Summer To Thrive Resources

This summer at Point of Grace is not a summer to SLIDE, but a summer to THRIVE!!

We thrive with good Rest, Nutrition, and Exercise.
  • Rest - is not the same thing as escape, but is Interactively Experience the Living God as the source of ALL REST. Remember, He said, "Come to Me."
  • Nutrition- what we do with God's Word and Prayer in our daily lives matters BIG TIME!
  • Exercise- is the "DO" in life. There is "doing" involved in every aspect of life! Many times the things we think are accomplishing the least end result are actually the most important and hardest "doing" there is to do!

The Basics
The basics really do matter!
  1. Personally Connecting with God -
    A time of private prayer and reading/listening to His Word is non-negotiable. Daily is the goal, but 4 times a week is essential.
    How? Some possibilities:
    • The "Connecting with God" weekly guide in our worship folder or on the web
    • Utilize a reading plan, like a "Psalm a Day" - if today is the 15th, read the 15th Psalm and so on. Add 30 to the date the next month and continue through.
    • The "Daily Prayer" listed below in PDF and audio form is a powerful praying tool
    • Build on the new experiences and new locations we find in the summer by taking notice of God's handiwork around you, or taking advantage of time that is not "normally" available.
  2. Corporate Worship (Connection with God and others) -
    Just do it! Even on vacation.
    How? Some possibilities:
    • If you are traveling, discover another body of believers to worship with wherever you are visiting.
    • As a family around the campsite, on the balcony, in the hotel room or in nature, simply open scripture and pray. You can also use the meditation questions as discussion prompts. Kids will love being a part of this conversation and worship time as well!
    • Listen to a Christian CD, if you have one.
    • Pray, as a family, out loud.
  3. Excel in Giving this Summer -
    This is a spiritual thing!
    Consistent obedience in tangible ways life financial giving is so important for "thriving". In the summer, giving can get lost in the travels, weekends away, cost of vacation....all seemingly logical reasons to slide. But determined and planned obedience in this area (and all others) brings honor to God. He will take care of you in ways beyond what you can imagine!

Various Resources
Daily Prayer (Audio) (PDF)
Printed Copies are also available at the round kiosk in the
Commons Area

I AM Series Bookmark (PDF)
Bookmarks are also available at the round kiosk in the
Commons Area

Eat This Book Excerpt (PDF)
Pastor used the section "The Replacement Trinity" in his second message on Nutrition.

Book Suggestions - (click on the book name for more information)
Suggestions for Podcasts - (click on the name to visit the site)
  • ransomedheart.com - for men, anything on this site is a great encouragement. They also have several free downloads as well as a free subscription to a daily devotion email.
  • breakawayministries.org - these messages are by Ben Stuart who is the preacher for the Breakaway ministry at Texas A&M. They are a great inspiration and have a college crowd flare.
  • mosaic.org - messages by Erwin McManus. Go to "About Us" and then "Podcasts"

Other Suggestions -
  • Seize opportunities to NOTICE - sunsets, sunrises, smiles, nature, architecture, the arts, music, what makes you smile, what makes you belly laugh, what makes you cry, the wind in your face, a child's surprise, a beautiful flower.....you get the idea. And when you notice any of these little blessings -- STOP -- LOOK UP --  and THANK GOD. "Jesus, thank you for this gift to me today! I glorify you and love you! Amen."
  • Seize opportunities to BLESS - anyone and everyone In Jesus' Name - the people in your family, those around you with a smile, a deliberate "plus" word each day to each person in your home, creative random acts of kindness as a family (flowers to strangers, water to workers on the street, etc...). Pray for those who you do not know but God brought across your path each day.