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RROC International
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Connected by scripture or shared themes.
Welcome to everyone who has traveled from across the country to fellowship with us. Whether you're from New York, Montana, Buffalo, Alabama, Ohio, Houston, or beyond, we're grateful you've joined us on this Tuesday evening. Before we dive into our message, I want to acknowledge that God is doing a beautiful work here at the Rock, purifying and growing us rapidly.
As Pastor Joel mentioned, the Lord has big things coming. And here's what I want you to understand: whenever there's a move of God—before it, during it, and after it—we must praise and worship Him. This isn't about performing; it's about giving a sacrifice unto God. In the Old Testament, it was animals. Today, our praise is our sacrifice—what flows from our hearts.
Here's something critical: the enemy loves to send warfare before the blessing arrives. When things start turning up in your life, that's the time to praise and thank God, because breakthrough is coming. The enemy's strategy is to deter you from believing what God is bringing, because if you don't believe it, you can't receive it.
It's easy to believe when things are going well. But when circumstances look bad in the physical realm, remember this: Satan, the god of this world, is trying to use the physical to distract you from what God is about to bring.
I get excited when spiritual warfare shows up, because I know it's a sign that breakthrough is near. Early in my walk, I used to panic during spiritual warfare. I'd think, "We need to pray against this!" But here's the truth: you can't pray against spiritual warfare. You have to walk through it with Jesus. And when you do, Jesus protects you, and nothing the enemy forms against you will prosper—if you believe in Jesus.
You need radical faith. Faith that doesn't care about circumstances. When warfare comes, your attitude should be: "Okay, let's see what happens. What's the worst thing? I die and go to heaven." But it rarely gets that deep.
Yet our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world live this daily. Over 1,000 Christians in Syria are being killed for the gospel right now—mothers, fathers, children. Over 70 Christians were decapitated in Congo for their faith. We in America aren't experiencing real persecution. A video gets taken down because of opposition to the gospel? That's not persecution; that's just people hating. Biblical persecution is losing your head for Jesus.
We need to get out of our comfort zone. We've become too lazy and too comfortable. We think, "If things aren't going the way I want, then it's not of God." But study Scripture from Genesis to Revelation: when things got uncomfortable, that's when God moved in the lives of prophets and apostles.
I love it when things start happening, because I know God is moving. Just because circumstances are difficult doesn't mean God is angry with you or that you're out of His will. Don't blame demons when God is allowing a test to strengthen your faith and produce more fruit.
Some of you are wondering, "Do I have a legal right open on my life?" God doesn't want you meditating on that question. Here's the truth: most people with open doors are people actively practicing sin and they know what they're doing. You don't need to constantly analyze whether you have legal ground.
How do you overcome sin? Not by staring at it and saying, "I won't sin." The power comes from focusing on the One who overcame sin for you on the cross—Jesus. When it comes to holiness, it doesn't come from you declaring, "I will be holy." Holiness comes from focusing on the One who is perfectly holy. The closer you get to Him, the more His glory shines through you.
For those battling cycles of sin: it's not about mentally or physically fighting sin alone. Yes, you should hate sin and flee from it. But the greatest power is your intimacy with Jesus in God's presence. The Holy Spirit will empower you to overcome.
We're going to talk about a powerful weapon today: praise. This isn't something to use only when we're together in church. This should be your daily, all-day weapon—in your secret place, anywhere, anytime. This is how we fight.
Many people see praise as just music or a warm-up before the sermon. But praise is a supernatural force that shifts heaven and earth. Praise is a key that unlocks realms, destroys demonic barriers, and ushers in God's presence. If you don't understand true biblical praise, you'll never live the victorious life God intends for you.
The English word "praise" doesn't fully capture what Scripture teaches. Let me break down the original languages.
The first Hebrew word for praise is halal (yes, like hallelujah). It means to shine, to boost, to rave.
You ever been to a rave? It gets crazy. People go wild. That's what halal means—to rave and to celebrate foolishly. Some of you have seen people get "stupid" in praise—and they're biblically praising. When your arms are crossed and you're staring people down, you're doing the opposite.
Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. (Psalm 150:1)
This kind of praise looks undignified to the natural mind. Consider David, who danced before the Lord with all his might (2 Samuel 6:14). How many of you can say you truly praise God in your house, uninhibited and free? (Though maybe keep clothes on when you're out in public!)
Mind-blowing truth: If your praise hasn't offended someone yet, you might not be praising hard enough.
The second word is yada—the surrendered hands of praise. It means to extend your hands in worship, to declare openly, to surrender.
Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. (Psalm 67:3)
Lifting your hands is not a Pentecostal invention—it's a biblical act. Moses lifted his hands and Israel won the battle (Exodus 17:11). Could it be that some of you are losing battles because you're too proud to lift your hands in praise?
When you put your hands up, you're in a stance of victory. You're physically demonstrating: "God, I surrender. I don't have tricks up my sleeve. I don't have a plan B. You've got this."
The third word is tahila—the song that attracts God's presence. It means spontaneous, unrehearsed singing from the heart. Not a click track. Not a recital. Pure, authentic worship.
