First Sunday in Lent
Not to Lead But to Be Led?
"Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." Matthew 4:1

On the front of every Sunday bulletin we print our church's mission statement, "To Be a Spirit Filled Community, Caring for All."  I love that we begin with the words, "Spirit Filled."  They aren't words that are always associated with typical Lutheran congregations.  You may be more likely to hear words like grace, faith,  and mercy,  -all great words to be sure- but "Spirit Filled" tends to be associated more with churches from the Assembly of God tradition, for example.  And yet, if you read the scriptures, the guiding presence of the Spirit is there from beginning to end.  If we aren't, in some sense, "Spirit Filled," then what are we?  It is the Spirit that sets us apart from the many other organizations we are involved with.

It's interesting that the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to face the trials he needed to face.  But at the same time, the Spirit was present to guide him through.  What Spirit led trials have you had to face?  How did the Spirit lead you through?  How did your life change as a result?  We may never fully understand the guidance of the Spirit, but if we faithfully trust the Spirit's work, God will lead us to the place we need to be.  Today, pray that you may be once again be "Spirit Filled," to carry on the work God's Spirit leads you to do.