January 4 – 10

Weekly Reading for January 4 – 10

Preparing for Next Week’s Message

Sermon Series: Empowered by His Presence
Sermon Title: Empowered by Suffering and Pain

This reading plan will get your heart and mind set for the next message on January 11, 2015:


Reflecting on the Most Recent Sermon

Sermon Series:
Sermon Title: Words for a New Year
Delivered On: January 4, 2015

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Memorize and Reflect

"The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing" (Proverbs 12:18)


Prayer Direction

Ask God to help you notice when your words are becoming harsh and cutting. Confess where you have hurt others with your words. Ask for power to bless and heal people with words filled with grace and kindness.


“Live It!” Challenge

Surprise Blessing – Identify one person in your life that you have not been consistent about encouraging. Make a commitment to share words of encouragement, blessing, and affirmation at least twice in the coming week…and follow through on doing this.


Small Group Discussion

  1. Tell about a time someone spoke words that cut, were painful, or that discouraged you. (Be careful not to use a name or indicate who did this) Why were these words so hurtful?

  2. Tell about a time someone spoke words that encouraged, healed, or lifted you. Why did the words of this person do so much good?

  3. Read: James 3:2-10, Proverbs 12:18, and Proverbs 18:21
    What images does James use to make the point that our tongue (our words) are powerful and how do these images bring this truth alive? What do you learn about the power of your words in this passage?

  4. What are specific and practical ways we can avoid hurting others with the things we could say? What are ways we can build others up and heal them with our words?

  5. Who is one person in your life that needs words of blessing and healing from you and what can you do in the coming week to be sure you give every chance possible for God to bring life, healing, and hope to this person through your words?

  6. Read: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13
    How does God use the history of His people during their desert wanderings as an example for us? What are the specific actions and behaviors they engaged in that we are to flee from and avoid at all costs?

  7. Why do you think God takes the sin of grumbling and complaining so seriously? What are some of the costs and consequences if God’s people ignore these warnings and the church becomes a place where people are free to grumble and whine?

  8. Read: Matthew 18:15-17
    If a Christian has a concern with another believer, what is the proper way to address and deal with this breach in the relationship? Why do we find it so difficult to follow this simple and life-giving process?

  9. How can group members pray for you and support you as you seek to find healing in a relationship by following the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 18? (Be careful not to use names or specific so you don’t wander into gossip…another sin of the lips!)

  10. Tell about a time someone spoke words that cut, were painful, or that discouraged you. (Be careful not to use a name or indicate who did this) Why were these words so hurtful?

  11. Tell about a time someone spoke words that encouraged, healed, or lifted you. Why did the words of this person do so much good?

  12. Read: James 3:2-10, Proverbs 12:18, and Proverbs 18:21
    What images does James use to make the point that our tongue (our words) are powerful and how do these images bring this truth alive? What do you learn about the power of your words in this passage?

  13. What are specific and practical ways we can avoid hurting others with the things we could say? What are ways we can build others up and heal them with our words?

  14. Who is one person in your life that needs words of blessing and healing from you and what can you do in the coming week to be sure you give every chance possible for God to bring life, healing, and hope to this person through your words?

  15. Read: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13
    How does God use the history of His people during their desert wanderings as an example for us? What are the specific actions and behaviors they engaged in that we are to flee from and avoid at all costs?

  16. Why do you think God takes the sin of grumbling and complaining so seriously? What are some of the costs and consequences if God’s people ignore these warnings and the church becomes a place where people are free to grumble and whine?

  17. Read: Matthew 18:15-17
    If a Christian has a concern with another believer, what is the proper way to address and deal with this breach in the relationship? Why do we find it so difficult to follow this simple and life-giving process?

  18. How can group members pray for you and support you as you seek to find healing in a relationship by following the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 18? (Be careful not to use names or specific so you don’t wander into gossip…another sin of the lips!)