A LEARNING HEART BY MOMMY PDJ

A LEARNING HEART.

Today, I will be discussing a topic I've titled with the guidance of the Holy Spirit: A Learning Heart. As children of God, we are expected to possess a learning heart—one that is teachable, open to learning, receptive to instructions, and capable of adhering to the principles, rules, and laws that govern both the spiritual and physical realms. God desires us to have a heart of flesh, as this type of heart is open to listening and learning. A hardened heart cannot be taught; it is inflexible. As children of God, we should strive to have a teachable heart. Reflect on yourself and ask: Am I teachable? Do you consider yourself a know-it-all? Within the church, the heart that fosters change, transformation, and victory is the teachable one. If you attend church services regularly but lack a teachable heart, I assure you there will be no significant change in your spiritual and physical life. You might succeed, yet remain distant from your creator. God desires for someone's heart to be teachable and has shown this by sending many teachings urging us to cultivate a teachable heart.

Let's turn to Deuteronomy chapter 6, verse 6. Focus on your adversary in chapter 6, verse 6. I want you to notice as I read verses six and seven. Observe what God communicated after liberating the Israelites from their greatest adversary, Pharaoh, and their place of bondage, Egypt. He said, "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart." A heart open to learning is both a requirement and an expectation God has for us. Verse seven states, "And you shall teach them diligently to your children." God instructs us to impart these teachings to our children and discuss them when you sit in your home. Thus, learning should also occur in your own home, with a spirit open to instruction. And when you walk along the way, even as you travel, let the teachings and lessons guide you continuously. When you lie down, meditate on the teachings that God’s word has brought to you, and when you rise up. God expects a teachable spirit in all aspects of life. He doesn't want you to compartmentalize your behavior—acting one way at church, another at a club, and yet another at the market. God is saying that the same teachings, instructions, and principles should be learned and consistently applied in your life unless you do not wish to reach heaven. Let's open to Proverbs 23:12: "Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge." This verse emphasizes the importance of being open to learning and listening to truth, which can transform your life. Jesus taught that knowing the truth leads to freedom. If you don't listen or learn, no one can help you. It's crucial to ask God for a teachable heart, as mentioned in Jeremiah 24:7. Psalm 119:11 highlights hiding God's word in your heart to avoid sin. Understanding these truths is vital, as church should not be just for convenience. I've committed to teaching God's true word this year. Here are four signs of a learning heart; if you struggle with them, seek help.

A learning heart is one that values and acts upon counsel. It listens, understands, and implements advice. Such a heart asks questions and accepts the truth without debate, choosing to act on it. It doesn't say, "I'll think about it," because if you've already sought counsel, you've likely thought it over yourself. You approached your pastor after considering the issue from all angles and realizing you needed guidance. When you receive honest advice that doesn't align with your expectations, a learning heart will say, "I'll follow it anyway." In contrast, an unteachable heart will insist on its own way, arguing and attempting to justify its perspective over the given advice. Change is not possible without a teachable heart. If you believe you know more than your advisor, it suggests you think they are less knowledgeable. You seek counsel from someone more informed, so why argue? If you find yourself questioning the advice, it indicates an unsettled feeling inside you, a lack of peace. Ignoring given counsel means you'll face the consequences. Some people seek affirmation rather than genuine guidance, having already decided on their course of action. They want to involve others in their decisions, claiming, "Mama gave me permission." When this happens, I often respond by noting their intentions, as they are not truly seeking counsel but rather trying to validate their plans. Genuine counsel requires neutrality and openness to receive advice. If you're still arguing, it becomes mere communication or inquiry, not true counsel. You might inquire about how something can be done without intending to do it. To truly learn, you must have a heart ready to listen and learn. Don't let pressure lead you to disobey God's word, for disobedience will bring regret when challenges arise. As the Bible says, there is a way that seems right to a person, but its end leads to destruction. Have a learning heart, ask questions sincerely, and accept the information given without argument.

Number two, recognizing a teachable heart. They do not resent criticism. A teachable heart is open to receiving feedback and does not take it personally or turn it into a weapon. When corrected, whether politely or not, publicly or privately, they don't transform it into an attack. Instead, they reflect on the feedback and don't make others feel unreasonable or immature. They don't reject corrections or react negatively to being rebuked. When corrected, they don't question authority or compare themselves to others, thinking they are superior. They acknowledge their mistakes, apologize sincerely, and learn from the experience. A teachable heart recognizes that constructive criticism leads to growth. Accepting rebuke fosters learning from corrected mistakes, allowing for improvement. If someone kindly points out bad behavior or excesses, a teachable heart does not take offense or label the person negatively. Some may react defensively, recalling past instances of perceived disrespect, but a truly teachable heart remains open to feedback, understanding that accountability for one's actions lies with oneself.

