Wisdom Wednesday Week 3 - September 17-23 - Diligence vs. Laziness

“Go to the ant, you lazy one,
Observe its ways and be wise,
Which, having no chief, officer, or ruler,
Prepares its food in the summer
And gathers its provision in the harvest.” 
— Proverbs 6:6–8 (NASB 1995)

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APOLOGY:  We are on Week 3, not 4 as mentioned in my text yesterday.  I mixed up the dates.  We have one more week.

Welcome

Lady Wisdom:
“Welcome, Women of Wisdom Fellowship, to Week 3 of our journey through Proverbs.   

Let me ask you something:

• Have you ever left a project sitting unfinished for days? Or looked at that laundry basket, sighed, and said, ‘I’ll do it tomorrow’? Maybe you’ve dreamed of starting something important — a new discipline, a new step of faith — but excuses whispered louder than action.

Sisters, the Bible interrupts our excuses with a very unusual teacher: the tiny ant. 🐜 The ant doesn’t wait for applause, doesn’t need a boss, doesn’t seek comfort — it simply does what must be done.

Today, we ask ourselves: Am I living diligently… or lazily? And the Spirit invites us to walk in the blessing of diligence.”

Let's prayerfully go through this study/reading.  Go at your pace.  Read it bit by bit. Post when you are done.  See instructions below.

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P → Prayer 🙏

Theme Scripture:
“Go to the ant, you lazy one, Observe its ways and be wise, Which, having no chief, officer, or ruler, Prepares its food in the summer And gathers its provision in the harvest.” — Proverbs 6:6–8

Lady Wisdom:
“Lord, we confess our tendency to delay, distract, or even overdo for the wrong reasons. Teach us the steady diligence of the ant. Deliver us from procrastination and selfish ambition. Help us serve faithfully in all You’ve entrusted to us. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.”

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R → Read 📖

Theme Scripture:
“Go to the ant, you lazy one, Observe its ways and be wise, Which, having no chief, officer, or ruler, Prepares its food in the summer And gathers its provision in the harvest.” — Proverbs 6:6–8

Lady Wisdom:
“Let’s read together more of Proverbs’ wisdom on diligence:

• ‘Poor is one who works with a lazy hand, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.’ — Proverbs 10:4

• ‘The soul of the lazy one craves and gets nothing, But the soul of the diligent is made prosperous.’ — Proverbs 13:4

• ‘A slacker does not plow after the autumn, So he begs during the harvest and has nothing.’ — Proverbs 20:4”

These verses paint the contrast: diligence leads to blessing; laziness leads to regret.”

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O → Observe 👀

Theme Scripture:
“Go to the ant, you lazy one, Observe its ways and be wise, Which, having no chief, officer, or ruler, Prepares its food in the summer And gathers its provision in the harvest.” — Proverbs 6:6–8

Lady Wisdom:
“Class, let’s observe together.”

Q1: Why does Solomon point to the ant?

• 🟡 Sanguine: “Because even the smallest creature can model wisdom.”

• 🔴 Choleric: “Because the ant shows initiative without being forced.”

• 🔵 Melancholic: “Because the ant prepares ahead of time.”

• 🟢 Phlegmatic: “Because it just does what needs to be done.”

Q2: What contrast is being made?

• 🟡 “Ants are diligent; humans can be distracted.”

• 🔴 “Action versus excuses.”

• 🔵 “Preparedness versus neglect.”

• 🟢 “Doing today versus delaying until tomorrow.”

Q3: What’s the outcome?

• 🟡 “The diligent finish and rejoice; the lazy regret.”

• 🔴 “Provision versus lack.”

• 🔵 “Prosperity versus craving.”

• 🟢 “Readiness versus stress.”

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M → Meaning 🔎

Theme Scripture:
“Go to the ant, you lazy one, Observe its ways and be wise, Which, having no chief, officer, or ruler, Prepares its food in the summer And gathers its provision in the harvest.” — Proverbs 6:6–8

Lady Wisdom:
“In Hebrew, the word for laziness is ʿatsel — sluggishness, delay, inertia. Laziness doesn’t always look like rebellion. Sometimes it simply shows up as ‘tomorrow’.

