Ecclesiastes

Writing Facebook group posts based on First 5 app posts and Ecclesiastes study guide from Proverbs 31 - The Thursday leader.

Week One: Introduction

Hi friend; I’m Shelby.
We’ll spend our Thursdays together throughout the study, and I’m so looking forward to this season.
A few things about me:
I live in California (Bakersfield — Home of country music artists, Merle Haggard and Buck Owens);
I work in marketing and communications at a university (social media and email marketing);
I drink too much coffee (when I’m not, it’s usually sweet tea);
Fall is my favorite season (bring on all the festive flavors, like Chrissy mentioned yesterday ); and, last, but certainly not least;
I love Jesus and have been a believer my entire life. I’ve grown up in the church with a family of believers. However, it’s only over the last decade that I’ve started understanding what it means to truly walk out a life of faith and claim it as my own.
I’m so fortunate God brought me to Proverbs 31/First 5 Ministries a few years ago. It has especially kept me connected to God, and ministry, during my transition time of finding a home church. I’m so thankful for this group of women who consistently pursue God’s Word and share His love with others.
**Now, it’s your turn. I want to hear more about YOU! Share a few fun facts about you in the comments below.**

Week One: Foundations

As I sat down to begin the study of Ecclesiastes, I flipped through my Life Application Study Bible and discovered a breakdown of the themes found in this book. One of the themes is work, and it says, “Without God there is no lasting reward or benefit in hard work. Work done with the wrong attitude will leave us empty. But work accepted as an assignment from God can be seen as a gift.”
I wake up, get ready for the day, make a cup of coffee, grab my lunch from the refrigerator, check the clock to see how I’m doing on time. I’m out the door for work just before 8 a.m.
I get to the office — Check emails, work on projects, attend meetings — Next thing I know it’s 5 p.m.
I head home: I might read some, or journal, tend to chores from my to-do list, have a couple hours of downtime, then it’s dinner and time for bed. Set the alarm to do it all over again.
“I look for God in the good parts, but it’s easy to lose sight of Him in the mundane middle — and even more when the plot takes a turn for the worse,” Claire Foxx writes in the introduction, and it stops me in my tracks.
How often do I do that?
It’s easy to see God in monumental moments, like a baby being born or admiring a sunset.
But, He’s also in the everyday moments that can feel boring or pointless, as Solomon points out.
Ecclesiastes has always been one of my favorite books for that reason. It asks the hard questions but also reminds us of the beauty that life has to offer when we see it through our relationship with God in our everyday lives.
I look forward to going deeper in this study over the next few weeks and uncovering more of the truths about life and how we ought to live, whether it’s in our work, searching for meaning or in gaining more wisdom.
How can you find God in the everyday moments that often feel meaningless? How can you see your daily work, or the role at your job, as part of a much larger picture than just a boring routine to get through?

Week Two

I think about that Robert Frost poem a lot — “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” It seems from Frost’s words, his thoughtful choice to choose the road less traveled led to good things.
I have days like that, but I also experience days where it feels like I’m walking through those same woods, and it doesn’t feel like the road I choose really matters.
‘If the wise person dies just like the fool’ then what’s the point of being wise, as Ecclesiastes 2:12-17 points out.
Sometimes it feels like choosing the ‘right’ road or doing the ‘right’ thing, moving away from wisdom, won’t make a difference. But, it does in the long run.
I loved what Claire Foxx said in today’s Study Guide teaching: “In short, godly wisdom is not a solution to the problem of death; it is a solution to the problem of regret.”
Insert *mind blown* emoji here.
Being wise, seeking God’s wisdom along life’s journey, might not change everything or make the hard roads we have to travel easier. But, it helps us better see where God is leading us when we TRUST Him and invite HIM to direct our steps. It reminds me of this verse, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverb 3:5-6
Seeking godly wisdom protects us from making irrational, spur of the moment decisions and better ensures we live the way God intended. And, when we live this way, we can know that even when we can’t see God visibly, He’s busily at work behind the scenes, guiding and directing our every step.
Yes, both wise and fools die, but it’s how we live and are remembered that matters most.
**Can you think of a moment in your life that God’s wisdom has saved you, even when you might have felt differently at the beginning? If you feel comfortable, share in the comments below.**

