Point of Grace Online Worship - November 22, 2020

Point of Grace Online Worship 11.22.20

Sermon Notes –

“Lean In to What You Can Count On!” Encouragements from 1st Thessalonians

Rejoicing …………………. Praying …………………...Thanking!

This is the meaningful life Christ intends!

1 Thessalonians 5

16 Rejoice always, Lean in to doing joy!

17 pray continually, Lean in to praying!

18 give thanks in all circumstances; Lean in to thanks giving!

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

A Surprising reason for Rejoicing!

1 Thessalonians 5 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

I can rejoice now and truly enjoy now when relieved of the pressure to have my best life now!

“Keep on praying and never give up!” – Jesus

Luke 18 “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”

Give thanks in all circumstances … … … … perhaps now more than ever!

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

16 Rejoice always,

17 pray continually,

18 give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

How could a group of people living like this change the world?

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.

Resources for this Week

Here are some suggested readings for each day of the week which help dive deeper the way Jesus is personally calling you to “Lean In to What You Can Count On”. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Tue – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-15 Wed – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-28 Thu – Psalm 136 Fri – Luke 17:11-19 Sat - Psalm 103

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.

Helps: “Sermon Resources” from pog.church

“One Thousand Gifts” by Anne Voskamp

The Bible Project has a 7 minute visually graphic summary of 1 Thessalonians that is awesome. Go to https://bibleproject.com/explore/1-thessalonians/

The “One Minute Pause” App from your app store

“Get Your Life Back” by John Eldredge

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

Point of Grace Online Worship - November 15, 2020

Point of Grace Online Worship 11.15.20

Sermon Notes –

“Lean In to What You Can Count On!” Encouragements from 1st Thessalonians

… and keep on leaning in to Jesus “more and more and more and more and more”

… in Relentless Dependence!

1 Thessalonians 3-4 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.

13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

Paul’s prayer is casting vision for the Thessalonians!

That they would lean in to their relationship Jesus resulting in lives of “strong-hearted holiness and overflowing love”!

Let’s talk about leaning in to Jesus more and more for “strong hearted holiness”!

4 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister.

The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

Let’s talk about leaning into Jesus more and more for “overflowing love”!

9 Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more,

I get to relentlessly lean into Jesus “more and more” for

strong-hearted holiness and overflowing love!

How would that change the world?

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.

Resources for this Week

Here are some suggested readings for each day of the week which help dive deeper the way Jesus is personally calling you to “Lean In to What You Can Count On”. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Tue – 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 Wed – Colossians 3:1-11 Thu – Colossians 3:12-17 Fri – Colossians 3:18-4:6 Sat - Psalm 1

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.

Helps: “Sermon Resources” from pog.church

The Bible Project has a 7 minute visually graphic summary of 1 Thessalonians that is awesome. Go to https://bibleproject.com/explore/1-thessalonians/

The “One Minute Pause” App from your app store

“Get Your Life Back” by John Eldredge

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

Point of Grace Online Worship - November 8, 2020

Point of Grace Online Worship 11.8.20

Sermon Notes –

“Lean In to What You Can Count On!” Encouragements from 1st Thessalonians

… because it seems like uncertainty is what we can really be certain of!

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith … labor of love … steadfastness of hope … … in our Lord Jesus Christ.

4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. 9 For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. - faith in Jesus is working itself out in every corner of life - you experienced the word of God and the Holy Spirit’s power and were transformed - your identity as chosen, redeemed children of God changes everything

labor of love in our Lord Jesus Christ. - loving people in Jesus name especially when it is really hard is oh so real - loving people enough to share Jesus even when persecuted

steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. - hope in Jesus and His return fuels an unbelievable endurance for true living

The Encouragement:

“Lean into (even harder) the faith in Jesus that is working in you, the love from Jesus that is sometimes so hard to share, the hope that keeps on going because it is anchored in eternity.

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.

Resources for this Week

Here are some suggested readings for each day of the week which help dive deeper the way Jesus is personally calling you to “Lean In to What You Can Count On”. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Tue – 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 Wed – 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20 Thu – 1 Thessalonians 3:1-10 Fri – 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 Sat - Psalm 46

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.

Helps: “Sermon Resources” from pog.church The Bible Project has a 7 minute visually graphic summary of 1 Thessalonians that is awesome. Go to https://bibleproject.com/explore/1-thessalonians/

The “One Minute Pause” App from your app store

“Get Your Life Back” by John Eldredge

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

Point of Grace Online Worship - November 1, 2020

Point of Grace Online Worship 11.1.20

Sermon Notes - “Jesus, Can I thrive in my anxious world?” - What have we learned?

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.” -Jesus- (from Matthew 11:28-30)

Jesus invites us to come to “Him” and receive His “yoke” – His way of carrying the loads of life!

Luke 1038 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

What do we learn about the anxious life from Martha?

What steps of faith is Jesus inviting Martha to take so she can “thrive”? - With so much to “do” is it had to “be” first? - Who serves who … … … first?

Oh the beauty of Jesus’ grace as He responds to her!

“Martha, Martha you are worried and consumed with so many things … … let yourself choose Me and time with Me!”

The foundation of “thriving in my anxious world” is “Come to Me”!

The Recap

How is Jesus inviting me to change my thinking so I can thrive? How is Jesus inviting me to change my doing so I can thrive?