If someone dares to criticize your character, you should appreciate their courage, as nowadays, offering such feedback can lead to serious consequences. Telling someone the truth about their actions, which may be ruining their life, can provoke a hostile response. They might question your authority and retaliate, creating problems for you without others understanding that your intention was to guide them. I've observed many people, particularly in church settings, who vanish suddenly because they can't accept criticism. They lack valid reasons for frequently changing churches or spiritual leaders, or for their inability to remain committed to one place for an extended period. It's not a divine calling; it's an aversion to correction. Instead of embracing change, they become defiant, mistakenly believing that God will support their rebellion. This is a misconception. A true servant of God, familiar with divine wisdom, understands that rightful criticism should be heeded, and resisting it will invoke divine consequences. However, if the criticism is intended to harm or belittle, then God will defend you. But if the criticism aims to improve you and you resist, becoming a gossip or complainer, and start defaming your spiritual leader for pointing out something as simple as inappropriate dressing, you are mistaken. You might think you can start your own ministry because of your prayer skills, but in the spiritual realm, obedience, not prayer, is paramount. Spiritual growth requires adherence to divine guidance, even when it seems uncomfortable or unreasonable. A humble heart is essential; never oppose someone who can correct you. Beware of becoming a person whom no one can advise. Such isolation indicates abandonment by God, people, and even Satan. If no one acknowledges your spiritual growth or transformation, and your family fears your reaction to their advice, it suggests a severe disconnect. If you retaliate against your pastor's counsel by withholding support, or dismiss friends' concerns as jealousy, you are isolating yourself. A grave is preferable to such a life because it has boundaries, unlike a life without control or guidance.

Pray for God to provide you with people who can correct you. This is an important prayer. You cannot grow effectively without those who can chastise you. This is why God's word includes rebuke, correction, and chastisement. These are essential tools for change. Personally, I desire to be taught. I want someone bold enough to say, "Justina, don't do this." I want to be guided. If you say you don't want guidance and don't want others involved in your life, thinking, "I know my life, I've planned it," understand that the beauty of life lies in its planning. Listening to those who have gone before you gives you a broader perspective, as you stand on their shoulders. I take every word from my mentors and spiritual parents seriously. I reflect on their advice because I know they are not competing with me. Many have advanced far beyond where I am. I'm still just a village champion. God has blessed me with international spiritual mentors and parents, many of whom have been in ministry for many years. If they advise me to act based on their experience with God, I listen, even if they lack my specific gifts. Their journey is where I aspire to go, and they have the roadmap. You cannot disregard a successful Christian's advice. If someone successful, whom you've observed, offers you guidance, and you claim to know better, you're mistaken. Learning is crucial. Accept rebuke. Stop getting offended or planning against the church because a man of God corrected you. Don't say, "Why did he speak to me in front of others?" If others cared, they would have corrected you. They noticed your faults but didn't address them, judging you silently. When I, for example, see and correct you, don't build a wall against someone who cares about your future. The word of God teaches that a learning heart is key to growth.

Number three: Recognizing a learning heart involves identifying humility. A learning heart is humble, constantly seeking knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. Such a heart frequently asks, "What should I do? How should I do it? What's left to be done? How do I proceed?" It doesn't assume it knows everything. I was discussing with my husband, who suggested, "For this program, you should dress in PDJ style." I replied, "No, when expecting a visitor, you should choose a modest outfit. You shouldn't dress in a way that makes others hesitant to approach you. Dress in a way that makes you approachable, so when someone wants to talk to you, they won't feel intimidated. When I visit certain places, I ensure to dress humbly. I might have a nice outfit, but I reconsider if it appears too sophisticated, knowing that dressing too prominently can create barriers." He questioned my approach, and I explained, "I need an outfit that reflects humility, so that when someone offers advice, I'm open to it. Some people mistakenly try to compete with their spiritual leaders, seeing it as a rivalry. While it's fine to be inspired by them and live within your means, if you have a humble heart, you'll value the knowledge from your spiritual leader more than material possessions. Understanding and applying wisdom to what you learn can lead to greater achievements, as the Bible suggests. But if you're attending a church without the intention to learn, you miss out. A humble heart is essential for gaining understanding. The Bible states that the meek will inherit the earth because they are patient, tolerant, and reliant on God. In contrast, the proud might use appearances to assert themselves. Have you ever asked someone to accompany you to an event, only for them to outshine you with their attire? They might dress impressively, but lack spiritual knowledge, understanding, or wisdom. I recall preparing for a ministry event and choosing outfits that were classy yet understated, as opposed to the more flamboyant styles I wear in familiar settings. Even in what you share online, humility is key. Some people only post about special meals or rare moments, creating a misleading impression. For instance, a couple might post about a rare occasion of matching outfits or a public display of affection, which doesn't reflect their everyday life. Be mindful of how others perceive your actions; not everyone has the same perspective or maturity.

