Warriors Arise: November 18, 2021
Exodus 19:16-20 (NKJV) Then it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. 17 And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. 18 Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly. 19 And when the blast of the trumpet sounded long and became louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by voice. 20 Then the Lord came down upon Mount Sinai, on the top of the mountain.
I believe God knows how to celebrate and what needs to be celebrated. He doesn't "need" us to celebrate Him but for our good, for our growth, for our value, and for our part in the relationship, we "need" to celebrate Him. When we do not celebrate God He becomes less and less valuable in our own eyes. His value does not lessen; however, the value we place upon Him and our relationship with Him is lowered. We need to celebrate Him for us. Celebrating someone else means you are acknowledging their value in your life.
Secondly, when we celebrate God our relationship is strengthened. That acknowledgement, the value given for the celebration reinforces the bond.
Third, when our focus is on what God has done we are not afraid to come before Him to ask for something else. We boldly approach the throne, because we know we have favor.
Next, celebrating God and what He has done is humbling. Too many times, I could think that I am the one who accomplished a particular deed; when the fact is that it was God who orchestrated my deliverance, rescue, and cleared a path for me. Giving God all the praise doesn't leave room for me to be self-absorbed. Sure, He wants me to participate and do my part; however, I didn't open the prison door, Jesus did; therefore, I just had to walk out.
Finally, celebrating God gives a completely different view of God. He really does like to celebrate! He loves a worthy party. He intends to be there and to meet with His people. He will reveal Himself and call us up into His presence.
Years ago, I was compelled to dig into the Word about God's view of celebrations. I looked into the Word on what God saw as valuable to celebrate. I have tried to make it a practice to celebrate what God celebrates with a "wow factor." Someone may mention:
This is really something. Maybe you went overboard, don't you think?
I want you to plan my party.
I want you to decorate for the next thing.
I don't think God would want to you waste your time with all of that…
I don't think God would want you to spend money on decorations for that...
It really is a mis-use of your money, it could be spent on something else.
God is not concerned about the money. Obviously, He wants us to be good stewards of our finances. I will agree; however, I do believe we are to take a few tips from Him on how He would set up a party. Here in Exodus is a phenomenal example. It makes me wonder what kind of a party God celebrates every year for the birth of His Son here on earth. We celebrate Jesus' birth with Christmas. But how do you think God celebrates it in heaven? He probably has four major celebrations each year?
The day His Son was born on earth.
The day His Son was baptized.
The day His Son was crucified.
The day His Son returned Home (to heaven).
Bonus: Every time a human makes Jesus Lord of their life.
There could be so many. Jesus' first miracle. His first healing. The first time He taught in the Synagogue. The first time He touched and healed a leper. The first time He defeated Satan. Think of all the first's we celebrate. Do you think God celebrates those over Jesus? Do you think God celebrates those over you, wants to celebrate with you?
ABSOLUTELY! Most definitely! Every time, every day. Without a doubt.
Father, teach me to celebrate the things You celebrate. Teach me to celebrate You. Open my eyes so I see what You have done in my life. I want to give You credit. I want to celebrate You. I want to meet with You and give You honor, glory, and praise. You are worth being celebrated. All that you have provided in my life, I will celebrate You. All You have protected me from, I will celebrate You. All You have taught me, I will celebrate You. I will celebrate You for the gifting and talents You have given me. I will celebrate You for the opportunities You have given me. I will celebrate You for making a way out of a horrible situation. I will celebrate You for giving me courage when fear was hounding me. I will celebrate You because You are always available to me. I will celebrate You for hearing my prayers. I will celebrate You for answering the cry of my heart. You are faithful and I will celebrate You in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
Join together as Believers in Jesus Christ to pray and to push back the enemy as we release God’s power here on earth. If you have any questions please feel free to make a comment or private message me. If you would like this to come to your email directly please go to verideehand.com and subscribe.
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