Psalm 19:14 Challenge

This is an accountability challenge that we did as a group following our lesson on words in Set 4 of the Bright Lights curriculum.  It was very helpful in applying what we learned.  We sent out each assignment by email every day.

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“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”

Day 1 – Express words of thankfulness today.
-Thank the Lord for something that you don’t always think to thank Him for.
-Thank a sibling or parent for something that they have done for you today or this past week that you overlooked.
God’s Word says: Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! (Psalm 107:8)

Day 2 – Don’t let your words be the cause of an argument today.  It takes two to argue, and so don’t be that second person needed to turn it into an argument.
God’s Word says:  A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)

Day 3 –  Make an effort to listen to others today rather than talking as much as you usually do.
God’s Word says: In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise. (Proverbs 10:19)

Day 4 – Find something for which to praise one (or more) of your siblings. Can’t think of anything? Here’s some ideas:
Have they smiled at you? You could praise their cheerfulness
Have they finished their chores? You could praise their diligence.
Have they obeyed your parents in any assignment? You could praise their obedience.
Have they risen early in the morning? You could praise their self-discipline.
Have they listened to you? You could praise their attentiveness.
(List adapted from “Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends” by Sarah, Stephen, and Grace Mally)
God’s Word says: Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24)

Day 5 – Before you let anything out of your mouth today, ask yourself these three questions:
-Is it true?
-Is it kind?
-Is it necessary?
God’s Word says: Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.  (Ephesians 4:29)

Day 6 – Praise the Lord to others today.  Here’s some ideas:
-Tell someone what the Lord has been teaching you lately
-Express thankfulness for the Lord’s blessings on your life to someone
God’s Word says: My tongue also shall talk of Your righteousness all the day long…  (Psalm 71:24)

Day 7 – Write a note of encouragement to someone – a widow, a missionary, a shut-in, a sibling going through a difficult time, your parents in appreciation for all they do for you, etc.
God’s Word says: Therefore comfort each other and edify one another… (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Day 8 – Praise a sibling to your parents today.  Do this in the presence of your sibling so that they can hear it.  Example:  Mom, did you notice Johnny did his chores without being told?  He’s been very diligent today.
God’s Word says: A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. (Proverbs 25:11)

Day 9 –  Say “I love you” to each of your siblings today (and mean it!)
God’s Word says: She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. (Proverbs 31:26)

Day 10 – Memorize a “tongue tamer”.  Here’s some ideas:
-Psalm 19:14
-Ephesians 4:29
-Proverbs 18:21
-Matthew 12:36
-Proverbs 15:1
God’s Word says: Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. (Psalm 119:11)

Day 11 – Look for a sibling who seems to be having a hard day, and make a special effort to encourage him/her through your words – spoken and written.
God’s Word says: Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:21)

Day 12 – Watch what you think about today, and notice how it affects your words.
God’s Word says: A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.  (Luke 6:45)

Day 13 – Make an effort to encourage or praise a sibling when you are tempted to criticize them.
God’s Word says: There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health. (Proverbs 12:18)

Day 14 – Speak words of blessing to a sibling, telling them how they have benefited your life.  Some ideas:
-Share how you benefited from seeing their godly response to a difficult situation
-Share how a godly character trait in their life has been an example that you appreciate and are striving to follow
-Share how they encouraged you during a hard day or situation
God’s Word says: A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!   (Proverbs 15:23)