DATE POSTED: Thursday, 2023-05-04
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

BY: Ed Algreen

SCRIPTURE FROM: Proverbs 4:23
TRANSLATION: New International Version (NIV)

BIBLE TEXT: Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

OBSERVATION: At the top of the list for dads to teach their children, should be the importance of guarding their heart above everything else. Solomon spoke intently to his son on this matter, and fortunately he lived the life to support the advice he was giving to his son. Stay with me as we look into the possible reason why God also saw this necessary for us today.

APPLICATION: The most challenging thing in you giving advice, is the importance of you living the life that you are teaching others to do. Solomon was known as the wisest man on earth. Isn’t it interesting how he was also known as the richest man on earth? I wonder if there is any correlation! In our world today, we hear a lot about folk with heart disease, in fact, I have been diagnosed with it, but when we go to bed at night with our home doors locked shut, possibly bars on our windows and doors, and possibly a loaded gun under our pillow or in a bedside drawer; or if we constantly worry about money being stolen from our bank account; or a gunman firing his gun in a crowd where we may be celebrating a joyous time; could it possibly be that many are suffering from a heart that is spiritually diseased? However, I find it interesting that this was really addressed by Jesus in His day on earth where, in Matthew 15:18-20 He said: “But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile him. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defiles a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.” Friends, when we guard our home, we protect everything inside in ways already mentioned, locked doors, etc. When we protect our kids or our spouse, we become bold enough to stand in the way of a speeding bullet, or even fight the biggest, ugliest, meanest, man who threatens their safety. Yet, we sit in front of our televisions for hours on end and allow the filth and sin-laden actions of twisted movie makers to intoxicate our hearts with the ways of the world – in absolute and total opposition to what God commands of us. In fact, many of you will opt for this, instead of meeting with God’s people for worship to our Lord and Savior. What if we start protecting our heart like we do our money, or our belongings? Do you suppose we will find greater peace with God; healing from the great Healer; wisdom from the wise and almighty God; protection from the evil one, by the Holy of Holies? Please consider this challenge before you call on God out of desperation again. You might have a clearer conscience in approaching God, and you might expect more from the God with whom you have made an effort to develop a relationship with.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: It’s from the heart that we love others and God. From this, we develop relationships with the ones who make a positive impact in our lives and gives us hope for every tomorrow!

PRAYER: You have been so good to us Lord! Thank You for the privilege of life itself and thank You for providing the means by which we could enjoy life in peace, knowing that our eternal home in Heaven is assured and awaiting our arrival. Praise God, this will be the opportunity for us to meet Jesus face to face and spend all eternity worshipping our Father, Son and Holy Spirit in the purity and sincerity that only Heaven can give. While on earth, please use us for Your glory as we try to bless others and love them like they expect from You. Please use every possible opportunity today to humble the hearts of those who have decided to live life here on earth without You, as their negligence will only lead to eternity in Hell with the evil one. May this be the day that many will be touched by Jesus and/or drawn to You without reservation. AMEN!