Point of Grace Worship 11.14.21 Sermon Notes – “Soul Recovery – Immerse and Untangle 2”
Hebrews 12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Soul Recovery – Immerse – “My soul needs so much more of God than I think it does!” I need to stay immersed in God’s Presence, Love, Goodness, Truth, Story, Words, Spirit, Grace, Creation, Power ………
Soul Recovery – Untangle – “My soul needs more ‘change of mind toward God’ than I think it does.” I need practice untangling from my “it’s up to me” mindset toward a “agree with God and turn to Him” mindset!
Mark 1 4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom (rule and reign) of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
“Repent” – change of thinking - untangle from default thinking about God, self and how life works.
“Believe the good news” – trust, have faith, immerse in the good news that God is present and reigning in Jesus.
Untangling Tools: Practical ways to move from “it’s up to me” default thinking to “agree with God and turn toward Him” untangled thinking? (Important note: Anytime we invite Jesus to reign and rule in a situation untangling begins.)
- Repentance Pause - “Jesus, I pause to check my thinking and turn towards You. I ask you to come into this situation and reign.”
- Allow for Transition
- Benevolent Detachment - “Jesus, I give everyone and everything to You!”
- Protection from the warfare of others! “In Jesus name and by His authority I bring the rule and reign of Jesus between me and all people and their warfare so that only those things of the love of God and Spirit of God pass through to me!”
- Sabbath – Taking time to “be” not “do”! Stop – Rest – Delight – Contemplate
“On Sabbath I embrace my limits. God is God. He is indispensable. I am His creature. The world continues working fine when I stop.” Pete Scazzero - Emotionally Healthy Spirituality
Prayer of the Week (Note: This week’s prayer is designed with 15 second pauses built in so when there is a pause don’t let it surprise you. The idea is that after each prayer section we take a short time to personally engage more fully what was just prayed.)
Father, Son, Holy Spirit, I praise and thank You for the opportunity to be in Your gracious presence in this moment. Jesus, restore me in You and renew me in You. Fill me afresh Holy Spirit, saturate me in Your Love, saturate me in Your Life. Untangle me from my anxious thoughts, untangle me Jesus, untangle me. I am Yours and You are mine. Jesus, I pause now to check my thinking and turn my mind towards You. Heal my thinking, help me notice the tangles in my mind and soul and to invite You in to every situation, concern and anxiety that occupies me today. Jesus help me do this now. (15 second pause) Jesus, I give everyone and everything to You. I give everyone and everything to You. You are God… I am not. I give everyone and everything to You. Jesus help me do this now. (15 second pause)
Jesus, I ask for Your protection from the evil one over my spirit, soul and body, my heart, mind and will. I now take my place in Your authority and bring the rule, reign and work of Jesus between me and all people and their warfare that only the things of the love of God and Spirit of God pass through to me. Jesus help me do this now. (15 second pause)
Jesus, I rest in the security of Your love and presence. Thank You for loving me. Help me rest in the comfort of Your invitation to me to stop striving and simply come to You. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” Jesus, help me be at rest with You now. (15 second pause)
Amen
Resources for this Week
Here are some suggested readings for each day of this week. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.
Mon – Psalm 51:1-12 Tue – Mark 1:9-15 Wed – Psalm 139:1-6,13-15,23-24 Thu – Matthew 11:25-30 Fri – Nehemiah 1:1-11 Sat - 1 Peter 5:5-10 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