Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Celebration”
Our Bible verse for today: “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11:28 (NIV)
Our thought for today: “Obedience leads to joy which leads to celebration”
Richard Foster’s classic book “Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth” is primarily about the basic disciplines of the Christian life like prayer, Bible study, service, etc. Foster wrote the book to explain in simple form the thirteen primary spiritual disciplines that when incorporated into the Christian life, lead to spiritual growth and maturity. So the book is mostly about creating patterns in our lives that result in the regular practice of those activities which lead to spiritual growth.
But interestingly, the thirteenth and final discipline is celebration. Foster explains that if the first twelve are incorporated and stuck with, they naturally lead us to a life of celebration. In fact the first twelve disciplines must themselves be clothed in celebration and then together, they lead us to a life that is characterized by a spirit of celebration. Foster writes:
“Celebration is central to all the Spiritual Disciplines. Without a joyful spirit of festivity the Disciplines become dull, death-breathing tools in the hands of modern Pharisees. Every Discipline should be characterized by carefree gaiety and a sense of thanksgiving.”
“Celebration brings joy into life, and joy makes us strong. Scripture tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength.”
“In the spiritual life only one thing will produce genuine joy, and that is obedience.” (This is what Jesus was referring to in Luke 11:28)
Now let’s connect the dots on those thoughts: Celebration is an essential element in all aspects of the Christian’s life because celebration brings joy and a deep sense of joy makes us strong. However, genuine joy only comes out of a life lived in obedience to the Lord. So, if we know the word of God, obey it, and do the things necessary to cultivate a close relationship with the Lord (the spiritual disciplines) we will then have good reason to celebrate. In fact our lives will be characterized by a spirit of joy and celebration.
I don’t know about you, but I want that.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 