Knock, Knock, Knocking on My Door

February 23, 2019

DAILY READING

Revelation 3:14-22
This weekend’s reading: Revelation 3:14-22

FIELD NOTES
Bob Dylan wrote the hit song, Knock, Knock, Knocking on Heaven’s Door. John tells us that it is just the opposite.  Jesus is knocking on our doors. 
 
When I was on an Explorer Scout trip, our vehicle stopped to get some gas.  In the service station was a set of large three-dimensional postcards.  I purchased a large 3D postcard of Jesus standing at the door knocking.  Placing it on the wall of my room, it inspired me through my teen years many times.  Because of this postcard, I had a daily reminder of Jesus knocking on the door of my heart, for me to let him guide me throughout the day. 
 
The one part of the painting depicted on the card, that I did not notice until years later, is that the door in that picture does not have a handle.  Jesus cannot open the door.  Only we can open the door from the inside and let him inside our hearts.

QUESTIONS FROM THE FIELD

• What is on your schedule today? 
• In what ways is Jesus knocking on your heart asking you to let Him in to guide you through the day?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• Beginning with the youngest, have your children go on the other side of a closed door and knock.  Have another on the inside of the door say, “Come in.”  Repeat this until everyone has had a chance to play both parts.
• Repeat the same with the one on the outside of the door knocking, but this time, the one on the inside says nothing.
• Discuss how this might be like Jesus knocking on the doors of our lives and us inviting him inside.
• Discuss how this might be like Jesus knocking on the doors of our lives and we not inviting him inside.

PRAYER
Most loving gracious Lord, so often we feel we need to search, beg, and plead for your help, while all of the time you are knocking on the doors of our hearts and minds asking us to let you in to help us.  Lord, help us have our hearts totally open to you, so much that you never have to ask us to let you help us.  Lord, we place this day before you.  Have your way with us.  Guide us throughout all that we do.  In your gracious name, we pray. Amen.

Please also join us in prayer for the United Methodist Church General Conference in St. Louis this week (February 23-26). The Memorial Chapel will be open for prayer on Monday and Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.