Yet you are holy, enthroned in the praises [tahila] of Israel. (Psalm 22:3)
This is the only form of praise God specifically says He inhabits. He comes. He shows up. When genuine, heartfelt worship rises, the atmosphere shifts. People fall on their faces. Why? Because the Lord begins to inhabit that praise.
How many of you in your secret place worship God straight from your heart? Have you noticed that when you do, His presence comes strong? That's tahila. And if God isn't in your atmosphere, you might be missing the right type of praise.
Ainos means to speak forth God's goodness as a testimony. When you evangelize and talk about how good God is, that's praise.
I posted my daughter on the internet, sharing how she was born on my birthday—a prophetic word that came to pass. The doctors said she had all kinds of sicknesses. None of it happened. She was born perfectly healthy, and my wife is fine too.
Some people said, "Don't post that. Witches and warlocks are watching you." But I don't care. I hope they see it. Let them know another arrow is coming to the quiver. They're trembling.
We named her Yaniah—which means "God's gift" in Hebrew. My wife was told by the Holy Spirit: "Your baby will be born on your husband's birthday, and it's a gift from God." She wasn't even showing yet. Honestly, I had doubts. But I told my wife, "Either this is from God or it's not. We'll see." And it was from God.
Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants you have ordained praise. (Matthew 21:16)
Your testimony is a form of praise. When you testify to God's goodness, you're praising.
This Greek word means to give thanks, to express gratitude before the breakthrough. This is the big one. Before you've seen the miracle, you're thanking God and praising Him.
When he had taken some bread and given thanks... (Luke 22:19)
Jesus praised God before the miracle. He was thanking the Father before He even went to the cross. That's the power of thanksgiving praise—thanking God before you see the manifestation.
You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel. (Psalm 22:3)
When you praise, you build a throne for God to sit on. Isn't that beautiful?
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and suddenly there was a violent earthquake, and the prison doors flew open. (Acts 16:25–26)
Chains didn't break when they prayed. Chains broke when they praised. The entire spirit realm is shaken by your praise to the Lord Most High because you're creating an atmosphere of surrender to God. He comes and is enthroned in that very place.
Demons can't stand it. Witches and warlocks can't stand it.
As they began to sing and praise, the Lord sent ambushes against the enemy. (2 Chronicles 20:22)
Listen to this: Praise is not just worship. Praise is a war strategy. It's strategic.
When Jonathan dances wildly, he's engaging in spiritual warfare—sending nuclear bombs into the spirit realm. When you worship in unity, you're ambushing the enemy. An ambush means the enemy thinks they've won, but suddenly you move as one unit, surround them, and say, "You're defeated."
With the enemy, we say, "You're going to the lake of fire. Let's go. I'm going to worship my God no matter what."
When you praise, the angels are loosed and empowered to fight. You're sending forth God's word.
Joseph praised before the fight (2 Chronicles 20).
Paul and Silas praised at midnight. Is it strategic to praise at midnight? I think so. In scary movies, weird things happen at midnight. How about we praise the King at midnight when we're about to go to bed?
Here's what I love about praise: When you read God's word, that's for you. God anointed a man to write His word. When you pray, that's for other people and for you. But when you worship, that's unto God. There's nothing in it for you—except the benefits.
True praise comes when it's surrendered and fully focused onto God. God, I don't care about anything else.
You ever notice that when you don't feel like praising, you can't fake it? You can't praise in the flesh and mean it. God makes you surrender before you can truly praise. You're holding onto something in your heart, and surrender is a key part of praise. Let it go. Once you release it, you can run around, get loose, because you've truly surrendered.
I will bless the Lord at all times. (Psalm 34:1)
Miriam praised after the Red Sea was split (Exodus 15).
Jonah praised when he was inside the fish. How many of you are going through a storm right now? You should be praising right now.
Praise is so powerful because you're proclaiming the victory already. You're proclaiming victory before it's made manifest. You can't praise with half a heart. You can't praise with doubt. You have to praise in full belief and faith.
Why does God want us to praise? Because He wants you to believe. He knows He's going to do it. He's faithful when we are unfaithful. But He needs us to know that He's faithful.
Imagine looking at someone you love and saying, "I love you" when you don't mean it. It doesn't work. You have to mean it. When you tell God, "God, I love you. Thank you, Jesus," and you mean it—the minute you praise, everything lifts.
Did anyone feel heavy when you first walked in? I did. But the minute we started praising, I couldn't help but feel light. The garment of praise replaces the spirit of heaviness.
Every day I will bless you. (Psalm 145:2)
Even in your toughest times, decree and declare God's word with praise. You don't need music to praise. You can simply say, "Father, this is Your word. I believe Your word, Jesus. And that's praise."
Whenever I'm going through something hard, I pull out the Bible, read a scripture, and tell God, "God, this is what Your word says." Even crying, I say it: "This is what it says, God. It has to come to pass." My confession of God's word turns my unbelief into belief.
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary. (Psalm 134:2)
When you lift your hands, this is an act of surrender. It's like when someone pulls a gun on you and says, "Put your hands up!" You're saying, "I surrender. I don't have tricks. I don't have plan B. You've got it, God."
Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:17)
A lot of people think Christian hip-hop isn't praise. But when you hear a real Christian song made unto God—like a soldier song, "God, You made me a soldier. I got the gospel in my mouth and I'm going to preach it"—that's true praise.
David danced before the Lord with all his might. (2 Samuel 6:14)
Suddenly there was a violent earthquake. (Acts 16:25–26)
When you praise, you move the hand of God. That's a real question: How many of you have ever gone out in public by yourself and started praising God in front of people?
I remember one time the Holy Spirit told me, "Stop evangelizing and begin to praise Me in this park like a mad man." Back then, I didn't even know it was biblical. I didn't know it was an actual word. But I started praising Him. People looked at me like I was crazy. But I felt power. I felt the anointing of God. I was like, "I love You, God. I don't care what people think."
I don't know what happened in the spirit realm, but something powerful occurred. I believe a portal opened or something happened that affected someone.
Some of you need to go out tonight or tomorrow and praise God by yourself. Go to a Walmart, a gas station, a Wawa. Walk up to the cashier—not just "thank you," but really praise Him. Start thanking and worshiping.
You know what they call us? Christian extremists. There was an article about our church. We've gained a reputation in Central Florida. And you know what? Praise God. That's good. We went to worship at a witchcraft store. Something happened that the enemy didn't like. An earthquake. That altar shattered. The enemy was angry.
We're going to keep doing that in every city with our semi-truck, praising and worshiping God.
I have an assignment for you: Go and praise Jesus alone. Some of you, record it and post it on your story. Not just for people in the church—for everyone on your story. Your friends from high school, your friends from the world, people at your job.
Someone might say, "But I'm grown. I'm 30, 40, 50 years old." So what? I saw a video recently of a 50-year-old guy in the middle of the street in Vegas. He had a "Jesus is the truth" sign. He was dancing like he was doing aerobics, wearing sneakers with dress pants, just praising Jesus. People looked at him crazy. But to the carnal mind, it looks foolish. But to the kingdom-minded, we understand that foolish things are foolish to those who are perishing.
As we continue doing that in unity, we're going to break things in the spirit realm. We're going to create earthquakes and nuclear bombs. The people who think it's foolish—their hearts will start to shift because of our praise and worship.
I remember at Lake Yollet, we got in a circle and started singing Yeshua. This was on a Sunday afternoon after service. And man, everyone was in the glory. Everyone had visions in that circle. Passersby were confused, asking, "What just happened?" But I don't know how many people got saved because of that atmosphere, that worship.
Early in this ministry, we'd take speakers downtown Orlando on Friday nights at 11 PM or midnight. We'd set up with a generator on Wall Street and praise and worship God all night. We'd have someone preach the word, give an altar call, and people would watch like we were crazy—but souls would get saved. People would be delivered and baptized. God would send people when you start doing these things.
Some of you want a miracle in your life, but you're not seeking God. The Bible says, "Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you." Jesus completed the work on the cross. The Bible says, "No one comes to the Son unless the Father draws him." He loved you before you knew Him. He drew you in. You encountered Jesus. You received the Holy Spirit. Now it's your turn to draw nigh unto Him, to seek Him, to praise Him.
Let me share a testimony. I was in the hospital when my wife gave birth. That night, I was praising and worshiping God. The baby came out perfectly fine. My wife was sleeping. The baby was sleeping. I just started praising God, praying, thanking God.
The Holy Spirit said to me, "Give an offering unto Me." So I sowed a specific amount of money unto God through a ministry. I started praising Him, worshiping for my daughter. Then He said, "Start praying for people in the hospital."
I started praying, "Lord, I pray for anyone on their deathbed. Any mother giving birth, who's thinking about adoption, convict her heart, save her." I prayed for things the Holy Spirit put on my heart for 30 to 45 minutes.
The next day, I was going up the elevator at the hospital. A guy comes up to me and says, "Hey, congratulations on the baby. I know who you are, Richard."
I said, "Yeah, my wife gave birth. Everything's perfectly healthy and great."
He said, "That's amazing. Yeah, I'm here because my dad is dying in the hospital."
I said, "Can I pray for him?"
He said, "Yeah, he's a youth pastor at a different church."
He brought me to his dad's hospital bed. I was in the spirit. I started praying, laid hands on him. I felt the power of God. We prayed and I saw a vision of his dad being saved, given extended time like Hezekiah, and being able to preach his testimony.
He told me, "I just followed you this week. I've known about your ministry for two years. There's a brother in your church—I won't say his name—who helped me start my lawn business. It's crazy."
This is a miracle. God was showing me, "Because of your prayer and praise, I sent you. I wanted to show you in the physical that what you were doing actually has weight."
The guy was waiting for me. I was outside recording random videos, and he just watched me. He said, "Bro," and then he left because I was taking too long. He got in the elevator, it got to the second floor, and then I walked in. It was a miracle for him.
That's a testimony of praise, worship, and prayer. God will move. You want to see miracles? Pray, praise, and worship. And stop—the only time some of you open your mouth is to gossip. Start praising and worshiping God. Speak life. Death to the enemy. Speak the word of God.
There's someone here going through something extremely difficult with a young child. Your life is chaotic right now. You're praying, and it seems like nothing is working. You don't know how to fix it. Come here.
