IT'S TIME TO CELEBRATE!
It is a great privilege to serve the Lord and to be able to celebrate our relationship with him! God is pleased when people come together to rejoice in his presence! Psalm 22:3 tells us that God inhabits the praises of his people. King Solomon was known for his extravagant celebrations. Take a look at this one:
1 Kings 8:62-63, 65-66 Then the king and all Israel with him offered sacrifices to the Lord. Solomon offered to the Lord a peace offering of 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep and goats. And so, the king and all the people of Israel dedicated the Temple of the Lord.
Then Solomon and all Israel celebrated the Festival of Shelters in the presence of the Lord our God. A large congregation had gathered from as far away as Lebo-hamath in the north and the Brook of Egypt in the south. The celebration went on for fourteen days in all-seven days for the dedication of the altar and seven days for the Festival of Shelters.
After the festival was over, Solomon sent the people home. They blessed the king and went to their homes joyful and glad because the Lord had been good to his servant David and to his people Israel.
This celebration was very pleasing to the heart of God! It brought about unity and an increased flow of God’s goodness and abundance in the land. In the book of Matthew Jesus declared, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Mat 18:20 In other words, when people come together in unity to glorify God, he shows up! It is interesting to me that it doesn’t take a large crowd; only two or three are needed. God is pleased when, by faith, you meet together with other believers to honor Him and together enter into heartfelt worship and unity with Him.
The Bible makes it clear that great things transpire for those whose hearts towards God produces passionate, extravagant celebration unto Him! Maybe you remember the story of when Jesus was coming into Jerusalem and the people were praising him by saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Mat 21:9b While this was happening, some of the Pharisees were getting angry, and here’s what happened.
Luke 19:39-40 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
I remember years ago hearing Ron Kenoly singing, “Ain’t gonna let no rock out praise me.” I feel the same! Why would I allow rocks on the ground to give more honor to God than myself?! I assure you. God loves it when you give him your all! He loves it when passionate, unabashed, heartfelt worship comes from you! I believe it's time for more extravagant parties in honor of the beautiful name of Jesus! Tomorrow is your chance! Don’t miss your opportunity – it is time to, along with other believers, extravagantly celebrate our Lord Jesus Christ! Take a look at this most important Scripture.
As we see the end approaching, let us pay careful attention to the Scripture. “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Heb 10:23-25
Sunday Funday is tomorrow! Come on! Let’s do this thing! Let’s go all out! Get yourself ready today – get your offerings together! Get ready to get your praises on because…
IT'S TIME TO CELEBRATE!
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