Teaching Notes

We should be willing to give praise unto God with all that is within us.  God's people willingly praise him.

                                                                                                                                             

Praises To God

Psalm 97:11-12 (The Message)

Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God's people, Joy-seeds are planted in good heart-soil.  So, God's people, shout praise to God, Give thanks to our Holy God!

Notes: God's people shout praises to him and give him thanks because he is a Holy God.  The psalmist writes in this scripture a reason why the people rejoice.

Question: What is the reason why God's people shout praises?

Answer: The scripture says, seeds are planted in the souls of God's people.  The psalmist says that seed is a light seed and a joy seed.  These seed, light removes the darkness from the spirit of man.  The joy seed brings that "gladness" that comes only from God.  Now these seeds have to be planted some where for them to grow. These seeds are planted in good heart soil.  If the heart is not right, then God's light and joy cannot dwell there.  That means our soil (hearts) have to be changed first by God before the light and joy can grow within our hearts.  When the heart is changed, then we are able to rejoice. When does this change take place?  This change takes place when we are saved.  Then we can rejoice and praise God for his greatness.  If you are saved, surely you must be praising God?

Prayer: Lord today, help me to examine my life of praise.  Am I praising you for your goodness? Am I praising you for you beauty and your wonder?  If I need to give you more praise, please help me to do just that.