[A woman comes forward and explains her child has spasms.]
I want you to turn around and face the congregation. Don't close your eyes or put your head down. Be confident in what God is doing. I want you to speak the word of God over your child and begin to praise God with everything you've got. Everyone, stand up. We're going to praise with you.
Speak the truth, the word of God over your child even though you haven't seen it manifest, and begin to praise God.
[The mother speaks: "We are healed by your stripes as your word says. Thank you, Lord, for giving us life today..."]
Don't close your eyes. Look. See how she's crying. I know she believes. Look at me. Woman of God, you believe in God? Are you crying because you're sad or because you believe? You believe?
Okay. Now I want you guys to praise.
[The congregation begins praising together.]
By his stripes, he's been healed. We thank you, Father. Thank you that his son—thank you that we have the victory. Thank you that we don't have to worry. Thank you, Holy Spirit. Thank you for the healing of that young boy.
It's crazy because I was praising the Lord, and I was thinking about that, and I was like, "I don't know what to do. I don't know how to fix it." When you raised your hand, I knew it was you. Holy Spirit confirmed it for me. I was right here asking God, "What?" I was asking Him, and you were right here in praise asking God.
He's healed. He's healed. Every day, praise. No more. No more, God. He's healed. He's healed. He's healed. You keep saying he's healed. I don't care what I see. He's healed. I promise you. Watch what he does.
Is there a woman here praying for a marriage? Come here.
[A woman comes forward.]
Okay. Now I want you to speak. Turn around. Face the congregation. I want you to start speaking the word of God and begin to praise Him for your marriage.
[The woman speaks: "What he's brought together, no man can separate. In the name of Jesus Christ, thank you for your defeat on the cross..."]
What he's brought together, no man can separate, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Thank you for your defeat. We praise you, Lord. No remorse. No separation, Father.
If you're watching this, Mom, Jesus loves you and He's going to save your soul. Jesus loves you, Monica Garcia, and He's going to save your soul and deliver you from the pit of hell. He's going to restore your marriage like He pulled me from the devil's pit. He's going to pull you, and He's going to heal your marriage in the name of Jesus and save you from the Catholic Church. Hallelujah.
Hallelujah. Yes. Together. Amen.
Do you have a new revelation of praise? You look like a mad man or a mad woman, and you don't care. That's the point.
I thank God that He's teaching us warfare. He's teaching us how to fight. It's not "God, please." You've already asked. That means you've received it. So you should be thanking God for it. We shouldn't be sitting there begging, "God, please. Is it happening? Is it my fault? Is there a legal right?"
No. Thank you. Oh, you don't see it? Who cares? Thank you. I don't need to see it. I live by faith and not by sight. Thank you, Lord.
Listen, the devil wins when you shut your mouth. For real. Start praising and worshiping God and just speaking life.
There's someone here going through something with a child—a young child. Your life is chaotic. And you need prayer. You don't know what's going on. Come up here.
[This section contains additional prayer and ministry to individuals.]
There are too many pitiful Christians. I've been there. I've pitied myself in my situation. But that pity leads you into unbelief. You're not accessing the gift that comes from praise.
How many of you are thinking right now, "Dang, bro. That's been me." Be real. It's been you. We've got to fight. The devil sends that fear, and it keeps us so bound.
I remember when we were kicked out of our last church. Everything was shutting down. We had nothing up until the week of. My wife—she's motherly—said, "What are we going to do?"
I said, "We're going to wait."
We kept praying. I had peace in my heart. Out of nowhere, 225 Harvest Time Drive popped up. They welcomed us in and opened their doors to us. Those are the kinds of things that increase my faith. I don't have to worry.
Sometimes God allows the test to come at the last minute. Actually, most of the time in the Bible, it's always the last minute. He wants to see: Do you believe what you said you believe in church? Do you really believe I'm sovereign? It tests your faith, doesn't it?
Those times when you have unbelief and you're like, "Oh, it's true. I've got to praise God. I've got to praise God."—that's when breakthrough comes.
I want for about 30 seconds for you to have your situation on your heart, because I believe there's a blessing in the unity of the brethren—a commanded blessing. We're going to praise that blessing into our lives, our situations, our hardships, into everything.
I see some of you. You're still down. Why? Why are your eyes closed? What are you thinking about? You should be happy.
Y'all ready to praise Him?
[The congregation begins to praise, with extended singing and worship.]
Glory, glory, glory. Praise Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus.
I'm a soldier. I got the gospel in my mouth.
I'm a son of God. I'm a son of God.
My God is a big God. He's a great God. He's a big God. Better than the rest.
I'm going to dance like David. I don't care.
Ain't nobody like the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost don't stop.
I'm delivered. I'm healed.
I am. I am. I am. I am.
God has taught us that praise is not weakness. We're not wimps. We're victorious. Praise is the weapon that shifts heaven and earth. When you understand the power of praise—halal, yada, tahila, ainos, eucharistia—you understand that you have a supernatural tool that breaks chains, brings God's presence, and defeats the enemy.
Go out from here and praise. In your secret place. In public. At midnight. In the storm. Praise is your victory already proclaimed. Amen.