The ant teaches us diligence: steady effort, preparation, and faithfulness without being forced. Laziness, on the other hand, leaves us craving without fulfillment.

Sisters, this truth is bigger than food. It’s about spiritual readiness, relational responsibility, and daily stewardship. God’s wisdom calls us to live with holy diligence.”

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P → Practice 🌱

Theme Scripture:
“Go to the ant, you lazy one, Observe its ways and be wise, Which, having no chief, officer, or ruler, Prepares its food in the summer And gathers its provision in the harvest.” — Proverbs 6:6–8

Lady Wisdom:
“Let’s see how diligence applies to each temperament.”

• 🟡 Sanguine (Talker): Resist distraction.
  I-Statement: “I will finish what I start instead of leaving things undone.”

• 🔴 Choleric (Leader): Resist prideful overwork.
  I-Statement: “I will work diligently with humility, for God’s glory, not mine.”

• 🔵 Melancholic (Thinker): Resist perfectionistic delay.
  I-Statement: “I will act with diligence instead of waiting for perfection.”

• 🟢 Phlegmatic (Peacemaker): Resist procrastination.
  I-Statement: “I will start today instead of waiting for tomorrow.”

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T → Tell Us Reflection 💬

Theme Scripture:
“Go to the ant, you lazy one, Observe its ways and be wise, Which, having no chief, officer, or ruler, Prepares its food in the summer And gathers its provision in the harvest.” — Proverbs 6:6–8

Lady Wisdom:
“Now, each of you tell us where you are this week: slipping back, shifting, or Spirit-led.”

• 🟡 Sanguine: “Slipping back — I keep leaving things half-done.”

• 🔴 Choleric: “Shifting — I’m learning to work for God’s glory, not mine.”

• 🔵 Melancholic: “Spirit-led — I’ve started small steps without overanalyzing.”

• 🟢 Phlegmatic: “Slipping back — I keep saying, ‘I’ll do it tomorrow.’”

Lady Wisdom:
“Thank you for your honesty. Proverbs 10:4 reminds us, ‘Poor is one who works with a lazy hand, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.’ Small steps matter.”

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S → Seal with Prayer 🕊

Theme Scripture:
“Go to the ant, you lazy one, Observe its ways and be wise, Which, having no chief, officer, or ruler, Prepares its food in the summer And gathers its provision in the harvest.” — Proverbs 6:6–8

Lady Wisdom:
“Lord, for each temperament we pray:

• 🟡 Keep the Sanguine focused to finish.

• 🔴 Keep the Choleric humble in their diligence.

• 🔵 Free the Melancholic from perfectionism.

• 🟢 Stir the Phlegmatic into action.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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🌺 Closing Words from Lady Wisdom

“My dear sisters, as we close this week’s study, remember: wisdom is not found in the noise of excuses, but in the steady footsteps of diligence. The ant may be small, but it carries a great lesson — to prepare, to act, and to trust that God blesses faithful effort.

Do not despise small beginnings. Every finished task, every faithful choice, every moment you resist delay brings you closer to the life God designed for you.

So, this week, complete one task you’ve been putting off. Write your I-statement somewhere visible. And above all, keep reading one chapter of Proverbs daily — and keep walking in wisdom.”

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🌟 Mini-Challenge (Screenshot This!)

✅ One Task: Finish something you’ve been putting off.
✍️ Write It Down: Post your I-statement where you’ll see it daily (mirror, phone, notebook).
📖 Stay Consistent: Keep reading 1 chapter of Proverbs daily.
💬 Fellowship: Encourage another sister in the comments.

Wisdom Wednesday - Week 2 - September 10-16 - The Path of Wisdom vs. Folly - Proverbs 14:12. Read: Proverbs 10-16

 

Proverbs 14:12

“There is a way which seems right to a person,
But its end is the way of death.”

Wisdom Wednesday - Week 1 - September 3-9 - The Power of Words - Proverbs 18:21. Read Proverbs 1-9

Welcome to Wisdom Wednesday! we dive into God’s Word using the PROMPTS Bible study method.

