Weekly News & Happenings
The Door To Joy
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelations 3:20 KJV).
Jesus is inviting us to have an intimate relationship with him. Knowing that Jesus wants to eat a meal and have fellowship with us should give us great feelings of joy and a lasting peace.
The Bible tells us that joy is a gift from God. Psalm 68:3-5 says, the “godly should rejoice and be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy” (NLT).
However, for a long time I wasn’t feeling the joy and did not know how to find it. Perhaps you struggle with this, too. Along the way, I have discovered that knowledge of Jesus’ desire to be with us and His wonderous saving grace is not enough.
Opening the door to Jesus is not a one-time event. It requires an active and continuous effort on my part every day. I must open the door to Jesus daily. I must work at building a relationship with Him, just as I must with my friends here on earth.
This was awkward for me at first. It was like talking to a stranger. I didn’t really “know” Jesus until I studied the Bible to learn about Him and then spent time with Him. As time went on, our morning conversations became easier. I ask for His forgiveness, strength, and guidance. We plan my day. We acknowledge our love for each other. His love is my joy.
I admit that my personal struggles and the troubles of this present world can lead me down into feelings of despair and disillusionment. To avoid a downward spiral, I turn my attention to God’s promises. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 WEB).
We have troubles in this life, but “God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested” (James 1:12 CEV).
It is not easy to be joyous with the troubles and hardships we all experience. Inner peace and joy are only possible through a relationship with Jesus. We have to work on it one day at a time.
Someday, we will be with Jesus. The Bible says you will “go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and the trees of the field will clap their hands” (Isaiah 55:12 NIV). Now that is the Joy worth pursuing!
-Marty McCormick is the program manager of the Rise Up Village Bakery, a ministry of the United Churches of Lycoming County. Marty and his wife, Wendy, are members of the Oval Church.
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Walking with God for March 31, 2024
The following institutional services are arranged for, and reported by, United Churches of Lycoming County:
Sunday:
Lycoming County Prison, 1:45 and 3:15 p.m., Mr. Anthony and Mrs. Tammey Edkin,
First Church of Christ (Disciples), Williamsport.
Williamsport South, 2 p.m., Ms. Tracey Mulcahy, St. Paul-Calvary United Methodist Church, Williamsport.
Valley View Nursing Home, 2 p.m., Mr. Kelly Erhard, Bethel United Methodist Church, Montoursville.
We Care of Loyalsock, 2 p.m., Lay Minister Marion Hadley, Faith United Methodist Church, Montoursville.
Williamsport North, 2:15 p.m., Rev. Jeff LeCrone, St. Luke Lutheran Church, Williamsport.
Rose View Center, 2:15 p.m., Mr. Jerry Webb, AME Zion Church, Williamsport.
Williamsport Home, 3 p.m., None scheduled.
Pre-Release Center, 3:30 p.m., None scheduled.
Services during the week include:
Heritage Springs, 10 a.m. Tuesday, None scheduled.
Leighton Place, 2 p.m. Tuesday, None scheduled.
Presbyterian Home, 11 a.m. Thursday, None scheduled.
On the radio:
Radio Services are provided by the following congregations:
8:30 a.m. (Saturday) Jersey Shore Assembly of God, WJSA 96.3 FM.
9:30 a.m. (Sunday) Community Baptist Church, Montoursville, WJSA 96.3 FM.
9 a.m. (Sunday) Pine Street United Methodist Church, Williamsport, WWPA 1340 AM/101.7 FM., WILQ HD3
Rise up Bakery will be closed March 31st – April 6th
Shepherd of the Streets office will be closed Marh 27 – April 3rd
United Churches office will be closed April 1 (no fooling)
Bus seats and show tickets are still available for Sight and Sound
- April 9th: Sight and Sound Bus Trip to see “Daniel”
- Call the office for more information: 570 – 322 – 1110