Categories: Preparing for Sunday

Simplicity-Week 8

Dear Friends,

The simple truth is God doesn’t want you to do something. God wants you to take time to do nothing. God teaches us that solitude and silence is doing something. Unfortunately, it is not something most of us are good at. We often fear being alone and are uneasy with silence. The great news is that you can greatly help your own tranquility and stability by making time for periods of solitude and silence. Anyone can do it and there is no equipment required. In fact, not bringing any gadgets is an important part.

This Sunday we will learn about how this simple adjustment in your life can help you be happier healthier and holier all at once.

Blessings,

Joe

STEPS TO PREPARE

PRAY FOR THE SERVICES AND FOR YOURSELF
AND ME AND THE OTHER TEACHERS.

PRAYERFULLY READ THE SCRIPTURES
AND CONSIDER THE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS.

MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND A PREACHING SERVICE AND A SMALL GROUP.

INVITE SOMEONE TO COME WITH YOU.

PREPARING FOR SUNDAY: SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Please read and consider the following scriptures and questions before Sunday.

 

 

What is the longest time you have been alone in your life?

 

 

 

What did you like about it? What was hard about it?

 

 

Have you ever been alone with no contact with others by technology and no electronics (radio, tv, DVD, CDs, music?)

 

 

 

How long a time was it?

 

 

 

What did you learn from this time?

 

 

 

Why are many people afraid of being alone?

 

 

 

Why is silence so uncomfortable for people?

 

 

 

Why did Jesus practice solitude?

Mark 1:35 In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.
Luke 5:16 But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.
Luke 6:12 It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God.

 

 

What is a way you could practice solitude and silence?

 

 

Why is talking to God alone so important?

Matthew 6:6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

 

 

 

What could hinder that?

 

 

 

How can nature play a role in solitude and silence?

 

 

 

Why does this take planning and intention?

Psalms 131:2 Surely, I have composed and quieted my soul; Like a weaned child rests against his mother, My soul is like a weaned child within me.

 

  

Joe Martin

Senior Pastor - Click Here for full profile