Weekly Newsletter Feb. 18

First:
A bill collector knocked on the door of a country debtor. "Is Fred home?" he asked the woman who answered the door. "Sorry," the woman replied. "Fred's gone for cotton." 
 
The next day the collector tried again. "Is Fred here today?" "No, sir," she said, "I'm afraid Fred has gone for cotton." 
 
When he returned the third day he grumbled, "I suppose Fred is gone for cotton again?"
 
"No," the woman answered solemnly, "Fred died yesterday." 
 
Suspicious that he was being avoided, the collector decided to wait a week and investigate the cemetery himself. But sure enough, there was poor Fred's tombstone, with this inscription: "Gone, But Not for Cotton." 

Second:
A nurse on the pediatric ward, before listening to the little ones' chests would plug the stethoscope into their ears and let them listen to their own hearts. Their eyes   would always light up with awe. But she never got a response to equal four year old David's. 
 
Gently he tucked the stethoscope in his ears and placed the disk over his heart. "Listen", she said, "What do you suppose that is?"
 
He drew his eyebrows together in a puzzled line and looked up as if lost in the mystery of the strange tap-tap-tapping deep in his chest. Then his face broke out in a wondrous grin. "Is that Jesus knocking?" he asked. 
 
What do these stories have in common? Knocking.
 
When you hear Jesus knocking on the door of your life, I suggest you pay attention and let him come in. Too often we rely on our own resources to get us by: our smarts, our skills, our education, our talent, our hard work, and many other things we have under our control. All the while, Jesus stands “knocking at the door,” ready and willing to help us, guide us, forgive us, strengthen us, and reassure us of the eternity of life. He desires to be our friend. Many times we ignore him, and don’t even care. But he is always there.
 
“Look, I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we still share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.

We are here to love God and all people so that all people may experience the

life-changing love of Jesus!

LOVE - We meet every weekend to experience God's love for us and show His love for others.

SERVE- We use our abilities, talents, skills, and passions for the good of others.

ENGAGE - We engage with friends to care for one another and to make new friends so they may experience God's kindness too. 

Dear Jesus, 
We often get so busy that we can't hear you knocking. We rely so heavily on our own resources that we don't even think how much stronger, wiser, and faithful you are. Help us listen for and to you. Send your Holy Spirit to inspire, empower, and guide us. Amen.

Roger L. Frederick, Lead Pastor