Point of Grace Online Worship - January 9, 2022

Point of Grace Worship 1.9.22 Sermon Notes – “Who Am I?”

Identity questions are the biggest most important questions of all.

Who am I? Am I loved? Do I matter? Where do I fit? What is my Value? Purpose? What am I supposed to be doing? Do I have what it takes? What is the meaning of life?

Luke 3 21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” 23 Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry.

Owning God’s “Whose am I?” answers for my “Who am I?” questions is a game changer for 2022!

Isaiah 43 But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. 4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. 5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. 6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth— 7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

But now, this is what Yahweh says— your Creator, O Jacob, your Former O, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. “Whose am I?” answers makes all the difference in the quality of my living!

Who is the One who says, ‘You are mine.’? 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. 4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I, I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. “Whose I am” makes all the difference in the value of me.

5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. 6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth— 7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” His presence is everything as we follow Him in His global mission.

Owning God’s “Whose am I?” answers for my “Who am I?” questions is a game changer for 2022!

Consecration Prayer for 2022

Father in heaven, we come to You to be restored and renewed in You. We are Your amazingly loved children and You are our Father in heaven. We are Your church in 2022. We now consecrate this year of life as individuals, as families and as Your church to You and You alone! We surrender every aspect of our lives totally and completely to You. We yield ourselves to the leading of Your Holy Spirit. Come Holy Spirit, fill us afresh every day this new year. We want to follow Your lead!

Jesus, we receive all the work and triumph of Your life, death, resurrection, ascension and current reign over our lives and church. We are not our own we have been bought with a price. Thank you for giving us salvation identity. We pray, “Hallowed be Your name, Your Kingdom come and Your will be done” in our lives, families and church in 2022!

Jesus, I am Yours totally and completely in 2022 - bought in and sold out for You and Your purposes for me. - My time, ability, possessions and money, - my sexuality, influence, personality and imagination, - my work, plans, pleasures and ambitions - my brokenness, imperfections, disappointments and failures - my loves, losses, worries and dreams - my everyday all day living

… is now set apart, surrendered and consecrated to You, Jesus! I give everyone and everything to You, Jesus!

I now bring the authority, rule and dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ over all aspects of my life and over all my arenas of influence this new year. We now bring the authority rule and dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ over our church, mission and purpose this year. Lead us Jesus lead us! We come in Jesus name against Satan and His kingdom binding and banishing him and all forces of evil from our lives, our families and our church this year in the powerful and victorious name of Jesus! Amen!

Resources for this Week

Here are some suggested readings for each day of this week. We encourage you to use the “I Belong” devotional resource to assist you every day. You can sign up for this daily resource by going to the “I Belong Challenge” button on the main menu at www.pog.church. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – Luke 3:21-23a Tue – Isaiah 43:1-7 Wed – 1 Peter 2:4-5,9-10 Thu – John 10:1-5 Fri – 1 Corinthians 6:14-20 Sat - John 15:12-17 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.

Point of Grace Online Worship - December 19, 2021

Point of Grace Worship 12.19.21 Sermon Notes – “Re:turn to Advent – ‘Anticipation”

Waiting with anticipation/expectancy fuels passion, joy, excitement being more fully alive.

Fear of the unknown and the possibility of disappointment tempt us to take control.

Life giving anticipation/expectancy gets replaced with controlling expectation or “give up” cynicism.

Luke 1 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

“Live expectantly looking for the kindness of God!”

Living expectantly looking for the kindness of God:

Trusts God is on the move … for all of us!

Helps me deal with the consuming questions. How? God’s presence seems to always be the answer!

Opens us up to see and seize God’s kind provision every day - releasing joy!

39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

“My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

Daily Opening Prayer Father, Son, Holy Spirit, I rejoice in the fact I get to spend these moments in Your presence. It is so good to be with you Jesus, so good. You are so very kind to me. Please, restore me in You and renew me in you that I might experience all of You that is possible. Fill me afresh Holy Spirit, saturate me in Your Love, saturate me in your Life and saturate me in Your JOY this day. Untangle me from my anxious thoughts, immerse me now in Your story – the story that includes me. I long to live expectantly this Christmas week. Help me see and seize your many kindnesses to me today especially your gracious kindness you will reveal in Your word to me today. (“You are welcome to take two minutes for reflective silence. You may do that by pausing this recording and hit play when you are ready to continue”.)