Week Three

I work in social media, and mostly because of my role, I find myself chronically online.
All day long I’m bombarded with notifications and new content from thousands of accounts on Facebook, Instagram and any number of our other platforms.
Flashy ads fill many of our feeds, selling us products that make it seem like we need them to make us look better or be better. Other times, we receive a constant rush of bad news, heartbreaking headlines and discouraging updates about where we are politically, economically, spiritually and/or relationally in our world. And oftentimes, I fall prey to these ads and the bad news.
And when I give in to that way of thinking, I tend towards negative thoughts and attitudes, like the things that are wrong and pointless with my life. And, if I struggle with how I live my own life, why bother trying to change and help others? What’s the point of doing the right thing when it feels like nothing I’m doing works out anyway?
Ecclesiastes 4:4-6 says, “Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless — like chasing the wind. Fools fold their idle hands, leading them to ruin. And yet, better to have one handful with quietness than two handfuls with hard work and chasing the wind.”
“Chasing the wind” speaks of investing our lives in things on this earth that won’t last. Because wind, by nature, cannot be caught, chasing the wind gets us nowhere.
The point of life isn’t in the worldly desires - money, fame, power or status. None of that will bring true joy, or contentment. Seeking God’s will and His path for our lives is the only thing that will bring true peace, joy and contentment.
To close out, Dr. Melissa Wetzel’s prayer from today’s app teaching is one that we can all use: “Lord, sometimes, it feels like the greedy and powerful win. Teach my heart not to despair but to be content in Your promises of justice. I pray my heart would know quietness and satisfaction despite what I see around me. Remind me You are writing a better song, even in the middle of difficult minor chords. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
**What is your prayer for this week? How can I pray for you?**

Week Four

Do you remember when you were younger, and they’d make you run the mile for Field Day (or whatever the day of outdoor festivities may have been called)?
I’d stop, put my hands on my hips, take a few deep breaths, wipe the sweat from my brow and take a drink of water as I thought to myself, *How am I ever going to make it to the finish line if I’m not even halfway through?*
I’ve never been a runner. I wish I was, but never quite built up the lung capacity or the endurance to keep going. Thankfully, during those years, my friends came alongside me to help me finish the mile. They encouraged me, pat me on the back, and sometimes even ran with me.
But, sometimes, having the support and encouragement to keep going can distract us from where God is trying to steer us. When the road gets tough, distractions can be loud—inviting us to stop short or settle for the easy way out instead of continuing forward in the direction God’s leading us.
Valarie Bastek points out, “When we think we know what is good for us, we are often tempted to pursue things that steal our focus from God and send us down a path He never intended (Proverbs 14:12). Meanwhile, God has been writing the story of our lives since before we were born, and He knows our next right step (Psalm 139:16).”
Ecclesiastes 6:12 says, “For who knows what is good for anyone in life, in the few days of his futile life that he spends like a shadow? Who can tell anyone what will happen after him under the sun?”
In the race of life, it’s essential we keep our sights on Jesus. If we don’t, we’ll struggle to see what God’s doing. We may miss the full life God has for us or miss the path He’s seeking to take us down.
Friend, we can't know every detail of *"what will be"* (Ecclesiastes 6:12), but we can know and proclaim what Jesus has already done for us. Though we may only now understand God in part, we find hope in the assurance that we “*have life and have it abundantly*” in Jesus (John 10:10). Jesus is that friend who comes alongside us to keep us from distractions. He knows the future, and because we know Him, we can entrust Him with our lives, our future and where He’s going with our stories.
**Where are you on your journey, friend? What distractions have sidetracked you from where God might be leading you?**

