It's been said that one of the most troubling conditions in our culture is an epidemic of ingratitude - meaning that we tend to see and fixate on everything that is wrong or lacking in our lives while minimizing or ignoring the good. And it's an easy trap to fall into for most. There really is evil in this world. We really do face injustice. Bad things have and will happen to us and those we love. But that is not the whole story.

It's also been said that many Christians focus on the events of Genesis chapter three (when sin & death entered into creation) at the expense of chapters one & two (when the beauty of all creation, culminating in the formation of humanity, is manifested and extolled by our Creator). Now, we absolutely must deal with the reality, the effects, and the resolution of sin. But we also must remember that God has infused the universe with beauty and glory (generally) and that He's marvelously imprinted humanity with His own image (specifically). This means that, despite the brokenness around us, we can and should revel in all that goodness in our created order and in one another, showing our gratitude for life and all that God has done to restore that goodness through Jesus, both now (in part) and one day in eternity (in full).

#Celebration #CelebrationSunday #Gratitude #Thanksgiving

As we wrap up our series in the book of Haggai (focusing on our priorities) we also have the chance to engage in our latest Celebration Sunday, an opportunity to celebrate & worship God for all the good He’s done (and is doing!) in our lives.

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Why do we do what we do? Often, it seems that we might just be going through the motions. Other times, it's like we're operating on autopilot. Perhaps we've gotten a glimpse of a future we want to see happen or even find ourselves motivated by more base instincts, like getting ahead or just taking care of our own selfish needs.

The best option, though, is that we have discovered a great value, a compelling REASON. Have you?

Because, if we do discover this, if we are compelled by this, then our priorities begin to align with the good and the right and we are able to out the fully human, fully joyful life God has planned for us.

#Priorities #FutureGlory #Celebrate #CelebrationSunday

What do you think of when you hear the word celebrate? In our culture, probably pictures of birthdays, weddings, holidays, and anniversaries spring to mind - times when people gathered to showcase the value & impact of something important to them. The key to any celebration is just that - pointing out the value of someone or something and then making some kind of to-do about it. For Jesus-followers, it's imperative that we remember to celebrate the One of utmost value & importance, the Savior who paid our debt and granted us abundant life today & for all eternity. Today we celebrate the God who loves us, worshiping in some unique ways. Let's face it - the best celebrations we can remember invariably include the people closest to us gathering together!

#Celebration #CelebrationSunday #Baptism