• P → Prayer 🙏 – Invite God to open your heart.
  R → Read 📖 – Read the Scripture aloud, slowly.
  O → Observe 👀 – Notice what the text says.
  M → Meaning 🔎 – Understand what it means.
  P → Practice 🌱 – Apply it to your life today.
  T → Thanksgiving 💬 – Thank God for His Word.
  S → Share 🕊 – Post your response in the comments.

💡 Please take your time with each segment during the week. 

August 31 - Ephesians 6:10-20 Suit Up! Stand Up!

 

Part 7:  Read Ephesians 6:10-20

August 30 - Ephesians 6:1-9 - Honour in Relationships

👋 Greetings!

Sisters, it’s a joy to continue this journey with you. 💖 Each day together has been a reminder that transformation happens one step at a time as we walk in God’s love.

On Day 1, we learned to walk in love.
On Day 2, we were called to walk as children of light.
On Day 3, we discovered how to walk in wisdom.
On Day 4, we reflected on mutual submission in relationships and marriage.

Now, in Part 5, Paul reminds us that love must shape every role we live in — whether honoring parents (alive or remembered), living as grown children of God, guiding or nurturing as parents ourselves, serving faithfully in our work, or leading with humility. In every setting, we are called to submit in love out of reverence for Christ.

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📖 Scripture Reading (NLT)

Ephesians 6:1–9

1 Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do.

2 “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise:

3 If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”

4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ.

6 Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart.

7 Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

8 Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.

9 Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Don’t threaten them; remember, you both have the same Master in heaven, and he has no favorites.

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🌱 Loved to Love: Lessons for Each Temperament

🔴 Choleric (Bold, Driven)

1. Honor parents with humility — strength is shown in respect, not control (Eph. 6:2).

2. As employees, work with sincerity, not ambition (Col. 3:23).

3. As leaders, guide with fairness, not threats (Eph. 6:9).

🟡 Sanguine (Joyful, Outgoing)

1. Honor parents with consistency, not just cheerful words (Col. 3:20).

2. As employees, serve sincerely even when unseen (Eph. 6:6).

3. As leaders, inspire through encouragement, not flattery (Prov. 27:17).

🔵 Melancholic (Thoughtful, Analytical)

1. Honor parents by remembering with gratitude, not criticism (Phil. 4:8).

2. As employees, work with excellence as unto the Lord (Col. 3:23).

3. As leaders, practice fairness over perfectionism (Eph. 6:9).

🟢 Phlegmatic (Peaceful, Easygoing)

1. Honor parents by active presence, not quiet avoidance (Prov. 23:22).

2. As employees, serve faithfully, not passively (Eph. 6:5–6).

3. As leaders, use gentleness to guide, not neglect (Prov. 27:23).

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➡️ Encourage each other:
Choose one lesson from your temperament that resonates most with you and share it in the comments.

Then add this:
🌸 Have you reached out to a sister who hasn’t posted lately? A kind word from you could be the encouragement she needs to rejoin.

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🔥 Conclusion & Encouragement for the Day

Paul makes it clear: love isn’t limited to church or marriage — it must transform the way we honor our parents, respect our families, serve in our work, and lead others. In every role, love is expressed through humility, sincerity, and respect.

This passage reminds us that love submits not out of weakness but out of reverence for Christ. Wherever we are — as children, parents, employees, or leaders — we are called to live differently, showing honor as a testimony of Christ’s love in us.

August 29 - Mutual Submission & Marriage - - Ephesians 5:21–33

 

💖 Loved to Love – Part 4

Theme: Mutual Submission & Marriage (Ephesians 5:21–33)

📖 “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” — Mark 12:31

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👋 Greetings

“Sisters, what a blessing it is to walk through Ephesians together with you — each day has been a step deeper into God’s love.” 

• On Day 1, we learned to walk in love.
  
• On Day 2, we were called to walk as children of light.
  
• On Day 3, we discovered how to walk in wisdom.