Week Five

**“There is one fate for the righteous and the wicked, for the good and the bad, for the clean and unclean, for the one who sacrifices and the one who does not sacrifice.” Ecclesiastes 9:2**
This feels like a depressing mindset, and it’s why the Teacher continually tells us to enjoy life while we can. But, that’s hard as we watch what’s happening in the world around us and experience pessimism.
*Another shooting makes national news.*
*A local car crash in the headlines.*
*Political wars back and forth in comments, even on unrelated Facebook posts.*
In high school, I tended toward pessimism. Through God’s grace, I’ve come a long way, but still have more work to do. Much of it stemmed from anxiety and feeling a lack of control.
A bad grade or feedback on a paper crushed my sensitive spirit. Then came my grandma’s cancer diagnosis and passing and dealing with the disappointment of not being able to attend the college I wanted. Negative thoughts consumed my heart and mind.
*What’s the point in trying?*
*What’s the point in pushing through this challenge?*
*We all just die anyway…*
*Nothing will ever work out.*
But, thankfully, for believers, we don’t have to stay steeped in fear and pessimism. We have Jesus. Jesus for the here and now on this earth. His love for us. His presence in us to carry us through those hard days, to take those pessimistic thoughts captive to His Truth.
And, when the time comes for our days to end, we know where we’re going. It’s not emptiness and nothingness. It is an eternal home already prepared for us. A beautiful home where we will live forever with our Abba Father and His Son, our Savior and Redeemer.
So, friend, remember even for all the tragedy we experience here, we find goodness and God-ness in our lives, like the kindness of a stranger. Drinking your coffee while the sun comes up. The gift of God’s provision through the unconditional love and mercy of Jesus.
**What is a simple joy you’ve encountered today? Look for those moments the rest of this week and write it in your journal. Just wait and see how it shifts your perspective!**

Week Six

**“So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity.” -Ecclesiastes 11:8**
I’ve battled anxiety for as long as I can remember. And, as I’ve aged, I’ve experienced bouts of depression, too. But, during the pandemic it flared up in a way it never had before.
*Could I pass something along to my parents and loved ones?*
*Would I end up with COVID? If so, would I be okay?*
*Could it affect my or someone I love’s overall health?*
My office work piled on as well, as we worked from home, and became overwhelming. This led to asking bigger life questions about where I was and where I was going…back to school, moving, other potential professional endeavors.
Navigating this new territory, while it had its ‘fun’ moments, like TikTok dance trends, banana bread and movie nights, carried with it heavy and dark times as well.
I found myself taking daily walks. Sometimes even twice a day because it was something I could count on. I needed the routine. I’d tie my shoelaces, pop my headphones in, bask in the sun and literally stop to smell the roses, while I snapped a picture or two for Instagram. During Covid, this helped me to find the joy and “rejoicing” the Teacher spoke of in our verse today. And, because we were all searching for a little joy and sunshine, sharing my pictures helped me contribute to that joy.
Did you know that even just a few minutes of sunshine a day can help with depression and mental health? Studies reveal that spending as little as 10 to 15 minutes provides Vitamin D, strengthens your bones, helps boost your mood, helps you sleep better and lowers your blood pressure.
It’s the same for our spiritual lives and our relationship with God.
Ecclesiastes 11:7 points out the tension between “light” and “days of darkness” and how we will experience both in this life.
Yes, life will have its rainy days — pain, disappointment and injustices — but when we see the sun, it gives us all the more reason to rejoice; rejoice in the Lord and be glad in it.
We rejoice because of Jesus. Jesus fulfills the “light” the teacher hinted at in his writings. Jesus is *“the light of the world”* (John 8:12), and because of Him, we get to look forward to an eternity where there will be no more dark days.
So when it feels hard to rejoice, remember Jesus because HE is the One who gives us the power to turn darkness into the LIGHT and sorrow to JOY!
If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving today (and even if you’re not), as we are in the U.S., share the moments of light that you’re thankful for today. How can you seek these moments even in the times when they’re harder to find?

Jonah, P31 Community Group

Writing Facebook group posts based on the First 5 app posts - each of us on the writing team have our own days - I’m the Thursday leader.

Week One

Hi there! It’s nice to meet you!
I’m Shelby — I’m from Bakersfield, CA, where it’s starting to warm up and will most likely require a lot of escaping town during the summer months, just for a quick break from the heat.
I work in marketing and communications at one of the California State University campuses here. I handle our main social media accounts — there’s never a dull moment with scheduling, creating reels and other content and always staying on top of what’s next in the higher education realm. But, I really enjoy it! It allows me to get creative but also strategize, which I love.
I’m so excited to be your study leader on Thursdays throughout the study of Jonah!
What are you most looking forward to, or hoping to receive from, the next several weeks?
**Edit**
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001.