Welcome to everyone who has traveled from across the country to fellowship with us. Whether you're from New York, Montana, Buffalo, Alabama, Ohio, Houston, or beyond, we're grateful you've joined us on this Tuesday evening. Before we dive into our message, I want to acknowledge that God is doing a beautiful work here at the Rock, purifying and growing us rapidly.
As Pastor Joel mentioned, the Lord has big things coming. And here's what I want you to understand: whenever there's a move of God—before it, during it, and after it—we must praise and worship Him. This isn't about performing; it's about giving a sacrifice unto God. In the Old Testament, it was animals. Today, our praise is our sacrifice—what flows from our hearts.
Here's something critical: the enemy loves to send warfare before the blessing arrives. When things start turning up in your life, that's the time to praise and thank God, because breakthrough is coming. The enemy's strategy is to deter you from believing what God is bringing, because if you don't believe it, you can't receive it.
It's easy to believe when things are going well. But when circumstances look bad in the physical realm, remember this: Satan, the god of this world, is trying to use the physical to distract you from what God is about to bring.
I get excited when spiritual warfare shows up, because I know it's a sign that breakthrough is near. Early in my walk, I used to panic during spiritual warfare. I'd think, "We need to pray against this!" But here's the truth: you can't pray against spiritual warfare. You have to walk through it with Jesus. And when you do, Jesus protects you, and nothing the enemy forms against you will prosper—if you believe in Jesus.
You need radical faith. Faith that doesn't care about circumstances. When warfare comes, your attitude should be: "Okay, let's see what happens. What's the worst thing? I die and go to heaven." But it rarely gets that deep.
Yet our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world live this daily. Over 1,000 Christians in Syria are being killed for the gospel right now—mothers, fathers, children. Over 70 Christians were decapitated in Congo for their faith. We in America aren't experiencing real persecution. A video gets taken down because of opposition to the gospel? That's not persecution; that's just people hating. Biblical persecution is losing your head for Jesus.
We need to get out of our comfort zone. We've become too lazy and too comfortable. We think, "If things aren't going the way I want, then it's not of God." But study Scripture from Genesis to Revelation: when things got uncomfortable, that's when God moved in the lives of prophets and apostles.
I love it when things start happening, because I know God is moving. Just because circumstances are difficult doesn't mean God is angry with you or that you're out of His will. Don't blame demons when God is allowing a test to strengthen your faith and produce more fruit.
Some of you are wondering, "Do I have a legal right open on my life?" God doesn't want you meditating on that question. Here's the truth: most people with open doors are people actively practicing sin and they know what they're doing. You don't need to constantly analyze whether you have legal ground.
How do you overcome sin? Not by staring at it and saying, "I won't sin." The power comes from focusing on the One who overcame sin for you on the cross—Jesus. When it comes to holiness, it doesn't come from you declaring, "I will be holy." Holiness comes from focusing on the One who is perfectly holy. The closer you get to Him, the more His glory shines through you.
For those battling cycles of sin: it's not about mentally or physically fighting sin alone. Yes, you should hate sin and flee from it. But the greatest power is your intimacy with Jesus in God's presence. The Holy Spirit will empower you to overcome.
We're going to talk about a powerful weapon today: praise. This isn't something to use only when we're together in church. This should be your daily, all-day weapon—in your secret place, anywhere, anytime. This is how we fight.
Many people see praise as just music or a warm-up before the sermon. But praise is a supernatural force that shifts heaven and earth. Praise is a key that unlocks realms, destroys demonic barriers, and ushers in God's presence. If you don't understand true biblical praise, you'll never live the victorious life God intends for you.
The English word "praise" doesn't fully capture what Scripture teaches. Let me break down the original languages.
The first Hebrew word for praise is halal (yes, like hallelujah). It means to shine, to boost, to rave.
You ever been to a rave? It gets crazy. People go wild. That's what halal means—to rave and to celebrate foolishly. Some of you have seen people get "stupid" in praise—and they're biblically praising. When your arms are crossed and you're staring people down, you're doing the opposite.
Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. (Psalm 150:1)
This kind of praise looks undignified to the natural mind. Consider David, who danced before the Lord with all his might (2 Samuel 6:14). How many of you can say you truly praise God in your house, uninhibited and free? (Though maybe keep clothes on when you're out in public!)
Mind-blowing truth: If your praise hasn't offended someone yet, you might not be praising hard enough.
The second word is yada—the surrendered hands of praise. It means to extend your hands in worship, to declare openly, to surrender.
Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. (Psalm 67:3)
Lifting your hands is not a Pentecostal invention—it's a biblical act. Moses lifted his hands and Israel won the battle (Exodus 17:11). Could it be that some of you are losing battles because you're too proud to lift your hands in praise?
When you put your hands up, you're in a stance of victory. You're physically demonstrating: "God, I surrender. I don't have tricks up my sleeve. I don't have a plan B. You've got this."
The third word is tahila—the song that attracts God's presence. It means spontaneous, unrehearsed singing from the heart. Not a click track. Not a recital. Pure, authentic worship.
