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Jesus is the Life Gate

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“Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, and I will praise the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD, through which the righteous shall enter. I will praise you, for you have answered me, and have become my salvation.” Psalm118:19-21 (NKJV)

“Yes, I am the gate. Those who come through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.” John 10:9 (NLT)

Jesus came to liberate us by providing the way for us to come to the Father. We have freedom to come in and go out so that we “may have life, and have it until it overflows.” (John 10:10) 

Is your heart burning with love for Him for all He has done?

As we enjoy His holy presence, God’s deepest things are revealed to us by His Spirit. We are empowered to pray confidently, approaching His throne of grace boldly (Hebrews 4:16). But are we willing to invest our time and tears in sacrificial prayer? When we prevail in prayer to discover His will, are we willing to obey whatever He tells us?

During the planning of a 1954 evangelist crusade in London, England, Billy Graham’s team faced giant opposition. Instead of succumbing to discouragement, Billy Graham fought the battle on his knees. Written by one of New England’s prolific hymn writers, Fanny Crosby, “To God Be the Glory” was suggested for the event. This hymn, describing Jesus as the “life gate,” became the crusade’s theme song. The Lord answered the prayers of His people by extending the crusade for three months, sparking a revival-like reaction in England. 

May our thankful hearts unite in adoration for Jesus the life gate, as we joyfully sing the hymn’s refrain: “… O come to the Father through Jesus the Son, and give Him the glory, great things He has done.”

Barb Wibling

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Holy Fire

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Photograph by Barb Wibling

Photograph by Barb Wibling

“When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from Heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the temple … When all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD on the temple, they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped and praised the LORD saying: For He is good, For His mercy endures forever.” 2 Chronicles 7:1,3 (NKJV)

“Keep the fire burning on the altar continuously. It must not go out.” Leviticus 6:13 (MSG)

Throughout history, God has demonstrated His approval of people devoted to prayer by sending fire from Heaven. At the dedication of the Temple, this fire burned continuously under the altar of burnt offering, symbolic of God’s presence. Are your hearts burning as you seek Him in prayer and worship?

God lights the fire when the Holy Spirit comes to live in us, and then He tends it so that we will grow in grace as we walk with Him. We can also do our part to cultivate an awareness of His presence in our lives. By sitting often in silence, stoking the embers with His Word, and by seeking Him regularly in solitude, our hearts become one with His, and we can pray without ceasing. If our hidden life with His inner fire is cared for faithfully, it can offer warmth and light to others. Spending frequent time alone with Jesus gives birth to compassion, and we discover our life is a gift to be shared.

The Lord is calling us to carry the holy fire of His presence to the lost of our generation for His glory. Let’s set apart seasons to pursue His power passionately in extraordinary worship and prayer with gratitude for His goodness and grace. Then may there be fire on the altar of our hearts that never goes out.

Barb Wibling