Revelation 3:8, "I know thy works; behold I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it; for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name."

Before us is "an open door" of opportunity for service in GMA for Christ Jesus. It is said that "opportunity knocks once." We never meet the same set of circumstances twice. When we fail to accomplish God's will in our lives, we may be blessed in having a similar opportunity later, but we cannot always be assured of that, It is best to be ready to do what we can for Christ at the first opportunity.

The subject of "doors" is a very fascinating one, and there are many different kinds. Those that come to our minds are wooden, glass, swinging, folding, sliding, steel, revolving, and electric. Then there are prison doors that close to shut people in and school doors that open to let eager boys and girls out.

In god's Word we read about literal doors, the door of the ark in Genesis 6:16; the Passover door in Exodus 12:7, 23; the tabernacle door in Exodus 29:11; and Christ's resurrection door in Matthew 27:60 and 28:2.

We also find symbolic doors, the door of prayer in Matthew 6:6; the door of service in I Corinthians 16:9; the door of the human heart in Revelation 3:20; and the door of salvation in John 10:7.

Sometimes a door means safety, Especially at night do we lock our doors to protect against would-be intruders. This makes us feel safe.

As an ambassador for Christ, we are safe in the arms of Jesus. (song: Safe in the Arms of Jesus, verse 1)

Jesus said, "I am the door," in John 10:7. In Palestine the sheepfold has an opening but no doors. Once a traveler asked a shepherd why there wasn't a door. The shepherd answered, "I am the door." He went on to say that when the shepherd had the sheep safely in the fold at night, he would lay down across the opening so that no man or beast could enter without crossing over his body. When we trust the Lord as our Savior, we can rejoice that He is our door. We are safely shut in and nothing can separate us from His love. (song: Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us, verse 1)

A closed door is often a tragedy because it means a loss of opportunity. Once a little girl stood and gazed at the picture of Christ at the door. After staring at the picture for some time, she asked her mother, "Why doesn't someone open the door and let Christ in?" When the mother did not answer, the little girl said, "Oh, I know! They are so busy in the kitchen that they can't hear Him."

Are we not guilty of getting so wrapped up in and busy with worldly things that we can't hear Jesus or know what HE would have us do for Him? May we stop and take heed to who is standing at our door. (song: Who At My Door is Standing?, verse 1)

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Rev. 3:20). Many times, we become so busy with our lives that we do not hear when Jesus speaks. We do not let Him in to our hearts and lives and subsequently miss many joys and blessings. Let's open our heart's door and let Him in. (song: Let Him In, verse 1)

Let's think about a happy door, an "open" door of opportunity. Remember in our Scripture theme that Jesus said, "Behold, I have set before thee an open door."

I would like for the officers to come forward as I call your office and name.

(Present all the offices and newly elected officers.)

The apostle Paul said, "A great door and effectual is opened unto me," (I Corinthians 16:9). Paul was saying that a wide door for effective work was opened to him. You too, have such a door open for you as an officer in GMA. May you meet the challenge and work together as officers. May you, as officers, be ever mindful that "an open door" of opportunity for service stands before each one of us. Enter into it with God's help and serve Him to the best of your ability. Serve the Lord with gladness.