Point of Grace Online Worship - September 6, 2020

Point of Grace Online Worship 9.6.20

Sermon Notes - “Psalms – Ancient Prayers for Unprecedented Times! - Psalm 142, 145”

Jesus, what are you showing me through this Psalm journey?

“No matter where I am,

the Psalms

Lead me where I need to be!”

Sometimes my starting point is not a very pretty place!

The Psalms run the gamut from extreme Lament to extreme Praise and everything in between!

LAMENT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PRAISE

“No matter where I am,

the Psalms

Lead me where I need to be!”

Where do I need to be?

Psalm 27 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 34 22 The Lord will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

Psalm 42 5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 51 1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

Psalm 95 1 Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

Sometimes the Psalm uses blinkers, sometimes brakes, sometimes accelerators … to lead me where I need to be!

Psalm 142 A maskil of David. When he was in the cave. A prayer.

1 I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. 2 I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble.

3 When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me. 4 Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.

5 I cry to you, Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”

6 Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. 7 Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.

Psalm 145 1 I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. 2 Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.

3 Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. 4 One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. 5 They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful works. 6 They tell of the power of your awesome works— and I will proclaim your great deeds. 7 They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

8 The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.

“No matter where I am,

the Psalms

Lead me where I need to be!”

Homework: Read and pray a Psalm each day!

Two suggestions:

- Live a while with the Psalms we have covered 27, 34, 42, 51, 95, 103, 136!

- Live with a Psalm a day according to the day of the month. Cover the psalms in 5 months!

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

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.

Resources for this Week

These resources which will help you “Pray a Psalm a Day” this week from those we covered in this series.

Since this is the last week in our series on the Psalms, we can return to at least one Psalm a day this week. I encourage you to read the designated Psalm every day and then take some additional focus time to reread and meditate what grabs your attention that day. Remember, No matter where I am the Psalm will lead me where I need to be. Repetition is your friend. Remember you are not necessarily looking for new information from the Psalm once you understand it. These Psalms are a great opportunity to begin journaling if you do not. Making written note of what God brings to your mind is a great way to begin journaling. I don’t do it every day but it is always a blessing when I do. If the schedule below is helpful, great, use it. If not, then work through the Psalm at your own pace. We covered all or part of 9 Psalms in the series! Enjoy as you recall what you have learned and hear the fresh voice of God each day.

Mon – Psalm 27 and Psalm 34 Tue – Psalm 42 Wed – Psalm 51 Thu – Psalm 95 and Psalm 103 Fri – Psalm 136 Sat - Psalm 142 and Psalm 145

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.

Recommended Titles and Resources

Songs of Jesus by Timothy Keller excellent daily devotional based on the Psalms

The “One Minute Pause” App by Wild at Heart – Look in your app store. (use is multiple times every day)

“Get Your Life Back” by John Eldredge

Restoration Year by John Eldredge – A 365 Day Devotional - These daily devotions are excellent encouragement to live by the Spirit each day.

Check out bibleproject.com. Look for their videos on the Psalms.

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (Devotional Book)

Point of Grace Online Worship - August 30, 2020

Point of Grace Online Worship 8.30.20

Sermon Notes - “Psalms – Ancient Prayers for Unprecedented Times! - Psalm 136”

Psalm 136 – The Great Hallel

Psalm 113-118- The Hallel Psalms

Hallel – Praise Hallelujah is “Praise Yahweh”

Psalm 136 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. 2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.

The Psalm reminds us, releases us and gives us reason for give thanks and praise. These are essential exercises for the soul.

Vs. 1 … because He is good,

… because His khesed endures forever.

Khesed – mercy, compassion, love, grace, faithfulness, loving kindness, steadfast love, unfailing love, loyal love …

3 dimensions of divine love are revealed in “khesed”

- Love that mercies - the undeserving, the unlovable

- Love that does - moves from sentiment to action,

- Love that lasts – loyal, faithful to His promises love,

Exodus 34 5 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. 6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,

The rest of this psalm crescendos this refrain!

