When you celebrate with others, you create a positive effect. Like tossing a rock into a pond, it creates affirming ripples that benefit everyone.
When You Celebrate With Others You Lift Them Up
I had a conversation one day with the father of two elementary age boys. He enthusiastically described their soccer skills during a recent game where both scored multiple goals.
He talked with fatherly pride. Celebrating their victory and development as budding athletes.
I understood where he was coming from. As parents raising a family, we celebrate when our children succeed. And invest in their lives to help them learn, develop and grow. Because we want to see them live productive, fulfilling lives.
And I celebrated with him. Congratulating him on the win and success of his boys. Like a cheering fan. And affirmed him as a good dad. For taking the time to coach his sons and teach them how to play the game.
It’s what all parents need. To be cheered on. Encouraged. Congratulated. Because parenting is a tough job. And the encouragement lifted him up. His smile broadened. His eyes filled with joy as he cherished the moment. No, he didn’t always get it right. But this time he did. And my participation in the celebration made it even sweeter.
When You Celebrate with Others It Blesses You
Celebrating with others is not always easy. Or come naturally. Because we tend to compare and compete. And feel threatened when another person out succeeds us.
But when you celebrate with others, it’s like an antidote. Because as you lift them up through celebration, it lifts you up too.
And in a day when tearing others down is the norm, there is a desperate need for people who build others up. That understand life is not all about them. Or meant for us to go it alone. But that God designed us to live in community. To support one another. And we are better together rather than apart.
When You Celebrate With Others You Generate A Positive Influence
When you celebrate with others you recognize their worth and value. You affirm their importance as a person made in the image of God.
I was in the check-out line of the grocery store one day. And both the cashier and the bagger were high school age young men. Working jobs I knew easily grew boring and monotonous. Scanning and bagging an assembly line of products for eight hours.
But these two young men were energetic and on task. And worked with speed and efficiency as they checked me out in record time.
I smiled when they finished. Thanked them. And commented how well they worked together as a team. And the positive effect was immediate. They straightened. Grinned at one another with a sense of pride. And checked out the customer behind me even faster.
It was a small celebration with a big impact. And that’s the point. When you celebrate with others you spread positive goodwill. Something most of us will probably agree we can use more of.About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Curious about Christianity?
Christians differ in their doctrines. And this can make Christianity confusing to those outside the faith. It isn’t. This book offers a simple, conversational explanation about its main concepts–the ones that support everything else. It is written in plain, everyday language for those who want a better understanding of its basic belief system.
There is power in praising God. An unfathomable mystery. And the impact on those who praise Him is both misunderstood and underestimated.
The Power In Praising God Connects You To His Presence
Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually. –Psalm 105:2,4
God is a person. Not a thing. An it. Or institution. He has emotions. And a unique character. Yes, it’s different than ours. Because He is perfect and holy. Which means he is completely consistent in his person. Because unlike us, his actions and emotions are never arbitrary or capricious. Yet, amazingly, he desires a personal relationship with you and me.
And praise ushers you into his presence.
Where you are humbled by his infinite greatness. Amid an almighty presence of power and love. And your shroud of darkness falls away. So you glimpse God’s glory.
The Power In Praising God Fills You With Awe And Wonder
You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel! –Psalm 22:23
Have you ever gazed out at the ocean where blue sky and blue water meet in an indistinguishable line? Tried to count the stars in the night sky? Beheld the majestic beauty of the Grand Canyon? In amazement?
Perhaps it gives you pause and a sense of perspective. As you’re suddenly aware of your finite smallness. Hardly able to comprehend, the magnitude of a God that simply speaks it all into existence.
But rather than find yourself overwhelmed by insignificance, you are reminded this very God loves you. Cares about you. And wants you to personally know and walk with him in fellowship.
Praise is your transport. It fills your mind with awe and wonder. As your heart overflows with humility and gratitude. Because you know you’re loved, valued and accepted. And you’re inspired to be better. Do better. And love better.
The Power In Praising God Is Spiritually Renewing
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. –Psalm 107: 8-9
Praising God is not just about him. It also spiritually recharges you. And is what you are designed for. God created you and through praise he recreates you. Because life both wears you down and wears you out. But praise is your renewable, spiritual energy source.
It lets you refocus your thoughts on God and reorient your life on the things of God. Like a reset to original specifications. It keeps you in sync with God’s purpose for your life. Which makes it more meaningful, joyful and fulfilling.
