Text: Psalm 114
Memory verse:
“Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, At the presence of the God of Jacob, Who turned the rock into a pool of water, The flint into a fountain of waters.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭114‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Praise will never lose its power. Its potency has been known from generations. Those who have discovered this secret and practice it, occupy a special place in the heart of God.
Leah became the first wife of Jacob, against his wish. Jacob had bargained and served for seven years to marry Rachel but he was tricked to marry Leah. Jacob had to serve for another seven years to marry Rachel, the woman of his choice, who eventually became the second wife. Thus, Jacob loved Rachel and hated Leah, even after giving birth to three sons for him. However, having failed severally to win his affection, Leah stopped struggling and turned to praising God. So, she conceived again and delivered a son, whom she called Judah. “And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Now I will praise the Lord.” Therefore she called his name Judah. Then she stopped bearing.” ‭‭(Gen‬ ‭29‬:‭35‬).
The Hebrew meaning of Judah is Praise. Even though Judah wasn’t the first son, yet Judah occupied a premium place in the heart of God. (Gen 49:8-10). Rather than coming from Levi, the Messiah descended from Judah. God is honoured in Judah (Psa 76:1 NLT). God inhabits the praises of His people (Psa 22:3).
Even though Judah wasn’t the first son, yet, the gate into God’s presence is not opened for anyone, until it is led by praise (Psa 100:4).
After Joshua had died, the children of Israel asked from God, who should go first in battle against the enemies in the land. “And the Lord said, “Judah shall go up. Indeed I have delivered the land into his hand.”” (Judg‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬)‬‬. Judah again!
According to our text, nothing can stand before His people whenever praise is offered to God genuinely; when praise becomes God’s sanctuary! (Psa 114:2).
Now, Judah had many sons and one of them was called Perez, which means, breaking forth or breakthrough (Gen 38:29). Matthew 1:3 says, “Judah begot Perez….” That is, Praise brought forth Perez. Whenever true praise is offered to God, it causes breakthrough. It causes a turnaround. Praise wins in every battle of life. Where others fail, praise wins. Whenever you put praise first in any battle, turnaround is guaranteed.
Friends, no matter the pressure on you, don’t enter into any battle without giving God quality praise.
When you praise God, God steps into your situation to turn the rock into a pool and the hard rock into fountains. Nothing will be impossible for you.

Prayer points
1. Father, please, help me to praise You as I ought to and let me never miss the blessing of praising You during this season in Jesus name.
2. Father, as I praise You during this season, please, turn things around for me and give me an unbelievable breakthrough in Jesus name.

Today’s declarations
1. God honours praise above others and makes it His sanctuary.
2. Whenever I enter any battle with quality praise, breakthrough and turnaround are guaranteed.

Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng