Responsive Heart

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – July 16, 2016

Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people, that they would become accursed and laid waste, and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the LORD.   2 Kings 22:19

God responds well to a responsive and humble heart. It is guaranteed an audience with the Almighty. His heart is drawn to humility and commitment to obedience. He knows a responsive heart can be trusted with His truth. So when He finds someone responsive to righteousness, He has found someone who can be entrusted with His blessing. A responsive heart is teachable, tender to truth, and quick to obey. It is the opposite of a hard heart.

A hard heart stews in the juices of sin, while a responsive heart flees from sin’s appearance. A responsive heart is action-oriented and chooses to change for good. You may have an attitude of distrust or anger, but the Lord’s conviction penetrates your spirit. Instead of making excuses for this unacceptable behavior, a responsive heart seeks to become trusting and forgiving.

God and godly influences are constantly suggesting, teaching, convicting, and prodding you to conform to the character of Christ. His Word speaks to your heart and then your life responds to Him with appropriate attitudes and actions. Therefore, living for Jesus is an act of worship. Your responsiveness to truth is a testimony to the living God. As you obey God, others are drawn to Him and you. This is a wise habit to model for your children. If you can impart to them a tender and responsive heart to God at an early age, you have done them a great favor. Start young while the things of God are bigger than life. A youthful and responsive heart toward God has a better chance of becoming a responsive heart toward God during adulthood.

Respond to and remove any affections that compete with Christ. If money drives your behavior, then put it in its proper place through generosity. If work is your worship, then calendar time for rest and find your security in your Savior. If television or the Internet is your obsession, then unplug them for a season. Abstain from e-mail, voicemail, and meetings for a period of time and fill the void with quiet reflection around a heart responsive toward the Lord. Activity and noise can numb your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leadership.

Therefore, seek to do less, and trust God and others with what still needs attention. Others can take care of these issues but you are the only one who can manage your heart. An unresponsive heart will suffer from spiritual blockage and eventually shut down. Exercise it well by responding to the things of God. He is looking for humble hearts to invigorate with His wisdom and discernment. Stay responsive to your heavenly Father, and watch in awe as He quietly, boldly, and lovingly responds to you.  A responsive heart to God is quick to obey Him, and slow to sin.

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, keep my heart tender and responsive to Your Spirit’s promptings.

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Post/Tweet today

Seek to do less better—trust God and others with what still needs attention. #WisdomHunters #responsiveheart

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Worship Resource

7 minutes – Gaither Vocal Band: Let it Start in Me   Today’s reading is taken from Boyd’s most popular book: Seeking Daily the Heart of God, a 365 day devotional. Check out Boyd’s newest devotional book Two Minutes in the Bible for Men. Order now! If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision. Learn how to help. Our free Apple app      Our free Android app

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