Daily Closing Prayer Jesus, help me live every moment of this week in open expectancy. I do want to see and seize all you have for me. You are so kind. Help me rest in Your promises in Your word today. You are a so good. There is a really good chance my controlling expectations of people and events will take over at times. Help me Jesus in those moments to see the slippery slope I am sliding down so I can immediately turn to You, Your word and Your kindness to me. Jesus, in moments of disappointment I might succumb to the temptation to “give up” on Joy. Guard my heart and help me return to a place of anticipation and expectancy that Your love and kindness to me is real … help me wait for You. Today I long for You and celebrate You and Your coming to be our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. You have shown me so much favor in your love for me in Jesus. Thank you Thank you Thank you.

I Rejoice in God My Savior! I Rejoice in You Father! I Rejoice in You Jesus! I Rejoice in You Holy Spirit! Amen

Resources for this Week

Here are some suggested readings for each day of this week. We encourage you to use the “I Belong” devotional resource to assist you every day. You can sign up for this daily resource by going to the “I Belong Challenge” button on the main menu at www.pog.church. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – Luke 1:26-38 Tue – Luke 1: 39-56 Wed – Matthew 1:18-25 Thu – Isaiah 9:6-7 Fri – Luke 2:1-12 Sat - Luke 2:13-20 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.

Point of Grace Online Worship - December 12, 2021

Point of Grace Worship 12.12.21 Sermon Notes – “Re:turn to Advent – ‘Rejoice’ in the Waiting”

What’s the Pink candle doing in the middle of the Purple ones?

Rejoice – To noticeably express joy.

Default: I “have joy and rejoice” when I feel really good about me and my circumstances – and maybe not even then.

Jesus wants far more for us than that! Remember He is on a mission to connect us and all people with the meaningful life He intends for us! That meaningful life is filled with joy!

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4

The Good News:

In Jesus, Joy and Rejoicing are freed from the suffocating constraints of our circumstances!

We get to trust Jesus for Joy and Rejoicing because;

•                     Joy is from Jesus not us or our circumstances

•                     Rejoicing is in the Lord and all He has done, is doing and will do for us …. not in our circumstances.

Galatians 5 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace …”

John 15 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing……. 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

2 Corinthians 6 “As servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5 in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7 in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

Philippians 4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

Zephaniah 3 On that day you, Jerusalem, will not be put to shame for all the wrongs you have done to me, because I will remove from you your arrogant boasters. Never again will you be haughty on my holy hill. 12 But I will leave within you the meek and humble. The remnant of Israel will trust in the name of the Lord. 14 Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! 15 The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. 17 The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Luke 2 But the angel said to them,

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.”

Daily Opening Prayer (including 2 minutes of silence) Father, Son, Holy Spirit, I rejoice in the in the reality and opportunity to spend these moments in Your presence. It is so good to be with you Jesus, so good. Please, restore me in You and renew me in you that I might experience all of You that is possible. Fill me afresh Holy Spirit, saturate me in Your Love, saturate me in your Life and saturate me in Your JOY this day. Untangle me from my anxious thoughts, immerse me now in my true identity as a child of my heavenly Father with an irreplaceable role to play this day, in Your larger story. Jesus, help me untangle from all other claims on my attention as I engage with you in this time. I ask for more of your JOY today and an increased capacity to REJOICE in You and all You are to me. I am open to You Jesus now … I rest in You… (Spend two minutes of reflective silence with eyes closed, this time is embedded in the audio version … just rest in the presence of yourself and Jesus!)

Daily Closing Prayer Jesus, through the waiting of this Advent give me a deeper desire for you and for Your JOY in my life. I long for you and for a life of REJOICING! I long also for Your return to make all things new – when JOY and REJOICING will flow uninhibited! Jesus, I renounce any and all ways I tend to look to others and my circumstances as my source of JOY and my reason for REJOICING. I want You and all You have done, are doing and will do for me to be the foundation of my JOY - then I will be able see and not miss all the myriad people and experiences in my everyday life as invitations to REJOICE. Jesus, I admit that I am not good at JOY and REJOICING especially when my situation and circumstances are difficult and overwhelming. I trust Your grace in these moments. I trust you will meet me in those places as well. I know having your JOY does not ignore my reality but rather helps me navigate my reality with You in the center - and when You are with me then the possibilities HOPE and JOY and PEACE abound. Thank you – Thank You – Thank You! I receive You now. I am excited to see what you can do today. I know you can do amazing things, and I would love to be a part of them. I am waiting for your cue. Amen

Resources for this Week

Here are some suggested readings for each day of this week. We encourage you to use the “I Belong” devotional resource to assist you every day. You can sign up for this daily resource by going to the “I Belong Challenge” button on the main menu at www.pog.church. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – John 15:5-11 Tue – Zephaniah 3:14-17 Wed – Philippians 4:4-7 Thu – Nehemiah 8:2-3,8-11 Fri – Luke 1:39-49 Sat - Luke 2:8-14

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.

