Door -

I Am the Door

I am the door; by me if any man enters in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
John 10:9

There are some that would enter the fold of the body of Christ another way, however; Jesus said that He is the only door for man to enter and be saved. The question is, have you entered into the fold through Jesus? Is Jesus your good Shepherd? Is he guiding you in and out of the green pastures? The green pasture is a place of rest where the sheep can eat in peace. The sheep do not need to worry about the thieves and robbers at this point, for the Shepherd looks out for their every need. We sometimes forget that we have a great Shepherd who is desirous to care and see to our every need. All we have to do is ask. Sometimes just asking God for help is the problem that we have. It could be that we do not think that He really cares for us. Maybe we feel that He is too far away to hear us. Yet, the Shepherd is never too far away to hear his own flock of sheep. Can we say that the Lord is our Shepherd like David did in Psalms 23? What did David say about the shepherd?

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteouness for his name’s sake.
Psalms 23:1-3

In Psalms 23, King David tells us that the Lord is his shepherd who makes him lie down in green pastures and leads him to the still waters. David also tells us that his soul is restored as the Lord leads him in the path of righteousness. This is like going on a picnic where one finds nice green grass to sit on near a stream to eat and relax. The atmosphere is total serenity that one can even fall asleep on a beautiful sunny day. So peaceful, this is when lying down on the soft green grass under the shade of a tree and listening to the water run down the stream. Have you ever experienced this? If you have, then you will know how peaceful it can be. This is exactly the place for the sheep to be, yet we cannot always conceive this image in our own minds. We are ready to faint from the excursion of just trying to get to the place of rest and peace. Our soul needs restoring from all the things it has touched in the world we live in. We definitely need to be guided into the paths of His righteousness and not our own righteousness. Our own righteousness means nothing when compared to the great Shepherd who knows us intimately. Some may even find it an impossibility that the Shepherd already knows us.

In Psalms 139 in verse 16, David states, “thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unformed; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.” David exclaims, “How precious are your thoughts towards me, O God!” Yes, how precious are the Lord’s thoughts towards each of us that our members were written down in His book. The good shepherd knows his sheep, and the sheep only listen to his voice to follow him. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep and does not allow any man to be plucked out of His fold. Only believers are in the fold of the Shepherd. No one is ever left out unless he willfully makes that choice. Each person has the choice to believe in the good Shepherd. It is individuals disbelieve that keeps him or her outside the fold of the good Shepherd. But look at verse 16 of John chapter 10. Jesus said that He would bring the other sheep into the fold. Jesus said He will bring them in. Jesus said, “There shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” Anyone can enter into the fold when coming through Christ by believing in Christ’s atonement.

One-fold, one shepherd, one body, one spirit, and one Lord of all. Is he your Lord? Do you know what it means to be truly lost? Have you ever been lost on a trail while hiking? How about being lost in a city you are not familiar with? I had run away from home as a teen in the city of Perth in Western Australia. There was no peace at home, and I just wanted to get away to find some peace. However, there are dangers out in the world that one can’t see ahead of time. I was physically assaulted in a park, and I cried out to God to save me. Save me he did, I stumbled around the city of Perth not knowing where I was going, and I heard his voice telling me I had to go back home. Nothing like arguing with God about the situation at home, let alone being assaulted. But that is exactly what I did. I argued with God. Plus, I told him I was lost and did not know the way back home. This was not a problem for God, as my eyes were closed and tears running down my face, He translated me back one block away to where home was. I did not see it happened, but when I opened my eyes, I knew I was in a different place from where I originally was. I just had to accept it for what it was. His voice gave me the assurance as He spoke that He would be with me and help me to bear the verbal abuse that I would receive. No one can tell me that He [God] is not interested in bringing in other sheep into the fold, for I am one of those sheep.

There is something else to take into consideration. Jesus mentions the thief in verse 10 of chapter 10 of the Gospel of John. The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. Who is this thief that would enter into the fold or pluck one of the sheep out of the hand of the good Shepherd? Anyone who is not a believer, and anyone who lives a life of disobedience from God. Those who follow their own will or the will of another man. Those who are under the influence of the devil. Have you ever considered what the word “devil” literally means? The word “devil” means a “slanderer.” A slanderer is one who makes false and damaging statements about someone. It is a person who slanders both God and man. The devil is the fallen angel who desired others to worship him instead of God. Just look at what he told Jesus in Matthew 4:8-9. The devil told Jesus that he would give him the kingdoms in the world if Jesus would only bow down and worship him. In verse 10 Jesus said, “Begone! Satan: for it is written, “Thou shalt worship the Lord, thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” Be careful to whom you follow or worship. The devil left Jesus and the angels came and ministered unto him [see verse 11 of Matthew chapter 4].

