Guarding Your Heart Study Guide

Suffering compels you to look up and long for your heavenly redemption (Ps. 121; Rom. 8:18; 2 Cor. 4:17).

As humans, we long to be recognized. When what we are doing is ignored or looked over, it is difficult to find the will power to keep going. Without the Holy Spirit’s daily guidance, it is easy to lose passion for doing what is right.

In Guarded by Christ, Heather Holleman explains how we can use mental images to help us recall scriptures intended to keep the presence of Christ and His work in the forefront of our minds — no matter our circumstance. This is not a New Age idea, rather a tool implored by Moses, King David, and even Jesus himself to connect people back to biblical truths. Holleman points out how we are becoming evermore reliant on the internet and smart devices to store information, so much so that we are neglecting the importance of memorizing God's Word. Therefore, when we're pressed by work, social, or family stressors, depression, or anxiety we are helpless to recall the very truths that would bring us comfort, guidance, or healing.

It always makes me remember that God is always there, to help me and guide me to

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (English Standard Version, John 15.12). Seeing the good in others is thus a simple, but a very powerful way to feel happier and more confident, and become more loving and productive in the world (See the Good in Others). In Letter from Birmingham Jail, stated is “That so I have tried to make it clear that it is wrong to use immoral means to attain moral ends. But now I must affirm that it is just as wrong, or even more, to use moral means to preserve immoral means“(401). And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (English Standard Version, Mark 16.15). Any time that we encounter a time that we are around someone we may not know well or not know at all, take a step out of your comfort zone and try to get to know them, maybe even try to share the love of God with them. You could make an impact on someone’s life just by simply seeing the good in them and then slowly getting to know them and sharing something so wonderful with them. Stepping out of your comfort zone is something we all struggle with, but who knows you could make a difference by doing so. God will be there with us every step of the way. We will even be able to see the good in our life, since we’re being able to give joy to someone else’s. Seeing the good is such a blessing, and can bring so much for you. It can bring so

This week’s passages justify the importance of what is in my heart as one of the believers of God. The passages speak of the heart as the center of the totality of a human activity or existence “…it is the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23). As a believer, it is important to remember that the heart is the fountain of desire, decision, feeling and thoughts; therefore, it is important to guard my heart in order to have a secure walk on a path through God’s indulgence and grace. This can be achieved if I remain committed to Him and by having a firm desire that his Word be in my heart always “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5).

My close friend Michael has a terminal disease. My aunt is estranged from our family. Another friend of mine struggles deeply with alcohol. None of us are exempt from hardship. It causes me great pain to accept personal affliction around me. Despite a lifelong commitment to Christianity, I am not sure that I ever reconciled the presence of suffering around me. After studying nearly every religion, the Priest discovered that Christianity answered his true questions about suffering. It was not God's intended will for us but became a part of our experience because Adam and Eve chose disobedience. Jesus eternally paid for our sin through His death, and when we suffer, God suffers. His repayment to us for our anguish is the gift of eternal life in heaven, free of all struggle. This idea resonates deeply within me. Knowing that God shares my pain, my trust in Him has flourished. It gives me peace to know that I follow a God who transforms the burden of my suffering into something

The fear that Eye had in not serving Jesus gave me a false sense of protection in a weird way. Having that false sense of protection told me that God and his son Jesus was watching over me no matter what Eye did or where Eye traveled in the world; no matter what Eye said or what Eye thought; Eye was being watched, which technically meant that Eye was being protected too so Eye thought. Eye didn’t know it then, but looking back over my life, Eye realize that if any protection was given to me growing up, it came from those who took care of me such as Mama, Daddy, Granny Gram and others who were a part of my life, even if the protection was shaky at times.

Life can become chaotic and demanding at times, but did you know that one simple thought can focus and align your heart for the rest of the day? One simple thought can empower you to have unstoppable faith and shape your life for greatness. Author and educator Tony Warrick presents 30 inspiring Christian devotionals that will encourage you and help you overcome unwanted thoughts. This book will speak to your heart, help you pursue your dreams, create change, and bring the unconditional love and hope of Jesus to a messy

Zajonc (2009) cited several examples of contemplative practice in the Christian tradition including meditative reading, reflection, and a prayer to ‘center’ the mind. He also highlighted the contemplative silence of the Benedictine Order as part of their focused attention on sacred text (Zajonc, 2009). Christ, as reported in the Bible, exhorted his followers that ‘the kingdom of God is within’ which suggests a contemplative practice (Sharples, 2003). It is also recorded that Christ spent forty days and nights in the wilderness, possibly in contemplative thought, meditating. Many Christian traditions also practice contemplation to develop positive qualities such as compassion and forgiveness through reflection (Sharples, 2003). In summary, the literature highlighted above indicates that ‘present-moment awareness’ and contemplative practice are evident in the philosophy and practice of many religions. This contemplative practice was designed to ponder religious texts, discover new insights and experience a sense of calm for individual practitioners. Next I review definitions of mindfulness from other philosophical traditions, before considering the influence of western culture on mindfulness and contemplative

Our thinking must be corrected as our weakness is considered as strength in the Hands of God. The modulation of the mind, heart, body, and spirit begins to see and understand the Mind of God with a Great Love for biblical, daily application and faith. God does things instantly and our time of the universe evolves and revolves around God Grace and Will. I stand corrected by the Lord is my motto in God, which is on my personal coins, bills, and future plans of consideration.

Issues can become muddy with fears and concerns. This makes it difficult to clearly see what to do next. Regular consideration of Scripture opens the heart of God to the reader. Learning and loving God’s heart changes us, placing the will of God into our heart through the Holy Spirit. As we contemplate, meditate, and memorize the Scriptures, clarity will come. By then we will be walking by faith and not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7).

The writer of Proverbs 4:23, knew this to be true. They knew that the heart is to be protected from influences outside itself that may jeopardize its integrity (pg 23). The health of the "heart" and its productivity cannot be assumed; it must always be protected and maintained. Ultimately there must be a quiet place where all is in order, a place from which comes the energy that overcomes turbulence and is not intimidated by it" (pg 25).

On the other hand, Jesus gives us the assurance that as long as you remain in him, as long as you give him control over even the most difficult aspects of your life, you will bear good fruit.

I didn't see it at first, but the more my relationship with Jesus grew the more I begun to lose interest in sin and the more I gained a desire to lead and make a difference. I noticed I would be more positive from when I wake up to when I went back to sleep. Through my