Open Hearts, Open Doors

Do you remember what it was like to have child like innocence? Man I wish I did, but that was so long ago that it’s hard to retrace those moments; however, I know those were good days. Fun loving, openhearted, giving, trusting and enjoying life and to top it all off, it was the 1980s. I promise you that was an amazing decade.

But, there’s something deeper with this.

Jesus asks us to be converted like a child and to have childlike faith (see Matthew 18:3). This is a huge request because it requires us to unlearn all the junk we’ve accumulated and then relearn to be fun loving, openhearted, giving, trusting and enjoying life. If we’re honest, this is not an easy task. To me, it’s the hardest aspect of our faith journey with Jesus because it goes to the core issues of our lives and this demands courage to change. The reason why this is a big deal is because we believe with our heart (see Romans 10:9-10) and from that belief, we receive Jesus. Our heart is the engine of our faith which is why we must guard our hearts above all else, because everything flows from it. So with all the plethora of things we deal with, it’s important we open our hearts to walk through the open door.

Did you notice that open hearts precede open doors? This is because one of the greatest challenges of aging, is keeping our hearts open.

It’s so easy to think we know it all, seen it all and heard it all, that we shut out anything new and this leaves us left behind and stuck. Unfortunately, this describes too many Christians and churches which speaks to a vertical problem with God.

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.”

Lamentations: 3:22-23

Notice He gives us new mercies daily because we need Him daily. This means we can’t afford to close our hearts when there’s always more of God for us. If He gives me new mercies everyday, then I can receive something new everyday. This speaks to having an open heart.

Therefore, we must guard against being offended, being prideful, proving points, needing to be right, demanding our way, holding grudges, majoring on minor Bible issues, being a church critic and thinking we’re better than others. All of this and more are subtle schemes that corrupt childlike innocence and causes hearts to close. In fact, this is why we have debates on what God will do or won’t do, instead of just doing what He said to do!

We’re called to make a difference for Jesus and that requires us to have open hearts!

Is your heart open today?

No matter your answer, I pray that you would make a decision to live with an open heart. This is how we receive more of God and this is how we are continually changed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Please don’t let any of life’s issues rob you of an open heart and open doors.

Speaking of open doors, check out this promise.

“He that begins a good work in you, is faithful to complete until the day of Jesus Christ.”

Philippians 1:6

How powerful is that? Whatever God has begun in you, His full intention is to complete it in your lifetime. This means He’s not leaving you, He’s not hurting you nor is He punishing you. No, He’s ready to complete you and when you have an open heart, He will cause open doors to come your way.

Again notice, His full intent is to complete His purpose in your life, which means He’s willing and ready. So, it’s our job to keep our heart open. His job is to open the doors that no one can close and do what we can’t do. All He needs is a willing person. What He wants is an open heart that He can heal, restore and dream through.

Will you be that person today?

Whatever would potentially hold you back, let it go. Forgive. Move forward. Decide to have an open heart to Jesus and let it show by being a part of a local church. Trust leadership as they prove consistent. Give of your talent, finance and time. Let God use what you have, so you can see what He can do with it. Now is the time to have an open heart, so you can walk through an open door.

I believe in you and I believe that God has something great for your life.

Have an awesome week and the best is yet to come,
PD