Do You Have an Open Heart Toward God?

Here are notes from a sermon by Manuel Gonzales about having an open heart toward God:

" ...That's why it's so important to have an open heart.  It's even more important to have an open heart when we're in deep trouble, when we're suffering in some kind of tribulation, when we're sick, or people are saying bad things about us.  It's really, really important to have an open heart at times like that.  Why?  Because the noise of the world, the static of the world, and our own fears will blot out the voice of God.  And it is the voice of God that will lead us through those difficult times into safety, security, and peace.  It's at those times that we can really see that there is a God who cares.  Why?  Because He is willing to intervene in our lives.  How can you know that God will be faithful unless He places you in circumstances that will show His faithfulness?

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This whole issue of having an open heart is crucial.  It's crucial not only to our survival as Christians, but it's crucial to our victory as Christians.  You can pray until the cows come home, but if you have a hard heart toward God, it's not going to do any good. "