"10 Steps To An Open Heaven It's A Life Style" by Margaret Richey
November, 2007
This is not an exhaustive list by any stretch, but being a pastor there is a need to ensure that the portal of heaven remain open so that we are a continuous channel to God’s people.
Fasting. Going without food is fasting, you may abstain from many things but you fast food. And fasting without prayer is just that, going without food. When you understand humbling yourself through denying yourself daily nourishment and not only fast for a day or two or even an extended fast of three or more. When you truly understand the power of living a fasted life, then it has become a life style.
Walk in forgiveness. I believe you can forgive. I believe someone can offend and you think about it for a while then forgive. But to walk in forgiveness is a life style.
A humble heart. I believe you can “walk” in humility or do a humble act. Or be humble. But to have a humble heart is a life style.
Lover of God. I know that you can love God because He does great things if you have the slightest knowledge of Him. But to be a Lover of God is a life style.
Hate the things that God hates. With all the injustices in the world it doesn’t take much for the worst of mankind to get upset with some of the daily occurrences in our world but when you really hate the things that God hates it is a life style.
Love the things that God loves. Everyday we see God at work in His beauty on the canvas of life. And when we truly love the things that God loves it’s a little deeper than birds and flowers. It’s a life style.
Always Pray. Prayer is being a bridge between heaven and earth. Simple. God is looking for bridges. When you understand the power of prayer and the God of the prayer, it’s not just words on the lips of a travailing soul, prayer is a life style.
Be a Giver. I’m sure everyone gives something sometimes. And even the tightest of tight sometimes give something. But when you have the biblical revelation of giving it is a life style.
Have a passion for God. We all have what we humans call ‘good days’ and ‘bad days’ and some times we all have the goose bumps type of experiences. But when you truly have a passion for God it is a life style.
Filled with His Spirit. It’s more than Christian-ise lingo and dancing on Sunday when the ‘Spirit’ is high. To be truly filled with the Spirit causes you to change atmospheres when your presence enters an area carrying the same Spirit that said, “Let there be light” it is a life style.