The Power of Celebration: What You Elevate Will Permeate

Alright, let’s get a little real for a moment. We all celebrate something, right? Whether it’s the weekly coffee runs or the annual birthday bash, we’ve all got rituals. But do we ever stop and think about what we’re really celebrating? Because, newsflash: what we celebrate becomes a part of us. Think about it — when you step into someone’s house, there’s evidence of who lives there. If I came to your house, I could probably tell who’s a coffee addict or who loves their scented candles. It’s a metaphysical thing. In the same way, what we elevate in our hearts and lives will permeate every part of who we are.

God Inhabits Where He’s Celebrated

Psalm 22:3 drops a truth bomb: God inhabits the praises of His people. If you’re wondering why God feels far away, maybe ask yourself — are you celebrating Him, or is He the forgotten guest at the party? The truth is, God permeates where He’s invited, honored, and elevated. When we celebrate Him, His presence becomes real in our lives, just like how the Israelites had their seven customary feasts (Passover, Tabernacles, Trumpets, etc.). They weren’t just traditions—they were lifelines, marking God as their Provider, Ruler, and Redeemer.

So, here’s the kicker: if we celebrate God, His presence is unmistakable in our lives. The same goes for anything we elevate. Whether it’s good, bad, or indifferent, what we lift up will sink deep into our lives and start to take over.

It’s a Whole-Sensory Experience

Let me hit you with this: celebration isn’t just a mental thing. We involve all our senses when we celebrate something. Think about it:

• Mouth: What are you speaking into your life? What are you tasting, literally and figuratively?

• Eyes: What are you constantly putting in front of you? What’s capturing your gaze?

• Ears: What are you hearing, listening to?

• Hands: What are you touching, exchanging, holding onto?

• Nose: What are you surrounding yourself with that you can literally “smell”? (Yeah, that one might feel a little abstract, but bear with me.)

The more of your senses are involved, the deeper the celebration goes. In fact, celebration is double honor — it’s not just lip service, it’s giving weight and value to something in all aspects of your life. So, here’s a thought: what have you been giving double honor to?

Ask Yourself This:

1. What do you want in your future life?

2. What don’t you have currently that you wish you did?

Now, I’m about to drop some hard truth on you. What you have — and what you don’t have — is connected to what you’ve been celebrating and elevating. The things we’ve lifted up, the things we’ve put on a pedestal, are the very things shaping our reality. We celebrate what we elevate, and what we elevate will permeate our lives.

Look at Solomon in 1 Kings 11:1-13. He started strong, full of wisdom and favor, but then he began elevating the wrong things — he let his passion outrun his principles. He elevated his own desires and let foreign gods take up residence where the one true God should have been. His downfall came from what he chose to elevate.

Cultural Celebrations: The Silent Sabotage

Okay, here’s where I might step on some toes — but it’s gotta be said. Look at our culture today. What do we celebrate? Look closely, because the highest celebrations are often centered around moms and little girls (hear me out before you grab the pitchforks). While it’s not wrong to celebrate them, what happens when we elevate these roles above God’s order and authority? When matriarchal power is elevated above patriarchal, we celebrate emotions, soul strength, and entitlement over honor, excellence, and spiritual strength.

Now, flip that around. When we elevate the patriarch, we’re celebrating God-given authority, order, courage, knowledge, and honor. The celebration shifts our focus from sensuality and entitlement to empowerment, progress, and kingdom principles.

If we want to change what permeates our lives, we have to change what we’re celebrating. It starts in the mind. What are we elevating? What deserves double honor?

The Grace Age: Don’t Lose with Game-Changing Cards in Your Hand

Imagine you’re playing a game of UNO. The game is intense, and you’re holding some of the most powerful cards in the deck—Wild Cards, Draw Fours, Skips. Yet, you never play them. You keep waiting for the perfect moment, but by the time you’re ready, the game is over, and you’ve lost.

This is a picture of how we sometimes live our lives. We’ve been given everything we need to win—spiritually and practically—but we don’t use it. We’ve been graced with power, favor, and opportunity, yet we hesitate, wait, and often miss the moment. In the game of life, many are losing because they are holding onto God-given resources but not using them.

Pioneering with Grace

Pioneering is a path-making endeavor, and this calling isn’t for the faint of heart. My wife and I have often walked in this grace—the grace to break new ground, create something where nothing existed before, and press into uncharted territories. But let me be clear: pioneering isn’t about personal ability or talent. It’s about grace.

Grace is more than unmerited favor—it’s heavenly empowerment. According to 2 Corinthians 12:9, God’s grace is made perfect in weakness. Romans 5:1-2 reminds us that we stand in this grace, allowing us access to divine empowerment. Grace is the spiritual fuel that empowers us for specific assignments, even when our natural abilities might not seem sufficient.

