Point of Grace Online Worship - August 8, 2021

Point of Grace Worship        8.8.21     Sermon Notes – Parables of the Kingdom – “The Prodigal Father” 

Parable – A small past-time narrative that Jesus tells in order to communicate a deeper meaning. They “hide” before they “reveal” making the listener think, consider, question etc.

The Kingdom of Heaven (God) is what God is doing to reestablish His reign in creation through Jesus.

As a follower of Jesus I am called to be a “contender for His kingdom (reign)” …… but what does that look like? 

Luke 1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
3 Then Jesus told them this parable…
11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”  

The Father’s heart is full of prodigal love and it shows … to both sons.  

But, the two sons are both lost.  They are lost from the Father’s heart not because he has left them but because they have replaced him.  And it shows.  

What is in common with the lost-ness of the younger son (lead by self-rule) and the older son (self-righteousness) is the elevation of “self”!

The younger son’s self-rule runs its course and the result is for all to see. His journey of “coming to the end of ‘self’” has begun.

The older son’s “self-righteousness” is subtle, has religious approval and although no less corrupt perhaps more dangerous.  The older son is invited to “come to the end of self” … and then Jesus leaves it unfinished. 

Perhaps the hearers are left with wanting a “should have been but wasn’t there” character?

A “true older brother” who would willingly pay the price and celebrate the younger brother’s return! A brother that would share the heart of the Father?

Instead the story leaves us with a Pharisee of an older brother but wanting a “truer older brother” who has the heart of the Father?  

The parable invites me to

·       Let the reality of my inclination to self-rule and/or self-righteousness – rock my world.

·       “Come to the end of my-self” landing and living in the unmerited favor of the Father’s love –the place of real transformation.

·       Contend with this King and this Kingdom which defies religion but gives real relationship with the Father. 

Prayer of the Week

My dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You now to be restored in You, to be renewed in You to receive Your love and Your life and all the grace and mercy I so desperately need this day.  I honor and trust You as my Lord and as my Savior and I surrender every aspect of my life totally and completely to You.  I ask You, Holy Spirit, to fill me afresh with Your light and with Your life that I might pray well now as You lead me.

Heavenly Father, I thank You and praise You, worship You and adore You for Your incomprehensible LOVE towards me, Your amazing GRACE towards me, Your bountiful MERCY towards me.  Help me now dwell in Your love – the love of my Father in Heaven. 
I am a dearly loved child of God!
I have a Father in Heaven who loves me very, very much.
I receive Your Love in this moment with these words to help me.
Your Love is better than life.
Your Grace is sufficient for me.
Your unmerited favor towards me is so undeserved but oh so needed.  Thank You!

I confess Father that I am so very prone to self-rule (doing my own thing – being in charge doing my life) and prone to self-righteousness (thinking and acting like my performance in life deserves or has earned a good life).  What I now realize is that these are my attempts to replace You, to leave You, to control You.  It breaks my heart to think I have treated You this way.  I repent of all my attempts at self-rule.  I also repent of my motivation for the wrong things I do.  I also repent of my attempts at self-righteousness and self-centered motivations I sometimes have for the good things I do.

(Spend a couple moments just processing with the Father the What? and the Why? of your self-rule and self-righteousness.)

Jesus, the only place I can truly work through the realities of my life and heart is a place of “grace”.  Your heart is that place.  I receive Your complete and total forgiveness for all my “self” issues.  I rest once again in Your heart - the place of unimaginable love and grace and I surrender to Your transformational leading in my life.  I love you and thank you so very much for coming after me, giving your life for me and loving me so very well this day.

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 – Luke 15:1-10
Tue –  Luke 15:11-24
Wed – Luke 15:25-32
Thu – 2 Corinthians 12:7b-10
Fri
–  1 Corinthians 15:3-11
Sat  - John 1:14-18

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 - August 1, 2021

Point of Grace Worship        8.1.21     Sermon Notes – Parables of the Kingdom – “The Unexpected Jesus”

We are called to be “contenders for the kingdom” …… but what is the Kingdom (Reign) of Heaven (God)?