The Lord’s khesed revealed in creation! (vs.4-9)

4 to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever. 5 who by his understanding made the heavens, His khesed endures forever. 6 who spread out the earth upon the waters, His khesed endures forever. 7 who made the great lights— His khesed endures forever. 8 the sun to govern the day, His khesed endures forever. 9 the moon and stars to govern the night; His khesed endures forever.

From mighty (khesed) acts of creation He moves to mighty (khesed) acts of salvation!

vs. 10-22

10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt His love endures forever. 11 and brought Israel out from among them His khesed endures forever. 12 with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His khesed endures forever. 13 to him who divided the Red Sea asunder His khesed endures forever. 14 and brought Israel through the midst of it, His khesed endures forever. 15 but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea; His khesed endures forever. 16 to him who led his people through the wilderness; His khesed endures forever.

vs. 23-26 (because the psalmist just can’t stop)

23 He remembered us in our low estate His love endures forever. 24 and freed us from our enemies. His khesed endures forever. 25 He gives food to every creature. His khesed endures forever. 26 Give thanks to the God of heaven. His khesed endures forever.

The unmistakable and powerful refrain … His khesed endures forever.

Refrain – the lyric that stays after the song has left the room.

Do I live life with “His khesed endures forever” as my refrain? (When people encounter me is “His love endures forever” the refrain that lingers in their heart and mind?)

Psalm 136 invites me to become a psalmist …… I already have the refrain.

-This is a wonderful and helpful exercise.

- Sometimes it is helpful to break your life down in age categories (childhood, teenage years, young adult, etc.) or other categories (parent, child, occupation) and write some memory statements with the refrain “His khesed endures forever.

Jesus is “khesed” in the person … God’s refrain for eternity.

Homework: Read and pray Psalm 136 every day this week! (Hint: Follow the reading schedule in the notes below.) Become a psalmist by building a psalm verse by verse each recounting some reference to your life then ending each verse with “His love (khesed) endures forever.

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

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.

Resources for this Week

These resources which will help you “Pray Psalm 136” this week.

The Scripture Reading schedule for this week is somewhat unique. Our goal is to meditate on Psalm 136 complemented with some of the other Hallel Psalms all week. I encourage you to read the designated Psalm every day and then take some additional focus time to reread and meditate on just a few verses each day. Repetition is your friend. Remember you are not necessarily looking for new information from the Psalm once you understand it. Repeatedly returning to the Psalm each day allows the Holy Spirit to use the Psalm to minister to you, to speak to you, to reveal you to you, and God to you. These Psalms are a great opportunity to begin journaling if you do not. Making written note of what God brings to your mind is a great way to begin journaling. I don’t do it every day but it is always a blessing when I do. If the schedule below is helpful, great, use it. If not, then work through the Psalm at your own pace. This week in particular compliment your journaling by becoming a psalmist. In the message and earlier in these notes I make some suggestions about how to do this. Here is an example from me recounting “khesed” moments from my life.

When in college I was in despair over going years without a girlfriend and met my future wife …. His Khesed endures forever!

When our 14-year-old son received a 95% confirmed diagnoses for testicular cancer and after surgery tests concluded He had been healed …. His Khesed endures forever.

When my family suffered the violent and criminal loss of my grandfather ….His khesed endures forever.

You get the idea!

Mon – Psalm 136… with a special emphasis on vs. 1-3 Tue – Psalm 136 … with a special emphasis on vs. 4-9 Wed – Psalm 136 … with a special emphasis on vs. 10-22 Thu – Psalm 136 … with a special emphasis on vs. 23-26 Fri – Psalm 113 Sat - Psalm 118

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.

Recommended Titles and Resources

Songs of Jesus by Timothy Keller excellent daily devotional based on the Psalms

“Soul-keeping: Caring for the most important part of you.” – John Ortberg

“Get Your Life Back” by John Eldredge

Restoration Year by John Eldredge – A 365 Day Devotional - These daily devotions are excellent encouragement to live by the Spirit each day.

Check out bibleproject.com. Look for their videos on the Psalms.

