Open Doors! 2

“And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19

In the previous lesson, we have been taught what we need to know about open doors, but what are the keys necessary to open doors of victory, deliverance, favor, breakthrough, success, etc.? We shall be considering these keys one after the other. Have you thought about praise as one of the key elements of a successful life?

Praise: Paul and Silas were busy singing praises unto God when the prison doors became widely open. These men found themselves in prison, and they needed to get out. They are on the verge of prosecution, and they need to open the door to escape. What were their actions? They began to praise God, lo and behold! The prison doors opened. They praised Him wholeheartedly, not minding fellow inmates. The prisoners were amazed at how much they enjoyed praising God despite their circumstances, and God delivered them. Brethren, what is your focus when things don’t go according to plan?

Acts 16:25-26 says, “At midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly, there was a great earthquake so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.”

As Paul and Silas focused so much on God through praises, and God divinely opened doors of the prison to set them free, you too have the opportunity to be set free from any oppression if you give God the quality praise. Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forever.” I believe this is true for any believer because praising God helps you experience God’s presence in your life.

Brethren, don’t allow those circumstances to hold you back from seeking out God’s presence with praise. Don’t let it close the door to your joy, happiness, dreams, and aspirations. Instead, seek him with all you have, and everything else will fall into place. When we are filled with love, peace, and joy, our hearts will be opened to see great opportunities. But you can only do this if you open your heart to God’s presence with praise. Psalm 84:4 says, “How blessed are those who dwell in your house! They are ever praising You.”

Prayer:
1. Oh Lord, thank you for giving me your word to help me live a life of abundance. I am so grateful for your guidance and encouragement to keep my faith alive.
2. Oh Lord, you are good, and your mercy endures forever in Jesus’ name. Amen!