Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale June 21, 2026 1h 2m Ecclesiastes

Seasons of Life, Father's Day | Doug Sauder | Ecclesiastes 3

Name: Seasons of Life, Father's Day | Doug Sauder | Ecclesiastes 3
Uploaded: 2026-06-21T18:40:52+00:00
Duration: 1 h 2 min 10 s
Description: This sermon focuses on celebrating fathers and spiritual father figures, acknowledging their sacrifices and prayers. It blesses all men who provide, protect, and lead their families, recognizing both the seen and unseen efforts. The takeaway is to appreciate and honor the foundational roles dads play, while also offering comfort to those who have lost their fathers.

Read full transcript 55 segments

>> All right, we want to be in James >> All right, we want to be in James chapter 1:22-27. [music] Be doers of the word and [music] not Be doers of the word and [music] not You're ready? Thank you, baby. You're ready? Thank you, baby. You're ready? Thank you, baby. Come on, Mike. Come on, Mike. Come on, Mike. Do you need some help? Do you need some help? Do you need some help? >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> All right. Hi, baby. How are you? >> All right. Hi, baby. How are you? >> All right. Hi, baby. How are you? Going to have some tea. [music] Going to have some tea. [music] Going to have some tea. [music] >> Dear Dad, we're grateful for the way you >> Dear Dad, we're grateful for the way you >> Dear Dad, we're grateful for the way you see the world. >> [music] >> [music] >> The mornings you got up before the sun. The bills you carried so we wouldn't The bills you carried so we wouldn't have to. have to. have to. The prayers [music] you whispered when The prayers [music] you whispered when The prayers [music] you whispered when you thought we didn't hear. you thought we didn't hear. you thought we didn't hear. We were watching [music] the whole time. We were watching [music] the whole time. We were watching [music] the whole time. We see you, Dad. We see you, Dad. We see you, Dad. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. >> [music] >> [music] >> Thank you.
>> Happy Father's Day. Hey, can we have all >> Happy Father's Day. Hey, can we have all the dads in the house stand? All the the dads in the house stand? All the the dads in the house stand? All the dads, all the grandfathers, all the dads, all the grandfathers, all the dads, all the grandfathers, all the foster dads and adoptive dads and foster dads and adoptive dads and foster dads and adoptive dads and spiritual dads. Come on, church. Let's spiritual dads. Come on, church. Let's spiritual dads. Come on, church. Let's give it up for the dads in this house. give it up for the dads in this house. give it up for the dads in this house. We love you. We are grateful for you. We We love you. We are grateful for you. We We love you. We are grateful for you. We celebrate you on this Father's Day. celebrate you on this Father's Day. celebrate you on this Father's Day. And uh we just want to take a moment and And uh we just want to take a moment and And uh we just want to take a moment and pray a blessing over you. So, if you're pray a blessing over you. So, if you're pray a blessing over you. So, if you're standing next to your husband or your standing next to your husband or your standing next to your husband or your dad or your grandpa or that spiritual dad or your grandpa or that spiritual dad or your grandpa or that spiritual mentor in your life, put your hand on mentor in your life, put your hand on mentor in your life, put your hand on his shoulder and let's pray this prayer his shoulder and let's pray this prayer his shoulder and let's pray this prayer of blessing together. of blessing together. of blessing together. Father, we thank you for the men of this Father, we thank you for the men of this Father, we thank you for the men of this house and the dads. The heart of a dad house and the dads. The heart of a dad house and the dads. The heart of a dad to provide for his family, to protect to provide for his family, to protect to provide for his family, to protect his family, to pray and lead his family. his family, to pray and lead his family. his family, to pray and lead his family. And God, none of us do that perfectly. And God, none of us do that perfectly. And God, none of us do that perfectly. But God, we thank you for all of the But God, we thank you for all of the But God, we thank you for all of the unseen moments of the men who stand. unseen moments of the men who stand. unseen moments of the men who stand. All of those All of those All of those hours of work, all the prayers that have hours of work, all the prayers that have hours of work, all the prayers that have been prayed, all the tears that have been prayed, all the tears that have been prayed, all the tears that have been shed, all the moments where they been shed, all the moments where they been shed, all the moments where they carried a burden that they didn't share carried a burden that they didn't share carried a burden that they didn't share with anyone else, but you saw. God, with anyone else, but you saw. God, with anyone else, but you saw. God, bless them from that place. For every bless them from that place. For every bless them from that place. For every foster and adoptive dad, for every foster and adoptive dad, for every foster and adoptive dad, for every mentor mentoring to those young boys who mentor mentoring to those young boys who mentor mentoring to those young boys who don't have dads and moms in their life.
don't have dads and moms in their life. don't have dads and moms in their life. God, I pray your blessing over the men God, I pray your blessing over the men God, I pray your blessing over the men of this house that you would continue to of this house that you would continue to of this house that you would continue to use them. use them. use them. That you would continue That you would continue That you would continue to favor their life. to favor their life. to favor their life. And God, we know there's also some And God, we know there's also some And God, we know there's also some sadness in this moment because for some sadness in this moment because for some sadness in this moment because for some of us, our dads not here this Father's of us, our dads not here this Father's of us, our dads not here this Father's Day. And so we pray even in the loss Day. And so we pray even in the loss Day. And so we pray even in the loss that you would be our comfort. That God, that you would be our comfort. That God, that you would be our comfort. That God, you would reveal yourself as our father, you would reveal yourself as our father, you would reveal yourself as our father, even if we didn't have that good father. even if we didn't have that good father. even if we didn't have that good father. And that by the power of your spirit, And that by the power of your spirit, And that by the power of your spirit, these men these men these men would show the world and their families would show the world and their families would show the world and their families an example of what a man of God is like. an example of what a man of God is like. an example of what a man of God is like. A man who uses his power A man who uses his power A man who uses his power to serve others, reflecting your great to serve others, reflecting your great to serve others, reflecting your great love. And so God, bless them, love. And so God, bless them, love. And so God, bless them, keep them, make your face shine upon keep them, make your face shine upon keep them, make your face shine upon them, give them peace. We pray this over them, give them peace. We pray this over them, give them peace. We pray this over our dads in Jesus' name. Amen. our dads in Jesus' name. Amen. our dads in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen, guys. Amen, guys. Amen, guys. We celebrate you one more time. Let's We celebrate you one more time. Let's We celebrate you one more time. Let's give it up for the dads of the house, give it up for the dads of the house, give it up for the dads of the house, the grandpas of the house, the grandpas of the house, the grandpas of the house, the spiritual fathers in this place. We the spiritual fathers in this place. We the spiritual fathers in this place. We are so much better because are so much better because are so much better because of you. Hey, if you're joining us, we of you. Hey, if you're joining us, we of you. Hey, if you're joining us, we are in a series on the book of are in a series on the book of are in a series on the book of Ecclesiastes. We started last weekend, Ecclesiastes. We started last weekend, Ecclesiastes. We started last weekend, and this weekend we're in Ecclesiastes and this weekend we're in Ecclesiastes and this weekend we're in Ecclesiastes chapter 3, somewhere right around the chapter 3, somewhere right around the chapter 3, somewhere right around the middle of your Bible, Psalms, Proverbs, middle of your Bible, Psalms, Proverbs, middle of your Bible, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes chapter 3. We are following Ecclesiastes chapter 3. We are following Ecclesiastes chapter 3. We are following through this journey that Solomon is through this journey that Solomon is through this journey that Solomon is making, trying to figure out how do I making, trying to figure out how do I making, trying to figure out how do I find meaning in life? And so this is raw find meaning in life? And so this is raw find meaning in life? And so this is raw and unedited and it's poetry and it's and unedited and it's poetry and it's and unedited and it's poetry and it's existential journey of how do I find existential journey of how do I find existential journey of how do I find meaning in life? And so we're going to meaning in life? And so we're going to meaning in life? And so we're going to have some moments of reflection today have some moments of reflection today have some moments of reflection today about life itself. And so as you open
about life itself. And so as you open about life itself. And so as you open Ecclesiastes chapter 3, Ecclesiastes chapter 3, Ecclesiastes chapter 3, I want to say something to the young I want to say something to the young I want to say something to the young people of the house. If you're a young people of the house. If you're a young people of the house. If you're a young person in the house, raise your hand. person in the house, raise your hand. person in the house, raise your hand. All the young people in the house, raise All the young people in the house, raise All the young people in the house, raise your hand. Come on. your hand. Come on. your hand. Come on. All the people who are in their 70s All the people who are in their 70s All the people who are in their 70s raising their hands, you're young at raising their hands, you're young at raising their hands, you're young at heart, we see you, we love you. All the heart, we see you, we love you. All the heart, we see you, we love you. All the middle school students and high school middle school students and high school middle school students and high school students joining us today. So I have students joining us today. So I have students joining us today. So I have something I want to say to the young something I want to say to the young something I want to say to the young people of this house. people of this house. people of this house. A little advice. Here it is. Now, why do I say this? Never make fun Now, why do I say this? Never make fun of your dad? Because I remember of your dad? Because I remember of your dad? Because I remember distinctly when I was 14 years old being distinctly when I was 14 years old being distinctly when I was 14 years old being in the driveway of the front of our in the driveway of the front of our in the driveway of the front of our house and we all had played basketball house and we all had played basketball house and we all had played basketball in the front of our house with my in the front of our house with my in the front of our house with my brother and my dad and some friends and brother and my dad and some friends and brother and my dad and some friends and neighbors, but this this particular day neighbors, but this this particular day neighbors, but this this particular day my dad had a boot on his leg my dad had a boot on his leg my dad had a boot on his leg cuz he had sprained his ankle the week cuz he had sprained his ankle the week cuz he had sprained his ankle the week before and he had just turned 40. before and he had just turned 40. before and he had just turned 40. And so as any 14-year-old, I just And so as any 14-year-old, I just And so as any 14-year-old, I just pointed out the obvious. pointed out the obvious. pointed out the obvious. Hey Dad, you're getting older, you're Hey Dad, you're getting older, you're Hey Dad, you're getting older, you're getting injured. getting injured. getting injured. You're gaining weight. You're gaining weight. You're gaining weight. You're losing your hair.
That 14-year-old version of Doug looking That 14-year-old version of Doug looking at his dad. And my dad said this to me, at his dad. And my dad said this to me, at his dad. And my dad said this to me, I'll never forget it. I'll never forget it. I'll never forget it. Just wait, son. Your time is coming. Your time is coming. NOW AT THE TIME WHEN YOU'RE 14, YOU'RE NOW AT THE TIME WHEN YOU'RE 14, YOU'RE NOW AT THE TIME WHEN YOU'RE 14, YOU'RE LIKE, OKAY, WHATEVER. LIKE, OKAY, WHATEVER. LIKE, OKAY, WHATEVER. AND THEN LIFE FLASHES by AND THEN LIFE FLASHES by AND THEN LIFE FLASHES by and I'm playing basketball with my kids and I'm playing basketball with my kids and I'm playing basketball with my kids in the front yard and I just turned 40 in the front yard and I just turned 40 in the front yard and I just turned 40 and I get hurt. and I get hurt. and I get hurt. My kids say, "Dad, you're getting older. My kids say, "Dad, you're getting older. My kids say, "Dad, you're getting older. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> You're getting injured. >> You're getting injured. >> You're getting injured. You're gaining weight and well And that's when it struck me. And that's when it struck me. Time Time Time flies. flies. flies. Life goes so fast. Life goes so fast. Life goes so fast. Inside every old person is a young Inside every old person is a young Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened. Anybody person wondering what happened. Anybody person wondering what happened. Anybody know what I'm talking about? know what I'm talking about? know what I'm talking about? And that's what life is. It goes by so And that's what life is. It goes by so And that's what life is. It goes by so fast that if you blink, you're going to fast that if you blink, you're going to fast that if you blink, you're going to miss it. I'm going to I'm going to show miss it. I'm going to I'm going to show miss it. I'm going to I'm going to show you how fast life goes just in a series you how fast life goes just in a series you how fast life goes just in a series of photos. So, how many of you guys knew of photos. So, how many of you guys knew of photos. So, how many of you guys knew that your dad was once that your dad was once that your dad was once a boy?
a boy? a boy? Here's a picture of my dad when he was a Here's a picture of my dad when he was a Here's a picture of my dad when he was a child in the 1940s. child in the 1940s. child in the 1940s. Whoa, I've never thought about my dad as Whoa, I've never thought about my dad as Whoa, I've never thought about my dad as a baby, as a child. a baby, as a child. a baby, as a child. And then my dad grows up and he becomes And then my dad grows up and he becomes And then my dad grows up and he becomes a dad and he has his kids. And you know, a dad and he has his kids. And you know, a dad and he has his kids. And you know, look at look at look at Douglas on the look at look at look at Douglas on the look at look at look at Douglas on the little bottom right hand side. You know, little bottom right hand side. You know, little bottom right hand side. You know, it'll come right there. Look at look I I it'll come right there. Look at look I I it'll come right there. Look at look I I can't can't can't I mean, yeah. I mean, could that cute I mean, yeah. I mean, could that cute I mean, yeah. I mean, could that cute little face ever get in trouble? little face ever get in trouble? little face ever get in trouble? Yeah, I I was a hard child to raise. Yeah, I I was a hard child to raise. Yeah, I I was a hard child to raise. And then I blink And then I blink And then I blink and now I'm married and I'm raising and now I'm married and I'm raising and now I'm married and I'm raising kids. I went from being a boy to being a kids. I went from being a boy to being a kids. I went from being a boy to being a dad. dad. dad. And here's the crazy thing. Those little And here's the crazy thing. Those little And here's the crazy thing. Those little boys that I raised are now men. boys that I raised are now men. boys that I raised are now men. And one of my sons and his wife, they And one of my sons and his wife, they And one of my sons and his wife, they are pregnant going to have a baby in a are pregnant going to have a baby in a are pregnant going to have a baby in a couple of weeks and I'm going to be a couple of weeks and I'm going to be a couple of weeks and I'm going to be a grandpa, right? grandpa, right? grandpa, right? And And And And that's how fast time goes. So, kids, And that's how fast time goes. So, kids, And that's how fast time goes. So, kids, if you're having dinner with your father if you're having dinner with your father if you're having dinner with your father tonight, just just have some fun. Get tonight, just just have some fun. Get tonight, just just have some fun. Get one of those aging apps and just age one of those aging apps and just age one of those aging apps and just age yourself 40 years and you'll see your yourself 40 years and you'll see your yourself 40 years and you'll see your future.
future. future. Might be depressing. Might be a lot of Might be depressing. Might be a lot of Might be depressing. Might be a lot of fun. fun. fun. Time Time Time flies. And that's part of the lesson of flies. And that's part of the lesson of flies. And that's part of the lesson of Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes. Solomon is the wisest, most powerful, Solomon is the wisest, most powerful, Solomon is the wisest, most powerful, richest man alive at his time. richest man alive at his time. richest man alive at his time. And he says 38 times in this letter And he says 38 times in this letter And he says 38 times in this letter searching for meaning that life is like searching for meaning that life is like searching for meaning that life is like a a a vapor. vapor. vapor. It's here and then It's here and then It's here and then it's gone. it's gone. it's gone. And it's beyond grasp. It's like if you And it's beyond grasp. It's like if you And it's beyond grasp. It's like if you try to stop it and capture the moments, try to stop it and capture the moments, try to stop it and capture the moments, it's like you capture it for a second, it's like you capture it for a second, it's like you capture it for a second, but when you open your hand, it's like but when you open your hand, it's like but when you open your hand, it's like it's like chasing the wind. It just goes it's like chasing the wind. It just goes it's like chasing the wind. It just goes so fast and so fast and so fast and and Solomon's trying to find meaning in and Solomon's trying to find meaning in and Solomon's trying to find meaning in life saying, "With life going so fast life saying, "With life going so fast life saying, "With life going so fast and without me being able to grasp it, and without me being able to grasp it, and without me being able to grasp it, how in the world am I going to find how in the world am I going to find how in the world am I going to find meaning in life?" meaning in life?" meaning in life?" And Solomon tries everything. And Solomon tries everything. And Solomon tries everything. If you've ever wondered like, "I'll be If you've ever wondered like, "I'll be If you've ever wondered like, "I'll be happy when?" Solomon says, "I tried it." happy when?" Solomon says, "I tried it." happy when?" Solomon says, "I tried it." I tried accumulated mass amounts of I tried accumulated mass amounts of I tried accumulated mass amounts of wealth. I tried education, PhDs. I I did wealth. I tried education, PhDs. I I did wealth. I tried education, PhDs. I I did building projects. I I had 300 wives and building projects. I I had 300 wives and building projects. I I had 300 wives and 700 concubines, okay?
700 concubines, okay? 700 concubines, okay? I tried it all. I tried it all. I tried it all. I tried every food I wanted. I had I tried every food I wanted. I had I tried every food I wanted. I had entertainers, male and female. I tried entertainers, male and female. I tried entertainers, male and female. I tried it all and all of it at the end of the it all and all of it at the end of the it all and all of it at the end of the day in life left me empty. It was day in life left me empty. It was day in life left me empty. It was meaningless, like chasing the wind. meaningless, like chasing the wind. meaningless, like chasing the wind. Then he introduces the idea that Then he introduces the idea that Then he introduces the idea that if there's a God in heaven if there's a God in heaven if there's a God in heaven that he can teach us something, not just that he can teach us something, not just that he can teach us something, not just in the big moments, in the big moments, in the big moments, but in all the spaces of life in but in all the spaces of life in but in all the spaces of life in between. And so we're going to read between. And so we're going to read between. And so we're going to read chapter 3 as Solomon takes us on this chapter 3 as Solomon takes us on this chapter 3 as Solomon takes us on this search for meaning and I'm going to ask search for meaning and I'm going to ask search for meaning and I'm going to ask you to stand and we're going to read you to stand and we're going to read you to stand and we're going to read this passage over you. So everyone stand this passage over you. So everyone stand this passage over you. So everyone stand with me. We're going to read with me. We're going to read with me. We're going to read Ecclesiastes chapter 3, a very familiar Ecclesiastes chapter 3, a very familiar Ecclesiastes chapter 3, a very familiar passage from the Bible. passage from the Bible. passage from the Bible. Here's what Solomon the teacher Here's what Solomon the teacher Here's what Solomon the teacher has to say to us. There is a time for everything There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under and a season for every activity under and a season for every activity under heaven. heaven. heaven. A time to be born A time to be born A time to be born and a time to die. and a time to die. and a time to die. A time to plant A time to plant A time to plant and a time to uproot.
and a time to uproot. and a time to uproot. A time to kill A time to kill A time to kill and a time to heal. and a time to heal. and a time to heal. A A to tear down and a time to build. A A to tear down and a time to build. A A to tear down and a time to build. A time to weep, A time to weep, A time to weep, and a time to laugh. and a time to laugh. and a time to laugh. A time to mourn, A time to mourn, A time to mourn, and a time to dance. and a time to dance. and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones, and a time to A time to scatter stones, and a time to A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them. gather them. gather them. A time to embrace, A time to embrace, A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing. and a time to refrain from embracing. and a time to refrain from embracing. A time to search, A time to search, A time to search, and a time to give up. and a time to give up. and a time to give up. A time to keep, A time to keep, A time to keep, and a time to throw away. and a time to throw away. and a time to throw away. A time to tear, A time to tear, A time to tear, and a time to mend. and a time to mend. and a time to mend. A time to be silent, A time to be silent, A time to be silent, and a time to speak. and a time to speak. and a time to speak. A time to love, and a time to hate. A time to love, and a time to hate. A time to love, and a time to hate. A time for war, A time for war, A time for war, and a time and a time and a time for peace. for peace. for peace. This is the word This is the word This is the word of the Lord. of the Lord. of the Lord. You can have a seat. Solomon Solomon is our guide. is our guide. is our guide. And Solomon says as fast as time goes, And Solomon says as fast as time goes, And Solomon says as fast as time goes, well, there's a time for every activity, well, there's a time for every activity, well, there's a time for every activity, and there's a season, there's a purpose and there's a season, there's a purpose and there's a season, there's a purpose for every season of life.
for every season of life. for every season of life. He starts with everyone's born, and He starts with everyone's born, and He starts with everyone's born, and everyone's going to die. These polar everyone's going to die. These polar everyone's going to die. These polar opposites, 14 sets of opposites. opposites, 14 sets of opposites. opposites, 14 sets of opposites. These moments in life, and then every These moments in life, and then every These moments in life, and then every moment in between. There's times you're moment in between. There's times you're moment in between. There's times you're going to be dancing, and then times going to be dancing, and then times going to be dancing, and then times you're going to be mourning, and you you're going to be mourning, and you you're going to be mourning, and you never imagine when you're mourning never imagine when you're mourning never imagine when you're mourning you'll dance again, and you never you'll dance again, and you never you'll dance again, and you never imagine when you dance you'll mourn, but imagine when you dance you'll mourn, but imagine when you dance you'll mourn, but that's how life is. And as a pastor, I that's how life is. And as a pastor, I that's how life is. And as a pastor, I get a first-hand view of this, a glimpse get a first-hand view of this, a glimpse get a first-hand view of this, a glimpse of this, because I I get brought into of this, because I I get brought into of this, because I I get brought into moments, invited into moments that are moments, invited into moments that are moments, invited into moments that are some of these highest and lowest moments some of these highest and lowest moments some of these highest and lowest moments of life. Like with this last week, I of life. Like with this last week, I of life. Like with this last week, I held a baby held a baby held a baby born in the hospital, and got to see new born in the hospital, and got to see new born in the hospital, and got to see new parents and new life. I got invited into parents and new life. I got invited into parents and new life. I got invited into that beautiful moment, and then that beautiful moment, and then that beautiful moment, and then a few weeks ago I got invited to a a few weeks ago I got invited to a a few weeks ago I got invited to a moment in a in a living room where a moment in a in a living room where a moment in a in a living room where a family's gathered around family's gathered around family's gathered around the dad they love who's dying of cancer. the dad they love who's dying of cancer. the dad they love who's dying of cancer. And And And he's weak and frail and there's moments he's weak and frail and there's moments he's weak and frail and there's moments of weakness and of weakness and of weakness and and then and then I go to this beautiful and then and then I go to this beautiful and then and then I go to this beautiful wedding of this young couple and you see wedding of this young couple and you see wedding of this young couple and you see the families around them celebrating and the families around them celebrating and the families around them celebrating and singing and it's just such an amazing singing and it's just such an amazing singing and it's just such an amazing beautiful moment and then beautiful moment and then beautiful moment and then I get invited to do a memorial service I get invited to do a memorial service I get invited to do a memorial service for someone who's passed away.
for someone who's passed away. for someone who's passed away. And sometimes these moments can all And sometimes these moments can all And sometimes these moments can all happen in the same week. Sometimes they happen in the same week. Sometimes they happen in the same week. Sometimes they happen within hours of each other and happen within hours of each other and happen within hours of each other and Solomon says, "And this is the way Solomon says, "And this is the way Solomon says, "And this is the way that life that life that life is." Life is complex. It's full of ups is." Life is complex. It's full of ups is." Life is complex. It's full of ups and downs. It's unpredictable. There's and downs. It's unpredictable. There's and downs. It's unpredictable. There's change that's constantly happening and change that's constantly happening and change that's constantly happening and you're not in control. you're not in control. you're not in control. But I want you to think about the way But I want you to think about the way But I want you to think about the way seasons came to be. You see seasons came to be. You see seasons came to be. You see you think about the way that God has you think about the way that God has you think about the way that God has created the planet. We all live on this created the planet. We all live on this created the planet. We all live on this blue planet. 8 billion people live on blue planet. 8 billion people live on blue planet. 8 billion people live on this planet. this planet. this planet. And God created this with a sense of And God created this with a sense of And God created this with a sense of constancy and and order and yet change. constancy and and order and yet change. constancy and and order and yet change. So so right now uh we know that today is So so right now uh we know that today is So so right now uh we know that today is the longest day of daylight in the year. the longest day of daylight in the year. the longest day of daylight in the year. That this day today there's like 13 14 That this day today there's like 13 14 That this day today there's like 13 14 hours of sunlight because this is the hours of sunlight because this is the hours of sunlight because this is the beginning of summer. Today is a beginning of summer. Today is a beginning of summer. Today is a predictable day. predictable day. predictable day. December 21st, 6 months from now will be December 21st, 6 months from now will be December 21st, 6 months from now will be the shortest day of the year. It'll be the shortest day of the year. It'll be the shortest day of the year. It'll be the beginning of winter. Why do we know the beginning of winter. Why do we know the beginning of winter. Why do we know this? Because the times and seasons the this? Because the times and seasons the this? Because the times and seasons the God the way that God made the world all God the way that God made the world all God the way that God made the world all the currents of the wind all the the currents of the wind all the the currents of the wind all the currents of the water the way the sun currents of the water the way the sun currents of the water the way the sun rises and falls is all ordered and rises and falls is all ordered and rises and falls is all ordered and structured by God. And so there's this structured by God. And so there's this structured by God. And so there's this something of order and constancy but something of order and constancy but something of order and constancy but there's also changes of season.
there's also changes of season. there's also changes of season. On day four of creation On day four of creation On day four of creation God created God created God created seasons. seasons. seasons. That means summer That means summer That means summer fall fall fall winter winter winter spring are God's ideas and in the same spring are God's ideas and in the same spring are God's ideas and in the same way nature experiences seasons and way nature experiences seasons and way nature experiences seasons and changes in seasons we also experience changes in seasons we also experience changes in seasons we also experience those same things in our lives. And those same things in our lives. And those same things in our lives. And Solomon is making this observation. Solomon is making this observation. Solomon is making this observation. These are things that happen that we are These are things that happen that we are These are things that happen that we are not in control of. And so we can either not in control of. And so we can either not in control of. And so we can either embrace them or resist them, but every embrace them or resist them, but every embrace them or resist them, but every season has its own divine purpose. How season has its own divine purpose. How season has its own divine purpose. How do we know that? Let's keep on reading, do we know that? Let's keep on reading, do we know that? Let's keep on reading, verse nine. verse nine. verse nine. So what do workers gain from their toil? So what do workers gain from their toil? So what do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on I have seen the burden God has laid on I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. the human race. the human race. He has made everything beautiful He has made everything beautiful He has made everything beautiful in its time. in its time. in its time. He has also set eternity in the human He has also set eternity in the human He has also set eternity in the human heart. heart. heart. Yet no one can fathom what God has done Yet no one can fathom what God has done Yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning from beginning from beginning to end. to end. to end. Now I know that there is nothing better Now I know that there is nothing better Now I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do for people than to be happy and to do for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.
good while they live. good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink and That each of them may eat and drink and That each of them may eat and drink and find satisfaction in all their toil. find satisfaction in all their toil. find satisfaction in all their toil. This This This is the gift of God. is the gift of God. is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will I know that everything God does will I know that everything God does will endure forever. endure forever. endure forever. Nothing can be added to it and nothing Nothing can be added to it and nothing Nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. taken from it. taken from it. God does it so that people will fear God does it so that people will fear God does it so that people will fear him. him. him. Whatever is has already been Whatever is has already been Whatever is has already been and what will be has been before and God and what will be has been before and God and what will be has been before and God will call call the past to account. will call call the past to account. will call call the past to account. And I saw something else under the sun. And I saw something else under the sun. And I saw something else under the sun. In the place of judgment wickedness was In the place of judgment wickedness was In the place of judgment wickedness was there. there. there. In the place of justice wickedness was In the place of justice wickedness was In the place of justice wickedness was there. And I said to myself there. And I said to myself there. And I said to myself God will bring it to judgment both the God will bring it to judgment both the God will bring it to judgment both the righteous and the wicked for there will righteous and the wicked for there will righteous and the wicked for there will be a time for every activity, a time to be a time for every activity, a time to be a time for every activity, a time to judge judge judge every every every deed. deed. deed. Solomon's coming back on life itself and Solomon's coming back on life itself and Solomon's coming back on life itself and making an observation. There are seasons making an observation. There are seasons making an observation. There are seasons in life, there are extremes, highs and in life, there are extremes, highs and in life, there are extremes, highs and lows and everything in between, and we lows and everything in between, and we lows and everything in between, and we are not in control of those seasons, but are not in control of those seasons, but are not in control of those seasons, but God has a way to make everything God has a way to make everything God has a way to make everything beautiful beautiful beautiful in its time.