The “One Minute Pause” App by Ransomed Heart (use is multiple times every day)

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (Devotional Book)

Point of Grace Online Worship - August 23, 2020

Point of Grace Online Worship 8.23.20

Sermon Notes - “Psalms – Ancient Prayers for Unprecedented Times! - Psalm 103”

Psalm 103

1 Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—

We “Forget NOT” His Benefits To Benefit from His Benefits

The Lord 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

The Psalmists is scaling a mountain of God’s Goodness – His Benefits!

6 The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. 7 He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: 8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

The removal of all that blocks our relationship with Him are His Premiere Benefits

13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. 15 The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; 16 the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. 17 But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— 18 with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.

God knows our weaknesses and loves us anyway.

And now the Psalmist recruits all of heaven to join in on the praise!

19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. 20 Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. 21 Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. 22 Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion.

Praise the Lord, my soul.

We “Forget NOT” His Benefits To Benefit from His Benefits

Homework: Read and pray Psalm 103 every day this week! (Hint: Follow the reading schedule in the notes below.)

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

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.

Resources for this Week

These resources which will help you “Pray Psalm 103” this week.

The Scripture Reading schedule for this week is somewhat unique. Our goal is to meditate on Psalm 103 all week. I encourage you to read the entire Psalm every day and then take some additional focus time to reread and meditate on just a few verses each day. Repetition is your friend. Remember you are not necessarily looking for new information from the Psalm once you understand it. Repeatedly returning to the Psalm each day allows the Holy Spirit to use the Psalm to minister to you, to speak to you, to reveal you to you, and God to you. These Psalms are a great opportunity to begin journaling if you do not. Making written note of what God brings to your mind is a great way to begin journaling. I don’t do it every day but it is always a blessing when I do. If the schedule below is helpful, great, use it. If not, then work through the Psalm at your own pace.

Mon – Psalm 103… with a special emphasis on vs. 1-2 Tue – Psalm 103 … with a special emphasis on vs. 3-6 Wed – Psalm 103 … with a special emphasis on vs. 7-12 Thu – Psalm 103 … with a special emphasis on vs. 13-18 Fri – Psalm 103 … with a special emphasis on vs. 19-22 Sat - Psalm 103 … in addition look at Psalm 104 which is a sister Psalm. Whereas Psalm 103 praises God for His salvation and redemption Psalm 104 using parallel language praising God for His creation.

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.

Recommended Titles and Resources

Songs of Jesus by Timothy Keller excellent daily devotional based on the Psalms

“Soul-keeping: Caring for the most important part of you.” – John Ortberg

“Get Your Life Back” by John Eldredge

Restoration Year by John Eldredge – A 365 Day Devotional - These daily devotions are excellent encouragement to live by the Spirit each day.

Check out bibleproject.com. Look for their videos on the Psalms.

The “One Minute Pause” App by Ransomed Heart (use is multiple times every day)

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (Devotional Book)

Point of Grace Online Worship - August 16, 2020

Point of Grace Online Worship 8.16.20

Sermon Notes - “Psalms – Ancient Prayers for Unprecedented Times! - Psalm 95”

Psalm 95

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.

3 For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. 5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.

6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; 7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.

The Psalmist is both instructing and exhorting. (vs. 1-7)

- We can come with exuberance; “sing for joy” “shout aloud” “with thanksgiving” “extol Him with music and song”

Why? He is the great creator!

- We come with reverence; “bow down in worship” “kneel before the Lord” Why? He is the “ours” and we are “His”

The Psalmist is also “warning”! vs. 8-1

Today, if only you would hear his voice, 8 “Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness, 9 where your ancestors tested me; they tried me, though they had seen what I did. 10 For forty years I was angry with that generation; I said, ‘They are a people whose hearts go astray, and they have not known my ways.’ 11 So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’”

The Warning - “Do Not Harden Your Hearts”!

- The Backstory - (Meribah and Massah) Exodus 17:1-7 “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and our livestock die of thirst.” “Is the Lord among us or not?” Numbers 20:1-13 “3 They quarreled with Moses and said, “If only we had died when our brothers fell dead before the Lord! 4 Why did you bring the Lord’s community into this wilderness, that we and our livestock should die here? 5 Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to this terrible place? It has no grain or figs, grapevines or pomegranates. And there is no water to drink!”