The Kingdom of Heaven is what God is doing to reestablish His reign in creation through Jesus.

Parable – A small past-time narrative that Jesus tells in order to communicate a deeper meaning. They “hide” before they “reveal” making the listener think, consider, question etc.

Matthew 1324 Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.
27 “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’
28 “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.
“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’
29 “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time, I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”

31 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

33 He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds[b] of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

34 Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. 

Three Parables that “subversively” reveal important aspects of the experience of God’s reign breaking in to His estranged world through Jesus inviting every listener to join Him in surrendered faith contending for His reign to come. 

Jesus styled “breaking in of the reign of God on earth” now appears Messy (weeds), Small (mustard seed), Weak (yeast) but don’t look elsewhere or lose heart because the reign of God is purer, bigger and stronger than we could ever imagine! 

Messy means contenders get to be gracious while living out truth soaked with love.

Small means contenders get to trust the King and His life for them in a myriad of small but potent ways.

Weak means contenders get to be faithful, persevering, humble, patient agents of the King knowing loving influence is a  slow but graciously effective way to change lives.

How does this matter? 

Prayer of the Week

Lord Jesus, I come to You now to be restored in You, to be renewed in You and to receive all the grace and mercy I so desperately need this day.  I honor you as my Lord and God and surrender every aspect of my life totally and completely to You.  Thank you for loving me so very much and I now intentionally enter that love relationship with You as I pray. 

Jesus, I admit that there are times I don’t “get” You.  I don’t understand how You and the Father and the Spirit are working at this moment in my life and in my world.  (Take a couple of moments and candidly admit frustrations with Jesus and situations where you find it difficult and frustrating to trust and obey Him.) 

Even as I admit these frustrations I am, in some way, surrendering them to You.  You are God and I am not.  You see a much bigger picture than I do.  I surrender to You – not in a sense cynical defeat but in life giving faith.  Jesus, I believe in You help my unbelief. 
Holy Spirt, I need your counsel, comfort, strength and guidance.  I ask You to fill me afresh with Your presence and life so that I might see the many little ways Your kingdom is breaking in to this broken world.  I want to see and seize the opportunities You are giving me to share love and forgiveness, grace and kindness, truth and justice, sacrifice and service, joy and compassion, words and actions all done in Your name as a small but vital parts of Your kingdom breaking into our broken world. 
I thank You so much for calling me to be Your child, to be Your witness in this world and contend for Your kingdom even in small and seemingly insignificant ways.  It is refreshing to know that little things done in Your name do matter and matter greatly.  Thank you for being the kind of God where someone as insignificant as me can matter so very much to You.  I love You,

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 – Matthew 13:31-35
Tue –  Matthew 11:1-6
Wed – Matthew 25:31-40
Thu – Matthew 13:24-30
Fri
–  Philippians 2:5-11
Sat  - Isaiah 53:1-6

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 - July 25, 2021

7/25/21 Parables of the Kingdom Sermon Notes

We are called to be “contenders for the kingdom”

What is the Kingdom of Heaven?

The Kingdom of Heaven is what God is doing to reestablish His reign in creation through Jesus.

Parable – A small past-time narrative that Jesus tells in order to communicate a deeper meaning. They “hide” before they “reveal” making the listener think, consider, question etc.

Genesis 4:23-24

23 Lamech said to his wives, “Adah and Zillah, listen to me; wives of Lamech, hear my words. I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for injuring me. 24 If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech seventy-seven times.”

Matthew 18

21 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.

23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.

28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.

33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

Not a parable instructing us to just let people walk all over us

1. We are invited to reflect on our own debt (and our inability to pay)

2. We are invited to reflect on the generosity of God

Deal out Forgiveness like Lamech deals out vengeance

How am I able to do this?

Followers of Jesus are called to be Rivers not Ponds

37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:37-39

Jesus is teaching His disciples to see themselves within a framework for forgiveness where God takes the initiative and we respond to His generosity

“The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.” Timothy Keller

Prayer of the Week:

Heavenly Father, I recognize your presence here with me right now and I invite you Father, Son and Holy Spirit into my life and this time of prayer. Holy Spirit, lead my prayer and show me how to pray.

