Guard Your Heart

Are the words from your mouth getting you in deep waters? Are your eyes looking and lusting after things not intended for you? Are your feet marching off in a direction contrary to God's leading? Time to do some serious introspection.

The scriptures give us great warning and clear direction when we open our heart and mind to receive what it is actually saying. As I read the following text I realize that we are to be extremely aware of our inner struggles and choices.

"Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put devious lips far from you. Let your eyes look directly fixed straight in front of you. Watch the path of your feet, and all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right nor to the left; turn your foot from evil." Proverbs 4:23-27

We are challenged to guard our heart because it leads us through life choices. Our heart is an expression of our feelings and emotions. Interestingly we are not aware that it can be extremely deceitful.

How do we go about guarding our heart? If we guard our heart what benefit do we receive? Reading God's Word and dwelling on it helps to strengthen right desires and right motives, but there is so much more. The scripture continues to show what prevents the springs of life, the abundant watering, we desperately need and desire from the Holy Spirit.

The first issue are the words that come out of our mouth. Are our words encouraging and uplifting to others? Are they subtlety demeaning to the listener, and or possibly elevating ourselves? Do we find ourselves whispering negative things about others, where we could otherwise be remarking on the positive work of God in their lives? These are questions that help us to recognize how easily sin enters our very being and then spills out on others.

The second issue is our eyes. Our eyes can misdirect our decisions and effect our contentment. Eyes are a gateway to our soul. Have we begun to desire things that are unseemly and sinful? Do we find ourselves gazing at what others have and wish they were our very own? How about looking down our nose with disdain, while we are covering our own fallen behavior, judging them and not ourselves? 

The Spirit desires to fill us with His goodness and love so that we will look on good and pure things. He wants us to open our eyes to see clearly all the wonders God has done in the land of the living. There is much to be thankful for such as the beauty and fragrance of a flower. the majesty and tumbling of a roaring waterfall. He wants us to see the magnificent mountain ranges and the simple precious smile of a little child. God has given us a plethora of things to look at that are good and pleasing. We need to make the responsible choice to live and see the beauty  that surround us.

The third issue found here is our feet. Where are they taking us? Are they heading in a direction contrary to God's leading by His Spirit? There is a multitude of places we can go, but should we? God has a good path for us and will illuminate the way. We need to press into His goodness to see we are heading in the right direction. When we follow His ways and walk forward, our head can be held high, not looking over our shoulder hoping not to be seen or exposed. We can be assured of His goodness and grace in everyday travels. It is a marvelous experience when you feel impressed to go in a specific direction to then run into someone you needed to talk with. They encouraged you or you may have encouraged them. In everything there are choices to be made. 

We desire to feel God's pleasure and love so we must be mindful to keep our heart clean before Him. I love how the scripture describes what our efforts should be;

"But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life." Jude vs 20-21

Recognizing the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit, that Jesus presents to us when we put our faith and trust in Him, is all the help we need. He takes our weaknesses and becomes strong within us. Continue to pray and seek for the things above, knowing the end result is everlasting springs of water. Your soul, your heart, and your mind will all be strengthened, renewed, restored to the joy of knowing you have a glorious future and a hope. Allow the Lord to guard your words, eyes and feet today. Enjoy the journey! 

💛Dee

Trust for the Mature Christian

If you consider yourself a mature Christian it is because you have been following the Savior Jesus Christ for some time. You most likely attend church faithfully and have read and reread your Bible. Spending time in prayer alone or with others is important and you are most likely serving in some capacity in ministry. 

Have you finally arrived? Do you have it all together? Is everything around you perfect and running smoothly? Are all your friends and family saved? Asking these questions helps us realize we are not a finished product. We are still needed in Christ's mission and there is much to be done.

It is easy to fall back, not trusting the Lord, because our immediate surroundings may be troubled or unstable. We become fickle when it comes to trusting in the Lord. We have expectations that everything should be perfect and easy. This wasn't true for Jesus' disciples and they were taught directly from Him!

Fortunately for the mature Christian, we are able to look back in our memory banks, remembering the numerous times we witnessed the Lord performing His works and His ways. Drawing from past experience we can minister with compassion to others going through similar trials. Others are strengthened and so are we.

Walking through challenges, circumstances and trials may seem overwhelming, unreasonable or impossible. We are pressed to find the Lord, which enables a deeper relationship, that is more satisfying and fulfilling. Searching the Word for direction, praying, asking and listening we receive bigger and better ideas.