Yet you are holy, enthroned in the praises [tahila] of Israel. (Psalm 22:3)
This is the only form of praise God specifically says He inhabits. He comes. He shows up. When genuine, heartfelt worship rises, the atmosphere shifts. People fall on their faces. Why? Because the Lord begins to inhabit that praise.
How many of you in your secret place worship God straight from your heart? Have you noticed that when you do, His presence comes strong? That's tahila. And if God isn't in your atmosphere, you might be missing the right type of praise.
Ainos means to speak forth God's goodness as a testimony. When you evangelize and talk about how good God is, that's praise.
I posted my daughter on the internet, sharing how she was born on my birthday—a prophetic word that came to pass. The doctors said she had all kinds of sicknesses. None of it happened. She was born perfectly healthy, and my wife is fine too.
Some people said, "Don't post that. Witches and warlocks are watching you." But I don't care. I hope they see it. Let them know another arrow is coming to the quiver. They're trembling.
We named her Yaniah—which means "God's gift" in Hebrew. My wife was told by the Holy Spirit: "Your baby will be born on your husband's birthday, and it's a gift from God." She wasn't even showing yet. Honestly, I had doubts. But I told my wife, "Either this is from God or it's not. We'll see." And it was from God.
Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants you have ordained praise. (Matthew 21:16)
Your testimony is a form of praise. When you testify to God's goodness, you're praising.
This Greek word means to give thanks, to express gratitude before the breakthrough. This is the big one. Before you've seen the miracle, you're thanking God and praising Him.
When he had taken some bread and given thanks... (Luke 22:19)
Jesus praised God before the miracle. He was thanking the Father before He even went to the cross. That's the power of thanksgiving praise—thanking God before you see the manifestation.
You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel. (Psalm 22:3)
When you praise, you build a throne for God to sit on. Isn't that beautiful?
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and suddenly there was a violent earthquake, and the prison doors flew open. (Acts 16:25–26)
Chains didn't break when they prayed. Chains broke when they praised. The entire spirit realm is shaken by your praise to the Lord Most High because you're creating an atmosphere of surrender to God. He comes and is enthroned in that very place.
Demons can't stand it. Witches and warlocks can't stand it.
As they began to sing and praise, the Lord sent ambushes against the enemy. (2 Chronicles 20:22)
Listen to this: Praise is not just worship. Praise is a war strategy. It's strategic.
When Jonathan dances wildly, he's engaging in spiritual warfare—sending nuclear bombs into the spirit realm. When you worship in unity, you're ambushing the enemy. An ambush means the enemy thinks they've won, but suddenly you move as one unit, surround them, and say, "You're defeated."
With the enemy, we say, "You're going to the lake of fire. Let's go. I'm going to worship my God no matter what."
When you praise, the angels are loosed and empowered to fight. You're sending forth God's word.
Joseph praised before the fight (2 Chronicles 20).
Paul and Silas praised at midnight. Is it strategic to praise at midnight? I think so. In scary movies, weird things happen at midnight. How about we praise the King at midnight when we're about to go to bed?
Here's what I love about praise: When you read God's word, that's for you. God anointed a man to write His word. When you pray, that's for other people and for you. But when you worship, that's unto God. There's nothing in it for you—except the benefits.
True praise comes when it's surrendered and fully focused onto God. God, I don't care about anything else.
You ever notice that when you don't feel like praising, you can't fake it? You can't praise in the flesh and mean it. God makes you surrender before you can truly praise. You're holding onto something in your heart, and surrender is a key part of praise. Let it go. Once you release it, you can run around, get loose, because you've truly surrendered.
I will bless the Lord at all times. (Psalm 34:1)
Miriam praised after the Red Sea was split (Exodus 15).
Jonah praised when he was inside the fish. How many of you are going through a storm right now? You should be praising right now.
Praise is so powerful because you're proclaiming the victory already. You're proclaiming victory before it's made manifest. You can't praise with half a heart. You can't praise with doubt. You have to praise in full belief and faith.
Why does God want us to praise? Because He wants you to believe. He knows He's going to do it. He's faithful when we are unfaithful. But He needs us to know that He's faithful.
Imagine looking at someone you love and saying, "I love you" when you don't mean it. It doesn't work. You have to mean it. When you tell God, "God, I love you. Thank you, Jesus," and you mean it—the minute you praise, everything lifts.
Did anyone feel heavy when you first walked in? I did. But the minute we started praising, I couldn't help but feel light. The garment of praise replaces the spirit of heaviness.
Every day I will bless you. (Psalm 145:2)
Even in your toughest times, decree and declare God's word with praise. You don't need music to praise. You can simply say, "Father, this is Your word. I believe Your word, Jesus. And that's praise."
Whenever I'm going through something hard, I pull out the Bible, read a scripture, and tell God, "God, this is what Your word says." Even crying, I say it: "This is what it says, God. It has to come to pass." My confession of God's word turns my unbelief into belief.
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary. (Psalm 134:2)
When you lift your hands, this is an act of surrender. It's like when someone pulls a gun on you and says, "Put your hands up!" You're saying, "I surrender. I don't have tricks. I don't have plan B. You've got it, God."
Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:17)
A lot of people think Christian hip-hop isn't praise. But when you hear a real Christian song made unto God—like a soldier song, "God, You made me a soldier. I got the gospel in my mouth and I'm going to preach it"—that's true praise.
David danced before the Lord with all his might. (2 Samuel 6:14)
Suddenly there was a violent earthquake. (Acts 16:25–26)
When you praise, you move the hand of God. That's a real question: How many of you have ever gone out in public by yourself and started praising God in front of people?
I remember one time the Holy Spirit told me, "Stop evangelizing and begin to praise Me in this park like a mad man." Back then, I didn't even know it was biblical. I didn't know it was an actual word. But I started praising Him. People looked at me like I was crazy. But I felt power. I felt the anointing of God. I was like, "I love You, God. I don't care what people think."
I don't know what happened in the spirit realm, but something powerful occurred. I believe a portal opened or something happened that affected someone.
Some of you need to go out tonight or tomorrow and praise God by yourself. Go to a Walmart, a gas station, a Wawa. Walk up to the cashier—not just "thank you," but really praise Him. Start thanking and worshiping.
You know what they call us? Christian extremists. There was an article about our church. We've gained a reputation in Central Florida. And you know what? Praise God. That's good. We went to worship at a witchcraft store. Something happened that the enemy didn't like. An earthquake. That altar shattered. The enemy was angry.
We're going to keep doing that in every city with our semi-truck, praising and worshiping God.
I have an assignment for you: Go and praise Jesus alone. Some of you, record it and post it on your story. Not just for people in the church—for everyone on your story. Your friends from high school, your friends from the world, people at your job.
Someone might say, "But I'm grown. I'm 30, 40, 50 years old." So what? I saw a video recently of a 50-year-old guy in the middle of the street in Vegas. He had a "Jesus is the truth" sign. He was dancing like he was doing aerobics, wearing sneakers with dress pants, just praising Jesus. People looked at him crazy. But to the carnal mind, it looks foolish. But to the kingdom-minded, we understand that foolish things are foolish to those who are perishing.
As we continue doing that in unity, we're going to break things in the spirit realm. We're going to create earthquakes and nuclear bombs. The people who think it's foolish—their hearts will start to shift because of our praise and worship.
I remember at Lake Yollet, we got in a circle and started singing Yeshua. This was on a Sunday afternoon after service. And man, everyone was in the glory. Everyone had visions in that circle. Passersby were confused, asking, "What just happened?" But I don't know how many people got saved because of that atmosphere, that worship.
Early in this ministry, we'd take speakers downtown Orlando on Friday nights at 11 PM or midnight. We'd set up with a generator on Wall Street and praise and worship God all night. We'd have someone preach the word, give an altar call, and people would watch like we were crazy—but souls would get saved. People would be delivered and baptized. God would send people when you start doing these things.
Some of you want a miracle in your life, but you're not seeking God. The Bible says, "Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you." Jesus completed the work on the cross. The Bible says, "No one comes to the Son unless the Father draws him." He loved you before you knew Him. He drew you in. You encountered Jesus. You received the Holy Spirit. Now it's your turn to draw nigh unto Him, to seek Him, to praise Him.
Let me share a testimony. I was in the hospital when my wife gave birth. That night, I was praising and worshiping God. The baby came out perfectly fine. My wife was sleeping. The baby was sleeping. I just started praising God, praying, thanking God.
The Holy Spirit said to me, "Give an offering unto Me." So I sowed a specific amount of money unto God through a ministry. I started praising Him, worshiping for my daughter. Then He said, "Start praying for people in the hospital."
I started praying, "Lord, I pray for anyone on their deathbed. Any mother giving birth, who's thinking about adoption, convict her heart, save her." I prayed for things the Holy Spirit put on my heart for 30 to 45 minutes.
The next day, I was going up the elevator at the hospital. A guy comes up to me and says, "Hey, congratulations on the baby. I know who you are, Richard."
I said, "Yeah, my wife gave birth. Everything's perfectly healthy and great."
He said, "That's amazing. Yeah, I'm here because my dad is dying in the hospital."
I said, "Can I pray for him?"
He said, "Yeah, he's a youth pastor at a different church."
He brought me to his dad's hospital bed. I was in the spirit. I started praying, laid hands on him. I felt the power of God. We prayed and I saw a vision of his dad being saved, given extended time like Hezekiah, and being able to preach his testimony.
He told me, "I just followed you this week. I've known about your ministry for two years. There's a brother in your church—I won't say his name—who helped me start my lawn business. It's crazy."
This is a miracle. God was showing me, "Because of your prayer and praise, I sent you. I wanted to show you in the physical that what you were doing actually has weight."
The guy was waiting for me. I was outside recording random videos, and he just watched me. He said, "Bro," and then he left because I was taking too long. He got in the elevator, it got to the second floor, and then I walked in. It was a miracle for him.
That's a testimony of praise, worship, and prayer. God will move. You want to see miracles? Pray, praise, and worship. And stop—the only time some of you open your mouth is to gossip. Start praising and worshiping God. Speak life. Death to the enemy. Speak the word of God.
There's someone here going through something extremely difficult with a young child. Your life is chaotic right now. You're praying, and it seems like nothing is working. You don't know how to fix it. Come here.
