“Through Yahweh’s Door, God’s Favor Pours”

“PORTE OUVERTE” TO MORE

While traveling, a vision of someone that once tried to hinder me appeared during my convo with God. By His grace, I mustered up the strength to shake unpleasant thoughts out of my head. I lifted a simple prayer in my heart. “Lord, bless ‘em, you know what they need, they’re yours. If they aren’t yours, you know that too”. The Bible says, love “keeps no record of wrong”. My prayer needed prayer, especially since I’ve also made mistakes that required another’s forgiveness.

I chuckled at my lackluster effort for intercession preceding the thought. It was a stark contrast from the deep prayer I once engaged for folk that handled me like chewed gum on the bottom of a dirty dress shoe. In reflection, I considered both sides. Learning that our realities mirror what we what we’ve seen and believe, I saw that pain or voids often led to unbecoming decisions, words and actions. I saw that we did the best we could with what we knew or presumed to know at one point or another. At the end of the day, everyone has “sinned and fallen short of God’s glory”.

LET IT GO, LET IT GO

Elsa wasn’t the only one singing this phrase in isolation. Letting it all go was a tough transition. Jesus said, “Bless and forgive them…”. I surrendered my pain to One able to mend my heart and free me from the oppression resentment stirred.

Forgiveness is mandatory in the kingdom of God. Love is God’s first commandment and it begins within us. There’s no “forward” without love and forgiveness. Though forgiveness doesn’t always mean reconciliation, it comes with a blueprint for engagement; even at a distance.

A WORD IN SEASON FOR GREATER REASONS

After clearing my head, I looked out the window and saw a sign that said “Door Automation”. Immediately, the Holy Spirit brought a familiar scripture to remembrance. Comfort filled me. God saw the “little strength” I was working with. For reasons beyond my knowledge or understanding, I’m led to share the same word I received by God’s grace. I’m led to say that God sees us.

Digging a bit further, I sensed to search for the “text book” meaning of automation. I favored IBM’s definition. It says, that automation is “the application of technology, programs, robotics or processes to achieve outcomes with minimal human input”. The Lord ain’t talking about robots or web systems here. This message about His glory and grace. Grace has nothing to do with our human effort, works or contributions; whether great or “minimal”. Grace is “a gift or blessing brought to man by Jesus Christ”.

The Greek word for grace used in context is “charis (xáris)”. It means, kindness and favor. Bible Hub’s annotated study explains that God “freely extended to give Himself away to people (because He is “always leaning toward them)”. Our God extends His goodness and kindness to help us. The “Door Automation” sign and the scripture the Holy Spirit revealed affirmed that God strengthens us and make ways according to His word.

A LESSON AND BLESSING

I love that God is a “any time, any place”communicator. I am grateful that his love never leaves us. In the thick of things, we don’t always know how or what to pray for. We’re also unaware of when we’ll receive the answers we seek. Fortunately, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we’re able to locate and access nourishment, comfort and encouragement for every life season.

The Holy Spirit’s message today is about divine “door automation” that comes through God’s grace and favor in Christ. Love reminds those of us that endured unthinkable pressures, circumstances and trials that the doors God opens, “no man can shut”. It’s up to us to walk through the door designated for us. God will provide everything we need to have and know. It’s up to us to choose enter through the narrow gate into the promise of abundant life. Theres a gem here.

Real life taught me that a crowded route or “wide gate” should be perceived with a side eye. God knows I can testify, that there’s nothing over there but the very destruction the LORD describes in his word. God’s love, blessing, grace, favor and mercy cannot be purchased, controlled or regimented into existence. Nothing can be added or taken away from the work of Jesus Christ. It is finished and He rose. Because He rose, we also rise in him.

SOURCE REFERENCES

Matthew 5, Ephesians 3:20, Romans 3:21-26, Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 7:7-8, John 6:35, John 14:15-18, Romans 8:26, Proverbs 3:5-6, 2 Timothy 4, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Portes- Ouverte, Automation defined, Grace #5485 Charis, Luke 4:18-21, Isaiah 61:1-3 Isaiah 43:19-21, Matthew 7:13-14, John 1 Revelation 3:8-9, John 10:9-11, John 1:12-13, Mathew 11:15, PORTE OVUERTE, Luke 6:27-28, Acts 1:7, Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 5:14, John 3:16, John 19:30, Romans 8:28, John 20 (full chapter), 32 Verses of Encouragement, 1 Corinthians 13:4-6, 1 John 2:1 dailyverses.net, bible.com, biblegateway.com, biblehub.com, Song Inspiration Link: https://youtu.be/rWxshbbTYkc?feature=shared

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