in its time. in its time. And no one can fathom exactly how he And no one can fathom exactly how he And no one can fathom exactly how he does it because he has a different view does it because he has a different view does it because he has a different view than us. He sees the world in a than us. He sees the world in a than us. He sees the world in a different way than us. He is God and we different way than us. He is God and we different way than us. He is God and we are not. Aren't you grateful to know are not. Aren't you grateful to know are not. Aren't you grateful to know that? that? that? You don't have to have the burden of You don't have to have the burden of You don't have to have the burden of being in control. being in control. being in control. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> You don't have to carry the burden of >> You don't have to carry the burden of >> You don't have to carry the burden of figuring it all out because he is the figuring it all out because he is the figuring it all out because he is the provider, he is the healer, he is the provider, he is the healer, he is the provider, he is the healer, he is the sustainer, he holds everything in his sustainer, he holds everything in his sustainer, he holds everything in his mighty right hand. mighty right hand. mighty right hand. And so, Solomon makes this interesting And so, Solomon makes this interesting And so, Solomon makes this interesting observation in verse 11. observation in verse 11. observation in verse 11. That God sets eternity That God sets eternity That God sets eternity in in in the human the human the human heart. heart. heart. Interesting observation from Solomon the Interesting observation from Solomon the Interesting observation from Solomon the human heart. human heart. human heart. There's this restlessness, this desire There's this restlessness, this desire There's this restlessness, this desire to connect with to connect with to connect with something or someone else. That's why something or someone else. That's why something or someone else. That's why every civilization that's ever existed, every civilization that's ever existed, every civilization that's ever existed, every people group that's ever existed, every people group that's ever existed, every people group that's ever existed, all through this planet's history have all through this planet's history have all through this planet's history have all had this desire, this urge, this all had this desire, this urge, this all had this desire, this urge, this restlessness to look up and say, "Is restlessness to look up and say, "Is restlessness to look up and say, "Is there a God and how did all this come to there a God and how did all this come to there a God and how did all this come to be and how do I connect to this sense of be and how do I connect to this sense of be and how do I connect to this sense of the creator himself?" That restlessness the creator himself?" That restlessness the creator himself?" That restlessness was put in our hearts to draw us close was put in our hearts to draw us close was put in our hearts to draw us close to God. And And this description in to God. And And this description in to God. And And this description in Ecclesiastes is echoed by the Apostle Ecclesiastes is echoed by the Apostle Ecclesiastes is echoed by the Apostle Paul when he's talking to a group of Paul when he's talking to a group of Paul when he's talking to a group of philosophers on Mars Hill in Athens.
philosophers on Mars Hill in Athens. philosophers on Mars Hill in Athens. And he's trying to describe to them the And he's trying to describe to them the And he's trying to describe to them the gospel, gospel, gospel, who Jesus is, but he starts with who Jesus is, but he starts with who Jesus is, but he starts with creation. And he talks about the way creation. And he talks about the way creation. And he talks about the way that God populated the world. And I want that God populated the world. And I want that God populated the world. And I want you to look for two things in this you to look for two things in this you to look for two things in this description. description. description. Time Time Time and place. and place. and place. That these two great locators of life That these two great locators of life That these two great locators of life are the time you live in are the time you live in are the time you live in and the place you live. and the place you live. and the place you live. That these two things are the way that That these two things are the way that That these two things are the way that God God God positions you not positions you not positions you not as a coincidence. as a coincidence. as a coincidence. Your life is not a cosmic accident. Your life is not a cosmic accident. Your life is not a cosmic accident. That it just didn't so happen, but God That it just didn't so happen, but God That it just didn't so happen, but God has sovereignly ordained it for a has sovereignly ordained it for a has sovereignly ordained it for a purpose. Here's how purpose. Here's how purpose. Here's how the Apostle Paul describes how God's at the Apostle Paul describes how God's at the Apostle Paul describes how God's at work in the world. work in the world. work in the world. From one man, God made all the nations From one man, God made all the nations From one man, God made all the nations that they should inhabit the whole that they should inhabit the whole that they should inhabit the whole earth. earth. earth. And he marked out their appointed times And he marked out their appointed times And he marked out their appointed times in history in history in history and the boundaries of their lands. and the boundaries of their lands. and the boundaries of their lands. So, life may seem random to you. So, life may seem random to you. So, life may seem random to you. But, the fact that you were born in the But, the fact that you were born in the But, the fact that you were born in the hospital you were born into, the family hospital you were born into, the family hospital you were born into, the family you were born to, the city you grew up you were born to, the city you grew up you were born to, the city you grew up in, and the place you now live in, and in, and the place you now live in, and in, and the place you now live in, and the place you now work, and the the place you now work, and the the place you now work, and the neighborhood you now live in with the neighborhood you now live in with the neighborhood you now live in with the family you now are with, none of that's family you now are with, none of that's family you now are with, none of that's an accident.
an accident. an accident. All of that has a divine All of that has a divine All of that has a divine purpose. purpose. purpose. And then, why does God do that? Look at And then, why does God do that? Look at And then, why does God do that? Look at Look at the next Look at the next Look at the next verse. verse. verse. God did this God did this God did this so that they, that's people, would seek so that they, that's people, would seek so that they, that's people, would seek him. him. him. And perhaps And perhaps And perhaps reach out for him and find him, though reach out for him and find him, though reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any of us. You are You are not a not a not a cosmic coincidence. cosmic coincidence. cosmic coincidence. You're not an accident. You're not an accident. You're not an accident. God ordained your life and your birth God ordained your life and your birth God ordained your life and your birth and your time and your place in the and your time and your place in the and your time and your place in the desire that as he placed eternity heart desire that as he placed eternity heart desire that as he placed eternity heart you would seek him and reach out for him you would seek him and reach out for him you would seek him and reach out for him and find him because he is not far away and find him because he is not far away and find him because he is not far away from you. You might be here at church. from you. You might be here at church. from you. You might be here at church. You might have been here for a long You might have been here for a long You might have been here for a long time, and you might feel far from God or time, and you might feel far from God or time, and you might feel far from God or he feels far from you, but he's he's so he feels far from you, but he's he's so he feels far from you, but he's he's so near to you. He's as near as your near to you. He's as near as your near to you. He's as near as your breath. breath. breath. He's a prayer He's a prayer He's a prayer away. And Paul reminds us as Solomon away. And Paul reminds us as Solomon away. And Paul reminds us as Solomon reminds us that this life isn't just reminds us that this life isn't just reminds us that this life isn't just randomness, randomness, randomness, but that God places in our hearts but that God places in our hearts but that God places in our hearts this longing to connect with him so that this longing to connect with him so that this longing to connect with him so that we can be found by him.
we can be found by him. we can be found by him. And verse 12, he's going to dig into the And verse 12, he's going to dig into the And verse 12, he's going to dig into the rawness rawness rawness of life. of life. of life. In verse 12, he says, you know, some In verse 12, he says, you know, some In verse 12, he says, you know, some people that work, it feels like a people that work, it feels like a people that work, it feels like a burden. Life feels like toil. burden. Life feels like toil. burden. Life feels like toil. You know, when God created the world, You know, when God created the world, You know, when God created the world, work was supposed to be like worship. If work was supposed to be like worship. If work was supposed to be like worship. If you look at the very beginning of you look at the very beginning of you look at the very beginning of Genesis, work was avodah. Everyone say Genesis, work was avodah. Everyone say Genesis, work was avodah. Everyone say avodah. avodah. avodah. That means work and worship is the same That means work and worship is the same That means work and worship is the same word from the very beginning, but when word from the very beginning, but when word from the very beginning, but when sin enters the world, now worship, that sin enters the world, now worship, that sin enters the world, now worship, that is work, becomes a toil, becomes a is work, becomes a toil, becomes a is work, becomes a toil, becomes a burden, which is why burden, which is why burden, which is why you have a problem at your job in some you have a problem at your job in some you have a problem at your job in some way. way. way. A problem with a boss, a problem with a A problem with a boss, a problem with a A problem with a boss, a problem with a co-worker, a problem with software, a co-worker, a problem with software, a co-worker, a problem with software, a problem with institutional knowledge, a problem with institutional knowledge, a problem with institutional knowledge, a problem with turnover, a problem with problem with turnover, a problem with problem with turnover, a problem with vision creep, a problem with you name vision creep, a problem with you name vision creep, a problem with you name it. You're not getting paid enough, the it. You're not getting paid enough, the it. You're not getting paid enough, the benefits aren't right, you're not benefits aren't right, you're not benefits aren't right, you're not organized enough. It's just not working organized enough. It's just not working organized enough. It's just not working and sometimes you get home from work and and sometimes you get home from work and and sometimes you get home from work and you're so frustrated. Anybody? you're so frustrated. Anybody? you're so frustrated. Anybody? Yeah. Why is that? It's not your job or Yeah. Why is that? It's not your job or Yeah. Why is that? It's not your job or your boss, although it might be. It's your boss, although it might be. It's your boss, although it might be. It's it's all of us. It's all of us. It's it's all of us. It's all of us. It's it's all of us. It's all of us. It's it's the life of it's the life of it's the life of the effect of sin in our life and how it the effect of sin in our life and how it the effect of sin in our life and how it affects our world. And Solomon says, affects our world. And Solomon says, affects our world. And Solomon says, "If you can go to work and enjoy your "If you can go to work and enjoy your "If you can go to work and enjoy your work, work, work, it is a gift from God."
it is a gift from God." it is a gift from God." Right? Right? Right? He says, He says, He says, "If you can eat a meal "If you can eat a meal "If you can eat a meal and you can enjoy that meal, and you can enjoy that meal, and you can enjoy that meal, it is the gift of God." it is the gift of God." it is the gift of God." He he's going to go on to say this. He he's going to go on to say this. He he's going to go on to say this. He's going to go on to say, "You know, I He's going to go on to say, "You know, I He's going to go on to say, "You know, I sat in my palace sat in my palace sat in my palace with all my money and all the food and with all my money and all the food and with all my money and all the food and all the entertainment and I could not all the entertainment and I could not all the entertainment and I could not enjoy the most exquisite meal that was enjoy the most exquisite meal that was enjoy the most exquisite meal that was on my table. on my table. on my table. I could not enjoy my wife or 300 wives. But I looked out into my field and I saw But I looked out into my field and I saw a man working in my field. a man working in my field. a man working in my field. And he was working hard and sweating And he was working hard and sweating And he was working hard and sweating doing manual labor. He was going to go doing manual labor. He was going to go doing manual labor. He was going to go home and eat macaroni and cheese with home and eat macaroni and cheese with home and eat macaroni and cheese with his wife, his wife, his wife, have dinner with his kids around his have dinner with his kids around his have dinner with his kids around his table and table and table and he's happier than me." he's happier than me." he's happier than me." Because God is the one who gives us the Because God is the one who gives us the Because God is the one who gives us the ability to enjoy our work and to enjoy ability to enjoy our work and to enjoy ability to enjoy our work and to enjoy good food. It is the gift of God. good food. It is the gift of God. good food. It is the gift of God. And so Solomon is wrestling with this. And so Solomon is wrestling with this. And so Solomon is wrestling with this. That more doesn't mean happier. That more doesn't mean happier. That more doesn't mean happier. That God is the one who allows us to That God is the one who allows us to That God is the one who allows us to enjoy. And then verse 14, he he glimpses enjoy. And then verse 14, he he glimpses enjoy. And then verse 14, he he glimpses into eternity.
into eternity. into eternity. That what God does will endure forever. That what God does will endure forever. That what God does will endure forever. That there is something more than we can That there is something more than we can That there is something more than we can see. That the time that we see is not see. That the time that we see is not see. That the time that we see is not all the time that there is. And that all the time that there is. And that all the time that there is. And that that that that should make us fear God. That God is should make us fear God. That God is should make us fear God. That God is above all of these things. So, we seek above all of these things. So, we seek above all of these things. So, we seek him with a sense of awe and a sense of him with a sense of awe and a sense of him with a sense of awe and a sense of reverence reverence reverence because there will be a time of because there will be a time of because there will be a time of judgment, a time of justice. judgment, a time of justice. judgment, a time of justice. So, he looks at life and he says, "Life So, he looks at life and he says, "Life So, he looks at life and he says, "Life can seem so random, so unjust." can seem so random, so unjust." can seem so random, so unjust." Have you ever looked at something in the Have you ever looked at something in the Have you ever looked at something in the news or something you've experienced and news or something you've experienced and news or something you've experienced and you're like, "That's not fair." you're like, "That's not fair." you're like, "That's not fair." And they're going to get away with it. And they're going to get away with it. And they're going to get away with it. And that's not fair. And that's not fair. And that's not fair. And Solomon says, "No." And Solomon says, "No." And Solomon says, "No." Just like this is a time and season for Just like this is a time and season for Just like this is a time and season for every activity under heaven. There's every activity under heaven. There's every activity under heaven. There's going to be a time of judgment, a time going to be a time of judgment, a time going to be a time of judgment, a time of reckoning. of reckoning. of reckoning. A time where everything wrong in the A time where everything wrong in the A time where everything wrong in the world world world is going to be made right. is going to be made right. is going to be made right. Which gives weight to our life. Which gives weight to our life. Which gives weight to our life. You see, we're not excited about justice You see, we're not excited about justice You see, we're not excited about justice for all those people. for all those people. for all those people. Oh, those bad people. They're going to Oh, those bad people. They're going to Oh, those bad people. They're going to get justice. They're not going to get get justice. They're not going to get get justice. They're not going to get away with it again. Thank God for for away with it again. Thank God for for away with it again. Thank God for for judgment and justice. And then that's a judgment and justice. And then that's a judgment and justice. And then that's a good and holy thing that God is good and holy thing that God is good and holy thing that God is perfectly and righteously just. But, all perfectly and righteously just. But, all perfectly and righteously just. But, all of our thoughts and actions of our thoughts and actions of our thoughts and actions will also be will also be will also be judged.