Now, in Part 4, Paul turns our attention to relationships — especially marriage. Whether single, formerly married, or married, the principle remains the same: love is humble, sacrificial, and patterned after Christ’s love for the Church.

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📖 Scripture Reading (NLT)

Ephesians 5:21–33
21 And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
22 For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord.
23 For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church.
24 As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything.
25 For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her
26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word.
27 He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault.
28 In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself.
29 No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church.
30 And we are members of his body.
31 As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.”
32 This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.
33 So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

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🌱 Loved to Love: Lessons for Singles

🔴 Choleric Single

1. Leadership in relationships means serving, not controlling (v.21).

2. Learn to honor others before seeking recognition (v.33).

3. Practice sacrificial love now — it prepares you for every season (v.25).

🟡 Sanguine Single

1. Submission means listening as much as speaking (v.21).

2. Respect deepens friendships and community ties (v.33).

3. Consistency in love matters more than bursts of charm (v.25).

🔵 Melancholic Single

1. Grace matters more than perfection in relationships (v.26).

2. Respect is an act of trust, not fear (v.21).

3. Love should purify your words and actions, not criticize (v.26–27).

🟢 Phlegmatic Single

1. Submission is active, not passive (v.21).

2. Love means stepping forward, not avoiding (v.25).

3. Respect shows up in faithful daily choices (v.33).

➡️ Question for Singles: Which one of these three lessons resonates with you most? Share your answer in the comments.

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🌱 Loved to Love: Lessons for Formerly Married

🔴 Choleric Formerly Married

1. Strength is shown in humility, not control (v.21).

2. Love restores when it sacrifices self (v.25).

3. Respect begins with how you treat others now, not the past (v.33).

🟡 Sanguine Formerly Married

1. Joy must be rooted in Christ’s sacrificial love (v.25).

2. Respect builds new beginnings (v.33).

3. Encouragement is a gift you still carry for others (v.29).

🔵 Melancholic Formerly Married

1. Grace covers your story — holiness flows from Christ (v.26–27).

2. Respect keeps your heart soft, not bitter (v.33).

3. Love heals when expressed with gentleness (v.29).

🟢 Phlegmatic Formerly Married

1. Submission means engaging, not withdrawing (v.21).

2. Love brings calm courage, not silence (v.25).

3. Respect keeps relationships steady even in new seasons (v.33).

➡️ Question for Formerly Married: Which one of these three lessons resonates with you most? Share your answer in the comments.

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🌱 Loved to Love: Lessons for Married

🔴 Choleric Married

1. Leadership is expressed through sacrifice (v.25).

2. Gentleness builds unity more than force (v.28–29).

3. Respect flows from humility, not intimidation (v.23).

🟡 Sanguine Married

1. Marriage is holy — not casual or lighthearted (v.31).

2. Love must remain steady, not just enthusiastic (v.25).

3. Encouragement sustains your spouse (v.29).

🔵 Melancholic Married

1. Holiness grows through love, not criticism (v.26–27).

2. Respect brings balance to high expectations (v.33).

3. Grace is essential in daily partnership (v.27).

🟢 Phlegmatic Married

1. Submission is active, not silence (v.21).

2. Love requires initiative, not avoidance (v.25).

3. Respect builds unity one steady choice at a time (v.33).

➡️ Question for Married: Which one of these three lessons resonates with you most? Share your answer in the comments.

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🔥 Encouragement for the Day

Marriage and relationships are a reflection of Christ and His Church. Whether you are single, formerly married, or married, the call is the same: to love humbly, to respect faithfully, and to live sacrificially. In doing so, we live out the mystery of the gospel — that we are deeply loved and called to love in return.

💖 Come back for Loved to Love – Part 5: Honor in Relationships (Ephesians 6:1–9).

August 28 - Walk in Wisdom - Ephesians 5:15-20

Thank you, sisters, for the way you’ve been leaning in this week. 💖

On Day 1, we were reminded to walk in love like Christ who gave Himself for us.
On Day 2, we learned to walk as children of light, shining truth and goodness into every relationship.

