The document discusses the spiritual discipline of celebration. It references biblical passages about the Year of Jubilee in Leviticus, which calls for the release of debts and slaves every 50 years. Celebration releases us into freedom by throwing off what weighs us down and trusting God with everything. Celebration draws out inner strength, as seen in Nehemiah when the people were told not to grieve but find joy in God's strength. Celebration helps us to journey well and remember the past, marking milestones along the way, and lets us know we have arrived.
Greetings From Naples Christian Academy!
Advent. Expectancy. Waiting, Preparing. Celebrating. All these words come to mind when I think of the season we call “Christmas”. While we watch children (and adults!) get excited about the arrival of Christmas, the heavens and earth groaned in eager expectation 2000 years ago for the arrival in a country manger of the Christ child, Jesus.
The Advent season has been celebrated by believers for centuries, with each week being a time for reflection, meditation, adoration, and ultimate celebration of the birth of God’s Light to the world. We at the Academy have spent time writing, composing, painting and expressing our thoughts and visions about the various aspects of the Advent season – joy, hope, peace, and light.
May this Christmas be full of thankfulness and blessings for you and your family!
Slides supporting a message by Mike Popovich, Freedom Ministries, Church, Colorado Springs, CO.
Topic: Jesus - Our Rest, Liberation, and Restoration
Date: 8/31/14
Link to Full Message: http://freedomministries.tv/media-library/8-31-14/jesusourrest/
Greetings From Naples Christian Academy!
Advent. Expectancy. Waiting, Preparing. Celebrating. All these words come to mind when I think of the season we call “Christmas”. While we watch children (and adults!) get excited about the arrival of Christmas, the heavens and earth groaned in eager expectation 2000 years ago for the arrival in a country manger of the Christ child, Jesus.
The Advent season has been celebrated by believers for centuries, with each week being a time for reflection, meditation, adoration, and ultimate celebration of the birth of God’s Light to the world. We at the Academy have spent time writing, composing, painting and expressing our thoughts and visions about the various aspects of the Advent season – joy, hope, peace, and light.
May this Christmas be full of thankfulness and blessings for you and your family!
Slides supporting a message by Mike Popovich, Freedom Ministries, Church, Colorado Springs, CO.
Topic: Jesus - Our Rest, Liberation, and Restoration
Date: 8/31/14
Link to Full Message: http://freedomministries.tv/media-library/8-31-14/jesusourrest/
Every genuine Christian wants to grow in their faith, and in Christlike character, but how does that happen? Growth takes intentionality, and involvement with people. Humility and a learner's heart helps immeasurably. In the final analysis, you get to select your rate of growth! You can take the slow train or the fast train!
False religion v/s True Religion
True Fasting
Salvation by Grace, Good deeds?
Works v/s Good deeds
Yahweh, A God who freely forgives
Understanding will help us understand the Gospels and epistles.
Part 1 of a 3 part series on stewardship. This sermon focuses on the Old Testament pattern of giving. It will shed some light on what tithing really is about.
After David had Uriah killed, his heart turned to God. Psalm 51 records a prayer of David asking God to cleanse his heart. How did he recover from such a great sin and restore his relationship with God?
HOW Church congratulates you on deciding to take on this journey by challenging yourself to seek God in such an intentional way. May the Holy Spirit be louder than your thoughts, emotions, fears, and struggles. May you encounter God in such a newly profound way. May you fall in love with His Word and His Presence. And we pray: may God the Father provides you instruction and clarity on His direction for your and your family's life for this new year.
As a congregation, we believe the Lord is doing a great work. This work starts with intentional disciples who are willing to be set apart for the Kingdom of God and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
14Week 2 Theological and Biblical ReadingsAll-Knowing- Dan 22MatthewTennant613
14
Week 2 Theological and Biblical Readings
All-Knowing- Dan 2:20-22, 1Ch 28:9
NIV Daniel 2:14-23
When Arioch, the commander of the king's guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact. 15 He asked the king's officer, "Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?" Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel. 16 At this, Daniel went in to the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him.
17 ¶ Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 18 He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and said: "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. 21 He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. 22 He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. 23 I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king."
NIV 1 Chronicles 28:9-11
9 ¶ "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 10 Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a temple as a sanctuary. Be strong and do the work."
Compassion – Psa 103:13-14, Joh 3:16
NIV Psalm 103:6-14
The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. 7 He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: 8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
NIV John 3:16-17
¶ "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.Faithfulness – Jos 23:14, Deu 7:9; Psa 145:13
NIV Joshua 23:14-16
¶ "Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of ...
14Week 2 Theological and Biblical ReadingsAll-Knowing- Dan 22EttaBenton28
14
Week 2 Theological and Biblical Readings
All-Knowing- Dan 2:20-22, 1Ch 28:9
NIV Daniel 2:14-23
When Arioch, the commander of the king's guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact. 15 He asked the king's officer, "Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?" Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel. 16 At this, Daniel went in to the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him.
17 ¶ Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 18 He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and said: "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. 21 He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. 22 He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. 23 I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king."
NIV 1 Chronicles 28:9-11
9 ¶ "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 10 Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a temple as a sanctuary. Be strong and do the work."
Compassion – Psa 103:13-14, Joh 3:16
NIV Psalm 103:6-14
The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. 7 He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: 8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
NIV John 3:16-17
¶ "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.Faithfulness – Jos 23:14, Deu 7:9; Psa 145:13
NIV Joshua 23:14-16
¶ "Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of ...
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
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Every genuine Christian wants to grow in their faith, and in Christlike character, but how does that happen? Growth takes intentionality, and involvement with people. Humility and a learner's heart helps immeasurably. In the final analysis, you get to select your rate of growth! You can take the slow train or the fast train!
False religion v/s True Religion
True Fasting
Salvation by Grace, Good deeds?
Works v/s Good deeds
Yahweh, A God who freely forgives
Understanding will help us understand the Gospels and epistles.
Part 1 of a 3 part series on stewardship. This sermon focuses on the Old Testament pattern of giving. It will shed some light on what tithing really is about.
After David had Uriah killed, his heart turned to God. Psalm 51 records a prayer of David asking God to cleanse his heart. How did he recover from such a great sin and restore his relationship with God?
HOW Church congratulates you on deciding to take on this journey by challenging yourself to seek God in such an intentional way. May the Holy Spirit be louder than your thoughts, emotions, fears, and struggles. May you encounter God in such a newly profound way. May you fall in love with His Word and His Presence. And we pray: may God the Father provides you instruction and clarity on His direction for your and your family's life for this new year.
As a congregation, we believe the Lord is doing a great work. This work starts with intentional disciples who are willing to be set apart for the Kingdom of God and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
14Week 2 Theological and Biblical ReadingsAll-Knowing- Dan 22MatthewTennant613
14
Week 2 Theological and Biblical Readings
All-Knowing- Dan 2:20-22, 1Ch 28:9
NIV Daniel 2:14-23
When Arioch, the commander of the king's guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact. 15 He asked the king's officer, "Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?" Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel. 16 At this, Daniel went in to the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him.
17 ¶ Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 18 He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and said: "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. 21 He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. 22 He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. 23 I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king."
NIV 1 Chronicles 28:9-11
9 ¶ "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 10 Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a temple as a sanctuary. Be strong and do the work."
Compassion – Psa 103:13-14, Joh 3:16
NIV Psalm 103:6-14
The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. 7 He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: 8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
NIV John 3:16-17
¶ "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.Faithfulness – Jos 23:14, Deu 7:9; Psa 145:13
NIV Joshua 23:14-16
¶ "Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of ...
14Week 2 Theological and Biblical ReadingsAll-Knowing- Dan 22EttaBenton28
14
Week 2 Theological and Biblical Readings
All-Knowing- Dan 2:20-22, 1Ch 28:9
NIV Daniel 2:14-23
When Arioch, the commander of the king's guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact. 15 He asked the king's officer, "Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?" Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel. 16 At this, Daniel went in to the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him.
17 ¶ Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 18 He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and said: "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. 21 He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. 22 He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. 23 I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king."