Jesus I confess to you now that I have an unpayable debt that is larger than I can know. I confess to you that I have sinned against you and others in thought, word and deed. I have hurt you and others in ways that I don’t even know. I come to you now asking for your forgiveness. I ask that you apply to me the forgiveness that Jesus has won for me on the cross. I receive your complete forgiveness that covers all of my sins.

Father thank you for your generosity towards me and all people. I thank you for the grace that you have lavishly placed upon me. You are more generous than I can even imagine. You have daily provided for my every need. I thank you for blessings that I see and blessings that I pass by without even noticing. Help me see every day your generous gifts.

Holy Spirit I thank you for bringing true life. I receive you Holy Spirit now and I ask that through your power I am able to respond to the generosity shown to me and respond. Holy Spirit help me to be a river of grace not a pond. Help me to lavish grace upon those who have wronged me. Help me to forgive like you forgive.

Jesus help me to see and respond to all the different places where you have called me to be a contender for the Kingdom. Thank you Father for revealing yourself to me. I desperately desire to live the meaningful life Christ intends for me this day! 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 – Matthew 18:21-27

Tue – Matthew 18:28-35

Wed – John 7:37-39

Thu – Ephesians 2:1-9

Fri – 1 John 1:8-2:2

Sat - Psalm 103:1-12

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 - July 18, 2021

7/18/21             Parables of the Kingdom             Sermon Notes

The Kingdom of Heaven is what God is doing to reestablish His reign in creation through Jesus.

Meaning & Significance: Meaning is simply what Jesus meant, Significance is how it applies and changes my life today.

Matthew 13

44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

If obtaining the Kingdom relies primarily on me and what I am able to do…I am toast!

If the Kingdom of Heaven is just about me trying harder

then it isn’t Good News, and it’s not offering us anything different than what the world is.

In these Parables, Jesus is the Main Character.

Matthew 13

44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

To Jesus you are a precious treasure that is worth selling everything to have.

Hebrews 12

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Philippians 2

5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  

Jesus paid for the whole field.

Jesus says come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest for your souls… And I need that rest!

Kingdom Concepts:

1. You, I and others are precious to Jesus

2. We are participants, not the perfecters

3. I am not perfect, but my savior is.  

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

Prayer of the Week:

Heavenly Father, I recognize your presence here with me right now and I invite you Father, Son and Holy Spirit into my life and this time of prayer. Holy Spirit, lead my prayer and show me how to pray.

Lord I thank you for sending Jesus to bring your Kingdom Reign into the world. I thank you for teaching me through parables. I thank you for every opportunity that you provide for me to be a contender for the Kingdom. (you are invited to spend a few seconds giving thanks to God) I thank you most of all for ransoming my life on the cross. Thank you Jesus.

Jesus I recognize my need for you today. I know that on my own I am unable to follow you. I ask your forgiveness now. (take some time confessing to Jesus whatever sins come to mind now) Heavenly Father, thank you for loving and forgiving me, through Jesus. Thank you that you never stop loving me. Help me to live more and more every day into the identity that I am a truly loved child, who is precious to you.

Holy Spirit as I think about my day and upcoming week there are many things that I can think of that worry me. I ask and contend for your Kingdom reign to come into those places now, both in my life and in the lives of others. (spend some time praying over that now) Jesus help me to see and respond to all the different places where you have called me to be a contender for the Kingdom.

Thank you Father for revealing yourself to me. I desperately desire to live the meaningful life Christ intends for me this day! 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 – Matthew 13:44-46

Tue – Matthew 11:28-30

Wed – Hebrews 12: 1-2

Thu – Philippians 2:5-11

Fri – Romans 8:31-34

Sat - Psalm 62:1-8

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 - July 11, 2021

Point of Grace Worship 7.11.21 Sermon Notes – Parables of the Kingdom – Why Parables? 7.11.21

Why Parables?

Jesus knows people need Him but, they can’t have Him unless they “get” Him!

