Lent

Sunday, March 26th Readings

5th Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Lord

Let me die so I might live

Let me let go of my needs

          and let You give me what I need.

Let me give up the things I want

          so You can show me more than I image.

Let me live in You

          so I will die with You!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 37:12-14

  • God promises the Israelites He will bring them out of darkness, when has God fulfilled this promise to you?
  • Where is the Holy Spirit working in your life? Do you see it daily or just occasionally?

Romans 8:8-11

  • Saint Paul urges in the scripture to be guided by the Spirit rather than the flesh. It is easier said than done. What practices can you use in your life to help you to be directed by the Holy Spirit more often?
  • Is there a temptation of the flesh of which you struggle? Write a prayer to pray when you are faced with the temptation.
  • Share an example of when you called out to God. How did He answer?
  • What tells you that you belong to Christ? How do you know?

John 11:1-45

  • When was the last time you saw the glory of God? Where was it? Who was with you? What did it look like? How do you know it was God’s glory?
  • What areas in your life are “asleep”? Do they need be awaken?
  • Are there things in your life that have been brought back to life this Lenten season?
  • How can you relate to Jesus in this scripture? What experience(s) has/have caused you to be able to relate?

General Questions for Journaling

  • The phrase, “Jesus wept” occurs only twice in the Bible. Do you think these were the only times Jesus cried? What do you believe brought Jesus to tears? What do you believe brings Jesus to tears today?
  • Have you experienced a time when death brought new life? Consider the seasons of winter and spring…use the symbolism of how the dead, frozen winter brings new growth to the spring.
  • This story of Lazarus coming from his tomb is symbolic of how each of us will be called “back to life” after our earthly death. Imagine how you will feel when you are called to come out by Jesus. What do you imagine feeling? What might you say?
  • Do you relate to Martha and Mary in this story? How do you imagine they were feeling? Have you ever shared similar feelings? What was the situation? How did it turn out? Have you forgiven the person whom you harbored negative thoughts or feelings towards?
  • Death is a part of life, so why is it so difficult for us to accept? What can we take from the readings this week to help us deal and cope with the death we deal with in our lives?
  • Spend some time reflecting on how the story of Lazarus can teach us about waiting for God’s timing.
  • Are there people who have died whom you still talk to? What are these conversations like?
  • What is the value of speaking to those who have passed?
  • What does it feel like to have God settle I your soul?
  • What do you believe the Holy Spirit does?
  • Can you or have you called on the Holy Spirit to help you? Expand.
  • How do others know God’s Spirit is within you?
  • What sin keeps you from a complete relationship with God?
  • If Christ dwells in you, where does He dwell? How do you know?
  • Where you see righteousness today?
  • What do you believe happens to those who die here on earth?
  • Have you ever walked into a situation where you knew people were against you? What was the situation?
  • Is there a situation in your life that happened in the past which needs your attention? What can you do to help mend a past hurt?
  • How can looking at the situation with a different perspective help you now?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, uncover my ears so I can hear…

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Leader:  Lord, unveil my eyes so I can see…

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Leader:  Lord, unbind my hands so I can touch…

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Leader:  Lord, unfasten my feet so I can go…

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Leader:  Lord, soften my heart so I can love…

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Leader:  Lord, ignite my soul so I can believe…

ALL:  Awaken me, bring me to life!

Challenge for the Week:  There are people in your life whom give you “life” and those whom, let’s be honest, you would rather die than to be around.  Of course, this is not the attitude Christ would want you to have so it is something you must work to improve.  This week take time to consider the difference between the two groups of people, what is it about the people whom energize you and those who drain you?  Are there things you can do to help improve your attitude about the second group?  Are there obstacles you have set in place to avoid being around them that could be adding to the frustration?  Try to focus on the positive aspects of what they offer to a relationship instead of the negative.  After reflection, you might learn that part of the reason it is a struggle to be around them is because they are reacting to your negativity or be trying to work extra hard to get you to be engaged because you try to avoid being around them.  It’s time to unravel the bandages and bring back to life a relationship; you never know what gifts you are sealing out of your life.

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab a copy and start the journey!

Sunday, March 19th Readings

4th Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Lord

Help me to remember,

        my life will be muddy at times

        and I will not be able to see.