judged. judged. Which means what we say Which means what we say Which means what we say and what we do is not meaningless. It and what we do is not meaningless. It and what we do is not meaningless. It has weight and meaning to it because one has weight and meaning to it because one has weight and meaning to it because one day we're going to stand before God. And day we're going to stand before God. And day we're going to stand before God. And Solomon says, "This is important to Solomon says, "This is important to Solomon says, "This is important to think about in all of our times." think about in all of our times." think about in all of our times." And then verses 18 to 22 And then verses 18 to 22 And then verses 18 to 22 he's going to talk about what life is he's going to talk about what life is he's going to talk about what life is like under the sun like under the sun like under the sun if you don't have a sense for who God if you don't have a sense for who God if you don't have a sense for who God is. And he says, "If you don't have a is. And he says, "If you don't have a is. And he says, "If you don't have a sense for who God is, then you and your sense for who God is, then you and your sense for who God is, then you and your dog are sort of the same. You're going dog are sort of the same. You're going dog are sort of the same. You're going to die, your dog's going to die, you're to die, your dog's going to die, you're to die, your dog's going to die, you're both going to decay, and that's life. both going to decay, and that's life. both going to decay, and that's life. And what's the point? Doesn't mean if And what's the point? Doesn't mean if And what's the point? Doesn't mean if you It doesn't matter if you're a multi you It doesn't matter if you're a multi you It doesn't matter if you're a multi multi multi-billionaire. You're going to multi multi-billionaire. You're going to multi multi-billionaire. You're going to die just like your dog. And that's die just like your dog. And that's die just like your dog. And that's life." life." life." Sort of depressing, but sort of freeing Sort of depressing, but sort of freeing Sort of depressing, but sort of freeing again. again. again. That death is the needle that bursts the That death is the needle that bursts the That death is the needle that bursts the bubble of illusion that we are in bubble of illusion that we are in bubble of illusion that we are in control, that we are the captain of our control, that we are the captain of our control, that we are the captain of our own ship, that we are writing our own own ship, that we are writing our own own ship, that we are writing our own story. No, Solomon says, "One day you're story. No, Solomon says, "One day you're story. No, Solomon says, "One day you're going to die. And that reality should going to die. And that reality should going to die. And that reality should teach you how teach you how teach you how to live. to live. to live. And so this is the wisdom of Solomon. It And so this is the wisdom of Solomon. It And so this is the wisdom of Solomon. It sort of hits you right in the face sort of hits you right in the face sort of hits you right in the face because we don't want to think about the because we don't want to think about the because we don't want to think about the fact that we're going to die. We don't fact that we're going to die. We don't fact that we're going to die. We don't want to think about the fact that change want to think about the fact that change want to think about the fact that change is happening around us. We don't want to is happening around us. We don't want to is happening around us. We don't want to think about the fact that we're not in think about the fact that we're not in think about the fact that we're not in control. And we don't want to always be control. And we don't want to always be control. And we don't want to always be reflective about the seasons of life.
reflective about the seasons of life. reflective about the seasons of life. But let's lean in. Now it's 2026. But let's lean in. Now it's 2026. But let's lean in. Now it's 2026. How can we allow this word How can we allow this word How can we allow this word to be applied to our life in a way where to be applied to our life in a way where to be applied to our life in a way where we live in a different kind of way? we live in a different kind of way? we live in a different kind of way? And so three points of application. And so three points of application. And so three points of application. Here's the first one. Here's the first one. Here's the first one. Seasons don't last forever. Seasons don't last forever. Seasons don't last forever. One of my favorite One of my favorite One of my favorite verses in the Bible that's a repetitive verses in the Bible that's a repetitive verses in the Bible that's a repetitive theme throughout the Bible is this theme throughout the Bible is this theme throughout the Bible is this phrase. phrase. phrase. And it came And it came And it came to pass. to pass. to pass. What does that mean? What does that mean? What does that mean? That means seasons come into your life That means seasons come into your life That means seasons come into your life and seasons pass out of your life. and seasons pass out of your life. and seasons pass out of your life. Seasons come Seasons come Seasons come and seasons go. and seasons go. and seasons go. Change is inevitable. And some seasons Change is inevitable. And some seasons Change is inevitable. And some seasons we like we like we like and some seasons we don't like. I want and some seasons we don't like. I want and some seasons we don't like. I want you to think of your favorite show for a you to think of your favorite show for a you to think of your favorite show for a second. Think of your favorite show. second. Think of your favorite show. second. Think of your favorite show. Think of your favorite season Think of your favorite season Think of your favorite season of your favorite show. of your favorite show. of your favorite show. Maybe like Lost episode 1. Maybe like Lost episode 1. Maybe like Lost episode 1. Avatar: The Last Airbender season 4 or Avatar: The Last Airbender season 4 or Avatar: The Last Airbender season 4 or 5, whatever that is. The Office season 5, whatever that is. The Office season 5, whatever that is. The Office season 5. You think about like certain certain 5. You think about like certain certain 5. You think about like certain certain seasons were better than others.
seasons were better than others. seasons were better than others. Certain seasons you enjoyed more than Certain seasons you enjoyed more than Certain seasons you enjoyed more than others and that's true. So I want you to others and that's true. So I want you to others and that's true. So I want you to think right now with me think right now with me think right now with me what what what what was your favorite season what was your favorite season what was your favorite season of life? of life? of life? Hmm. Hmm. Hmm. Favorite season. Favorite season. Favorite season. Favorite season. Favorite season. Favorite season. Favorite season. I mean Favorite season. I mean Favorite season. I mean I remember one of my favorite seasons I remember one of my favorite seasons I remember one of my favorite seasons was when my kids were young and we were was when my kids were young and we were was when my kids were young and we were always wrestling. We were always They always wrestling. We were always They always wrestling. We were always They they would be like my kids be like they would be like my kids be like they would be like my kids be like velociraptors. Like one would go high, velociraptors. Like one would go high, velociraptors. Like one would go high, one would go low, one would come behind one would go low, one would come behind one would go low, one would come behind me trying to take me down and we were me trying to take me down and we were me trying to take me down and we were always wrestling all the time. And I always wrestling all the time. And I always wrestling all the time. And I remember all those seasons of wrestling remember all those seasons of wrestling remember all those seasons of wrestling and I I could hear my wife in the room and I I could hear my wife in the room and I I could hear my wife in the room and our kids were like four, six, and and our kids were like four, six, and and our kids were like four, six, and eight. LIKE, "DOUG, DON'T HURT THE eight. LIKE, "DOUG, DON'T HURT THE eight. LIKE, "DOUG, DON'T HURT THE BOYS." But today, you know what she says? But today, you know what she says? "Boys, don't hurt your father." "Boys, don't hurt your father." "Boys, don't hurt your father." Because that time came and it also went. Because that time came and it also went. Because that time came and it also went. I used to I used to I used to wrestle with my kids like MMA style wrestle with my kids like MMA style wrestle with my kids like MMA style until you put them in a headlock and until you put them in a headlock and until you put them in a headlock and have to tap, you know. And sometimes have to tap, you know. And sometimes have to tap, you know. And sometimes they'd tap too late and I remember my they'd tap too late and I remember my they'd tap too late and I remember my kids sometimes saying, "Dad, I I see kids sometimes saying, "Dad, I I see kids sometimes saying, "Dad, I I see spots." I'm like spots." I'm like spots." I'm like And now when I wrestle with my kids, I And now when I wrestle with my kids, I And now when I wrestle with my kids, I see spots.
see spots. see spots. You know I'm talking about, anybody? You know I'm talking about, anybody? You know I'm talking about, anybody? I remember when my son Kennedy was just I remember when my son Kennedy was just I remember when my son Kennedy was just jumping off the swing doing crazy stuff. jumping off the swing doing crazy stuff. jumping off the swing doing crazy stuff. It was like an amazing season. And and It was like an amazing season. And and It was like an amazing season. And and then you blink and now now he's jumping then you blink and now now he's jumping then you blink and now now he's jumping over a bar as a as a Division 1 high over a bar as a as a Division 1 high over a bar as a as a Division 1 high jumper and you're like, "Oh, man." It's jumper and you're like, "Oh, man." It's jumper and you're like, "Oh, man." It's amazing how those seasons change. amazing how those seasons change. amazing how those seasons change. How things come How things come How things come and things go. I remember taking our and things go. I remember taking our and things go. I remember taking our kids on summer vacations like the kids on summer vacations like the kids on summer vacations like the Griswold family vacation where we go 20 Griswold family vacation where we go 20 Griswold family vacation where we go 20 states in 20 days in a minivan. And I'm states in 20 days in a minivan. And I'm states in 20 days in a minivan. And I'm like, "Hey guys, you want to see the like, "Hey guys, you want to see the like, "Hey guys, you want to see the biggest ball of yarn in New Mexico? biggest ball of yarn in New Mexico? biggest ball of yarn in New Mexico? Let's pull over." And my kids are like, Let's pull over." And my kids are like, Let's pull over." And my kids are like, "Dad, keep on driving." And those times came And those times came and they went. I wish I could have froze and they went. I wish I could have froze and they went. I wish I could have froze them in time, but I couldn't. And now them in time, but I couldn't. And now them in time, but I couldn't. And now now I have a chance to take my sons on now I have a chance to take my sons on now I have a chance to take my sons on vacations as an adult. So, this moment vacations as an adult. So, this moment vacations as an adult. So, this moment of a in a coffee shop in Arkansas with of a in a coffee shop in Arkansas with of a in a coffee shop in Arkansas with my son uh Caden just playing chess, my son uh Caden just playing chess, my son uh Caden just playing chess, having a cup of coffee, talking about having a cup of coffee, talking about having a cup of coffee, talking about life. life. life. Taking my my son Jackson to New York Taking my my son Jackson to New York Taking my my son Jackson to New York just for 48 hours just to see the city just for 48 hours just to see the city just for 48 hours just to see the city together, experience this father-son together, experience this father-son together, experience this father-son moment. It's moment. It's moment. It's one of these beautiful privileges that one of these beautiful privileges that one of these beautiful privileges that what it means to be what it means to be what it means to be a dad. But the reality is you can't a dad. But the reality is you can't a dad. But the reality is you can't freeze any of those moments.
freeze any of those moments. freeze any of those moments. You can't stop them because they don't You can't stop them because they don't You can't stop them because they don't last forever. last forever. last forever. And this is sometimes comforting and And this is sometimes comforting and And this is sometimes comforting and sometimes very unsettling. So, let's sometimes very unsettling. So, let's sometimes very unsettling. So, let's talk for a moment about change. talk for a moment about change. talk for a moment about change. How many of you guys like change? Raise How many of you guys like change? Raise How many of you guys like change? Raise your hand if you like change. your hand if you like change. your hand if you like change. Okay, there's a few of you. Carpe diem Okay, there's a few of you. Carpe diem Okay, there's a few of you. Carpe diem seize the day. Let's go for an seize the day. Let's go for an seize the day. Let's go for an adventure. How many of you guys don't adventure. How many of you guys don't adventure. How many of you guys don't like change? like change? like change? Okay, more people don't like change than Okay, more people don't like change than Okay, more people don't like change than like change and that that that's about like change and that that that's about like change and that that that's about the reality when you look at the the reality when you look at the the reality when you look at the research, right? So, why don't we like research, right? So, why don't we like research, right? So, why don't we like change? change? change? Well, we know that change is inevitable. Well, we know that change is inevitable. Well, we know that change is inevitable. But, here's the reality. There There is But, here's the reality. There There is But, here's the reality. There There is no growth without change. no growth without change. no growth without change. You will not grow unless you change. If You will not grow unless you change. If You will not grow unless you change. If If you had not changed, you'd still be If you had not changed, you'd still be If you had not changed, you'd still be in middle school with braces on, dating in middle school with braces on, dating in middle school with braces on, dating the same girl, and have acne all over the same girl, and have acne all over the same girl, and have acne all over your face. your face. your face. Thank God Thank God you made it through Thank God Thank God you made it through Thank God Thank God you made it through middle school. middle school. middle school. You changed. You changed. You changed. You grew. You grew. You grew. There is no growth without change. There There is no growth without change. There There is no growth without change. There is no change without loss. Every time is no change without loss. Every time is no change without loss. Every time you change and grow, you're going to you change and grow, you're going to you change and grow, you're going to lose something. lose something. lose something. And we feel our losses way more than we And we feel our losses way more than we And we feel our losses way more than we feel our gains.
feel our gains. feel our gains. And there is no loss without pain. And God, how do we avoid or try to avoid And God, how do we avoid or try to avoid pain? pain? pain? We live in a society where there's a We live in a society where there's a We live in a society where there's a pill for everything. pill for everything. pill for everything. If I experience any kind of pain, I want If I experience any kind of pain, I want If I experience any kind of pain, I want it to go away right away. it to go away right away. it to go away right away. But, pain is a But, pain is a But, pain is a powerful teacher. powerful teacher. powerful teacher. There is no loss without pain. There is There is no loss without pain. There is There is no loss without pain. There is no pain without grief. no pain without grief. no pain without grief. Change forces us to embrace loss and Change forces us to embrace loss and Change forces us to embrace loss and pain and grief. This is what it means to pain and grief. This is what it means to pain and grief. This is what it means to be a human being. be a human being. be a human being. And remember Solomon? And remember Solomon? And remember Solomon? He said, "God is doing something that no He said, "God is doing something that no He said, "God is doing something that no one can fathom." one can fathom." one can fathom." And he makes everything beautiful And he makes everything beautiful And he makes everything beautiful in its own time. in its own time. in its own time. And that should make us And that should make us And that should make us curious. How How do I not try to resist curious. How How do I not try to resist curious. How How do I not try to resist change that's inevitable, but how do I change that's inevitable, but how do I change that's inevitable, but how do I try to find an ordained purpose in try to find an ordained purpose in try to find an ordained purpose in everything? If what Solomon says is everything? If what Solomon says is everything? If what Solomon says is true, there's a purpose for every true, there's a purpose for every true, there's a purpose for every season, season, season, then then then number two, how can I embrace every number two, how can I embrace every number two, how can I embrace every season?
