» The Open Door!

I felt that feeling that I had not felt in a very long time... last Sunday.

I had the priviledge to get called on to go preach at Starting Point this past Sunday morning. I was thrilled, excited and nervous. I prayed to God so He could help me with words (somehow, I think that I can't speak english, good english. That's weird. weakness?).

I believe that Jesus is the door. I thank God for Him being the door.
John 10:7

"Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily,

I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep."

And sometimes I have felt in my life that God closed the door on me (abandons me). I mature by praying those verses that say that He never will leave me or abandon me. Sometimes you can feel like Jesus felt on the cross (that His father had left Him), although our circumstances cannot even compare to His sufferings.

But all the time that I have heard the loud bang of the door closing behind me, I look ahead and continue walking. That is the clue... Keep walking when the door closes. Oh, I think of the opportunities that God has given me. I encourage you to think of the chances that He has given you. Where have you sung? Where have you Sunday School taught? Where have you preached? Where have you given service?And now, you feel like there is no light at the end of this tunnel. You knock here, no answer... You knock over here, still no answer. Ugh! It gets frustrating! Your friends call and try to discourage you. Have fun, they say. Forget about that, they smile. But you've been taught one thing and one thing only...

"Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus."

(2 Timothy 2:3)

You have learned to suffer and endure. This race is not for the weak... This race is not for the quitter. I daresay, that this race is not for the loser. This race is for those who feel the sweat of their work come down their eyes trying to slow them down, but they keep running. This race is for those who want to give up because they cannot breath, but sprint to the finish line.

They tell you to chill. They tell you to forget about church. Come on, Tony... get a "REAL CARREER". Become a Business owner. Chill with the "pastor " thing, already. Look at all these pastors suffering. Do you want to be like them?
I stare at their faces that mock the call of God...

I see their sneer and their eyes full of ambition for the things of these world. I can only tell them...

"No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life,
so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier."

(2 Timothy 2:4)

So sorry, friend... I cannot entangle myself. I have to fight. I have to seek the door. I can't wait until I find it. My spirit is desperate. Dude, I got swollen eyes because I cannot sleep thinking, dreaming, healing, reviving. The earthquake in my heart begins. I can hear a tremor. The shaking is here. Ah, I found it! Behold!!!!

"I know your deeds, Behold, I have put before you an open door

which no one can shut, because you have a little power,

and have kept My word, and have not denied My name."

(Revelations 3:8)

He says that He knows my deeds. Oh man,! that is awesome. And now he tells me that he has opened a door that nobody can close. I didn't have to open this door. Oh shoot! It's not by my strength... but by His... you get the point?

He says I have little power... yes I have been running around looking for this door.

He says that I have kept His word... I have not left my first love. Hehe.

He says that I have not denied His name. Thank you Jesus.

Let me do the pentecostal dance the only way my mom knows how (you know the one where you break it down while the singers are singing "Toda la noche sin parar"). You dont know about that. Its all about being a friend of God, now. Hehe.

I am feeling it right now. The feeling of Freedom. The feeling of accomplishing my call. And let me tell you something. As soon as I got out of that service at Starting Point, I felt so happy. Yea, The "Tony corny" happy. "Cheesy smile all over the freeway" happy. God had opened yet another door.

Oh, and guess what? The leadership at Church of Champions called me this Tuesday. I'm heading back to Starting Point this coming Sunday AGAIN. So pray for me. I desire your prayers.

"Close the doors on me... God you know what you are doing. Build me Jesus. Develop me in the middle of my battleground. Test me. I will not fail you. You will save me. I will trust in you."

That was a dangeous prayer. Pray it. And be strong. See the hand of the Lord.

Whoa! look at this! There is another OPEN DOOR on your journey.

Step through it.