Are you aware that the Bible advises against causing others to stumble into sin? If your brother is uncomfortable with drinking, avoid drinking in front of him to prevent making him feel uneasy. The Bible provides guidance: if you're fasting and others are not, it advises against boasting about your fasting to the extent that it makes others feel like sinners for not fasting. Our spiritual journey should be about complementing each other, not competing. We are meant to complement, not compete. Are you humble, child of God? When was the last time you asked, "Teach me"? How do you feel when you come to church expecting a fiery sermon, but instead receive a different type of message? Some of you might feel like I should leave and return because my recent sermons haven't met your expectations. You anticipated dramatic declarations, but since my return, I've been more subdued, and you might feel disappointed. You're asking, "Where is our fiery leader? We want excitement, not teachings about knowing God." A humble heart seeks to learn and understand more about God. While miracles are exciting, learning through God's word is essential. A miracle without understanding can lead to frustration; if you don't recognize it as a miracle, you might misuse it, leading to pain. That's why you shouldn't say, "I want prophecy, and if it's not given, I'll switch churches." Teaching is crucial in any church where God is present. A humble heart seeks knowledge when attending church. Don't be offended by teachings or abandon your spiritual leader for delivering the true word of God. Don't complain that teachings aren't addressing your immediate needs. Remember, the Bible says, "The Lord sent his word, and it delivered and set them free." If you reject these teachings, you might miss out on their benefits because you're waiting for dramatic displays. May God help us to desire the pure teachings of His word, as they are essential for our growth and spiritual development. Everything else...

Number four, I'm almost done. A learning heart possesses self-control. Without self-control, a learning heart will struggle. Consider how we are teaching now. Every word spoken by a prophet or taught by a pastor resonates with someone in the congregation who is experiencing that exact situation. They might wonder, "Did the pastor choose to preach about me? How is it that I'm going through this right now, and I'm just here seeking God, and the pastor is addressing my issues?" If the pastor has noticed my vulnerability, why preach about it? My dear, it's based on the congregation's needs. That's the kind of message God provides. If the congregation requires encouragement, God will inspire the pastor to deliver an uplifting message to alleviate burdens. If people in the church have become complacent due to God's blessings and are gradually backsliding, often unnoticed until later, God will prompt the pastor to deliver a strong message that encourages self-reflection and spiritual renewal. When God sees that people are prospering, receiving blessings, and becoming complacent, He will guide the pastor to deliver a message that stirs the members, prompting them to renew their spiritual practices. It's not about exposing anyone's problems; it's about providing a balanced teaching tailored to the congregation's issues. If members face financial challenges, God will guide the pastor to address financial pressures. If the church struggles with immorality, God will send the pastor to preach about the consequences of such actions. It requires self-control to remain in the church and acknowledge the need for personal change without taking offense, especially if one is a generous giver. Christians often take pride in their giving, expecting recognition for their contributions. However, they do not seek the same acknowledgment for personal gifts given outside the church. In church, they might expect a grand acknowledgment for their donations, but it doesn't work that way here.

Do I claim we can't show appreciation? You've seen me express gratitude to those who have supported me in God's work. Since your involvement, I've acknowledged some of them, but it's self-control that will enable you to be a financial pillar in the church while remaining humble. Some of you, despite all the anointing and spiritual empowerment I've bestowed upon the ministers and disciples, still view them as insignificant. You don't value them. You judge them by their appearance, particularly my minister who seems delicate. I have laid hands on her, used my whole body, and given her a mantle in your presence. Yet, when you look at her, it's as if you want to dismiss her. You should at least recognize that these individuals are my ministers. Instead, you address them as if they were children. You don't respect them because you consider yourself more attractive. You belittle them, even hitting them on the head, telling them to be quiet. They might ask to speak with you, and you dismiss them, saying you're busy. You don't allow them to express themselves. You lack the self-control to respect the church's leaders. When you see Minister Leah, there's no greeting, just a demand to see me. You need to show courtesy: "Good morning, Minister Leah. How are you?" It's your right to speak with me, but you should acknowledge the leaders. When you see Minister Sam, you casually call him "Samido." Recognizing leadership in the church requires self-control. Without it, you won't succeed. I submit myself to the church committee for accountability, even as the founder and overseer. But some church members disregard this. They don't care about the rules or the structure. Self-control is essential to be a good Christian and to respect leadership. God doesn't choose based on personal preference; He selects who He wants. Even if you're a devoted follower, you might not be chosen for a particular assignment. This doesn't mean God dislikes you; it simply means you're not the one chosen at that time. Those who are chosen deserve respect, as the scripture teaches.

