Week 5: Wednesday

Have you ever been guilty of being a "gasoline queen" (or king for our male participants)--of drizzling or even dousing gasoline on an already heated conversation, making it even worse?  If you can recall such a time,  jot the details down below in the comment section.

In retrospect, and based on what you have learned in this week's study, how could you do things differently the next time a slightly heated conversation is beginning to combust and flare, threatening to set off a big blaze?

Week 5: Tuesday

Hopefully you have read or are in the process of reading chapter 9 of Keep It Shut.

As you are reading or reflecting  Think about this quote from the book.

Will you commit with me to answering annoying questions in a soft and gentle way?  To refuse to throw gasoline on a small spark that could ignite a fiery family feud or cause a ruckus with your coworkers?  Will you work to defuse the fight before it even begins?  Your family and friends might notice your effort and reward you by responding in kind.

Keep It Shut, p. 164

In chapter 9 of Keep It Shut, Karen recalls how her friend's daughter once scribbled in permanent marker all over the Ehmans' newly purchased children's plastic picnic table.  Though Karen held it together and didn't use an angry tone with the young doodler, it might not have been the same scenario of one of her own dear darlings had played Picasso with that picnic table!  Why do you think it is easier for us to control our tempers--and our tongues-- with those outside our immediate family?

What little pep talk can you give yourself about how this reality should not be?  Write your thoughts in the comment box below.

Week 5: Monday

When the actions of others threaten to make us angry, we need to learn to mind our own sin.

James 1:19-20 urges us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry because our anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.  However our natural tendency is to be slow to listen, quick to speak, and faster than Usain Bolt to become angry!

Ephesians 4: 26-27 instructs us: "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold."  We can observe four principles from this passage:

• First, we are going to get angry
• We should not sin (Learn to attack the problem, not the person)
• We need to deal with our anger, and PRONTO! (The longer we stew, the more likely we are to strike.)
• Finally, beware of the Devil's sneaky wrestling moves.  He wants to get a foothold.

Proverbs 15:1 says, "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (ESV)  We need to learn to give a soft- even Snuggie like answer!

Giving a soft answer doesn't mean I don't give a truthful one.

Don't be a gasoline queen or king, throwing fuel on a small spark that could ignite a fiery feud.

Before interacting with others, sometimes--in a spiritual sense-- we need to utter the words Karen's son spoke when playing his video game:  "Hang on a second.  I gotta die."  We must learn to embrace and adopt the practice the apostle Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 15:31,  "I die daily."

Enjoy this week's video...

Week 5: Pause Before You Pounce: On Cultivating Soft Speech

Wow!  We are coming down the home stretch!  Let's begin week 5 with a quote from James....

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.
James 1: 19-20

This week's agenda includes:

Reading Chapter 9 of Keep It Shut.

Monday: Watching the video segment and responding to a question in the comment box on the blog.

Tuesday through Thursday: Digging deeper into chapter 9 and responding to some questions and think points.  (I will be sure to include a musical snack on Thursday!)

Friday: Some "on your own" reading suggestions.

This week's Bible Verse

Week 4: Friday

Happy Friday everyone!

As you head into the weekend,  I want to give you some Scripture to read and think upon.

• Proverbs 11:13

• Proverbs 16:28

• Proverbs 20:19

• Proverbs 26:22

• 2 Corinthians 12:20

• Proverbs 26:20

Which of the preceding verses most challenged or convicted you?

Week 4: Thursday

By this point,  you should be working your way through chapters 7 &8 of Keep It Shut.

Ecclesiastes 5:2 urges us, "Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God.  God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few."  How does this verse relate to the subject of people-pleasing?  Can letting your "words be few" help avoid the trap of flattery and people-pleasing? How so?

Post your comments below.

Enjoy this musical reminder about your words being few....

Week 4: Wednesday

We are going to deviate off our book reading this week.

Instead we are going to read Psalm 31.  You can do this in your Bibles OR you can click the link below to get a printed copy.

As you read....

• Circle any references to people who were either talking about David or plotting and scheming against him.
• Draw a box around any verses that mention what David is thinking or feeling or what action he is taking or will take.
• Place a star next to any verses that tell what God is doing or thinking during this incident in David's life.
• Go back and put a :) (smiley face) next to your favorite verse or section of this Psalm.

Note-  You may also choose to use three different colored highlighters for the three different marks. (helpful when using and digital Bible)

After you have finished:  What has this little markup exercise taught you?  What principles can you draw from Psalm 31 when you are facing enemies or are the victim of gossip?

If you would like,  share these thoughts in the comment box below.

Psalm 31