Praise is the path to the ultimate desire for every person…the satisfaction of a longing, hungry soul.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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Balaam’s talking donkey is a Bible story that fits well into a cartoon or sitcom. But the Bible? And yet, there it is. So what does an ancient talking donkey teach us today?
The story takes place as Israel approaches the nation of Moab on its way to the promised land. And this made King Balak of Moab nervous. Because Israel was conquering everyone in their path. And Moab was up next. So King Balak called on Balaam, a pagan prophet to curse them.
Balaam was a greedy, unethical man that practiced divination and magic arts. For him, this was a way to earn fast, easy cash.
But God threw a wrench in the deal by forbidding Balaam to curse Israel. Because Israel had His blessing.
The Bible Story Of Balaam’s Talking Donkey Teaches You Can’t Thwart God’s Sovereign Will
God wouldn’t let Balaam curse Israel, but gave him permission to visit King Balak. Although Bible scholars suggest he didn’t intend to obey God’s instructions. Therefore, God sent an angel to block the road. And impress on Balaam that He was serious about those instructions. Deadly serious.
So the angel blocks the road and Balaam can’t see him, but the donkey can. And doesn’t try to pass, even though Balaam beats him. Which is when the donkey speaks up–literally! And after the conversation, Balaam sees the angel in the road with a sword and realizes the donkey saved his life.
The point is, God is sovereign. And what He ordains will come true. He has a plan for the end of this world. For eternity. And for you.
Of course, you have free will too. And can make choices and changes within God’s permissive will. But not His sovereign will. Balaam finally got the message. Although it took a drastic event to get his attention, open his eyes and listen to God.
What might this look like today?
The Bible Story Of Balaam’s Talking Donkey Teaches That God Can Be Creative In Accomplishing His Will
God is not a stuffed shirt. An angry old man tossing lightning bolts. He’s creative. Has a sense of humor. And introduced a talking animal long before any of our TV shows. And it’s not the only time God used quirky methods to carry out His divine plan.
He told Gideon to cut his army of over 30,000 down to 300. Armed them with trumpets and torches. Had them surround the army of their enemy, blow the trumpets, hold up the torches and shout. He had Joshua march around the city of Jericho once for 6 days straight. And on the 7th day, march around it 7 times, blow trumpets and shout.
Can you imagine how ridiculous the Israelites must have looked? And felt?
The point is, God often tests your faith by asking you to trust Him. He invites us to join in working for His Kindgom. But often chooses unlikely leaders and surprising methods to carry out His will.
The Bible Story Of Balaam’s Talking Donkey Teaches That God Expects Us To Live By Conviction
God expected Balaam to stand by his convictions. And expects us to do the same. Of course, standing by convictions assumes you have moral standards. Which is the whole point of the Bible. It sets out God’s plan, purpose and path for this life and beyond. It’s His divine instruction manual.
The problem for Balaam is he appeared to lack convictions and moral standards. He was all about pursuing money. And since blessing Israel was part of God’s sovereign will, God made sure Balaam followed through on it.
Unlike the story of Balaam, God usually lets you choose to obey Him or not. Although there are encouragements and warnings about the benefits and consequences for when you do and don’t.
But living by Godly convictions is not easy. Especially in a world driven by material gain. Which is why the Bible is such an important resource. Because it provides instructions, principles and yes, commands for us to follow. Not to overwhelm us with rules, but to guide us in living holy lives that maintain good relationships with others.
It shows you how to live your best life now and forever.
Scripture offers a Biblical prescription for the healing of America. Healed, not fixed. Although it’s clearly broken. Because we are individually broken. And national healing is the cumulative result of individual healing on a mass scale.
Although this Scripture passage specifically addresses the covenant between God and Israel, it still offers a remedy for America. Because there is brokenness within the heart and soul of every American. And where the healing starts.
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. —2 Chronicles 7:14
A Biblical Prescription For The Healing Of America Responds To God’s Call
God calls us into a relationship with Him. That’s what’s broken. It’s not about achieving perfection. Or following religious rules. But responding to God’s invitation for a restored relationship through Jesus Christ.
And this makes you part of a greater community–the church. Which, according to the Greek word “Ekklesia” means, the called out ones. Also, known as the Bride of Christ.
As this community grows–those who call themselves “People of God”–perhaps other name calling will decline.
