Keeping Doors Open

nam-eno · Newbie Joined: Jul 05, 2007 Posts: 77 Status: **Offline**

071117

On the day that our Lord returns, many will throng to Him in the joy that the time to join the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Some, who have lived according to the Word he taught us will be welcomed with His love, His forgiveness, His grace. But what of those who ignored the Word and only recognized the error of their ways once they are in the magnificent presence of the Lord? What of all their deeds in what they have done and what they have failed to do? What will be the reaction of the Lord when they step forward, expecting to join the faithful without having lived the faith? They will be at the mercy of the Lord.

There will be many who will flee in fear, finally realizing that there ignorance of the word, their opposition to the Lord has cost them the eternal reward the faithful have gained. Though they may flee, they will not be able to hide from the justice of the Lord. There is no shadow they may run to, no rock behind which they may escape His notice, no means to conceal their sin.

And there will be those who sought to live in the faith, to live according to His Word, but succumbed to the temptations of sin. They have conducted themselves, performing works of the faith, worshiping His name, praying to Him yet, they have not been able to lead a life without sin. They will know they cannot escape His judgment, hey will know their time is at hand for His justice. Perhaps they will come to Him, head bowed, with tears for what they have done and what they have failed to do. They perhaps will come with sadness, knowing they are not worthy, but with the hope He will only say the word and they will be eternally healed and forgiven.

Until that time, we have many choices of what we may do or not do. We may make every attempt to live according to the word. And if we fail, we may pray for His forgiveness and seek the forgiveness of those we have wronged. But it is not enough to pray just for our own soul.

We were taught to love one another as we would love ourselves. We were also taught not to judge, lest we be judged. But is it enough to watch and do nothing as others walk away from the Lord? It is their free will and their choice, but are we keeping His commandments if we do nothing?

It is not enough to pray for our own soul, but we must remember the souls of others. In their time of faithlessness, it is not our judgment that is required, it is our prayers that their hearts will soften and they will become open to the way of the Lord. It is not our judgment they need, but perhaps a simple touch, an understanding look , or a simple word of encouragement. Perhaps it is a simple question to be asked, â€œhave they considered what their life might be in the light of the Lord?â€ Perhaps it is offering to answer a question that may be hidden deep in their heart.

It will be their choice, their free will as to how they might respond. And if they turn to the Lord, they will benefit from your support in their journey. And if they continue to walk away from the Lord, it is not your judgment they need, but your continued prayer and your willingness to reach out, should they turn for just a moment, should they question, just for an instant, the darkness of their faithlessness versus the light and everlasting light of God.

It is not in our judgment that the unfaithful will turn, but in our love, our example, our prayer for their soul, our willingness to be there. It is our judgment that will drive them away, but it is our fulfillment of the Word that will open the door.

We have been told that we will receive His grace if we are the light that prevents others from turning from Him, that we become the beacon through our actions and our prayer that brings the unfaithful to Him.

Dear Lord, it is I, a sinner, that has failed to keep Your Word, to live every day in the faith You have taught us. It is I that is unworthy to receive You for what I have done and what I have failed to do. It is I that has sadness in my heart for my weakness and my sin. It is I that is hopeful, knowing Your forgiveness, Your mercy, Your grace. It is I that seeks that in my remaining time that I will keep turned to You. It is I that prays I may do Your will.

Dear Lord, I pray that I may be an instrument of Your peace. I pray that I may help open the doors for others who may be questioning. Grant me the wisdom and understanding of how I may serve Your will. Amen.

Peace Be With You,
Nam Eno