Saturday, September 17, 2011

Open Door Policy



“An open door invites callers.”

I love an open door; it is always so inviting and feels like a welcome pathway into someone’s home and heart.  I am a pretty open door kind of person; I always try to leave my door open (although at times it turns into a revolving door!) because an open door can go a long way towards helping to maintain a positive, upbeat feeling throughout the day for not only those I spend time with at work, but also for my family and friends too. The lines of communication should be as open and as free-flowing as possible to cultivate a smooth work environment and a happy home. Isn’t it nice to have someone you trust completely with all your thoughts and feelings without being judged and/or criticized? There are times when it is a real challenge to walk through that door, but the rewards can be more valuable than you can imagine if you have the courage to open that door and step outside your comfort zone.

“I see what you’ve done. Now see what I’ve done. I’ve opened a door before you that no one can slam shut. You don’t have much strength, I know that; you used what you had to keep my Word. You didn’t deny me when times were rough.” (Revelation 3:8 MSG)

God has that same wonderful open door policy; it’s such a blessing to be able to talk to Him the same as if you were talking to your best friend! You should tell him your thoughts, desires, hurts, and problems, as well as giving him your thanks and praise. It comforts me to talk to God daily, in a normal everyday type of conversation. Even though I know He can read my mind and that he is constantly observing my inner most thoughts at all times, it’s important to talk to Him in order to constantly build and strengthen my relationship with him.  He knocks at the door of our heart because He wants us to share everything with Him us and have fellowship with us.

“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.” (Revelation 3:20 NIV)

Do you ever hear God knocking on your door? Do you open the door and invite Him in regardless of the situation? Our wonderful Father is so approachable! J He wants us to confide in Him and hear everything that is going on in our lives. We don’t have to worry what we are bringing to Him, we just need to trust Him because He is capable and His motives are pure and true; He always listens and will never deceive us.   We must always leave our doors open to Him, and enter through His open door whenever we just want some good fatherly conversation and/or direction in our lives.
"Sometimes we stare so long at a door that is closing, that we see too late the one that is open." Alexander Graham Bell

13 comments:

  1. Hi Denise - lovely post! I have been learning that I can be honest in my communication with God, like David was, so instead of rephrasing and thinking through stuff before I pray 'nicely' to Him, I let Him know how I'm feeling in the moment, respectfully, but knowing that He understands and I can imagine Him stroking my back, while I pour out my heart. I am also learning to thank Him and praise Him all the time - He likes that too. Like you say - His door is always open.
    God bless
    Tracy

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  2. I love that God has an open door policy! He is there and never leaves. It is me who at times goes wandering but I always seem to come home. A beautiful post!

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

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  3. Denise,

    Lovely post, I have reading a lot about this topic around the blog world,I try to hide the ugly parts of me from Him, even though I know He already knows about them. Thank you for having an obdedient heart and writing about this, I needed to hear it and know that I am to give it all to Him and He will understand, and that I can trust Him.

    Blessings to you Denise.

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  4. Denise, this post speaks volumes...words I need to hear and heed. Thank you. I don't know how you found my blog, but I am so glad you did. Because you left me a comment, I followed you back here and discovered something I needed. Thank you again.

    Have a blessed day.

    Mary

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  5. This metaphor of a open door is a great one to ponder on. On a literal level, it actually challenges me to consider leaving my actual front door open more often. Perhaps it would send a subtle message to neighbors that they are welcome any time.

    On the figurative level, it reminds me to keep my heart open.

    Great post.

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  6. I love this image of the open door...how God is like this...and you are also. What a blessing to so many around you, I am sure. ~ jen

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  7. What a beautiful post, Denise! Thank you for the truth of this...Christ's open door policy!

    And a great quote too: "Sometimes we stare so long at a door that is closing, that we see too late the one that is open." Alexander Graham Bell

    Love it! Blessings!

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  8. I love your challenge of the open door. Honestly, some times I have shut the door in the Lord's face, and other times he has forced the door open. Knowing we can never escape Him has kept me from some pretty bad sin in my days, especially youth, but also as an adult. I'm glad He knows all. The good, the bad, the ugly. He still loves, even though!

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  9. I love this...an open door does surely invite callers and God's door is always open. I love the Bell quote as well about missing the open doors for watching the closed ones.

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  10. Denise,
    I don't know why we sometimes forget that God's door is always open. The is a wonderful reminder that we can go to Him whenever! He knows how we are feeling and what we are thinking, but He wants us to come to Him and tell Him! Like a real relationship! Thank you so much for this good word today!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  11. Beautiful post & wonderful scriptures!

    ~Peace and Blessings In Jesus~

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  12. Hi Denise,
    Thank you for sharing this wonderful post.I am blown away with how God wants a relationship with me/us. I love that He "stands at the door and knocks", and He will come in if we let Him.

    Thank you for your visit to my blog and God bless you,
    Ken

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  13. What a sweet reminder to leave ourselves open to others while resting in the assurance that our Father is always open, inviting us in. Thanks, Denise.

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