CALL TO WORSHIP
Together, we gather to be present to the God who is already present to us.
However you are joining us, we encourage you to participate in the work of God today as He speaks and leads us. Wherever you are, God is already present and at work all around us. Let’s join Him!
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
James 3:3-12 NIV
PRAYING TOGETHER
MINISTRY PARTNER HIGHLIGHT
To learn more about Amachi Mentoring and give, visit https://www.lexlf.org/amachi-central-kentucky-1
LIVE IT OUT TOGETHER
We seek to share a common way of life – a shared journey into the life of Jesus. We do so through 3 discipleship pathways: Communion, Community, and Co-Mission. Learn more at restorationlex.com/pathways!
Communion
“Be quick to listen.” In Christ-shaped communication, listening is our first act. If it’s true with people… why wouldn’t it be true with God? This week, focus on listening in prayer. Ask God to speak, open your mind, quiet your heart, and spend a short period in listening prayer. If it helps, set a timer for 5 minutes. Be still, be open, and before your pray verbally, listen.Â
Community
Discuss with your Home Church or friends this week the following questions: 1. Read James 1:19-20. What are some of the ways your struggled to model and receive healthy communication. How are you wanting to grow? Â 2. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:11. To encourage (in the Greek) means to come alongside another and speak on their behalf. Talk about a time that an encouraging word strengthened and sustained you.
Co-Mission
Ephesians 4:29 speaks of our words as if they were building materials – in other words, how we build up people. This week, do just that – encourage. Speak life into others in need of courage and hope. Let your words change the atmosphere of a relationship or room through speaking life and love into people!