Each of us is to remember the words spoken in the Bible and pray for understanding as to its meaning. Jesus knew the father. To know is to have knowledge and recognition about something, or a person. It is more than just to know about a person. It is believing in that person for who they are as an individual. Building trust with that person is the key to fellowship. Can we have that kind of trust with God? King David had that kind of trust in God in that he believed in God’s goodness and mercy. He knew that each person has their appointed time here on earth. He knew that God would see him through troubled times. David also knew when he was at fault. That is why we pray that we would not to be led into temptation, but out of temptation, and from the evil one [see Luke 11:3].

We must remember that we are kept by the power of God through faith. And faith is believing in who Jesus is. Salvation and healing are in the atonement through Christ Jesus. Therefore, the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if [they] have committed any sins, they shall be forgiven [see James 5:15]. We draw near to the Shepherd of Love in humble obedience knowing He will see to our needs. All things are within the Shepherd’s capable hands. It is the meek who shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace [see Psalms 37:11]. Our path is in the Lord’s hand, and He is our Shepherd. Nothing is withheld that the Lord is not generous if we but ask Him for help. He helps us and instructs us through the word [the Bible]. Put your trust in his word and draw near to the Shepherd that you may declare His works. Trust Him to guide you in and out of green pastures so that your soul may be restored to living in love and peace. Ask the Lord for help and declare the work He has done in your life. Allow His spirit to restore your soul today in Jesus’ name and be healed, forgiven, and saved. Always pray without ceasing, rebuke the devil, and stay in the fold of the good Shepherd.

It is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.
Psalms 73:28

Behold I Stand and Knock on the Door

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”
Revelation 3:20

Behold I stand at the door and knock. Who is knocking at the door? It is Jesus knocking at the door. What does He want? He wants to talk to you. He wants to talk to you about your soul and heart. Last September there was several prophesies about “the door.” Whenever there is a prophesy, it is to be tested with what the word of God has already stated in the bible. Last September I wrote about “The Door and the Word” in context of the word of God which converts the soul of man.

It is Jesus who is knocking at the door. It is Jesus who is calling out to those who would hear His voice and open the door. Now I would like to address the end of this verse, where the door is open, I will come in to him and will sup with him, and he with me. This is talking about relationship. What kind of relationship shall man have with God? This relationship is based upon the love of God. For God so loved the world that He gave us His Son [see John 3:16]. God sent us his Son that we might be saved. To be saved from an enemy [Satan], troubles, or illness. To build our faith up to be strong in the Lord.

We must believe in the word of God that He will truly save us from death and the evil one. Our soul needs deliverance but we must have faith in God for that deliverance. Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith [see Hebrew 12:2]. All man should honor the Son as they honor God [see John 5:23]. Jesus said that he and the Father are one [see John 14:20]. As Jesus had a relationship with the Father, so shall we have a relationship with Jesus and the Father. Are we ready to come and dine with the Lord? Remember from where you have fallen and repent. God is looking upon those who know the Lord and are able to testify of Him. Do you have a testimony of Christ?

The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
Revelation 19:10

The spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus. Whatever is prophesied must have the testimony of Jesus. The Holy Spirit will always point to Jesus [see John 15:26]. We are saved through Jesus who gives us the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit. Love flows through the Holy Spirit through the human body. This is an experience due to the relationship we have through Christ. Do you have this relationship of love through Christ? Is it burning within your heart.

If a man loves me, he will keep my words: and my father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”
John 14:23

Do you love Him and are you keeping His words? We must have the love of God living within our spirit and soul in order to keep His words. We must love others, for He has loved us. This is relationship. This is of the character of Christ. The image of Christ love works through us by the Holy Spirit. We are able to ask, seek and knock at His door and know that He will answer us.

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:”
Matthew 7:7

If we do not have love in our hearts, then we must ask in order that it shall be given unto us. Knock, and it shall be opened unto you. First it is Jesus knocking and now you are knocking at his door. This is relationship. The door swings both way in order to gain insight and wisdom to the truth of what He is teaching us. We must get to the point of being overcomers in this world and not be defeated, brought down in fear and torment. ”There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear,” [see 1 John 4:18]. We must have the communion of the Holy Spirit whereby we can worship God in spirit and in truth. As we pray in the spirit and ask Him to give us what we lack, it will be opened unto us. Let us come into Him and sup with him and he with me. Let us read daily His word to gain revelation of who He is and how He will stand strong on our behalf. As we become a testimony for Jesus, He will set before us an open door that no man can shut, for we have kept His word and have not denied His name [see Revelation 3:8].

God knows the works you have done in His name. Draw close to Him and He will draw close to you. He will humble you when you get above yourself.

Be not overcome of evil but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:21

Relationship with Him will allow you to overcome evil with good. Relationship is being filled with the Holy Spirit. In Acts chapter two, verse 38 states, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Have you received the gift of the Holy Ghost? This is relationship. For if any man hears my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Are you hearing his voice? Are you reading His Word? Have you opened the door where rivers of living water shall flow out of your belly, [see John 7:38]. The river of living water is the Holy Spirit. Every believer should receive the Holy Spirit.

This gift is for you today. Open the door today and allow Him to come in and sup with you. Let go of the hate, bitterness, and selfishness. Whatever is holding you back let it go in the name of Jesus. Let the blood of Jesus cleanse you from all evil and be renewed in the spirit of your mind.

