What does an “Open Heart” look like? For me, an open heart is one who cares and shares with others: Shares our victories and our struggles; a heart that is sincere and receptive to the Lord. When God says, “do this, or that” we should be receptive; not say, “not now, Lord,” I am too busy. I wonder how many times I actually told God, “I’m too busy,” or said “OK, but I’ll do it later”! So, when an Open Heart is sincere and receptive and obeys God, there is peace.

Ephesians 6 verse 5) Slaves obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, 6) not by the way of eye-service, as people pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will God from the heart. 7) Rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to men.

So, what about “Open Home”? Is your home a place where people can just knock on your door and you welcome them with an “Open Heart”? Or, do you panic because your home is in disarray. Oh no, the dishes are in the sink and the socks are on the floor, etc., – You get the point. Is it about “what will they think of me”? Or, will you welcome them with a sincere heart and enjoy their visit? There are times that it will be inconvenient, and the visit will be short, but nonetheless we need to be hospitable to whoever knocks at our door.

We live in a day where we are just too busy to be available. Throughout the years we’ve had many guests in our home, and I am grateful for everyone God has sent to our home. Just recently we’ve had some missionary friends staying with us, and we were so blessed to have their company, and especially to hear their stories: their victories and their struggles. We had prayer and laughter with our friends and I wouldn’t change that for anything.

Pray for the people God will send your way. Pray for an opportunity to glorify our Father who teaches us how to be hospitable. You will be a blessing and you will receive a blessing.

Blessings,
Pat Spies
A Servant of God and a Friend of America’s Keswick