Celebrating God's Faithfulness in Every Moment

Devotional

Day 1: Celebrate with Those Who Celebrate

Celebrating with others is a powerful way to build community and reflect the love of Christ. When we rejoice with those who rejoice, we step outside of ourselves and enter into the joys of others, strengthening our bonds and creating a culture of encouragement. This practice is not always easy, especially when we are facing our own disappointments or struggles, but it is a vital part of living out our faith together. By choosing to celebrate with others, we honor God’s work in their lives and foster unity within the body of Christ. [11:16]

Romans 12:15 (ESV)
"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."

Reflection: Who in your life is experiencing a win or a joyful moment right now, and how can you intentionally celebrate with them this week—perhaps with a message, a small gift, or a word of encouragement?

Day 2: Avoid the Attitude of the Older Brother

Comparison, pride, and envy can rob us of the joy of celebrating others. The parable of the prodigal son reminds us that when we focus on what we think we deserve or compare ourselves to others, we miss out on the party and the grace that God freely gives. True celebration requires humility and a recognition that all we have is by God’s grace. Letting go of comparison and pride opens us up to genuine joy for others and a deeper experience of God’s love. [16:22]

Luke 15:11-32 (ESV)
"And he said, 'There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, "Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me." And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself, he said, "How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.'" And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son." But the father said to his servants, "Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found." And they began to celebrate. Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, "Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound." But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, "Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!" And he said to him, "Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found."'"

Reflection: Is there someone whose success or blessing has stirred up comparison or envy in your heart? What would it look like to lay down pride and genuinely celebrate them today?

Day 3: Use Your Gifts and Resources to Celebrate Others

Celebration often comes at a cost, whether it’s time, resources, or effort, but it is a beautiful way to reflect God’s generosity and love. Each of us has been given unique gifts and resources, and when we use them to bless others—especially in their moments of joy—we mirror the image of God in whose likeness we are made. Whether it’s offering your skills, your presence, or your support, your willingness to give can make someone’s celebration even more meaningful and can strengthen the bonds of community. [17:52]

Romans 12:6-8 (ESV)
"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can use your gifts or resources this week to help someone else celebrate a milestone or blessing in their life?

Day 4: Make Room to Celebrate and Give Thanks

It’s easy to rush past moments of blessing without pausing to give thanks or to celebrate what God has done. The story of the ten lepers reminds us that gratitude and celebration require intentionality; only one returned to thank Jesus for his healing. In the busyness of life, making room to celebrate God’s goodness—both in our own lives and in the lives of others—helps us to recognize His faithfulness and keeps our hearts soft and grateful. [21:04]

Luke 17:11-17 (ESV)
"On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, 'Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.' When he saw them he said to them, 'Go and show yourselves to the priests.' And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, 'Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?' And he said to him, 'Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.'"

Reflection: When was the last time you paused to thank God for something He has done in your life? Take a moment today to intentionally celebrate and give thanks for a specific blessing.

Day 5: Our Celebrations Reflect God’s Character

Every celebration is an opportunity to point back to God’s faithfulness, love, and mercy. When we celebrate, we are not just marking personal achievements or happy moments; we are bearing witness to the gracious hand of God at work in our lives. Whether the future feels certain or uncertain, God’s character remains steadfast through all generations. Let your celebrations be a testimony to His goodness, and let them remind you and others of the God who is always faithful. [09:22]

Psalm 23:6 (ESV)
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Reflection: Think of a recent celebration or answered prayer—how did it reveal God’s character to you or those around you? How can you share that story to encourage someone else today?

Sermon Summary

Celebration is woven deeply into the fabric of our lives, marking moments of joy, breakthrough, and God’s faithfulness. Whether it’s a new job, a wedding, a birth, a graduation, or a long-awaited answer to prayer, these moments are not just personal victories—they are reflections of God’s character and goodness. Every celebration, big or small, points us back to the One who carries us, provides for us, and surrounds us with His love and mercy. As we look at the stories of Scripture, from the journeys of Ezra and Nehemiah to the psalms of David, we see a consistent theme: God’s gracious hand is at work, and our celebrations are opportunities to recognize and honor His faithfulness.

