Sticks & Stones : Discussion Guide Week 3

Words are what’s left after we become ash and sand…

Gen.18:27 NLT- …”Even though I am dust and ashes.”

-YOUR WORDS SPOKEN TO GOD, YOURSELF AND PEOPLE WILL BE WHAT LASTS BEFORE AND AFTER YOUR BODY IS ASH AND DUST.

3 Things To Remember About Your Words (in relation to this scripture)

What You Say Now Can Be What You Say Last
Vs 27- The entirety of this verse expounds on the idea that we are finite beings & that any day can be our last day. That means any word can be our last word!!!

Example- Famous Last Words.

General John Sedwick during the heat of battle in 1864- “They couldn't hit an elephant at this dis___. He didn't think that would be his last moment… or last words… But it was.

Ludwig Van Beethoven- “Too Bad, Too Bad! Its too late!” (represents someone who left some things undone or unsaid)…. If you need to tell someone I love you… do it!

H. G. Wells- (Writer of the time machine)“ Go Away: Im alright.” How many times because of stubbornness do we not say things we should to our loved ones?

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (who wrote Sherlock Holmes)- said to his wife, “You are wonderful.” then grabbed his chest and died. _We should say stuff like this all the time!

Hariet Tubman (gathered her family and sang together)- “swing low, sweet chariot..”
-Since any word can be our last, it’s another reason to be careful what we say!!!

How many times have you left your house in anger? How many times have you left a conversation with things left unsaid?

Prov. 17:27- Use your words with restraint and with an even temper.

2. What You Say Can Determine the Quality & Quantity of Your Days
-We all are going to be dust and ash, but that doesn't mean we have to get there too soon! It also doesn't mean we need to live ash and dust on earth.

Psalm 34:12-13 NLT

-KEEP YOUR LIPS FROM SPEAKING EVIL AND YOUR TONGUE FROM TELLING LIES!
*The secret to long life and prosperity is what you speak from your mouth!

Words That Produce Long-Life & Prosperity

Words Of Prayer- Example- Abraham was praying for the salvation of Sodom and Ghamora when he said this… Even though his prayer didn't save the city, it still saved the life of Lot and his daughters!
-Don’t ever underestimate the power of prayer to bring life and prosperity to you and your family! -Keep praying for that loved one.

B. Words Of Positive Confession-
Mark 11:22-23- …He will have what he says!
If you want long life & prosperity, don't speak death and poverty!
-“This is a terrible day!” “Nothing good ever happens.” “I never win.” “Im sick and tired…” “Its the same old same old!”

C. Words of Truth (Psalm 34:13)
-There is a difference between fact and truth. Fact is you may be sick, truth is you are healed, fact is, you may be in lack, but the truth is God will provide for you…
-Your words will determine the quality and quantity of your days.

3. What You Say Will Last Beyond You
Words Are eternal! They Last forever! So when you are dust and ash, your words are still going to live!
-That can be words that are negative or positive.

SO IF WE NEEDED ANY MORE CLARITY ON HOW WE NEED TO BE CAREFUL WITH OUR WORDS, HERE IS ANOTHER REASON! Your words will last longer than you do!
*We are reading words that Abraham said over 4,000 years ago! THE MAN HAS BEEN DEAD FOR 4,000 years, but still is speaking!
Hebrews 11:4-…This is talking about Abel who was the FIRST PERSON TO DIE!!!!! AND HE IS STIll speaking because of his words of faith 6,000 years ago!

J F K- “Ask not what your country can do for you-ask what you can do for your country!”

MLK Jr- “I have a dream…”

Albert Einstein- “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile”

Mother Teresa- “ Spread Love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.

Benjamin Franklin- “I didn't fail the test, I just figured out 100 ways to do it wrong.”
These are dead people who’s words live on! So will yours.