In a recent Fighter Verse, Solomon said, “He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing. A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back” (Proverbs 29:1, 11).

That sounds remarkably similar to what James said: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness that God requires” (James 1:19–20).

Here are seven more things about listening:

Desiring God is hosting its annual National Conference today through Sunday. The theme this year is Act the Miracle: God's Work and Ours in the Mystery of Sanctification.

Please pray that God would be glorified through the conversations and sessions and book-selling and praying that will take place.

Karen Loritts spoke to the women of Bethlehem Friday, September 21, 2012 at our 2012 Women's Fall Kick-Off.  It was an evening of worship, teaching, and prayer.  You may listen or download Karen's message, "God's Calling ...

How do doctrine and life go together? We will explore the way Ephesians links doctrinal truth to practical living out of that truth.  How does this beautiful epistle speak into the body of Christ today, as we aim to walk in a manner worthy of God's calling?  As Karen connects the living Word to her own life, and ours, she will point us to a deeper connection between the call of God and the daily, real-life walk of faith.

Do Christians still have a sinful soul? What is the relationship between the Holy Spirit and our spirit? What is the relationship between our spirit and our flesh?

This question was answered by Dave Zuleger, Pastoral Assistant for Jason Meyer.
 
Do Christians still have a sinful soul?
 
Yes and no.
 

Grumbling is a sure sign of unbelief.

The heart must be shaped by the doctrines that the mind embraces.

Seeing the necessity and excellency of this truth overcomes grumbling in the heart.

Have you ever wondered what God is doing while you are looking in the wrong place for something you lost and needed very badly? He knows exactly where it is, and he is letting you look in the wrong place. He is watching you. He sees you looking in the wrong room where you think you left it. Or the wrong store where you think you dropped it. Or the wrong book, where you think you read it. Why?

1) The hook of constant curiosity

Christianity means change is possible. Deep, fundamental change. It is possible to become tenderhearted when once you were callous and insensitive. It is possible to stop being dominated by bitterness and anger. It is possible to become a loving person no matter what your background has been.

J.C. Ryle’s nineteenth century book on Holiness is full of remedies for twentieth century problems. For example, I find these words to be a very needed antidote to much careless talk today about the “unconditionality” of God’s love in the context of healing our sense of distance and disharmony with him.