Honor your parents, both biological and spiritual. Do you realize that when I'm not with these ministers every 6 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 12:00 a.m., they don't rest? Whether I stay for two days, a week, three weeks, or a month, some disciples, who were once free, are now involved in these activities. They probably hope to conclude what they started last month. For over a month, they've been praying at night, each one of them. Imagine not knowing the ministers were doing these things. When people see the ministers, they notice how you treat her. Everyone wants to see mama through ZP. How many of you have ever given her a gift? Who assists you in opening the door? Can't he have a drink of water? Are you trying to exhaust this girl for me? Self-control is essential for such responsibilities. They can't rest, consistently engaging in midnight prayers. That's why when I observe the new disciples and their dedication to prayer, I affirm it. If you're not involved, you might think it's easy, but now you see the sweetness of leadership. Did you always see brother Dan in church every service day before? Let him be absent now, and you'll see. This shows the lengths leaders go to maintain the stability of their duties. So, if you're in church, respect leadership, respect departmental heads, and respect church committees. You don't have to like them, but respect their roles, as they ensure a smooth ministry. That's why you must respect them, because without order, there's chaos. For order to exist, people make sacrifices. A learning heart won't say, 'The church I used to attend didn't do things this way; this church's mama over-spiritualizes everything.' It's not about mama; our God is an excellent God, and if we aim to reflect Him, our results should be excellent. If I have light and guide you into it, you should clearly see your path. That's why Jesus said the blind cannot lead the blind. Praise the Lord. So, I encourage you to have a learning heart. It will help you get the best from your man of God and the church you attend. It will make you a better Christian and spiritually keep you growing.

Remember this: A learning heart is a mind with greatness. Wherever you see a learning heart, know these are people aspiring for greatness. When you are eager to learn, greatness surrounds you. A learning heart is a sign of strength, not weakness. So, learn and be taught according to the Bible.

Note number two, grasping the laws of the spirit requires a heart open to learning. Only a learning heart can truly understand these spiritual laws. This is why Jesus Christ's ministry was centered on teaching. For three years, He instructed His disciples and the church. He was known as Rabbi, the Teacher. He employed various teaching methods, including parables and counseling. After addressing the public, He would privately clarify His teachings to His disciples. Believer, you cannot comprehend the spiritual laws if you are unwilling to learn. Why would God spend time on someone who won't listen? Why would He invest in you if you're not teachable? Why would He entrust you with others' destinies if you haven't been transformed? You must be broken to be rebuilt by God. During this rebuilding, God removes harmful traits and instills those that foster growth. A learning heart is one that listens and acts. There is a distinction between listening and truly hearing. You can listen without hearing. True change begins when you hear. If you aren't changing, despite transformative teachings, you're merely listening. When your ear truly hears, it learns to change. This is often challenging for many Christians, as they resist truly hearing. Scripture states that faith comes by hearing the word of God. Wrong influences can weaken your faith, while the right ones can strengthen it, making you a warrior, a champion, a deliverer, a victorious Christ-like individual. Assess yourself. What lessons from this ministry have prompted changes in your life? Can your parents notice a significant transformation in you? Can your mother acknowledge the positive change since you joined this ministry? Or do they still fear your presence? Have you transformed from a family menace to someone different? Would your husband affirm your Christian faith? Or would he deny it? Would your wife agree? The devil can exploit inconsistencies because our lives are open books. Let your transformation be evident to your colleagues, acquaintances, family, and even yourself. When you reflect on your journey, let it bring you joy and surprise. You might think, "Is this really me? Whatever has been done to me, it is well." Previously, your anger might have been explosive, but now you handle situations with grace, thanking Jesus, even if others don't understand. I pray for those listening that your journey with God will be fruitful. Your devotion to God will not be in vain. Your walk with God will yield significant results, bringing greatness, elevation, transformation, revival, redemption, restoration, blessings, and rewards. Your journey with God will illuminate your path.