WHO ARE YOU INVITING INSIDE
Several years ago, I was one of the thousands who read the Twilight books about the Cullen family. If you are unfamiliar with that series, the Cullen family were vampires. I wrote a post about vampires and I posted the question, “if a vampire can only enter your dwelling be an invitation, is that true of the devil also?”For years, I’ve told the devil that he is not welcome in my home or around my family. But, this week, when I read a verse in the Bible, it got me to thinking that maybe the Lord is the same way.
Revelation 3:20
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
My mind was racing when I read this verse. I kept reading over and over again the part about the Lord was standing at the door and knocking to come in. That means that the Lord does not come in without first being invited. He is knocking and calling out your name. The verse says “anyone that HEARS My voice,” so I immediately imagined my Lord and Savior standing at my door saying, “Tania, are you going to let me in?” “You have to open the door and invite me in.”
I admit that I sat there with big tears in my eyes as I imagined the Lord outside my door. How many times have I left Him there? How long does He stand there calling out my name while I am busy doing other things?
Since I read that verse, I’ve been thinking about all of the ways that I need the Lord in my life. I need Him to help me navigate my daily life. He is needed to help me with my marriage. I need Him in my finances. I want Him to be with my family. But, do I actually take the time to invite Him into every situation?
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Pray continually is a verse that I’ve struggled with. How can I go through life if you are constantly praying? I have to cook, clean, grocery shop, work, etc., so how can I do those things if I am continually praying?
Once I read the Revelation verse, I started to get an understanding of how to pray continually, or at least often. If I am cooking, then I need to invite the Lord to guide my hands so that I can nourish myself and my family. If I am grocery shopping, then I might invite the Lord to go with me so that He can strengthen me when I get to the cookie aisle. When I open my computer to work, I am going to invite the Lord to give me the words that are needed to reach someone in need.
As I go through my life, I don’t want to go through it without the Lord by my side. So, I am extending the invitation for the Lord to be with me, guiding me in every aspect. Without Him, I would be lost.
Have A Blessed Day!
I loved your post. I also talk to God throughout the day and when I’m struggling It’s usually when I have forgotten to ask for his help. I think I it’s wonderful that you include your spiritual input into your post. It let’s everyone see the total you!!
When we are struggling is when we usually call out to God. I am “trying” to talk to Him as I go through the mundane parts of my day also.
That is so true. But I try to communicate throughout the day. I use to think God doesn’t want me to bother him with all this piddly stuff but then I realized that I should come to him with everything. My day is so much better when I talk to God throughout the day. I also like to thank and praise God for all his blessings. Once you start Communicating daily you will feel an emptiness if you don’t. Sounds like your making a good start.
I enjoy your Sunday posts! You always give me lots to think about! You are excellent with words. God has been good to you!
I am so glad that you enjoyed the post, Becky!
Tania
Thank you so much for this excellent Bible study.
I love the Bible verses & your thoughts on each. What a beautiful way to start this Sunday morning.
I am so happy that you enjoyed this post and gleamed something from it.
Thank you for sharing. I too struggle with praying continuously and this conversation was so helpful
I write about my struggles in hopes that it will help someone else.
Yes, having Jesus in your life is wonderful. You can pray and know he is listening to every word. Life is a whole lot better with a savior that you can count on.
I can’t imagine going through life without the Lord to guide me and direct me.
Thank you so much for these weekly devotionals. This was both beautiful and powerful.
Thanks, Dotti! I love my Sunday posts!
Such a great post on this beautiful Sunday morning!
I am glad that you enjoyed the post!
We always open the door for our FedEx packages so let’s not forget to open it for our Lord who offers us the best gift of all. Thank you for sharing Tania.
You are right, Sandra! He gave us the best gift of all!
I think in the last paragraph you meant ” I don’t want to go through life WITHOUT the Lord by my side”. And I certainly understand that. My oldest son has an infection of the optic nerve which could be a really serious situation. He’s been to 2 ERs & several doctors & is waiting to see the neurologist. I got kinda weepy last night but usually doing well…and praying continually! As I’ve gotten older, I try to always be prayerful in my heart & mind. I don’t know what people do without God!
Jeannie, I pray that the Lord gives wisdom to the doctors who are treating your son. He is the most powerful healer, and nothing is beyond His power. And, thank you for letting me know that I needed to correct the last paragraph. I appreciate your letting me know.
That was so beautifully said. Thank you for posting and revealing your tender heart towards God. Blessing to you.
Thank you, Lilliet!