July 10 devotional

Scripture

1 Chronicles 9:26-27 “The four chief gatekeepers, all Levites, were in the office of great trust, for they were responsible for the rooms and treasuries at the house of God. They would spend the night around the house of God, since it was their duty to guard it. It was also their job to open the gates every morning. “

Observation

This is the point in the Bible that describes the responsibilities of the gatekeepers. These were men who guarded the temple. They were responsible for guarding the gates, facilities, treasuries, and materials that had been dedicated to God. The term gatekeeper has always fascinated me. I believe we need gatekeepers today. Men who will stand guard over their homes and families. People who will stand guard over the church and ministers. We need people who are on watch, watching over that which has been dedicated to God. How many times have I seen parents asleep at the gate? You can see signs and symptoms that their children are headed down the wrong path but the parents are oblivious to all the signals. They are not good gatekeepers. How many times I have seen dissension and division stirring up in the church but the leaders are too busy to notice? They are not good gatekeepers over God’s house. How many times have the spiritual leaders been asleep at the gates of nations and the whole nation turn away from God? We were asleep at the Holocaust. We were asleep when abortion was legalized. Are we asleep over the issue of marriage? We need men and women to stand guard over what God has given us!

Application

I want to be a good gatekeeper. I don’t want to be found asleep at the helm. I want to be on watch. I want to be aware of the potential dangers. I want to stand guard over my wife and children. I want to stand guard over my church. I want to stand guard over my city. I want to stand guard over America. I want to be sober. I want to be aware of the plans and schemes of the enemy. I think it was Paul that said he was not unaware of the schemes of the devil. I want to be like that. I want to be a gatekeeper.

Prayer

Father, teach me responsibility. Teach me to be a good gatekeeper. I want to stand guard over what you have given me. I don’t want to be unaware. I don’t want to sleep when I am on duty. Give me discernment. Make me strong. I want to be faithful and fulfill my duty. I want to be aware of the schemes of the enemy against my family, church, city, and nation. I want to be on guard against the attacks of the devil. I want to protect that which is my responsibility. I need your supernatural strength. I need your help. Thank you for what you have entrusted into my care. I want to be found faithful.