NIV 1 Chronicles 28:9-11
9 ¶ "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 10 Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a temple as a sanctuary. Be strong and do the work."
Compassion – Psa 103:13-14, Joh 3:16
NIV Psalm 103:6-14
The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. 7 He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: 8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
NIV John 3:16-17
¶ "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.Faithfulness – Jos 23:14, Deu 7:9; Psa 145:13
NIV Joshua 23:14-16
¶ "Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of ...
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
Exploring the Mindfulness Understanding Its Benefits.pptxMartaLoveguard
Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined as the conscious, non-judgmental observation of the present moment, has deep roots in Buddhist meditation practice but has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. In today's society, filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers a valuable tool for regaining inner peace and reconnecting with our true selves. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, leading to a greater sense of clarity and presence in our daily lives.
Slide 3: Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Well-being
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall quality of life.
Mindfulness increases awareness of our emotions and teaches us to manage them better, leading to improved mood.
Regular mindfulness practice can improve our ability to concentrate and focus our attention on the present moment.
Slide 4: Benefits of Mindfulness for Physical Health
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can contribute to lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Regular meditation and mindfulness practice can strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting infections.
Mindfulness may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing stress and improving overall lifestyle habits.
Slide 5: Impact of Mindfulness on Relationships
Mindfulness can help us better understand others and improve communication, leading to healthier relationships.
By focusing on the present moment and being fully attentive, mindfulness helps build stronger and more authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness teaches us how to be present for others in difficult times, leading to increased compassion and understanding.
Slide 6: Mindfulness Techniques and Practices
Focusing on the breath and mindful breathing can be a simple way to enter a state of mindfulness.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any sensations and feelings.
Practicing mindful walking and eating involves consciously focusing on each step or bite, with full attention to sensory experiences.
Slide 7: Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life
You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities such as washing dishes or taking a walk in the park.
Adding mindfulness practice to daily routines can help increase awareness and presence.
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our needs and better manage our time, leading to balance and harmony in life.
Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
Mindfulness can bring numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Regular mindfulness practice can help achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.
Mindfulness has the power to change our perspective and way of perceiving the world, leading to deeper se
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way
SBs – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
HANUMAN STORIES: TIMELESS TEACHINGS FOR TODAY’S WORLDLearnyoga
Hanuman Stories: Timeless Teachings for Today’s World" delves into the inspiring tales of Hanuman, highlighting lessons of devotion, strength, and selfless service that resonate in modern life. These stories illustrate how Hanuman's unwavering faith and courage can guide us through challenges and foster resilience. Through these timeless narratives, readers can find profound wisdom to apply in their daily lives.
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
What Should be the Christian View of Anime?Joe Muraguri
We will learn what Anime is and see what a Christian should consider before watching anime movies? We will also learn a little bit of Shintoism religion and hentai (the craze of internet pornography today).
3. 8 “You shall count seven weeks of years, seven
times seven years, so that the time of the seven
weeks of years shall give you forty-nine years. 9
Then you shall sound the loud trumpet on the
tenth day of the seventh month. On the Day of
Atonement you shall sound the trumpet
throughout all your land.
Leviticus 25:8–12 ESV
4. 10 And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and
proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its
inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, when
each of you shall return to his property and each
of you shall return to his clan.
Leviticus 25:8–12 ESV
5. 11 That fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you; in it
you shall neither sow nor reap what grows of
itself nor gather the grapes from the undressed
vines. 12 For it is a jubilee. It shall be holy to you.
You may eat the produce of the field.
Leviticus 25:8–12 ESV
8. 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so
great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside
every weight, and sin which clings so closely,
and let us run with endurance the race that is set
before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and
perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set
before him endured the cross, despising the
shame, and is seated at the right hand of the
throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1–2 ESV
10. “The spirit of celebration will not be in us until we
have learned to be 'careful for nothing.' And we
will never have a carefree indifference to things
until we trust God … No one would dare
celebrate the Jubilee unless they had a deep
trust in God’s ability to provide for their needs.”