Grace vs. Talent: The Difference that Matters

It’s easy to confuse grace with talent. Just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean you’re graced for it. Moses, for example, wasn’t a great public speaker, yet he had the grace to lead an entire nation out of slavery. Aaron, on the other hand, was talented as a speaker but wasn’t called to lead.

Similarly, the Apostle Paul, a Jewish scholar, wasn’t called to the Jews but to the Gentiles. This wasn’t about his education or his natural talent—it was about the grace God had placed on his life. It’s important to understand that talent can open doors, but grace will give you the divine empowerment to walk through them and succeed.

Grace means that even when you aren’t striving or pushing, God’s provision will come to you. You’ll see results and breakthroughs that don’t make sense by human standards. This is the power of walking in your God-given grace.

Recognizing Your Grace

We all have different graces, and knowing what God has empowered you to do is crucial. Some people have the grace to be a blessing magnet—they attract blessings everywhere they go. Others are graced to work with difficult people, to encourage those who are down, or to lead youth into faith.

Paul’s grace wasn’t just to preach; it was to go into difficult and foreign territories, endure persecution, and make a way where there seemed to be no way (Acts 14:19-23). The grace on his life empowered him to accomplish things that would’ve been impossible without God’s hand on him.

But what happens when you’re not walking in your grace? Frustration. You’ll find yourself irritated with others who struggle in areas where you have ease. Or worse, you’ll experience deep frustration when you’re not living out the grace God has placed on your life. It’s like holding game-changing UNO cards and never playing them.

Compounded Grace: The Power of Two

Grace doesn’t just stop with what you’ve been given; it compounds when partnered with others. Throughout Scripture, we see examples of this: Paul and Barnabas, Paul and Silas. In Zechariah 4:6-7, we’re reminded that grace can level mountains. When you combine the grace on your life with the grace on someone else, mountains—obstacles—become flat, and forward movement becomes effortless.

Imagine having the grace for leadership and then partnering with someone who carries grace for creativity. Add to that the grace of connections and conquering, and you’ve got a powerhouse team. The grace on your life compounds and creates an unstoppable force.

The Grace Age: Playing the Cards You’ve Been Dealt

Living in a Grace Age means knowing the cards you’ve been dealt and playing them wisely. God has given each of us specific gifts, callings, and graces. Our job is to recognize what they are and use them to their fullest potential. It’s not enough to hold onto these powerful cards, waiting for the perfect moment to use them. The time is now.

You’ve been empowered to pioneer, to lead, to overcome, and to make a way where there wasn’t one before. Don’t hesitate. Don’t miss your moment. The grace on your life isn’t just for you—it’s for the people you’re called to impact, the mountains you’re called to move, and the history you’re called to make.

God is About to Make History: A New Season of Anointing and Purpose

I want to share with you something powerful that God is doing in our midst. There are moments when we can sense that something big is on the horizon—an undeniable shift in the spiritual atmosphere. Right now, God is preparing to make history. Not in the way we might expect, and certainly not by using the people or methods we’d assume.

This is a time of renewal, a time when the oil that once didn’t flow is about to pour out. But before we dive into what’s coming, let’s take a look at an ancient story of anointing and purpose.

When the Oil Wouldn’t Flow: 1 Samuel 16:1-14

In 1 Samuel 16, we see the prophet Samuel sent by God to anoint a new king for Israel. Samuel was grieving over Saul, the king God had rejected, but God’s plans moved forward. Samuel goes to Jesse’s house, and Jesse parades all his sons before Samuel. They looked the part—tall, strong, fit for kingship—but the oil didn’t flow. Samuel was puzzled until the youngest son, David, was brought in from the fields. The oil flowed, marking David as God’s chosen one.

There are moments in our spiritual walk when the oil isn’t flowing—when we don’t see the movement of God like we expected. We’ve all been there:

• The night when nobody showed up for worship, and it felt like a failure… but instead, we went deeper into the presence of God. We made history.

• That time the lights turned off during a service, yet we pressed in, and God met us in the dark. We made history.

• The prayer night that seemed stale and lifeless, until we cried out to God with all we had. We made history.

Each of these moments was a prophetic act, preparing us for what’s coming. In those moments, we learned that God moves not when everything is perfect, but when our hearts are aligned with His. We began to operate in a priestly behavior—putting down our crowns and ego like King David did, and instead, focusing entirely on the presence of God.

Until the Oil Flows: 2 Samuel 6:12-15

David’s story didn’t end with his anointing. Years later, he danced before the Lord as the Ark of the Covenant—the tangible presence of God—was brought back to Jerusalem. David laid aside his royal garments and wore a priestly ephod. He didn’t care what he looked like in front of people; he cared about how God looked before the people. That’s the difference between a king and a priest.

A king cares about appearance, reputation, and power. But a priest? A priest cares about the presence of God above all else. David understood that the oil flows not when we look the part, but when we humble ourselves before God.