Parable - A small past-time narrative that Jesus tells in order to communicate a deeper meaning. They communicate indirectly via metaphors extended to the level of narratives. They “hide” before they “reveal” … subversively making the listener think, consider, question etc.

Matthew 13 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake.

The Back Story – In chapters 11 and 12 we see a committed yet frustrated Jesus compassionately reaching out with works and words meeting resistance at all levels. He knows - they need Him but can’t _______ Him unless they ”____” Him! 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

10 The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” Something shifted?

11 He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12 Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.

14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 15 For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’ 16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

Remember what He knows; people need Him but, they can’t have Him unless they “get” Him!

Why this parable?

The seed sower -

The 3 unproductive seed/soil situations –

The 1 productive seed/soil situation

How is Jesus and His parable affecting;

- the crowds?

- the disciples?

- You?

o As you contend with the King and His Kingdom

o So you can contend for the King and His Kingdom

Prayer of the Week

Heavenly Father, I thank and praise You this day for revealing Yourself to me through Jesus! Thank You, Jesus for loving me so much that You passionately and persistently keep reaching out to me with Your word, by Your Spirit and through people so that I might “get” You by faith and live now the meaningful life You intend for me. To be honest though, I want to “get” You more ... I know I “get” You some but I want to “get” … really “get” You and Your kingdom reign in my life and the world … more!

Jesus, I praise You for the creativity and passion that You revealed in using parables to reveal truth to all of us. As I pray through a portion of the sower parable I ask You to reveal afresh, today, what You know I need from You. Speak Lord, Your servant is listening.

Matthew 1319 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Take a few moments to listen.) Jesus, I also lift up to You by name people that I know are trapped in “unproductive soil” lives and I contend in prayer for them now. (Take a moment to name people now who need to be “good soil” hearers of the word.) I pray that Your kingdom would come in their hearts and Your name would be hallowed in their lives Jesus! Reign Jesus reign over them.

Thank You Father for revealing Yourself to me. I desperately desire to live the meaningful life Christ intends for me this day!

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 – Matthew 13:18-23 Tue – Matthew 13:10-15 Wed – 1 John 2:15-17 Thu – 2 Peter 1:3-9 Fri – 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 Sat - Psalm 19:1-4,7-11

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 - July 4, 2021

Point of Grace Worship 7.4.21 Sermon Notes – The Church Prays for the Nation 7.4.21

It is Sunday the Fourth of July!

1 Timothy 2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.

Why and how does the church pray for the nation and leaders?

1) We are “urged”! I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority.

2) We “give thanks”!

3) We make “petitions and intercessions” for civil leaders “that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” What makes for a peaceful and quiet society? Justice, safety, security, basic provision etc.

4) We remember as we pray that the ultimate hope of mankind is Jesus! Life with Him is the only ultimate security! The church is called to be “salt and light” in a broken world offering what no human leaders or nations can!

Let’s Pray!

Matthew 11 28 “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Psalm 23 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul.

Jesus says, “Come to Me!” ….. I say, “Restore my soul!”

Prayer of the Week

This week we include in this prayer language from “Prayer for the Nation” from our Lutheran denominational resources.

Almighty God and Father, as we celebrate this week of the 4th of July we recognize that You have given us this good land as our heritage. Grant that we remember Your generosity and constantly do Your will. Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education, and an honorable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil course of action. Grant that we, who came from many nations with many different languages, may become a united people. Support us in defending our liberties, and give those to whom we have entrusted the authority of government the spirit of wisdom, that there may be justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, may our hearts be thankful, and in troubled times do not let our trust in You fail.

Lord, keep this nation under Your care. Bless the leaders of our land that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to the other nations of the earth. Grant that we may choose trustworthy leaders, contribute to wise decisions for the general welfare, and serve You faithfully in our generation.

As we move into the second half of the summer lead us as individuals, families and a church to hear and respond to Your gracious call on our souls, “Come to Me … and I will give you rest”. Help us respond to that gracious call with this simple request from our hearts, “Restore my soul, Jesus, Restore my soul.”