- God’s Goal is for His people to have “Rest” - Jesus centered “peace” Matthew 11 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

- Hardening my heart to God prevents me from entering His Rest – Today and for Eternity

- Turning to Jesus in rhythms of praise,

- Helps hard hearts to soften and

- Prevents soft hearts from hardening and

- Invites us into “REST”.

Homework: Read and pray Psalm 95 every day this week! (Hint: Follow the reading schedule in the notes below.)

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

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.

Resources for this Week

These resources which will help you “Pray Psalm 95” this week.

The Scripture Reading schedule for this week is somewhat unique. Our goal is to meditate on Psalm 95 all week. I encourage you to read the entire Psalm every day and then take some additional focus time on just a few verses some days and some supplemental passages other days. Repetition is your friend. Remember you are not necessarily looking for new information from the Psalm once you understand it. Repeatedly returning to the Psalm each day allows the Holy Spirit to use the Psalm to minister to you, to speak to you, to reveal you to you, and God to you. This is a great Psalm to begin journaling if you do not. Making written note of what God brings to your mind is a great way to begin journaling. I don’t do it every day but it is always a blessing when I do. If the schedule below is helpful, great, use it. If not, then work through the Psalm at your own pace.

Mon – Psalm 95… with a special emphasis on vs. 1-7 Tue – Psalm 95 … with a special emphasis on vs. 8-11 Wed – Psalm 95 … In addition read Hebrews 3:7-19 Thu – Psalm 95 … in addition look at Hebrews 4:1-11 Fri – Psalm 95 … in addition look at Matthew 11:25-30 Sat - Psalm 95 … in addition look at Psalm 100

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.

Recommended Titles and Resources

Songs of Jesus by Timothy Keller excellent daily devotional based on the Psalms

“Soul-keeping: Caring for the most important part of you.” – John Ortberg

“Get Your Life Back” by John Eldredge

Restoration Year by John Eldredge – A 365 Day Devotional - These daily devotions are excellent encouragement to live by the Spirit each day.

Check out bibleproject.com. Look for their videos on the Psalms.

The “One Minute Pause” App by Ransomed Heart (use is multiple times every day)

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (Devotional Book)

Point of Grace Online Worship - August 9, 2020

Point of Grace Online Worship 8.9.20

Sermon Notes - “Psalms – Ancient Prayers for Unprecedented Times! - Psalm 51”

1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

There are 4 movements the Psalm leads us through.

1) COUNT on Mercy - or we won’t come at all! (Don’t forget the superscription!)

Superscription: For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.

3 Words

Transgression- When I am rebellious?

Iniquity – When I twist my morals to fit my circumstances, justifying myself along the way?

Sin – When I miss the mark of what God desired for me?

1) COUNT on Mercy (vs.1-2)

2) CONFESS Deeply (vs. 3-6)

3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

CONFESS Deeply – staying in the shallows relieves us but doesn’t save us!

CONFESSING Deep leads to finding God and finding the me desperately in need of Him.

1) COUNT on Mercy

2) CONFESS Deeply

7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

3) CLEANED Completely (vs. 7-12)

Hyssop? (Exodus 12:21-23, John 19:28-30)

Layers of guilt need layers of grace!

When God is in charge of cleaning, possibilities flourish! The words and images of the poet (clean, whiter than snow, joy, gladness, renew, pure, renew etc. paint a great vision for the confessing sinner’s future.

1) COUNT on Mercy

2) CONFESS Deeply

3) CLEANED Completely

4) CELEBRATE Vocally

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. 14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. 15 Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.

18 May it please you to prosper Zion, to build up the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous, in burnt offerings offered whole; then bulls will be offered on your altar.

Now that we understand the Psalm we get to engage with it!

1) COUNT on Mercy

2) CONFESS Deeply

3) CLEANED Completely

4) CELEBRATE Vocally

The lines of poetry in Psalm 51 are a rescue for us at just the time we need it!