In the midst of a diverse and sometimes divided community, Paul’s instruction to the church in Rome is both simple and profound: “Celebrate with those who celebrate.” This call is more than just a suggestion—it’s a way to build unity, foster love, and reflect the heart of Christ in our relationships. But to truly celebrate with others, we must guard our hearts against comparison, envy, and pride. The parable of the prodigal son reminds us that the older brother’s inability to rejoice in his sibling’s return robbed him of the joy of the celebration. We are invited to lay aside the temptation to measure who is more deserving and instead embrace the grace that has been freely given to all.

Celebrating well also means using the resources God has entrusted to us—our time, talents, and treasures—to bless others. When we give generously, serve joyfully, and share in each other’s milestones, we reflect the image of our Creator. These acts of kindness may come at a cost, but they are always worth it, building a community where everyone is valued and supported.

Finally, we must make intentional space in our lives to celebrate. Like the one leper who returned to thank Jesus, we are called to pause, remember, and give thanks for God’s goodness—not just in the big moments, but in the everyday mercies. Let’s be a people who notice, who gather, and who give God the glory for every good thing.

Key Takeaways

1. Celebration is a reflection of God’s character. Every time we celebrate, we are acknowledging God’s faithfulness, provision, and mercy in our lives. Our joy is rooted not just in the event itself, but in the recognition that God’s gracious hand has brought us through. This perspective transforms our celebrations into acts of worship and gratitude. [07:06]
2. Guarding against comparison and pride is essential to true celebration. The story of the prodigal son’s older brother warns us that envy and a sense of entitlement can rob us of joy. When we compare ourselves to others or believe we are more deserving, we miss out on the fullness of community and the grace that God extends to all. Instead, we are called to celebrate others’ blessings as if they were our own. [14:41]
3. Generosity and the use of our resources are vital in celebrating with others. God has given each of us unique gifts, talents, and resources, not just for our own benefit, but to bless and uplift those around us. When we use what we have to celebrate others—whether through acts of service, giving, or encouragement—we reflect the heart of God and strengthen the bonds of community. [17:52]
4. Making room to celebrate requires intentionality. Like the one leper who returned to thank Jesus, we must cultivate the habit of pausing to recognize and give thanks for God’s work in our lives and in the lives of others. Busyness and forgetfulness can easily crowd out gratitude, but when we make space to celebrate, we honor God and encourage one another. [21:04]
5. Celebration is not just for the big moments, but for the everyday mercies. It’s easy to overlook the small victories and daily provisions, yet these are often the clearest signs of God’s ongoing faithfulness. By celebrating both the extraordinary and the ordinary, we develop hearts that are continually attuned to God’s goodness and presence. [21:48]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:32] - Sharing Our Celebrations
[07:06] - Celebration Reflects God’s Character
[09:22] - God’s Unchanging Faithfulness
[11:16] - Rejoice with Those Who Rejoice
[12:13] - The Parable of the Prodigal Son
[12:58] - The Father’s Compassion and Restoration
[13:59] - The Older Brother’s Attitude
[14:41] - Lessons from the Older Brother
[15:15] - Choosing to Celebrate Others
[16:22] - Using Our Gifts to Celebrate
[17:52] - The Cost and Worth of Generosity
[20:10] - Jesus Heals the Ten Lepers
[21:04] - Making Room for Thanksgiving
[21:48] - Celebrating Everyday Mercies

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Romans 12:15 (ESV) — > Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

Luke 15:11–32 (ESV) – The Parable of the Prodigal Son — (You may want to read the whole parable together, but focus especially on the older brother’s response in verses 25–32.)

Luke 17:11–19 (ESV) – Jesus Heals Ten Lepers — (Read the story, paying attention to the one leper who returns to give thanks.)

