. >> amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Mlean Bible Church, I'm here uh to tear Mlean Bible Church, I'm here uh to tear Mlean Bible Church, I'm here uh to tear to uh to share with you um a dad fail to uh to share with you um a dad fail to uh to share with you um a dad fail that I had. And this was a few years that I had. And this was a few years that I had. And this was a few years back. I took my kids to a theme park.

back. I took my kids to a theme park. back. I took my kids to a theme park. And there at that theme park, I decided And there at that theme park, I decided And there at that theme park, I decided that it was time. And it was time for my that it was time. And it was time for my that it was time. And it was time for my oldest child, who was around seven at oldest child, who was around seven at oldest child, who was around seven at the time. It was time for him to ride the time. It was time for him to ride the time. It was time for him to ride his first Big Boy roller coaster. Y'all, his first Big Boy roller coaster. Y'all, his first Big Boy roller coaster. Y'all, this is the kind that clicks and clacks this is the kind that clicks and clacks this is the kind that clicks and clacks all the way to the top. And then you all the way to the top. And then you all the way to the top. And then you drop and you dip and you roll and your drop and you dip and you roll and your drop and you dip and you roll and your stomach feels like it's dropped to your stomach feels like it's dropped to your stomach feels like it's dropped to your socks. And I decided that it was time. I socks. And I decided that it was time. I socks. And I decided that it was time. I told him, "Hey man, I'll go with you." told him, "Hey man, I'll go with you." told him, "Hey man, I'll go with you." But I didn't tell him what to expect. I But I didn't tell him what to expect. I But I didn't tell him what to expect. I didn't tell him that there would be dips didn't tell him that there would be dips didn't tell him that there would be dips and turns and all that. I just said, and turns and all that. I just said, and turns and all that. I just said, "Ride this ride with me." And I know, I "Ride this ride with me." And I know, I "Ride this ride with me." And I know, I know, listen, I know it's not the best, know, listen, I know it's not the best, know, listen, I know it's not the best, it's not the best dad move, right? And it's not the best dad move, right? And it's not the best dad move, right? And so this boy gets on this roller coaster. so this boy gets on this roller coaster. so this boy gets on this roller coaster. And it's all smiles at joy at the very And it's all smiles at joy at the very And it's all smiles at joy at the very beginning. beginning. beginning. And it starts to click and clap towards And it starts to click and clap towards And it starts to click and clap towards the top. He's getting a little nervous. the top. He's getting a little nervous. the top. He's getting a little nervous. It's getting high. And then it drops, it It's getting high. And then it drops, it It's getting high. And then it drops, it dips, it turns, it loops, it ends.

dips, it turns, it loops, it ends. dips, it turns, it loops, it ends. And then this traumatized kid steps off And then this traumatized kid steps off And then this traumatized kid steps off this roller coaster. this roller coaster. this roller coaster. His eyes are wide. He keeps it together His eyes are wide. He keeps it together His eyes are wide. He keeps it together lowkey, lowkey, lowkey, but I could look at his face and I could but I could look at his face and I could but I could look at his face and I could tell two things. One, I should have tell two things. One, I should have tell two things. One, I should have prepared him. prepared him. prepared him. And two, this kid is never riding a And two, this kid is never riding a And two, this kid is never riding a roller coaster again. And that's true. roller coaster again. And that's true. roller coaster again. And that's true. Until this day, he hasn't. Until this day, he hasn't. Until this day, he hasn't. And and listen, it it's on me. It's on And and listen, it it's on me. It's on And and listen, it it's on me. It's on me. Listen, I declared that I was with me. Listen, I declared that I was with me. Listen, I declared that I was with him. But I should have prepared him what him. But I should have prepared him what him. But I should have prepared him what the journey on the roller coaster ahead the journey on the roller coaster ahead the journey on the roller coaster ahead would be like. I should have said, "Hey, would be like. I should have said, "Hey, would be like. I should have said, "Hey, listen, man. When you get to the top, listen, man. When you get to the top, listen, man. When you get to the top, you're going to be scared, but listen. you're going to be scared, but listen. you're going to be scared, but listen. I'm with you and I got you." I should I'm with you and I got you." I should I'm with you and I got you." I should have said, "Hey, listen. When you go have said, "Hey, listen. When you go have said, "Hey, listen. When you go down, your stomach is going to drop. down, your stomach is going to drop. down, your stomach is going to drop. It's not going to feel all that good, It's not going to feel all that good, It's not going to feel all that good, but I'm with you and I got you." I but I'm with you and I got you." I but I'm with you and I got you." I should have told him that we're in your should have told him that we're in your should have told him that we're in your when you're in that loop and your life when you're in that loop and your life when you're in that loop and your life is literally upside down. Hey bro, I I'm is literally upside down. Hey bro, I I'm is literally upside down. Hey bro, I I'm with you and I got you. Listen, I should with you and I got you. Listen, I should with you and I got you. Listen, I should have assured him of my presence but also have assured him of my presence but also have assured him of my presence but also described what the journey ahead was described what the journey ahead was described what the journey ahead was going to look like so he wasn't caught going to look like so he wasn't caught going to look like so he wasn't caught off guard.

off guard. off guard. >> And listen, what I what I described is a >> And listen, what I what I described is a >> And listen, what I what I described is a true story, but that is also a parable true story, but that is also a parable true story, but that is also a parable for the Christian life. for the Christian life. for the Christian life. >> Amen. Because listen, for many of us, we >> Amen. Because listen, for many of us, we >> Amen. Because listen, for many of us, we enter into the Christian life not really enter into the Christian life not really enter into the Christian life not really knowing what to expect. We're so knowing what to expect. We're so knowing what to expect. We're so excited. We've come to Christ. Life excited. We've come to Christ. Life excited. We've come to Christ. Life makes sense. You're filled with so much makes sense. You're filled with so much makes sense. You're filled with so much joy. And we can think, "This is it. My joy. And we can think, "This is it. My joy. And we can think, "This is it. My life will always be up and to the life will always be up and to the life will always be up and to the right." And then the dip comes, the right." And then the dip comes, the right." And then the dip comes, the loops come. And for many of us, we can loops come. And for many of us, we can loops come. And for many of us, we can get to the point where we're tugging of get to the point where we're tugging of get to the point where we're tugging of our tugging at our seat saying, "Let me our tugging at our seat saying, "Let me our tugging at our seat saying, "Let me off this ride." And what I love about off this ride." And what I love about off this ride." And what I love about God is this. He's a better father than God is this. He's a better father than God is this. He's a better father than me. me. me. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Listen, he prepares us for the journey >> Listen, he prepares us for the journey >> Listen, he prepares us for the journey ahead. He shows us what life with him is ahead. He shows us what life with him is ahead. He shows us what life with him is actually like. And one of the places actually like. And one of the places actually like. And one of the places that he does that in scripture is the that he does that in scripture is the that he does that in scripture is the Psalms. What I love about the Psalms is Psalms. What I love about the Psalms is Psalms. What I love about the Psalms is this is that the Psalms are the the this is that the Psalms are the the this is that the Psalms are the the prayer book of the Bible. The Psalms is prayer book of the Bible. The Psalms is prayer book of the Bible. The Psalms is where we get to see the inner lives of where we get to see the inner lives of where we get to see the inner lives of those who walk with God. those who walk with God. those who walk with God. >> Amen. And what we should see, what we >> Amen. And what we should see, what we >> Amen. And what we should see, what we see should comfort us. Because the see should comfort us. Because the see should comfort us. Because the psalm, in the Psalms, you see people who psalm, in the Psalms, you see people who psalm, in the Psalms, you see people who are going through what you go through.

are going through what you go through. are going through what you go through. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> What I love about the Psalms is, listen, >> What I love about the Psalms is, listen, >> What I love about the Psalms is, listen, do you get stressed out? You see it do you get stressed out? You see it do you get stressed out? You see it there. Do you get happy? You see it there. Do you get happy? You see it there. Do you get happy? You see it there. Do you get joyful? You see it there. Do you get joyful? You see it there. Do you get joyful? You see it there. Do you get depressed? You see it there. Do you get depressed? You see it there. Do you get depressed? You see it there. Do you get annoyed and angry with there. Do you get annoyed and angry with there. Do you get annoyed and angry with people? You see it there. And what the people? You see it there. And what the people? You see it there. And what the Psalms reveal is this. The life of God Psalms reveal is this. The life of God Psalms reveal is this. The life of God will life with God will have its highs will life with God will have its highs will life with God will have its highs and it'll have its lows. It'll have its and it'll have its lows. It'll have its and it'll have its lows. It'll have its heights, it will have its depths, it heights, it will have its depths, it heights, it will have its depths, it will have its dips, it will have its will have its dips, it will have its will have its dips, it will have its turns. And God is God through it all. turns. And God is God through it all. turns. And God is God through it all. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> God is God through it all. Listen, there >> God is God through it all. Listen, there >> God is God through it all. Listen, there is not an experience that you can have is not an experience that you can have is not an experience that you can have in the Christian life from which you in the Christian life from which you in the Christian life from which you cannot seek and experience God. cannot seek and experience God. cannot seek and experience God. >> Listen, God's phone is never on do not >> Listen, God's phone is never on do not >> Listen, God's phone is never on do not disturb. Listen, God invites us to seek disturb. Listen, God invites us to seek disturb. Listen, God invites us to seek him from wherever life finds you. him from wherever life finds you. him from wherever life finds you. Whether it's high, whether it's low, Whether it's high, whether it's low, Whether it's high, whether it's low, whether it's up, where it's down. And in whether it's up, where it's down. And in whether it's up, where it's down. And in this um in this glorious book called the this um in this glorious book called the this um in this glorious book called the Psalms, Psalms, Psalms, there's a number of practices if we're there's a number of practices if we're there's a number of practices if we're going to seek God in any season of life, going to seek God in any season of life, going to seek God in any season of life, there are a number of practices that we there are a number of practices that we there are a number of practices that we need to learn. So, in this series, we're need to learn. So, in this series, we're need to learn. So, in this series, we're going to talk about practices of going to talk about practices of going to talk about practices of worship.

