Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, and I will praise the Lord. Ps.118:19

Our Lord has made available the entrance into these gates, only one requirement; a right relationship with Him.

The gates of righteousness are different from the twelve gates of pearl, that John tells us about in the Book Of Revelation. We must be in heaven to enter the gates of pearl. The gates of righteousness are available here and now. Jesus is the Shepherd of the sheepfold, and He allows the sheep to go in and out into green pastures.

The Psalmist tells us in Ps. 100 to: make a joyful shout to the Lord; serve the Lord with gladness, to come into His presence with singing, and to know that the Lord is God.

He continues to tell us how to worship: to enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Be thankful, and bless His name, for the Lord is good.

Just maybe we can apply this procedure to the temple of David’s time and to our present house of worship

Some of the principles of this Psalm reflects the failure of our churches and society today. It’s even rare for some of our people to use common curtsey anymore.

We are to serve with gladness, and that means service with a smile.

We are to sing unto Him, after all music was designed by God.

We are to acknowledge His goodness, and being part of His family we can see the personal aspects of His goodness.