The Lord challenged me and my husband to let go of our family home. In obedience we sold our home not knowing what to expect. We wondered if the Lord wanted us to move from the area. Was He calling us to be missionaries? Surprisingly we were lead to buy a larger home in the area, which didn't make much sense at the time. A few years later the Lord called us to start a home church. We certainly had enough space that included a long driveway with lots of parking space. Months later, our new founded church, moved into a building and we sold the house. We moved three more times before settling in a townhome. The Lord taught us to keep a light touch on the things of this world. He taught us that our home is a temporary dwelling place and correlated this to our bodies. We grew a greater understanding of the eternal soul living as if our bodies were a mere tent, that is easily moved from place to place, with the eternal destination heaven. Experience gave us the necessary maturity to understand trusting the Lord in all our ways. 

I can now better understand the psalmist;

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped, therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him." Psalm 28:7

Our past experiences have taught us to trust and obey. There is nor better way to live. We can truly say that as you follow the Lord Jesus there is never a dull moment. Continue to allow the Lord to lead you. It isn't over until the day the Lord calls us home to His eternal paradise. What an exciting day that will be!

Take aways:

* Evaluate your relationship with Christ

* Do you follow His leading?

* Be a person of prayer, reading His Word

* Use your experience to help others

* Praise Him for His faithfulness

* Trust and obey

💛Dee

Making the Lord a Priority in Your Retirement Years

 ARE YOU WATCHING THE CLOCK DURING THE DAY?

Time flies! How do we use it? We can never have a do-over! We can not retrieve it. By now you’ve lived some life and understand how the minutes in our day slip away. Chances are that you’ve proclaimed, “I don’t have enough time!” As I mature the time goes by faster than ever. I can’t seem to slow it down. There are definitely some ways to make our time productive without exhausting oneself. God created time. He gave us twenty four hours everyday so let’s reevaluate how we use it.

WHERE DOES THE LORD FIT INTO YOUR DAY?

There is only one way to control time for the Lord and that is purposely setting time aside to spend in prayer and reading His Word. This allows Him to speak back to us through His Word or His still small voice. When I do this I am prepared for whatever invades my day. Ask yourself if you have made time to spend with the Lord? Is it in your daily plan?

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH MOST OF YOUR TIME?

Let’s face it, our lives are filled with busyness. Some of us are working a job. Others of us are retired but are amazed at how much we still have to do. We are all squeezing in groceries, cleaning, preparing meals, traveling, paying bills, and helping our children with their children. The list is endless. It is important to set aside what I am doing and savor the moments that I have with friends and family. Nothing compares to in-depth conversation. Too often we can skim the surface, not stopping to hear the full story or depth of emotion.

I find it just as important to pencil in coffee with a friend as it is to determine the time in my day that I set aside for writing or artwork. It is too easy to seclude myself so I can feel that I have accomplished my goal and miss out on something important happening around me. How do I ensure that I am doing what I need to do or go where I need to go?

DEVOTE TIME TO THE LORD.

When you make time for God, you will be amazed at how much better your day unfolds. You will redeem the time that is given and will look back on your day with a feeling of contentment. Plan ahead, make a decision be diligent to follow through

I have gotten into a routine in the morning. As soon as I awake I make myself a hot cup of coffee, get in my comfortable chair, drag a blanket over my lap and then read a short devotional. This helps me to immediately start reflecting on Jesus. I then turn to my Bible and ask the Lord to clear my thoughts so that I can receive His thoughts. I do not rush this. It’s important to sit and ponder what I am reading. Sometimes I will journal passages that speak to my heart that day. I then sit back and rest in the Lord while lifting up praise and petitions to Him.

“THERE IS AN APPOINTED TIME FOR EVERYTHING AND THERE IS A TIME FOR EVERY EVENT UNDER HEAVEN.”   ECCLESIASTES 3:1

PROMPT

Take some time right now to talk with Jesus. It can be as little as five minutes — there’s no pressure! Read Ecclesiastes 3:1 and ask Jesus to tell you what He’s appointed for you in this day? What does He want you to say “yes” to? What does he want you to say “no” or “not now” to in your life? Whatever He says, thank Him for His love and instruction, rest in His presence, and then go enjoy the time set before you.

Find Refreshment Through the Holy Spirit in Retirement

 DO I NEED MORE OF HIS SPIRIT NOW THAT I AM RETIRED?

As a mature Christian that has the freedom to choose what we will accomplish each day we are in need of the Holy Spirit more than ever before. When we were younger it seemed like we had endless years stretching out before us. We now come to realize that time is slipping away and there is so much that still needs to be done to leave a lasting imprint on family, friends and society. 

BE FILLED AND REFILLED!

This is not the time to start coasting in life. This is an important time to be filled and refilled by the Holy Spirit of God. The Spirit desires to give us wisdom on a daily basis. Whether you have household chores to accomplish or people to meet with, the Spirit is happy to lead. It is a wonderful experience to be in the right place at the right time. With the Holy Spirit leading you will find more opportunities to share God’s truths and His love. 

I’M SAVED, WHY DO I NEED TO ASK FOR MORE?

The scripture reminds us that we are in need of His Spirit. We are influenced by this world constantly and it taints how we think and react. We need to be saturated daily with His Spirit to counteract this. 