A Change is in the Air: The Year of 5785

As we step into the new Jewish year of 5785, there’s a fresh wind blowing. Change is in the air. It’s the same kind of shift that happened when David was anointed. God is about to lift the horn of oil again. And this time, He’s ready to pour out His anointing on some unexpected, even unlikely people.

Think about it: David was not the obvious choice. He wasn’t the oldest, the tallest, or the strongest. He didn’t look like a king, but he had the heart of one. God doesn’t anoint based on outward appearances. He looks at the heart, and He anoints those from whom He will get the most glory.

God is Not Picking What He Used in the Past

In this new season, God isn’t choosing people who look the part. If we’re expecting Him to anoint those who fit the world’s standards of leadership or success, we’re going to be disappointed. In fact, this might upset some people—maybe even those closest to us.

Just like Samuel had to renew his mind and align his heart with God’s plans, we have to let go of our attachment to the past move of God. It’s hard because we’ve invested so much in the last season. Saul represents yesterday’s anointing—what God used in the past. But there’s a danger in clinging to what worked before.

The old move of God often tries to kill the new move of God. Just as Saul sought to kill David, the new anointing can threaten the comfort and structure of what was established before. There comes a time when sides have to be chosen. Will we align with the old way, or step into the new?

And let me be clear: those who try to stand in both places—like Jonathan, Saul’s son—won’t make it into the new season. Jonathan loved David, but he remained loyal to Saul. His attempt to be both-sider cost him his life. In this season, fence-sitting isn’t an option.

The Oil is Flowing Where God Will Get the Most Glory

So who is God anointing now? It’s not the tallest, the oldest, the strongest, or the most popular. It’s not even the friendliest. The oil will flow where God will get the most glory. That means some unlikely people are about to be lifted up. People who don’t fit the mold, who maybe don’t have all the qualifications on paper—but whose hearts are fully surrendered to God.

This new move of God isn’t about appearance. It’s about transformation. It’s about priests, not kings. It’s about laying down the crowns of our accomplishments, our egos, and our expectations, and picking up the ephod of humility, worship, and reverence for the presence of God.

A New Season of Anointing

God is about to make history again. He’s lifting the horn, and the oil is about to flow. But will we recognize it? Will we be ready to let go of the old and embrace the new? Will we step into this season as priests, laying aside our desire to look good in front of people and instead seek to reflect God’s glory?

God isn’t picking what He used before. He’s anointing the unexpected, the unlikely, the humble. He’s pouring out His Spirit where He will get the most glory.

This is a time to decide where you stand. Are you holding onto yesterday’s move of God, or are you ready to step into the new? Will you make history with Him?

Pray:

Father, open our eyes to what You are doing in this season. Help us let go of what we’ve known and embrace the new anointing You are pouring out. Give us hearts like David—hearts that seek Your presence above all else. May we be the ones through whom You will get the most glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

How Far You Go with God Depends on How Close You Are: Exploring the Spectrum of Light

We all know people who think they are close to us. They casually believe they know our hearts, our struggles, and our dreams, but when you really examine the relationship, the intimacy just isn’t there. It’s surface level. It makes you wonder, how many of us approach God in the same way—believing we are close to Him, but not having the depth of relationship He desires?

James 1:17 calls God the “Father of Lights,” and in Genesis 1, God spoke those famous words, “Let there be light.” The foundation and essence of everything that exists in this universe is light. And in 1 Thessalonians 5:5, we are called the “Children of Light.” But, as children, how close are we to our Father of Lights? How much of His light do we reflect in our daily lives? And what does it mean to grow closer to Him?

Let’s explore this idea by comparing our spiritual walk to the spectrum of light—a tool that shows us where we might stand in our journey with God. Are you walking in the full spectrum of His light?

Radio Waves: Distant but Directed

At the farthest end of the spectrum are Radio Waves—they travel vast distances, carrying sound and information across great space. In the spiritual sense, this is where many people start. They are hearers of the Word. They come to church, they listen, they nod along, but their connection to God is more casual. They might be seeking direction, but they’re not yet fully engaged.

Are you in this place—willing to listen, but still far away in terms of intimacy?

Microwave: Sudden Jolts and Nudges

Microwaves travel by line-of-sight. They give us garage door openers, keyless entries, and the ability to zap a meal in seconds. In the spiritual realm, Microwave Christians are those who experience sudden “God moments”—those instances where God nudges you, jolts you, and makes you say, “Whoa, God is speaking to me!” But these moments are sporadic. The connection is still not deep or consistent.

Maybe you’re experiencing those “aha” moments with God but haven’t yet sought to make that connection daily.

Infrared: Hidden Heat and Growing Connection

Next is Infrared—a type of light not visible to the naked eye unless special measures are taken. This type of light is often associated with heat. In the spiritual journey, this represents those who are starting to feel the warmth of God’s presence but it’s not obvious to everyone around them. There are signs of a connection forming, and the heart is beginning to open to a deeper relationship with God.

