reflection and discussion questions: 

1. Review:  Last week we discussed the value of diligence. Where in your life have you been encouraged to be more diligent?  How has that been going? Take time to spur one another on to keep going. 

2. Take a moment in prayer, welcoming the Spirit's presence. Then read: Ecclesiastes 11:5-10 looking for words or phrases that stand out to you.

3. Phil quoted Christian writer, Jon Bloom, who said that the most repeated command in the Bible is: Be happy. Does this surprise us? Read and discuss the following quote:
   "What do you think is the most repeated command in the Bible? It’s not any of the prohibitions or warnings. It’s not about sex, or money, or power. The most repeated command in the Bible will probably surprise you: Be happy. God tells us more than anything else, in different ways, to “praise the Lord,” “do not be afraid,” “rejoice,” and “give thanks” — all of which are commands, in essence, to be happy. Don’t move past this too quickly. Let it sink in: more than anything else, God commands us to be happy. God wants you to be truly, deeply happy. Not just in heaven someday. Not when circumstances take a turn for the better. Not when the sorrow or the darkness finally lifts. God wants you to taste real joy today. Now. I in no way mean to trivialize the trials you may be experiencing. The suffering may be exquisite, the sorrow almost drowning, the fear near paralyzing. The Bible is as real-life as it gets. God says a lot about sin, sorrow, grief, pain, betrayal, failure, fear, horror, and wretchedness. But if you can believe it, God’s dominant theme is joy." 

4. 'Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun' (v 7). The Preacher is saying each day is a gift from God to be sweetly enjoyed. Therefore, two more times (vv 8-9), he encourages his readers, of all ages, to rejoice. (If in a group, before sharing) Take a prayerful moment in quiet, and think of at least 3 reasons you have to rejoice in the Lord (an answered prayer, a way He's provided, something you're thankful for, etc). Then give thanks to God.   

5. Read v 10 once more. What are the vexations of your heart? The pain of your body? Read Philippians 4: 4-7; then practice it. 

6. Bible scholar Michael Eaton said, ”Life does not yield up its joys easily…For this reason, passivity cannot lead to a life of joy.”  So how can we be active? Phil recommended three ways.  How might God be calling you to respond?

   1. Make a practice of rejoicing (regularly, even in the hard things).​

   2. Regular Prayer and Scripture reading (An idea: Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13)

   3. Community​​

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week 3 Lent Reflection

(by Jean Holt)

The third Sunday in Lent we find ourselves in the story of the woman at the well (John 4:1-42). He has sent the disciples off to find food and he encounters a woman who cannot come for water while there is anyone else there. This is such an interesting story! Read it a few times! It ends with her amazement that He knows so much about her! She runs off to tell her family and friends. Here she was, filled with such shame that she has to go to the well alone - and what she receives is not some kind of fortune telling - but a man, a Jewish man, and the Lord releasing her from that shame and giving to her water that will never run dry.

CONSIDER: Where is there shame in your life? This can be hard to really pinpoint or identify. Take some time to pray through this. Where have you felt relieved of that shame through Christ? Here is a quote from a novel, Theo of Golden which I believe captures what Jesus gave the woman at the well. "I wonder if, like newborn children, we go through our entire lives looking for a face, longing for a particular gaze that calms and fills us, that loves and welcomes us, that recognizes and runs to greet us. Is that perhaps, what this day, Christmas is all about?"