[A woman comes forward and explains her child has spasms.]
I want you to turn around and face the congregation. Don't close your eyes or put your head down. Be confident in what God is doing. I want you to speak the word of God over your child and begin to praise God with everything you've got. Everyone, stand up. We're going to praise with you.
Speak the truth, the word of God over your child even though you haven't seen it manifest, and begin to praise God.
[The mother speaks: "We are healed by your stripes as your word says. Thank you, Lord, for giving us life today..."]
Don't close your eyes. Look. See how she's crying. I know she believes. Look at me. Woman of God, you believe in God? Are you crying because you're sad or because you believe? You believe?
Okay. Now I want you guys to praise.
[The congregation begins praising together.]
By his stripes, he's been healed. We thank you, Father. Thank you that his son—thank you that we have the victory. Thank you that we don't have to worry. Thank you, Holy Spirit. Thank you for the healing of that young boy.
It's crazy because I was praising the Lord, and I was thinking about that, and I was like, "I don't know what to do. I don't know how to fix it." When you raised your hand, I knew it was you. Holy Spirit confirmed it for me. I was right here asking God, "What?" I was asking Him, and you were right here in praise asking God.
He's healed. He's healed. Every day, praise. No more. No more, God. He's healed. He's healed. He's healed. You keep saying he's healed. I don't care what I see. He's healed. I promise you. Watch what he does.
Is there a woman here praying for a marriage? Come here.
[A woman comes forward.]
Okay. Now I want you to speak. Turn around. Face the congregation. I want you to start speaking the word of God and begin to praise Him for your marriage.
[The woman speaks: "What he's brought together, no man can separate. In the name of Jesus Christ, thank you for your defeat on the cross..."]
What he's brought together, no man can separate, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Thank you for your defeat. We praise you, Lord. No remorse. No separation, Father.
If you're watching this, Mom, Jesus loves you and He's going to save your soul. Jesus loves you, Monica Garcia, and He's going to save your soul and deliver you from the pit of hell. He's going to restore your marriage like He pulled me from the devil's pit. He's going to pull you, and He's going to heal your marriage in the name of Jesus and save you from the Catholic Church. Hallelujah.
Hallelujah. Yes. Together. Amen.
Do you have a new revelation of praise? You look like a mad man or a mad woman, and you don't care. That's the point.
I thank God that He's teaching us warfare. He's teaching us how to fight. It's not "God, please." You've already asked. That means you've received it. So you should be thanking God for it. We shouldn't be sitting there begging, "God, please. Is it happening? Is it my fault? Is there a legal right?"
No. Thank you. Oh, you don't see it? Who cares? Thank you. I don't need to see it. I live by faith and not by sight. Thank you, Lord.
Listen, the devil wins when you shut your mouth. For real. Start praising and worshiping God and just speaking life.
There's someone here going through something with a child—a young child. Your life is chaotic. And you need prayer. You don't know what's going on. Come up here.
[This section contains additional prayer and ministry to individuals.]
There are too many pitiful Christians. I've been there. I've pitied myself in my situation. But that pity leads you into unbelief. You're not accessing the gift that comes from praise.
How many of you are thinking right now, "Dang, bro. That's been me." Be real. It's been you. We've got to fight. The devil sends that fear, and it keeps us so bound.
I remember when we were kicked out of our last church. Everything was shutting down. We had nothing up until the week of. My wife—she's motherly—said, "What are we going to do?"
I said, "We're going to wait."
We kept praying. I had peace in my heart. Out of nowhere, 225 Harvest Time Drive popped up. They welcomed us in and opened their doors to us. Those are the kinds of things that increase my faith. I don't have to worry.
Sometimes God allows the test to come at the last minute. Actually, most of the time in the Bible, it's always the last minute. He wants to see: Do you believe what you said you believe in church? Do you really believe I'm sovereign? It tests your faith, doesn't it?
Those times when you have unbelief and you're like, "Oh, it's true. I've got to praise God. I've got to praise God."—that's when breakthrough comes.
I want for about 30 seconds for you to have your situation on your heart, because I believe there's a blessing in the unity of the brethren—a commanded blessing. We're going to praise that blessing into our lives, our situations, our hardships, into everything.
I see some of you. You're still down. Why? Why are your eyes closed? What are you thinking about? You should be happy.
Y'all ready to praise Him?
[The congregation begins to praise, with extended singing and worship.]
Glory, glory, glory. Praise Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus.
I'm a soldier. I got the gospel in my mouth.
I'm a son of God. I'm a son of God.
My God is a big God. He's a great God. He's a big God. Better than the rest.
I'm going to dance like David. I don't care.
Ain't nobody like the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost don't stop.
I'm delivered. I'm healed.
I am. I am. I am. I am.
God has taught us that praise is not weakness. We're not wimps. We're victorious. Praise is the weapon that shifts heaven and earth. When you understand the power of praise—halal, yada, tahila, ainos, eucharistia—you understand that you have a supernatural tool that breaks chains, brings God's presence, and defeats the enemy.
Go out from here and praise. In your secret place. In public. At midnight. In the storm. Praise is your victory already proclaimed. Amen.