Let me turn to you,

        so you can wash me clean

        and I can live like you live!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a

  • Have you ever questioned how God handled something? What can you learn from Samuel’s doubt of God choosing David to be King about your own doubt?
  • David was working in the field when God called upon him; where were you when you first felt God call you?
  • How do you feel anointed by God this Lent?

Eph 5:8-14

  • Saint Paul says to “live as children of light”, how can you do this?
  • Share an example of how being rooted in Christ produces “good fruit”.
  • Share an example of how being disconnected from Christ causes darkness.

Jn 9:1-41

  • The Blind Man is thrown out of the synagogue for defending Jesus, have you ever been thrown out because of your belief? What caused this division? How did you react? Was it resolved?
  • Reflect on how Jesus used clay to cover the blind man’s eyes and heal them. What has Jesus covered with clay or mud in your life that needs transformation?

General Questions for Journaling

Closing Prayer

Leader: May I see what you see

ALL:  when you see a newborn baby.

Leader:  May I see what you see

ALL:  when you see a hungry child.

Leader:  May I see what you see

ALL:  when you see flower in bloom.

Leader:  May I see what you see

ALL:  when you see a woman on welfare.

Leader:  May I see what you see

ALL:  when you watch the sunset.

Leader:  May I see what you see

ALL:  when you see me.

Challenge for the Week:  In the Gospel you hear the story of a man born blind.  Take time this week to think about the life of this man.  Prior to meeting Jesus, what do you think a typical day looked like for him?  When he met Jesus, he listened to Jesus and followed what Jesus told him to do.  Then the people in the village saw that the blind man had changed, and the blind man told everyone about Jesus.  He even stood strong in his belief when faced with opposition from the Pharisees who criticized Jesus and doubted the blind man, trying to discredit his character publicly.  After being ridiculed and pushed aside, Jesus came to give comfort.  What lessons can you learn from the blind man?  Is there a particular area in which you have trouble meeting Jesus, listening to Jesus, following Jesus, telling others about Jesus, standing up for Jesus, allowing Jesus to comfort you?  Let the blind man’s story give you strength, guidance and wisdom as you continue your journey through Lent.

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab and copy and start the journey!

Sunday, March 12th Readings

Third Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Father,

You put a thirst in us that only You can quench.

You lead us through rocky and desert places

        to a wellspring with the water of life.

May the Word we read today satisfy our desire

        and fill us with Your Spirit so we may overflow!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 17:3-7

  • Can you relate to this feeling of thirst?  Have you ever been “dying of thirst”?  How does this translate into ones spiritual life?
  • Why was Moses afraid?  When have you felt like Moses?  Where was God?  How did God help you?

Romans 5:1-2, 5-8

  • An agreement made between two people requires each side to give something.  God gave us His Son, Jesus gave us His life and the Holy Spirit gave us the Bible.  What are you being called to give?
  • Could you give up your life for another person?  Anyone or just specific people?  How does this differ from giving up your life for God?  Or giving your life to God?

John 4:5-42

  • What does Jesus ask for and then offer in return?  Imagine Jesus asking you the same thing.  How might you respond, how have you already responded?  What has He asked for in return, what do you give?
  • Have you ever, like the disciples, wondered what God was doing?
  • Define “living water”. 

General Questions for Journaling

  • Have you ever grumbled at God?  Have you ever grumbled against God?
  • What causes you to grumble to other people?
  • Have you ever felt like everyone was against you?  What did you do?
  • How do you hold your ground when you are against opposition?  What keeps you strong?  How does it feel to be in opposition of another person?
  • It is said that “faith makes you stronger”; explain how this is true or not true.
  • How do you boast about your faith?  Give a specific example.
  • Have you ever been disappointed by love?  Explain.
  • Are there things about you that you wish God didn’t know?  How does your behavior/attitude change, knowing God knows all of your secrets?
  • In what way does your faith “fill” you?  Describe the feeling.  Does faith fill you once and for all or do you lose the fullness you feel?  How do you re-fill?
  • Do you thirst for things in your life?  Take time to be honest with yourself and reflect on things you thirst for each day.  Are these things life giving or do they drain life from you?
  • What do you think the woman at the well was feeling when Jesus told her all of the things of her past.  How would it make you feel if a stranger did the same to you?  How does it feel to know Jesus does know your past?
  • Put yourself in the Gospel story as one of the villagers.  How would you react when the woman came back to share what had just happened at the well?  Would you believe her?  Would the encounter change how you felt about her?
  • How does the story of the woman at the well, help give you encouragement to continue to work on your Lenten sacrifices?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your peace!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your comfort!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your joy!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your compassion!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your goodness!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your love!

