November 3, 2024 Devo

The question Jesus posed today was in response to the Pharisees wondering why Jesus’ disciples didn’t go around fasting and looking sad and remorseful. Their idea of godliness was to wallow in our fallenness before God. You know, bowed heads, eyes down, sackcloth and ashes. Though there is certainly a time to be broken and repentant before God, there is also a time to celebrate the power, the presence, and the JOY that God brings. And that day is TODAY!
As we come to worship today, has God answered prayer for you? Then we need to CELEBRATE! We have a God who listens for and responds to the prayers of His People. He is an ATTENTIVE God. He is a COMPASSIONATE God. He is a God who enjoys lavishing His love upon His Children. We need to celebrate a God like that!
Are you a product of God’s grace? We need to celebrate that today, too! I don’t know about you, but I shudder to think where my life would be today if it wasn’t for the amazing, bottomless grace of God. He has lifted us out of the darkness. He has forgiven our sins and thrown them into His Sea of Forgetfulness. Though we weren’t worthy or deserving, He has made us New Creations through Christ Jesus our Lord. If you are Forgiven and Free today, CELEBRATE!
Has God been faithful to you? Then celebrate that faithfulness! Our God is the God who never gives up on us. He is the Faithful Father ever-near, ever-watching, and ever-present. He is The One who has promised to never leave us or forsake us. If you can testify that the Lord has always been there for you and is there for you TODAY, then celebrate! He is our Faithful Friend!
Today, if you’ve come broken and guilty, it’s okay. You’ve come to the right place. Bow your head, humble your heart, and confess your repentance to the Lord. Pour out your sorrow and shame before our Gracious God. But as you rise to your feet, feel the weight of that sin lifted and the joy that comes from a clean heart and an emptied soul. Let Jesus breathe His Holy Spirit into you and fill you with His Peace and His Power. Then lift up your head, lift up your hands, and join in the party that is going on around The Throne. The Bridegroom is here, and His Presence fills this place. It’s time to CELEBRATE! That’s God’s Word for you today.