People in the church who think they open or close doors for others are called 'Gate Keepers'. That is a thing of the world. The world has this special club among the high society Hollywood types. It seems as though you must jump through hoops to get in or to even be considered.

We find no such thing as Gate Keepers mentioned in scripture except for the Old Testament references to those who had a specific job of such. It was a literal position and service. There is no one and I mean no one who is the end all be all to ministry work in the local church. 

Some of these individuals use vindictive means to block others from getting involved in ministry areas. But can someone really keep you or I from serving God? Absolutely not! God holds the authority and power, not man. So how does someone get around these individuals who think they are in charge of what belongs to God?

2 Corinthians tells us this, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay (earthen vessels, " KJV) and 2 Timothy 2:21 says, "If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor sanctified and meet for the master's use and prepared unto every good work." We are vessels and channels through which the Holy Spirit can flow through powerfully. No one is in control of you being used of God. Don't let people's ungodly behavior make you think that they somehow have control over God using you.

Should you find yourself hindered in any way from serving in your local church, provided you are sure that you are in good standing in your relationship with God, commit the matter to the Lord and wait on Him to override what's going on. I've experience times when the Lord wanted me to sit aside a while and simply wait on Him for what He would have me involve myself in next. It can feel as if you are hindered. Yes, Satan uses individuals in the church to hinder and to try to block us, but I always have to lean hard on what God allows. He allows these moments for a reason.

Gate Keepers have lost touch with God. They aren't in tune with God. They do not regard God's authority and thereby act in the flesh to make things go their way. Often jealousy and envy are reasons for such behavior.  It's hard to see Christ in them. They seem to bear deep resentment towards God. They may even feel as if He has not given them something they wanted or the life they wanted. They take their frustration and negative feelings out on anyone who seems to have what they want.

Don't be disturbed by these individuals. Leave them to God. Keep trusting and waiting on God for the open doors He has with your name on it. He is faithful!

"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."   Matthew 5:16

Letting our light shine is a big task in our world. For others to get a glimpse of Christ by observing our actions, speech, and behavior is a tall order in itself.

This verse simply says, 'be a Christian in this world'. That's what God expects of us. All we have to do each day is to simply be. 

God has given each believer what he or she needs to carry out that command of letting their light shine. It will have moments of great challenge, and you may even have to stand alone in certain situations but know that God has called you to it and He will be with you all the way.

​I am content with striving to 'just be'. What about you? How are you doing with that?