- Richard J. Foster, In Celebration of Discipline
12. 9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and
Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who
taught the people said to all the people, “This
day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or
weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the
words of the Law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go
your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and
send portions to anyone who has nothing ready,
for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be
grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:9–12 ESV
13. 11 So the Levites calmed all the people, saying,
“Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.”
12 And all the people went their way to eat and
drink and to send portions and to make great
rejoicing, because they had understood the
words that were declared to them.
Nehemiah 8:9–12 ESV
19. 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.
Philippians 4:4–7 NLT
21. 40 And you shall take on the first day the fruit of
splendid trees, branches of palm trees and
boughs of leafy trees and willows of the brook,
and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God
seven days.
Leviticus 23:40 ESV
We are going to talk about the spiritual discipline of celebration.
Yes, I just used discipline and celebration in the same sentence!
Celebration is important! - It is important that we take time to celebrate and that we do it well.
Champions League
Podium celebrations
Town rides
Celebration songs
Why is celebration important for Christians?
“Jubilee” in Hebrew refers to the sound of a trumpet.
It is closely linked to the idea of Sabbath.
Sabbath is something that we do weekly, and seasonally, as related to the feasts.
But there was also one year out of every seven that was declared a sabbath year.
Every seven sevens a grand year of ultimate Sabbath.
On this year, it was like a giant “reset button.” Everything would go back to the way it was when God gave his people their inheritance.
Debts would be cancelled.
Land would revert to it’s original owner.
Everyone would return to their family and place of origin.
Arguably, it would be like going back to the Garden of Eden.
There is no indication in the Bible, or in any other historical record, that this celebration ever took place.
Is it any wonder? Can you imagine actually doing this?
Even Bernie Sanders wouldn’t vote for redistribution on this scale!
Socialists sometimes tout the Year of Jubilee as a Biblical precedent for their model society, but it remains an ideal; in the real world it invites corruption.
Perhaps Jubilee (like the Law and the Old Covenant) was meant to show us what we could never attain apart from Christ?
Jesus was the fulfillment of Jubilee!
Jesus didn’t hold on to anything.
Jesus forgave our sin and cancelled our debts.
Jesus restores us to our original Divine inheritance.
What things have you let go of to follow Christ?
It is normal for believers to go through times of realizing that certain things are keeping them from following Christ completely.
It may be old habits or addictions.
It may be money or success.
It may be relationships that need to be prioritized differently.
Sometimes God will let us take those things up again after a time because they no longer have power over us like they once did.
But there may be things in our lives, like the Sabbatical year, that we have to release to God over and over again.
Releasing should bring joy, like a weight is lifted off and we can run with purpose toward our real goal!
What would it take for you be truly free?
Are you worried about what people think?
Are you worried about your own financial or relational security?
Are you worried about your future or your legacy?
What happens if you give to God what you cannot control?
The story of Ezra and Nehemiah is probably the closest that Israel ever came to celebrating a Jubilee.
They returned to their ancestral homeland.
Their debts were literally paid through Divine providence.
It was a complete starting over, probably the biggest exercise in dependence on God since crossing the Red Sea.
The people heard the Law for the first time in a generation (probably reading from Deuteronomy) and they wept with conviction at the Word of the Lord.
The conviction of the Holy Spirit is not a bad thing, it doesn’t even have to feel bad.
It’s the lies of the enemy that make us feel hopeless or inadequate.
Expressing godly sorrow which leads to repentance is a good thing, it’s the bad feelings on their way out!
The people were instructed not to grieve, or probably better stated, to move through their grief to joy!
How long does a person have to mourn over their sin before they can move to joy?
Apparently not very long!
Forgiveness is real. You don’t have to stay stuck.
How Laughter and Smiling Affects Your Physical Health
https://www.medicaldaily.com/health-benefits-laughter-and-smiling-how-expressing-joy-affects-your-physical-411681
They Release Chemicals. When we smile, the movements of our muscles send signals to our brains. These signals release serotonin and endorphins, which are known as the “feel-good” chemicals of the brain. These chemicals make us happy when they are released, and they can reduce perceptions of pain.