He will come and make you whole. He will give you the gift of the Holy Spirit to help you and guide you in your relationship with him. What joy you will have when you open your heart to Jesus and believe that He is the son of God who died for us because He first loved us. Remember Jesus is saying, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.”

The Door and the Word

“But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.”
John 10:2

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.”
Psalms 19:7

The Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. Is your soul being converted? Do you believe that the Law of the Lord is perfect? The Hebrew word for perfect is “tamim” and it means wholeness, soundness and integrity. It carries the meaning for wholeness and healthfulness. That a person is complete, whole, or finished. Are we complete, or whole in the Lord? This is the question we should be asking ourselves. Does the Law of the Lord convert your soul to righteousness? Here again is another question to ask ourselves. I find that I am always full of questions rather than answers. However, answers do come in time when I am open to receive what the Lord reveals in the written word. Can we ever be satisfied with the Law of the Lord. The answer is yes. All we have to do is listen and receive it as the truth. We receive when we believe. The Jewish New Year of 5784 has begun. The question of the mystery for the meaning of the “door” has brought different interpretations. For the Jew, they are taught the importance of the “Law of the Lord,” yet they cannot follow the law fully in their own strength. They stumble and fall on the path and may wonder at times why their own soul is not converted. There is no satisfaction when you only have half of the truth and not the whole truth. What about the blood on the door post in Exodus 12:13? The blood on the door is the sacrifice. Herein lies the truth for the beginning of the meaning of the door.

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice, and open the door, I will come into him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”
Revelations 3:20

Just imagine being in communion with the Lord. It is Jesus who is knocking at our door and calling for us to listen. However, there are many doors to choose from that would take us away from the truth of life. It is like those big doors on the set of the “Prize is Right” on television where the prizes are offered, and not all prizes given are winners. Behind every door is a room of objects that may be keeping you from hearing the voice of the Lord. Just look at verse nineteen of Revelations chapter three, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Are we passionate to repent of our own ways? The eye of the Lord is aware of the shame you are trying to hide. The Lord wants to clothe you in white raiment and to keep your name in the book of life. Remember who the judge is that is also standing at the door. In James chapter four verse twelve states, “there is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy.” Now look at Matthew chapter ten verse 28 which states, “fear not them who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” To whom are we to fear? I came across the following scripture, which is not mentioned in many teachings, but worth noting.

“The fear of the Lord tendeth to life, and he who hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.”
Proverbs 19:23

He who hath the fear of the Lord tended to their own behavior in life and shall be satisfied. Are you satisfied? How astounding is this word. Are you attending to your behavior in life. Do you have the characteristic of Jesus living in your own life? What about failure to observe the limits of what is appropriate in our behavior? We should read verses 12 and 13 of Psalms chapter 19.

“Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.”
Psalms 19:12-13

Cleanse thou me from secret faults and keep me from presumptuous sins, let them not have dominion over me. This should be our prayer and song every day. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever, [see Psalms 19:9]. Oh! Let us come with passion and repent of our behavior. Let us fear the Lord and know that His mercy endures forever. Let us keep the door open with the Lord and find pastures where we can feed upon. Let us hear the voice of the one and only true shepherd. Let us come to the Lord and allow him to sup with us. He brings the blessings we need daily in our lives. We cannot come any other way but through the door of Jesus. Jesus is the door for He gave His life for the sheep. In John chapter ten verse one, states, “He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.” The sheep will not listen to a thief or robber, only to the shepherd’s voice. Jesus as the good shepherd knows who belongs to him. Jesus is the resurrection and the life; do you believe this? Believe and receive the word of God. Let us have an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and it shall bring forth fruit with patience, [see Luke 8:15].

God is wanting to convert our soul, to transform us into a new creation in Christ Jesus. “All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ,” [2 Corinthians 5:18]. We have this wonderful ministry of reconciliation that the apostle Paul revealed in 2 Corinthians chapter five. Christ died for all in order that we might not live unto ourselves, for that only brings haughtiness. There is no peace when a man has extreme pride and haughtiness. There is no love or compassion found in such a man that lies with his mouth and is puffed up with himself. God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself. Yet, we can still repent today while there is still time. Jesus gave his own life to save us from ourselves. Christ was made sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in him, [see verse 21 of 2 Corinthians chapter five].

“He hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”
2 Corinthians 5:19-20

Be ye reconciled to God and be satisfied, thankful, at peace, for you are a new creation in Christ Jesus. As Christians we should be subject to one another and clothed in humility. Why? Because God resisted the proud, but giveth grace to the humble, [see 1 Peter 5:5]. Listen to what Peter said in verse 6 and 7 of chapter five.

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Casting all your care upon him; for He careth for you.”
1 Peter 5:6-7

He cares for you, for His law is perfect and His testimony is a sure thing. It is health to our bones and makes us whole. Let your soul be converted to the truth of the one who is knocking at your door today.