Praising God For Israel's Call
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | July 12, 2026
Father, we need you really badly just now. Lord, you said in all things give thanks. So, we're so thankful, Lord, for Saith's salvation this morning and for Lauren's decision. We're so thankful, Lord, for Aaliyah's salvation. We're so thankful for Tammy's salvation. We're so thankful for all of your blessings.
On July 12, 2026, Dr. Bill Rains preaches Praising God For Israel's Call from Nehemiah 9:4-12. In the midst of revival, the Levites lead the people in loud, heartfelt praise for God's sustaining power over creation, His sovereign selection of Abraham and His people, and His mighty signs and wonders—truths that still call us to praise Him today.
1. Praising God for Sustaining All Creation
The Levites began their great prayer by acknowledging the greatness of God: “Blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise. Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.” (Nehemiah 9:5-6). They recognized that God not only created everything but sustains it moment by moment. As Colossians 1:16-17 reminds us, by Him all things consist. He is the divine glue holding the universe together. From the sun that never burns out to the earth hung upon nothing (Job 26:7), and even the beating of our own hearts—everything continues because of His power. The heavens declare the glory of God (Psalm 19:1). We can never praise Him enough for this constant care.
2. Praising God for Selecting Abraham and His People
They continued: “Thou art the Lord the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham; and foundest his heart faithful before thee, and madest a covenant with him...” (Nehemiah 9:7-8). God saw something special in Abram’s heart amid idolatry—he longed for the one true God. So the Lord called him, changed his name to Abraham, and made a covenant to give the land to his descendants. Just as God selected Abraham, He selects us. When we sense the knock of God on our hearts and respond, we receive a new name written down in glory. God has a better plan, a better destiny, and a better country for every one of His children. He brings us through the door of providence exactly where we need to be.
3. Praising God for Showing Signs and Wonders
The prayer recounts how God saw the affliction of their fathers in Egypt, heard their cry, and showed signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land (Nehemiah 9:9-10). He divided the Red Sea, led them by cloud and fire, and delivered them. While we sometimes think miracles belong only to the past, God still shows signs and wonders today—transformed lives, restored families, and hearts changed by His grace. Pastor Rains shared powerful testimonies of men set free from the bondage of sin and drink, becoming new daddies and new servants of God. These are greater miracles than water turned to wine. The same God who delivered Israel is at work in our lives.
We have so much to praise God for—no matter how dark life gets. He sustains creation, He chose us, and He still works wonders. Let’s praise Him loudly!
Friends, stand in your place, seek God with all your heart, and lift your voice in praise. He is worthy—far above all our blessings and all our praise. Come to Him today and discover the new life and new name He has for you.