Observation Questions

In Romans 12:15, what two instructions does Paul give to the church about how to relate to others in their different seasons of life?
In the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32), what was the older brother’s reaction when his younger brother returned and was celebrated? What reasons did he give for feeling this way?
According to the story in Luke 17:11–19, how many lepers did Jesus heal, and how many returned to thank Him? What was Jesus’ response to the one who came back?
The sermon mentioned that celebration is a reflection of God’s character and faithfulness. What are some examples from the Bible or your own life where celebration pointed back to God’s goodness? [[07:06]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul commands the church to “rejoice with those who rejoice”? What impact does this have on unity and relationships within a diverse community? [[11:16]]
What does the older brother’s attitude in the prodigal son story reveal about the dangers of comparison and pride? How can these attitudes affect our ability to celebrate others? [[14:41]]
In the story of the ten lepers, what might have kept the other nine from returning to give thanks? What does this suggest about the importance of intentional gratitude? [[21:04]]
The sermon says that using our resources to celebrate others can come at a cost. Why is generosity so closely tied to true celebration in Christian community? [[17:52]]

Application Questions

Think of a recent time when someone else experienced a breakthrough or blessing. Was it easy or hard for you to celebrate with them? If it was hard, what thoughts or feelings got in the way? [[14:41]]
Are there areas in your life where you find yourself comparing your situation to others, or feeling like you “deserve” more? How does this affect your joy and your relationships? [[14:41]]
The sermon shared stories of people using their time, talents, and resources to celebrate others (like helping at a wedding or giving gifts). What is one practical way you could use what God has given you to bless someone else’s celebration this month? [[17:52]]
When was the last time you paused to thank God for an “everyday mercy” or small victory? What could you do to make space for gratitude in your daily or weekly routine? [[21:48]]
The one leper returned to thank Jesus, while the others did not. What are some practical habits or reminders you could set up to help you remember to celebrate and give thanks, even in busy seasons? [[21:04]]
Is there someone in your life right now who could use encouragement or celebration? How could you intentionally “rejoice with those who rejoice” this week? [[11:16]]
The sermon mentioned that celebration is not just for big moments, but also for the ordinary, everyday mercies. What is one small thing you can celebrate and thank God for today? [[21:48]]

Sermon Clips

The character of God is revealed in our celebrations. It was his provision. It was his favor that surrounded me as a shield that enabled me to do that. It was his help that helped me to do that. We can join the psalmist when the psalmist says, I look to the mountains and where does my help come from? My help comes from him because of his character and his love to help us in our time of need. We can join David as he says, surely it was his goodness and his mercy that was following me all the days of my life. Our celebrations reflect something of the nature and the character of the God that we serve that's revealed in Christ Jesus. [00:08:37] (44 seconds) #GodsCharacterRevealed

One thing I know for sure is that his character will remain the same through all generations. His love and his faithfulness will remain the same through it all. Our celebrations point to the very nature and the character of the God in whom we worship. [00:09:46] (18 seconds) #UnchangingLoveAndFaithfulness

And one of the ways that he says that we can do church well, one of the ways that he says that we can love well, one of the ways that we can do community well, he gives a really simple line and he says, if you want to do it really well, then you need to learn how to celebrate with those who celebrate. [00:10:47] (19 seconds) #CelebrateTogetherInCommunity

``See, there's some lessons for us here that if we're going to celebrate well, that somehow we need to learn from this parable. We need to learn that there's no space for comparison. As we've heard recently, that comparison is the thief of joy. There's no room for they didn't deserve it. That person didn't deserve it. Because when we look at it, none of us really deserve it. There's no space here. There's no space here. And it's all by grace that we have what we have. It's because of his grace and because his mercy. No room for pride because all that we have comes from above and comes from him. [00:14:49] (37 seconds) #ChoosingJoyInOthersBlessings

But you have a choice in that moment. As to what you do, do I go, he didn't deserve it and I do, or do I celebrate with him? And however much that hurt, celebrate with him. And I'm so pleased I made that choice to celebrate with him. Because if we're going to celebrate with those who... celebrate. We need to avoid the attitude of the older brother. [00:16:04] (26 seconds) #GenerousHeartsReflectGod

And it got me thinking about myself, and maybe it might get some of us thinking, that how often do we give God thanks and take time and make room to celebrate the good things that he's done? How often do we make room to celebrate each other? [00:21:32] (21 seconds)

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