Homework: Read and pray Psalm 51 every day this week! (Hint: Follow the reading schedule in the notes below.)

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

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.

Resources for this Week

These resources which will help you “Pray Psalm 51” this week.

The Scripture Reading schedule for this week is somewhat unique. Our goal is to meditate on Psalm 51 all week. I encourage you to read the entire Psalm every day and then take some additional focus time on just a few verses each day. Repetition is your friend. Remember you are not necessarily looking for new information from the Psalm once you understand it. Repeatedly returning to the Psalm each day allows the Holy Spirit to use the Psalm to minister to you, to speak to you, to reveal you to you, and God to you. This is a great Psalm to begin journaling if you do not. Making written note of what God brings to your mind is a great way to begin journaling. I don’t do it every day but it is always a blessing when I do. If the schedule below is helpful, great, use it. If not, then work through the Psalm at your own pace.

Mon – Psalm 51… with a special emphasis on vs. 1-2 Movement 1 – COUNT on Mercy Tue – Psalm 51 … with a special emphasis on vs. 3-6 Movement 2 – CONFESS Deeply Wed – Psalm 51 … with a special emphasis on vs. 7-9 Movement 3 – CLEANED Completely Thu – Psalm 51 … with a special emphasis on vs. 10-12 Movement 3 – CLEANED Completely Fri – Psalm 51 … with a special emphasis on vs. 13-15 Movement 4 – CELEBRATE Vocally Sat - Psalm 51 … with a special emphasis on vs. 16-19 These are great summary statements (vs.16,17) and then a prayer for redemption and restoration countering the no doubt negative national impact of the King’s sin.

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.

Recommended Titles and Resources

Songs of Jesus by Timothy Keller excellent daily devotional based on the Psalms

“Soul-keeping: Caring for the most important part of you.” – John Ortberg

“Get Your Life Back” by John Eldredge

Restoration Year by John Eldredge – A 365 Day Devotional - These daily devotions are excellent encouragement to live by the Spirit each day.

Check out bibleproject.com. Look for their videos on the Psalms.

The “One Minute Pause” App by Ransomed Heart (use is multiple times every day)

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (Devotional Book)

Point of Grace Online Worship - August 2, 2020

Point of Grace Online Worship 8.2.20

Sermon Notes - “Psalms – Ancient Prayers for Unprecedented Times!”

In Psalm 42, the psalmist helps me navigate the tender terrain of my soul because he knows that,

“Knowing What Matters to My Soul Lets My Soul Matter”

1 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while it is said to me all day long, “Where is your God?” 4 These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng. 5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

What Matters to my soul?

- My soul thirsts. ……………… My Soul thirsts for the present God. (vs.1-2)

- My soul has questions? ……………… My soul needs to be questioned? (vs. 3-5)

- My soul needs grace from me. “Help” to hope and “yet” to praise. (vs. 5)

6 My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar. 7 Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. 8 By day the Lord (Yahweh) directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life.

What Matters to my soul?

- My soul gets the grace of “therefore I will remember” even when downcast. (vs.6)

- My soul gets cascading waterfalls of deep grace overwhelming all thirst. (vs.7)

The Banias Waterfall – Hermon Range, Northern Israel

- My soul gets Yahweh (Jesus), His personal love, a song to sing and prayer to pray. (vs.8)

9 I say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?” 10 My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?” 11 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

What Matters to my soul?

- My soul gets to question my God and lament my situation while trusting Him as my Rock. (vs.9-10)

- My soul gets to “not” stay there but return to hope and praise. (vs.11)

Knowing What Matters to My Soul Lets My Soul Matter!

When my soul begins to matter to me like it matters to Jesus, then I will have been loved and lead a little further into the meaningful life He intends for me.

Homework: Read and pray Psalm 42 every day this week! (Hint: Follow the reading schedule in the notes below.)

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

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.

Resources for this Week

These resources which will help you “Pray Psalm 42” and “Let Your Soul Matter” this week.

