That was the title of the cell group discussion on 6 Nov 08. It was truly a small group - just the four of us. But I missed the small cosy setting. It allows for more in-depth sharing. So, yeah..we had a great time and I personally enjoyed the pasta.

The Bible study portion was centred on James 1:19-27. We broke it up into three portions.

Here's the first part.
"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you." - James 1:19-21

For those of us who had worked in the services sector - you know...working as a waiter, cashier, etc.. customers can be tough and work can be really challenging. It is trying for anyone to learn to be 'quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry'. Yet, God offers us the word to be planted in us. The encouragement is for us to continually live by the Spirit and to keep in step with the Spirit.

Second portion is:-
"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.
- James 1:22-25

We had a good time checking ourselves out in front of the mirror. Quite interesting to see how each react. Reading the word of God is akin to looking at Christ and comparing Christ against ourselves. The Bible shows us Christ’s likeness in order that we may measure our conduct and character against His and allow God to shape us into Christ’s likeness.

We finished the lesson on the importance of taming the tongue and the need for practical faith living. I concluded by suggesting the following challenges:-
i. G2R, keep reading the word prayerfully and in the Spirit. Do not lose momentum.

ii. to regard our lives and our actions as forms of worship. Yes, treat our tasks, our workmanships as worship offered to the Lord.

iii. and to constantly live by the Spirit and keep in step with the Spirit.