reflection and discussion questions: 

1. Review:  Last week, Phil quoted Bible scholar Michael Eaton as saying, ”Life does not yield up its joys easily…For this reason, passivity cannot lead to a life of joy.”  He recommended three ways we could actively respond: Practicing rejoicing, Practicing prayer and Scripture reading, and practicing community. Which of these gives you the most trouble?  Which have been most fruitful for you?

2. Take a moment in prayer, welcoming the Spirit's presence. Then read: Ecclesiastes 12:1-8 looking for words or phrases that stand out to you.

3. The Preacher begins by encouraging us to "remember your Creator," and Phil reminded us of how forgetful we can be.  He asked, "Will we remember?  Will we remember before it's too late?"  (The word "before" occurs in vv. 1, 2, and 6-7).  What gets in the way of your remembering?

4. How much does your pace of life affect your day to day remembering of your Creator?

5. There is so much going on in the world that anger and fear often rise up within us.  When do anger, fear, and anxiety keep you from being more present and mindful of God's presence and plan?  (As a separate exercise, look up the song"He's Got the Whole World in His Hands," and listen [or sing!] once, maybe twice, maybe fifty times!)

6. Phil reminded us that, while we may have trouble remembering God, He never has trouble remembering us!  That's good news!  With this in mind, read and discuss Psalm 100 and 2 Tim. 2:8.​​

7. This week, Phil encouraged us to both Practice Remembering and Practicing Reminding Each Other. Below are some suggestions.  What is maybe one way God is calling you to respond? 

   • Practice Remembering: 

     • 2 minutes of silence before God.  (Pray,"Into Thy hands." or "Be it done to me according to Your word.")

     • Read Psalm 103.

     • Recite the Lord's Prayer

     • Listen to some good praise music

     • Attend Sunday morning worship

   • Practice Reminding each other:

     • Attend a life group

     • Remind one another at home

     • Remind your friends, coworkers, and neighbors

​

week 4 Lent Reflection

(by Jean Holt)

This past Sunday, Prasanth gave testimony to how God changed his life. The fourth Sunday of Lent focuses on the story of the man born blind in John 9:1-41 (it's a long story!).  This incredible story also has some fun in it because the man who is healed is asked over and over again by the Pharisees about how he was healed.  He says to them, "I have told you already, and you would not listen.  Why do you want to hear it again?  Do you also want to become his disciples?" (Jn. 9:27).  Jesus is not at all concerned about how or why the man became blind:  "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him" (Jn. 9:3).

CONSIDER:  Do you find yourself spiritually blind at times?  Do you find it hard to see Jesus in your life because of your circumstances?  Do others sometimes encourage you to remain blind?  Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal where you struggle with seeing God.  Bring it to the Lord in prayer.  Ask someone to help you with this.