Today, in Part 3, Paul calls us to walk in wisdom. Love that pleases God is not careless or thoughtless — it is intentional, Spirit-filled, and full of gratitude. Wisdom is love’s anchor, keeping us steady in how we treat others and how we redeem the time God has given us.

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📖 Scripture Reading (NLT) Ephesians 5:15–20

• 15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.
• 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
• 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
• 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,
• 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.
• 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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🌱 Loved to Love: Lessons for Each Temperament

(Ephesians 5:15–20)

🔴 Choleric (Bold, Driven)

1. Love requires wisdom, not just drive (v.15).

2. Be intentional with time — don’t waste opportunities (v.16).

3. Seek the Lord’s will before charging ahead (v.17).

4. Don’t be controlled by ambition, but by the Spirit (v.18).

5. Leadership should bring joy, not pressure (v.19).

6. Gratitude should temper your boldness (v.20).

7. True influence flows from Spirit-filled living (v.18).

🟡 Sanguine (Joyful, Outgoing)

1. Wisdom means loving beyond impulse (v.15).

2. Use opportunities to encourage, not distract (v.16).

3. Be thoughtful, not careless, in your words and actions (v.17).

4. Don’t be ruled by moods or pleasures, but by the Spirit (v.18).

5. Use music and joy to build up others (v.19).

6. Gratitude should keep your joy rooted (v.20).

7. Love shines brighter when it is Spirit-led, not self-led (v.18).

🔵 Melancholic (Thoughtful, Analytical)

1. Wisdom calls you to balance thought with action (v.15).

2. Avoid wasting time in worry or hesitation (v.16).

3. Love means understanding God’s will, not overanalyzing (v.17).

4. Don’t be consumed by burdens, but filled with the Spirit (v.18).

5. Music and worship can lift heaviness (v.19).

6. Gratitude keeps criticism from choking love (v.20).

7. Wisdom is expressed through Spirit-filled encouragement (v.19–20).

🟢 Phlegmatic (Peaceful, Easygoing)

1. Wisdom means intentional living, not drifting (v.15).

2. Don’t waste time in complacency — love acts (v.16).

3. Know and do the Lord’s will, not just avoid conflict (v.17).

4. Be filled with the Spirit, not passivity (v.18).

5. Share in joyful worship with others (v.19).

6. Gratitude keeps love alive in quiet hearts (v.20).

7. True peace comes from Spirit-filled wisdom (v.18).

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➡️ Encourage each other:
Choose one lesson and share it in the comments as encouragement to your sisters who share your primary temperament.

Example:
“I am Choleric so I will share with a fellow Choleric: Be intentional with time — don’t waste opportunities (v.16).”

Then add this:
Did you encourage a sister on your team to post yesterday? Post “Yes” or “No” in the comments after your answer.

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🔥 Encouragement for the Day

Wisdom keeps love steady. Without wisdom, love can be reckless, careless, or stagnant. But when filled with the Spirit, our love becomes purposeful, joyful, and rooted in gratitude. Today, let your wisdom show your neighbour the way of Christ’s love.

💖 Come back for Loved to Love – Part 4: Mutual Submission & Marriage (Ephesians 5:21–33).

August 27 - Walk as Children of Light - Ephesians 5:8-14

💖 Loved to Love – Part 2

Theme: Walk as Children of Light (Ephesians 5:8–14)

📖 “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” 
— Mark 12:31

August 26 - Walk in Love -Ephesians 5:1-7

Welcome! 

Thank you for participating in last week’s study.
I trust you will continue to press on in the Word—studying diligently by observing, interpreting, and applying Scripture. Remember, it is not enough to simply hear; transformation comes as we live out what God has revealed (James 1:22–25).

Keep your heart open, your mind engaged, and your life surrendered to the Spirit as you walk in obedience to His truth.

 

We begin our last week of study through Ephesians (5–6) under the theme: “Loved to Love.”

We are loved first by God — deeply, sacrificially, unconditionally. Because of this, Paul calls us to a higher way of living: to imitate God and walk in love. The command in Mark 12:31 to love your neighbor as yourself comes alive here in Paul’s teaching.