1 Corinthians 2:12-13 says:

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.”

HERE’S A GREAT SUGGESTION FOR BEING REFILLED.

Spend time sitting alone in His presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you. Allow the Spirit to minister to your needs.

 Find refreshment and restoration in your relationship with the Living God through these precious moments. You will find peace and fulfillment and be recharged for the day ahead. 

His Spirit will gently speak and lead you with his direction and even correction. Rejoice in the fact that the Lord is never finished with us until we take our final breath on this side of heaven.

Victorious Living as a Mature Christian

 FREEDOM REIGNS WHEN WE LIVE VICTORIOUSLY!

Walking with the Lord over a period of years is a wonderful experience. The brothers and sisters in Christ that we have had the privilege to know and grow with is diverse to say the least. Over the years we have opened our hearts to receive from Bible teachings, retreats, church services, prayer groups and home fellowships. 

WHAT ARE YOU DESIRING?

Hopefully we are now self-feeders by consistently reading the Word and devoting time to communicate to Jesus in Prayer. There should be a striving to be more Christ like. This is done by tuning in to the still small voice of Christ through His Spirit. That voice can approve our actions, spur us on or suggest a laying down of things in our lives that could be hindering the move of His Spirit.

HOW ARE YOU SPENDING YOUR TIME?

Journeying through life with Christ has brought us to a time where we have freedom to decide what we will or will not do. It is more important than ever to have an ear to hear His daily direction. It is too easy to while away the hours of each day in a floundering fashion.

STRUGGLES ARE REAL.

Are there things in your life that you have a strong desire to accomplish? Are there expectations laid upon you by others that are unrealistic or even condemning? Are you experiencing feelings of inadequacy or regrets? Struggles are real. Turn to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. He will direct your steps while giving you His strength and wisdom to accomplish whatever it is that He has gifted you to do. 

COMPLETE FREEDOM IS COMING!

We haven’t arrived to perfection yet. Complete freedom comes when we depart from these fleshly bodies to live in heaven with the Lord for eternity. What a glorious day that will be! No more Satan and his minions to buffet our minds, body and soul. We are now free from condemnation, grief, despair and disillusionment. 

LIVE VICTORIOUSLY!

The battle isn’t over until it is over. We will live victoriously for eternity, but Jesus desires us to live victoriously in the here and now. Meditate on the scriptures that have given you assurance and direction. Praise the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who paid the penalty for our past, present and future sins by spilling His precious blood on the cross. Rest in the knowledge that God is in control. Enjoy your freedom and take joy in His personal presence and love.

HERE IS A GREAT SCRIPTURE TO DWELL ON;

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2

POSITIVE STEPS:

*Draw close to the Lord through His Word and prayer

*Ask for daily direction.

*Run to Jesus when you experience condemnation.

*Praise the Lord for His goodness.

*Embrace freedom!

Mature Christians Must Grow in His Word

 IS YOUR CONFIDENCE IN THE WORD OF GOD?

Amazingly to me, individuals that have been walking with the Lord for many years, conversation never seem to turn to the Lord or His Word. Seemingly the Word of God has been pushed to the sidelines as people focus on all the enticements and distractions of the surrounding world.

ARE YOU STILL GROWING?

As mature Christians we should have developed a healthy pattern of reading the Word as a part of our daily diet. Just as quickly as we reach for the first cup of coffee or power drink we should be opening our Bible for a healthy dose of truth to stimulate our mind and spirit for the day ahead.

NO COASTING!

This is not the time to coast. This is the time to dig in. We do not know how much time we have left on this side of heaven. We need to use our time wisely and effectively to reach our friends and family. The Word will catapult you forward with purpose and drive. You may have more time for yourself now that you are retired or your children have grown. You no longer have to fulfill the desire of your boss or cart children around to all of their activities. 

THE LORD DESIRES TO DIRECT YOU.

The Word continually changes your heart and directs your steps if you allow it. The Lord desires that your heart becomes like His. He came to the earth to serve mankind, not to be served. We must ask ourselves if we are missing opportunities to better serve others. Are we bringing others joy, hope or peace?

BE HIS INSTRUMENT.

Allowing yourself to be an instrument of the Lord will bring interesting challenges. Life continues to be exciting as you continue reading and studying the Word because you acquire wisdom and knowledge from above. When someone questions you about your faith or why you think the way you do, you will have answers that come from the very mouth of God. 

THE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURE WILL DESCRIBE YOU AS YOU MATURE IN THE WORD AND THE LORD:

“Be diligent to present yourself approved of God, as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the Word of truth.” 2Timothy 2:15

TODAY’S TAKEAWAY:

 *Continue the pattern of reading the Word daily

 *Look for opportunities to share the Word with others

 *Ask the Lord for His purpose and direction

 *Serve others