God’s Word is the Open Gate

Has there ever been a time in your life when you possessed all the qualities needed for that dream job but you couldn’t get through to the hiring manager? Or maybe you needed a specific doctor for your ailment but you couldn’t get past the receptionist’s stone cold voice, “He’s not taking new patients at this time.” It’s frustrating because your future is truly waiting on the gatekeeper.

While such is the hard fact of our physical lives, we need not rely on a gatekeeper in our spiritual lives. God himself is standing there and he’s more than willing to let you in. All you have to do is knock. On the other hand, forget about knocking! Just walk right in. You have the key. It’s called the Bible.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. – Hebrew 4:12

Do You Matter to God?

When you’re tired and discouraged, that’s often a clue that your spiritual mind-guard isn’t up. It’s imperative, then, to remember that God’s word is alive and living. It can breathe life into your situation whenever it’s applied.

In reading Nehemiah, we are reminded not only that God can turn our rubble into beautiful structures of purpose, but that we matter! But what about what matters to God?

4 Reminders of What Matters to God

1. Worship: It’s impossible to dwell on our problems while simultaneously praising the Lord. Worships reminds us that He is sufficient and in control – not us. There’s an abundance of freedom in letting go and worshipping the one who Almighty!

2. Character: How we act with our time, relationships and finances matter to God. Keeping our word shows God that we take his Word and his Son seriously. (Bonus: Others who don’t know God might see Him through our character!)

3. People: Look what Nehemiah did for the fallen people of Israel. Do you have broken people in your life? Guess what – they matter! They are important to God as you are. 

4. Our Place in History: Whether we are running a corporation or running the carpool, this matters to our Lord. Every person we meet can be a recipient of God’s love. What you think is small and insignificant can have a might ripple on a future leader. Where you are might not matter to you, but it matters to God. He put you there for a reason, so honor that!

Nehemiah was able to joyfully handle the challenges of rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls because he knew who God was and was confident in what God had called him to do. The same can be true for you. If you want the doors of your life to open and flood you with joy, it all starts with one key. It’s my sincere hope you pick up that Bible today and watch your life change!