There have been many times in my life that I’ve been asleep spiritually, much like today’s reading in Jonah 5:1-6.
In fact, in the last few years, as I’ve been looking for a new home church, I realize it’s also been easier for me to use that as an excuse to sit more on the sidelines. Or to rationalize doing XYZ, or isolate from other believers.
It’s easy to fall into sinful complacency. To hear what the world tells us is okay, even when we know better, or allow things into our lives that would be better off on the outside. We rationalize “I’m just doing this and that" or “it was only that one time..” Until it’s not.
That’s what this wakeup call was for Jonah, both spiritually and physically — to call on God. And truthfully, this was a wakeup call that I needed. I think we all need to be reminded of this at times, no matter where we are in our faith journeys.
My other fellow Shelby raises a good question — Are there areas in our lives in which we’re slumbering in sin? How has God gotten your attention?
Something to think about today as you sit with God during your quiet time.
I’ll close us in prayer: Lord, thank You that we’re never out of Your reach. That You are always chasing after us and showing us how we can be better and live better for You in your loving ways. Continue to highlight the sin and how we can remove it from our lives and walk in the light of Your Word and hear Your voice more clearly than the world’s. In Your name, amen.

002.

Our decisions, big or small, can make a big impact on not only our lives, but the lives of those around us. Can you recall a time that a decision you made pulled others down with you?
Maybe it was something as innocent as talking while the teacher was teaching during class in elementary school and because of your disobedience, the rest of the class had to skip recess.
Other times, it’s a bit more serious like speaking words or taking actions that divided your family in a way you never would have imagined and had lasting impact
Our choices have consequences. In Jonah’s case, it was running away from God and avoiding God’s instruction that led him straight into the storm.
Brittany J. Turner breaks this down in today’s reading on the app: “Jonah’s running and resistance were symptoms of his deeper spiritual rebellion, and God mercifully allowed the storm to expose this. Yet even as "the sea grew more and more tempestuous" (Jonah 1:11), Jonah didn’t fully submit to God. He acknowledged "it is because of me" and accepted the storm’s consequences (Jonah 1:12), but he didn’t actually repent and choose obedience. Repentance means turning back to God, accepting His grace, and aligning our hearts with His will (Acts 3:19). This is not the same as simply surrendering to the consequences of our sin.”
Jonah’s decision to run away, when he was called to Ninevah, not only made things rocky for him, but an entire ship of sailors. In his defense, he asked them to throw him overboard, thinking that would stop the storm, since it was his actions that led to that.
With God, iIt isn’t enough to just accept the consequences for our actions. We have to fully repent of our sin to God, and commit to turn back. To not continue down the same path we’ve been on. God seeks a changed heart.
When you find yourself in a place of disobedience, how do you shift from simply accepting consequences to fully moving into confession and repentance?

003.

Like Dr. Joel Muddamalle in today’s teaching, I too, at times find it hard time to ask for help. It’s vulnerable and often makes me feel like a failure, like I can’t do something on my own. But, we aren’t meant to do life that way, are we?
It wasn’t until I lost my job in 2022 that I realized the importance of asking for help and needing community. During that time, I never felt more alone.
I didn’t see it coming, didn’t know what I was going to do next. I left the office, barely able to pack up my things and say my goodbyes. I got in the car and wasn’t sure exactly where I was going. Home?
What does one do on Tuesday morning at 10 a.m.? I cried and I prayed whatever random thoughts I was able to voice, and then decided to call my newer friend from church.
Jonah 2:1-2 says, “*Then Jonah prayed to the Lᴏʀᴅ his God from the belly of the fish, saying, 'I called out to the Lᴏʀᴅ, out of my distress, and he answered me …”*
After running from, and avoiding, God, Jonah finally called out to Him from the belly of a “fish.” This was a desperate plea for help - an ‘I’ve come come to the end of my rope’ kind of prayers, similar to the one I prayed after losing my job.
That season taught me much about relying on God. I had to rely on Him and the love and support of others, who rallied around me in that time. It was one step at a time, one foot in front of the other, to get through.
Though we may not like them, even try to avoid them, moments like Jonah’s, getting caught in the belly of a whale are sure hard to avoid. But, God sometimes allows these moments to get our attention. Without them, we’d keep swimming along, acting as if everything is fine, even when we see the storm heading our way and should think better of it.
Is there something you’ve experienced recently where you know God’s trying to get your attention? Take a few minutes after this to stop and consider how you can surrender and ask Him for help. He’s ready and waiting for you.