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 – 1 Timothy2:1-6 Tue – Matthew 22:15-22 Wed – 1 Peter 2:11-17 Thu – Psalm 42:1-7 Fri – Matthew 11:27-30 Sat - Psalm 23

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 - June 27, 2021

Point of Grace Worship 6.27.21 Sermon Notes – Praying That Matters Part 2 2021

Summer 2021 – Transitions? … … … God, what are you up to?

The Lord’s Prayer leads me toward a healthy relationship with God …

especially when in transition… when setting up new “normals”.

What if we became …

Less focused on consuming kingdom benefits and more on contending for the kingdom’s cause! Less about “consuming” ………… more about “contending”… Less like “spectators” cheering good and God on and more like “special forces” deployed with purpose.

Praying the Lord’s Prayer moves us in this direction. Praying that matters.

9 “This, then, is how you should pray:

Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name … Your kingdom come … Your will be done … …on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.’ Matthew 6

Notice the sequence and shift of the prayer’s two halves!

Petition 4 – Father, Give us today our bread that is coming (near),

What frame of mind do we need to authentically pray for our daily physical needs? How freeing would it live each day with the faith that provision for our physical needs is coming from the Father and it is all gifts of grace?

Petitions 5 – Father, forgive us our (sin) debts as we also have forgiven our (sin) debtors.

Jesus prioritizes forgiveness (receiving and giving) for the good of our souls – so He gave us actual words to pray. Jesus authored forgiveness; - is motivated by God’s forgiveness of us not our feelings about the person or situation, - recognizes the violation and doesn’t ignore it, - is a faith-based decision drawing on the power of the cross and not dependent of feeling forgiving. - is the pathway to reconciliation which can happen if repentance is present.

Living forgiven and forgiving frees us to contend for the kingdom of God in the lives of all we influence.

Petition 6 - Father, lead us not (only) into temptation but (even more) deliver us from the evil one.

When taken as one petition the first clause is negated (with a not) in order to subordinate (or lessen it) thus magnifying the main clause.

Jesus gives us words to pray which bring us into the reality of the war zone we live in as contenders for His Kingdom. The second half of the Lord’s Prayer equips and trains us to be Kingdom contenders by:

- Turning us toward Our Father in heaven for 100% of our physical needs,

- Teaching us to seek, receive and give forgiveness so life can happen all around,

- Leading us to relentless dependence on our Father’s deliverance in the war with evil.

Prayer of the Week Heavenly Father, You are my true Father, who loves me very much. I love You, I trust You, I worship You and step by faith into my true identity as Your lavishly loved child – the identity given to me in my baptism.

Father I join forces with Your entire family praying “Hallowed be Your name on earth as it is in heaven.” “Your Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.” “You Will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Pause and strategically pray these three petitions over the real life situations you are facing. You are calling in the coordinates asking Him to act.)

Father, I join forces with Your entire family praying “Give us this day our daily bread”. I recognize and ask for Your care and provision for all of my physical needs from finances to food, a warm bed to a running car, medical care to retirement income …. It is all from Your hand. Thank You. In praying I surrender my needs to Your care and I surrender my sometimes incessant need to worry about all these things. Help me trust You Father. Father, I join forces with Your entire family praying “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us”. Father You are leading me to recognize my deep need for Your forgiveness. Forgive me of my every sin, Father. (Confess any specific sin burdens that today weigh on your heart.) I receive Your complete and total forgiveness. Lead me now Father as I recall any grudges, retribution or unforgiveness harboring in me against those who have sinned against me. I now surrender this all to You and make the decision to “let it go … into Your hands” … to forgive. Help me Father to live forgiven and forgiving.

Father, I join forces with Your entire family praying “Lead us not (only) into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one”. Father help us recognize and follow Your leading as we contend for Your Kingdom in this war zone of a world. Even more, Deliver us from the evil one. Jesus, You are the only one who is completely victorious over evil and we go forward this day facing whatever evil may come in the power of Your name. Deliver us from evil Father, deliver us.

Father, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You for calling me to be a contender for You and Your kingdom as I live the meaningful life You intend today.

