TITLE: Safeguard Your Heart
SCRIPTURE: Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).
MESSAGE:
David was truly remarkable, as attested by Samuel in 1 Samuel 13:14, highlighting his heart’s devotion to God. Possessing a heart aligned with God’s will is a tremendous blessing, but it requires more than divine endowment—it necessitates a personal commitment. Even Saul, David’s predecessor, received a good heart from God initially (1 Samuel 10:9), yet his service to God faltered.
When Saul encountered Samuel the Prophet, he was imbued with the Spirit of God, and he prophesied alongside other prophets (1 Samuel 10:10). This transformation was evident both inwardly and outwardly. The Bible explicitly mentions that God gave Saul “another heart.”
Regrettably, Saul failed to maintain his perfect heart. He disregarded spiritual instructions by offering a burnt offering (1 Samuel 13:9-11) and by not fully obeying the Lord’s command to destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:1-11). Instead of repenting, he displayed pride when confronted by Samuel. Consequently, God rejected him as king over Israel (1 Samuel 15:26), with the Lord expressing regret over making Saul king (1 Samuel 15:11 AMPC). This serves as a cautionary tale of spiritual decline.
Saul’s envy of David further fueled his rebellion against God, diverting his heart’s devotion elsewhere. This underscores the importance of safeguarding one’s heart, ensuring its purity and sanctification through God’s Word. Avoid allowing any harmful elements like pride, anger, malice, bitterness, or hatred to take root in your heart—these are toxic to the soul and should be eradicated from your life.
Your thoughts are a reflection of your heart’s condition. When you were born again, you received a heart filled with God’s love, as stated in Romans 5:5: “…the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Protect, nurture, and maintain this heart according to God’s desires.
PRAYER
Dear Father, by your Spirit and the Word, I keep my heart sanctified; I banish every evil thought or contrary idea that tries to assault my mind; anger, malice, bitterness, and hatred have no place in my heart. Your love is expressed in my heart today and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY: Proverbs 4:23 Moffat Guard above all things, guard your inner self so you can live and prosper.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.
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