Praising God With A Promise
By Senior Pastor Dr. Rains | August 9, 2026
Father, thank You. Lord, amidst every disappointment and trial and heartache and trouble, You’re a good God and show Yourself in so many ways. We have the assurance that when this veil of tears is over, our eyes will be dried and it will be glory over yonder—no pain or sorrow over there. Thank You for forgiveness of sins and the salvation of souls. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
On August 9, 2026, Senior Pastor Dr. Rains preaches Praising God With A Promise from Nehemiah 9:22-38. After rehearsing God’s great goodness in giving Israel the land, subduing their enemies, and repeatedly showing mercy when they rebelled, the people respond by making a sure covenant with the Lord—and we are called to do the same.
1. Praising God for Conquering Our Enemies
The Levites lift their voices in praise: Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them into corners… So the children went in and possessed the land, and thou subduedst before them the inhabitants of the land… And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great goodness (Nehemiah 9:22-25). God conquered their enemies and handed them cities they did not build and vineyards they did not plant.
That same conquering grace is ours. America itself stands as a testimony that God has repeatedly given victory. Yet the greatest battlefield is not any earthly conflict—it is Calvary. In Gethsemane the battle began; through betrayal, false accusation, the scourging, the crown of thorns, the nails, and the spear, Jesus faced the enemy of our souls. The devil thought he had won when the stone was sealed. Then the third day dawned, an angel rolled the stone away, and the victory was forever secured. Heaven can be yours because Jesus conquered the enemy on Calvary. We ought to praise God daily for that triumph.
2. Praising God for His Compassions Amidst the Consequences of Sin
Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs… Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies… And in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours… (Nehemiah 9:26-27). Israel’s history is a cycle of blessing, rebellion, judgment, repentance, and fresh mercy. Where their provocations were great, God’s mercies were greater still.
The same pattern appears in our lives. Even after Calvary’s victory we so easily cast His will behind our backs. Yet when we cry out, He is still there. First John 1 reminds us that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us. You do not have to stay in the far country. The Father stands ready, watching for your return. Praise Him for compassions that outrun every consequence of our sin.
3. Making a Sure Covenant with God
Because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it (Nehemiah 9:38). In light of the battle won at Calvary and the repeated compassions of God, the people put their names to a written promise. They sealed it.
We too can and should make a covenant with God. It is simply saying, “Lord, I accept Your forgiveness, and I will follow Your will for my life. I am done with the consequences of sin. I want to live right, serve You, and seek Your will.” You cannot keep a promise you never make. But if you make it and strive to keep it, God will strengthen you to keep it. Will you join in sealing a sure covenant with Him today?
Because of Calvary’s victory and because of His endless compassions,
let us make a sure covenant with our faithful God.
Seal it in your heart today.
Lord, thank You for defeating the devil and conquering our enemies. Thank You for Your wonderful compassions. I am going to do the best I can for You. I love You. Help me keep this covenant by Your grace. Amen.
