GodSpeak

GODSpeak, not YOUSpeak

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Self-Expression I don’t usually tend to use political examples, but the “Occupy ____” movement has left me fascinated.  For the longest time, analysts have tried to narrow down the message to a unified core, to no avail.  Talk to five protesters and you get five different messages.  Even the supposed leaders of the movement don’t … Read more

GodSpoke?

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Could it be that the endeavor started two years ago to read through the Bible is coming to a close in a few short months? When we started reading the Bible, and realized that it would take two years, it seemed like it would take forever. As it turns out, the only thing that was … Read more

Love

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  February is always a month where people toss around the word “love.” We toss it around the other eleven months of the year too, but in February we have a holiday just for love: Valentine’s Day. In general, I think it’s a great thing that we take time to remember those we love and … Read more

GodSpeak Group: Week 51

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Week 51: Proverbs 22-Ecclesiastes 2

Click to listen to this week’s recorded GodSpeak discussion group!
[audio:gs09-07-10.mp3]
Want to join the discussion?  Drop in a comment below!

Monday, August 30 Proverbs 22-23  Read & Listen Online (Click “Audio” link to listen)
1. It is good to examine why we do things that are routine or a long time habit. Just because “we’ve always done it” does not make it bad; we just need to make sure we know “why” we do things so that we can do them well. Christian education is a case in point. Why do you read and study Today’s Light? Why does your church conduct a Sunday School of have Bible classes? Why do congregations dedicate so many resources to Lutheran schools or our church to colleges and seminaries? Review some of the reasons for having these programs with your group. Then look at Proverbs 22:19. What is the reason for Christian education that Solomon gives here? There are several other Christian education passages in this section of Proverbs. What do these verses have to say about why Christian education is so important: Proverbs 22:6; Proverbs 23:12, 17, 23. Consult also these passages: Proverbs 16:6; Proverbs 14:26–27; Proverbs 9:10. Conclude your study by praying for all the agencies of Christian education in your church and the people involved. Inquire if there is some way you might help at one of these agencies of Christian education.

Tuesday, August 31 Proverbs 24-25  Read & Listen Online (Click “Audio” link to listen)
2. “It’s not what you say, but how you say it that’s important.” What does Proverbs 25:11–18 say about this statement? What does the Lord want us to be very diligent about saying (Jonah 1:1; Deuteronomy 6:4–9; Matthew 28:19–20; 1 Timothy 4:9–13; 2 Timothy 1:8–10; Colossians 4:2–6)?

Wednesday, September 1 Proverbs 26-27  Read & Listen Online (Click “Audio” link to listen)
3. Proverbs 26 and 27 are not uplifting chapters. Solomon shows his statement of Proverbs 27:19 to be true by giving negative examples. Look at Proverbs 26 and describe the types of people described there. Identify what Solomon says is so bad about each one. Unfortunately, we are all like the people described. Only God can remove the stain that we all bear. Comment on God’s Word of forgiveness in these passages: 2 Corinthians 5:14–21; Ephesians 2:1–10. Then pray for His forgiveness and new life.

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GodSpeak Group: Week 47

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Week 47: Psalm 83-118

Click to listen to this week’s recorded GodSpeak discussion group!
[audio:gs08-10-10.mp3]
Want to join the discussion?  Drop in a comment below!

Monday, August 2 Psalm 83-89  Read & Listen Online   (Click “Audio” link to listen)
1. Its Wednesday – the day appointed for reading Psalms 83–89. Some people call it “hump day” – the day we get over the hump and head for the weekend. Are you longing for the weekend? Or, are you longing for going to church here in the middle of the week? What’s the difference? In Psalm 84 the psalmist longs to go to church. Identify some of the things that the psalmist anticipates. What are some of the blessings you receive from your participation in worship (Acts 2:42; Acts 5:42; Acts 11:28–30; Acts 20:7; Colossians 3:12–17; 2 Thessalonians 1:3–4)? Thank God for the blessings of and the opportunities to worship with fellow Christians.

Tuesday, August 3 Psalm 90-95  Read & Listen Online   (Click “Audio” link to listen)
2. How many pictures of security in God can you find in Psalm 91? Identify and explain them. Which one is most meaningful to you? Why?

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