worship. worship. We're going to talk about praise. We'll We're going to talk about praise. We'll We're going to talk about praise. We'll talk about that today. Next week, we'll talk about that today. Next week, we'll talk about that today. Next week, we'll talk about lament. And then we'll also talk about lament. And then we'll also talk about lament. And then we'll also talk about thanksgiving. So Psalm 95 is talk about thanksgiving. So Psalm 95 is talk about thanksgiving. So Psalm 95 is a is a psalm of praise. And I love this a is a psalm of praise. And I love this a is a psalm of praise. And I love this psalm because it helps us understand psalm because it helps us understand psalm because it helps us understand that praise is something that you can that praise is something that you can that praise is something that you can practice wherever life finds you. practice wherever life finds you. practice wherever life finds you. >> And so Psalm 95, let me read the first >> And so Psalm 95, let me read the first >> And so Psalm 95, let me read the first three verses again. It says, "Oh come, three verses again. It says, "Oh come, three verses again. It says, "Oh come, let us sing to the Lord. Let us make a let us sing to the Lord. Let us make a let us sing to the Lord. Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our joyful noise to the rock of our joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come into his presence salvation. Let us come into his presence salvation. Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving and let us make a with thanksgiving and let us make a with thanksgiving and let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of joyful noise to him with songs of joyful noise to him with songs of praise. Why? For the Lord is a great God praise. Why? For the Lord is a great God praise. Why? For the Lord is a great God and a great king above all gods. and a great king above all gods. and a great king above all gods. >> Listen, in this psalm, you got one >> Listen, in this psalm, you got one >> Listen, in this psalm, you got one person calling to a whole bunch of person calling to a whole bunch of person calling to a whole bunch of people and encouraging them to praise people and encouraging them to praise people and encouraging them to praise and worship God. And we see this praise and worship God. And we see this praise and worship God. And we see this praise in the form of exuberant singing and in the form of exuberant singing and in the form of exuberant singing and noise and thanksgiving. And the question noise and thanksgiving. And the question noise and thanksgiving. And the question you should have is why are they you should have is why are they you should have is why are they encouraged to do this? They're not encouraged to do this? They're not encouraged to do this? They're not encouraged to just do all this just encouraged to just do all this just encouraged to just do all this just because. You see the reason in verse because. You see the reason in verse because. You see the reason in verse three. It says, "For the Lord is a great three. It says, "For the Lord is a great three. It says, "For the Lord is a great God and a great king above all gods."

God and a great king above all gods." God and a great king above all gods." Which should lead us to a definition of Which should lead us to a definition of Which should lead us to a definition of praise. You know what praise is? Praise praise. You know what praise is? Praise praise. You know what praise is? Praise is to affirm and declare the greatness is to affirm and declare the greatness is to affirm and declare the greatness of God. of God. of God. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Praise is to affirm and declare the >> Praise is to affirm and declare the >> Praise is to affirm and declare the greatness of God. We actually see this greatness of God. We actually see this greatness of God. We actually see this throughout this whole psalm. What I love throughout this whole psalm. What I love throughout this whole psalm. What I love about this psalm is that it declares about this psalm is that it declares about this psalm is that it declares that we're to praise God with our whole that we're to praise God with our whole that we're to praise God with our whole self. self. self. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Psalms 1 and two declares that we should >> Psalms 1 and two declares that we should >> Psalms 1 and two declares that we should praise God with our emotions. You see 1 praise God with our emotions. You see 1 praise God with our emotions. You see 1 and two, you see this emotional and two, you see this emotional and two, you see this emotional response. We're called to sing. We're response. We're called to sing. We're response. We're called to sing. We're called to make joyful noise. And then called to make joyful noise. And then called to make joyful noise. And then later down, you see in verses 6-7 that later down, you see in verses 6-7 that later down, you see in verses 6-7 that we are called to worship God with our we are called to worship God with our we are called to worship God with our wills. We're called to submit to him, to wills. We're called to submit to him, to wills. We're called to submit to him, to bow to him in reverence. That's a bow to him in reverence. That's a bow to him in reverence. That's a volitional response. That's an act of volitional response. That's an act of volitional response. That's an act of the will. And listen, in both times in the will. And listen, in both times in the will. And listen, in both times in verses 1 and two and six and seven, the verses 1 and two and six and seven, the verses 1 and two and six and seven, the people of God are simply told to do people of God are simply told to do people of God are simply told to do this, not just because they're doing it this, not just because they're doing it this, not just because they're doing it in response to the goodness of God. We in response to the goodness of God. We in response to the goodness of God. We praise God for who he is. But listen, I praise God for who he is. But listen, I praise God for who he is. But listen, I don't know if you've ever thought this.

don't know if you've ever thought this. don't know if you've ever thought this. I know younger in my faith, I used to I know younger in my faith, I used to I know younger in my faith, I used to think this. Why is the Bible constantly think this. Why is the Bible constantly think this. Why is the Bible constantly commanding us to praise God? commanding us to praise God? commanding us to praise God? Why is the Bible constantly commanding Why is the Bible constantly commanding Why is the Bible constantly commanding us to do this? Throughout the Bible, the us to do this? Throughout the Bible, the us to do this? Throughout the Bible, the writers are always encouraging us, writers are always encouraging us, writers are always encouraging us, praise the Lord. And even God tells us praise the Lord. And even God tells us praise the Lord. And even God tells us to praise him. Because listen, in my to praise him. Because listen, in my to praise him. Because listen, in my mind, I'm thinking, listen, if you got mind, I'm thinking, listen, if you got mind, I'm thinking, listen, if you got to tell me to praise you, that seems a to tell me to praise you, that seems a to tell me to praise you, that seems a little selfentered and insecure, right? little selfentered and insecure, right? little selfentered and insecure, right? So why is it fine for the scriptures to So why is it fine for the scriptures to So why is it fine for the scriptures to tell us to praise God? Here it is, tell us to praise God? Here it is, tell us to praise God? Here it is, y'all. y'all. y'all. When other people demand you to praise When other people demand you to praise When other people demand you to praise them, it's not for your benefit. It's them, it's not for your benefit. It's them, it's not for your benefit. It's for theirs. for theirs. for theirs. >> When people tell you to praise them, >> When people tell you to praise them, >> When people tell you to praise them, catch this. Um, when people tell you to catch this. Um, when people tell you to catch this. Um, when people tell you to praise them, listen, it's to stroke praise them, listen, it's to stroke praise them, listen, it's to stroke their ego. It's to make them feel better their ego. It's to make them feel better their ego. It's to make them feel better about themselves. But catch this y'all. about themselves. But catch this y'all. about themselves. But catch this y'all. When God tells us to praise him, it is When God tells us to praise him, it is When God tells us to praise him, it is not for his benefit. not for his benefit. not for his benefit. >> Listen, God commands your praise, but he >> Listen, God commands your praise, but he >> Listen, God commands your praise, but he doesn't need your praise. doesn't need your praise. doesn't need your praise. >> Amen. Listen, one of the attributes of >> Amen. Listen, one of the attributes of >> Amen. Listen, one of the attributes of God is this SAT word called assay. Can God is this SAT word called assay. Can God is this SAT word called assay. Can you say as you say as you say as >> here it is? You know what that means?

