Closed and Open Gates

Closed and Open Gates

Acts 16: ⁶ Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. ⁷ When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. ⁸ So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. ⁹ During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” ¹⁰ After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

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“Keep the gate closed” were the words directed to me. “Yeah” was my response. Our house was not in the middle of the block, but if someone wanted a short cut, this yard was a good choice.

After riding my bike I ran into the house, leaving it on the side of the house. The next morning I wanted to ride. I noticed the bike missing and the gate wide open. I had forgotten to put the bike away and close the gate.

• There have been times when I left something open and allowed the wrong element to come in.
• There have been times when I went to a gate and it was closed, so I could not get in.
• There have been times when I went to another gate and it was opened to me by the owner.

Paul and his companions traveled throughout one region, preaching about JESUS with much success. But when they reached one area, the HOLY SPIRIT prevented them from entering. JESUS did not want them to enter a specific area. They passed by the area. Paul then received a vision to help a specific city. He went, ready to preach the gospel.

• GOD wants me to listen to the HOLY SPIRIT.
• GOD wants me to be ready to stay where HE sent me or to leave when HE tells me to.
• GOD wants me to be ready with the gospel of JESUS.

Being led by the HOLY SPIRIT is a wonderful opportunity. Getting direction from GOD to tell people about HIS SON is an amazing thing to be part of. JESUS gives me this opportunity time and time again.

HE sends me to people and wants me ready to speak about HIM. Unfortunately, there will be places GOD has closed off to hearing about HIM. HE sends me to hearts that can hear. I am grateful GOD has included me in HIS purpose.

• Are you being sent but are facing opposition?
• Are you ready and prepared to speak about JESUS at a moment’s notice?
• Will you listen to the HOLY SPIRIT and go where HE leads you and stay away from the places HE does not want you?

Shut Door

Matthew 25: “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. ² Five of them were foolish and five were wise. ³ The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. ⁴ The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. ⁵ The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

⁶ “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’

⁷ “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. ⁸ The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’

⁹ “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’

¹⁰ “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

¹¹ “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’

¹² “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’

¹³ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

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“Where did I put my keys?” I asked myself frantically. It seemed like it took forever to find them! I sped off only to hit some unanticipated traffic near the parking lot. One novice in front of me could not figure out how to simply get the ticket to enter the lot. “Come on!” I screamed in my car. I ran to the gate only to see them shut the door of the plane. My boss was on that plane.

• There have been times I was not prepared.
• There have been days when I made costly mistake with my time.
• There have been situations that I did not anticipate and found out I was left behind.

Preparing for the next day got introduced to me the hard way when I missed that plane, but what about preparing for the “next life?” JESUS tells a story that implies HIS return would take a long time and many would “fall asleep” instead of being prepared.

• GOD wants me to be prepared to tell people about HIS SON on a daily basis.
• GOD wants me to be prepared to die and see HIS face every day.
• GOD wants me to be prepared for JESUS to return so I need to serve people on a daily basis.

“I will serve GOD after I ” is a crazy thought. I will never have enough money, time or health to serve GOD, so why not do it now! GOD wants me when I am busy, distracted and worried. HE wants me to see life’s delays as opportunities to pray for those around me. I should always be prepared!

• Are you prepared to see GOD today?
• Are you prepared to answer questions about JESUS if someone asked you about your relationship with HIM?
• Are you prepared to die and live an eternal life with, or worse, without GOD?

Curiously walk right through the door

Revelation 3: ⁸ I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

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Trembling, I sat in the waiting area ready to meet the group of executives and reviewing my background in my mind. When they brought me in I felt at ease and we had a good conversation until they asked me “that” question. “How do you feel about downsizing half the staff here?” “Rotten” was the answer. Immediately I saw the door shut and that opportunity went away.

• Sometimes I build up expectations in my mind and I get slammed down to earth with reality.
• Sometimes I want something so bad only to find I can’t have it and I get disappointed.
• Sometimes I try for the prize only to realize my efforts weren't good enough.

Disappointment places a fork in the road for me. Either I am going to become “discouraged” which will lead to me not listening to GOD or I will choose to be “curious” which leads to life. Of course GOD wants me to choose the latter of the two.

• When I am curious about GOD I seek what HE is all about.
• When I am curious about GOD I look for HIS desires.
• When I am curious about GOD I search for HIS people, HIS ways, HIS situations no matter how much strength I have.

JESUS said “I am the door.” HE also said “What I open no one can shut and what I shut no one can open.” HE has opened the door for me so many times and all I had to do was walk through it. HE shuts the door on my evil desires and opens the door to a path that leads to life.

GOD knows me. HE knows what little strength I have and HE is pleased with my pitiful efforts to serve HIM. HE places the door in front of me and HE wants me to be curious enough to walk through it. My curiosity of HIM grows my faith.

• Have you already made up your mind that GOD can’t use you?
• Is your heart so filled with stone that you cannot follow HIM anymore?
• Are you still curious about HIS ways or do you think you know it all?
• Won’t you seek HIS new adventure or are you convinced you are at the end of the road?