Bible Study on Organizing the Home

This is only in the beginning stages. So far, the ideas below have not been implemented. The possible study topics have been brainstorming ideas, and this is not a complete or a perfected list. As I continue to pray and work on each topic myself, I will add additional verses and thoughts. Please feel free to share your thoughts with me, and let me know what works, what doesn't work for you. I would love your constructive criticism. _________________________________

What does the Bible say about housework, cleanliness and organization?

Many ladies today are overwhelmed and stressed due to all the pressures to manage housework, kids, husbands, jobs, errands, cooking and other extracurricular activities. With so many responsibilities, finding the time to attend a Bible study can be difficult.

It certainly takes organization to be a Proverbs 31 woman!

There was a time when women helped each other can tomatoes, bake, care for children, etc. They did laundry together, sewed, shared helpful advice and encouraged each other. What happened? Well...with more and more of us working outside of the home, and so many of us have moved far away from family, we just don't have the support that we used to have. Today's ladies, wether working in the home or outside of the home, are blessed and stressed. We live in a society that can just purchase what we want when we want it, but such overabundance and busyness lead to clutter and stress. There are also other reasons why we hold on to things that reveal our lack of faith in God's provision.

What if a Bible study combined organization and housework with Fellowhip?

Here is the IDEA: A small group of 4-6 ladies gather to study what the Bible has to say about being a good steward, organizing, sharing their abundance with the less fortunate, being orderly, etc., visit over coffee and pray for each other, THEN get to work organizing and/or cleaning the house of the lady that hosted the study that day. This would not be your typical hostess. She would have to agree NOT to clean before everyone comes to her house. This is a foreign concept to most ladies. It would probably work best if the ladies were already well acquainted and good friends, since close friends would be more comfortable revealing their clutter.

Here is the GOAL: To help and support one another, share ideas, encourage, reduce stress and pray for our fellow sisters in Christ.

What to BRING: Bible, pen, notepad, bottle of water, snacks, & cleaning supplies. (Pack snacks so that the lady of the home does not feel pressure to have to entertain.)

GUIDELINES for Study: (Since ladies love to talk and share, this is just a guideline and conversation starter.)

•Open with Prayer

•Read Through the Scripture verses carefully and slowly

•What is God telling YOU? Each answer openly and honestly.

•How does it apply to you and what do you think God wants you to do?

•Close in Prayer

Possible Topics of Discussion for the Bible Study: (Please keep in mind this is a work in progress.)

Why do people hold on to things? The Bible says Don’t Worry (Luke 12:22-34, Phil. 4:19) Consider the Ravens

The Proverbs 31 Woman

Storing up Treasures (Matthew 6:19-20)

What does the Bible say about hoarding? Does something stink? Exodus 16:19

The Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-20)

When is enough, enough? (Mark 4:19, 8:36)

Can’t Serve 2 Masters (Luke 16:13)

Being a Good Steward (look up all verses on stewardship)

It Takes Work! (Genesis 2:15, Proverbs 10:4, 12:14-24, 24:30-34)

What does it mean to be rich? Lots of stuff does not mean wealth (look up all verses on being rich)

Giving to the Needy (1 Timothy 6:17-18)

You Can’t Take it With You

Overwhelmed? Trade Yokes (Matthew 11:29-30)

Where do you find security? Happiness? In things or God?