Continuing Opportunity!

Doors. Some are for the purpose of keeping in while others are for keeping out, depending on which side of the door the lock is placed. There are doors marked “Enter Only” or “Exit Only” while still others swing both ways. Then there are doors which are kept locked at all times while others remain open all hours of the day. In general, DOORS PROVIDE ACCESS; at least while they are open.

Note the following encouragement to the church in Philadelphia.
“(7) And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, WHO OPENS AND NO ONE WILL SHUT, WHO SHUTS AND NO ONE OPENS. (8) I know your works. Behold, I HAVE SET BEFORE YOU AN OPEN DOOR, WHICH NO ONE IS ABLE TO SHUT. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.’” (Revelations 3:7-8 ESV)

There are doors associated with the work of the Lord and His kingdom. Paul recognized a “wide door for effective work” that had opened for him in Ephesus. ( 1 Corinthians 16:8-9) There was an occasion when Paul had a door opened to him in Troas, but because of his concern for finding Titus, he went on to Macedonia. ( 2 Corinthians 2:12) Paul also requested the prayers of others for a door for the word to be opened even while he was in prison. ( Colossians 4:3)

There are doors that may be open for a while and those opportunities need to be seized then. Other doors may close to redirect efforts another direction. Then there are doors of opportunity that may remain open, that even though some may try to close them, they cannot be closed because God is keeping them open; at least for now. Through the ages, individuals and governments have attempted to close the door God has opened for ENTERING THE LORD’S KINGDOM ( Matthew 21:31 and 23:13), but people have CONTINUED ENTERING anyway. However, a time will come when the door will be closed. (note Matthew 25:10-13)

The church in Philadelphia was encouraged that the Lord was aware of their works. Even though this church may not have been very large or appeared strong, through their faithfulness to the Word and the Name of Jesus, they were being provided with an OPEN DOOR that no one would be able to shut. What wonderful encouragement during a time of great persecution. May we also remain true to the Word and be willing to continue acknowledging the Lordship of Jesus by word of mouth and by the manner in which we live our life as we accept the opportunities opened before us to direct others to the Lord for ENTRANCE INTO HIS ETERNAL KINGDOM.

Have a great day DIRECTING OTHERS TO ETERNITY’S DOOR!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Opportunity