Psalm 36:9 tells us, “In Your light, we see light.” This stage reveals that you are beginning to see, but there’s more to come.

Visible Light: The Change is Clear

Then we come to Visible Light—the light we can see with our natural eyes. At this stage, there are obvious signs of transformation. People around you begin to notice the changes: new habits, new ways of thinking, maybe even a change in your appearance or actions.

Are you at the point where your walk with God is becoming visible to others?

Ultraviolet: Exposing the Hidden

Ultraviolet Light has a shorter wavelength than visible light and is often associated with exposing what’s hidden. John 3:18-21 talks about how light exposes darkness and sin. At this stage, the reality of your need for a Savior becomes evident. The Word of God begins to expose things in your heart that need transformation.

You start to see spiritual realities and how they affect your everyday life. You realize that there’s more to this life than what’s visible, and you’re beginning to seek that deeper understanding.

X-Ray: Deep Intimacy and the Heart of the Matter

X-rays penetrate deeper, revealing what lies beneath the surface. Hebrews 4:12-13 reminds us that the Word of God judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. At this stage, you’re moving into deep intimacy with God. You’re relational, focusing on worship and the deeper matters of the heart. You’re not just going through the motions—you’re after the things that truly matter to God.

Are you becoming a heart person? Someone who is not just seeking answers but seeking God Himself?

Gamma Rays: Fear of the Lord and Ultimate Sacrifice

At the highest level of the spectrum are Gamma Rays—incredibly powerful but also capable of causing serious damage when not handled carefully. This represents those who have moved into a place of complete reverence and submission to God. You embrace the fear of the Lord and willingly offer yourself as a living sacrifice. You want what He wants. You say what He says. It’s no longer about you—it’s all about Him.

This is where the ultimate vulnerability and sacrifice lie, and where the true power of God’s light begins to transform not just your life, but the lives of those around you.

Are You Walking in the Full Spectrum of His Light?

Where are you on this spectrum? Are you a distant Radio Wave believer, or are you walking in the full light of Jesus? As you go deeper with God, you’ll find that He takes you through stages, each one drawing you closer to Him and revealing more of His light in your life.

Remember the words of Isaiah 60:1-3: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” We are called to shine His light in this world of darkness.

To go deeper, you’ll have to come closer. The question is, are you willing?

Pray:

Father of Lights, draw us nearer. Help us to walk in the full spectrum of Your light. We want to move beyond casual connection to deep intimacy. We want to be a reflection of Your light in this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A invitation to the future

Names hold power. They grant us access to places and opportunities—whether it’s a flight ticket, a party, a diploma, or even a rental car. But there’s a name that carries even greater significance: the new name God gives us. This name isn’t just a label; it’s an invitation into a future destiny that God has uniquely designed for each of us.

A New Name, A New Future

In Isaiah 62:1-4, we see God’s promise to give His people a new name—one that reflects their true identity and purpose. This new name is a divine passport, granting us entry into the future God has prepared. Without it, we can’t step into the fullness of what He has in store.

Consider Romans 9:22, where Paul speaks of those vessels of wrath prepared for destruction. This stark contrast reminds us that our old name, tied to our old life, was never meant to last. It’s destined to fade away, making room for the new identity God offers.

Throughout the Bible, we see this transformative power of a new name:

Abram (meaning "exalted father") became Abraham ("father of many nations"), reflecting God’s promise to make him the patriarch of a multitude.

Jacob (which means "to be behind" or "supplanter") was renamed Israel ("one who prevails with God"), signifying his new role as the father of a nation.

Simon ("to hear") was called Peter** ("rock"), symbolizing his foundational role in the early church.

Saul (meaning "prayed for") became Paul ("small" or "humbled"), highlighting his transformation from a proud Pharisee to a humble servant of Christ.

Each new name wasn’t just a change in title; it was an invitation to step into a new destiny, one that was tailor-made by God.

Your New Name: An Invitation to a Future Destiny

God’s name for you is perfectly fitted to your future. It’s not basic or ordinary; it’s a unique invitation to step into the specific calling He has for your life. This name is the key that unlocks the doors to your divine future.

For us as a church, the name “In The Light” reflects our collective destiny. Rooted in Isaiah 42:6 and 1 John 1:7, this name encapsulates our calling to be a light to the nations, just as the Antioch church was—a dynamic, equipping, and deploying center for God’s kingdom.

This name creates a holy discontent with where we are right now. God is inviting us, by virtue of our name, to move from our present place to the future He has in mind.

The future is calling, and we can’t stay where we are. Let’s go together, embracing the new name and destiny God has for each of us.

What do you believe about yourself that you can see is keeping you from your new future?