We’re all becoming someone

Look Back.

Gratefully Celebrate.

Always be full of joy in the Lord. Philippians 4:4 NLT

Philippians 4:4-7 NLT

4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!  5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.  6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

We want to be people who always celebrate how God moved.

Nehemiah 8:8-10, 12 NLT

8 They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage. 9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the Lord your God.” For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.  10 And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” 
12 So the people went away to eat and drink at a festive meal, to share gifts of food, and to celebrate with great joy because they had heard God’s words and understood them.

Joy 🡪 a gladness to be together

Nehemiah 9:17 NLT

17 They refused to obey and did not remember the miracles you had done for them. Instead, they became stubborn and appointed a leader to take them back to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love. You did not abandon them,

He’s not going anywhere.

Philippians 4:6, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”

Prayer makes us aware and attentive of God’s presence.

Jesus made a way for God to be present in everything in our lives.

Two Categories:

- Big stuff that is always true

God’s not going anywhere.

With God, even our faults and failures become connections and celebrations.

1 Corinthians 11:26 NLT

26 For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.

- Little stuff that is true lately

When God is in the mix, good is found everywhere.

Are we looking?

• Positive Gossip 

Philippians 4:8-9 NLT

8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.  9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

• Short Stories from your life

• Reflecting on the day that has passed, Lord, show me where you were at work in my life. In what ways did I experience your goodness? When did I hear you speak?