>> here it is? You know what that means? >> here it is? You know what that means? >> God needs nothing from you to be God. >> God needs nothing from you to be God. >> God needs nothing from you to be God. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> He needs nothing from you to be God. You >> He needs nothing from you to be God. You >> He needs nothing from you to be God. You can't add anything to God and you can't can't add anything to God and you can't can't add anything to God and you can't take anything away from him. God never take anything away from him. God never take anything away from him. God never feels insecure. feels insecure. feels insecure. Listen, God never has a day where he Listen, God never has a day where he Listen, God never has a day where he needs your praise to boost his needs your praise to boost his needs your praise to boost his self-esteem. self-esteem. self-esteem. >> Amen. Listen, God is God all by himself. >> Amen. Listen, God is God all by himself. >> Amen. Listen, God is God all by himself. And to illustrate this point or to show And to illustrate this point or to show And to illustrate this point or to show this point, I love Psalm 512 because this point, I love Psalm 512 because this point, I love Psalm 512 because Psalm 512 says this about how much God Psalm 512 says this about how much God Psalm 512 says this about how much God needs us. It says this. It says, "If I needs us. It says this. It says, "If I needs us. It says this. It says, "If I were hungry, I would not tell you were hungry, I would not tell you were hungry, I would not tell you for the world and its fullness is mine." for the world and its fullness is mine." for the world and its fullness is mine." >> You know what that means? This verse >> You know what that means? This verse >> You know what that means? This verse isn't saying that God gets hungry. This isn't saying that God gets hungry. This isn't saying that God gets hungry. This verse isn't saying that he has an verse isn't saying that he has an verse isn't saying that he has an appetite like you and me. He's simply appetite like you and me. He's simply appetite like you and me. He's simply declaring this that you got nothing that declaring this that you got nothing that declaring this that you got nothing that he needs. he needs. he needs. >> So just the other day, it's like two >> So just the other day, it's like two >> So just the other day, it's like two days ago, right? Um I leave the house days ago, right? Um I leave the house days ago, right? Um I leave the house with my three boys and we got a rule at with my three boys and we got a rule at with my three boys and we got a rule at my house. Listen, last person out closes my house. Listen, last person out closes my house. Listen, last person out closes the door. So we go out, we got to we're the door. So we go out, we got to we're the door. So we go out, we got to we're having a good time. We out for like five having a good time. We out for like five having a good time. We out for like five hours. We come back home, doors wide hours. We come back home, doors wide hours. We come back home, doors wide open.

open. open. And so I use that as a dad, right? You And so I use that as a dad, right? You And so I use that as a dad, right? You know, this is I think this is a dad. know, this is I think this is a dad. know, this is I think this is a dad. It's not a dad fail, right? Actually, It's not a dad fail, right? Actually, It's not a dad fail, right? Actually, they did good on this one, right? I use they did good on this one, right? I use they did good on this one, right? I use this as an opportunity to explain to my this as an opportunity to explain to my this as an opportunity to explain to my kids why we should take care of things kids why we should take care of things kids why we should take care of things that are ours. that are ours. that are ours. >> And I got on a roll, right? I don't know >> And I got on a roll, right? I don't know >> And I got on a roll, right? I don't know how I ended up here, but I started how I ended up here, but I started how I ended up here, but I started talking about a mortgage and paying for talking about a mortgage and paying for talking about a mortgage and paying for that. I don't know. I kind of blacked that. I don't know. I kind of blacked that. I don't know. I kind of blacked out, right? I kind of blacked out. out, right? I kind of blacked out. out, right? I kind of blacked out. And one of my kids was locked in. He was And one of my kids was locked in. He was And one of my kids was locked in. He was locked in. He stops me mid-sentence and locked in. He stops me mid-sentence and locked in. He stops me mid-sentence and talking about a mortgage. And he says, talking about a mortgage. And he says, talking about a mortgage. And he says, "Dad, you need morning. You need money? "Dad, you need morning. You need money? "Dad, you need morning. You need money? You need help with that?" You need help with that?" You need help with that?" He said, "Yo, I got money in my piggy He said, "Yo, I got money in my piggy He said, "Yo, I got money in my piggy bank." And listen, I told him, "Thank bank." And listen, I told him, "Thank bank." And listen, I told him, "Thank you. I love you. I thank you." But you. I love you. I thank you." But you. I love you. I thank you." But listen, I got a little offended listen, I got a little offended listen, I got a little offended because this dude thought that I needed because this dude thought that I needed because this dude thought that I needed his help. his help. his help. This guy looked at me as if he could This guy looked at me as if he could This guy looked at me as if he could help me when the money that he has in help me when the money that he has in help me when the money that he has in his pickup bank I got for him. Listen, his pickup bank I got for him. Listen, his pickup bank I got for him. Listen, it felt a little insulting that he it felt a little insulting that he it felt a little insulting that he thought I needed something from him when thought I needed something from him when thought I needed something from him when every dollar that he has he got from me.

every dollar that he has he got from me. every dollar that he has he got from me. >> And y'all listen to me here. It's >> And y'all listen to me here. It's >> And y'all listen to me here. It's insulting for me to believe that about insulting for me to believe that about insulting for me to believe that about my son. And listen to me. Listen to me my son. And listen to me. Listen to me my son. And listen to me. Listen to me this morning. It is insulting for you to this morning. It is insulting for you to this morning. It is insulting for you to believe that the God of the universe believe that the God of the universe believe that the God of the universe needs your praise. needs your praise. needs your praise. >> That God shaped your vocal cords. That >> That God shaped your vocal cords. That >> That God shaped your vocal cords. That God formed your lips. He put breath in God formed your lips. He put breath in God formed your lips. He put breath in your lungs. How can you say that he your lungs. How can you say that he your lungs. How can you say that he needs anything from you? needs anything from you? needs anything from you? >> And you might think that that diminishes >> And you might think that that diminishes >> And you might think that that diminishes you, that God doesn't need your praise, you, that God doesn't need your praise, you, that God doesn't need your praise, but it doesn't. God doesn't need your but it doesn't. God doesn't need your but it doesn't. God doesn't need your praise, but he wants your praise. praise, but he wants your praise. praise, but he wants your praise. >> He wants your praise. Why does he want >> He wants your praise. Why does he want >> He wants your praise. Why does he want your praise? You know why? Because God your praise? You know why? Because God your praise? You know why? Because God wants what's best for you. wants what's best for you. wants what's best for you. >> What's best for you. Listen, we don't >> What's best for you. Listen, we don't >> What's best for you. Listen, we don't praise God because he needs it. We praise God because he needs it. We praise God because he needs it. We praise God because we need it. praise God because we need it. praise God because we need it. >> We need it. Here's a simple point that >> We need it. Here's a simple point that >> We need it. Here's a simple point that I'll explain this morning. MLAN Bible I'll explain this morning. MLAN Bible I'll explain this morning. MLAN Bible Church. Praise the Lord because you need Church. Praise the Lord because you need Church. Praise the Lord because you need to. to. to. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Listen. Praise the Lord because you need >> Listen. Praise the Lord because you need >> Listen. Praise the Lord because you need to. to. to. >> Listen, in this chapter, everyone, catch >> Listen, in this chapter, everyone, catch >> Listen, in this chapter, everyone, catch this, y'all. In the chapter, everyone, this, y'all. In the chapter, everyone, this, y'all. In the chapter, everyone, regardless of what they have going on in regardless of what they have going on in regardless of what they have going on in life, are commanded to praise the Lord.

life, are commanded to praise the Lord. life, are commanded to praise the Lord. >> And look at the reasons in verses 3 >> And look at the reasons in verses 3 >> And look at the reasons in verses 3 through 5. Verse three, it says, "For through 5. Verse three, it says, "For through 5. Verse three, it says, "For the Lord is a great God and a great king the Lord is a great God and a great king the Lord is a great God and a great king above all God. above all God. above all God. >> In his hands are the depths of the >> In his hands are the depths of the >> In his hands are the depths of the earth. The heights of the mountains are earth. The heights of the mountains are earth. The heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his because he made his also. The sea is his because he made his also. The sea is his because he made it and his hands form the dry land. I it and his hands form the dry land. I it and his hands form the dry land. I want you to hang with me for a second. want you to hang with me for a second. want you to hang with me for a second. These verses are calling the people of These verses are calling the people of These verses are calling the people of God to affirm not just that God is good. God to affirm not just that God is good. God to affirm not just that God is good. Yes, that but you see where it says that Yes, that but you see where it says that Yes, that but you see where it says that it says that it says here that he is a it says that it says here that he is a it says that it says here that he is a great king above all gods. great king above all gods. great king above all gods. It's also it's telling us to say that It's also it's telling us to say that It's also it's telling us to say that God is better than anything else that we God is better than anything else that we God is better than anything else that we are tempted to call God. are tempted to call God. are tempted to call God. Listen, when God says in this verse that Listen, when God says in this verse that Listen, when God says in this verse that he holds the depths, the heights, the he holds the depths, the heights, the he holds the depths, the heights, the seas, and the dry land, you might not seas, and the dry land, you might not seas, and the dry land, you might not have caught this, but that is God have caught this, but that is God have caught this, but that is God flexing on the so-called gods of the flexing on the so-called gods of the flexing on the so-called gods of the day. Listen, during that time, the day. Listen, during that time, the day. Listen, during that time, the nations around Israel believed that God, nations around Israel believed that God, nations around Israel believed that God, so-called gods had jurisdictions.

