February 20th, 2021
by Denee Bowers
by Denee Bowers

Jesus in the Desert
Saturday, February 20
Matthew 4:1-11
Fasting is a spiritual discipline taught throughout the Bible. As we learn in the books of Ezra and Judges, fasting can be used to strengthen prayer and to seek God’s guidance. Matthew 4 demonstrates that fasting is a powerful tool for overcoming temptation and growing closer with God.
Jesus was led by God into the wilderness. No one forced him there; he willingly followed. Fasting wasn’t easy for Jesus and it isn’t easy for us. Jesus experienced real hunger and was thrice tempted by the devil.
Sometimes when we step out in faith and commit to follow God, the enemy finds ways to make us second guess ourselves. The first time I started really giving financially to a church, a sense of great concern fell over me as I wondered what might happen if I needed that money later and regretted my tithe. I’ve found in life that most times I take a giant step toward God, the enemy will arrive to plant seeds of doubt. This is all part of the process of Lent. After seeing this cadence play out time and time again, I know to expect it and to remain steadfast. If you’re making a meaningful sacrifice this Lent, I want to assure you that it won’t be easy. But, I can also promise you it will be worth it.
Reflection by Judith Rowland
Saturday, February 20
Matthew 4:1-11
Fasting is a spiritual discipline taught throughout the Bible. As we learn in the books of Ezra and Judges, fasting can be used to strengthen prayer and to seek God’s guidance. Matthew 4 demonstrates that fasting is a powerful tool for overcoming temptation and growing closer with God.
Jesus was led by God into the wilderness. No one forced him there; he willingly followed. Fasting wasn’t easy for Jesus and it isn’t easy for us. Jesus experienced real hunger and was thrice tempted by the devil.
Sometimes when we step out in faith and commit to follow God, the enemy finds ways to make us second guess ourselves. The first time I started really giving financially to a church, a sense of great concern fell over me as I wondered what might happen if I needed that money later and regretted my tithe. I’ve found in life that most times I take a giant step toward God, the enemy will arrive to plant seeds of doubt. This is all part of the process of Lent. After seeing this cadence play out time and time again, I know to expect it and to remain steadfast. If you’re making a meaningful sacrifice this Lent, I want to assure you that it won’t be easy. But, I can also promise you it will be worth it.
Reflection by Judith Rowland
Recent
The Void of Grief | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 10
March 14th, 2025
Inked in Memory | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 9
March 13th, 2025
Cycles of Life and Death | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 8
March 12th, 2025
Lurking in the Shadows | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 7
March 11th, 2025
When Sadness Lingers | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 6
March 10th, 2025
Archive
2025
January
Happy New Year // M-Note 1.4.2025Cancel the Noise // M-Note 1.11.25Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 1The Beloved Community // M-Note 01.18.2025Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 2What A Coincidence // M-Note 1.25.25Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 3Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 4The Original Influencer // M-Note 2.1.25
February
The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 1Exploring New Sites…And You’re Invited // M-Note 2.8.25The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 2Uncovering Implicit Bias // M-Note 2.15.2025A "Flurry" of Activity // M-Note 2.22.25The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 3The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 4
March
Beloved Community Action Steps // M-Note 3.1.25Vulnerability & Wilderness | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 1Trusting the Spirit's Lead | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 2Courageous Connection | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 3What's Your Emotional IQ? // M-Note 3.8.25The Spaces Between Us | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 4Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 1Jesus Weeps With You | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 5When Sadness Lingers | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 6Lurking in the Shadows | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 7Cycles of Life and Death | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 8Inked in Memory | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 9The Void of Grief | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 10
2024
January
Clean Slate: Week 1 Discussion GuideStarting & Sustaining Change // M-Note 1.6.24Clean Slate: Week 2 Discussion GuideStarting Small, Dreaming Big // M-Note 1.13.24Clean Slate: Week 3 Discussion GuideTogether Towards Change...and Healthy Habits // M-Note 1.20.24Clean Slate: Week 4 Discussion GuideSlowing Down for God to Show Up // M-Note 1.27.24
February
More Isn't Always Better // M-Note 2.3.24Money Talks: Week 1 Discussion GuideAshes for Valentine's Day? // M-Note 2.10.24Money Talks: Week 2 Discussion GuideLenten Devotional 2024Money Talks: Week 3 Discussion GuideWhat's your legacy? // M-Note 2.17.24Strength in Numbers: Community in Ministry // M-Note 2.24.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week One
March
Entourage Discussion Guide - Week TwoUpdates from Clayton and Easter Invitation // M-Note 3.2.24Twenty Students Confirmed Last Sunday // M-Note 3.9.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week 3How serving at Easter can really make a difference // M-Note 3.16.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week 4Can You Know Joy Without Pain? // M-Note 3.23.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week 5It's time for EasterSTL at The Factory // M-Note 3.28.24
April
Easter Discussion GuideScreen Time: Troubleshooting our Relationship with Technology // M-Note 4.6.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 1Springtime Reminders: Joy Comes with the Morning // M-Note 4.13.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 2Shaping the Future at the UMC General Conference // M-Note 4.20.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 3 General Conference Halftime Report// M-Note 4.27.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 4
May
Very Good News at the End of General Conference//M-Note 5.4.24Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 1Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 2Announcing The Gathering’s Church Planters Lab//M-Note 5.11.24My (Hypothetical) Commencement Address // M-Note 5.18.24Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 3Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 4
June
July
September
Worth Sharing Discussion Guide - Week 1Transitioning...to 47 // M-Note 9.7.24Worth Sharing Discussion Guide - Week 2Invitations Work in Mysterious Ways // M-Note 9.14.24Students Stepping Up: Getting Involved in Ministry // M-Note 9.21.24Worth Sharing Discussion Guide - Week 3A Stressful Season // M-Note 9.28.24Worth Sharing Discussion Guide - Week 4
October
It Doesn't Have to Be This Way // M-Note 10.5.24Hold These Truths Discussion Guide - Week 1Love Thy Political Neighbor // M-Note 10.11.2024Hold These Truths Discussion Guide - Week 2Fear is a Powerful Motivator // M-Note 10.19.24Hold These Truths Discussion Guide - Week 3Why Do Bad Things Happen? // M-Note 10.26.24Why? Discussion Guide - Week 1
No Comments