season? season? If every season has something to teach If every season has something to teach If every season has something to teach me, how can I embrace those seasons? And me, how can I embrace those seasons? And me, how can I embrace those seasons? And so, we're just going to go through the so, we're just going to go through the so, we're just going to go through the four seasons that God created in the four seasons that God created in the four seasons that God created in the book of Genesis, and think about how book of Genesis, and think about how book of Genesis, and think about how they might apply not just to nature, they might apply not just to nature, they might apply not just to nature, but how they might apply to our lives. but how they might apply to our lives. but how they might apply to our lives. And so the first one is the season of And so the first one is the season of And so the first one is the season of spring. spring. spring. Solomon describes this as a time to be Solomon describes this as a time to be Solomon describes this as a time to be born, born, born, a time to plant, a time to plant, a time to plant, these moments of new beginnings, these moments of new beginnings, these moments of new beginnings, these moments of emerging out of winter these moments of emerging out of winter these moments of emerging out of winter where hopes and dreams begin to come where hopes and dreams begin to come where hopes and dreams begin to come alive, opportunities present themselves. alive, opportunities present themselves. alive, opportunities present themselves. It's a moment of opportunity for taking It's a moment of opportunity for taking It's a moment of opportunity for taking risks. risks. risks. And so how is there maybe a moment of And so how is there maybe a moment of And so how is there maybe a moment of spring happening in your life right now? spring happening in your life right now? spring happening in your life right now? Uh I remember Uh I remember Uh I remember taking our taking our taking our son home from the hospital and I I son home from the hospital and I I son home from the hospital and I I couldn't believe kids, I want you to couldn't believe kids, I want you to couldn't believe kids, I want you to know this. When your parents took you know this. When your parents took you know this. When your parents took you home from the hospital, they had no idea home from the hospital, they had no idea home from the hospital, they had no idea what they were doing. what they were doing. what they were doing. I mean, we took our son home and like I mean, we took our son home and like I mean, we took our son home and like the notion is they're going to give us the notion is they're going to give us the notion is they're going to give us this baby. We've never raised a baby this baby. We've never raised a baby this baby. We've never raised a baby before. We have no idea what to do. We before. We have no idea what to do. We before. We have no idea what to do. We can't even put him in the car seat. We can't even put him in the car seat. We can't even put him in the car seat. We have we're we're really clueless. And have we're we're really clueless. And have we're we're really clueless. And it's this it's this expectancy, it's it's this it's this expectancy, it's it's this it's this expectancy, it's adrenaline, it's I don't know what I'm adrenaline, it's I don't know what I'm adrenaline, it's I don't know what I'm doing. I'm in above my depth. I'm in doing. I'm in above my depth. I'm in doing. I'm in above my depth. I'm in over my head, but I got to figure it over my head, but I got to figure it over my head, but I got to figure it out. That's spring. You don't have it out. That's spring. You don't have it out. That's spring. You don't have it all figured out, but you know something all figured out, but you know something all figured out, but you know something is happening and is happening and is happening and maybe you're a brand new Christian here maybe you're a brand new Christian here maybe you're a brand new Christian here today.
today. today. And you're like, I just became a And you're like, I just became a And you're like, I just became a Christian like a month ago and I'm Christian like a month ago and I'm Christian like a month ago and I'm learning how to pray. I'm learning how learning how to pray. I'm learning how learning how to pray. I'm learning how to read the Bible and I think I felt to read the Bible and I think I felt to read the Bible and I think I felt conviction for the first time. conviction for the first time. conviction for the first time. I'm trying to figure out how to live a I'm trying to figure out how to live a I'm trying to figure out how to live a Christian life. Christian life. Christian life. Maybe you're in a new relationship. Maybe you're in a new relationship. Maybe you're in a new relationship. Maybe you just got a new job. All these Maybe you just got a new job. All these Maybe you just got a new job. All these new things that you haven't figured out new things that you haven't figured out new things that you haven't figured out yet, that's the season of spring. I yet, that's the season of spring. I yet, that's the season of spring. I remember when my wife and I first came remember when my wife and I first came remember when my wife and I first came to church here in 1998 and this for us to church here in 1998 and this for us to church here in 1998 and this for us was a new church. was a new church. was a new church. And I remember we'd come out of a winter And I remember we'd come out of a winter And I remember we'd come out of a winter season of a broken church and broken season of a broken church and broken season of a broken church and broken relationship, and a lot of hurt. And relationship, and a lot of hurt. And relationship, and a lot of hurt. And this is a place of healing, a place this is a place of healing, a place this is a place of healing, a place where hope was renewed because spring is where hope was renewed because spring is where hope was renewed because spring is the time where out of the dirt, the time where out of the dirt, the time where out of the dirt, something new emerges, the restoration something new emerges, the restoration something new emerges, the restoration and redemption and redemption and redemption of God. of God. of God. Spring Spring Spring has some things to teach us. has some things to teach us. has some things to teach us. But not just spring, But not just spring, But not just spring, spring gives way to summer. Today is the spring gives way to summer. Today is the spring gives way to summer. Today is the first day first day first day of summer. And in summer is things are of summer. And in summer is things are of summer. And in summer is things are growing. Solomon says, "There's a time growing. Solomon says, "There's a time growing. Solomon says, "There's a time to dance, a time to laugh, a time to to dance, a time to laugh, a time to to dance, a time to laugh, a time to work." There's a time where everything work." There's a time where everything work." There's a time where everything is growing. It's a time of abundance and is growing. It's a time of abundance and is growing. It's a time of abundance and activity, but also a lots of activity, but also a lots of activity, but also a lots of distractions. The days are long in distractions. The days are long in distractions. The days are long in summer.
summer. summer. And there's more things to do than there And there's more things to do than there And there's more things to do than there is time in the day, even though you have is time in the day, even though you have is time in the day, even though you have more time. more time. more time. And so, it's a time to protect some And so, it's a time to protect some And so, it's a time to protect some things and nourish some things, to things and nourish some things, to things and nourish some things, to create some boundaries for some things create some boundaries for some things create some boundaries for some things because you can't do it all because you can't do it all because you can't do it all or you will be exhausted. or you will be exhausted. or you will be exhausted. I remember I remember I remember the season of spring the season of spring the season of spring in our lives as we were raising young in our lives as we were raising young in our lives as we were raising young kids and going to sports and camps, and kids and going to sports and camps, and kids and going to sports and camps, and I was working here and we were building I was working here and we were building I was working here and we were building the organization or ministry called the organization or ministry called the organization or ministry called 4KIDS, and there was all these things 4KIDS, and there was all these things 4KIDS, and there was all these things that were just we're just grinding, that were just we're just grinding, that were just we're just grinding, we're just working because you feel like we're just working because you feel like we're just working because you feel like God is at work and things are growing. God is at work and things are growing. God is at work and things are growing. These are beautiful seasons of life. These are beautiful seasons of life. These are beautiful seasons of life. There are things you can learn in summer There are things you can learn in summer There are things you can learn in summer that you can't learn in any that you can't learn in any that you can't learn in any other other other season. season. season. And then there's the season of fall, And then there's the season of fall, And then there's the season of fall, season of harvest. Solomon says, "There's a time Solomon says, "There's a time to gather." to gather." to gather." You're gathering the harvest. You're You're gathering the harvest. You're You're gathering the harvest. You're looking at your successes, your wins, looking at your successes, your wins, looking at your successes, your wins, you're looking at your failures and your you're looking at your failures and your you're looking at your failures and your losses. It's a time of evaluation. losses. It's a time of evaluation. losses. It's a time of evaluation. You see, in harvest, you're reaping all You see, in harvest, you're reaping all You see, in harvest, you're reaping all the benefits of what you did in spring the benefits of what you did in spring the benefits of what you did in spring and summer. Did you plow? Did you plant?
and summer. Did you plow? Did you plant? and summer. Did you plow? Did you plant? Did you water? And then did the produce Did you water? And then did the produce Did you water? And then did the produce come? And if what you set out to do is come? And if what you set out to do is come? And if what you set out to do is not what you experienced, then you have not what you experienced, then you have not what you experienced, then you have a moment to evaluate. a moment to evaluate. a moment to evaluate. Wait, I said in the spring, "I'm going Wait, I said in the spring, "I'm going Wait, I said in the spring, "I'm going to get out of debt." I said that New to get out of debt." I said that New to get out of debt." I said that New Year's resolution, and now I'm in more Year's resolution, and now I'm in more Year's resolution, and now I'm in more debt. That that didn't work. I need to debt. That that didn't work. I need to debt. That that didn't work. I need to stop and go, stop and go, stop and go, "You know, "You know, "You know, I had an idea, but I didn't follow I had an idea, but I didn't follow I had an idea, but I didn't follow through." through." through." Or Or Or I wanted to graduate from college, and I I wanted to graduate from college, and I I wanted to graduate from college, and I went back and I studied so hard as I was went back and I studied so hard as I was went back and I studied so hard as I was working, and I walked across the stage working, and I walked across the stage working, and I walked across the stage and I graduated. What a powerful and I graduated. What a powerful and I graduated. What a powerful powerful moment of harvest. All that powerful moment of harvest. All that powerful moment of harvest. All that hard work produced something good. hard work produced something good. hard work produced something good. Fall is a time where you experience the Fall is a time where you experience the Fall is a time where you experience the graduation of your kids, where you pay graduation of your kids, where you pay graduation of your kids, where you pay off your debt, where you buy your house, off your debt, where you buy your house, off your debt, where you buy your house, where where you try to grow in certain where where you try to grow in certain where where you try to grow in certain areas and you have some steps forward areas and you have some steps forward areas and you have some steps forward and some steps backwards. and some steps backwards. and some steps backwards. But it's a chance to see But it's a chance to see But it's a chance to see the work of your hands the work of your hands the work of your hands and to thank God for what he's doing. and to thank God for what he's doing. and to thank God for what he's doing. And then the season that most most of us And then the season that most most of us And then the season that most most of us don't want to go through there is the don't want to go through there is the don't want to go through there is the season season season of winter.
of winter. of winter. It's a season where everything in your It's a season where everything in your It's a season where everything in your life life life looks dead. looks dead. looks dead. It doesn't mean it's dead. It doesn't mean it's dead. It doesn't mean it's dead. But it means as you process your wins But it means as you process your wins But it means as you process your wins and your losses, well, there's times of and your losses, well, there's times of and your losses, well, there's times of sadness and sorrow and pain. sadness and sorrow and pain. sadness and sorrow and pain. Because maybe that business you started Because maybe that business you started Because maybe that business you started failed. failed. failed. And you're asking yourself the question, And you're asking yourself the question, And you're asking yourself the question, how am I going to recover from this? how am I going to recover from this? how am I going to recover from this? There's no recovering from this. There's no recovering from this. There's no recovering from this. The marriage you tried to forge The marriage you tried to forge The marriage you tried to forge feels dead. feels dead. feels dead. The son or daughter you raised The son or daughter you raised The son or daughter you raised is now a prodigal. is now a prodigal. is now a prodigal. All that you poured your life into seems All that you poured your life into seems All that you poured your life into seems like like it hasn't worked and and we like like it hasn't worked and and we like like it hasn't worked and and we don't always know what to do with that, don't always know what to do with that, don't always know what to do with that, but winter is a time to process the but winter is a time to process the but winter is a time to process the pain, the sadness, the loneliness, pain, the sadness, the loneliness, pain, the sadness, the loneliness, the sickness. the sickness. the sickness. Solomon says, there is a time to mourn, Solomon says, there is a time to mourn, Solomon says, there is a time to mourn, there is a time to throw away, there is there is a time to throw away, there is there is a time to throw away, there is a time to die. It's a time of a time to die. It's a time of a time to die. It's a time of winter. winter. winter. And this again is a And this again is a And this again is a a thing we try to avoid.
a thing we try to avoid. a thing we try to avoid. Sometimes it's small things. I mean, one Sometimes it's small things. I mean, one Sometimes it's small things. I mean, one of these moments of winter with 10th of these moments of winter with 10th of these moments of winter with 10th grade, South Plantation High School, I grade, South Plantation High School, I grade, South Plantation High School, I got cut from the basketball team. got cut from the basketball team. got cut from the basketball team. I remember looking at the paper for all I remember looking at the paper for all I remember looking at the paper for all the people who made the team. My name's not on there. My name's not on there. That dream that I had, all that hard That dream that I had, all that hard That dream that I had, all that hard work, all that practice work, all that practice work, all that practice now seems like a waste. I guess I just now seems like a waste. I guess I just now seems like a waste. I guess I just walk away from the dream. The dream is walk away from the dream. The dream is walk away from the dream. The dream is dead. dead. dead. Or Or Or and maybe and maybe and maybe a more painful reality, a more painful reality, a more painful reality, there was a year in my life with my wife there was a year in my life with my wife there was a year in my life with my wife where we experienced the birth and death where we experienced the birth and death where we experienced the birth and death of our first son. of our first son. of our first son. We went from the joy We went from the joy We went from the joy of labor and delivery of labor and delivery of labor and delivery to a funeral. to a funeral. to a funeral. I went through this moment with my wife I went through this moment with my wife I went through this moment with my wife smiling and laughing to her being in bed smiling and laughing to her being in bed smiling and laughing to her being in bed in the dark in fetal position, not being in the dark in fetal position, not being in the dark in fetal position, not being able to get up. able to get up. able to get up. We experienced the failure of a church We experienced the failure of a church We experienced the failure of a church and the brokenness of relationships and and the brokenness of relationships and and the brokenness of relationships and it seems like during that 12- to it seems like during that 12- to it seems like during that 12- to 18-month period, everything was dying 18-month period, everything was dying 18-month period, everything was dying all around us.
