November 28th, 2020

      A PEOPLE OF PRAISE    (11/22/20)

We know that the return of the Lord is near and we are grateful to know that He is faithful!
He daily loadeth us with benefits.
We are in the kingdom for such  a time as this.  Look up, your redemption draws nigh.  He is faithful in every way!   Our ears will hear a word behind us saying this is the way.
We know that the day of the lord is near. We are encouraged, knowing that He is faithful!   
Every day, every moment, every hour is a time of thanksgiving!  We should give thanks in everything. 
 
We have a three-fold command to be a people of praise.
 (I Thes. 5:16-18)
1)Rejoice evermore,
2) pray without ceasing,
3)in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God
 
Why rejoice?  Because all things work together for our good. (Romans 8:28)
We look not at things seen, we trust in Him -He promised to meet our every need  (2Cor.4:18)
He has given us promises and he cannot fail.
The Power of praise
Through times of persecution, they did not neglect to honor God in worship with praise and thanksgiving.
We have a strong command to rejoice!
He has given us promises and He cannot fail.
 
In trial and in prosperity we know we love God and He loves us, no matter what the devil does to us!
The will of God, we are not moved by circumstances,
Praise is not a suggestion, but a command
 
There are blessings when we walk in obedience to the command of God
We are not in fear of the outcome if we know that we love Him,
(Romans 8:18)  the sufferings of this present world not worthy to be compared to the glory that is going to be seen on us.
(Psalm 34:19  )  Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers them out of them all.
In our testing , we know that we will have a testimony.  If there is no fight, there is no victory
(James 1:3-4)  count it all joy!  Be willing to endure, knowing all these things are a testing.   expect the trying of our faith
 
A Great trial of affliction
In the day of Apostle James’ writing, there was great persecution coming to the church.  Their encounters were similar to those experienced in the world even today. 
the church was scattered
in some ways, we can identify/relate to being scattered and isolated in unfamiliar surroundings
In this season there is still the command to rejoice and give him praise in everything
 
The trying of our faith, the importance of giving God praise regardless of the current situation you may be facing
(James 1:12) – blessed is he who endureth temptation when he is tried he shall receive the crown of life
Endure persecution temptations that come from the world and the devil
Our relationships in this life, and our relationship with God, (intimacy and commitment to Him) are being challenged now like never before.
we receive a crown if we endure
 
The command is still the same, there is still a reward if we endure trials and afflictions.  There are  challenges we are up against now,
Trials are sent to steal/destroy your joy and rob you of your confidence in God’s faithfulness
Stand firm, be strong, fight and hold fast!  give God praise When, not If  You fall into trials.  We are commanded to walk by faith, to give, to be obedient.
 
(James 1)  James considered himself a servant of God and of Jesus Christ
To the 12 tribes  which are scattered abroad
 
James the brother of Jesus  by Joseph (father)
Refers to himself as a bondservant of Jesus
Came to understand only after Jesus died!
He grew up with Jesus, but had no commitment until he came to a place of conversion and leadership
 
The Scattering
The enemy is scattered by praise!
Saints were scattered abroad
(Psalm 68:1-3) Let God arise and the enemy be scattered
Tarry in Jerusalem   Jesus said, “Wait for the promise of the Father”  (Acts 1:8)  you will be empowered
10 days after Jesus gave the promise, the Holy Spirit came!
  When Pentecost came, they were in one place in one accord when the Spirit Came upon them
He told them they would be witnesses for him
They asked Jesus “when will you re-establish/restore the throne of David” 1:6
He said the time for that to happen is according to His will and timing
This is about power, not political or economic according to the world’s system
The church is now focused on political power not the command of Jesus.  He said He gives power to be witnesses unto Him, to change lives, convert souls, to destroy the works of the devil.  Those who believe and are baptized will be saved.  He confirms the word with signs following. (MARK 16:20)
 
What were they to do with this power?
Go in my name…I confirm my word with signs following
3,000 Souls saved, the church multiplied, concerned about themselves, their fellowship, not the gentiles and unsaved!
 
God allowed devastation through Nero.  Great persecution, dragging saints into the arenas/coliseums to be devoured as a sport and entertainment
the temple was destroyed in 70 AD
The church grew, martyrs sang praises unto God while being devoured! 
The enemy thought he was getting rid of the church but the church grew as they were scattered
 
10 days after Jesus gave the promise, the Holy Spirit came!
 
