February 9

“For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries” (1 Cor 16:9). “Praying also for us, that God would open to us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ…” (Col 4:3). “Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles” (Ac 14:27). Like a Solomonic triple gate, these three doors must be opened if we are to carry the gospel to the hearts of those still held captive by the “strong man armed” (Lk 11:21). First, we need to pray to the One who opens doors (Rev 3:7) for a great door of opportunity, as Paul received (1 Cor 16:9). Then we need to pray for a door of utterance, that the Lord would give us wisdom to speak the right words in the right way to the hearers (Col 4:3). Finally we need to pray that these souls still held captive will respond in faith, and have the doors of their hearts swing open to the light, life and love in Christ Jesus.