Challenge for the Week:  Consider all of the ways we use water every day.  It is one of life’s necessities.  As Americans, we often take for granted how much we use water.  We use water when we flush the toilet, take a shower, brush our teeth all just to get “ready” in the morning.  Water is needed to brew coffee or tea and to prepare or cook our food.  If you have ever had to turn off the water to your house or gone camping in a primitive spot then you might begin to be able to understand what was like for the Israelites.  Despite all of our advances, there are still people in the world who live without clean water to drink, cook or wash.  It is also important to drink plenty of water for our bodies to run better because water for our bodies is like oil for our car.  The challenge this week is to be more aware of the water we use and why we use it.  Say a prayer of thanksgiving each time you use water, pray for those who don’t have clean water, ask God to help you trust in him to provide for you just like you rely on the water to come out of your faucet.  Also try to drink the recommended amount of water and pray each time you go to fill up your cup.  At first, drinking so much water will cause extra trips to the bathroom to use more water, but then our bodies adjust; but the extra water equates to more time spent in prayer and perhaps we will adjust to having Christ with us more often too!

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab and copy and start the journey!

Sunday, February 26th Readings

1st Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Abba Father

As I awake to each new day,

          may I be aware of the breath I take.

Before I even open my eyes,

          may I inhale deeply the life You give.

Despite the struggles or challenges,

          let me count the blessings and

          be fully aware of the love You have for me!

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7

  • How is your relationship with God? Is it different than the way God intended it to be?
  • What do you try to hide from God? What do you hide from others? 
  • Is there a serpent in your life telling you untruths to keep you from fulfillment?

Romans 5:12-19

  • Paul says to be grateful for the sin of Adam. Why do you think he says this? Do you agree or disagree? What do you think?
  • Is there a difference between sinning against God and sinning against your neighbor?
  • How have you sacrificed or given to another for them to have life?

Matthew 4:1-11

  • Jesus fights the devil in the desert, how can you draw strength from this reading in your struggles?
  • Jesus uses scripture to ward off the devil’s temptations. What scripture can you use to help give you strength to fight temptation?
  • What desert places have you encountered? Are you in the desert now?  How does the scripture give you courage to overcome?

General Questions for Journaling

  • The gift of freewill gets humans into a lot of trouble. Is there a time when you knew the will of God but you ignored it like Adam and Eve?
  • Why do you think God gave humans free will but not the other creatures?
  • If God didn’t give humans free will, what do you think the world would be like?
  • How do you hide your sinfulness from others? Are you honest with yourself about your faults and failings?
  • Sometimes when a person fails, they become discouraged and give up because the weight of sin can be paralyzing. What can you do to help you remember that Jesus already bore your sins? How can you free yourself or others from the burden of sin?
  • Describe a time when you felt you were in the desert. Describe a time when you felt you were in the wilderness. How did those experiences similar? Differ? Where was God in these experiences?
  • Name the things that tempt you. When you do so, does it change the way you look at them? 
  • What do you desire? How do you know if it is good or bad? By what do you measure?
  • Jesus was willing to die for you; what are you giving up for him?
  • How does sin weigh you down? 
  • How are the 40 days of Lent like the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert?
  • What symbol of Lent means the most to you? Why? (choose a symbol to reflect on and help you through Lent)

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let me remember…

ALL:  I am clay.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  I can be hard and dry.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  I must be molded.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  I can take on many forms.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  I am created perfectly.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  I can withstand the fire.

Leader:  This Lent…

ALL:  I am clay!

Challenge for the Week:  Simple challenge.  Plant a seed TODAY.  Gather dirt into a plastic cup, a pot or whatever you can find.  Tend to it throughout the Lenten Season and continue to nurture it through the Easter Season too.  Each time you look at it, water it or spin it in the sunlight, Thank God for caring for you.

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab and copy and start the journey!

Sunday, April 10th Readings

PALM SUNDAY

Opening Prayer

Jesus

Your example brings joy

but it also brings pain.

Open my heart to understand

both the joy and pain.

Help me to know You more deeply

as I experience both in the scriptures.

Amen!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 50 :4-7

  • Define a well-trained tongue. Would you say your tongue is well trained?
  • Where do you see God each morning? How do you know He has your back?
  • From whose perspective is this reading? What does it tell you about speaking out against injustice?
  • What does God promise to those who hear His word and act on it?

