1. Review:  Last week we discussed the virtue of prudence. Take a moment to share any areas of growth or challenges. (And as we asked last week, how are you doing at inserting "commas" into your life?)

2. Take a moment in prayer, welcoming the Spirit's presence. Then read:  Ecclesiastes 10:16-11:4 looking for words or phrases that stand out to you.

3. Phil said he believed that diligence was the theme of the passage. Read Proverbs 6:6. (Phil also referenced Aesop's fable, 'the ants and the grasshopper') Why are we encouraged to "go to the ant"? What wisdom can we learn there?

4. Phil mentioned a time when he continually ignored the 'bad sound' coming from his car, until it was too late (v 18). He just kept "turning up the music," he said.  (If in a group, BEFORE sharing) Take a prayerful moment in quiet, and consider the following:

   • Where might there be a 'bad sound' in my life (a relationship, habit, speech, something physically, emotionally, etc.) that I've been putting off addressing and why? 

   • How is God calling me to diligence in this area? (A practical next step.)

5. In the beginning of chapter eleven, the Preacher calls for action (v 1). It is both a call to action and a promise of a reward.  Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-17; Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 15:58. How do these promises encourage us in our daily diligence? 

6. We need Jesus. And Jesus invites us to come (Hebrews 4:14-16). Take time to pray and ask the Lord for mercy and help.  And if in a group, discuss how you can encourage one another to 'keep going.' (And if not in a group, discuss with a trusted friend!) 

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week 2 Lent Reflection

​(by Jean Holt)

The second Sunday in Lent, the reading for the day is from Matthew 17:1-9. This is the story of the Transfiguration - that time when Jesus went with Peter, James and John up the mountain (most probably Mount Hermon) where Jesus, Moses and Elijah stood in the presence of God and were enveloped by Glory. Peter wants them to stay there and he says to Jesus, "let's build a temple for all three of you." But that was not the way it was going to be. Like Peter, sometimes we want to make permanent what seems at times so fragile - glory and victory and safety. We don't want to face what is to come. Right after Jesus and the disciples descended back into "the real world" we are told that Jesus "set his face toward Jerusalem" (John 9:51). The contrast between the Transfiguration and Calvary could not be starker..

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CONSIDER: What are those things from "real life" that cause fear in you? What are those things that you don't want to face? Take those things to prayer and let God minister to you - "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." (Col 3:15 NIV)