The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
Prologue (1|2)
Autobiography of an epidemic
Pages 1-6
TOGETHER read the book (END READING AT: What if I Changed my life?)
then the following scriptures slowly and attentively
as you read together INDIVIDUALLY take notes in your journal on what stands out.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV) This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV) “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Proverbs 2:7-15 (NIV) He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.
Psalm 25:4-5 (NIV) Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalm 119:105 (NIV) Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
GROUP DISCUSSION:
Share just one or two things that stood out to you while reading the book and/or scripture. (try to keep it brief)
TOGETHER pray for one another.
INDIVIDUALLY answer the questions in your journal - process your notes and pray.
“Who am I becoming? I feel like a ghost. Half alive, half dead, More numb than anything else; flat, one-dimensional. Emotionally I live with an undercurrent of nonstop anxiety that rarely goes away, and a tinge of sadness, but mostly I just feel blaaah spiritually . . .”
Can you currently or have you ever related to this question and statement?
Have you ever thought about the trajectory of who you are becoming?
Have you thought about the pace you are going on that trajectory?
Read (slowly and attentively) Philippians 4:6-7 (above) and meditate on it:
Powerful, life-changing words from the Apostle Paul - do you think/feel it is even possible?
What resonates with you in this scripture? Why?
What challenges you in this scripture? Why?
John Mark Comer was given a prophetic word about an upcoming fork in the road:
“One road was paved and led to a city with lights. Another was a dirt road into a forest; it led into the dark, into the unknown. I’m to take the unpaved road.”
Are you currently or have you ever been at a fork in the road in life? A life decision, a trajectory-deciding moment? What does/did it feel like for you?
EXTRA READING:
“What a beautiful site it is for God when a Christian mocks at the clatter of the tools of death and the horror of the executioner; when he defends and upholds his liberty in the face of Kings and princes, obeying God alone to whom he belongs. To laugh and to scorn torture and the gallows cross, the wild beasts and all the other horrors of execution!”
- Marcus Minucius Felix (unknown - 250) Early church apologist