I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name – Rev 3:8
Happy New Year Church family! What a blessed, meaningful and awesome Christmas and New Year celebrations we've had. May the Lord bless all your labor of love in an abundant way to yield much more fruits in 2024.
As the Anchor verse above paints, Church at Philadelphia had Jesus Himself not just open the door but holding it open for them to step in or rather ‘step up’ as I would call.
This has been a faithful Church that did not deny God’s Name and obeyed God’s Word in the midst of strong temptations and suffering. So, it’s natural for us to think of the ‘door’ as a reward for their passion and perseverance. Really? Jesus is no Santa Clause to make ‘Nice’ or ‘Naughty’ list for reward or rejection. Yes, its time for little appreciation and encouragement but it’s not yet time for reward or rest. Our work is not complete until we are with our Lord and Savior in eternity. Until then, there is no ‘cruise mode’ Christianity.
Rev 14:13 that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.
We’ll rest when we get to be in the presence of the Lord in eternity. Until then, the time is here and now to toil for His Kingdom so that we can rest forever with HIM in eternity rejoicing in the fruits of our labor here. Until then, every new door is a new opportunity to honor and glorify God in and through all that awaits us on the other side of the door. It may be a door of spiritual, material, emotional, intellectual or whatever growth or challenge it is, certainly it’s more of a higher calling which in a sense is a reward in itself.
When we are faithful in the little things of daily life, God continues to open more doors to ‘step up’ and 'step in’ at a different level. Note that God knew they only have ‘little strength’ left. The church had many opponents. False teachers, Judaizers, and Satan himself against the small group of believers. Maybe they lost the much strength they started with in their struggles and fights along the way. Still, God calls them to ‘step up and step in’ to the door with whatever ‘little strength’ left.
Likewise, God has open doors of opportunity for you and me in 2024. And, this is not the first time HE is doing it. How was your obedience in taking the doors of opportunity in the past and how will it be in 2024?
You and I can never stop God holding the door open but we can stand still and refuse to enter. You don’t need to be a very strong Christian to step in and begin. You only need ‘little strength’ to do that! When you do, you’ll meet Jesus on the other side with a new anointing, new power, new blessing, and new Name (Rev 3:12).
In 2024, May your zeal for Spiritual breakthrough be greater than anything else you've planned. In 2024, Would you dare to breach your inhibitions and ‘Step up’ your spiritual walk?
Matt 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Have a Blessed, Joyful and Prosperous day, week, month and Year 2024!
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