July 9th, 2024
Week 4: July 9th
Title: Guard Your Heart
By: Denise Vukmer
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life”
Proverbs 4:23, NLT
Throughout a single day, we will make thousands of decisions. If you were to spend time reflecting, can you remember what it looked like to make some of your first decisions? What clothes would you wear on the first day of school? Do you remember the first time your parents gave you the keys to the car – did you go where you told them you were going? Everyone had a friend crowd. What crowd were you attracted to? Did your decisions reflect the good in your heart or the self-centered nature that says, I know better?
Scripture reminds us that humanity has struggled with the heart's desires since the beginning. Adam and Eve were living in perfect union with God. But when tempted, rebellion against God was the path they chose. Like Adam and Eve, our hearts are susceptible to sinful thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs. Vulnerable when the focus is on self and not on God. God created each of us with a natural desire in our hearts. Created in His image, God purposed the human heart with a desire for him. When we guard our hearts, we protect ourselves from the sinful influences that can steer us away from the good that God has for us. We cannot do this on our own. We must lean into God and seek His will in all we do.
“I cannot by direct moral effort, give myself new motives. After the first few steps in the Christian life, we realize that everything which needs to be done in our souls can only be done by God” ~ C.S. Lewis
Title: Guard Your Heart
By: Denise Vukmer
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life”
Proverbs 4:23, NLT
Throughout a single day, we will make thousands of decisions. If you were to spend time reflecting, can you remember what it looked like to make some of your first decisions? What clothes would you wear on the first day of school? Do you remember the first time your parents gave you the keys to the car – did you go where you told them you were going? Everyone had a friend crowd. What crowd were you attracted to? Did your decisions reflect the good in your heart or the self-centered nature that says, I know better?
Scripture reminds us that humanity has struggled with the heart's desires since the beginning. Adam and Eve were living in perfect union with God. But when tempted, rebellion against God was the path they chose. Like Adam and Eve, our hearts are susceptible to sinful thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs. Vulnerable when the focus is on self and not on God. God created each of us with a natural desire in our hearts. Created in His image, God purposed the human heart with a desire for him. When we guard our hearts, we protect ourselves from the sinful influences that can steer us away from the good that God has for us. We cannot do this on our own. We must lean into God and seek His will in all we do.
“I cannot by direct moral effort, give myself new motives. After the first few steps in the Christian life, we realize that everything which needs to be done in our souls can only be done by God” ~ C.S. Lewis
Recent
Archive
2026
January
The Quiet Struggles Right Next to UsThank you... in advanceA New ThingA Personal GodNot a Moment of HesitationFaith, Family, and a Broken JarAll InThe SoapboxLord, Help Me See...Hidden for our GoodBorrowed KeysIncreasing CapacityDo You Feel It?Great BoldnessProlific SeedsChained, but not BoundRoadblocksI Can Do Hard ThingsNot the Easy WayThe OpportunistHoly Ground on the StairwellUrgent Work
February
United with PurposeGod Gives the GrowthWhat about me?A Guilty Mom, a Gracious God, and the Road HomeDiscipline over DesireWhat is your thorn?What does love require of me?Comparison is a ThiefTrying to be holy in a distracted worldReplacementThe Joyful MessengerTwo Wrongs Don't Make a RightBut How Does It End?Holy Intentions, Human DistractionsLive a Worthy LifePray for MeBut is it true?On this DayWords that Build a Better WorldFor What Is True
2025
January
Paralysis of AnalysisA Daily CommitmentChild Like FaithThe Battle of the MindGPSSTOP. THINK. ACT. REVIEW.Let. It. Go.Choosing the Path of MercyQuick to Listen, Slow to SpeakPeacemakersBe Careful What You Wish ForRunYour Old Self Vs. The NewOn Not Loving the WorldLove One AnotherTreasure ChestsWho Sets the Bar?Be the You God Made You to BeTread a PathSo Much Better
February
Trust and ObeyA Pivotal MomentOh to Be the Mama of JesusA Fresh StartVictory or DefeatThe Edge of the CliffAuthorityHis Personal TouchForged by FaithSabbath - Setting You FreeHave You Prayed About It?Don't Build Your House on Sandy LandThe Centurion's FaithDon't Be OffendedWe All Need ItLighthouseIt's a Family ThingWhere the Ministry isHolding on by a Thread - and That's EnoughTraveling Essentials
Categories
Tags
no tags
No Comments