Many people mistakenly believe that God is demanding, domineering and oppressive—that he imposes his will on us. But today’s reading corrects this misperception.
Jesus knocks…and waits for us to answer. He doesn’t force his way in but patiently allows us to answer his call.
Some people spend their whole lives waiting to open the door for Christ. Why delay? When we throw open our hearts and allow Jesus into our lives, he draws near to us and shares our hopes, our sorrows, our joys and our wounds. He is the love that our heart longs for and the answer to all our desires.
Today, take a few minutes with Jesus. Open your heart to him. Invite him in.
For me, a more thought provoking reflection than I first realised. God has set up an interdependent relationship with humanity, to save humanity. We are all invited to contribute by allowing ourselves to be used as channels for His love. He sent His son, who by Example has shown us the way to the Father. He put His Spirit into each and every one of us to supply all the guidance, wisdom, resource and strength we will ever need. He gave us free will to choose our response to His call. I know God has a plan, He knows in unity with Him everything is achievable. All we have to do is say yes, open the door and invite Him to abide in us.
Intimacy with God: "As all men are touched by God's love, so all are also touched by the desire for His intimacy. No one escapes this longing; we are all kings in exile, miserable without the Infinite." Bl. Fulton Sheen
As I have mentioned yesterday God gave these Words to John to address these seven churches! To each one of churches, He gave the same warning, “Whoever has ears should listen to what the Holy Spirit says to the churches!” and the same promise, “Here is what I will do for anyone who has victory over sin!” when they repent (open the door)!!! *** To each of the churches, Jesus presented Himself with a difference image! To each church, Jesus mentioned something they have done right (with the exception of church of Laodicea) and something they have done wrong along with the same warning and promise! With the exception of the church of Laodicea :-( *** He never mentioned anything the Laodicean had done right just what they have done wrong in Revelation 3:15-16a, “I know what you are doing. I know you aren’t cold or hot. I wish you were either one or the other! But you are lukewarm. You aren’t hot or cold.” *** Jesus responded to their lukewarm hearts in Revelation 3:16b, “So I am going to spit you out of My mouth!” *** The reality of the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3:17, “You say, “I am rich. I’ve become wealthy and don’t need anything.” But you don’t realize how pitiful and miserable you have become. You are poor, blind and naked!” (Laodicea is famous for wealth because of the production of eye salve to treat a number of eye diseases and the its raven-black wool, which was especially soft, and for its textile industry) ******* Jesus is telling the church of Laodicea that *** If they think you are wealthy materially, you are poor spiritually! *** If you think you can see because you have medicine to cure eye diseases that you can see physically, you are blind spiritually! *** If you think you dress nicely on the outside, you are naked spiritually! ******* The church of Laodicea had never opened the door (repent) and received Jesus (Salvation) in Revelation 3:19-20, “I warn and correct those I love. So be sincere, and turn away from your sins. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in. I will eat with that person, and they will eat with Me!”
*** Individually, have you personally opened the door (repentance) and invite Jesus into your heart (eternal Salvation)?!?!?! *** Corporately, has your church opened the door (repentance that leads to victory over sin) and invite Jesus into your church (listen to what the Holy Spirit has to say)?!?!?! *** Are you or your church luke warm?!?!?! Just being a “Sunday Christian!”
In the spiritual life, if we want to be experts at prayer we need to pray. Spending quite time with scripture, with formal prayers, and with hearts open to GOD is the way to perfection. ln what area of your spiritual life do you need to be persistent ? JESUS, let me never give up hope that l can be a saint.
"Lord Jesus, come and stay with me. Fill my life with your peace, my home with your presence, and my heart with your praise. Help me to show kindness, mercy, and goodness to all, even to those who cause me ill-will or harm."
Love your comment and prayer today, Miguel. Thank you.
AMEN!
There is a painting depicting Jesus standing at a door and knocking and it has been noted that there is no knob on his side, it can only be opened from the inside. The door represents our heart and Jesus waits patiently to be invited in but there are some who don’t feel worthy to do so. By His very presence Jesus makes us worthy and by His mercy we are redeemed. When we invite Jesus into our hearts and into our lives , if we listen closely we can hear God’s word from Isaiah 43:1: “I have called you by name, you are mine.” Come Lord Jesus.
If we are not worthy to open the door, why are we given the doorknob? Don't be afraid to open the door!
Cheryl, praying for your Aunt Zita now. May the Lord’s light illuminate her path to Him and blessings to you as well. Amen.
"Throw open our heart and allow Jesus into our lives." Amen!
Thanks for sharing this Jonathon. How many times has he knocked and I haven’t heard or just didn’t open the door. Jesus allow me to hear you knocking today and have me answer the door to receive you, every time. Amen. Lifting Garrett, Vicky, Peggy and Jane / her mum today. Amen.
SandyK, I couldn't have said those words better. Amen!
Great reflection, Jonathan. I'm certain that I have not opened the door many times for lack of discernment. Lord, the door is already open to my heart.....please come in and guide my thoughts, words and actions to do Your will. Continued prayers for all LF family.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, as well as those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, in addition to all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen
Jesus never forces or imposes Himself upon us. Thanks for reminding us brother. When He knocks at our door, the onus is on us to recognize God's voice and to decide how we respond. The freedom He allows us is unmeasured. It is left to us to open up to Him or to keep that door closed for our own purposes and agendas. Man without God is nothing! God without man is still God! May we recognize God's voice as he calls us, and open the doors of our hearts to let Him have His way in us. O what Freedom we are given! Give us discernment Lord, to choose what is right over that which is wrong. Peace and blessings Living Faith Family and prayers for all with special intentions and needs. Have a blessed Tuesday.
Amen!
Amen.. today I will surely open my heart and let Jesus in... over and over...LFF, please pray for my 90 year old aunt, Zita who is now unresponsive and unable to eat.... she is the first of 14 children, who educated herself, paved the way for and cared for her 13 younger siblings from an early age... she has been anointed twice... attending mass was the highlight of her life
Cheryl, Praying with you for your Aunt Zita, and family.
Death is not the end, it is a homecoming!! God's angels will guard your Aunt Zita's soul on its return to its Creator.
Cheryl, praying for the peaceful and joyful transition and relocation of your aunt Zita in 2 Corinthians 5:6-8, “So here is what we can always be certain about. As long as we are at home in our bodies, we are away from the Lord. We live by believing, not by seeing. We are certain about that. We would rather be away from our bodies and at home with the Lord!” Amen ✝️
The door is wide open for your aunt Zita!!!
Praying for your aunt Zita, Cheryl, and for all her loved ones. What a legacy of love and faith she has given your family!
Cheryl I will pray for you and your aunt Zita right now. Living faith family please pray for my friend Chuck who went to be with the Lord Ken
Cheryl prayers for Aunt Zita's peace. She sounds like she is an amazing person.
Cheryl…Yes, I’m praying for a peaceful passing to God’s open arms for your Aunt Zita.
Another drive to Atlanta…..in the pouring rain….thank goodness for my driver. Praying for Aunt Zita and all during this time.
Cheryl, what a beautiful soul your Aunt Zita is. The perfect description of someone who heard the Lord knocking and let him in. It’s a privilege to lift her and you and her siblings up in prayer.
Cheryl, lifting Aunt Zia into God’s holy light. May she walk towards Him in great peace.
Prayers for Aunt Zia.
Prayers for your aunt Zita, may God's grace carry her through. Peace!!
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Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the patron of difficult cases, of things almost despaired of, Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Intercede with God for me that He bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly - (make your request here) - and that I may praise God with you and all the saints forever. I promise, O Blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor granted me by God and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen