GUARD YOUR HEART WITH ALL DILIGENCE.
SONG
Into my heart, into my heart.
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus
Come into today, come into stay, come into my heart.
Lord Jesus
TEXT
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." -- Prov.4.23
The heart is the central or innermost and the essential or most vital part of the body. It is a very serious matter for the Bible to say that out of it are the issues of life. This is not a misplacement of words, but rather, it is absolutely a matter to be taken into serious consideration.
From a heart well kept will flow living issues, good products, to the glory of God and to the edification of others. We must keep our hearts with much care and diligence than we keep anything else. It will interest you to know that our lives will be regular or irregular, comfortable or uncomfortable, as our hearts are kept or neglected. It is even medically advisable to keep the heart from hurtful matters and issues that have the tendency to spell undue pressure on it.
The Bible also admonishes us to keep a conscience void of offence, guarding it as our jewel and as our vineyard. Apostle Paul writes as follows:
"And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men." - Acts 24:16
Keeping out bad thoughts and keeping up good thoughts can serve as great medication to the heart.
A right action begins with a right thinking. As children of God, there are thoughts that should never be accommodated in our hearts. The Book of Philippians chapter 4 verse 8 spells out matters that are worthy of the Christian thought.
"Finally , brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." - Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
Beside guiding our hearts accordingly, we are also to seek those things which are above, where Christ is sitting on the right hand of God and to set our affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:1 (KJV)
Practically, this is not usually an easy task because we are surrounded by earthly attractions and temptations.
We must endeavor to set our hearts and mind in the right things and places if we are to experience the Lord's peace.
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: ... " - Isaiah 26:3 (KJV).
Having our hearts stayed on God and His Word is the surest guarantee of peace, which in turn serves eventually to strengthen our hearts in the midst of the world's turmoil. "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding , shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Phil.4.7.
We serve the God of peace, so therefore, if we truly want to enjoy peace in our hearts we have to embrace God and His teaching. Accept Jesus, the Prince of Peace as your Lord and Savior today and you can be sure of that peace which knows no end.
PRAYER
My heart O Lord I yield unto you, that you fill it with your peace, which passeth all understanding in Jesus Mighty name. 🙏 🙏 🙏