The Teachable Heart

It was a very unique arrangement and Elisha handled it in a unique manner. 

My desire for a righteous world won't motivate anyone else to seek God's approval. Yet the reverse is also true – the world's lack of hunger for righteousness doesn't need to reduce mine, or yours!

There is no joint ownership of true Christians; Jesus and Satan are not sharing custody of us.

It's wise to quickly resolve a conflict when it arises.  But it's foolish to knowingly start one. 

While a raised voice may get someone's attention, gracious words are more likely to persuade them that what is being said is true.

I don't know what your current need may be, but God does.  Don't panic; trust Him.

If you're still breathing, it's an indication that God is still investing Himself in your life. 

When engaging a frustrated person speak gently and be pleasant.

Carefully compare the things you hear to the teaching of Scripture.

In the face of opposition, the people became discouraged and gave up.  Can you relate? 

You were created by God and for God (Colossians 1:16).  If you're not living to bring Him delight and glory, you're missing your main purpose in life

The Lord wants us to stop long enough to ask ourselves WHAT we're doing, and WHY we're doing it. (Haggai 1:9)

It's easy to place our priorities ahead of God's.  (Haggai 1:3)

Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes any group work!

According to Jesus, a thorough understanding ofScripture is a strong defense against the world's deception

Asking for credible support for significant claims is logical and reasonable.

Pride or humility?  Which better describes you?  One described our Savior (Matthew 11:29); the other is detestable to His Father. 

How do we know when to step in and help, and when to refrain?  Only God's Spirit can help us discern between the two. 

Instead of promising others that their circumstances will change, point them to the God who will not.

God did it all.  All He asks from us in return is to believe. 

Living with chronic illness is bad; dying in unrepentant sin is worse. 

I'm sure your pastor wouldn't mind preaching to a few more on Sunday mornings. Who could you invite? 

Some things are too important to rush.  Show the necessary patience to get it right the first time! 

How welcomed by Jesus would others feel based upon how welcomed they are by you?

When fear threatens, remember the faithfulness of God.  

One only fully accepts correction when it's been carefully applied. But when we apply correction, Scripture says we're being sensible.

When they leave your presence, are they better prepared for the journey they'll face?

When facing a challenging situation do you typically react emotionally, or do you respond biblically?  Listen in to learn the difference.

Those with everything in this world are as dependent on God's mercy as was the thief on the cross.

God is rarely in a hurry; but He's never late! 

Do you consider how you might bless others by choosing a lesser thing for yourself?

One act of kindness can change someone's perspective of God.

We absolutely will spend our entire lifetimes in this world rubbing shoulders with unbelievers.

Have you ever wondered how Friday night + Saturday night could be counted as three nights in the grave? 

Christ did not come to be served, but to serve.  Surely we are not above our Master in that regard! 

If we are fully persuaded God will keep His word, we can be encouraged regardless of our circumstances. 

Do others see Jesus in, and through, you? What can you do to leave a little Jesus in your wake?

What do you do when you encounter a hard truth of God?

How can we grow in humility as we grow in biblical knowledge? Here are five ways (courtesy of John Piper).

Each day is filled with blessings and difficulties.  Which do we choose to see? 

When the praise others receive collides with our pride – watch out!  Sparks are likely to fly - unless we purposefully choose humility.

Invest yourself in others.  You might make a world of difference to them.

One thousand years from now, you will be more alive than you are today.  Where will you find yourself? 

Your circumstances can be rocked severely, but God and His Word will never change.

Just as my kitchen junk drawer attracts and retains our household junk, so my heart attracts and retains junk too. 

When you remember the price paid for your freedom, you want to serve your liberator.

Sometimes it doesn't pay to be in a hurry. 

God sees what we do for Him, even if nobody else does.

When our world is shaken, we're to run to the Lord.  He is always nearby and will always help us!

All things may be possible with God, but few are guaranteed.

There is no “curve” in God's grading system.  All stand equally guilty before Him.