Well...Let's wrap up another week with some Bible study on your own.
As you read through and study these verses, take a moment to create a summarizing statement that applies specifically to your life. For example: Ephesians 4:26 declares, "In your anger do not sin." It could be summarized specifically by a stressed-out mom to read "When my kids leave their toys out AGAIN--even though they've been told several times to put them away--it might make me angry, but I shouldn't let it make me sin by screaming at my kids." Ready?
In chapter 4 of Keep It Shut, Karen tells about her college experience of trying to spend an hour in prayer. (That one didn't end well, did it?) Have you ever spent a long, concentrated time in prayer? Or do you find obstacles that pop up that keep you from focusing and praying to God while all alone? In the space below, list what you think are your three greatest hindrances to spending time connecting with God through the practice of prayer. Share them below in the comment box.
Now, for each of the hindrances, list a possible solution. If you have trouble coming up with a solution yourself, contact a trusted friend committed to the practice of prayer to see if he or she can offer any solutions.
It has been said that if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail. That is an immensely accurate statement when it comes to the spiritual discipline of private prayer!
Enjoy this musical reminder....
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Has your mouth ever got you in trouble--yes, even made you sin--all because you talked too much? In your conversation you started to ramble. The more you spoke, the more your speech dug a deep hole, tripping you up and trapping you inside. Soon you were in a mighty tangled mess. It's certainly happened to me.
Keep It Shut, page 49
In chapter 3 of Keep It Shut, Karen tells the story of talking to her friend at the basketball game. Because her "words were many", things got confusing and a conflict arose.
Describe a situation in your life-- either in the distant past or sometime more recent--when talking too much got you or someone you know into a heap of trouble. Now, jot down a couple of sentences that you can use as a go-to phrases when you know the conversation is heading south due to your excessive words. (Example: "I'm sorry. I'm talking too much. I'm gonna just hush up now.") Use the comment box below to share.
Some people are verbal "gap fillers". When there is a break in the conversation, you can count on them to fill the slight gap of silence.
We sometimes suffer from FOMO (fear of missing out). We just have to say something! If we suffer from FOMO and just have to keep talking to add our two cents' worth, saying, "But...but...but," we need to learn to "Shut the But"--Shut it down!
Talking to God before we talk to others will allow the Holy Spirit to empower us to live life in a godly manner, processing as we pray. Then we are better able to break the habit of sinning with our mouths.
The Bible is full of examples of men and women who spoke filled with the Holy Spirit, some even when they were in a tight spot. When the did, Scripture never records them then sinning in what they said.
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Which of the 4 pieces of advice found in Proverbs- The Twitter of the Old Testament- did you most need to hear? (Don't speak too much. Don't speak too soon. Don't speak without first listening. Don't speak at all.) Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
Remember that an important part of this study is sharing what you have learned from reading the book and from completing the activities/discussions. Don't worry if you weren't able to cover all the material. You are still welcome and your input is valuable.
This week we will be focusing on Chapters 3 & 4 of the Keep It Shut book.
Monday: We will watch a video and respond to some questions.
Tuesday: We will dive into chapter 3 of the book and respond to some questions
Wednesday: We will continue on chapter 3 and further our learning with some discussion on the blog
Thursday: Chapter 4 and some questions to go with it.
Friday: Time to delve into some Scripture. Verses to look up and reflect upon.
Memory verse for the week:
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