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Text Box: February is known as the most depressing month of the year. This reputation comes from some of the following facts about February. It is the time of year when most people start tiring of the cold weather and spring seems far away. The holiday of February is St. Valentine’s Day, which is depressing for the majority of the population. Some get depressed in February because the bills from Christmas spending need to be paid. In addition to seasonal issues that arise at this time of year, we may face health issues, family challenges or financial strains that can be discouraging. I have had many recent conversations with people in our church who are facing difficult situations. While Christians face as many challenges in life as people without faith in Jesus, the way we face difficulties should be uniquely faith influenced. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt 11:28-30) If you are facing some challenges this month, take some time to reflect with me on these words of Jesus. First, we are to heed the invitation of Jesus, ‘Come to me.’ Too many of us are inclined to seek entertainment, turn to drink, or believe a doctor alone can help us, when what we really need is to ‘come to Jesus.’ Second, the invitation of Jesus is to the ‘weary and burdened.’ which is all to common in our fast paced culture. It is a

Text Box: shame that our culture looks at eastern meditation and yoga as way for the ‘weary and burdened’ to find rest. Jesus has been offering rest to the weary for 2000 years. Third, Jesus’ offer is that we take his ‘yoke.’ Living where we do, I’m sure many of us have never seen a yoke and most of us would not know what to do with it if we did see one. A yoke is a wooden beam that is used by a pair of oxen when pulling a heavy load. The picture that Jesus is painting is that he wants to come along side us when we are weighed down with a heavy burden. Jesus is not just offering a wooden beam, he is offering to team up with us so that his strength will help us carry our burdens. Prayer is the key here. As we bring our burdens to Jesus, we realize that we are not alone in the battle. Jesus may fix a problem in response to our prayers or he may strengthen us so that we can make it through the trial. Either way, being yoked to Jesus is an offer almost too good to be true. I hope you have a great February without all the challenges mentioned in this article. If things go well, represent Jesus as a yoke bearer to someone who is hurting. If February brings challenges your way, take some time praying through Matthew 11:28-30. Our challenges may become the times in life when Jesus is most precious and when our faith grows stronger. May February be a time for us to know the blessing of sharing a yoke with Jesus. -Pastor Rick

Text Box: Taking Our Burdens to Jesus

Music and Worship	2
Journey to the Potters House	2
Faith & Reason	2
February Events at Fort Lee Gospel	3
2012 Goals for Our Church	3
St. Valentine’s Day	4
February Calendar

Text Box: Gospel News