Listen to “Above The Sun” by Stovall Weems

(Logo for “Above The Sun” series, Celebration Church)

This past Sunday, my pastor, Stovall Weems, shared part 2 of an incredible teaching series entitled “Above The Sun”.

Because my pastor admittedly suffers from a chronic case of “preacher’s disease”, he couldn’t help but deliver his life-changing revelation in the form of cool, catchy phrases like:

“Make your DISappointment a DIVINE appointment”

and

“Practice gratitude until it becomes your attitude!”

Aren’t those great? So good! Having my fair share of sermon prep, I applaud the commitment. The man must of spent extra time prepping last week, because he had TONS of great sayings like that!

But seriously, this series has been so good that I’ve dedicated this week’s post to sharing notes and links to both messages. Watch it below! Or listen to it on podcast by clicking here!

Personal impact:

For the last several months, I felt like God has been teaching me along the lines of faith and patience. Showing me what it looks like to wait well. Now, God has used this series to connect the dots for me about how CONTENTMENT plays into this whole idea of faith, patience, and waiting well.

I’m sure you can relate. I’ve never really understood, how can you be both content and in faith for greater at the same time?? It seems like people are either one or the other. But the Holy Spirit has given Stovall Weems incredible revelation on the subject of true contentment. Notes and links below!

 

Part 1- “A Shirt And A Sandwich”

 

“Above The Sun” Notes: 

By Michelle Dixon

***READ ‭‭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 ‭1:1-3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

*What can you gain for investing in this world (a life under the sun)? Nothing.

**Pastor Stovall valiantly fought anacondas on the mission field. True Story, according to him. LOL.

*Be in the world, not of the world…I don’t want to gain the whole world and lose my soul.

*Everything under the sun cannot satisfy the soul.

**Our life is under the sun, so how are we supposed to get gain from our pursuits? We have to live with an above the sun perspective.

RIGHT SIZE YOUR EXPECTATIONS

“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.” 1 Timothy‬ ‭6:6-8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

*Contentment gives peace… Accept where you are.

“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.” Philippians‬ ‭4:11-12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

RIGHT SIZE YOUR EXPECTATIONS

*Live life with an above the sun perspective.

‭‭***Read Matthew‬ ‭7:9-11‬ ‭NIV***

Be content with a GOOD life!

RIGHT SIZE YOUR EXPECTATIONS

Learn the secret of contentment.

Be thankful where you are. God will not leave you or forsake you.

EXPECT PROBLEMS… BUT EXPECT POWER!

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians‬ ‭4:13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
Part 2- “Flip The Script”

***Read Ecclesiastes 2:1-11***

“But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.” Ecclesiastes‬ ‭2:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

RIGHTSIZE EXPECTATIONS

***Favorite verses since I was 16 years old! – “Always be JOYful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”    1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:16-18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

UPSIZE APPRECIATION!

*When my appreciation for who God is and what He has done exceeds my expectation for what I want, then the transformation happens to move me forward!

*When my appreciation for what’s “Above the Sun,” exceeds my expectation for what I want “Under the Sun,” then the transformation happens to move me forward.

“Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalms‬ ‭37:4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

**Make your DISappointment a DIVINE appointment!

**Flip the Script!

*If you can’t appreciate the things God wants you to celebrate, it will eventually frustrate!

UPSIZE APPRECIATION!

**Celebrate the small stuff!

**Practice gratitude until it becomes your attitude!

“Always be JOYful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:16-18‬ ‭NLT