Keep The Door Open

Do you keep the door open at your house? This time of year I believe it’s safe to say you don’t. Cold wind and icy weather doesn’t sound very comfy-cozy in your living room. But did you know God wishes for us to keep the door open all of the time?

I’m not talking about the physical door at the front of your house. I’m talking about the door of fellowship that leads into your life. Revelation 3:20 says,

“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.”

Over the last few weeks in the Back to Basics series, we have looked at the importance of spending time in God’s Word and in prayer. Our time alone with God is foundational to growing in the admonition of the Lord, and changing the culture around us.

But our goal as believers is not to formulate the perfect devotional time, but to develop a devotional life--keep the door open all day long. Jesus is pleading with you. He wants to come into your life--your home, school, job--He wants to fellowship with you all day long. He doesn’t want to be forgotten when you go to work. He does not want to leave when you go out with your friends.

He is knocking.

Will you let him in?

Will you let Him stay?

Here are a few things that have helped me to keep the door of fellowship open to Christ throughout the day.

1. Practice His Presence

There is something so sweet about realizing that Jesus is with you at this moment. He is ready and willing to talk to you and share the blessings of his heart.

Psalm 16:11 says, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand are pleasures evermore.”

When you are at work or busily going about at home, imagine that Jesus is there with you. Picture him sitting on the couch across from you as you pray. Picture him leaning over your shoulder whispering into your ear every word from the pages of Scripture you are reading. Wherever you are acknowledge Him and keep the conversation going.

2. Quote Scripture Throughout the Day.

Nothing fills our home with the presence of God more than Scripture being quoted aloud. It adds such a sweet spirit that brings about an atmosphere of worship and praise to God. It sets up a stronghold of defense that seems to encompass our family and keep the “adversary the devil” at bay.

Remember, when you recite God’s word you are starting a conversation. It is not just ritualistic memorization, but a conversation with God that illuminates truth into your life.

Psalms 119:105-106 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

3. Turn Off Distractions - namely your phone or TV.

To be honest, I don’t know why they put ON/OFF buttons on phones anymore. Anyone still use them? I didn’t think so (myself included). We live so glued to all the fancies of a distracted world and then we wonder why we are so restless. In my book Restless: Finding Rest in a Restless World, which will be releasing this year, I talk about how we can get so enamored with the “extras” that we miss what really matters.

Turn off your TV, podcasts, put your phone on silent if you just cant bring yourself to do it--whatever it takes cut out the distractions and invite Christ into your fellowship. Shut out the noise around you and keep the door open to Him.