Open gate

Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: Psalm 118:19

An open gate is very inviting; it says come on in and stay awhile. When the surroundings are serene and peaceful, you want to go and stay for a time of relaxation. On my walk I came across open gates. Gates swung open to allow passage into an open field or a large beautiful yard sitting on the ocean. Thinking about the gates we sometimes put around our hearts I considered the open gate. An open gate around our hearts bring to mind our relationship with God. When are hearts are open to God it can be a time of growth and learning. It is also a time of complete and total trust .

Ebedmelech was a man who trusted God with an open heart. Who is Ebedmelech? A servant of the king during the time of the prophet Jeremiah. As soon as Ebedmelech heard of Jeremiah being thrown in the dungeon of mud, he took action. He did not sit there contemplating what he should do, he did it. Ebedmelech went quickly to the king and told him what happened. He was not afraid of what the king would do to him, he was on a mission to help God’s prophet. His heart was open to the leading of God.

As a result of his obedience to God’s leading, the king listened and gave him a plan; go and get 30 men to help you. Ebedmelech found the men and took a bunch of old rotten rags to accomplish his mission. Jeremiah was rescued, but the story does not end. God sent a message to Ebedmelech that he would be protected from his enemies. God’s protection, the best protection one will ever receive. (Jeremiah 38:6-13; 39:16-18)

There are many traits our hearts can be opened to, here are a few:

• Open to God’s leading


• Open to His love


• Open to his compassion


• Open to His direction


• Open to the small still voice


• Open to His kindness and care


• Open to walking with Him in faith


• Open to change in our life no matter what the change – this could be a pleasant or scary situation.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. Psalm 100:4

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