Monday, February 7, 2022

              Depending upon your perspective, a ringing doorbell can be either a cause for excitement or a cause for anxiety.  There is a moment mixed with uncertainty and exhilaration as you anticipate what or who might be on the other side.  The doorbell can often ring at the most inopportune of times.  But a ringing doorbell signals that someone is trying to reach you.  We could draw the same conclusion for a ringing phone.  There are certainly times when God tries to get our attention as well.  And the Almighty has more ways at His disposal than ringing a bell. 
               Jesus said in Revelation 3:20, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”  We could (and rightfully so) interpret that knock as a call to salvation—to come to know the Lord in a way that is real, personal, life-changing and eternity-altering.  But there are other occasions when the Lord may be knocking as well.  In Revelation 2 and 3, Jesus sent seven letters to seven different churches through John trying to get the attention of these churches for seven different reasons.  Even now, God speaks through Scripture, prayer, worship and life’s circumstances.  We just need to listen and learn. 
            When you think of your life, has the Lord been knocking on your door recently?  Is there anything that God might be trying to do in your life or with your life?  Could the Lord be seeking some time with you—quality time that is not watered down or divided among a hundred other pursuits?  If you miss a ringing doorbell, it may not be a total loss.  But missing out on the Lord’s call or knock is quite different.  It can be hard to hear the Lord if we are surrounded by too much noise and too much chaos.  We often have to retreat to quieter and calmer places to hear His voice and sense His guidance.  The Bible is a perfect companion to take along with you on such times.  It would make sense that if God has a word for you that He would speak through His Word. 
            If you have not heard the Lord knocking lately, the reason could be your life is too filled with other things.  These things may be good and a blessing to you.  But there is no greater blessing than camping with the Lord on a consistent basis.  Silent prayer, journaling, prayer-walking and simply sitting in silence are good ways to hear God speak or guide your life.  One resource that many Christians find helpful is called the Daily Examen.  This tool has been around for centuries and serves as a way for us to place our lives before the Lord for examination and refreshment.  The Daily Examen involves five important steps... 1. Become aware of God’s presence in your life.  Remember and recognize that God is with you.  2. Review the day with gratitude.  Give thanks for the blessings and ways that God has provided for you.  Call out the good things that He has given to you.  3. Pay attention to your emotions.  Is there joy or sadness?  Is life just sort of blah?  Are you worried or fearful?  What emotions seem to color the day?  4. Choose one or two aspect(s) of the day and pray about it (them).  Ask for God’s grace and help for that matter.  5. Look toward tomorrow and what God has in store.  Ask God to keep your mind and heart open to Him. 
            Do not neglect the Lord’s knocking.  As you open your life to the Lord, you open yourself to the kind of life that He alone can offer you.  Jesus spoke of Himself as the Gate.  And He is.  He is the pathway to a life that has both purpose and passion, joy and serenity.  Seek the Lord today.  Have a great Monday!  Remember you can always share our worship at youtube.com/FirstBaptistKannapolis.