In Acts 16, Paul and Silas and later Timothy are visiting churches through Syria, Cilicia, Derbe, Lystra, Phrygia and Galatia. As they were to go further, into Asia, the Holy Spirit forbid them. Coming to Mysia, they were forbidden to enter Bithynia, so they came to Troas. There, Paul received a night vision, a plea to come to Macedonia.
"Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord," (2 Corinthians 2: 12)
"For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries." (1 Corinthians 16: 9)
"And when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles." (Acts 14: 27)
"meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, ..." (Colossians 4: 3)
"But ... some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the way ..." (Acts 19: 9)
We make plans to go somewhere and may actually arrive, but then an opportunity to go elsewhere arises.
Sometimes we think as we travel along the path the Lord has purposed for us that wherever we go it is right, but that isn't always so. Sometimes doors we think should open never do. We do not understand why. But there is a reason. When we are focused on the Lord and stay focused on Him and just rely on Him alone, we will discover that the door we are to enter will open when the time is right.
Focusing and staying focused and total reliance on Him alone -- so easy to say, so hard to achieve, but we must make the effort ... to grow.
"... I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness." (Psalm 84:10)
Showing posts with label doorkeeper. Show all posts
Showing posts with label doorkeeper. Show all posts
Monday, May 4, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Set a guard ... keep watch
"Set a guard O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips." (Psalm 141:3)
"He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction." (Proverbs 13:3)
"Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles." (Proverbs 21:23)
"... I will guard my ways, Lest I sin with my tongue; ..." (Psalm 39:1)
"For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body." (James 3:2)
I never thought of my mouth as being a door, but things go in and out, so the correlation is reasonable.
Not so sure God has guarded that "door" -- I do know I often speak wrongly. Or even if what I say is correct, from another's perspective it appears wrong.
Sometimes I think if we said nothing, just went on our way, there would be less grief, but that's probably inaccurate too.
How could we possibly pray before each formed thought becomes spoken and the words rush out?
Why do so many hold so much against another?
No one is perfect. We all stumble.
Even you who think you're above reproach, who think you've chosen your words wisely and suggest ways another could do better. Even you.
We can only remember the truths God has given us, instilled in us; renew our minds to stay obedient to His will; pray diligently for His aid and instruction; continually abide with Him and in Him, as we strive to be what He desires of us and for us.
"... I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness." (Psalm 84:10)
"He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction." (Proverbs 13:3)
"Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles." (Proverbs 21:23)
"... I will guard my ways, Lest I sin with my tongue; ..." (Psalm 39:1)
"For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body." (James 3:2)
I never thought of my mouth as being a door, but things go in and out, so the correlation is reasonable.
Not so sure God has guarded that "door" -- I do know I often speak wrongly. Or even if what I say is correct, from another's perspective it appears wrong.
Sometimes I think if we said nothing, just went on our way, there would be less grief, but that's probably inaccurate too.
How could we possibly pray before each formed thought becomes spoken and the words rush out?
Why do so many hold so much against another?
No one is perfect. We all stumble.
Even you who think you're above reproach, who think you've chosen your words wisely and suggest ways another could do better. Even you.
We can only remember the truths God has given us, instilled in us; renew our minds to stay obedient to His will; pray diligently for His aid and instruction; continually abide with Him and in Him, as we strive to be what He desires of us and for us.
"... I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness." (Psalm 84:10)
Friday, May 1, 2009
I would rather be a doorkeeper
Of all that is evil ... past, present and to come: "For a day in your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness." (Psalm 84:10)
Genesis 4:7 -- "If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door and its desire is for you, but you should rule over it."
Cain was angry and upset that the Lord did not accept his offering like He did his brother Abel. So Cain killed his brother.
Second best to the Lord is not good enough. Giving only enough to get by is presenting a wrong heart attitude. When in reality you really don't care about God or what He has to say to you, sin has already taken root in your heart and you have caved in to its evilness.
Jesus is the door. He stands ready and waiting for you ... will you enter into His courts ... ?
Genesis 4:7 -- "If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door and its desire is for you, but you should rule over it."
Cain was angry and upset that the Lord did not accept his offering like He did his brother Abel. So Cain killed his brother.
Second best to the Lord is not good enough. Giving only enough to get by is presenting a wrong heart attitude. When in reality you really don't care about God or what He has to say to you, sin has already taken root in your heart and you have caved in to its evilness.
Jesus is the door. He stands ready and waiting for you ... will you enter into His courts ... ?
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