10.15.16

 
 
 
 
Devotional for Saturday, October 15, 2016
“Above All That You Guard…”
 
are you guarding your heart
 
by Dona Hake
 
In this day and age there are some of the greatest home security systems being invented.   They are wireless and simply amazing.   The parent that has to work later and cannot be home for their children at the end of the day can watch from their cell phone as their children come through the door safely.   You can turn lights on  and off, lock or unlock the door, and  regulate your heating all remotely from  your phone.   All of this is designed to help us feel more secure and it is wonderful.    May we be as watchful and careful over our minds and hearts that we may be aware of all that is going on inside of us at all times.   May we seek that same pursuit of diligence that our hearts are guarded and our minds are controlled by the Word of God.
 
 

Proverbs 4:23 (AMP)

“Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and

above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.”
 
 
We see from this scripture that our heart is able to contain springs of life from which we can draw.   God wants our hearts to be full of Him and His life giving presence.   I can remember once becoming overly preoccupied with something on my mind that was troubling me. The Lord ministered to my heart so sweetly yet firmly that because I was so preoccupied and troubled that my heart was unguarded.     He challenged me  to examine my diligence in the  guarding of my heart so my heart would not be  left vulnerable to the works of the enemy that would rob my peace,  joy, and strength in the Lord.
 
In the book of Philippians Paul wrote how we can keep the peace of God guarded in our hearts.   This was his advice…
 
 

Philippians 4:6-9Easy-to-Read Version

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have.  And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.

 Brothers and sisters, continue to think about what is good and worthy of praise. Think about what is true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. 9 And do what you learned and received from me—what I told you and what you saw me do. 
And the God who gives peace will be with you.”
 
 
 
 When we purpose to think on good things we are being proactive in guarding our hearts, and holding fast to  the peace of God.    I know for myself that when my heart is full and I mean FULL of God’s peace and faith, I face the problems of this life in His strength.   Today I encourage you to watch over your heart and your thoughts.   Make sure you are not walking about your day with a heart that is unguarded, for God desires to keep it with His loving peace.♥