OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE: OPEN THE DOOR

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in…you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. – Ephesians 3:17-19 (MSG)

The simple question is will you open the door today?

Jesus said:

Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you. Conquerors will sit alongside me at the head table – Revelation 3:20-21 (MSG)

I guess the better question is WHY WOULDN’T we open the door?

I was reminded of this scripture yesterday as our local Pastor Mark shared it in service and I am grateful he refreshed it for me. I often quote the passage that follows it, Ephesians 3:20; just did during a Saturday event with some new friends from Tabernacle Baptist on Dayton’s West Side in fact, but I often neglect those PROCEEDING promises; miss that PROCEEDING POWER!

Just by opening the door WE can:

Experience the EXTRAVAGANT dimensions of GOD’S LOVE!

Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God's love encompasses us completely. ... He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. – Uchtdorf

Just by opening the door we can experience Jesus in supernatural ways as Pastor Mark surmised. That this love will not just fill us, but STRETCH us to experience LIFE and LOVE on a new plane, in a new dimension!

And once Jesus enters our door, once He takes His place at the table of our hearts and spirits, He calls us CONQUERERS!

Why?

Because that is PROMISE of HIS love for us, this extravagant love!!

…we have complete victory through God, who has shown his love for us. Yes, I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not death, life, angels, or ruling spirits. I am sure that nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us or nothing below us—nothing in the whole created world—will ever be able to separate us from the love God has shown us in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (ERV)

So, let me ask ONE more time.

Are you ready to open the door today?

Why wouldn't you?

Who Is Like The Lord