Good Wednesday, dear St. Matthew friends and family,

I have just returned from a beautiful celebration of life for my Uncle Francis “Mule” Cox. I learned many things about him—some funny, some amazing—and I am so very grateful for the life he lived and for the impact he had on mine. My Aunt Juanita could use our prayers. After 58 years of marriage and serving as his primary caregiver for the past 10 years, she is feeling a bit lost right now. Thank you for your faithful prayers.

Judy Reeves is slowly getting stronger and returning to her usual self. Once she fully recovers from the insertion of her new pacemaker, she should feel much better. I’ve also heard that Charlotte Holder is up and around! She has left her wheelchair behind and is now moving about with a walker. You just cannot keep a good woman down. In all these things—and in the many blessings not listed here—we give thanks to God for the miracles of healing at work in our lives.

This week, I have been reflecting on what it means to be part of the family of God. When I think about St. Matthew and my history here, my heart overflows with love and joy. God has blessed me greatly by making me part of this church family. You humble me with your love and service to one another, and you sustain me with your prayers and support. I pray you receive my sincere thanks for being the people of God, planted in East Fort Worth to serve the community that gathers under our roof and the neighbors who have not yet stepped inside. My heart is compelled to bring our neighbors to the church and to bring our church to the neighbors.

Love to all of you,
Mary

After Jesus was baptized, the Spirit led Him into the wilderness. For forty long days He fasted. No crowds. No miracles. Just rocks, wind, and hunger. Jesus was preparing for the work God had given Him to do.

That is when the devil came. He had a plan. If he could get Jesus to doubt who He was, or take the easy way, he might stop God’s work before it even began.

“You’re hungry,” the devil said. “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
Jesus answered, “It is written: One does not live by bread alone.”

Then the devil took Him higher. “Throw yourself down. God will protect you.”
Jesus replied, “It is written: Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”

One more time the devil tried. “All the kingdoms of the world can be yours.”
Jesus said firmly, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only Him” (Matthew 4:1–11).

Jesus could have chosen the easy way. He could have shown His power. But He chose trust instead. And when the devil realized he could not turn Jesus away, he left.

During Lent, we remember that the easy way is not always God’s way. What will you choose when the shortcut looks easier than the right path?

What We Learned

• Temptation often offers an easy way out.
• God’s Word helps us make wise choices.
• Trust is stronger than shortcuts.
• Lent is a time to practice choosing God’s way.

ASH WEDNESDAY—6:00 p.m. tonight—if you are reading this the day it arrives—begins “the journey to the cross.”

Why come to worship tonight?

Lent is about giving our time and attention to Jesus Christ in a sacrificial way for 40 days. Is it convenient to come to church on a Wednesday evening? No. Of course not.

That’s the point.
That’s where the sacrifice comes in.

Brief message tonight: “No Pain, No Gain.”

We will receive the ashes of repentance and kneel at the altar for prayer.

Our journey in the footsteps of Jesus, as he moves toward the cross, begins.

Ash Wednesday—6:00 p.m.

This Sunday

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

Mary was scheduled to preach, but her 100-year-old uncle passed away, and she will be traveling to West Texas for the funeral. Our love goes with her. She will be with us tonight for Ash Wednesday.

My sermon on Sunday will ask the question: Why doesn’t God do it the easy way?

God could make Himself known to everyone in the world in an instant.
One shout from heaven and a great light display would do it.

But God does not do that.

Why?

Sermon Sunday: Why Not the Easy Way?

The choir will begin Lent with a bit of Mozart.

Pastor’s Class

At 9:45, we will consider the most challenging experience we have discussed yet. If this happened, the world simply does not work the way we think it does.

Breakfast

It’s another “We-Bring Sunday.”
Help make it a good time of food and fellowship.
Thank you for helping.

10:30—before worship.

Prayer List

Please add Judy Reeves to our prayer list. Joe and Joe Christian Adams took John Reeves to a doctor’s appointment on Monday. While there, Judy developed a heart issue. As of Monday evening, she is at Medical City Arlington awaiting test results.

John and Judy have had more than their share lately. Please keep them in your prayers.

God Bless,
revmaxb@tx.rr.com

See you tonight?
Sunday?
This is a beautiful season in which we center our lives on the Center of our lives.

Greetings! I pray this newsletter finds you well and at peace.

I ask for your prayers this week as I travel to Lubbock on Friday for the funeral of my 100-year-old uncle, Francis “Mule” Cox. He passed peacefully late Sunday, and we will celebrate his life on Saturday morning. I am looking forward to sharing stories about this man who has been an anchor in my life and a steady source of love and acceptance. I will tell you more when I return, but I recently learned that he served in the Navy during World War II. I am grateful for a church family that lifts one another in prayer.

I am also thankful for a church family that puts action behind those prayers. Thank you to Mrs. Jo Adams for driving the Reaves family to the doctor and helping with all that went along with that visit. Please continue to pray for John and Judy Reaves as they face ongoing health concerns. I am grateful for those who prepared and delivered meals over the past two weeks. I give thanks for children who step in to support parents, and for siblings who stand beside one another during difficult seasons. I thank God every day for the men and women who care for our church building and campus, keeping it welcoming and well-maintained. God is so good to us, and God is so good through us, as we strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to one another.

Ash Wednesday services will be held at 6:00 p.m. on February 18. I look forward to this time of humility and confession as we prepare our hearts for the days of Lent ahead.

My love to you all,
Mary