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 – Matthew 7:7-12 Tue – Exodus 16:11-15, 19-21 Wed – Matthew 18:21-35 Thu – Colossians 3:12-15 Fri – 1 Peter 5:6-11 Sat - Psalm 103:8-14

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.

Helps: Join the “I BELONG” Challenge Go to pog.church and click the “I BELONG CHALLENGE” menu tab. After you sign up you will get a daily email with the daily reading.

“Moving Mountains” by John Eldredge

“Sermon Resources” for this week from pog.church

“Union with Christ” by Rankin Wilbourne

The “One Minute Pause” App from your app store

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

Point of Grace Online Worship - June 20, 2021

Point of Grace Worship 6.20.21 Sermon Notes – Praying That Matters Part 1- 2021

Summer 2021 – Transitions? … … … God, what are You up to?

The Lord’s Prayer leads me toward a healthy relationship with God …

especially when in transition… when setting up new “normals”.

What if we became …

Less focused on consuming kingdom benefits and more on contending for the kingdom’s cause!

Less a “consumer” ………… more a “contender” …

Less about “consuming” ………… more about “contending”…

Less like “spectators” cheering on good and God, and more like “special forces” deployed with purpose.

Praying the Lord’s Prayer moves us in this direction. Praying that matters.

9 “This, then, is how you should pray:

Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name … Your kingdom come … Your will be done … …on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.’ Matthew 6

The Opening Our Father in heaven, A plural prayer plunging us into deep life with God!

Petitions 1- Hallowed be Your name … on earth as it is in heaven,

I am ASKing (with volition) that God’s name(presence) be recognized and treated as holy…

Petition 2- Your kingdom come … on earth as it is in heaven,

I am ASKing (with volition) that God’s reign (authority, rule, dominion) come …

Petition 3 - Your will be done … on earth as it is in heaven,

I am ASKing (with volition) that God’s will gets done in a sea of competing wills …

The Lord’s Prayer equips and trains us to be Kingdom Contenders –

- Memorable

- Strategic – (Calling in the coordinates.)

- Useful

Prayer of the Week Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me before You made the world. You are my true Father, my heavenly Father who loves me very much. I love You, I trust You, I worship You and step by faith into my true identity as Your lavishly loved child – the identity given to me in my baptism.

Father I join forces with Your entire family praying “Hallowed be Your name on earth as it is in heaven.” I pray that I might recognize, treat and honor Your name and presence as true and real in every aspect of my being and living this day. I also pray that those people, institutions and cultures that do not treat You as holy might come to know You and proclaim You as the just, true, saving, forgiving, life giving God You are.

Father I join forces with Your entire family praying “Your Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.” I ask for and seek Your authority, rule and reign over every aspect and dimension of my life. I also request Your good and gracious reign come over people, circumstances and situations that desperately need Your truth, leadership, provision, protection, authority, healing and wholeness – all the many benefits of life in Your kingdom. – Come reign of Jesus, come!

Father I join forces with Your entire family praying “You Will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Among all the competing wills in my life, situations and world I pray that Your will breaks through and gets done. Over all my desires, prayers and decisions I pray Your good and gracious will Be Done. I also request Your Will override all other competing evil and sinful forces that are always luring myself and my fellow human beings into poor, life stealing decisions.

(Now pause and take some time to strategically pray “Hallowed be Your name, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done” prayers over your life and the people and situations you are close to.)

Father, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You for calling me to be a contender for You and Your kingdom as I live the meaningful life You intend today.

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 – Matthew 6:25, 31-34 Tue – Galatians 4:4-7 Wed – Numbers 6:22-27 Thu – Acts 26:12-18 Fri – Acts 4:23-31 Sat - Romans 12:1-2

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: Join the “I BELONG” Challenge Go to pog.church and click the “I BELONG CHALLENGE” menu tab. After you sign up you will get a daily email with the daily reading.

“Moving Mountains” by John Eldredge

“Sermon Resources” for this week from pog.church

“Union with Christ” by Rankin Wilbourne

The “One Minute Pause” App from your app store

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