all around us. all around us. But there are things that God can teach But there are things that God can teach But there are things that God can teach us in winter that he can't teach us in us in winter that he can't teach us in us in winter that he can't teach us in any other time. any other time. any other time. That in that That in that That in that place of darkness place of darkness place of darkness where there doesn't seem to be a lot of where there doesn't seem to be a lot of where there doesn't seem to be a lot of light, he can be our comfort and our light, he can be our comfort and our light, he can be our comfort and our peace and peace and peace and that's true in my life and I know it's that's true in my life and I know it's that's true in my life and I know it's true in yours because God is close to true in yours because God is close to true in yours because God is close to those who are broken-hearted, those those who are broken-hearted, those those who are broken-hearted, those who are broken and contrite in spirit. who are broken and contrite in spirit. who are broken and contrite in spirit. And so, And so, And so, one of the reasons I I love this church one of the reasons I I love this church one of the reasons I I love this church is because so many of you who have is because so many of you who have is because so many of you who have walked through brokenness and walked through brokenness and walked through brokenness and experienced God's presence and healing experienced God's presence and healing experienced God's presence and healing and a new season of life and a new season of life and a new season of life have chosen to go back into those places have chosen to go back into those places have chosen to go back into those places of brokenness and help others heal. of brokenness and help others heal. of brokenness and help others heal. That's why we have a ministry here That's why we have a ministry here That's why we have a ministry here called Cancer Care. People who get this diagnosis People who get this diagnosis that changes their whole life plan that changes their whole life plan that changes their whole life plan and they walk through it and then they and they walk through it and then they and they walk through it and then they help other people walk through it. help other people walk through it. help other people walk through it. There's a ministry here called Divorce There's a ministry here called Divorce There's a ministry here called Divorce Care. When people's marriages fall apart Care. When people's marriages fall apart Care. When people's marriages fall apart and and how do you [clears throat] walk and and how do you [clears throat] walk and and how do you [clears throat] walk with someone through that process? with someone through that process? with someone through that process? There's a ministry, a care ministry. There's a ministry, a care ministry. There's a ministry, a care ministry. There's a ministry called Grief Share There's a ministry called Grief Share There's a ministry called Grief Share here where if you lose a son or a parent here where if you lose a son or a parent here where if you lose a son or a parent or a spouse and you're like, "Does or a spouse and you're like, "Does or a spouse and you're like, "Does anyone understand? Does anyone see me?
anyone understand? Does anyone see me? anyone understand? Does anyone see me? I'm in this big church and I'm going I'm in this big church and I'm going I'm in this big church and I'm going through winter and I'm dying inside." through winter and I'm dying inside." through winter and I'm dying inside." And I just push it down And I just push it down And I just push it down and I say, "Praise the Lord." and I say, "Praise the Lord." and I say, "Praise the Lord." Now, there's more Now, there's more Now, there's more to that. God God would desire that in a to that. God God would desire that in a to that. God God would desire that in a season of winter you process those season of winter you process those season of winter you process those emotions. That you grieve those losses, emotions. That you grieve those losses, emotions. That you grieve those losses, that you heal and you watch that season that you heal and you watch that season that you heal and you watch that season come. come. come. And you watch the beautiful healing of And you watch the beautiful healing of And you watch the beautiful healing of God as it passes. God as it passes. God as it passes. And that doesn't mean you forget. And that doesn't mean you forget. And that doesn't mean you forget. But it mean God has a way to do But it mean God has a way to do But it mean God has a way to do something in your heart that no one else something in your heart that no one else something in your heart that no one else can do. can do. can do. And these are the seasons And these are the seasons And these are the seasons of life. Each one has its own purpose. of life. Each one has its own purpose. of life. Each one has its own purpose. And so the question, And so the question, And so the question, what season are you in? what season are you in? what season are you in? What lessons is God teaching you in that What lessons is God teaching you in that What lessons is God teaching you in that season? season? season? And you might be in different seasons And you might be in different seasons And you might be in different seasons where in your family or relationship where in your family or relationship where in your family or relationship you're in the season of spring cuz you're in the season of spring cuz you're in the season of spring cuz there's some new things happening, but there's some new things happening, but there's some new things happening, but in your vocation and work it seems like in your vocation and work it seems like in your vocation and work it seems like it's dead and dying. it's dead and dying. it's dead and dying. And that's part of what we process. But And that's part of what we process. But And that's part of what we process. But embracing seasons embracing seasons embracing seasons is what Solomon is what Solomon is what Solomon encourages us to do because encourages us to do because encourages us to do because he says we're not in control of those he says we're not in control of those he says we're not in control of those things.
things. things. Only God is. Only God is. Only God is. But so how do we resist seasons? So But so how do we resist seasons? So But so how do we resist seasons? So here's how we resist seasons. here's how we resist seasons. here's how we resist seasons. We can be in a season that we're in We can be in a season that we're in We can be in a season that we're in right now and we don't like what we're right now and we don't like what we're right now and we don't like what we're in. in. in. And so what we like to do is we like to And so what we like to do is we like to And so what we like to do is we like to look to the future. look to the future. look to the future. Like I'm going to be happy when I get Like I'm going to be happy when I get Like I'm going to be happy when I get the job. the job. the job. I'm going to be joyful and I'm going to I'm going to be joyful and I'm going to I'm going to be joyful and I'm going to be thankful to God when I get the be thankful to God when I get the be thankful to God when I get the relationships. relationships. relationships. I'm going to I'm going to be just the I'm going to I'm going to be just the I'm going to I'm going to be just the best version of myself when these best version of myself when these best version of myself when these happen. You know what that's called? happen. You know what that's called? happen. You know what that's called? That's that's called destination That's that's called destination That's that's called destination disease. disease. disease. I'm going to be this kind of person when I'm going to be this kind of person when I'm going to be this kind of person when I get over here. I get over here. I get over here. And then some people they don't have And then some people they don't have And then some people they don't have destination disease. They have a a a destination disease. They have a a a destination disease. They have a a a horrible sickness called nostalgia. horrible sickness called nostalgia. horrible sickness called nostalgia. Where you want to go back there. Where you want to go back there. Where you want to go back there. The good old days were back there. The good old days were back there. The good old days were back there. I want to freeze time, stop time, I want to freeze time, stop time, I want to freeze time, stop time, reverse time. I just want to live in the reverse time. I just want to live in the reverse time. I just want to live in the past when it was all good. past when it was all good. past when it was all good. And both destination disease And both destination disease And both destination disease and nostalgia are are toxic. They either and nostalgia are are toxic. They either and nostalgia are are toxic. They either live in the past and rob the future or live in the past and rob the future or live in the past and rob the future or live in the future and rob the present.
live in the future and rob the present. live in the future and rob the present. And so there's this really beautiful And so there's this really beautiful And so there's this really beautiful saying about how God wants to be present saying about how God wants to be present saying about how God wants to be present with us in the moment. with us in the moment. with us in the moment. And it goes like this, "Yesterday is And it goes like this, "Yesterday is And it goes like this, "Yesterday is history, history, history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. gift. gift. That's why they call it the present." That's why they call it the present." That's why they call it the present." And just let that sit because God's And just let that sit because God's And just let that sit because God's grace can't meet you in the past grace can't meet you in the past grace can't meet you in the past or in the future. God's grace is like or in the future. God's grace is like or in the future. God's grace is like man, it is for today. man, it is for today. man, it is for today. And God can meet you in your season, And God can meet you in your season, And God can meet you in your season, whether it's spring, summer, fall, or whether it's spring, summer, fall, or whether it's spring, summer, fall, or winter. winter. winter. And he wants to meet you in the present, And he wants to meet you in the present, And he wants to meet you in the present, bringing you wisdom and comfort and bringing you wisdom and comfort and bringing you wisdom and comfort and energy and peace. energy and peace. energy and peace. And so you can actually embrace the And so you can actually embrace the And so you can actually embrace the season you're in even if you don't like season you're in even if you don't like season you're in even if you don't like it exactly. it exactly. it exactly. But another way that we don't embrace But another way that we don't embrace But another way that we don't embrace seasons is we try to manipulate them. seasons is we try to manipulate them. seasons is we try to manipulate them. So, So, So, one we we like to do this in South one we we like to do this in South one we we like to do this in South Florida. I hear people in South Florida Florida. I hear people in South Florida Florida. I hear people in South Florida say this all the time. Like, "I love say this all the time. Like, "I love say this all the time. Like, "I love summer. I love the long days cuz I hate summer. I love the long days cuz I hate summer. I love the long days cuz I hate when it's dark, you know, in the winter when it's dark, you know, in the winter when it's dark, you know, in the winter it's dark early and dark late I don't it's dark early and dark late I don't it's dark early and dark late I don't like that. I love the summer except I I like that. I love the summer except I I like that. I love the summer except I I want the long days, but I don't want the want the long days, but I don't want the want the long days, but I don't want the heat or the rain or the humidity."
heat or the rain or the humidity." heat or the rain or the humidity." Anybody know what I'm talking about? It Anybody know what I'm talking about? It Anybody know what I'm talking about? It was hot yesterday. was hot yesterday. was hot yesterday. Like, I want to mash up the best of Like, I want to mash up the best of Like, I want to mash up the best of summer and winter and spring and fall summer and winter and spring and fall summer and winter and spring and fall and I want to make my own season and I want to make my own season and I want to make my own season because it's my desire to control the because it's my desire to control the because it's my desire to control the environment. environment. environment. Now, we would be foolish to say that out Now, we would be foolish to say that out Now, we would be foolish to say that out loud loud loud even if we think but we try to do this even if we think but we try to do this even if we think but we try to do this with our lives all the time. with our lives all the time. with our lives all the time. Hey, I'm in spring there's some newness Hey, I'm in spring there's some newness Hey, I'm in spring there's some newness but I also want I want to experience but I also want I want to experience but I also want I want to experience like that that the harvest in the like that that the harvest in the like that that the harvest in the spring. spring. spring. And and it's winter I'm And and it's winter I'm And and it's winter I'm but I want the winter to quickly be but I want the winter to quickly be but I want the winter to quickly be mixed with all the summer and all the mixed with all the summer and all the mixed with all the summer and all the abundance that happens so I don't have abundance that happens so I don't have abundance that happens so I don't have to feel that deeply and if I can just to feel that deeply and if I can just to feel that deeply and if I can just manipulate how I see the seasons or ask manipulate how I see the seasons or ask manipulate how I see the seasons or ask God to change it then I'll be happy and God to change it then I'll be happy and God to change it then I'll be happy and be at peace. be at peace. be at peace. Except that's not how it works. Except that's not how it works. Except that's not how it works. Cuz just like we don't control the Cuz just like we don't control the Cuz just like we don't control the weather weather weather we don't control these seasons as they we don't control these seasons as they we don't control these seasons as they come in and out of our lives. come in and out of our lives. come in and out of our lives. And that's why And that's why And that's why God says, God says, God says, "I'm the only one who can make things "I'm the only one who can make things "I'm the only one who can make things beautiful beautiful beautiful in my own time. in my own time. in my own time. And I'm the only one who can help you And I'm the only one who can help you And I'm the only one who can help you fathom all that I'm doing in your life.
fathom all that I'm doing in your life. fathom all that I'm doing in your life. And this is a beautiful And this is a beautiful And this is a beautiful invitation to embrace the season that invitation to embrace the season that invitation to embrace the season that you're in." you're in." you're in." Here's how Paul described it. Here's how Paul described it. Here's how Paul described it. "I have learned the secret of being "I have learned the secret of being "I have learned the secret of being content content content in any and every in any and every in any and every situation." He's He's not annoyed not annoyed not annoyed that he's in jail. that he's in jail. that he's in jail. He didn't want to be a prisoner. He He didn't want to be a prisoner. He He didn't want to be a prisoner. He wanted to be a preacher, but turns out wanted to be a preacher, but turns out wanted to be a preacher, but turns out God wants him to be a God wants him to be a God wants him to be a preacher who's a prisoner. preacher who's a prisoner. preacher who's a prisoner. That's not what he asked for, That's not what he asked for, That's not what he asked for, but he's like, "I have learned but he's like, "I have learned but he's like, "I have learned that I don't control the seasons of my that I don't control the seasons of my that I don't control the seasons of my life life life just like I don't control the weather. just like I don't control the weather. just like I don't control the weather. And so, I'm going to embrace being in And so, I'm going to embrace being in And so, I'm going to embrace being in jail, jail, jail, and I'm going to embrace writing these and I'm going to embrace writing these and I'm going to embrace writing these letters that are going to change not letters that are going to change not letters that are going to change not just the lives of the people who receive just the lives of the people who receive just the lives of the people who receive them, but us 2,000 years later." them, but us 2,000 years later." them, but us 2,000 years later." Cuz he sees a divine purpose for the Cuz he sees a divine purpose for the Cuz he sees a divine purpose for the season season season that he's in. that he's in. that he's in. You can't control seasons. You can't control seasons. You can't control seasons. You can't avoid seasons. You can't avoid seasons. You can't avoid seasons. But you can embrace seasons. But you can embrace seasons. But you can embrace seasons. And this is what Solomon's wisdom And this is what Solomon's wisdom And this is what Solomon's wisdom is saying to us. And then finally, God is saying to us. And then finally, God is saying to us. And then finally, God speaks uniquely in each season. Again, speaks uniquely in each season. Again, speaks uniquely in each season. Again, there are things that you can learn in there are things that you can learn in there are things that you can learn in winter that you can't learn at any other winter that you can't learn at any other winter that you can't learn at any other time.
time. time. See, sometimes when these seasons come See, sometimes when these seasons come See, sometimes when these seasons come in our life, we get stuck with, "God, in our life, we get stuck with, "God, in our life, we get stuck with, "God, why are you allowing this to happen?" why are you allowing this to happen?" why are you allowing this to happen?" Instead of saying, "What do you want to Instead of saying, "What do you want to Instead of saying, "What do you want to teach me?" teach me?" teach me?" And so, a simple invitation for the And so, a simple invitation for the And so, a simple invitation for the season that you're in instead of arguing season that you're in instead of arguing season that you're in instead of arguing with God, maybe embrace that he has a with God, maybe embrace that he has a with God, maybe embrace that he has a different view or a higher view than different view or a higher view than different view or a higher view than you. That's why Isaiah would write this you. That's why Isaiah would write this you. That's why Isaiah would write this about God. about God. about God. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares neither are your ways my ways," declares neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher the Lord. "As the heavens are higher the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than than your ways, and my thoughts than than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." your thoughts." your thoughts." You see, we're not built to understand You see, we're not built to understand You see, we're not built to understand the big picture in the same way God is. the big picture in the same way God is. the big picture in the same way God is. He is God He is God He is God and we are not. and we are not. and we are not. He is God He is God He is God and we are not. So, how do we process and we are not. So, how do we process and we are not. So, how do we process all the things in life that don't go how all the things in life that don't go how all the things in life that don't go how we want? Well, maybe much like a little we want? Well, maybe much like a little we want? Well, maybe much like a little child child child who trusts his or her dad. who trusts his or her dad. who trusts his or her dad. Hey, there's crazy stuff happening news, Hey, there's crazy stuff happening news, Hey, there's crazy stuff happening news, but I trust my dad. He's going to but I trust my dad. He's going to but I trust my dad. He's going to protect our family. protect our family. protect our family. Hey, my friend's going through this Hey, my friend's going through this Hey, my friend's going through this challenge and issue. Hey, I'm going to challenge and issue. Hey, I'm going to challenge and issue. Hey, I'm going to trust my dad. He's going to bring home trust my dad. He's going to bring home trust my dad. He's going to bring home food for our family and we're going to food for our family and we're going to food for our family and we're going to eat. He's going to protect us. He's eat. He's going to protect us. He's eat. He's going to protect us. He's going to provide for us. He's going to going to provide for us. He's going to going to provide for us. He's going to care for us. Most little kids are not care for us. Most little kids are not care for us. Most little kids are not stressed out if they have a good father stressed out if they have a good father stressed out if they have a good father or good family or good family or good family because they know dad's got it.
