In what ways can we ensure our hearts remain open to God's guidance?

The warning from Acts 7:51

“You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; just as your fathers did, so also do you.”

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What closes a heart

• Stubborn pride (Proverbs 28:14)

• Cherished sin (Psalm 66:18)

• Traditions elevated above truth (Mark 7:8-9)

• Unbelief fed by fear (Hebrews 3:12-13)

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Signs our hearts are hardening

• Diminished sensitivity to conviction

• Irritation when Scripture confronts us

• Neglect of prayer and worship

• Isolation from godly fellowship

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Daily practices that keep the heart open

• Honest repentance – invite the Spirit to search and soften (Psalm 139:23-24)

• Fresh surrender – “circumcise your hearts” (Deuteronomy 10:16)

• Quick obedience – “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me” (John 14:21)

• Continuous listening – “Do not quench the Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5:19)

• Humble teachability – “Receive with meekness the implanted word” (James 1:21)

• Regular fellowship and accountability – Hebrews 10:24-25

• Guarding against bitterness – Hebrews 12:15

• Thankful worship that realigns affections – Philippians 4:6-7

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Key verses to memorize and pray

• Hebrews 3:15 – “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…”

• Ezekiel 36:26 – “I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”

• Romans 12:2 – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

• Psalm 119:33-40 – a model for desiring an obedient heart

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Walking it out

1. Begin each morning inviting the Spirit’s inspection.

2. Read a portion of Scripture slowly, asking, “What does obedience look like today?”

3. Act promptly on the first nudge you receive; delayed obedience breeds resistance.

4. Share what God is showing you with a trusted believer.

5. End the day reviewing His guidance and giving thanks.

Keeping an open heart is not complex, but it is intentional: repent quickly, listen carefully, obey promptly, and stay humbly dependent on the Spirit who alone can keep flesh tender and ears unclogged.