 Philippians 2:6-11

  • How have you emptied yourself to Christ this Lenten season? It is not too late.
  • How does your body language show respect or disrespect to God when you pray? How can you better show the reverence you say you have with your words, through your body language?

 Luke 22:14-23:56

  • What have you done to reject God in the last month, week, day, hour? What was the “benefit” we received?
  • When did you last serve another person? How did you serve them? What was your motivation? What was their response?
  • If you were there on the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, could you have stayed with Jesus until the very end? Who in this scripture can you relate to the most?  Why?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where do you see God each morning? How do you know He has your back?
  • Who are the people in your life who have your back? How do you know?
  • Name qualities of a humble person. Do you have any of these qualities? Do you know anyone who does?
  • What gets in your way when you try to give your time to Jesus in prayer? What distracts you?
  • If you believe Jesus is the King of Glory, how do you show your obedience to Him?
  • What are some changes which cause anticipation? What are some changes which cause anxiety? How are they the same? How are they different?
  • Is there some discomfort when standing up for what is right? Explain.
  • What do you say is the opposite of love? Hate? Fear? Distrust? Selfishness?  Or something else? How does the opposite you choose affect your definition of love?
  • When was the last time you defended your faith to another? Where is the line of defending and being hypocritical?
  • Are there areas in your life where you have fallen asleep? How might God be calling you to wake up?
  • Have you ever been in a state of extreme physical pain? How were you able to cope?
  • Have you been with someone who has been in extreme physical pain? What can you do to help those who suffer?

Closing Prayer

Leader: At dawn

ALL:  YOU bring the sunrise to wake me.

Leader:  In the morning

ALL:  YOU clear the fog and give me a new day.

Leader:  During the day

ALL:  YOU are in each person and thing I see.

Leader:  In the evening

ALL:  YOU bring the night to slow me down.

Leader:  At bedtime

ALL:  YOU give me comfort as I rest.

Leader:  Each day

ALL:  YOU are with me to begin again!

Challenge for the Week:  Choose a scripture passage (limit to 3-5 words) from this weekend’s readings to focus on this week. As Holy Week approaches it is easy to get wrapped up in the ritual and movement, forgetting the meaning behind all of the pomp and circumstance. Use the scripture passage you chose to connect in a deeper way to the experience of Jesus, of the people around Him and the situation at hand. Seek to find a connection to an experience or situation you are currently or recently have been dealing with and then determine how God is leading you to conversion through this experience or situation. What will your scriptural mantra be this week???

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, April 3rd Readings

5th Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Lord,

Help me

to remember that it is YOU who makes all things NEW!

Teach me

to let go of past mistakes and begin fresh with a new perspective.

Open me

up to try new paths instead of the same one over and over.

Guide me

with grace, showing kindness and mercy even when I do not follow.

Lead me

to be the person I am meant to be, no matter how many times I do wrong.

Thank you Lord,

for making all things new, including ME!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 43:16-21

  • What keeps you from believing God has a plan for you and has created a safe passageway for you just as He did for the Israelites? How do your actions confirm your belief or disbelief?
  • How do the events of the past (those of the Old Testament and/or the events of the past 3-6 months) affect how you live out today? Share specific examples.

 Philippians 3:8-14

  • How can you accept loss? What does that look like?
  • St Paul is determined; he has his eye on the prize. What is your goal? What steps do you take each day to achieve your goal? Are there others whom have a similar goal? How can you help one another reach your goal?

 John 8:1-11

  • Do you condemn others? What causes you to do so? Is it jealousy? Is it because you think something is unfair? Is it out of fear of the unknown or what you don’t understand?
  • Where are you called to be merciful like Jesus in this Scripture? Who needs you to reach out to them?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where in the Bible does God abandon someone? Where in the Bible does God leave anyone alone? How does this knowledge affect you?
  • When have you felt like God has left you alone or abandoned you? What was the situation? How did you overcome?
  • How has God shown His presence to you today?
  • Have you ever searched for God from the moment you come into consciousness in the morning until the moment you doze off to sleep at night? What would that day look like? How would you describe it?
  • How does God re-create each day? Do you think today is different than yesterday? Why or why not?
  • Each day God offers us a new beginning; what things of the past do you need to leave in the past so you can begin again?
  • How do your sins feel? Describe how it feels when you sin and how you are changed; how it affects your behavior, your thoughts.
  • What is the most important relationship in your life? Why?
  • What does it mean to live your live forward? What does it mean to live in the past?  Where do you see yourself on the spectrum?
  • Is there someone in your life right now who needs you to show them mercy? Who is it and what do they need you to do?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Father, YOU are forever good

ALL:  to me, even when I sin against you and others.