004.

If you’re on social media enough, or even just read the headlines, you know that almost as soon as someone misspeaks or missteps, they’re typically canceled. They might lose endorsement deals, followers and just about any other project their name is attached to. Some might apologize for their behavior or post a statement that they’ll be better. Only to fall into the same activities over again.
Truthfully, we’re all guilty of saying or doing wrong things on a daily basis. It’s our human nature.
Thankfully, God doesn’t cancel us or cancel His plans when we don’t make the right choice the first time. Our failures aren’t final with God. Aren’t you so thankful for that, friend?
He will, however, kindly redirect us or give us a second chance to do the thing He’s calling us to do, so long as we repent of our old ways.
Jonah 3:1-3 reminds us of Jonah’s second chance, and how God helped him get back on track and move forward in the plans God had for him.
Can you think of a time when you repented for your actions and God showed grace and mercy, even when the world might have turned its back on you? Share a prayer of gratitude to our Heavenly Father and His forgiveness.

005.

“…and he was angry.”
In Jonah 4:1, we see Jonah, not just become irritated with God’s mercy toward the people of Ninevah, but deep with anger.
In Hebrew, it translates to: “charah”— Literally meaning, “it burned to him.” A more eloquent way of saying Jonah was seething. The very same mercy God had shown Jonah was now the very thing that upset Jonah.
It’s easy to read Jonah’s story and ask, ‘wow, how could he express an emotion so opposite from God’s’? But, how many times do you and I do the very same? We don’t bother to question God’s mercy when it’s directed at us, but as soon as we deem it ‘not fair’ when others are let off the hook, we tend to change our tone.
We try to bargain, reason or justify our sins.
Today’s teaching and verse reveals the dichotomy of the human experience when it comes to mercy. God doesn’t hold onto grudges or compare our sins the way we do.
Aren’t you grateful, friend, that God’s mercy exceeds our human expectations? Is there something in your life, recently, where God has checked you on showing grace to others the way He has for you?

006.

Friend, I don’t know about you, but trivial, material worldly things often trip me up. Amazon won’t send my order in time for the birthday party, not getting the title or promotion I felt I deserved, or any number of things.
My most recent experience involved a book. I’m an avid reader. The kind that counts down for book releases of highly-anticipated authors and novels. I recently ordered one I’d been anxiously awaiting, one signed by the author, only to find out it was canceled by Premiere Collectibles. I was upset!
I know, I know – it isn’t a big deal in the grand scheme of things. It didn’t change my life, for better or worse.
We find a similar story in Jonah 4:10-11.
“And the Lord said, ‘You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night. And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?’”
Jonah became attached to this plant. But, he ultimately had nothing to do with it. God had provided the plant for him, but Jonah missed the context for which God provided it. He focused on all the wrong things.
How can you show the same care and attention for the places and people God puts on your heart, rather than focusing on self? I’m asking myself that same question and praying about it today.

Genesis, P31First 5 Community Group

Over the course of six weeks, Fresh Start covers the book of Genesis through personal stories and scripture in our Facebook community group.

Introduction Week | Foundations
Week Two
Week Three
Week Four
Week Five
Week Six

Have you seen the cartoon meme of Jesus and a little girl that pops up on social media from time to time? She holds a small teddy bear in front of her and says, “But, I love it God.” Jesus is crouched down to her level, holding a much larger teddy bear behind His back with a hand outstretched and says, “Just trust me.”

