Point of Grace Online Worship - January 23, 2022

Point of Grace Worship 1.23.22 Sermon Notes – “Under Attack-2!”

The Devil is real - his attacks are dangerous – Become one with the One who won!

Luke 4 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.”

5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”

9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; 11 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”

12 Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

The devil is real, his attacks are dangerous, Become one with the One who Won!

Identity is Satan’s target!

5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”

What is this account revealing about Satan? Jesus? Me?

Satan? He attacks major human vulnerability - shortcuts and compromise to get authority, power, glory?

Why is “authority” so significant? What is the catch?

Satan is offering Jesus a way to get “rewards worthy of a king’s son” but his way bypasses the way the king has set for His Son - the cross.

Jesus? Jesus responds as one in close, personal union (identity) with God as a Heavenly Father! His identity as Son means He has one Father in Heaven and He only is worthy of worship. Jesus will trust the Father to give “kingdoms, authority and splendor” when and if He chooses. Philippians 2 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Me?

The devil is real, his attacks are dangerous, Become one with the One who Won!

Is it my “just me” identity facing the day or is it my “one with Jesus” identity showing up to do battle? My “one with Jesus” identity has great authority against evil because the One true God is worshiped and served!

Luke 10 17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” 18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Two Simple Tools

The Lord’s Prayer

Hallowed be Your name … Your kingdom come … Your will be done … … on earth (in my domain of authority) as it is in heaven! Deliver us from the evil one.

A Very Helpful Prayer I now bring the kingdom of God, the authority rule and dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ against Satan and against His kingdom and against every force of evil coming against me, my family, my kingdom and domain. I renounce all sin and all evil (name it if you can) and bind and banish them away from me in Jesus name!

The devil is real, his attacks are dangerous, Become one with the One who Won!

Daily Prayer

Jesus, we are so very thankful in this moment that You won against sin and Satan. And we give joyful thanks to You Father, for You have qualified us to share in the inheritance of Your holy people in the kingdom of light. For You have rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son You love, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Hallelujah! (Col. 1) Jesus, You are worthy to have all authority in heaven and earth because You were slain, and with Your blood You purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth. We join all of the company of heaven in saying, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise! To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” (Revelation 5) Father in heaven, we pray that Your name be treated as Holy, that Your Kingdom reign would come, that Your will would get done on earth here and now in our lives and situations (name any specific situations where you long for kingdom break through) as if it were happening in heaven. Father, deliver us from the evil one and to that end I now bring the kingdom of God, the authority rule and dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ against Satan and against His kingdom and against every force of evil coming against me, my family, my kingdom and domain this day. I renounce all sin and all evil (name any sins and evil influence you sense coming against you) and bind and banish them away from me, my family, my kingdom and domain in the mighty name of Jesus I pray these things. 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 10:17-21 Tue – Colossians 2:9-15 Wed – Luke 4:1-13 (esp.5-8) Thu – Revelation 12:1-5,7-13,17 Fri – Philippians 2:5-13 Sat - Genesis 3:1-7 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 - January 16, 2022

Point of Grace Worship 1.16.22 Sermon Notes – “Jesus – Under Attack!”

The Devil is real - his attacks are dangerous - only One Way wins!

Luke 4

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.”

5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”

9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; 11 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”

12 Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

Helpful Insights:

•                     This is a continuous narrative from the baptism account and the record of Jesus genealogy. The chapter break is unfortunate.

•                     There is a connection between Adam’s story, Israel’s story and Jesus’ journey. Adam and Israel failed to be faithful to their identity as God’s son – Will Jesus?

•                     Verses 1-2 creates the tension of war – battle – attack. Is Jesus in a position of weakness? Who took the bait? Jesus is a different kind of human being?

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.

The Devil is real - his attacks are dangerous - only One Way wins!

1 Peter 5 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith,

Ephesians 6 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

The Devil is real - his attacks are dangerous - only One Way wins!

What was the first temptation and how did Jesus win?

3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.”

What is the “false choice based on a false assumption”? (The devil is very good at this strategy.)

Jesus, being Son of God and truly human, uses his power within the boundaries of His Father’s will not to take matters and His future into His own hands.

How are we tempted like this? How does it look different when “Jesus in me” shows up to deal with the devil rather than “just me” showing up?

The Devil is real,

his attacks are dangerous

only One Way wins!

Daily Prayer

My Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You now to be restored in You to be 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 sovereign Lord and I give over every aspect and dimension of my Life totally and completely to You. You are God – I am not and I love you and worship and trust You as my Lord and Savior.

I love you Jesus and receive by faith all the work and triumph of your cross, death, resurrection and ascension. Thank you Jesus for your complete victory over satan and his kingdom and all forces of evil. I now take my place in your victory over the devil. You are Truth and he is lies and the father of lies. You are the Way, the truth and the Life and You hold the everlasting victory over sin and evil. I take my place in You Jesus – I in You and You in me.

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to you Jesus and You are worthy to receive all glory and honor and power and dominion now and forever more. I now take my place in You and in Your name Jesus I come against the devil and all forms of evil that are coming against me this day. (Mention as specifically as you can how you sense evil is coming against you – tempting you – today and bring the authority of the name of Jesus against it.) I bind and banish all away from me in Jesus name.

Jesus, fill me with Your Spirit that I might see and resist every deceitful temptation the devil will present me today – not in my own strength but in the strength power and complete victory of Jesus Christ. In the Life and Power of His name I pray and I live. 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 4:1-13 Tue – Colossians 1:13-20 Wed – 1 Peter 5:5-11 Thu – John 8:39-47 Fri – Deuteronomy 8:1-5, 10-14 Sat - Ephesians 6:10-13 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 - 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 26, 2021

Point of Grace Online Worship - December 24, 2021

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.