True saints of God, Rise up and go forth, and realize they are not of this world.
(1 John 5:4)  This is the victory that overcomes the world
(1 John 3:13) Marvel not if the world hate you… 
Count it all joy
They took Christians and lit them on fire, using them as torches, etc.  Of Peter and all the apostles most were martyred.  Only one died a natural death. 
           
Throughout all the church prospered increased beyond what they could imagined
Now – scattered not together: different season the church was scattered: the command, mission purpose remained the same - go ye into all the world and preach the gospel… (Mark 16:15)
 Philip went to Samaria.   Had persecution not come the church probably would have remained comfortable in fellowship  and caught up in the things of this world.
When persecution came thy still advanced the kingdom
They obeyed the command to rejoice, did not allow circumstances to determine our actions.
This is a wake up call.  We have a home and a kingdom greater than this world’s kingdom and the things of this life!
 
Revival came to the city of Samaria. Cornelius’ house.  The secret was they obeyed the command to rejoice.  Offer up a sacrifice of praise!
We must make a choice to rejoice
(I Thes 5:16 )  rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing
When trials come, stand fast, knowing that the trying of your faith works patience
Endurance: Romans 5 not just in the good, but in tribulation, also
(Romans 5:1)  BEING JUSTIFIED by faith we have peace with God because we choose to agree with God  27[AM1] :03
How can 2 walk together except they be agreed
(Phil. 4:6  )peace of God  in everything through prayer and supplication
(GALATIANS 6:9 be not weary in well doing) Don’t get weak, weary, distracted, discouraged
 
Always pray,  I would have fainted unless I had believed to see  ( Psalms 27:13):
Mount up with wings as eagles (Isaiah 40:31) 
We have the peace of God and peace with God
REJOICE IN THE HOPE OF THE GLORY OF God!!
 
by whom we have access,  rejoice glory in tribulation also
Many are the afflictions of the righteous. Psalm 34:19   Think it not strange re: the fiery trial that should try you.  1 Peter 4:12
God caused you to have a testimony, knowing this
Gotta know that God is faithful and cannot fail
He is more than all the world against you
He is with you for you.  He will not forsake you.
He delights in prosperity of His servants
(Daniel 11) they that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits
Know for sure, “know in your knower”
Settle it in your spirit, know that tribulation works patience, patience works experience, experience hope
Don’t get weary, you will have an experience, the blessing of the Lord
Learn how to fight, how to pray,  a testimony that God brought you through
Have Hope!  If He did it then, He will do it again!
Hope makes not ashamed
(As I type this, the song comes on radio  for every mountain you see me through  for this I give you praise!!)
Praise is a weapon of warfare – praise brings chaos to the enemy’s camp, brings confusion to the enemy
 
As with the 3 Hebrew boys, the world sees that the Lord God is with you as they see you stand and lift up praises
Lift up your voice, lift up praises to the living God
The enemy thought he would separate God from his people
 
Praise is the environment God dwells in
When He hears His word, even angels come to attention. 
Set the atmosphere with praise in your house, in your car, wherever you are
Give praise for what He is about to do.  Your victory is in Your praise!
Never enter warfare without first worship!
Begin to praise God and then the walls come down.
Send Judah first – Judah means praise
Look up! 
Be ye lifted up, and the king of glory will come in. (Psalm 24)
We offer praises!  The battle is the Lord’s
HE loves to hear that we recognize him AS OUR SOURCE.  As our Father who is faithful
He honors us with His presence
Every day is thanksgiving for the people of god
Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness
The spirit of heaviness is blanketing the earth
Things may get worse, making you feel unworthy but God lets you know it is not about how you feel but about what you know, 
praise is comely to the upright
Faith is not a feeling, obedience is not a suggestion,
Giving is a command
(Habakkuk 3:17)   Joy invites the glory of God, invites Jesus to come and fight
Though the fig tree be not blossomed…
Count it all joy God Is faithful
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord
I will joy in the God of my salvation
Bless the Lord oh my soul.  Praise is comely for the upright
Set yourself and you will see the salvation of the lord.  Set yourself, settle in!
 
Stand ye still and see the salvation of the Lord
He will make my feet like hinds’ feet  (Psalm 18:33)
Make me to walk in my high places
He desires that we give Him praise.  Bless the Lord at all times! his praise shall continually be in my mouth  (Psalm 34:1)
 
Let God arise and HIS enemies be scattered
Resist the devil and he will flee.  Frustrate the plans of the enemy.

 [AM1]