so-called gods had jurisdictions. so-called gods had jurisdictions. They had turfs, kind of like gangs or They had turfs, kind of like gangs or They had turfs, kind of like gangs or something, right? Uh they believe that something, right? Uh they believe that something, right? Uh they believe that Molech was the god of the depths, that Molech was the god of the depths, that Molech was the god of the depths, that Bal was the god of the heights, that Bal was the god of the heights, that Bal was the god of the heights, that Tiiamat, the Canaanite god was the god Tiiamat, the Canaanite god was the god Tiiamat, the Canaanite god was the god of the seas. And here the assembly of of the seas. And here the assembly of of the seas. And here the assembly of God's people are called to affirm the God's people are called to affirm the God's people are called to affirm the greatness of God. And I say, "Those gods greatness of God. And I say, "Those gods greatness of God. And I say, "Those gods don't run anything. God runs it all." don't run anything. God runs it all." don't run anything. God runs it all." >> And listen, here's what I want you to >> And listen, here's what I want you to >> And listen, here's what I want you to think about as we consider this. The think about as we consider this. The think about as we consider this. The whole assembly is told to say this. whole assembly is told to say this. whole assembly is told to say this. Think about the kinds of people that Think about the kinds of people that Think about the kinds of people that might be in the assembly that day. might be in the assembly that day. might be in the assembly that day. I want you to think about Tommy. I know I want you to think about Tommy. I know I want you to think about Tommy. I know that's not a particularly Hebrew name, that's not a particularly Hebrew name, that's not a particularly Hebrew name, but hang with me. but hang with me. but hang with me. Tommy's out there. He's encouraged to Tommy's out there. He's encouraged to Tommy's out there. He's encouraged to praise the Lord. And he's thinking, "Yo, praise the Lord. And he's thinking, "Yo, praise the Lord. And he's thinking, "Yo, you don't got to tell me twice. Life is you don't got to tell me twice. Life is you don't got to tell me twice. Life is good right now. My family is good. My good right now. My family is good. My good right now. My family is good. My kids are well. My crops are doing well. kids are well. My crops are doing well. kids are well. My crops are doing well. God, I can see it. I praise you that the God, I can see it. I praise you that the God, I can see it. I praise you that the whole world is in your hands." whole world is in your hands." whole world is in your hands." That's Tommy. But consider Timmy.

That's Tommy. But consider Timmy. That's Tommy. But consider Timmy. Timmy's in the same assembly. Timmy's in the same assembly. Timmy's in the same assembly. Everybody's called to praise the Lord. Everybody's called to praise the Lord. Everybody's called to praise the Lord. And he's thinking, "Hold on, man. And he's thinking, "Hold on, man. And he's thinking, "Hold on, man. Everything is wrong right now. I'm Everything is wrong right now. I'm Everything is wrong right now. I'm depressed. I'm anxious. Life at home depressed. I'm anxious. Life at home depressed. I'm anxious. Life at home isn't good. My kids are sick. My crops isn't good. My kids are sick. My crops isn't good. My kids are sick. My crops aren't cropping. God, are you in aren't cropping. God, are you in aren't cropping. God, are you in control?" I'm actually tempted to see if control?" I'm actually tempted to see if control?" I'm actually tempted to see if one of these false gods can help turn my one of these false gods can help turn my one of these false gods can help turn my situation around. situation around. situation around. >> You know what I love about this, though? >> You know what I love about this, though? >> You know what I love about this, though? Both of them need to praise the Lord. Both of them need to praise the Lord. Both of them need to praise the Lord. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Why? Catch this. Because praise is both >> Why? Catch this. Because praise is both >> Why? Catch this. Because praise is both a response to the goodness of God and it a response to the goodness of God and it a response to the goodness of God and it is also a revolt against lies about God. is also a revolt against lies about God. is also a revolt against lies about God. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Listen, in this text, we see praise as >> Listen, in this text, we see praise as >> Listen, in this text, we see praise as an affirmation of God's goodness and a an affirmation of God's goodness and a an affirmation of God's goodness and a revolt against the lies of false god. revolt against the lies of false god. revolt against the lies of false god. Listen, the same praise serves both Listen, the same praise serves both Listen, the same praise serves both functions. functions. functions. >> Listen, I'll come home to you. This is >> Listen, I'll come home to you. This is >> Listen, I'll come home to you. This is why I don't need this is why I don't why I don't need this is why I don't why I don't need this is why I don't need to know your situation this morning need to know your situation this morning need to know your situation this morning to tell you to praise the Lord. This is to tell you to praise the Lord. This is to tell you to praise the Lord. This is why. Listen, for many of you right now, why. Listen, for many of you right now, why. Listen, for many of you right now, you're man, life is good. Like, you're you're man, life is good. Like, you're you're man, life is good. Like, you're in a situation where you can clearly see in a situation where you can clearly see in a situation where you can clearly see what God is doing. You can see his hand what God is doing. You can see his hand what God is doing. You can see his hand all over your life. Listen, let me all over your life. Listen, let me all over your life. Listen, let me encourage you this morning to not keep encourage you this morning to not keep encourage you this morning to not keep silent to praise the Lord. Listen, do silent to praise the Lord. Listen, do silent to praise the Lord. Listen, do not allow the goodness of this season to not allow the goodness of this season to not allow the goodness of this season to produce entitlement in you as if you produce entitlement in you as if you produce entitlement in you as if you deserve what's happening in your life.

deserve what's happening in your life. deserve what's happening in your life. Listen, you know how you stiff farm Listen, you know how you stiff farm Listen, you know how you stiff farm entitlement? When you start praising the entitlement? When you start praising the entitlement? When you start praising the Lord, it's when you declare, "God, I'm Lord, it's when you declare, "God, I'm Lord, it's when you declare, "God, I'm here right now because you put me here. here right now because you put me here. here right now because you put me here. I am here right now because of of of not I am here right now because of of of not I am here right now because of of of not because of my goodness, but because of because of my goodness, but because of because of my goodness, but because of yours, every good and perfect gift comes yours, every good and perfect gift comes yours, every good and perfect gift comes from you. You are God. Whether I'm high from you. You are God. Whether I'm high from you. You are God. Whether I'm high or whether I'm low." or whether I'm low." or whether I'm low." >> Listen, when life is good, you know what >> Listen, when life is good, you know what >> Listen, when life is good, you know what we do? We praise the Lord. we do? We praise the Lord. we do? We praise the Lord. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> But listen, I know for some of you, it >> But listen, I know for some of you, it >> But listen, I know for some of you, it is hard for you to see the goodness of is hard for you to see the goodness of is hard for you to see the goodness of God right now. It's hard for you to see God right now. It's hard for you to see God right now. It's hard for you to see that God rules it all. that he has the that God rules it all. that he has the that God rules it all. that he has the whole world in his hands. Life is hard. whole world in his hands. Life is hard. whole world in his hands. Life is hard. You're suffering right now and you're You're suffering right now and you're You're suffering right now and you're tempted to believe lies about God. tempted to believe lies about God. tempted to believe lies about God. Matter of fact, you're tempted to go Matter of fact, you're tempted to go Matter of fact, you're tempted to go back to the false gods you used to back to the false gods you used to back to the false gods you used to worship. worship. worship. >> You're disappointed with God and you're >> You're disappointed with God and you're >> You're disappointed with God and you're tempted to go back to money or sex or tempted to go back to money or sex or tempted to go back to money or sex or approval. approval. approval. And may I gently encourage you this And may I gently encourage you this And may I gently encourage you this morning? Praise the Lord. morning? Praise the Lord. morning? Praise the Lord. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Praise the Lord. Why? Because it's >> Praise the Lord. Why? Because it's >> Praise the Lord. Why? Because it's praise that will help you hold on to who praise that will help you hold on to who praise that will help you hold on to who God has declared himself to be even when God has declared himself to be even when God has declared himself to be even when life is lying to you.

life is lying to you. life is lying to you. >> Listen, praise is not you pretending >> Listen, praise is not you pretending >> Listen, praise is not you pretending that everything is good. You know what that everything is good. You know what that everything is good. You know what praise is? Is you declaring that when praise is? Is you declaring that when praise is? Is you declaring that when life isn't good, God is. life isn't good, God is. life isn't good, God is. >> You know what that means? God is worthy >> You know what that means? God is worthy >> You know what that means? God is worthy to be praised. Whether the bacon cloud to be praised. Whether the bacon cloud to be praised. Whether the bacon cloud is full or whether the bacon cloud is is full or whether the bacon cloud is is full or whether the bacon cloud is empty, God is worthy to be praised empty, God is worthy to be praised empty, God is worthy to be praised whether your friends come or whether whether your friends come or whether whether your friends come or whether your friends go. God is whether to be your friends go. God is whether to be your friends go. God is whether to be praised, whether we are in success, or praised, whether we are in success, or praised, whether we are in success, or whether we are in failure. And so, I whether we are in failure. And so, I whether we are in failure. And so, I don't apologize for saying this. MLAN don't apologize for saying this. MLAN don't apologize for saying this. MLAN Bible Church, let's give God this Bible Church, let's give God this Bible Church, let's give God this morning a hand clap of praise. He's been morning a hand clap of praise. He's been morning a hand clap of praise. He's been good to us this morning. good to us this morning. good to us this morning. [applause] And so, why can we praise God? I want And so, why can we praise God? I want you to keep looking down. Look at verse you to keep looking down. Look at verse you to keep looking down. Look at verse 7. It further explains it. 7. It further explains it. 7. It further explains it. verses 3-5 talks about how God holds the verses 3-5 talks about how God holds the verses 3-5 talks about how God holds the whole world in his hands. And what you whole world in his hands. And what you whole world in his hands. And what you see in verse 7 is that it gets real see in verse 7 is that it gets real see in verse 7 is that it gets real personal. The same God that holds the personal. The same God that holds the personal. The same God that holds the world is the same God that holds you and world is the same God that holds you and world is the same God that holds you and leads you and guides you. Look at verse leads you and guides you. Look at verse leads you and guides you. Look at verse seven. It says, "For he is our God seven. It says, "For he is our God seven. It says, "For he is our God and we are his people. We are the people and we are his people. We are the people and we are his people. We are the people of his pasture, the sheep of his hands."