Friends, while this meme is a simplistic picture of a complex emotion or action, to me, it serves as one of the most accurate depictions of what it means to trust God. We hold on so tightly to our dreams and/or our people, most of which are God-given. And yet, when He asks us to give them up, because He has something better, doubt and fear creep in.

Perhaps it’s because we’re used to human nature's ways of doing things. People tell each other things all the time that don’t work out. They’re canceled or fall through. And some even break our trust.

Today’s lesson, breaking down Genesis 22, relays a story of the ultimate test of trusting God. God asks Abraham to use his son, Isaac, as a living sacrifice, and to kill him on the altar. Abraham takes every step necessary toward obeying God’s instruction.

Imagine having that kind of faith, to courageously step into whatever God has called you to. Or to lay down what He’s asking you to give up, even when you have no idea what comes next. We can pray for that faith! Here’s my prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I pray that when the times come for our faith to be tested, we will rise to the occasion and trust You. You know what’s best for our lives and will always provide when You tell us You will. Work in our hearts to give up those things we think we love most so we can allow room for you to work.

In Your name,

Amen.

Is God asking you to lay something on the altar today? How have you seen Him come through on His promises before that reminds you He will do it again?

There’s the old expression, “father knows best.” And, that’s usually accurate. Has there ever been a moment in your life where you’ve gone to your father (or mother) for advice and they give it to you? But, thinking you still know best, you do what you wanted only to find that your parents were right in the end?

I think we can all say we’ve been there, whether it’s something that could have saved us a world of heartache, staying away from the wrong crowd in school, or something as simple as not running in the house. If our parents have greater wisdom and insight because they’ve lived more life than we have, can you just imagine how much more our Heavenly Father knows?

There’s a reason God asked Adam and Eve not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Why He warned Noah and his family of the flood, and why God, at the building of the tower of Babel, took away the unity of one language He gave at creation.

Those building the tower weren’t concerned about bringing glory to God, but rather, focused on making a name for themselves. So, instead of continuing with one language, God introduced various languages which then scattered His people over the face of the earth.

Lisa Alvin-Meyer talks more about this in today’s lesson — “As Christians, we know we are saved only by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ and not through any of our own ambitions, aspirations or accomplishments (Ephesians 2:8-9). Still, like the builders at Babel, we are tempted to succumb to pride and chase our own selfish pursuits….”

God’s wisdom is infinite. When He guides us on a path, although we might not understand or comprehend what He’s doing, it’s for our good and protection. But, even when we go astray from His plans, He finds a way to bring justice, mercy and humbles us with His love and grace.

How have you seen God’s grace turn around what could have otherwise been a messy situation in your own life?

It’s easy to say that God is with us or know that He provides, when everything is going well. But, to live it out in the middle of a life storm takes another level of trust. Between Denise Pass’ blog and Genesis 46-47, I’m reminded of God’s provision for His people.

In early 2022, I lost my full-time job. I still worked part-time for my church, but it wasn’t enough to sustain a living. I didn’t see it coming at all. I was at a loss on what to do next, and it required me to pause.

Where would I get another job?

Would I be able to make rent and stay in my apartment?

All the anxiety and fear of the unknown required me to lean into God and ask what He wanted me to learn from that season. Family and friends rallied around me at one of my lowest points. They opened their homes to me and provided meals or basic necessities to me, but most importantly they prayed for me and encouraged me. Other freelance opportunities opened up with contacts I’d had in the past to make extra money as I waited for unemployment or another job to come.

“Sometimes we can fail to recognize the blessings of God because of harsh circumstances surrounding us, yet He holds our very breath and life in His hands (Revelation 4:11; Isaiah 42:5),” Denise says in her post.

It was the same in Egypt. While the people didn’t have food to eat, Joseph bought the land and provided seed for them to plant. “…Give a fifth of it to Pharaoh. The other four-fifths you may keep as seed for the fields and as food for yourselves and your households and your children.”

Even in the drought and famine, God prepared Joseph to provide for his family, along with the people of Canaan and Egypt. He does the same for us, even in the simplest situations.

How has God provided for you recently, where through our earthly eyes it might not make sense?