January 25 – 31

Curated Reading for January 25 – 31

Sermon Series: Real Faith Week 4
Sermon Title: Real Faith in a Trash-Talking World delivered on January 25, 2026

View Sermon Notes →
Day 1 READ: James 1. Why should our faith impact how we speak? Who is a person in your life who has been a model of graciousness and restraint with their words? What can you learn from the example of this person? Who is one person that needs to hear gracious words from you, and what should you say to this person this week?
Day 1 PRAY: Commit to lavishing one person in your life with words of kindness, blessing, and encouragement. Pray and ask the Lord who this person should be. Make time to write out three or four good things you see in this person and share them with them. Add some spoken words of blessing. If this brings joy to the person you have identified as needing kind words, do it again next week with a new person!
Day 2 READ: James 3:1-6. What are the key examples James uses of small things that have a huge impact? What are other things that are small that have a really large influence? Why do you think James writes so strongly about the potential of the tongue for evil? How have you brought pain to others by your words and how have they done the same to you?
Day 2 PRAY: Pray for God’s healing in your heart and life from the harsh and cruel things others have spoken (or written) to you (or about you). Ask God to help you learn to ignore words that are evil and ungodly. Pray for wisdom to receive tough words that are true and meant to help you grow and become better.
Day 3 READ: James 3:7-12. Why do you think James says we can never fully tame our tongue? Since this is true, how can you learn to keep striving to control and restrain the temptation to speak harmful words? How have you seen the same tongue bring blessing and praise, and also cursing and pain? How can you increase the blessing and minimize the hurt from your words?
Day 3 PRAY: Commit to doing your best to speak more blessings and less cursing. Identify the times you tend to speak harsh words. Who are the people (or kinds of people) that seem to push your buttons and press you to speak harshly? Commit to being silent instead of snapping and losing it. Prepare in advance for these moments (because you know they will come). Ask God for self-control and the ability to remain silent!
Day 4 READ: James 4:11-12. When are you most tempted to be judgmental in your heart and with your words? What are the ways that people in our world tend to slander and speak poorly of others? Why has this become so normative and even acceptable (even in the church at times)? How does speaking judgmental words about others make it seem like we are taking the role of God?
Day 4 PRAY: Ask God to help you see people through his eyes. God sees our weaknesses, but he also sees each person’s potential and delights in the good things in each person. Pray that you can see the good in each person you meet and celebrate it. If there is a person you tend to judge on a regular basis, confess this to God and ask for your words to reflect the heart of God and not your judgmental spirit.
Day 5 READ: James 4:13-15. Some people might wrongly think that this passage teaches that we should not plan for the future. What is this biblical text actually teaching? What is the danger of arrogantly thinking we can predict the future and over-confidently declaring this to others? Why is it wise to believe in your heart and speak the words, “I will do this if it is God’s will?” What are some potential dangers of seeking our desires more than the will of God for our lives?
Day 5 PRAY: Set aside 15-20 minutes to prayerfully seek the Lord on His will for your life. Tell Him that you do not want to pursue your dreams and goals unless they are in alignment with His desires for you. Write down one or two nudges or impressions you get from the Lord in your time of prayer. What does He want you to do? What is His will for this season of your life? Seek to take one or two steps toward this goal in the coming days.

Memorize and Reflect

James 1:26
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.

Real Faith Weekly Challenge

Real Faith Weekly Challenge

  • Work at shutting your mouth when you feel harsh words about to erupt.
  • Make a point of speaking words of encouragement to three people this week.
  • Take time to confess to God where your words have been harsh and judgmental.
  • Confess that your words have been hurtful to one person and ask for their forgiveness.
  • Write a thank-you note to a Shoreline staff member or volunteer.