A gate is always somehow inviting!  Even this one in the photo, with its vines and greenery hugging it tightly!  I have a hard time avoiding a gate.  I must at least make it a photo op, if not walk through it, just because!  This one is particularly lovely, with some very brilliant light in the background that would make many curious.  It has some weeds, which means it could take some "stomping" to push through and explore the other side of its hinges. 

It so reminds me of another gate that is inviting, yet requires some sacrifice on our part if we choose to walk through it.  In John 10:9, Jesus says, "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved."  

A gate provides a way through a barrier and gives us access to something. Sin is a barrier for each of us.  There is no other way to be released and free of sin but through Jesus, who is our access to relationship with the Father.  God forgives sin with welcome arms when we simply take a step toward Him as we surrender our heart!

Some say there are many ways to God.  Jesus tells us it is only through Him and the work of the cross that we can enter into complete forgivingness and freedom!  None of us can pretend to have the answer or keys to eternity.  But Jesus offers both the answer and the key - no questions asked!  He only requires a repentant heart!

There will be weeds!  Our lives are full of them.  The master gardener will take care of the pruning and trimming as we allow Him to do so.  He knows how to care for us!  Simply walk through the gate!