because they know dad's got it. because they know dad's got it. So, I can go play with my toys. So, I can go play with my toys. So, I can go play with my toys. I can color in my books. I can color in my books. I can color in my books. I can swim in the pool. I can live life I can swim in the pool. I can live life I can swim in the pool. I can live life free because my father's eye is on free because my father's eye is on free because my father's eye is on me, right? The simple trust of a child me, right? The simple trust of a child me, right? The simple trust of a child to a father. to a father. to a father. So, it helps us it helps us when we process difficult moments or when we process difficult moments or when we process difficult moments or when we process really great moments. when we process really great moments. when we process really great moments. So, so Paul would say this about how So, so Paul would say this about how So, so Paul would say this about how Christians can process different seasons Christians can process different seasons Christians can process different seasons of life. of life. of life. He says, "And we know that in all things He says, "And we know that in all things He says, "And we know that in all things and you could put all seasons. and you could put all seasons. and you could put all seasons. God works for the good of those who love God works for the good of those who love God works for the good of those who love him him him and have been called according to his and have been called according to his and have been called according to his purpose." purpose." purpose." This is one of the most powerful This is one of the most powerful This is one of the most powerful sentences in the whole Bible. sentences in the whole Bible. sentences in the whole Bible. No matter what happens next, no matter No matter what happens next, no matter No matter what happens next, no matter what season comes in my life, no matter what season comes in my life, no matter what season comes in my life, no matter how long it lasts, no matter the high, how long it lasts, no matter the high, how long it lasts, no matter the high, the low, or the in-between, God is at the low, or the in-between, God is at the low, or the in-between, God is at work in this season in my life for my work in this season in my life for my work in this season in my life for my good and for his glory. So, I'm going to good and for his glory. So, I'm going to good and for his glory. So, I'm going to trust him because he's God and I'm not.
trust him because he's God and I'm not. trust him because he's God and I'm not. And I'm going to embrace that season, And I'm going to embrace that season, And I'm going to embrace that season, right? That's right? That's right? That's >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> That's >> That's >> That's That's the wisdom That's the wisdom That's the wisdom that Solomon is giving us. that Solomon is giving us. that Solomon is giving us. And so, we're going to we're going to And so, we're going to we're going to And so, we're going to we're going to practice just doing some practice just doing some practice just doing some reflection on each of the different reflection on each of the different reflection on each of the different seasons in a moment, but I I want to seasons in a moment, but I I want to seasons in a moment, but I I want to highlight that what we're going to about highlight that what we're going to about highlight that what we're going to about to do in 5 minutes or so, we're going to to do in 5 minutes or so, we're going to to do in 5 minutes or so, we're going to spend 3 days doing at a place called The spend 3 days doing at a place called The spend 3 days doing at a place called The Cove in North Carolina this October, the Cove in North Carolina this October, the Cove in North Carolina this October, the first week of October, the leaves all first week of October, the leaves all first week of October, the leaves all change in one of the most beautiful change in one of the most beautiful change in one of the most beautiful environments, and every year or so, we environments, and every year or so, we environments, and every year or so, we bring a couple busloads of people, or bring a couple busloads of people, or bring a couple busloads of people, or people fly and meet us there. And if you people fly and meet us there. And if you people fly and meet us there. And if you if you have a heart to go, "Man, I would if you have a heart to go, "Man, I would if you have a heart to go, "Man, I would love to get away, experience a change of love to get away, experience a change of love to get away, experience a change of season, and be with God's people in this season, and be with God's people in this season, and be with God's people in this beautiful environment." I want to beautiful environment." I want to beautiful environment." I want to encourage you, like there's 50 slots encourage you, like there's 50 slots encourage you, like there's 50 slots left, so sign up quick because these left, so sign up quick because these left, so sign up quick because these could be some life-changing retreat could be some life-changing retreat could be some life-changing retreat moments that we want you to be a part moments that we want you to be a part moments that we want you to be a part of. So, as you scan the QR code earlier of. So, as you scan the QR code earlier of. So, as you scan the QR code earlier or the one in your seat, you can get all or the one in your seat, you can get all or the one in your seat, you can get all the information to join us. But but but the information to join us. But but but the information to join us. But but but now, we're we're going to actually take now, we're we're going to actually take now, we're we're going to actually take a moment, and we're going to process a moment, and we're going to process a moment, and we're going to process um each of these seasons. And so, just um each of these seasons. And so, just um each of these seasons. And so, just close your eyes for a moment.
Just ask yourself the question, "What Just ask yourself the question, "What what season am I in?" And what lessons And what lessons does God have for me? And and just be curious about where your And and just be curious about where your mind takes you. mind takes you. mind takes you. Or where your heart takes you as you Or where your heart takes you as you Or where your heart takes you as you process the emotion of it. Is there any area of spring in your Is there any area of spring in your life? What's beginning in your life? What's What's beginning in your life? What's emerging? What feels What feels new? What might require a risk because What might require a risk because there's amazing opportunity in front of there's amazing opportunity in front of there's amazing opportunity in front of you?
How might God bring a restoration How might God bring a restoration because you just came out of a very because you just came out of a very because you just came out of a very difficult winter season. The next season is summer. Is there The next season is summer. Is there anything anything anything in your life in your life in your life that's growing? Anything in your life Anything in your life where there's activity, there's where there's activity, there's where there's activity, there's maybe a pace that's maybe a pace that's maybe a pace that's it's fast, frenetic, and it's full of it's fast, frenetic, and it's full of it's fast, frenetic, and it's full of distractions. And you need the wisdom to know what to And you need the wisdom to know what to say yes to and what to say no to.
Need to know what to protect, Need to know what to protect, what to nourish. Just invite God's perspective, his Just invite God's perspective, his wisdom wisdom wisdom for those areas of focus and whatever's for those areas of focus and whatever's for those areas of focus and whatever's growing growing growing in your life. where you look at the results of all the where you look at the results of all the work you did in the season before that. work you did in the season before that. work you did in the season before that. What are the wins? What are the losses? What are the wins? What are the losses? What are the wins? What are the losses? Just take a moment, count them. What are the lessons learned, the goals What are the lessons learned, the goals you set that you didn't hit, and you set that you didn't hit, and you set that you didn't hit, and maybe evaluate what why is that? How can maybe evaluate what why is that? How can maybe evaluate what why is that? How can I grow? Maybe the success is Maybe the success is you've taken too much credit for and you you've taken too much credit for and you you've taken too much credit for and you need to thank God. need to thank God. need to thank God. Cuz it was way more him than you.
Fall's a great time Fall's a great time to get that perspective. Or maybe to begin to invest in others Or maybe to begin to invest in others because you've been blessed so much. The season that comes for all of us. The season that comes for all of us. Do you have anything to grieve? Any losses? Any losses? Any failures? Any Give yourself space to let your emotions Give yourself space to let your emotions to catch up to your reality. that seed that was planted that seems that seed that was planted that seems dead is about to spring dead is about to spring dead is about to spring up up up in the next season.
Cuz we serve a God of resurrection. Cuz we serve a God of resurrection. The God who takes dead things Father, we invite you into each of these Father, we invite you into each of these seasons in our life. seasons in our life. seasons in our life. And we thank you for the words that you And we thank you for the words that you And we thank you for the words that you spoke into us. For some words of spoke into us. For some words of spoke into us. For some words of comfort, some words of conviction, some comfort, some words of conviction, some comfort, some words of conviction, some words of grace. And God, we know that this is not an And God, we know that this is not an evaluation we can do in 5 minutes on a evaluation we can do in 5 minutes on a evaluation we can do in 5 minutes on a weekend and then we're done. So, as we weekend and then we're done. So, as we weekend and then we're done. So, as we put our heads on our pillows tonight, as put our heads on our pillows tonight, as put our heads on our pillows tonight, as we sit around our tables and talk, help us to recognize your good gifts and help us to recognize your good gifts and enjoy them. Help us to recognize our finiteness Help us to recognize our finiteness and embrace your infiniteness and embrace your infiniteness and embrace your infiniteness and shape our hearts toward you. God is good, right? God is good, right? He is. He is. He is. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> And >> And >> And Solomon was right, apart from God, life is heavy. It's a vapor. It's beyond life is heavy. It's a vapor. It's beyond grasping. It seems meaningless, but in a grasping. It seems meaningless, but in a grasping. It seems meaningless, but in a relationship with the living God, we relationship with the living God, we relationship with the living God, we find meaning because he placed eternity find meaning because he placed eternity find meaning because he placed eternity in our hearts. And so, in our hearts. And so, in our hearts. And so, I want to give you a chance I want to give you a chance I want to give you a chance to do one of two things.
to do one of two things. to do one of two things. To witness a miracle To witness a miracle To witness a miracle or to experience a miracle. or to experience a miracle. or to experience a miracle. You see, in a moment, we're going to You see, in a moment, we're going to You see, in a moment, we're going to invite people to start a relationship invite people to start a relationship invite people to start a relationship with the living God. And so, if you've with the living God. And so, if you've with the living God. And so, if you've experienced that miracle, I'm going to experienced that miracle, I'm going to experienced that miracle, I'm going to ask you to pray, to participate in that ask you to pray, to participate in that ask you to pray, to participate in that miracle. And if miracle. And if miracle. And if if you haven't yet, I want you to be if you haven't yet, I want you to be if you haven't yet, I want you to be curious about what I'm about to say curious about what I'm about to say curious about what I'm about to say next. You see, your life may feel meaningless. You see, your life may feel meaningless. You may feel like God's a a big guy up You may feel like God's a a big guy up You may feel like God's a a big guy up there, someone you come to to get rid of there, someone you come to to get rid of there, someone you come to to get rid of that sense of low-grade guilt that you that sense of low-grade guilt that you that sense of low-grade guilt that you carry or try to find a sense of meaning carry or try to find a sense of meaning carry or try to find a sense of meaning to get some energy for the week. to get some energy for the week. to get some energy for the week. But God is so much more than that. But God is so much more than that. But God is so much more than that. He is your creator. He made you in his He is your creator. He made you in his He is your creator. He made you in his image and he made you for a purpose. You image and he made you for a purpose. You image and he made you for a purpose. You are not a random accident and you're not are not a random accident and you're not are not a random accident and you're not here by random here by random here by random coincidence. You're here to hear this coincidence. You're here to hear this coincidence. You're here to hear this invitation for a divine purpose. invitation for a divine purpose. invitation for a divine purpose. And so, here's what I want to say to And so, here's what I want to say to And so, here's what I want to say to you. Most people say, "Well, God is my you. Most people say, "Well, God is my you. Most people say, "Well, God is my father." father." father." And that's not actually true And that's not actually true And that's not actually true for most people. for most people. for most people. God is your creator. God is your creator. God is your creator. You were made in his image, but the You were made in his image, but the You were made in his image, but the Bible says that God has one begotten Bible says that God has one begotten Bible says that God has one begotten son. His name is Jesus.
son. His name is Jesus. son. His name is Jesus. And the only way that someone becomes a And the only way that someone becomes a And the only way that someone becomes a child of God is through something called child of God is through something called child of God is through something called adoption. In my family, we know something about In my family, we know something about adoption. Adoption is a process adoption. Adoption is a process adoption. Adoption is a process where a parent extends a desire to have where a parent extends a desire to have where a parent extends a desire to have a child come into their family and a child come into their family and a child come into their family and paperwork is signed and that child's paperwork is signed and that child's paperwork is signed and that child's names is changed and they receive the names is changed and they receive the names is changed and they receive the same inheritance as someone born of that same inheritance as someone born of that same inheritance as someone born of that couple's body. couple's body. couple's body. And that's what happens And that's what happens And that's what happens when you give your life when you give your life when you give your life to Jesus. to Jesus. to Jesus. Jesus doesn't just forgive your sins and Jesus doesn't just forgive your sins and Jesus doesn't just forgive your sins and fill that void in your heart, but Jesus fill that void in your heart, but Jesus fill that void in your heart, but Jesus invites you to be part of the family of invites you to be part of the family of invites you to be part of the family of God. He invites you to become a son or God. He invites you to become a son or God. He invites you to become a son or daughter of God. And there's some daughter of God. And there's some daughter of God. And there's some paperwork. There's a book in heaven paperwork. There's a book in heaven paperwork. There's a book in heaven called the book of life. There's a name called the book of life. There's a name called the book of life. There's a name change. You go from being an enemy of change. You go from being an enemy of change. You go from being an enemy of God to a friend of God. You come You God to a friend of God. You come You God to a friend of God. You come You come from being someone apart from God come from being someone apart from God come from being someone apart from God to being a son or daughter of God. And to being a son or daughter of God. And to being a son or daughter of God. And there's an inheritance, you know, when there's an inheritance, you know, when there's an inheritance, you know, when you become a Christian. You become an you become a Christian. You become an you become a Christian. You become an heir of heaven itself. And this is the heir of heaven itself. And this is the heir of heaven itself. And this is the gift of God. And this is what God loves gift of God. And this is what God loves gift of God. And this is what God loves to do. He loves to invite people.