of his pasture, the sheep of his hands." of his pasture, the sheep of his hands." Listen, not only is God a great God, Listen, not only is God a great God, Listen, not only is God a great God, verse seven says that he's our God. verse seven says that he's our God. verse seven says that he's our God. In this passage, it says that we are In this passage, it says that we are In this passage, it says that we are sheep. One of the most famous passage sheep. One of the most famous passage sheep. One of the most famous passage passages in the Bible about shepherd and passages in the Bible about shepherd and passages in the Bible about shepherd and sheep is Psalm 23. And what I love about sheep is Psalm 23. And what I love about sheep is Psalm 23. And what I love about Psalm 23 is that declares that we have a Psalm 23 is that declares that we have a Psalm 23 is that declares that we have a shepherd that will lead us beside still shepherd that will lead us beside still shepherd that will lead us beside still water and through green pastures. And water and through green pastures. And water and through green pastures. And he'll also lead us through the valley of he'll also lead us through the valley of he'll also lead us through the valley of the shadow of death. the shadow of death. the shadow of death. >> And even though our seasons might >> And even though our seasons might >> And even though our seasons might change, he remains the same yesterday, change, he remains the same yesterday, change, he remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. So this morning, today, and forever. So this morning, today, and forever. So this morning, listen to me. You don't got to be happy listen to me. You don't got to be happy listen to me. You don't got to be happy this morning in order to praise the this morning in order to praise the this morning in order to praise the Lord. Listen, praise isn't being fake. Lord. Listen, praise isn't being fake. Lord. Listen, praise isn't being fake. You can say at the same time, God, life You can say at the same time, God, life You can say at the same time, God, life ain't good and yet you're good. ain't good and yet you're good. ain't good and yet you're good. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Listen, praise the Lord because in every >> Listen, praise the Lord because in every >> Listen, praise the Lord because in every single season, you need to. But also, we single season, you need to. But also, we single season, you need to. But also, we need to praise the Lord in every season need to praise the Lord in every season need to praise the Lord in every season because your neighbor needs it, too. We because your neighbor needs it, too. We because your neighbor needs it, too. We need to praise the Lord because your need to praise the Lord because your need to praise the Lord because your neighbor needs it, too. Look at verses neighbor needs it, too. Look at verses neighbor needs it, too. Look at verses six and seven yet again. six and seven yet again. six and seven yet again. verses six and seven it says, "Oh come, verses six and seven it says, "Oh come, verses six and seven it says, "Oh come, let us worship and bow down. Let us let us worship and bow down. Let us let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker for he kneel before the Lord our maker for he kneel before the Lord our maker for he is our God and we are the sheep of his is our God and we are the sheep of his is our God and we are the sheep of his pasture and the we are the people of his pasture and the we are the people of his pasture and the we are the people of his pasture, the sheep of his hand." What I pasture, the sheep of his hand." What I pasture, the sheep of his hand." What I want you to catch is not just these want you to catch is not just these want you to catch is not just these verses, but the entire psalm, it's all verses, but the entire psalm, it's all verses, but the entire psalm, it's all plural pronouns. You see a lot of us's plural pronouns. You see a lot of us's plural pronouns. You see a lot of us's and we and ours revealing. Catch this and we and ours revealing. Catch this and we and ours revealing. Catch this y'all. We need to understand this that y'all. We need to understand this that y'all. We need to understand this that an important aspect of praise is doing an important aspect of praise is doing an important aspect of praise is doing it with other people.

it with other people. it with other people. >> It's doing it with other people. Y'all, >> It's doing it with other people. Y'all, >> It's doing it with other people. Y'all, this is helpful for us because many of this is helpful for us because many of this is helpful for us because many of us can believe that praise is just us can believe that praise is just us can believe that praise is just something that's internal and individual something that's internal and individual something that's internal and individual and intellectual. and intellectual. and intellectual. But this psalm declares that praise But this psalm declares that praise But this psalm declares that praise should not simply be a private affair. should not simply be a private affair. should not simply be a private affair. that when the people of God gather that when the people of God gather that when the people of God gather together on days like this, we should together on days like this, we should together on days like this, we should praise him publicly together. So, here's praise him publicly together. So, here's praise him publicly together. So, here's my question for you this morning. How my question for you this morning. How my question for you this morning. How public is your praise? public is your praise? public is your praise? >> Very good. >> Very good. >> Very good. >> How public is your praise? Here's I I >> How public is your praise? Here's I I >> How public is your praise? Here's I I want to be careful. Now, listen, I get want to be careful. Now, listen, I get want to be careful. Now, listen, I get it. I'm not talking about personality it. I'm not talking about personality it. I'm not talking about personality here. I don't want to make anybody feel here. I don't want to make anybody feel here. I don't want to make anybody feel bad because you're more introverted. bad because you're more introverted. bad because you're more introverted. You're more reserved. You're more reserved. You're more reserved. It is possible even to worship very It is possible even to worship very It is possible even to worship very loudly and have hearts that are far from loudly and have hearts that are far from loudly and have hearts that are far from God. God. God. >> Listen, it'll look differently depending >> Listen, it'll look differently depending >> Listen, it'll look differently depending on your personality. But let me tell you on your personality. But let me tell you on your personality. But let me tell you this this morning, your praise cannot this this morning, your praise cannot this this morning, your praise cannot remain private. remain private. remain private. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Your praise cannot remain private. >> Your praise cannot remain private. >> Your praise cannot remain private. Listen, the scriptures even tell us to Listen, the scriptures even tell us to Listen, the scriptures even tell us to sing psalms and hymns and spiritual sing psalms and hymns and spiritual sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to one another as acts of worship songs to one another as acts of worship songs to one another as acts of worship and praise. And have you ever considered and praise. And have you ever considered and praise. And have you ever considered why?

why? why? Here's why. Our praise is an invitation Here's why. Our praise is an invitation Here's why. Our praise is an invitation for other people to see the greatness of for other people to see the greatness of for other people to see the greatness of God. God. God. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Our praise is an invitation for other >> Our praise is an invitation for other >> Our praise is an invitation for other people to see the goodness of God. people to see the goodness of God. people to see the goodness of God. Listen, your praise is a witness. Listen, your praise is a witness. Listen, your praise is a witness. >> Your praise is a witness. >> Your praise is a witness. >> Your praise is a witness. >> So listen, there was a play a few years >> So listen, there was a play a few years >> So listen, there was a play a few years back. I think it's about a decade ago back. I think it's about a decade ago back. I think it's about a decade ago that everybody was talking about for that everybody was talking about for that everybody was talking about for weeks and I remember watching it in real weeks and I remember watching it in real weeks and I remember watching it in real time. It was a rookie wide receiver time. It was a rookie wide receiver time. It was a rookie wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Uh it was a Giants Odell Beckham Jr. Uh it was a Giants Odell Beckham Jr. Uh it was a Giants playing the Cowboys and he caught a ball playing the Cowboys and he caught a ball playing the Cowboys and he caught a ball in the end zone and it felt like an in the end zone and it felt like an in the end zone and it felt like an impossible catch. This dude stretched impossible catch. This dude stretched impossible catch. This dude stretched back one-handed catch, somersault back one-handed catch, somersault back one-handed catch, somersault backwards into the end zone. And I backwards into the end zone. And I backwards into the end zone. And I watched it by myself watched it by myself watched it by myself and I felt compelled to call almost and I felt compelled to call almost and I felt compelled to call almost everybody that I knew to ask, did you everybody that I knew to ask, did you everybody that I knew to ask, did you see that catch? remember calling a see that catch? remember calling a see that catch? remember calling a friend of mine who was not watching a friend of mine who was not watching a friend of mine who was not watching a game and I said, "Bro, I just saw the game and I said, "Bro, I just saw the game and I said, "Bro, I just saw the greatest catch I've ever seen in my greatest catch I've ever seen in my greatest catch I've ever seen in my entire life." And I don't know why I entire life." And I don't know why I entire life." And I don't know why I called this dude because this dude called this dude because this dude called this dude because this dude doesn't even watch football.

