Week of November 18th - Praise

Key Thought:
Have you been publicly recognized for an achievement? How did it feel to receive the praise and accolades of others? I have felt the gratification of people who applauded my efforts in my job and it feels great! My wife praises me for my work around the house and for the effort I put in to being a dad and I love it! I don’t know about you, but I get goose bumps when I watch a program or a live presentation where some undistinguished and humble person receives recognition for a life of selfless sacrifice for the benefit of others. In all these cases, praise is being offered and it is utterly appropriate and necessary. Can you imagine a world without praise? Let me say that again, CAN YOU IMAGINE A WORLD WHERE NO ONE RECEIVED PRAISE? Any place that praise was absolutely non-existent would literally be hell. On the other hand, the Bible describes heaven as a place that is full of the praises of God. On the spectrum of praise, where does your home rate? Is it full of praise for God and others or is it a living hell? Recognizing all that God has done for us, it is inconceivable that a person would not make every effort to praise Him. Regardless of your current circumstances and standard of living, your life can be a slice of heaven if your home is full of praise.

Sermon Highlights:
Take some time to write down some important thoughts that have stuck with you from Steve’s Sermon on Ezra 3:10-13 (Nov 18th, 2007):

Bible Reading:
Monday – Revelation 4:6–11
Tuesday – Psalm 96
Wednesday – Luke 2
Thursday – Ephesians 1:3–14
Friday – Psalm 50

Key Questions to Ponder During the Week:

1. Do you have any memories of praises you received as a young child? Why does this memory stay with you?
2. Why do you think that we are attracted to others who are full of praise?
3. Have you ever known someone who never said anything to you that encouraged you and praised you? Do you find that behavior inappropriate?
4. How appropriate is your behavior to God? Do you thank and praise Him often?
5. What natural ways have you discovered that you can express praise to God?
6. Why is praising God together with other believers, something unique?