Leader:  Father, YOU are forever kind

ALL:  to me, especially when I experience hurt.

Leader:  Father, YOU are forever generous

ALL:  to me, even when I call on you for help.

Leader:  Father, YOU are forever merciful

ALL:  to me, especially when I turn my back to you.

Leader:  Father, YOU are forever faithful

ALL:  to me, and I am grateful for your examples of goodness, kindness, generosity, mercy and faith!

Challenge for the Week:  Where do you see God walking with you on your journey?  Are you walking together side by side or are you lagging behind?  Have you stumbled and refuse to get up and move or is God carrying you?  What terrain are you travelling?  Are you on flatland?  Going through the desert?  Climbing a mountain?  Swimming/wading/drowning in the deep waters?  Take time this week to figure out where you are on your journey with God.  Use your own words to describe and even possibly draw a picture of what it looks like.  Whether you write the words or draw the picture, put the date on it and place it in your bible so you can find it later and reflect on how it compares to where you are at that moment of time.  God gives you all you need to succeed; you simply need to train your will to remain accountable.

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, March 6th Readings

1st Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father

You lead me through the desert places

so I may be refreshed and made new

You put before me a banquet feast to nourish

so I may be filled with Your goodness

You gave your life to show love without conditions

so I may share that gift with others

Thank you Lord for guiding me!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Deuteronomy 26:4-10

  • What do you lay at the altar of God?
  • How does being in the desert change your perspective?
  • What good comes from this desert experience for the Israelites? For you?

Romans 10:8-13

  • How do you proclaim Jesus as Lord? Is it evident you are a Christian through your words? Your actions? Both? Share an example.
  • When did you last call on God? What was it for and what was the response?
  • How do you show love to God? How do you show God’s love for others? Is it the same or different, explain.

 Luke 4:1-13

  • The devil tempts Jesus to be self-glorifying; where do you see this behavior in the world today?
  • How does the devil tempt you to turn away from God?

General Questions for Journaling

  • When has God delivered you from a bad situation?
  • Identify a time when you felt alone or abandoned. Can you look back and see God there with you?
  • How does God nourish you? Do you allow God to nourish you?
  • Describe what it feels like to be empty of God’s presence.
  • Describe what it feels like to be full of God’s presence.
  • Make a list of things you can bring to others between now and Easter to help you express your faith more openly.
  • Are there people in your community/family who are crying out but you are ignoring them? Listen for what God wants you to do.
  • What are the communities which you dwell? Give them each a rating on a 1-10 scale on how they show/share the Gospel message.
  • How can love be blind?
  • When did you first understand unconditional love?
  • Does love require effort? Why or why not?
  • How are you exercising your faith?
  • How does having faith give power? What does faith have power over?

Closing Prayer

Leader: You call me from the desert places

ALL:  to share Your love with others.

Leader:  You call me from the desert places

ALL:  to set captives free.

Leader:  You call me from the desert places

ALL:  to visit the lonely and oppressed.

Leader:  You call me from the desert places

ALL:  to show mercy and kindness.

Leader:  You call me from the desert places

ALL:  to shine YOUR light for all to see!

Challenge for the Week:  Do you have a faith story?  Of course you do!  Just like in the business world where people have “elevator speeches” which describe and highlight their accomplishments and successes; Christians should have a faith story.  Spend time this week putting together your own personal faith story; include pivotal moments, desert places and mountain top experiences.  Include specific scripture passages which carried you through the bad times or sustain you in the good times.  Write it down and then put it in your Bible so it can be added to the many other stories of our salvation HIStory!

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, March 21st Readings

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

O Lord,

I cry out to you from the depths,

        I don’t know if you can hear me.

I beg forgiveness

        but I fear my sin to too great.

Yet, God, you promised to bring your people

        back from the graves.

Jesus, raised Lazarus from the dead.

Scripture gives me hope

you will hear my cries and forgive me.

Lord, bring me out of the darkness

and into your glorious light!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Ezekiel 37 :12-14

  • Describe what it means to have God’s Spirit within you? How does it give you life?
  • What does it mean to the people for God to say he will bring them back to the land of Israel?

