Being Humble in Speech, Conduct, and "Stress"

“let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” -James 1:19

Day One:Listen to the following sermon by Francis Chan.

http://www.cornerstonesimi.com/special/media_player.html

Go to this site and select the sermon from 10/04/09 entitled “Slow Down and Show Grace”.

Take notes! Near the end of the sermon make sure you follow the instructions to JUST listen as he reads three passages of scripture. You will have time to read and reflect on these passages later in the week, but JUST listen as Francis reads them to you during the sermon. You will be so blessed by the hearing of God’s Word!

Take time to pray about your speech, conduct, and what you refer to as “stress” in your life. Stress is anxiety which is SIN! Repent in the areas where you are feeling the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Then spend time praising the Lord!

Day Two:Read the three passages that Francis Chan read to you in the sermon. Read the each three times! Then spend time meditating on these passages. Choose a short section of maybe 3-5 verses that really challenged you or made your rejoice when you read them. Write those verse down and carry them with you this week. It would be great if you could memorize the the verses that wrote down!

Ephesians 2:1-7

Romans 5:1-11

1 Peter 5:6-11

Spend time REJOICING! Do this through prayer and even singing!

Day Three:Read James 1:19. Is there someone in your life that you have not reflected grace to through your speech and your ability to listen to them? Is there some issue between you and your parents(or friend or teacher, or sibling, etc) that you can’t talk to them about without getting angry, speaking quickly or trying to defend yourself? Maybe you need to ask for forgiveness for that right now! Pray about this issue in your life and ask the Lord to help you respond with love and grace and to be QUICK TO LISTEN. Don’t use your words to defend yourself, only defend Christ.

Spend time in prayer confessing and asking the Lord to help you reflect the words in James 1:19.

Day Four: Read the following passages.

Matthew 6:25-34

1 Peter 5:7

Philippians 4:4-9

Stress is a sign of pride. Stress shows that you are lacking in your prayer life. Stress shows a lack of rejoicing.

Read the following blog post by this FAMOUS youth pastor.

http://www.danmiller730.blogspot.com/2009/10/booze-worry-and-eternity.html

Day Five: Follow the same guideline from last week on praying for an hour. It will be the best hour of your day! Keep praying all day!

Do you remember the missionary that shared at the beginning of the sermon on day one? Spend time praying for the country of Iran and also for the people who are suffering for the sake of Jesus Christ. The woman that he talked about was willing to give up her own child for the sake of the gospel. That was so powerful for me to hear. Is there something in your life that you’re not willing to give up for Christ’s sake? Surely it’s not something so great as your own child. Whatever you are holding back, surrender it to the Lord.