A Biblical Prescription For The Healing Of America Seeks Humility
Humility is other centered. Puts others first. And gives them the benefit of the doubt. It’s not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.
Which is difficult because we’re naturally self-centered.
But it begins by acknowledging I am imperfect. You are too. And we all fall short of God’s standard. That Jesus Christ is the only one who met it. So we pause before rushing to judgement. And look for ways to extend grace.
Knowing Jesus is the perfect example of humility we should imitate.
A Biblical Prescription For The Healing Of America Involves Prayer
Prayer is more than presenting your list of wants to God. It’s entering His presence to both speak and listen. Seek His will. And obey. Which also counters the natural tendency to demand our rights.
It includes personal confession and intercession. Recognizes that God is sovereign. And that prayer engages God’s power in ways that are both mysterious and miraculous.
A Biblical Prescription For The Healing Of America Requires Repentance
The people of Israel had a history of falling away from and returning to God. Repentance was the key difference between national prosperity and bondage. When Israel turned their backs on God, hard times followed. When they acknowledged their sin and turned back to God He restored them as a nation.
In the Greek, repentance means to turn from and turn to. In other words, a change of direction. Away from sin and towards God. More than an emotion, it’s an act of will. Done individually. But with a profound, spiritual impact when many people turn towards God together.
The good news is that God forgives. And change is possible. When we individually own our part. And collectively turn back to God. Perhaps then, we’ll be heading in a new and better direction.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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The Bible Story of Ruth teaches about Godly love. It starts with the love of a daughter-in-law for her mother-in-law. Then between a man and woman. And finally, the redeeming love of God for mankind.
The Bible Story Of Ruth Teaches Godly Love Makes God A Spiritual Priority
In the Bible story, Ruth and Orpah were the daughter-in-laws to Naomi. All became widows. And life for a widow during this ancient time was difficult. Because women had little access to gainful employment. And were therefore, highly dependent on husbands and family members for support.
Naomi was a Jew, but Ruth and Orpah were a Moabites. So Naomi urged them to return to their families in Moab where they had a better chance of finding other husbands. While Naomi planned to return to her home in the land of Judah.
So Orpah returned to Moab, but Ruth stayed with Noami. Making it clear she would not only follow Naomi; she would also follow Naomi’s God.
It was not a practical decision. Because the prospect for two widows with no means of support was bleak.
For Ruth however, it was a spiritual decision. One that exercised faith. Not just in Naomi, but in Naomi’s God.
When God is a spiritual priority and you make decisions on faith, it often looks impractical from a secular viewpoint. But you do so because you know God has your back. And you don’t measure the size of your problems, but the size of your God.
The Bible Story Of Ruth Teaches Godly Love Is Redemptive
According to Jewish law at this time, a kinsman-redeemer was a male relative who acted on behalf a relative in trouble, danger, or need. And Naomi and Ruth qualified for all three.
Ruth ended up gleaning for food in the fields of a rich, Jewish man named Boaz, who just happened to be a distant relative of Naomi and qualified as a kinsman-redeemer.
And Ruth caught his attention. Not just because of her physical beauty, but also the inner beauty of her character. Like every good love story, the two fell in love, married and had a son named Obed. And in his line of descendants was Jesus Christ.
That’s why the story of Ruth is so important. It illustrates, not just how people demonstrating Godly love can redeem others, but how God redeems us.
As people separated from God by sin, we too are in spiritual need. And Jesus Christ rescues us as our kinsman-redeemer.
The Bible Story Of Ruth Teaches Godly Love Is Sacrificial
Ruth’s faith decision required a willingness to sacrifice. What if she had gone back to Moab with Orpah?
That would mean no marriage to Boaz. No son Obed. No Jesus Christ. And where would that leave us?
Of course, Jesus made a significant sacrifice too. Which involved dying on a cross and resurrection three days later. Which he did willingly to demonstrate God’s love for us.
It’s remarkable isn’t it? How God weaves what looks like so many random stories into a very clear, intentional work of redemption for mankind. But God doesn’t just care generally about humanity. He cares specifically for you. And your story. And wants to change it from bondage in sin to freedom in Christ.
But like Ruth, you have to make a spiritual decision. On faith. And accept the redeeming gift of Jesus Christ.
And when you do, you’ll experience a new kind of love story. One with a happily ever after. That lasts for eternity.
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