Opening the doors of heaven

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, [and] into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, [and] bless his name.” Psalm 100:4

I love this verse.  It puts such a powerful perspective on how thanking our Lord and praising His name brings us closer to Him.

Is He all-present?  Absolutely.

Then why do we need to enter into His gates?  If He is everywhere, and always hears us… why do we need to even approach His courts?

Because in the courts, the decrees are read.  It becomes official for all of the kingdom. 

Our prayers and our praise become public documents.  All of the angels hear of it.  All of the kingdom rejoices.

When we are in His presence we are protected.  In His gates… the dogs are kept out.

We get in by giving Him thanks.  It is like a key that opens the door.  You cannot even get into the gate without first thanking Him.

And once we are in His presence… there is fullness of Joy!  Praise God!

At church the other day, just before we began the last songs to close the service, I asked God why we sing at the end.

“Because your thanks and praise are the only things that open the doors and the gates…

And I want to send you out!”

WOW!  We are on a mission… It is actually a co-mission… the Great Commission.  And He has sent us out.

How far will you go?

SDG