Each day we’ll study a passage, draw out lessons for every temperament, and end with encouragement to live as those who are Loved to Love.

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📖 Scripture Reading (NLT)

Ephesians 5:1–7

1 “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.

2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people.

4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.

5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God.

6 For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him.

7 Don’t participate in the things these people do.”

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🌱 Loved to Love: Lessons for Each Temperament (Ephesians 5:1–7)

🔴 Choleric (Bold, Driven)

1. Love is not domination but imitation of Christ (v.1).

2. True strength sacrifices self for others (v.2).

3. Pride and greed ruin relationships (v.3, 5).

4. Leadership without gentleness is loveless (v.4).

5. Love refuses manipulation or control (v.6).

6. Pursue gratitude instead of demands (v.4).

7. Walk in love, not power games (v.2).

🟡 Sanguine (Joyful, Outgoing)

1. Love is action, not just words (v.2).

2. Foolish talk and jokes don’t reflect Christ’s love (v.4).

3. Gratitude builds others up (v.4).

4. Dependability is love in practice (v.3).

5. Joy should flow from holiness (v.5).

6. Love shines when attention is sincere (v.2).

7. Be consistent in love, not careless (v.6).

🔵 Melancholic (Thoughtful, Analytical)

1. Love flows from grace, not perfectionism (v.1).

2. Christ’s sacrifice shows love beyond fault-finding (v.2).

3. Bitterness and greed choke love (v.3, 5).

4. Thankfulness softens critical hearts (v.4).

5. Love is forgiving, not condemning (v.6).

6. Holiness protects love from impurity (v.3).

7. Rest in God’s love before giving it away (v.1–2).

🟢 Phlegmatic (Peaceful, Easygoing)

1. Love requires action, not passivity (v.1).

2. Silence toward sin is not love (v.7).

3. Gratitude is an active form of love (v.4).

4. Peace at all costs is not love; truth matters (v.6).

5. Gentle truth is part of love (v.4).

6. Neutrality in impurity is dangerous (v.3, 7).

7. Calm presence should shelter others, not avoid responsibility (v.2).

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➡️ Share your takeaway in the comments:
Under the lessons for your primary and secondary temperaments, which one lesson stood out to you most?

Practice

 

August 24 Thinksgiving – Reflecting & Thanking Together |🔒 Sealing – Prayer of Commitment

💭🙏 "Thinksgiving" – Reflecting & Thanking Together

Pastor Arp:
“Sisters, before we close, we’re going to combine two things — thinking about what we’ve learned and thanking God for it. We’ll call this time Thinksgiving. We’re going to look into the mirror of God’s Word, see where we are, use the map of His truth to know where we’re going, and then thank Him for every step He’s leading us to take.”

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Part 1 – Mirror & Map (Thinking)

Pastor Arp:
“Let’s start with the mirror. I’ll read a question, you jot your answer in your journal. After a moment, I’ll invite a few to share aloud.”

1. What “old garment” do I still see hanging in my spiritual closet?

   • Debbie: “Holding grudges.”

2. Where in my life am I most tempted to slip back into old ways?

   • Tessie: “When I’m around negative people.”

3. Which verse today spoke most directly to me?

   • Hazel: “Verse 29 — about the words I speak.”

Pastor Arp:
“Now for the map — where we’re going.”

4. Which “new garment” do I need to put on first this week?

   • Maria: “Compassion.”

5. What’s one small action I can take in the next 24 hours to live this truth?

   • Cindy: “Send a kind message to someone I’ve avoided.”

6. Who needs to see Christ’s love through me right now?

   • Ann C.: “My struggling co-worker.”

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Part 2 – Gratitude Response (Thanking)

Pastor Arp:
“Now let’s respond in gratitude. I’ll call out themes from today’s passage. If one hits home for you, speak a one-sentence thank you to God.”

1. Truth replacing lies

   • Alanda: “Thank You, Lord, for freeing me to speak the truth.”

2. Peace replacing anger

   • Theresa: “Thank You for helping me let go quickly.”

3. Generosity replacing selfishness

   • Debra: “Thank You for the joy that comes when I give.”

