Point of Grace Online Worship 10.18.20 Sermon Notes - “Jesus, Can I thrive in my anxious world?” - Praying Peace into Anxiousness

Jesus, can you help?... Can I thrive?

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus and His yoke

yoke - a way of carrying the loads of life

I cannot depend on my anxious world becoming un-anxious enough for me to thrive

What does it mean to thrive?

My ability to thrive is not dependent on my ability to accomplish more… but the presence of peace in our lives is a much better measure for thriving

The spinning plates of life

Can we pray peace into our anxious world?

Philippians and the "Prison Letters" Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, and Ephesians

- Wrongfully imprisoned for 5 years

- Shipwrecked

- Chained to a guard

- Possibility of Death

Paul has the yoke of Jesus figured out

How does prayer help us put on the yoke of Jesus in our anxious world?

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7

What is Peace? - Peace is confidence in God's control and ordering of our lives

Fake Peace:

1. Total Control

2. Nothing Matters

Opposite of Peace is Anxiousness

μεριμναω = Merimnao = to divide, to separate

Two Courts

How can we pray peace into our anxious world?

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7

Our "ebenezers"

"God, whatever you do in response to this request is good."

This is the kind of freeing peace that comes from reminding your heart who you are in Christ

This is a kind of peace that is not rooted in my own ability to create peace, but peace found in a Father in Heaven who loves us very much. Point of Grace Online Worship 10.18.20 Sermon Notes - “Jesus, Can I thrive in my anxious world?” - Praying Peace into Anxiousness

Tools:

- "God, whatever you do in response to this request is good. Because I am your child"

- Prayer Jumpstarters

Join in on “After Thoughts” Thursday at 7 pm – Go to www.pog.church/live to view or through Facebook or Youtube.

Afterthoughts is a live interactive internet conversation about the topic of this week’s sermon. We would love for you to join in to make your contribution to the conversation, share your thoughts and ask your question.

Helps: “Sermon Resources” from pog.church

The Pause App from your app store

“Get Your Life Back” by John Eldredge

“The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by John Mark Comer

“Emotionally Healthy Spirituality” by Pete Scazzero

“Restoration Year – A 365 Day Devotional” by John Eldredge

Resources for this Week

Here are some suggested readings for each day of the week which help dive deeper into coming to Jesus and His way for thriving in this anxious world. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – Matthew 11:25-30 Tue – Philippians 4:4-9 Wed – Philippians 4:10-20 Thu – Luke 10:38-42 Fri – Luke 22:39-46 Sat - Psalm 42

Meditation Hints:

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”

Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved.