Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. – Matthew 4:1 – 2
The season of Lent is a special time in the life of the church. It mirrors the time that Jesus spent in the wilderness. In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness. There, Jesus spent forty days and nights fasting and praying. At the end of this time, he faces three temptations. This is where it is recorded that Jesus says, It is written: “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
I have often wondered what that time was like for Jesus. Growing up around the Sea of Galilee and having just been baptized in the Jordan River, Jesus was used to beautiful water surrounded by fertile land. Now, He has been led onto a dry and desolate land. This had to be a challenging time for Jesus.
The time Jesus spent in the desert reminds us of the important practices of our faith. You see, we each will face difficult moments in life. The unexpected challenges of our lives can feel like being led into a barren land, void of hope. It is at this time that we need the comforting anchor of our faith. It is our practices of prayer, study, worship, and intentional time with God that offer us strength amid trials, hope for the future, and comfort in the promise that God is with us wherever we may venture.
Life is full of extraordinary moments. We have times of great joy and times of hard-fought battles. Lent is a season that allows us to focus not on our settings but on the practices that secure our faith in the One who has been in the wilderness Himself.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
—– Easter Offering —–
Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?” And the King will answer them, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” – Matthew 25:37 – 40
Neighborhood Services Organization (NSO) has a vision to bring the love of Christ to the homeless and working poor and empower them to break the cycle of poverty. Their mission is transforming lives and encouraging independence through safe, healthy homes, dental care, and nutrition. NSO is an incredible ministry that has a variety of programs to offer housing and teach skills to transform lives.
NSO programs include:
Transitional housing for those who need assistance temporarily, as in the case of women who are escaping domestic violence and young adults who have aged out of the foster care system.
Permanent and supportive housing for homeless adults with mental illness.
Rental assistance programs to try and prevent homelessness.
Dental clinic that offers affordable dental care for those without insurance.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clinic to provide supplemental
nutritional food as well as eduction for pregnant women and children
up to the age of five.
When you support the Easter Offering, you become part of the work of Neighborhood Services Organization. Your gift to the Easter Offering will help provide care for those who are in the most need in our community. It can help to prevent homelessness before it begins. It can help to care for those with mental illness. It can help pregnant women and young children get the nutrition and support they need for a brighter future. It can help 18-year-olds who have been dropped by foster care find housing and opportunities.
When you support the Easter Offering you become part of the life-transforming ministry of Neighborhood Services Organization. To learn more about their program please visit nsookc.org.
Donation envelopes are available during worship. Gifts may also be made by calling the Finance Office at 232-1371, by texting “STL EASTER” to 73256, or online by using the link below. All donations are tax deductible.
https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=167551&f=5
