What is praise? The word “Praise” in this text comes from the Hebrew verb Hallel. It means to boast, to give thanks, to adore, to magnify someone for their good qualities. It shines a light on a person and uplifts them in the company of people. This attention is to be given to God because HE alone is worthy.
The word Hallelujah is a compound word meaning "Praise Yahweh!" Notice also that this verb is found in the imperative mood, in other words, it’s not an option for only when I feel like it, rather it’s a command even when I don’t feel like it.
It’s kind of like when I don’t feel like getting up in the morning, I still need to get up anyway. I still use an old fashion alarm clock. It sits on my nightstand. It’s got that fake wood paneling, popular with electronics made in the 70s. I’ve had it since I was a kid, and I still have it and it still works. One of my goals during sabbatical was to set boundaries around my devices, so one thing I did was I stopped sleeping next to my device this summer. I didn’t want my phone to be the last thing I looked at before bed, nor did I want it to be the first thing I looked at in the morning.
So if I had to be up early, I refused to use my phone as my alarm clock, I use this. It’s the kind of alarm clock with a buzzer. Now, it used to be that the only alarm clock you could buy was one with a buzzer, "EHH EHH EHH EHH". Do you still use a buzzer alarm clock?
Yeah, now, there are few things that we both love and hate as much as an alarm clock. Without it, most of us would miss an early start to the day, peacefully sleeping the morning away. So the alarm clock is a blessing to us, but it is also somewhat unwelcome as it rouses us from our slumber and shouts, “It is time to engage life!”
Here’s my point, Psalm 150 is a spiritual alarm clock, waking us up from our self-focused life to engage in praise of the Lord. Notice 13 Times in six verses it says to praise! Wake up! It is time to engage in praise of the Lord our God.
Perhaps you, like me, need a spiritual wake up this morning to praise the Lord. How is your praise life? Do you need to raise your praise? Or Would you rather hit the spiritual snooze button than energetically and fully engage in praise of God? Do you have some Praise procrastination?
Psalm 150 wants to wake us up to engage in praise.
MBC's Bible Engagement Plan
MBC’s Bible Engagement Plan: Isaiah – From Ruin to Redemption
As a church community, our desire is to move from hearing God’s Word to living it out daily. This Bible Engagement Plan is designed to help us walk through Isaiah together in a weekly rhythm that deepens our understanding while also cultivating habits of daily reading and reflection.
- LISTEN TO THE SUNDAY SERMON
Each week begins with the Pastor’s Sunday sermon on a passage from Isaiah and includes
- Pastor’s Outline: A guide to follow along and take notes. We also suggest picking up the Isaiah scripture journal from the Welcome Center.
- Discussion Questions: Provided to encourage reflection and conversation in small groups, families, or personal study. If you are not already part of a small group, consider joining one this Fall: Click here to explore one of MBC’s small groups
- READ AND REFLECT ON THE WEEKLY PLAN
Monday through Saturday, follow the suggested reading plan outlined in the Saturday eNews Bulletin. As you read and reflect on your passage each day, ask these two guiding questions and jot down your thoughts in your Isaiah journal.
- What does this passage reveal about God—His character, His purposes, or His promises?
- How should I respond in light of what I’ve read—through trust, obedience, repentance, or worship?
- MEMORIZE THE WEEKLY KEY VERSE
Every week, one key verse from the sermon will be highlighted for memory. You are invited to use the free Bible Memory app and join the “Millington Baptist Church” Bible memorization group: Click here to join
- READ AND REFLECT ON THE PASTOR’S DEVOTIONAL BLOG
Each Wednesday, one of our pastors will share a devotional expanding on the sermon theme helping to connect Isaiah’s message to everyday life.
Why This Rhythm Matters
- Immersion: This plan helps you engage learning in multiple ways—hearing, reading, memorizing, and reflecting—so you gain a richer understanding of Isaiah’s message.
- Transformation in Community: Discussion questions and shared readings create space for us to learn together and nurture application of the biblical principles into our daily lives.
Questions or comments?
Contact Amy Huber, Director of Discipleship and Connections: ahuber@millingtonbaptist.org
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Pastor Bob Erbig and Pastor Dave Hentschel