doesn't even watch football. doesn't even watch football. But listen, because he heard my joy and But listen, because he heard my joy and But listen, because he heard my joy and he saw my praise, he wanted to go see he saw my praise, he wanted to go see he saw my praise, he wanted to go see it, too. Yeah. I want you to catch that. it, too. Yeah. I want you to catch that. it, too. Yeah. I want you to catch that. On the phone, I affirmed and declared On the phone, I affirmed and declared On the phone, I affirmed and declared the greatness of Odell Beckham Jr. And the greatness of Odell Beckham Jr. And the greatness of Odell Beckham Jr. And when I did that, my friend who didn't when I did that, my friend who didn't when I did that, my friend who didn't even like football was attracted to it even like football was attracted to it even like football was attracted to it and sought it out as well. and sought it out as well. and sought it out as well. >> Listen, >> Listen, >> Listen, this psalm of praise is filled with this psalm of praise is filled with this psalm of praise is filled with communal language because the people communal language because the people communal language because the people around you need to see you declare the around you need to see you declare the around you need to see you declare the goodness of God. goodness of God. goodness of God. >> Listen, there are people on your block >> Listen, there are people on your block >> Listen, there are people on your block right now. They need to hear you affirm right now. They need to hear you affirm right now. They need to hear you affirm and declare the goodness of God. You and declare the goodness of God. You and declare the goodness of God. You know what it's called? When a Christian know what it's called? When a Christian know what it's called? When a Christian goes out and declares the goodness and goes out and declares the goodness and goes out and declares the goodness and and the greatness of God and his and the greatness of God and his and the greatness of God and his salvation to somebody who's not a salvation to somebody who's not a salvation to somebody who's not a Christian, you know what that's called, Christian, you know what that's called, Christian, you know what that's called, y'all? That's called evangelism. y'all? That's called evangelism. y'all? That's called evangelism. >> And not only do the people in our block >> And not only do the people in our block >> And not only do the people in our block need to hear us declare the goodness of need to hear us declare the goodness of need to hear us declare the goodness of God, catch this. The people around you God, catch this. The people around you God, catch this. The people around you this morning need to see you and hear this morning need to see you and hear this morning need to see you and hear you declare the goodness of God.

you declare the goodness of God. you declare the goodness of God. >> They need to listen. You know why? >> They need to listen. You know why? >> They need to listen. You know why? Because there are people on your row Because there are people on your row Because there are people on your row right now who are barely hanging on. It right now who are barely hanging on. It right now who are barely hanging on. It is so hard through the darkness of their is so hard through the darkness of their is so hard through the darkness of their lives for them to see clearly how good lives for them to see clearly how good lives for them to see clearly how good God is. And so they need to see the God is. And so they need to see the God is. And so they need to see the greatness of God through your eyes. greatness of God through your eyes. greatness of God through your eyes. >> Listen, your singing, your lifted hands, >> Listen, your singing, your lifted hands, >> Listen, your singing, your lifted hands, your reverence, help them to hold on to your reverence, help them to hold on to your reverence, help them to hold on to God that they're barely hanging on to. God that they're barely hanging on to. God that they're barely hanging on to. NBC, let me encourage you this morning. NBC, let me encourage you this morning. NBC, let me encourage you this morning. Let's not be the kind of people who are Let's not be the kind of people who are Let's not be the kind of people who are public with our pain and private with public with our pain and private with public with our pain and private with our praise. Yeah. our praise. Yeah. our praise. Yeah. >> And listen, I'm not telling you to >> And listen, I'm not telling you to >> And listen, I'm not telling you to suffer in silence. I'm not telling you suffer in silence. I'm not telling you suffer in silence. I'm not telling you that because even next week, we'll talk that because even next week, we'll talk that because even next week, we'll talk about lament. That God encourages us to about lament. That God encourages us to about lament. That God encourages us to bring him even out loud all of our pain, bring him even out loud all of our pain, bring him even out loud all of our pain, all of our suffering, and that's a way all of our suffering, and that's a way all of our suffering, and that's a way that we worship him. But for too many of that we worship him. But for too many of that we worship him. But for too many of us, catch this y'all. We think that us, catch this y'all. We think that us, catch this y'all. We think that authenticity is being so open about your authenticity is being so open about your authenticity is being so open about your struggles and being so private about struggles and being so private about struggles and being so private about your praise. And I want you when you your praise. And I want you when you your praise. And I want you when you experience the goodness of God to keep experience the goodness of God to keep experience the goodness of God to keep the same energy. This is what we need to the same energy. This is what we need to the same energy. This is what we need to do. Listen, so many of us are so verbal do. Listen, so many of us are so verbal do. Listen, so many of us are so verbal about our complaints and yet we gather about our complaints and yet we gather about our complaints and yet we gather in worship with our arms crossed and my in worship with our arms crossed and my in worship with our arms crossed and my our excuses are, "Well, I worship well our excuses are, "Well, I worship well our excuses are, "Well, I worship well well [laughter] I'm I'm I'm I'm I'm well [laughter] I'm I'm I'm I'm I'm well [laughter] I'm I'm I'm I'm I'm worshiping God on the inside."

worshiping God on the inside." worshiping God on the inside." >> And what this psalm is saying is >> And what this psalm is saying is >> And what this psalm is saying is whatever you got going on in the inside, whatever you got going on in the inside, whatever you got going on in the inside, you need to go ahead and let it out. you need to go ahead and let it out. you need to go ahead and let it out. >> That's what we need to do. Listen, a >> That's what we need to do. Listen, a >> That's what we need to do. Listen, a healthy Christian is someone who opens healthy Christian is someone who opens healthy Christian is someone who opens their mouths and praise the Lord. their mouths and praise the Lord. their mouths and praise the Lord. >> Amen. Listen, uh, CS Lewis puts it this >> Amen. Listen, uh, CS Lewis puts it this >> Amen. Listen, uh, CS Lewis puts it this way. It's a long wordy quote, but it was way. It's a long wordy quote, but it was way. It's a long wordy quote, but it was helpful to me. He said it this way. He helpful to me. He said it this way. He helpful to me. He said it this way. He said, said, said, "I had not noticed how the humblest and "I had not noticed how the humblest and "I had not noticed how the humblest and at the same time most balanced and at the same time most balanced and at the same time most balanced and capacious minds praised most, while the capacious minds praised most, while the capacious minds praised most, while the cranks, misfits, and malcontents praise cranks, misfits, and malcontents praise cranks, misfits, and malcontents praise least. The good critics found something least. The good critics found something least. The good critics found something to praise in many imperfect works. The to praise in many imperfect works. The to praise in many imperfect works. The bad ones continually narrowed the list bad ones continually narrowed the list bad ones continually narrowed the list of books we might be allowed to read. of books we might be allowed to read. of books we might be allowed to read. The healthy and unaffected man, even if The healthy and unaffected man, even if The healthy and unaffected man, even if luxuriously brought up and wildly luxuriously brought up and wildly luxuriously brought up and wildly experienced in good cookery, could experienced in good cookery, could experienced in good cookery, could braise a very modest meal. The dispectic braise a very modest meal. The dispectic braise a very modest meal. The dispectic and the snob found fault with it all. and the snob found fault with it all. and the snob found fault with it all. And catch this. Except where intolerably And catch this. Except where intolerably And catch this. Except where intolerably adverse circumstances interfere, praise adverse circumstances interfere, praise adverse circumstances interfere, praise always seems to be inner health made always seems to be inner health made always seems to be inner health made audible.

audible. audible. >> Listen, we praise to God because it's >> Listen, we praise to God because it's >> Listen, we praise to God because it's healthy for the Christian. And we praise healthy for the Christian. And we praise healthy for the Christian. And we praise God out loud because our neighbor needs God out loud because our neighbor needs God out loud because our neighbor needs to hear it. Listen, you need it. Your to hear it. Listen, you need it. Your to hear it. Listen, you need it. Your neighbor needs to hear it. But here's my neighbor needs to hear it. But here's my neighbor needs to hear it. But here's my last charge for you. Praise the Lord last charge for you. Praise the Lord last charge for you. Praise the Lord this morning because your future needs this morning because your future needs this morning because your future needs it. it. it. >> Praise the Lord this morning because >> Praise the Lord this morning because >> Praise the Lord this morning because your future needs it. Where do we see your future needs it. Where do we see your future needs it. Where do we see that? Look at verse seven. I'll read that? Look at verse seven. I'll read that? Look at verse seven. I'll read through the end. and says, "Today, if through the end. and says, "Today, if through the end. and says, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your you hear his voice, do not harden your you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as at Meabbah, as on the day at hearts as at Meabbah, as on the day at hearts as at Meabbah, as on the day at Massa in the wilderness, when your Massa in the wilderness, when your Massa in the wilderness, when your fathers put me to the test and put me to fathers put me to the test and put me to fathers put me to the test and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work. the proof, though they had seen my work. the proof, though they had seen my work. For 40 years I loathe that generation, For 40 years I loathe that generation, For 40 years I loathe that generation, and said, There are people who go astray and said, There are people who go astray and said, There are people who go astray in their heart, and they have not known in their heart, and they have not known in their heart, and they have not known my ways. Therefore, I swore in my wrath, my ways. Therefore, I swore in my wrath, my ways. Therefore, I swore in my wrath, they shall uh they shall not enter my they shall uh they shall not enter my they shall uh they shall not enter my rest. You know what you see here? You rest. You know what you see here? You rest. You know what you see here? You see a warning. And so, let me take a see a warning. And so, let me take a see a warning. And so, let me take a moment to explain it. Psalm 95 takes us moment to explain it. Psalm 95 takes us moment to explain it. Psalm 95 takes us all the way back to Exodus 17. It takes all the way back to Exodus 17. It takes all the way back to Exodus 17. It takes us back to the fact that God had rescued us back to the fact that God had rescued us back to the fact that God had rescued his people from slavery in Egypt. He his people from slavery in Egypt. He his people from slavery in Egypt. He took a whole sea. He split it into two.

