Happy Thursday

A Door for the Word

"Continue earnestly in prayer; being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also
for us, that God would open to us a door for the Word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for
which I am also in chains." Colossians 4:2-3, RSV

There are opportunities that pass by, when we could speak of God’s glory and love. So
often the door opens and then closes, and we miss the ‘moment’.

In Colossians Paul tells us to keep praying, with thankful hearts that God will open this door
of opportunity for the Word. God is the one who opens the door, and enables us to share
this mystery of the Christ with people. He knows people’s hearts, and when their spirits are
receptive to His Word. He will give us His words of love and wisdom, to share our faith with
them.

Let’s pray for those who have the gift of preaching and teaching the Word, that God would
open that door as they speak. They need our prayer. Paul needed that kind of prayer, that
the two-edged sword of the Spirit would touch the ‘heart places’ with the truth. ‘For a great
and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries’ (1 Corinthians
l6:9). And so it is today.

So let’s be watchful, especially backing up those whom we know, who are on a mission, or
who are called to speak. And let’s pray for ourselves that we will be prepared for those
times that the door of opportunity opens to us in daily conversation, and to recognise who
is opening that door.

Once I was walking alongside a lady in the park. She was wearing a Hijab (Muslim dress)
and as I felt that the door was open I just said, “Jesus loves you.” She responded with such
a burst of gratitude, thanking me profusely for my words. Maybe she was a secret believer,
I thought. The Holy Spirit knew exactly what was going on in her heart.

‘Wear shoes that are able to speed you on as you preach the Good News of peace with
God’ (Ephesians 6:15, LB).

Prayer: Forgive me for the missed opportunities, dear Lord, and please help me to
recognize those times when the door is open. Help me to be more prepared and vigilant,
in Jesus’Name. Amen.

Today's Writer : Pam Smith

Daily Smile:

And one particular four-year old prayed,  "And forgive us our trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets."