Then the devil said to Jesus, “If you will worship me, it [all the world] will all be yours. Jesus answered him, “It is written, Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him’.”

Can it possibly be February, 2010 already? It seems like we just got the Christmas decorations put away! In a little over two weeks from now, Ash Wednesday (February 17) will mark the beginning of the season of Lent. during Lent we remember Jesus’ 40 days of desert wandering and temptations, and we are provided the opportunity for self-examination and spiritual discipline; an opportunity for a “spiritual check-up.”

In these days of economic crisis, employment uncertainties, family and health anxieties, a growing hungry and homeless population, government cross-roads, war and natural disasters, many of us feel we are already in the desert. Some folks have told me they feel as if they are being swallowed up or buried in the desert.

How about you? Where are you? Are you in a place where you need to hear from God, to feel God’s presence or to just cry out to God? Are you experiencing the pains of fear, worry or anxiety? Could you use a spiritual check-up? In these days of obligations and pressures, make time to be part of the church. Here we offer a place for sorting out and sorting through what is going on in our lives; figuring out just what God may be up to. Here we offer comfort, encouragement and hope in Jesus Christ remembering that He is always with us.

Make an appointment for a “spiritual check-up” at FPCJ every Sunday morning and Wednesday evening. Won’t you join me as we wander through this desert-like time together? Step aside. Come fast from the world which drains you, and feast on God who longs to fill you. Come; together let us remember we are not alone, for the One who brings us joy and hope is the One who also wandered and was tempted, and was beaten up by this world. Thank be to God for opportunities for spiritual check-ups, and for this place where the resurrection is celebrated! See you in church.

Grace and peace for the journey,

Pastor Sue