>> [applause] >> [applause] >> The longing that you feel is drawing you >> The longing that you feel is drawing you >> The longing that you feel is drawing you toward him. Paul said it that that way. toward him. Paul said it that that way. toward him. Paul said it that that way. God did all these things in your life God did all these things in your life God did all these things in your life time and place so that perhaps time and place so that perhaps time and place so that perhaps you would seek God and reach out for him you would seek God and reach out for him you would seek God and reach out for him and find him because he is not far from and find him because he is not far from and find him because he is not far from you. you. you. And so the invitation is here. Jesus And so the invitation is here. Jesus And so the invitation is here. Jesus said, "God so loved the world that he said, "God so loved the world that he said, "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever gave his one and only son that whoever gave his one and only son that whoever believes believes believes doesn't have to perish, but can have doesn't have to perish, but can have doesn't have to perish, but can have everlasting life." everlasting life." everlasting life." And so that requires a response. Are you And so that requires a response. Are you And so that requires a response. Are you ready ready ready to say to God, "I'm a sinner. I need a to say to God, "I'm a sinner. I need a to say to God, "I'm a sinner. I need a savior." Are you ready to say, "Jesus, savior." Are you ready to say, "Jesus, savior." Are you ready to say, "Jesus, take my sin and put it on you. I want to take my sin and put it on you. I want to take my sin and put it on you. I want to take your righteous I want to become take your righteous I want to become take your righteous I want to become adopted into the family of God." This adopted into the family of God." This adopted into the family of God." This This is the invitation. This is the invitation. This is the invitation. And you can do this to God as long as And you can do this to God as long as And you can do this to God as long as you want. you want. you want. But I hope at some point, I hope it's But I hope at some point, I hope it's But I hope at some point, I hope it's today, today, today, you don't do this. you don't do this. you don't do this. You do this. God, I surrender my my life You do this. God, I surrender my my life You do this. God, I surrender my my life belongs to you. I'm going to belongs to you. I'm going to belongs to you. I'm going to I'm going to give it all. I'm going to give it all. I'm going to give it all. And here's how we do that here. We play And here's how we do that here. We play And here's how we do that here. We play a song and we invite you, if you want a a song and we invite you, if you want a a song and we invite you, if you want a relationship with God through his son relationship with God through his son relationship with God through his son Jesus, and if you want to experience Jesus, and if you want to experience Jesus, and if you want to experience a friendship with God, a relationship a friendship with God, a relationship a friendship with God, a relationship with God, we're going to ask you to come with God, we're going to ask you to come with God, we're going to ask you to come forward and and stand here and pray a forward and and stand here and pray a forward and and stand here and pray a prayer of confession and repentance. And prayer of confession and repentance. And prayer of confession and repentance. And as you do that, we will celebrate all as you do that, we will celebrate all as you do that, we will celebrate all around this room because we did this, we around this room because we did this, we around this room because we did this, we knew what it was like for us, and we knew what it was like for us, and we knew what it was like for us, and we can't wait for this to be true of you on can't wait for this to be true of you on can't wait for this to be true of you on this Father's Day. This will be the best this Father's Day. This will be the best this Father's Day. This will be the best Father's Day of your life if you respond Father's Day of your life if you respond Father's Day of your life if you respond to this invitation because God is to this invitation because God is to this invitation because God is waiting to adopt you into his family.
waiting to adopt you into his family. waiting to adopt you into his family. And if that's you right now, wherever And if that's you right now, wherever And if that's you right now, wherever you are, just stand up and walk this way you are, just stand up and walk this way you are, just stand up and walk this way and we will celebrate with all of heaven and we will celebrate with all of heaven and we will celebrate with all of heaven as you come. If that's you, come. He's as you come. If that's you, come. He's as you come. If that's you, come. He's waiting for you. >> I was a beggar outside your >> I was a beggar outside your [music and singing] door, [music and singing] door, [music and singing] door, but that's when your mercy [singing] but that's when your mercy [singing] but that's when your mercy [singing] sought [music] sought [music] sought [music] me. me. me. And I was a prodigal desperate [music] And I was a prodigal desperate [music] And I was a prodigal desperate [music] for more, for more, for more, but that's when your [singing] mercy but that's when your [singing] mercy but that's when your [singing] mercy [music] called me. >> [music] >> [music] >> Though unworthy >> Though unworthy >> Though unworthy to to to dine with the King, here in your dine with the King, here in your dine with the King, here in your presence, surrounded [singing and music] presence, surrounded [singing and music] presence, surrounded [singing and music] by glory, I can't believe there's a seat by glory, I can't believe there's a seat by glory, I can't believe there's a seat at the table for me. And this is my [music] family, this is And this is my [music] family, this is my home, always belonging, my home, always belonging, my home, always belonging, never alone.
never alone. never alone. I'm so [music] excited that we're all I'm so [music] excited that we're all I'm so [music] excited that we're all invited to come. [singing] So, come. So, come. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Come. >> Come. >> Come. Taste and see. Taste and see. Taste and see. The spirit and the bride say, "Come." The spirit and the bride say, "Come." The spirit and the bride say, "Come." Come. Come. Come. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Taste and see. The spirit and the bride >> Taste and see. The spirit and the bride >> Taste and see. The spirit and the bride [music] say, "Come." Oh, come. [music] say, "Come." Oh, come. [music] say, "Come." Oh, come. Taste [music and singing] and see. Taste [music and singing] and see. Taste [music and singing] and see. The spirit and the bride say, "Come." Come. Come. Taste [music and singing] and Taste [music and singing] and Taste [music and singing] and see. Don't want it all. Don't want it all. To dine with the king. Here in your To dine with the king. Here in your To dine with the king. Here in your presence, surrounded by glory. I can't presence, surrounded by glory. I can't presence, surrounded by glory. I can't believe there's a seat at the table for believe there's a seat at the table for believe there's a seat at the table for me.
me. me. Yes. This is my [music and singing] family. This is my [music and singing] family. This is my home. Always belonging This is my home. Always belonging This is my home. Always belonging and never alone. and never alone. and never alone. I'm so excited [music and singing] that I'm so excited [music and singing] that I'm so excited [music and singing] that we're all invited to come. >> [applause] >> [applause] [music] >> Uh we celebrate these decisions right >> Uh we celebrate these decisions right now. We know these are life-changing, now. We know these are life-changing, now. We know these are life-changing, eternity-altering decisions. eternity-altering decisions. eternity-altering decisions. And we clap because we know what this And we clap because we know what this And we clap because we know what this meant for us. And we're so excited for meant for us. And we're so excited for meant for us. And we're so excited for you. you. you. And so, in a moment, you get to make And so, in a moment, you get to make And so, in a moment, you get to make your confession to God. your confession to God. your confession to God. In a moment, you get to invite him to In a moment, you get to invite him to In a moment, you get to invite him to come to your life, and all your sins come to your life, and all your sins come to your life, and all your sins that have ever been committed are going that have ever been committed are going that have ever been committed are going to be washed away, the Bible says, to be washed away, the Bible says, to be washed away, the Bible says, separated from you as far as the east is separated from you as far as the east is separated from you as far as the east is from the west. from the west. from the west. And this adoption process is going to And this adoption process is going to And this adoption process is going to take place. take place. take place. From now on, you'll be known as a son or From now on, you'll be known as a son or From now on, you'll be known as a son or daughter of God. daughter of God. daughter of God. And so, And so, And so, we get to witness the miracle and we get to witness the miracle and we get to witness the miracle and participate in this miracle and participate in this miracle and participate in this miracle and >> [applause] >> And so you get to pray a prayer of >> And so you get to pray a prayer of faith.
faith. faith. As you say out loud As you say out loud As you say out loud what you know is true, what God knows is what you know is true, what God knows is what you know is true, what God knows is true. true. true. He's waited for you to say this He's waited for you to say this He's waited for you to say this for your whole life. for your whole life. for your whole life. And he's about to do a miracle as he And he's about to do a miracle as he And he's about to do a miracle as he answers this prayer. answers this prayer. answers this prayer. And so I'm going to And so I'm going to And so I'm going to I'm going to pray, but I know there I'm going to pray, but I know there I'm going to pray, but I know there might be one or two more people out might be one or two more people out might be one or two more people out there that are just like there that are just like there that are just like procrastinating. I just want to give procrastinating. I just want to give procrastinating. I just want to give another moment. We're not going to play another moment. We're not going to play another moment. We're not going to play another song, but if you're here and you another song, but if you're here and you another song, but if you're here and you want to join, just come on out. Just want to join, just come on out. Just want to join, just come on out. Just slip into the aisle. You're already slip into the aisle. You're already slip into the aisle. You're already standing and standing and standing and >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> we don't want to do this without you. >> we don't want to do this without you. >> we don't want to do this without you. This is one of those beautiful, divine, This is one of those beautiful, divine, This is one of those beautiful, divine, holy moments holy moments holy moments where God breaks through. And so for those who were online or at And so for those who were online or at our VR campus or those who are standing our VR campus or those who are standing our VR campus or those who are standing here in this room, just repeat this here in this room, just repeat this here in this room, just repeat this prayer out loud. prayer out loud. prayer out loud. Just say this to God. He's listening. Just say this to God. He's listening. Just say this to God. He's listening. And he's going to answer this prayer as And he's going to answer this prayer as And he's going to answer this prayer as you pray it. Say this, "Lord God, you pray it. Say this, "Lord God, you pray it. Say this, "Lord God, I open my heart I open my heart I open my heart and I invite you inside.
and I invite you inside. and I invite you inside. Forgive my sin. Forgive my sin. Forgive my sin. Today, I repent. Today, I repent. Today, I repent. Now, fill me with your spirit Now, fill me with your spirit Now, fill me with your spirit and I will walk with you and I will walk with you and I will walk with you all the days of my life. all the days of my life. all the days of my life. I pray this in Jesus' name. I pray this in Jesus' name. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Guys, congratulations. Amen. Guys, congratulations. Amen. Guys, congratulations. Welcome to the family of God. Welcome to the family of God. Welcome to the family of God. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> So, before you go back to your seats, >> So, before you go back to your seats, >> So, before you go back to your seats, you just made the most important you just made the most important you just made the most important decision of your life. I'm going to ask decision of your life. I'm going to ask decision of your life. I'm going to ask you to give us 5 minutes. I would love you to give us 5 minutes. I would love you to give us 5 minutes. I would love to walk you this way, meet you in that to walk you this way, meet you in that to walk you this way, meet you in that back room. We're going to give you a back room. We're going to give you a back room. We're going to give you a Bible, have a quick conversation, be Bible, have a quick conversation, be Bible, have a quick conversation, be back with your friends in a moment. Can back with your friends in a moment. Can back with your friends in a moment. Can we give them a hand as they go this way, we give them a hand as they go this way, we give them a hand as they go this way, church? church? church? And let's now respond in worship to And let's now respond in worship to And let's now respond in worship to Jesus who is worthy of our praise in Jesus who is worthy of our praise in Jesus who is worthy of our praise in every way. Let's worship, church. >> Come on, we have a lot to celebrate this >> Come on, we have a lot to celebrate this morning. Amen. morning. Amen. morning. Amen. Come on, let's sing with confidence. Come on, let's sing with confidence. Come on, let's sing with confidence. There's nothing better than him. [music] There's nothing better than him. [music] There's nothing better than him. [music] >> Yes, [singing] oh, there's nothing >> Yes, [singing] oh, there's nothing >> Yes, [singing] oh, there's nothing better than you. There's nothing better than you. There's nothing better than you. There's nothing better than you. [singing] Oh, there's better than you. [singing] Oh, there's better than you. [singing] Oh, there's nothing nothing nothing >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Nothing is better than you.
>> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, there's nothing >> Oh, there's nothing >> Oh, there's nothing better than you. better than you. better than you. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> There's nothing >> There's nothing >> There's nothing better than you. better than you. better than you. Oh, there's nothing Oh, there's nothing Oh, there's nothing Nothing is [music] Nothing is [music] Nothing is [music] better than you. You turn You turn graves into gardens. [music] You turn You turn mountains into mountains into mountains into highways. >> [music] >> You turn seasons >> You turn seasons >> You turn seasons into highways. into highways. into highways. You're the only one who can. who can. You turn You turn You turn graves [music] into gardens. You turn You turn mountains into highways. mountains into highways. mountains into highways. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You turn >> You turn >> You turn seasons into highways. seasons into highways. seasons into highways. Turn Turn Turn seasons into highways. seasons into highways. seasons into highways. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You're the only one who can.
one who can. You're the only one [music] who can. one [music] who can. You're the only >> Hey church, so good to see you this >> Hey church, so good to see you this morning here at church with us and morning here at church with us and morning here at church with us and worshiping with us. If you need prayer worshiping with us. If you need prayer worshiping with us. If you need prayer for anything at all, our prayer team for anything at all, our prayer team for anything at all, our prayer team will be right at the front ready to pray will be right at the front ready to pray will be right at the front ready to pray with you. If not, have a great rest of with you. If not, have a great rest of with you. If not, have a great rest of your Sunday. Enjoy Father's Day and your Sunday. Enjoy Father's Day and your Sunday. Enjoy Father's Day and we'll see you again we'll see you again we'll see you again >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> next week. See y'all. >> Thanks for listening to today's [music] >> Thanks for listening to today's [music] message. You know, here at Calvary we message. You know, here at Calvary we message. You know, here at Calvary we believe a relationship with Jesus believe a relationship with Jesus believe a relationship with Jesus changes everything. And if you've changes everything. And if you've changes everything. And if you've decided to follow Jesus, we'd love for decided to follow Jesus, we'd love for decided to follow Jesus, we'd love for you to text the word believe to 31352. you to text the word believe to 31352. you to text the word believe to 31352. [music] [music] [music] So you can find out what it means to So you can find out what it means to So you can find out what it means to follow Christ. follow Christ. follow Christ. And to learn more about Calvary and all And to learn more about Calvary and all And to learn more about Calvary and all of our campuses, you're free to visit of our campuses, you're free to visit of our campuses, you're free to visit calvaryftl.org.

Summary

This sermon focuses on celebrating fathers and spiritual father figures, acknowledging their sacrifices and prayers. It blesses all men who provide, protect, and lead their families, recognizing both the seen and unseen efforts. The takeaway is to appreciate and honor the foundational roles dads play, while also offering comfort to those who have lost their fathers.

Bible Verses

Reference	Timestamp
James 1:22-27
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Ecclesiastes 3:9-15
Acts 17:24-28
Jeremiah 1:5
Genesis
Ecclesiastes 3
Isaiah 55:8-9
Romans 8:28
John 3:16

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