Romans 8:8-11

  • How does the Spirit dwell in you? Be honest, what are the characteristics that show the Spirit dwells in you. Which characteristics do you want to improve on?
  • At this point in your Lenten journey, do you feel worthy of God’s Spirit within you? Have you kept up with your Lenten disciplines as you’d hoped? Does this scripture give you hope or cause you to feel despair?

John 11:1-45

  • Jesus knows Lazarus will not die, rather will be used to help Jesus show the Glory of God. Have you ever experienced a time when you knew an experience would exemplify God’s glory?
  • Share how this Gospel gives insight about God’s timing.
  • Complete the story of what happens next, after Lazarus is raised. What does Mary, Martha and Lazarus say? What do they do? How long does Jesus stay with them? What about the Disciples?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What is your experience with God’s promises?
  • If you could choose one event in your past that you could ‘do over’ would you go back and do it over? How would you want the outcome to change?
  • How do you know God hears your prayers? Does silence mean he didn’t hear you?
  • Does God’s voice sound the same to you every time you speak to Him? Does it sound the same to everyone? Explain.
  • Define the word redemption.
  • Describe how it feels to have God’s Spirit within you? 
  • When you know you have God’s Spirit within you, does it affect how you think, feel and act? Explain.
  • What is your favorite thing about your life right now? Where is God in it?
  • When you hear of the death of someone, especially of someone close to you, what is the natural human response? How is that similar or different to how Jesus responded to the news of Lazarus?
  • What do you think happens when you die?
  • Do you have a bucket list?  A list of things you want to do or places you want to go before you die?  Is this list something you actively pursue or something you made once and put in a drawer?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, hear my voice…

ALL:  I will do it!

Leader:  Lord, forgive my sin…

ALL:  I will do it!

Leader:  Lord, open the grave…

ALL:  I will do it!

Leader:  Lord, dwell in me…

ALL:  I will do it!

Challenge for the Week:  Draw an outline of a gingerbread man on a blank piece of paper.  On the inside of the paper write down all the sins you can think of that you have committed.  Reflect on how much sin consumes your body.  How many of the sins you’ve committed are because of your physical body?  How many were committed due to emotions?  Which sins were committed even though you knew they were sins and you did them anyways?  What percentage of your body is sin? This is not one of those activities where you want to have a high score, nor do you want to have balance.  Seek reconciliation of your sin and then spend time this week determining what you can do to keep your numbers down.

Sunday, March 14th Readings

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Father

When I look for you,

        I don’t always see you.

Teach me to look,

        through a child’s eyes.

I step out today,

        You are watching out for me.

I stumble and fall,

        You are there holding me.

Let me not be blind

        to the joy you have in front of me!

Journal/Reflection Questions

2Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23

  • In the Old Testament you hear God sent messengers “early and often” to His people. In the Gospels you learn about Jesus, God himself who came to share God’s plan for His people. Then in the New Testament the Holy Spirit is left to dwell in and among His people. How are the messengers of the Old Testament the same and how do they differ from the Holy Spirit?
  • How do God’s angels bring you comfort, reinforcement in the battle, and/or safety in the hard times?
  • Are there messengers from God today who give support or warning? Share an example.

Ephesians 2:4-10

  • Reflect on the phrase, “dead to our transgressions”. This word is also in the Our Father prayer. How hard or easy is it for you to live this out?
  • How does God’s love for you filter out in your life? Does it come out through compassion? Mercy? Grace? Forgiveness? Make a list of other ways God’s love can filter through a person’s life.

John 3:14-21

  • Do you recall the story of Moses and the serpent? Reflect on how these scriptures relate.
  • How is God lifted up in your life? Within your family? 
  • God gave his son to the world…how does that make you feel?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Has God given you a message but you are unsure how to pursue it? Afraid you don’t have the strength to accomplish it? Do you fear ridicule or abandonment of family or friends? 
  • Could God be talking to you and you simply are not listening?
  • God’s followers/believers have always fought opposition. What do you fight because you are a believer? What struggles or battles seem to find you no matter where you turn?
  • What is God’s response when you fail and mess up over and over? What is God’s response when you succeed and do the right thing repeatedly? Does God’s response change because of your actions? Why or why not? Explain.
  • How do you define grace? Is it a noun? A verb? An adjective?
  • How is grace received? Where does it come from? What is its purpose?
  • What lesson can you learn from God’s example to stay consistent in love, mercy and forgiveness? 
  • How does faith save a person? Give an example.
  • Do you fully embrace your faith 100%? What percentage would you put on your faith? Does it depend on your situation? Be specific.
  • Why do you think of all the scripture passages, John 3:16 is the most known and memorized verses?
  • Do you love God with or without expectation? Explain.
  • Create a list of “good” things that happen in the dark, what needs darkness to live or survive?
  • Are you or have you ever been completely in the dark? Describe the experience.

