Practical ways to "guard your heart": Proverbs 4:13-17

1. Use wisdom in what you watch- don't just go the way of the crowd if the spirit of God is telling you you should not watch something...it's not playing the spoiler, it's protecting your eyes, the gateway to your soul.

2. Use wisdom in what you listen too- words do affect our minds and send us to places in our minds that are not pleasing to God if we are not careful. "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed" (James 1:14) If what you are listening too or watching begins to lead you down the road of enticement, get off the road quickly.

3. Call out to God with your requests and do it with thanksgiving. (Phil. 4:4-7) He will guard your heart as you call out to him.

4. Don't "overshare" in a new relationship. Reserve that for a close circle friend.

5. Submit to God (strengths & weaknesses) BEFORE you get into a difficult situation so that you KNOW what your response will be before you get there. And, don't walk into danger willingly. Avoid it. Unless you are purposefully sharing the gospel and have all kinds of "Green Lights" from the Lord. Even then, include others for accountability.

6. Don't put your trust in man, put your trust in God. Matthew 6:33
At the same time, don't grow bitter towards people and pretend like it's just "you and Jesus". You need people and people need you. Together, we are the church, the Body of Christ.

Well, those are just some practical steps to guarding your heart. Obviously, there are many more that could make the list. Looking forward to Monday night and talking about "secret sins". I know, these are not easy subjects to listen too, but I would rather root out the problem and deal with it than sit around and laugh and deny that anything is wrong. The truth is too important to freedom.

Live free,
Steve