Devotionals by Stuart and Jill Briscoe
“I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can shut. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.” - Revelation 3:8
The church at Philadelphia had been given an open door of opportunity. All they had to do was to walk through it and establish the kingdom of God on the other side. There is absolutely no rebuke in this particular letter from Jesus to the Christians in Philadelphia—only encouragement, though they had “little strength” left to do good to all.
The church had many opponents. False teachers, Judaizers, and Satan himself pitted their wits against the little group of believers. But the believers kept true to their Lord and took the grand opportunity to draw on his strength and to step through those open doors.
God has opened doors of opportunity for us, too—opportunities to witness freely and to attend Bible classes and growth groups—opportunities to have Christian friends and fellowship.
It’s impossible to stop God’s holding the door open. The only thing we can do is to stand still and refuse to enter through the door of service. You don’t need to be a very strong Christian to step over the doorstep and begin. You only need to have a “little strength” to do that! Incidentally, when you walk through the door, Jesus will meet you on the other side with a new power, a new blessing, and a new name (Revelation 3:12)!
For Further Study: Revelation 3:7-13
Excerpted from The One Year Devotions for Women, Copyright ©2000 by Jill Briscoe. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.
For more from Jill Briscoe, please visit TellingtheTruth.org.
SPECIAL OFFER
About Telling the Truth
Telling the Truth is an international broadcast and internet ministry that brings God's Word into the lives of people all over the world. Stuart and Jill Briscoe are the featured Bible teachers, encouraging and challenging listeners to study the Word of God and be drawn closer to Christ. Gifted with wisdom, discernment, and a bit of English humor, the Briscoe's bring God's Word to life. With distinctly different teaching styles, you'll be moved by the emotional appeal of Jill and the compelling logic of Stuart, as they boldly proclaim God's sovereignty, grace, and love.
About Stuart and Jill Briscoe
Jill Briscoe was born in England and found Christ when she was 18 years old. She never looked back. Upon graduating from Cambridge University, she began working as a teacher by day and had a vigorous street ministry to the youths of Liverpool by night.
She met Stuart at a youth conference and they married in 1958. In the 50 years since, Jill has become a highly sought-after Bible teacher and author who travels around the world ministering to under-resourced churches and speaking at international seminars and conferences. Since 2000, she and Stuart, who was formerly senior pastor of Elmbrook Church for 30 years, have had the joy of equipping and encouraging believers across the globe in their roles as ministers-at-large for Elmbrook.
Jill has authored more than 40 books including devotionals, study guides, poetry and children's books. Her vivid, relational teaching style touches the emotions and stirs the heart. She serves as Executive Editor of Just Between Us, a magazine of encouragement for ministry wives and women in leadership, and served on the board of World Relief and Christianity Today, Inc., for over 20 years.
Jill and Stuart call suburban Milwaukee, Wisconsin their home. When they are not traveling, they spend time with their three children, David, Judy and Peter, and thirteen grandchildren.
Contact Telling the Truth with Stuart and Jill Briscoe
info@tellingthetruth.org
Brookfield, WI 53005-4633
Outside North America
Telling the Truth
PO Box 204
Chessington
KT9 9DA
United Kingdom
800.889.5388
Outside North America
0800.652.4120