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When there is darkness, YOU send the light.

ALL:  The God of heaven and earth; create us anew!

Leader:  When we are hurt, YOU bring healing.

ALL:  The God of heaven and earth; create us anew!

Leader:  When we feel alone, YOU offer comfort.

ALL:  The God of heaven and earth; create us anew!

Leader:  When we sin against you, there is grace and mercy.

ALL:  The God of heaven and earth; create us anew!

Challenge for the Week:  At this point, you might start seeing the mirage of the promises of Easter.  However, don’t be fooled.  The season of Lent is only at its halfway mark and there is still Good Friday and Holy Saturday to get through.  Perhaps you are feeling courageous because you have fought off temptations, keep up your courage!  Or maybe you have let slide some of your Lenten observances to fast, give alms and pray, it’s not too late to begin again!  The scriptures this week encourage you to either stay the course or get back on track.  They signify that victory is on its way.  Again, don’t be fooled.  This is the time when you are called to go deeper, to step up your game, recharge and continue on…this is a false summit…find the supplies you need to carry on because this is when it gets real! 

Sunday, March 7th Readings

Third Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Father,

You put a thirst in me that only You can quench.

You lead me through rocky and desert places

to a wellspring with the water of life.

May the scripture I read today satisfy my desire

and fill me with Your Spirit so I may overflow!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 17:3-7

  • Why was Moses afraid? When have you felt like Moses? Where was God? How did God help you?
  • Do you think Moses ever doubted God? Why or why not?
  • What about you is different than Moses?

Romans 5:1-2,5-8

  • An agreement made between two people requires each side to give something. God gave us His Son, Jesus gave us His life and the Holy Spirit gave us the Bible.  What are you being called to give?
  • Could you give up your life for another person? Anyone or just specific people? How does this differ from giving up your life for God? Or giving your life to God?

John 4:5-42

  • What does Jesus ask for and then offer in return? Imagine Jesus asking you the same thing. How might you respond, how have you already responded? What has He asked for in return, what do you give?
  • Define “living water”. 
  • Have you ever, like the disciples, wondered what God was doing?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Have you ever grumbled at God?  Have you ever grumbled against God?
  • What causes you to grumble to other people?
  • It is said that “faith makes you stronger”; explain how this is true or not true.
  • Do you thirst for things in your life? Take time to be honest with yourself and reflect on things you thirst for each day. Are these things life giving or do they drain life from you?
  • Describe what it feels like to have faith poured over you?  Love poured over you?  Joy poured over you?
  • What do you think the woman at the well was feeling when Jesus told her all of the things of her past. How would it make you feel if a stranger did the same to you? How does it feel to know Jesus does know your past?
  • Are there things about you that you wish God didn’t know? How does your behavior/attitude change, knowing God knows all of your secrets?
  • Put yourself in the Gospel story as one of the villagers. How would you react when the woman came back to share what had just happened at the well? Would you believe her? Would the encounter change how you felt about her?
  • The woman at the well shows how humans long to be loved and Jesus is the only one who can give the everlasting love humans desire. What do you desire?  Are there things in your life you cannot live without?
  • When you are in the desert and look out into the horizon, you can see a mirage, an image of water in the distance. Use this image to describe an experience in your life. What was your desert experience? What was your mirage?
  • How does the story of the woman at the well, help give you encouragement to continue to work on your Lenten sacrifices?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your peace!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your comfort!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your joy!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your compassion!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your goodness!

Leader:  Make me a well-spring…

ALL:  of your love!

Challenge for the Week:  The woman at the well in the Gospel story sees Jesus but doesn’t know he is the Messiah.  She had heard of him, but had not seen him.  Take time this week to think about the times you have missed seeing Jesus or spending time with him.  What can you do to be more open to seeing Jesus in your everyday activities, not just when you want to see him or when you go to church.