Paul spent a lot of time in Ephesus after arriving there from Corinth. On his first visit he found several believers, who seemed to know the gospel. But they had no knowledge of the Holy Spirit or His gifts. Paul saw that as his door of opportunity.

God wants to be a Father to us; a good Father who gives good things to His children. Whatever we want or need, He is ready to co-operate. But in His wisdom He only gives us what we can cope with at this stage of our lives, whatever that is.

God knows the thoughts of our hearts, and wants us to live as though we are constantly in His view, not the view of others. Others do not need to know how much time we spend in prayer, or what we pray. Both are important to God and He knows.

When we choose bridesmaids in this 21st century we choose good friends or family, those we love and want to help us celebrate that special day. It will be no different for Jesus. He will come to take with Him those He loves and those He knows love Him.

The situation in Sodom went from bad to worse. Lot went out and closed the door, but failed in persuading the crowd to leave, even after offering his virgin daughters to them. After much discussion and rioting, the angels opened the door, dragged Lot inside and shut the door again!

When Abraham bought a field with a cave in order to bury Sarah, the deal was settled at the gate of the city. Job had a seat at the gate of the city. And in the story of Esther we read of things happening at the gate of the king.

Those who mocked Noah thought it was a ridiculous thing to be building such a huge craft. They didn't believe that the God they refused to believe in would or could destroy their world. Life is much the same in our time. Many believers are mocked for their faith.

Since Eve gave authority over her life to the serpent, sin has been crouching at our door. The devil has never played fair. He still does not. But God said to Cain, Jesus said to His disciples, and He says to us today: You have the authority, use it!

Today we see John being invited to enter through a similar door. We got the impression that the Philadelphians would go through the door to find rewards and recompense for their faithfulness. Meanwhile John gets a look into the future. John must have been totally amazed at what he saw.

In the letters to the churches in the early chapters of Revelation, John is writing what Jesus dictates. This verse is taken from the letter to the church in Philadelphia. It is an encouraging letter with no criticism, unlike the other 6 churches that John is asked to write to.