The Foundation: “Come to Me”! (We get Him and His yoke!) Matthew 11:28-30

- I have a Father in heaven who loves me very much! Matthew 6:25-34

- I can’t depend on me or my anxious world becoming un-anxious enough for me to thrive! Matthew 6:31-32

- Seek first His kingdom and do His next right thing! Matthew 6:33, Luke 10:38-42

- Father, however you respond to this request is good. Thank you! Peace! Philippians 4:4-7

- Humble yourself under Jesus so He can order your load! “Cast all your anxiety on Him.” 1 Peter 5:6-7

- Be alert! Resist! Stand firm in the faith! Your enemy the devil prowls our anxious world! 1 Peter 5:8-9

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.

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 – Luke 10:38-42 Tue – 1 Peter 5:1-11 Wed – Matthew 6:25-34 Thu – Philippians 4:4-7 Fri – Matthew 11:28-30 Sat - Psalm 23 ……. And take a good rest!

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.

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

Point of Grace Online Worship - October 25, 2020

Point of Grace Online Worship 10.25.20

Sermon Notes - “Jesus, Can I thrive in my anxious world?” - Casting Off Anxiety

How are you handling the “anxiousness” in you and around you?

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.” -Jesus- (from Matthew 11:28-30)

Jesus invites us to come to “Him” and receive His “yoke” – His way of carrying the loads of life!

The apostle Peter encourages us in the art of wearing the Jesus Yoke!

1 Peter 5 5“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Three wonderful surprises from Peter about wearing the Jesus yoke to carry the loads of life!

1. Humility “I was surprised at the connection between ‘anxiety/worry’ and ‘pride’!” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

The parable of Rick Steve’s suitcase!

2. I get to cast anxiety on God 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

o I join Jesus in filtering through my anxiety ……… remember “he cares for you”. Jesus, what is my loving responsibility as I cast off my anxiety? “Not my circus not my monkeys!” “I am responsible to you but not for you” “I must own my role God will own results!” “Seek Jesus’ reign over my life and do the next right thing.” “Jesus, I give this _____ to You. But please take care of it, it’s very special to me!”

o Try “Benevolent Detachment” as a rhythm of life. “One Minute Pause App” God, I give everyone and everything to You! (Jesus, what do I need to let go of?) Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit, heal my union with You. (Jesus, You are the vine I am the branch if I remain in You and You in me I will bear much fruit. John 15 )

I need more of you God. Holy Spirit fill me afresh! (Jesus, fill me to the measure of all the fullness of God. Eph. 3) Now I get to do the next right thing!

3. My anxious world is the devil’s playground! “8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, “

How is Jesus helping me thrive in my anxious world?

How is He inviting me to change my thinking? How is He inviting me to change my doing?

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.

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 – 1 Peter 5:1-11 Wed – James 4:4-10 Thu – John 15:1-11 Fri – John 17: 20-26 Sat - Psalm 55 (notice vs. 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.

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

Point of Grace Online Worship - October 18, 2020

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.

Point of Grace Online Worship - October 11, 2020

Point of Grace Online Worship 10.11.20

Sermon Notes - “Jesus, Can I thrive in my anxious world?” - My Default Thinking

How are you handling the “anxiety” in you and around you?

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.” -Jesus- (from Matthew 11:28-30)

Matthew 6 contains one of Jesus most profound teachings on “anxiety”.

What does He reveal about His “way” of carrying the loads of life (yoke) which will help us thrive in an anxious world?

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?

31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

It’s like Jesus knows that our default “thinking” about God, ourselves and the relationship needs some work.

What some good news?

- Your heavenly Father values you far more than you can imagine. Try to get your mind around the validation this brings you as a gift. If you have that kind of validation, love and care from the God who knows you best, can you imagine how much you “don’t” have to worry about tomorrow and how many things you “don’t” have to strive over and seek to earn to get what you already have.

- Worry is powerless to help but oh so natural to do.

- What is a “pagan” and how do I “not” act like one? (but rather like I have a Father in heaven who loves me very much.)

- If it is not my role to “worry” then what do I do? Where do I exert my effort?

o Seek “first” the Father’s reign over every situation and aspect of life,

o Seek the Father’s righteousness (His right way) which is found in Jesus and His way of living.

- How do these shifts-of-thinking about my Father in heaven, me (with my worry) and our relationship help me thrive in my anxious world?

What are some practical ways I can act in alignment with what Jesus has revealed?

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

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.

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 – Matthew 6:25-34 Wed – Mark 6:30-34 Thu – John 17:20-26 Fri – Luke 16:11-32 Sat - Psalm 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.

Point of Grace Online Worship - October 4, 2020

Point of Grace Online Worship 10.4.20

Sermon Notes - “Jesus, Can I thrive in my anxious world?” - The Way of Jesus

How are you doing?

How are you handling the “anxiety” in you and around you?

Jesus, can You help? … … … can i thrive?

Some helpful insights! – A conversation with Jim Otte – Rev., LPC

___________________________________________________________________

1 5 6 789 10

I cannot depend on my anxious world becoming un-anxious enough for me to thrive ………... but,

Is there a constant source of restoration and renewal for my soul so I can thrive even in my anxious world?

“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.” -Jesus- (from Matthew 11:28-30)

Jesus and His yoke

yoke – a way of carrying the “loads of life”.

I have a “way of carrying the loads of life” even if I don’t know what it is!

Jesus offers Himself and His Way of carrying the loads of life!

“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.” -Jesus-

As you contemplate your (daily) response to Jesus’ invitation notice your natural objections and His promises.

A really important truth:

“You were never designed to do any of life without Jesus fully in you and you fully in Jesus!”

No wonder we are stressed!

A Taste of “Jesus and His Way” for me in my anxious world.

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6

Regular refuge for the purpose of soul restoration will get sabotaged!

Soul Restoration with Jesus and His Way this week?

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

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.

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 – Psalm 23 Wed – Mark 6:30-34 Thu – Psalm 84 Fri – John 14:1-7 Sat - Psalm 62

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