The CrossRoads Connection: Open Door, Open Window
Hello again my friends and neighbors. We are from the country. Sis Cathy and I grew up about 10 miles from each other. We both grew up by the river. So, we both lived by the levee.
In the country, there is always something to do. Play outside till dark, ride bicycles, play on the levee, catch lighting bugs. We would play outside all day! We had chores to do, hanging out clothes on the line, taking them in later that day, helping with housework, mowing the yard, raking the leaves, and anything mom or dad came up with. Growing up in the country was great!
Before CD’s and blue rays and cassette or 8-track or even FM, we had an AM radio and listened to the local radio star, Cleat Stanfield, KCRV. Pemiscot County is where my life’s journey began. Having been raised at Cottonwood Point, attending McCarty R3, and later Caruthersville, I have an affinity with the flatland of the Bootheel of Missouri and its unique beauties and challenges. One of the things I really like about this area, you can watch the sun rise and set all the way to the horizon. We watch every morning as the sun peeks over the Eastern horizon and we behold the waking of a new dawn, a sunrise. Then after a long day of completing our tasks and chores, we have the privilege here in this flatland, to enjoy the sun slowly slipping away and watching as we get the last glimpse of the closing of a day.
We were out in the open. Sunrise to Sunset! We would open the doors and windows and let the cool night air blow through the house. God also loves to open things for us! I believe we have been given a new open season, a new open door, a new open window!
Rev 3:7-8 And to the angel of the Church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it:
The Revelation of Jesus Christ which John wrote is a vision, of the future of the church and the world. Paul addressed this to the seven churches of Asia. Much of his writing is about things being opened and things being closed. Doors and vials and windows and bowls and wrath and judgement. My focus this week has been on the open doors and windows in the scripture.
Apostle Paul would write to the Church at Corinth:
1Co 16:9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
Then to the Church of Colossians: Col 4:3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
So, things being opened means I can gain entrance and others can gain entrance. When something is open, things can move through freely. Like opening a checking account, put money in, take money out or opening a can or a bottle, put things in, take thing out.
Then Paul continues, 2 Co 2:12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, So, he was able to do ministry in these places because things were opened for him!
When someone helps you get a job, puts a good word in for you, we call that opening a door. How many know Jesus has opened a door into eternity for us, and He can open a door for us in this community, on a job, in our business or in our family!
But by the same way, Jesus can close doors.
You may wonder why you struggle in finance: Mal 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Maybe the door is open, and you keep closing it! Could be you struggle with church and God because you don’t make the commitment to follow Him!
Luke 13:23-25 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive, to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not!
Sometimes we can’t make up our minds and we keep coming in and out. My momma always told me, “Get in or get out, don’t fan the door!”
Rev 3:14-15 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works (your heart), that thou art neither cold nor hot:
Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Then finally: Mat 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
Jesus is knocking on your heart’s door today! Will you answer and invite Him into your heart today? I pray you do! It is an open season!
Till next week, Pastor Danny Neal