When I read God's Word, I often reach the point of exhaustion because I don't always know where to put the information that I'm learning. Like moving from one house to another, I pack mental boxes full of new promises or truths of God's Word and intend to put them in the right place to be accessible when I need them in the future.
Too often, though, that is not what happens. Usually I enjoy the learning and the mental packing. I even entertain ideas of how I'm going to use this newfound wisdom when I get home or to work the next day. But sometimes I forget to label the new truth or, in a rush, just shove it somewhere when I get home.
During the Bible study portion of your small-group meeting, give each one of your group members a small box, several small slips of paper, a pen, and a marker. Explain that the box is the container into which they can pack the promises, truths, and/or commands that impact them during the lesson. These verses and challenges of the lesson should be written on the slips of paper and packed into their boxes.
Instruct each person to use the marker to write something on the outside of his or her box that will remind them of the contents. Encourage everyone to bring his or her box home and place it in a prominent place that won't be overlooked during the week (window sill above the sink, kitchen counter, bedside table, and so on) and unpack and repack as needed throughout the week.
At each of your small-group meetings, make small slips available on which your group members can write new verses and truths. On occasion, invite everyone to bring their box back for an unpacking party. Invite everyone to share how he or she has been applying God's truths to his or her everyday lives.