A new book recommendation this week– “Soul-keeping: Caring for the most important part of you.” – John Ortberg

The Scripture Reading schedule for this week is somewhat unique. Our goal is to meditate on Psalm 42 all week. I encourage you to read the entire Psalm every day and then take some additional focus time on just a few verses each day. Repetition is your friend. Remember you are not necessarily looking for new information from the Psalm once you understand it. Repeatedly returning to the Psalm each day allows the Holy Spirit to use the Psalm to minister to you, to speak to you, to reveal you to you, and God to you. Some additional scripture references are cited on some days if you would like to do further reading. If the schedule below is helpful, please use it. If it is not, then work through the Psalm at your own pace.

Mon – Psalm 42… with a special emphasis on vs. 1-3 (John 4:7-14) Tue – Psalm 42 … with a special emphasis on vs. 4-5 (John 7:37-44) Wed – Psalm 42 … with a special emphasis on vs. 6-7 (Ephesians 3:14-19) Thu – Psalm 42 … with a special emphasis on vs. 8 (1 John 3:1, 4:9-12) Fri – Psalm 42 … with a special emphasis on vs. 9-11 Sat - Psalm 42 and 43 (It is thought by most scholars that Psalm 43 is not a separate psalm but the final stanza of 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.

Songs of Jesus by Timothy Keller excellent daily devotional based on the Psalms

“Get Your Life Back” by John Eldredge

Restoration Year by John Eldredge – A 365 Day Devotional - These daily devotions are excellent encouragement to live by the Spirit each day.

Check out bibleproject.com. Look for their videos on the Psalms.

The “One Minute Pause” App by Ransomed Heart (use is multiple times every day)

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (Devotional Book)

Point of Grace Online Worship - July 26, 2020

Point of Grace Online Worship 7.26.20

Sermon Notes - “Psalms – Ancient Prayers for Unprecedented Times!”

1 I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. 2 I will glory in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.

4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. 6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.

Psalm 34 – Invitation to Encouragement

We need encouragement and the humility to not fight what we need!

Helps:

- Psalm 34 is a Hebrew Acrostic Poem

- The Superscription: “Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelek, who drove him away, and he left.

- Notice how vs. 6 deals with “shame”. Shame is a debilitating, encouragement zapping posture of the heart relieved only through receiving forgiveness.

5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.

- What about “fear”? There seems to be a good, healthy kind as well as a debilitating, life-destroying kind! 4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.

-“fear of the Lord” – A healthy respect and awe born out of humility, love and trust that draws one closer!

“fear of whatever” – A debilitating fright or terror born out of facing overwhelming opposition alone.

Vs. 8-23 – Be encouraged: “Life is better with Yahweh (Jesus) … It just is!”

8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. 9 Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. 10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. 11 Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 12 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, 13 keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. 14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

15 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; 16 but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth. 17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. 18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

19 The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; 20 he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.

21 Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. 22 The Lord will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

How can I be a good receiver of the encouragement God has for me?

Homework: Read and pray Psalm 34 every day this week! (Hint: Follow the reading schedule in the notes below.)

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

Resources which will help you “Pray Psalm 34” this week.

The Scripture Reading schedule for this week is somewhat unique. Our goal is to meditate on Psalm 34 all week taking in small new portion of the Psalm as we go. The meditation hints below may help you. The following suggested daily rhythm reflects adding in more of the Psalm each day meditating specifically on the new portion of the Psalm for that day. Journaling where God leads you with each new portion what He says to you is invaluable as you meditate

Mon – Psalm 34:1-3 Tue – Psalm 34:1-3 and 4-7 specifically Wed – Psalm 34: 1-7 and 8-10 specifically Thu – Psalm 34: 1-10 and 11-16 specifically Fri – Psalm 34:1-16 and 17-22 specifically Sat - Psalm 34: 1-22

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.

Songs of Jesus by Timothy Keller excellent daily devotional based on the Psalms

Restoration Year by John Eldredge – A 365 Day Devotional - These daily devotions are excellent encouragement to live by the Spirit each day.

Check out bibleproject.com. Look for their videos on the Psalms.

The “One Minute Pause” App by Ransomed Heart (use is multiple times every day)

“Get Your Life Back” by John Eldredge

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (Devotional Book)