Rooted In Celebration

Bottomline: Celebrate everything because everything is a gift.

-Intro ask the question whats the oddest thing you have celebrated?

talk childlike faith and how it has more to do than just with the trust we have in God but also the joyfulness to celebrate all things.

James

The New International Version (Chapter 1)

17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

It is important that we celebrate not just gifts but the giver.

Philippians

The New International Version (Chapter 4)

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The New International Version (Chapter 4)

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9

Where our mind is at is where our heart will go.

What we celebrate gets replicated.

“In the spiritual life only one thing will produce genuine joy, and that is obedience…Joy comes through obedience to Christ, and joy results from obedience to Christ. Without obedience joy is hollow and artificial.” -Richard Foster

The New International Version (Chapter 3)

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Let’s together commit to being in community that is marked by grace and joy.

43 cards total,

37 attendance,

21 group,

29 prayer,

30 bible read,

25 giving,

31 serve,

28 pray for lost,

27 serving outside.

Small investments can make big impacts.

Grateful hearts cannot be earned or given but they can be cultivated by obedience to Christ which transforms us.

The New International Version Psalm 139

23 Search me, God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.