took a whole sea. He split it into two. took a whole sea. He split it into two. They're moving steadily towards the They're moving steadily towards the They're moving steadily towards the promised land. They set up camp in a promised land. They set up camp in a promised land. They set up camp in a particular city. And when they pull up particular city. And when they pull up particular city. And when they pull up to this camp, there's no water to drink. to this camp, there's no water to drink. to this camp, there's no water to drink. And they should know that's not an And they should know that's not an And they should know that's not an issue. because they just twosteped on issue. because they just twosteped on issue. because they just twosteped on dry land that God has split. And so THEY dry land that God has split. And so THEY dry land that God has split. And so THEY SHOULD SAY, "LISTEN, GOD, IF YOU SPLIT SHOULD SAY, "LISTEN, GOD, IF YOU SPLIT SHOULD SAY, "LISTEN, GOD, IF YOU SPLIT THE WATERS, THE WATERS, THE WATERS, you can provide us with water right you can provide us with water right you can provide us with water right now." now." now." >> But instead of believing in God, this >> But instead of believing in God, this >> But instead of believing in God, this text says that they hardened their text says that they hardened their text says that they hardened their hearts and as a result, they forfeited hearts and as a result, they forfeited hearts and as a result, they forfeited the rest that God had purchased for them the rest that God had purchased for them the rest that God had purchased for them >> in the promised land. Can I ask you a >> in the promised land. Can I ask you a >> in the promised land. Can I ask you a question? What is a hardened heart? question? What is a hardened heart? question? What is a hardened heart? I'll put it this way. A hardened heart I'll put it this way. A hardened heart I'll put it this way. A hardened heart is a heart that's incapable of affirming is a heart that's incapable of affirming is a heart that's incapable of affirming and declaring the goodness of God. and declaring the goodness of God. and declaring the goodness of God. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> It's a heart that has been so hardened >> It's a heart that has been so hardened >> It's a heart that has been so hardened that IT'S IMPOSSIBLE FOR THAT HEART TO that IT'S IMPOSSIBLE FOR THAT HEART TO that IT'S IMPOSSIBLE FOR THAT HEART TO ANY LONGER affirm and declare how great ANY LONGER affirm and declare how great ANY LONGER affirm and declare how great God is. And I don't think it's an God is. And I don't think it's an God is. And I don't think it's an accident that this warning is taking accident that this warning is taking accident that this warning is taking place in the midst of our community place in the midst of our community place in the midst of our community praising God. Amen.

praising God. Amen. praising God. Amen. >> It's almost like the psalm is telling >> It's almost like the psalm is telling >> It's almost like the psalm is telling us, don't stop praising the Lord. us, don't stop praising the Lord. us, don't stop praising the Lord. Because when God's people stop praising Because when God's people stop praising Because when God's people stop praising him, a hard heart isn't far behind. I'll him, a hard heart isn't far behind. I'll him, a hard heart isn't far behind. I'll put it this way. put it this way. put it this way. If you want to cling to Christ in the If you want to cling to Christ in the If you want to cling to Christ in the future, well, you need to keep praising future, well, you need to keep praising future, well, you need to keep praising him in the present. him in the present. him in the present. >> If you want to cling to Christ in the >> If you want to cling to Christ in the >> If you want to cling to Christ in the future, you need to keep praising him in future, you need to keep praising him in future, you need to keep praising him in the present. Y'all think about Israel. the present. Y'all think about Israel. the present. Y'all think about Israel. Do you know how long it took them Do you know how long it took them Do you know how long it took them to go from praising God because he to go from praising God because he to go from praising God because he rescued them to declaring in Exodus 17 rescued them to declaring in Exodus 17 rescued them to declaring in Exodus 17 pretty much God where are you? pretty much God where are you? pretty much God where are you? They declared in Exodus 17:7 is the Lord They declared in Exodus 17:7 is the Lord They declared in Exodus 17:7 is the Lord among us or not. You know how long it among us or not. You know how long it among us or not. You know how long it took them to go from praising God to took them to go from praising God to took them to go from praising God to saying that? Around two and a half saying that? Around two and a half saying that? Around two and a half weeks. weeks. weeks. Listen, at some point over those two and Listen, at some point over those two and Listen, at some point over those two and a half weeks, the people of God shifted a half weeks, the people of God shifted a half weeks, the people of God shifted from praising God to wondering if he's from praising God to wondering if he's from praising God to wondering if he's good after all. And listen, the good after all. And listen, the good after all. And listen, the scriptures warn us that the same thing scriptures warn us that the same thing scriptures warn us that the same thing can happen to you, too.

can happen to you, too. can happen to you, too. Hebrews 3 picks up on Psalm 95. And Hebrews 3 picks up on Psalm 95. And Hebrews 3 picks up on Psalm 95. And Hebrews 3 is addressing Christians, and Hebrews 3 is addressing Christians, and Hebrews 3 is addressing Christians, and it says this. It says, "Take care, it says this. It says, "Take care, it says this. It says, "Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an brothers, lest there be in any of you an brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil unbelieving heart leading you to evil unbelieving heart leading you to evil unbelieving heart leading you to fall away from the living God, but fall away from the living God, but fall away from the living God, but exhort one another every day as long as exhort one another every day as long as exhort one another every day as long as it is called today, that none of you may it is called today, that none of you may it is called today, that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ if For we have come to share in Christ if For we have come to share in Christ if indeed we hold to our original indeed we hold to our original indeed we hold to our original confidence firm to the end. As it is confidence firm to the end. As it is confidence firm to the end. As it is said today, if you hear his voice, do said today, if you hear his voice, do said today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the not harden your hearts as in the not harden your hearts as in the rebellion. rebellion. rebellion. Hebrews 3 pulls from Psalm 95. And the Hebrews 3 pulls from Psalm 95. And the Hebrews 3 pulls from Psalm 95. And the question that we should have from this question that we should have from this question that we should have from this test is this. test is this. test is this. Do you know how we exhort one another? Do you know how we exhort one another? Do you know how we exhort one another? Do you know how we hold our confidence Do you know how we hold our confidence Do you know how we hold our confidence firm to the end? It's this. Whether firm to the end? It's this. Whether firm to the end? It's this. Whether you're high or whether you're low, you're high or whether you're low, you're high or whether you're low, whether there's been a dip or whether whether there's been a dip or whether whether there's been a dip or whether there's been a turn in your life, do not there's been a turn in your life, do not there's been a turn in your life, do not stop declaring the goodness of God.