They Relax the Body. Laughter, particularly a good hard belly laugh, can relieve built-up body tension and stress. When we laugh, the muscles we use to do so will relax, and they can stay relaxed for 30–45 minutes after that.
They Reduce Stress. When endorphins are released in the brain, stress hormones, such as cortisol, are reduced. When we feel stressed, anxious, or fearful, our bodies release more cortisol. This cortisol release creates negative, unpleasant, stressful feelings. We can lower our cortisol levels by laughing and relaxing.
They Support Lung Health. When we laugh, our lungs expand and become replenished with oxygen. We let a lot of air out and a lot of air in. This process is similar to deep breathing techniques used to relieve stress. Deep laughter sends more oxygen-rich nutrients and blood throughout the body.
They Support Heart Health. Laughing on a regular basis lowers blood pressure, increases blood flow, and improves the function of blood vessels, which can all decrease your risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
They Promote a Healthy Immune System. Laughter is a great way to reduce stress hormones and increase “feel-good” hormones. Due to these processes and changes in chemicals, our immune systems increase the numbers of white blood cells and other infection-fighting antibodies. This improves our everyday health and protects us from viruses.
They Serve as Exercise. A good laugh is also good exercise. It burns calories, provides our body with movement, increases conditioning and toning, and keeps our cardio systems working.
Part of Christian maturity is learning to live from the God’s strength instead of from our own human nature.
Each year I take a personal retreat where I reflect on the past year, evaluate my present circumstances and set goals for the future. One of my evaluation questions asks not only if I am working in obedience to Christ, but am I doing so from a place of striving or from rest?
I have learned that If I am striving and struggling to accomplish something that it’s my flesh doing it.
If I’m striving, then I am trying to meet my own need or satisfy some inner longing that only God can fill.
When I’m following Christ, I will work hard and be diligent but it doesn’t feel like work. It feels like joy.
So joy and celebration are good for you! But as a spiritual discipline there is another reason why they are vitally important.
At each milestone of our Christian journey there needs to be celebration - just like a touchdown, we want to take a moment to engage the crowd and let that rush of adrenaline propel us on to the next play.
The Christian life is one of growth and change.
It’s a journey and celebration helps us to both recognize that fact and measure our progress.
Sabbath was not just a time of rest, but a time of regrouping - taking stock of what has been accomplished and where we are going.
The Jubilee was designed to keep people in a continual state of dependence on God but it was also designed to maintain the identity , vitality and relational connection of God’s people.
Jubilee was designed to be shalom - that place of perfect peace.
God commands his people to rejoice.
Not only in the New Testament but in the Old Testament too!
It’s the eleventh commandment, “Thou shalt party!”
The purpose of the “party” is to remember well the accomplishment or the milestone.
God wanted his people to remember the joy that they had when he brought them out of Egypt.
When we celebrate with friends, dance at someone’s wedding, take pictures or eat cake we are marking he occasion with a celebration.
We want the joy of that occasion to stay in our memory forever.
Whenever we finish something really big or reach an important milestone we celebrate our arrival at that place.
We celebrate graduation from an education.
We celebrate weddings, childbirth, baptisms, anniversaries and funerals.
The ultimate Jubilee is heaven. It’s the end of our journey on earth.
But who knows what adventures await us then?
Celebration is like that giant “reset button.”
It doesn’t mean it’s the end, but it’s rite of passage from one thing to another.
It’s how we know that one phase is completed and another has begun.
As a Christian discipline, celebration is more than just a good time or a good feeling.
It’s abandoning our cares to enter into joy!
It’s reaffirming our trust in God.
It’s letting the joy of the Lord fill us and motivate us.
It’s remembering, re-energizing and refocusing.
It’s letting God take us to a new thing or a new level.
What brings you joy in life? When is the last time you really got excited or laughed out loud? Is joy a regular part of your life or is it the exception?
Are you able to cut loose and really celebrate in a care-free manner? What’s holding you back or weighing you down? What needs to happen for you to be free?
What are you looking forward to? What is your next milestone to celebrate? Set a time or a goal together with God and prepare to celebrate when you reach it!