We will be dividing our time together into into three parts: book discussion, spiritual disciplines & special topics. This is a summary of what we covered during our first meeting.
I. Ministry of Motherhood is in 5 sections- the plan is to read 2 chapters a week. The book is divided into 5 Gifts we give our children: Grace, Inspiration, Faith, Training and Service. There are 4 chapters on each gift, so it will take us two weeks per gift.
II. S.O.A.P.- We want to encourage daily time in the Word. If you are already having consistent devotions/quiet time, great! but many of us struggle with this. The author of our book uses the SOAP method, and we are going to do this as a group. (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer)
a. Just ONE verse a day! Take a look at the white sheets in the center of your folder. They are self-explanatory. Just write down a few lines for each letter. We will share our comments next week. If you already have a devotion plan, don’t stop! But if you could add on the SOAP verse to what you’re doing that would be great.
We had a wonderful testimony from Cindy Kramer on her devotional time.
In back pocket there is a peach sheet with some motivational Scripture on Devotions/Quiet Time. Also, if you struggle with understanding the Bible, there is a yellow bookmark with some suggestions.
There is also a blue “schedule” in the front pocket that lists all the verses
b. Scripture Memory- To hide God’s Word, so our minds are saturated with God’s view, we are going to select some verses to memorize. This will be a personal, individual goal (i.e. you can pick them yourself). I’m recommending a minimum of 3 verses, during the next 11 weeks. Select them this week- and we’ll have time to review them with a partner next week.
In back pocket there is are yellow sheets with the Navigators Topical Memory system (and 15 reasons why we should memorize), and a white sheet with some verses I compiled.
c. Finding Time- It’s hard, but it’s also a choice. First time in the morning works for some, but not for others. It’s a good thing for your children to see you with your Bible open! If you struggle with this see: 7 Minutes with God- lavender back pocket. It won’t take as long as you think!
Deuteronomy 6:1 "Now this is the commandment, and these are the statutes and judgments which the LORD your God has commanded to teach you, that you may observe them in the land which you are crossing over to possess, 2 "that you may fear the LORD your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged. 3 "Therefore hear, O Israel, and be careful to observe it, that it may be well with you, and that you may multiply greatly as the LORD God of your fathers has promised you -- 'a land flowing with milk and honey.' 4 " Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! 5 "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 " And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 "You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 "You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
III. Special Topics- We’ll take some requests on special topics, and maybe do some fun things, too (recipe exchange, Holiday ideas?)
FOR NEXT WEEK (Sept 27/28):
1) Read Intro, Chap 1 & 2 of Ministry of Motherhood (pages 1-38)- we will discuss questions 1&2 on page 57 (yes, that’s the end of Chp 4)- we will have time to share any insights you may have regarding the reading.
2) Complete the SOAP journal forms in the folder
3) Select 3 verses to memorize- write on cards
Let’s join together in prayer with purpose to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and strength, and will prepare ourselves to diligently teach our children.