stop declaring the goodness of God. stop declaring the goodness of God. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Don't stop doing it. >> Don't stop doing it. >> Don't stop doing it. >> Don't stop doing it. Hey, catch this >> Don't stop doing it. Hey, catch this >> Don't stop doing it. Hey, catch this y'all. I know for many of y'all, it's y'all. I know for many of y'all, it's y'all. I know for many of y'all, it's hard to do it right now. hard to do it right now. hard to do it right now. But can I encourage you with something? But can I encourage you with something? But can I encourage you with something? You got a reason this morning to praise You got a reason this morning to praise You got a reason this morning to praise the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> You may not be able to stare at your >> You may not be able to stare at your >> You may not be able to stare at your circumstances and see it right now. Your circumstances and see it right now. Your circumstances and see it right now. Your circumstances may be dark, but what I circumstances may be dark, but what I circumstances may be dark, but what I love is that you got a reason to praise love is that you got a reason to praise love is that you got a reason to praise the Lord. Because to praise him doesn't the Lord. Because to praise him doesn't the Lord. Because to praise him doesn't always involve looking at your always involve looking at your always involve looking at your circumstances. circumstances. circumstances. To praise him always involves though To praise him always involves though To praise him always involves though looking back 2,000 years ago. looking back 2,000 years ago. looking back 2,000 years ago. >> Because 2,000 years ago, we had a savior >> Because 2,000 years ago, we had a savior >> Because 2,000 years ago, we had a savior named Jesus who came. Listen, we sinned named Jesus who came. Listen, we sinned named Jesus who came. Listen, we sinned against God. We rebelled against God. We against God. We rebelled against God. We against God. We rebelled against God. We forfeited the rest that is ours and God forfeited the rest that is ours and God forfeited the rest that is ours and God through our sin. through our sin. through our sin. And yet God did not leave us in this And yet God did not leave us in this And yet God did not leave us in this state. We got a God who came. We got a state. We got a God who came. We got a state. We got a God who came. We got a God who sent his only son, Jesus Christ, God who sent his only son, Jesus Christ, God who sent his only son, Jesus Christ, for us. Jesus Christ came and lived the for us. Jesus Christ came and lived the for us. Jesus Christ came and lived the life that we did not live, the sinless life that we did not live, the sinless life that we did not live, the sinless life. life. life. >> And yet he died on the cross for our >> And yet he died on the cross for our >> And yet he died on the cross for our sin, taking the punishment that we sin, taking the punishment that we sin, taking the punishment that we deserve. And he didn't stay dead. He deserve. And he didn't stay dead. He deserve. And he didn't stay dead. He rose again in power, proving that he's rose again in power, proving that he's rose again in power, proving that he's victorious over your sin, over Satan, victorious over your sin, over Satan, victorious over your sin, over Satan, death, and the grave. creating a people death, and the grave. creating a people death, and the grave. creating a people who because of our sin, we do not who because of our sin, we do not who because of our sin, we do not deserve the rest of God. And yet through deserve the rest of God. And yet through deserve the rest of God. And yet through the work of Jesus Christ, we can enter the work of Jesus Christ, we can enter the work of Jesus Christ, we can enter into the rest.

into the rest. into the rest. >> We can enter into it. I love this about >> We can enter into it. I love this about >> We can enter into it. I love this about our God. He is the God through the highs our God. He is the God through the highs our God. He is the God through the highs and the lows. We can praise him this and the lows. We can praise him this and the lows. We can praise him this morning because he's our savior. We can morning because he's our savior. We can morning because he's our savior. We can praise him this morning because he's our praise him this morning because he's our praise him this morning because he's our deliverer. We can praise him this deliverer. We can praise him this deliverer. We can praise him this morning BECAUSE EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT morning BECAUSE EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT morning BECAUSE EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT comes from him. We can praise him GIFT comes from him. We can praise him GIFT comes from him. We can praise him this morning because he's the lover of this morning because he's the lover of this morning because he's the lover of our souls. He never leaves us and he our souls. He never leaves us and he our souls. He never leaves us and he never forsakes us and he knows what he's never forsakes us and he knows what he's never forsakes us and he knows what he's doing doing doing even when you're in the dark. And catch even when you're in the dark. And catch even when you're in the dark. And catch this y'all. We can praise him because this y'all. We can praise him because this y'all. We can praise him because he'll get us home. he'll get us home. he'll get us home. >> He will get us home. But Clay Bible >> He will get us home. But Clay Bible >> He will get us home. But Clay Bible Church, let's praise him Church, let's praise him Church, let's praise him >> if today is the day. Let's praise him >> if today is the day. Let's praise him >> if today is the day. Let's praise him >> until the day that we hear well done >> until the day that we hear well done >> until the day that we hear well done good and faithful servant. good and faithful servant. good and faithful servant. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> So we'll we'll go home on this. Uh there >> So we'll we'll go home on this. Uh there >> So we'll we'll go home on this. Uh there is a theologian his name is Kasuk Cayama is a theologian his name is Kasuk Cayama is a theologian his name is Kasuk Cayama and he hold those words where Jesus and he hold those words where Jesus and he hold those words where Jesus utters well done good and faithful utters well done good and faithful utters well done good and faithful servant and he imagined servant and he imagined servant and he imagined what Jesus might say to him on the day what Jesus might say to him on the day what Jesus might say to him on the day on the day of his death when he sees on the day of his death when he sees on the day of his death when he sees Jesus and his words struck my soul.

Jesus and his words struck my soul. Jesus and his words struck my soul. He said this said he dies. He sees He said this said he dies. He sees He said this said he dies. He sees Jesus. And he imagined Jesus saying Jesus. And he imagined Jesus saying Jesus. And he imagined Jesus saying this. this. this. You've had a difficult journey. You've had a difficult journey. You've had a difficult journey. You must be tired. You must be tired. You must be tired. You must be dirty. You must be dirty. You must be dirty. Let me wash your feet. The banquet is Let me wash your feet. The banquet is Let me wash your feet. The banquet is ready. ready. ready. I love it. Y'all listen. Praise the Lord I love it. Y'all listen. Praise the Lord I love it. Y'all listen. Praise the Lord today, saints. today, saints. today, saints. Praise the Lord because you need it. Uh Praise the Lord because you need it. Uh Praise the Lord because you need it. Uh your neighbor needs it. and your future your neighbor needs it. and your future your neighbor needs it. and your future needs it. Cling to Christ today. And needs it. Cling to Christ today. And needs it. Cling to Christ today. And let's do this. I got a couple of let's do this. I got a couple of let's do this. I got a couple of questions for you to consider. And after questions for you to consider. And after questions for you to consider. And after you do, either myself or someone from you do, either myself or someone from you do, either myself or someone from your location, we'll take it from there. your location, we'll take it from there. your location, we'll take it from there. Let's consider these together.

Oh father, we praise your holy name. We Oh father, we praise your holy name. We praise you. praise you. praise you. There's no one better than you. There's no one better than you. There's no one better than you. We declare, "Bless the Lord, oh my soul, We declare, "Bless the Lord, oh my soul, We declare, "Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless his and all that is within me, bless his and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, oh my soul, holy name. Bless the Lord, oh my soul, holy name. Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all his benefits." and forget not all his benefits." and forget not all his benefits." Father, teach our hearts to bless you Father, teach our hearts to bless you Father, teach our hearts to bless you even in the moments where we're tempted even in the moments where we're tempted even in the moments where we're tempted to forget. to forget. to forget. Father, may our praise not simply be a Father, may our praise not simply be a Father, may our praise not simply be a response to our emotions in the moment. response to our emotions in the moment. response to our emotions in the moment. And may our praise be a response to the And may our praise be a response to the And may our praise be a response to the truth that we have been purchased by the truth that we have been purchased by the truth that we have been purchased by the living God through the shed blood of his living God through the shed blood of his living God through the shed blood of his son, Jesus Christ. That we have every son, Jesus Christ. That we have every son, Jesus Christ. That we have every spiritual blessing in the heavenly spiritual blessing in the heavenly spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. That your promises are true and places. That your promises are true and places. That your promises are true and you will get us home. And so, Father, you will get us home. And so, Father, you will get us home. And so, Father, under the sound of my voice, I pray for under the sound of my voice, I pray for under the sound of my voice, I pray for those those those who have yet to believe and trust in who have yet to believe and trust in who have yet to believe and trust in you. I pray that today will be a day you. I pray that today will be a day you. I pray that today will be a day that they praise you because of your that they praise you because of your that they praise you because of your great salvation. That you will save them great salvation. That you will save them great salvation. That you will save them and draw them to yourself. Father, I and draw them to yourself. Father, I and draw them to yourself. Father, I pray for those who life is going well pray for those who life is going well pray for those who life is going well right now. I pray that they will right now. I pray that they will right now. I pray that they will understand that every good and perfect understand that every good and perfect understand that every good and perfect gift comes from you. So, they'll open gift comes from you. So, they'll open gift comes from you. So, they'll open their lips and praise you. And I pray their lips and praise you. And I pray their lips and praise you. And I pray for those for whom life is hard right for those for whom life is hard right for those for whom life is hard right now. There's suffering going on and now. There's suffering going on and now. There's suffering going on and there's pain going on right now. I pray there's pain going on right now. I pray there's pain going on right now. I pray that they will praise you anyhow. Pray that they will praise you anyhow. Pray that they will praise you anyhow. Pray that they'll rehearse your promises and that they'll rehearse your promises and that they'll rehearse your promises and that you will use the praise flowing that you will use the praise flowing that you will use the praise flowing from their lips, Father, to encourage from their lips, Father, to encourage from their lips, Father, to encourage their souls that trouble won't last their souls that trouble won't last their souls that trouble won't last always. Father, we love you. We trust always. Father, we love you. We trust always. Father, we love you. We trust you. We thank you. And I pray these you. We thank you. And I pray these you. We thank you. And I pray these things in the matchless name of Jesus things in the matchless name of Jesus things in the matchless name of Jesus Christ. If you agree, say, "Amen."

Christ. If you agree, say, "Amen." Christ. If you agree, say, "Amen." >> Amen. Amen. Let's give God a hand clap >> Amen. Amen. Let's give God a hand clap >> Amen. Amen. Let's give God a hand clap of praise yet again. He's been so good of praise yet again. He's been so good of praise yet again. He's been so good to us.