Embracing Celebration in Every Season of Life
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound concept of celebrating as a core value in our spiritual journey. Celebration is not merely an act of joy but a deliberate pause to honor God and recognize His work in our lives. We delved into the idea that every season of life, whether joyous or challenging, holds a purpose under heaven. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 3, we acknowledged that life is filled with contrasting seasons—times of birth and death, planting and uprooting, weeping and laughing. Each season, though it may seem abrupt or unwelcome, is an opportunity to encounter God in a new way and to celebrate His presence and provision.
We reflected on personal experiences of unexpected seasons, recognizing that while we may not choose these times, they are essential for our growth and understanding of God's character. In moments of difficulty, we are invited to see God as our comforter, healer, and provider. These seasons teach us to rely on His peace and pace, allowing us to celebrate His faithfulness even when circumstances are not as we desire.
Celebration is also about recognizing the good in our lives and the lives of others. It is a call to slow down, to appreciate the gifts God has given us, and to express gratitude for His blessings. We are encouraged to celebrate not only the significant milestones but also the small victories along the way. This act of celebration is a form of worship, acknowledging God's sovereignty and His perfect timing.
As we continue to navigate through life's seasons, let us remember that God is with us, guiding us, and revealing Himself in new ways. By embracing the practice of celebration, we align ourselves with His purpose and experience the fullness of His joy.
Key Takeaways:
1. Celebration as a Spiritual Discipline: Celebration is a deliberate act of honoring God by pausing to recognize His work in our lives. It is not limited to joyful times but extends to every season, allowing us to encounter God in new ways and deepen our relationship with Him. [40:17]
2. Purpose in Every Season: Each season of life, whether joyful or challenging, holds a divine purpose. By embracing these seasons, we can discover different aspects of God's character, such as His faithfulness, provision, and peace, which are revealed uniquely in each phase. [50:10]
3. The Power of Gratitude: Celebrating involves recognizing and expressing gratitude for God's blessings, both big and small. This practice shifts our focus from what is lacking to what is present, fostering a heart of thankfulness and worship. [51:21]
4. Community and Encouragement: Celebration is not only personal but communal. We are called to recognize and celebrate the work of God in the lives of others, offering encouragement and support as we journey together in faith. [52:23]
5. Trusting God's Timing: God's timing is perfect, and His promises are sure. Even when seasons seem prolonged or delayed, we are reminded to trust in His plan, knowing that He is working all things for our good and His glory. [53:53]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Introduction to Core Values
[01:15] - The Value of Refilling
[02:00] - Serving in Community
[03:00] - The Principle of Refreshing
[04:00] - Embracing Generosity
[05:00] - Authenticity and Stewardship
[06:00] - Understanding Celebration
[07:30] - Seasons and Their Purpose
[09:00] - Personal Testimonies of Seasons
[10:30] - Encountering God in Every Season
[12:00] - The Call to Celebrate
[13:30] - Gratitude and Community
[15:00] - Trusting in God's Timing
[16:30] - Encouragement and Support
[18:00] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
2. 1 Thessalonians 5:11-18
3. Philippians 4:4-9
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Ecclesiastes 3, what are some of the contrasting seasons mentioned, and how do they reflect the different phases of life? [40:17]
2. In the sermon, how does the pastor describe the act of celebration as a spiritual discipline? [40:17]
3. What examples from the sermon illustrate the idea of encountering God in unexpected seasons? [50:10]
4. How does the pastor explain the importance of gratitude in the practice of celebration? [51:21]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "a time for every purpose under heaven" in Ecclesiastes 3 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's timing in your life? [40:17]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that celebration can deepen our relationship with God, even in difficult seasons? [50:10]
3. How does the pastor's personal testimony about unexpected seasons help illustrate the power of relying on God's peace and provision? [51:21]
4. What role does community play in the practice of celebration, according to the sermon? [52:23]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a challenging season in your life. How can you find reasons to celebrate God's presence and provision during that time? [50:10]
2. Identify a small victory or blessing in your life this week. How can you intentionally celebrate and express gratitude for it? [51:21]
3. Think about someone in your community or church who might need encouragement. How can you celebrate their journey and offer support? [52:23]
4. Consider a time when you struggled with God's timing. How can you practice trusting His plan and timing more fully in your current season? [53:53]
5. How can you incorporate the practice of celebration into your daily routine as a form of worship and gratitude? [40:17]
6. Reflect on a personal expectation that may have limited your ability to see God's work in your life. How can you surrender this expectation to God and celebrate His sovereignty? [54:47]
7. How can you encourage others in your small group to celebrate both the big and small moments in their lives, fostering a culture of gratitude and joy? [01:07:11]
Devotional
Day 1: Celebration as a Deliberate Pause
Celebration is a spiritual discipline that involves intentionally pausing to honor God and recognize His work in our lives. It is not confined to moments of happiness but extends to every season, allowing us to encounter God in new ways and deepen our relationship with Him. By deliberately choosing to celebrate, we acknowledge God's presence and provision, even in times of difficulty. This practice invites us to see God as our comforter, healer, and provider, teaching us to rely on His peace and pace. Through celebration, we align ourselves with His purpose and experience the fullness of His joy. [40:17]
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand." (Philippians 4:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can intentionally pause today to recognize and celebrate God's work, even if it is not what you expected or desired?