Point of Grace Online Worship - December 5, 2021

Point of Grace Worship 12.5.21 Sermon Notes – “Re:turn to Advent – Prepare in the Waiting”

Advent is a season of waiting and preparing for _______ is coming!

A) what

B) who

C) None of the above  

What does “preparing” as I wait for the One who is coming look like for me now?

Insights about preparing from the first advent of Jesus!

Luke 3 … the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. 5 Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. 6 And all people will see God’s salvation.’” 7 John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” 10 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked.11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” 12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” 13 “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. 14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” 15 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. 16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Notice God “comes” to rescue His people “in the wilderness”. Without “preparation” they will miss Him.

I get to prepare by “owning my need” for Jesus and “opening up to receive” Jesus.

How? STOP and RE-SEE

- STOP for silence and reflection on my need for Jesus and my receiving Him as He comes for me.

- RE-SEE preparations and celebrations not as “the point” but rather “pointing” to something greater. We get to re-see preparations and celebrations as pointing us to the coming of Jesus when He will make all things new. Our innate yearning for a restored world shows up in our desire to live a more enchanting life and create a more enchanting world in this season. Let this desire remind us we were originally designed for Eden and point us to Jesus who alone promises to restore us and our world at His return. This re-seeing the season’s celebrations will allow us to enjoy what they do deliver and be far less disappointed in how they fall short… because they will. The season will “leave us longing” and that is a good thing. Come Lord Jesus, Come!  

STOP and RE-SEE

Daily Opening Prayer (including 2 minutes of silence) 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, immerse me now in my true identity as a child of my heavenly Father and my irreplaceable role in Your larger story. Jesus, help me STOP and own my utter need for You as my Savior, Leader, Lord, Hope and Life … Jesus, open me up to receive You and all You have for me today … I rest in You … (Spend two minutes of reflective silence with eyes closed … just rest in the presence of yourself and Jesus!)

Daily Closing Prayer Jesus, through the waiting of this Advent give me a deeper desire for you. I long for your return to make all things new! Jesus, I renounce any and all ways I tend to replace You through the celebrations and preparations of this season. Help me Re-see ways this season actually ignites my passion and longing for You. I want more of you Jesus. I need, utterly need, more of You Jesus. Fill me to overflowing with your life and your love. Jesus through waiting I ask for more of your presence. I want to know you more. I want to spend all my day in side-by-side friendship with you. I receive You now. I am excited to see what you can do today. I know you can do amazing things, and I would love to be a part of them. I am waiting for your cue. Amen

Resources for this Week

Here are some suggested readings for each day of this week. We encourage you to use the “I Belong” devotional resource to assist you every day. You can sign up for this daily resource by going to the “I Belong Challenge” button on the main menu at www.pog.church. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – John 1:6-16 Tue – John 1:19-28 Wed – John 1:29-37 Thu – John 3:25-36 Fri – Revelation 21:1-7 Sat - Revelation 22:12-17 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.

Point of Grace Online Worship - November 28, 2021

11/27/21                                       Re:Turn to Advent                                     Sermon Notes

Advent is a way of disrupting normal life so that we can encounter Jesus in a fresh way

How can I engage with Jesus in a new and fresh way this season?

Advent helps to reorient ourselves within God’s larger story

The incarnation of Jesus is like the storming of Normandy

Already & Not Yet

John 11 (Excerpts)

4 When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, 7 and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”

14 So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”

21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked.

“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.

35 Jesus wept.

38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 “Take away the stone,” he said.

“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”

40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.

Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

What does this teach us about waiting?

- Waiting grows us up

- Waiting gives presence

- Waiting gives longing

 

How do we wait well?

1. Wait expectantly

2. Wait honestly

3. Wait with

 

Jesus has done everything needed for our salvation. Now we GET to be participants in bringing that rest to others.

Psalm 25

In you, Lord my God, I put my trust.

2 I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. 3 No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.

4 Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. 5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Jesus I am excited to see what you can do today. I know you can do amazing things, and I would love to be a part of them. I am waiting for your cue. Amen.

Prayer of the Week:

My dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to you now to be restored in you, renewed in you, to receive your life and your love and all the grace and mercy I so desperately need this day. I honor you as my Lord, and I surrender every aspect and dimension of my life to you. I give you my spirit, soul, and body, my heart, mind, and will. I cover myself with your blood—my spirit, soul, and body, my heart, mind, and will. I ask your Holy Spirit to restore me in you, renew me in you, and lead this time of prayer.

Heavenly Father I pray that I am able to see clearly my place in your story as a dearly beloved child. You have given me all that I need for salvation and life in you and in your kingdom. And yet you desire me to be a participant in your kingdom and to join you in your mission to bring all things back to you. I get to do this! Holy Spirit guide me and direct me as I seek to follow you.

Jesus through waiting I pray that you give me opportunities to grow and mature in my faith. 4 Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Jesus through waiting give me a deeper desire for you. I long for you to return and bring all things into new creation! I want more of you Jesus, fill me to overflowing with your life and your love.

Jesus through waiting I ask for more of your presence. I want to know you more. I want to spend all my day in side-by-side friendship with you. Jesus I renounce anything that is creating distance between us. At this time feel free to spend a few moments confessing anything that rises to the top of your heart.

Jesus I am excited to see what you can do today. I know you can do amazing things, and I would love to be a part of them. I am waiting for your cue.

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 – John 11:1-6 & 14-15

Tue – John 11:17-27

Wed – Isaiah 40:1-5 & 28-31

Thu – James 5:7-8

Fri – Romans 8:18-25

Sat - Psalm 25:1-5

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.

Point of Grace Online Worship - November 21, 2021

Point of Grace Worship 11.21.21 Sermon Notes – “Soul Recovery – Immerse, Untangle, Give Thanks”

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 ………

Untangle – “My soul needs a “change of mind toward God” (repent) much more than I think it does.” I need practice untangling from my “it’s up to me” mindset toward a “turn to God agreeing with Him” mindset!

Give Thanks – “My soul needs me to have a “lifestyle of gratitude” much more than I think it does. I need a lifestyle of giving thanks so I actually live like life is “grace” making way for the joy my soul needs.

Mark 6 41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate and were satisfied, 43 and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44 The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand. Mark 14 22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” 23 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 “This is my blood of the[c] covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. 1 Thessalonians 5 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Colossians 3 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Eucharisteo – “give thanks” … Jesus revealed that life lived to the full is a life full of eucharisteo.

Eucharisteo is the way of living with the living God because within Eucharisteo is charis (grace) and within charis is chara (joy)!

Joy is the realist reality, the fullest life, and joy is always given, never grasped. God gives gifts and I give thanks and I unwrap the gift given: joy! Ann Voskamp – one thousand gifts

A Eucharisteo lifestyle!

“If you want to make it real write it down.” Somebody Smart

Philippians 4 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!... 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Prayer of the Week (Note: This week’s prayer is designed with some pauses built in so when there is a pause don’t let it surprise you.)

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. I immerse now in my identity as a child of my heavenly Father identity which you gave me in my baptism.

Father in heaven I thank and praise you specifically for your creation that surrounds me. Thank you for the natural world you have given me to live in and for the miracle of physical life that I experience in my body every moment. Jesus, help me thank you now! (Take a 20 second pause to give thanks, out loud if possible, for God’s creation and all His provision for your physical life as you experience it today.) Father, I praise and thank you for your love for me and the salvation you have given me through Your life, death and resurrection. I get to have life now and life eternal because of the gracious gift of Your life for me. Jesus help me give thanks for You now!

(Take a 20 second pause to give thanks, out loud if possible, for God’s gift of love and grace to you in Jesus as you experience it today.)

Father, I praise and thank you for people and relationships you have given me to experience. Thank you for gifting me with people who love me and care about me. Thank you for people, even if I do not know them personally, who You use to bring me blessing, provision and grace. Jesus help me thank you for people now!

(Take a 20 second pause to give thanks, out loud if possible, for God’s gift of people and relationships in your life. Notice the unique people and relationships God brings to mind on this particular day.)

Fill me afresh Holy Spirit so that I might live this day with a Spirit of gratitude in my heart and words of thanks on my lips. (Allow your heart to continue to give continued thanks as you are inspired concluding this prayer with your own “Amen” when you are finished.)

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 – Luke 17:11-18 Tue – Psalm 136:1-9,23-26 Wed – Ephesians 5:15-20 Thu – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Fri – Colossians 3:15-17 Sat - Psalm 116:1-7, 17-19

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.