Weekly Review
Our Memory verse this week was Luke 6:45
“out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks”.
This has been an eye-opening chapter for me. I realized this week just how much I talk, and just how little I listen! I also learned just how much I talk “over” people…in other words, how much I interrupt others! As much as I do not like others doing that to me, I realized I do that to others, too! This is certainly something I need to work on!!
So, what did you think of this weeks chapter? What were your ah-ha moments?
Where did the Lord gently nudge you and say “We need to work on this?”
I think I highlighted the whole chapter. I think I needed to highlight the whole chapter! I know I have so much more to learn in this area, and it will truly be a chapter that I re-read over and over again!
So, let’s take a look back and see what the Lord was showing all of us this week:
Monday: Priscilla shared her words with us on the art of listening and edifying others, and the importance of both. She talked about the importance of “learning” how to listen to others. The art of really intentionally putting aside any our own thoughts, the distractions, and whatever else may prevent us from intentionally listen to another. Intentionally listening to others shows them they are important to us; they are valued; they are worthy of our time. It builds them up and encourages them. It feeds their self-worth. The art of listening is a discipline that we all need to work on. Listening is the most valuable gift we can give anyone.
Wisdom has two parts:
One part is learning what to say.
The second part is learning when to say it.
Tuesday: Megan talked to us about the gift of intentionally listening to others. The chapter also shows us how the gift of intentionally listening can lead into other gifts — the gifts of self-worth, significance, personal satisfaction. The kind of gifts that we all want to be known for. We learned how to bless others by really leaning into what they are saying, and forgetting about anything and everything else around us and giving our “all” to that person at that very moment. It is truly our gift to them, and a blessing!
The Gift of Listening
is the most valuable gift you can give someone.
Wednesday: Kelley shared with us about the habit of talking too much and how that can get us into trouble. Proverbs 10:19 says “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” Pretty much puts it all in to one nutshell, huh?? The art of listening enables us to think before we speak. Weighing out our words before they are spoken. Waiting for the right time to say the right thing. Not sitting while someone is talking and contemplating what you will say next. Or not allowing the other person to express their own opinion, and thinking our opinion is the only one that counts!
Listen. Learn. Contemplate. Consider.
Weighing our words. Waiting.
The Blessing of Silence!
Thursday: Beverly shared with us the importance of the power of our tongue and guarding our hearts. Our heart is our inner being (the foundation)….the place where our thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs are kept. A reservoir for every thought, attitude, belief we’ve either placed there, or allowed to hang out there!
What are we allowing to hang out in our hearts???? Our heart is the essence of who we truly are, or who we are becoming. Out of the abundance of our heart, our words flow. Are we quick to offer an opinion? Are we constantly critical or demeaning to others? Do we frequently argue with others? Do we gossip? Do our words often speak of negativity, doubt, and skepticism? These are all conditions of the heart. The foundation of our being. So we have to ask ourselves what we are putting inside? What treasures are we storing in our hearts? Insecurity? Anger? Judgmental attitude? Low in faith and belief? No peace?
The author of the this book, Priscilla Shirer suggests that if we don’t know the answer to these questions, we need to just listen to ourselves for a couple of days. Listen to our topics of conversations. Then ask the Lord to forgive you for the words you have spoken, and to help you guard your hearts, making sure that you do not allow your heart to become filled with anything that will hinder you from being conformed into the likeness of Christ. Stay in the word. The more you stay in the word and in His truth, the more your words will then be filled with wisdom, kindness, and humility!
A woman whose heart is full of gratitude and humility, who is certain of God’s favor on her, and who genuinely prizes the worth of those around her will release a steady stream of graciousness that will refresh others through her conversation. Others will desire her company. She will invite the opportunity to listen to others. She will humbly offer wisdom that comes from a treasure box filled with a wealth of good things!
It’s not all about watching your mouth….
It’s about watching your heart!
Are you ready to sign this weeks resolution? Before you do, picture the people in your life who most need to receive this gift from you. Consider what changes you can make to become a person who is “quick to listen and slow to speak.” Be willing to make some of these practical and necessary adjustments so this resolution doesn’t just “sit on a shelf” in your life and become reality. THEN, when you’re ready, prayerfully read the statement below and sign your name.
Resolution #6
My Blessing
I will be a woman who is quick to listen and slow to speak.
I will care about the concerns of others and esteem them more highly than myself.
Signed: ____________________
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Next week, Priscilla walks us through the art of forgiveness into a resolution to release others from the prison of our hurt and anger. I can’t wait! Another AWESOME WEEK ahead of us!!!
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YOUR READING ASSIGNMENT FOR NEXT WEEK CAN BE FOUND BY CLICKING >> HERE
Be Blessed & Be a Blessing to Someone Else Today!