4. Encouragement replacing corrupt talk

   • Gale: “Thank You for showing me how my words can heal.”

5. Forgiveness replacing bitterness

   • Glenda: “Thank You for the freedom forgiveness brings.”

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Closing Charge

Pastor Arp:
“Take one of your map answers and carry it into this week. Let it guide your steps. And each time you act on it, pause and thank God — that’s living in Thinksgiving all week long.”

August 23 - P- Practice. “From Knowing to Doing”

    
“From Knowing to Doing”

Pastor Arp:
“Sisters, we’ve observed the text — we’ve asked our 5 W’s and H. We’ve uncovered the meaning — we’ve dug into the Greek words, the context, and the heart of what Paul was saying. But now comes the step that changes everything: practice.

The Word of God isn’t meant to stay on the page or in our notes. It’s meant to shape the way we speak, think, and act every day. James 1:22 reminds us, ‘Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only.’

So today, we’re going to make this practical — and we’ll do it together. Think of this as walking into your spiritual closet. On one side are the ‘old garments’ Paul says to take off. On the other side are the ‘new garments’ Christ calls us to put on. Our job? Decide what we’re taking off and what we’re putting on — and then actually wear it this week.

Let’s step into that closet together right now.”

🛠 Practice – “Closet Exchange” Interactive Session

Pastor Arp:
“Alright, sisters, Paul uses the image of clothing — taking off the old and putting on the new. We’re going to step into God’s wardrobe room together.

Open your journals. Draw two columns:

• Column 1 – Old Garments (what to take off)

• Column 2 – New Garments (what to put on)

I’ll name something from the passage. You’ll write it in both columns, then we’ll have a couple of you share what that might look like in real life.”

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Pastor Arp:
“First one — verse 25:

• Old: Lying

• New: Speaking truth

Gale, can you give an example of what ‘putting on truth’ might look like in your life?”

Gale:
“It might be admitting when I’ve made a mistake at work instead of covering it up.”

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Pastor Arp:
“Good. Next — verse 26:

• Old: Uncontrolled anger

• New: Quick reconciliation

Theresa, what could ‘quick reconciliation’ look like for you?”

Theresa:
“Talking to the person the same day instead of letting it fester for a week.”

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Pastor Arp:
“Verse 28:

• Old: Stealing or selfish gain

• New: Honest work & generosity

Debbie, your thoughts?”

Debbie:
“Offering to help someone fix something without charging them, even if I could.”

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Pastor Arp:
“Verse 29:

• Old: Corrupt talk

• New: Words that build

Ann C., what’s one example of that swap?”

Ann C.:
“Choosing to speak encouragement when I feel like complaining about someone.”

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Pastor Arp:
“And finally — vv. 31–32:

• Old: Bitterness, wrath, malice

• New: Kindness, compassion, forgiveness

Maria, what does this look like in action?”

Maria:
“Letting go of an old hurt without bringing it up again every time I see the person.”

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Interactive YES / NO / SOMETIMES Sharing

Pastor Arp:
“Now, I’m going to ask some questions. When you answer, start with ‘Yes,’ ‘No,’ or ‘Sometimes’ — then finish with a full sentence. Who’s first?”

1. Do I usually resolve anger before the day ends?

   • Cindy: “Sometimes, I do, but I have nights when I let it spill into the next day.”

2. Do my words consistently build others up?

   • Tessie: “No, not always — I catch myself being sarcastic sometimes.”

3. Do I forgive quickly?

   • Alanda: “Yes, I try to forgive the same day because I don’t like the heaviness it brings.”

4. Do I look for ways to give generously?

   • Debra: “Sometimes, I’m generous when I plan for it, but I want to be more spontaneous.”

5. Do I avoid choices that grieve the Holy Spirit?

   • Jesmyn: “Yes, I’m more aware of my words and attitudes now.”

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Pastor Arp (Closing Practice):
“This week, I want each of you to choose one old garment you’ll take off and one new garment you’ll put on. Write it on a card, keep it where you’ll see it, and pray over it daily. Next time, we’ll share what happened when you dressed in Christ’s character.”