Praise — A Means to Victory Text: Hebrews 13:10–15 ; 2 Chronicles 20 ; Acts 16Theme: Praise and thanksgiving are not reactions — they are weapons of victory and doors into God’s presence. Living in the Last Days The world hungers for comfort, not truth — but the church must stand firm in the Word. Amos 8:11 – “A famine… of hearing the Word of the Lord.” God doesn’t need us, but we desperately need Him. Application: Stay rooted in Scripture amid cultural drift. Thanksgiving in Prayer – Philippians 4:6 “Let your requests be made known unto God — with thanksgiving.” Gratitude reminds God that we know He is the source. Posture check: Do we ask in fear or faith? Thanksgiving opens the door for God to move. “We’re not stroking God’s ego — we’re acknowledging His hand in everything.” III. Praise: Our Continual Sacrifice – Hebrews 13:15 “Let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise.” Praise brings God into our moment; complaining pushes Him out. Daily praise > Sunday praise — Sunday should be overflow, not catch-up. Prophetic call: Start praising every day — and watch your life change. The Tabernacle of David Restored – Acts 15:16 & Psalm 22:3 God promised to rebuild David’s tabernacle — the house of praise. David danced before the Lord, unashamed. Psalm 22:3: “God is enthroned in the praises of His people.” “When we praise, God brings His throne into our situation.” His throne means healing, provision, deliverance, and power. Application: Gentiles have been grafted in — we are the new worshiping people of God. Jehoshaphat’s Victory – 2 Chronicles 20 Surrounded by enemies, Judah sought the Lord. God’s word: “The battle is not yours, but God’s.” Worshippers went before warriors — and praise won the battle. “They didn’t need swords — they needed God’s throne in their moment.” Praise confuses the enemy and positions believers for overflow. The Paradox of Praise Praise in pain defies logic but demonstrates faith. David worshiped after loss; Noah endured through faith. Real faith acts — it endures and praises through the storm. Application: When the world says “complain,” heaven says “praise.” VII. Paul and Silas – Praise in the Prison (Acts 16:16–34) Beaten and chained, they prayed and sang hymns at midnight. Their praise reached heaven — and God shook the prison. “When their praise caught God’s ear, He said, ‘Bring My throne down where the sewage is.’” Chains broke, doors opened, and salvation came. Lesson: Praise breaks bondage and draws others to Christ. VIII. Call to Worship and Renewal Praise brings heaven into every situation. Angels move on behalf of those who fear and thank God. Stop fretting — start praising. “Mix thanksgiving with your requests. Invite His throne into your situation — that’s how victory comes.” Key Takeaway: Praise is not a reaction to victory — it’s the means to it.When you praise, God steps in with His throne, and everything changes