July 7th

July 7th

Read: Col. 4:2-6; Psalm 81:10; Psalm 119:18; Luke 24:44-48

During my childhood our family lived next door to an elderly couple who were very reclusive. Both their front and back porches were boarded up so that no one could enter. The delivery boys who came once-in-a-while must hand the packages over the boards to the man of the house. A sign on the front door forbade salesmen or circulars. Our driveway was next to theirs with a pipe fence between. Being normal kids, my sister and I enjoyed doing skin-the-cat and other exercises on that fence. They discouraged us in every possible way … pulling down shades with a snap, slamming down windows, glaring at us … every way except asking us not to do it. They shut out all comers. Even at our tender ages we knew that they were the losers in life. There was no joy in them, poor old souls. I pray that I will never shut myself up like that.

OPEN
Keep me open, Lord, for Thee,
My door flung wide for all to see
The welcome here inside.

Keep each pore within my mind
Receptive to the truth I find
And let it there abide.

Open my senses, ears and eyes,
That I might truly realize
Needs others try to hide.

Keep my heart an open place
Where I may ever in love embrace
And You, Lord, may preside.

Open my life that it may be
A beacon blazing bright for Thee
Wherever dark shadows bide.

Keep me open, Lord, for Thee,
My door flung wide for all to see
How joys are multiplied.

Prayer: Dear Lord, keep me open to receive all You have for me and to give all You pour through me.