Above the Sun

In part 4 of our sermon series “What Time is it?” Pastor Jay discusses with us an “above the sun” mentality and helps us to understand through scripture how to right size our expectations and upsize our appreciation.

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Part 4: Above the Sun

Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV

“To everything there is a season,

A time for every purpose under heaven“

Ecclesiastes 1:1-3 (NIV)

“The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem:

“Meaningless! Meaningless!”

says the Teacher.

“Utterly meaningless!

Everything is meaningless.”

What do people gain from all their labors

at which they toil under the sun?”

Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV

“To everything there is a season,

A time for every purpose under heaven“

1 Timothy 6:6-8(NIV)

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

Psalm 16:6-7 (NIV)

Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;

   you make my lot secure.

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;

   surely I have a delightful inheritance.

Philippians 4:11-13 NIV

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

#1  RIGHT SIZE YOUR EXPECTATIONS

Matthew 7:9-11 (NIV)

“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 (NIV)

“I said to myself, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good.” But that also proved to be meaningless. “Laughter,” I said, “is madness. And what does pleasure accomplish?” I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was good for people to do under the heavens during the few days of their lives. I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees. I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me. I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired male and female singers, and a harem as well—the delights of a man’s heart. I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me.

I denied myself nothing my eyes desired;

I refused my heart no pleasure.

My heart took delight in all my labor,

and this was the reward for all my toil.

Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done

and what I had toiled to achieve,

everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind;

nothing was gained under the sun.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

#2 UPSIZE YOUR APPRECIATION

Psalm 37:4

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Four ways to upsize your appreciation:

• Make your disappointment a divine appointment.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

• Flip the script.
• Celebrate the small stuff.
• Practice gratitude until it becomes your attitude.