Remember to shut the gate!

“You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.”

If you’ve ever owned a pet you may have heard this reminder. A fence around your home provides protection, but the gate allows you to let your friends or deliveries in while keeping your children and pets safe. Still, you must keep your eye on the gate because unwanted people or predatory animals might enter if it’s left open.

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
Proverbs 4:23 New Living Translation

“Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.”
1 John 5:21 New Living Translation

When walking through the gate of this life we enjoy the freedom that Christ has given us through his death and resurrection. Yet we must guard our hearts and minds. Each day we make choices about what we allow to enter the gates of our mind. Some thoughts appear innocent at the time. It seems harmless to let a cute bunny into our yard until we discover him eating the lettuce in our garden. Thoughts invade that lead to compromise. Choices are made daily that threaten to corrupt our relationship with Christ. Our soul’s gate may need repair. Only the gift of His peace can guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

“So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ.”
Colossians 1:28 New Living Translation

Christ may lead others to our gate.

Many are caught up in seemingly harmless beliefs that are not the truth and will end in destruction. As we are allowed through other people’s gates, we share the good news that God loves them.  We help lead them to the gates of heaven.

Guard your gate!

Copyright photo and text Desiree Bustamante