Day 2: Finding Purpose in Every Season
Each season of life, whether joyful or challenging, holds a divine purpose. By embracing these seasons, we can discover different aspects of God's character, such as His faithfulness, provision, and peace, which are revealed uniquely in each phase. Life is filled with contrasting seasons—times of birth and death, planting and uprooting, weeping and laughing. These seasons, though they may seem abrupt or unwelcome, are opportunities to encounter God in a new way. By trusting in His plan, we can find purpose and growth in every circumstance, knowing that God is with us, guiding us, and revealing Himself in new ways. [50:10]
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a challenging season you are currently facing. How can you seek to understand God's purpose in this season and what aspect of His character is He revealing to you?
Day 3: The Power of Gratitude
Celebrating involves recognizing and expressing gratitude for God's blessings, both big and small. This practice shifts our focus from what is lacking to what is present, fostering a heart of thankfulness and worship. By appreciating the gifts God has given us, we are called to slow down and express gratitude for His blessings. This act of celebration is a form of worship, acknowledging God's sovereignty and His perfect timing. Gratitude helps us to see the good in our lives and the lives of others, encouraging us to celebrate not only the significant milestones but also the small victories along the way. [51:21]
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV)
Reflection: Identify three small blessings in your life today. How can you express gratitude for these gifts and incorporate this practice into your daily routine?
Day 4: Community and Encouragement
Celebration is not only personal but communal. We are called to recognize and celebrate the work of God in the lives of others, offering encouragement and support as we journey together in faith. By celebrating with others, we build a sense of community and strengthen our relationships. This communal celebration allows us to share in each other's joys and burdens, fostering a spirit of unity and love. As we encourage one another, we reflect God's love and grace, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. [52:23]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your community can you encourage and celebrate with today? How can you intentionally support them in their journey of faith?
Day 5: Trusting God's Timing
God's timing is perfect, and His promises are sure. Even when seasons seem prolonged or delayed, we are reminded to trust in His plan, knowing that He is working all things for our good and His glory. Trusting in God's timing requires patience and faith, as we surrender our desires and expectations to Him. By relying on His wisdom and guidance, we can find peace and assurance in His perfect plan. As we navigate through life's seasons, let us remember that God is with us, guiding us, and revealing Himself in new ways. [53:53]
"But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." (2 Peter 3:8, ESV)
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you are struggling to trust God's timing? How can you surrender this to Him and find peace in His perfect plan today?
Quotes
"Seasons are interesting. We don't get to pick them. We don't get to tell winter when to come. We don't tell summer when to come. We don't get to do that. It just shows up, and sometimes it shows up all of a sudden. In my life, I've gone through many seasons, different things taking place." [00:39:44] (19 seconds)
"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. If you have your Bible there, underline the word purpose. A time for every purpose under heaven. We're going to read through the portion of these different seasons that we're going to circle back to it: a time to be born and a time to die." [00:45:50] (23 seconds)
"Sometimes there's moments that you don't even know what you need. People can ask you, 'How can I help you?' And the answer many times is, 'I don't know.' Because we literally don't know what he does. And he comes in, and he deposits the strength that we need for that day." [00:51:08] (21 seconds)
"But in every season, it's a choice and a call to action. I'm going to celebrate that. I can't get stuck. I want to relive my 20s. You know what? 20s happened, and that was amazing. And whatever was it, God gave me another chance in 30. Now I'm in my 40s." [00:52:34] (18 seconds)
"Because sometimes it's through those failures that you say, 'That's right, you're God and I'm not.' You're God and I'm not. But you are required to step out in faith to be able to do it. And let the Lord teach you and be your God and be present in those moments." [00:54:09] (20 seconds)
"Celebrate, it's an act of thanksgiving and gratitude towards God. If we continue there in Ecclesiastes now in verse 9, what profit has the worker from that in which he labors? I have seen the God-given tasks with which the sons of men are to be occupied. He has made everything beautiful in its time." [00:59:41] (23 seconds)
"Don't wait until the very end. Celebrate along the way. Because it helps to be filled up with joy to be able to keep on going. It helps you to do that. And some of you in here maybe never grew up surrounded by people that would encourage you. You don't know what that looks like." [01:08:04] (18 seconds)
"When I look at what my God did in creation, when you go to Genesis, he created day one, and then before he jumps to day two, oh that's good, then he did day two, and then he stopped, oh that was good, did a good job, let's keep on going, day three, that looks good too." [01:09:58] (22 seconds)
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