The Heart (Conclusion)

Season 2 Episode 45 -- Proverbs 4:23 reminds us that everything we do flows from our heart.  Because of this, it exhorts us to "guard our hearts."  In the previous episode, we explored what that means.  In this episode, we explore the best way to do that.  What is the best way to guard our hearts?  Listen and find out!

"Reflect on This" is a once-weekly, short devotional podcast. In these devotionals, I share the things I am learning about the ways and nature of God, through applying my study of the Scriptures to life, in practical and fulfilling ways.
 
If you like the podcast, please tell your friends and family about it, and subscribe/follow it, because it helps others to find the podcast more easily.
 
Resources that inspired some episodes:

"My Heart, Christ's Home" by Robert Munger

"The Language of Rivers and Stars" by Seth Lewis

“Dream Small:  The Secret Power of the Ordinary Christian Life” by Seth Lewis

 Seth Lewis blog:  https://sethlewis.ie/

35 Bible Verses About Listening To Others (Explained) - Bible Repository 

"Restoration Year: Devotions to Transform Your Relationships, Spirit, and Faith" by John Eldredge

"Boundaries" by Henry Cloud and John Townsend

"The Pleasure of His Company" by Dutch Sheets

"Fresh Air" by Chris Hodges

“The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts” by Gary Chapman

"The Lies We Believe: Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life" by Dr. Chris Thurman

Featured ministries and resources:
 
“Agape Puppets” (ministry)
This is an amazing world-wide ministry that uses puppet shows to reach children (and their parents) for Christ, in cultures that are generally not very open to the Gospel.  To learn more, go to: https://theagapepuppets.org/ 

"Manufacture Good" (ministry)
 Manufacture Good is a Christian ministry that offers paid apprenticeships to men who need a second chance.  These apprentices learn biblical principles, character, and valuable woodworking and metalworking skills which lead to employment opportunities.  You can shop their catalog of fine home and office products, order a standard or custom piece of furniture, make a donation, and learn more about this amazing ministry, at: https://manufacturegood.org/.

"The World and Everything in It" (podcast)
This is a weekday 35-minute podcast that presents headline news, in-depth news articles, media reviews, and opinion pieces from a Christian world view.  Their stated mission is "biblically objective journalism that informs, educates, and inspires."
 
“Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage” (podcast) 
This is a once a week 30-minute podcast hosted by Greg and Erin Smalley, who head up the marriage team at Focus on the Family.  Each episode addresses a different aspect of marriage, using biblical principles, featured guests, practical advice, and a mixture of humor and candidness.  
 
"e-Sword" (Bible study software)
This study tool includes many free (and low-cost) resources, including Bibles, dictionaries, commentaries, and devotionals.  It allows you to simultaneously view verses and their corresponding cross-references, lexicon entries, commentaries, and more.
On your computer, go to e-sword.net
On your mobile device, go to your app store and search for “e-sword.” 

Music credits:
Beauty by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/
Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all

Transcript

In the previous episode, we discussed how important it is to watch what we allow to fill our hearts:

Proverbs 4:23 NIV  Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

In the previous episode, I left you with this question:  What is the best way to do this?  What is the best way to guard our hearts?  Look at how Robert Munger answers this question, in the conclusion of his word picture entitled “My Heart, Christ’s Home.”  

TRANSFERRING THE TITLE

Then a thought came to me. I said to myself, "I have been trying to keep this heart of mine clear for Christ. I start on one room and no sooner have I cleaned that [room.] then another room is dirty. I begin on the second room and the first room becomes dusty again. I am so tired and weary [from] trying to maintain a clean heart and an obedient life. I just am not up to it!" So I ventured a question: "Lord, is there any chance that you would take over the responsibility of the whole house and operate it for me and with me, just as you did that closet? Would you take the responsibility to keep my heart what it ought to be and my life where it ought to be?"

I could see his face lighten up as he replied, "Certainly, that is what I came to do. You cannot be a victorious Christian in your own strength. That is impossible. Let me do it through you and for you. That is the way. But," he added slowly, "I am not [the] owner of this house. I am just a guest. I have no authority to proceed since the property is not mine."

I saw it in a minute and dropping to my knees, I said, "Lord, you have been a guest, and I have been the host. From now on I am going to be the servant. You are going to be the Lord." Running as fast as I could to the strong box, I took out the title deed to the house describing its assets and liabilities, its situation and condition. Then returning to him, I eagerly signed it over to belong to him alone, for [all] time and eternity. "Here," I said, "here it is, all that I am and have forever. Now you run the house. I'll just remain with you as houseboy and friend."

He took my life that day and I can give you my word, there is no better way to live the Christian life. He knows how to keep it in shape, [so that] deep peace settles down on the soul. May Christ settle down and be at home in your heart as Lord of all.

What a great illustration!  This makes me think of the following verses:

Romans 12:1 ESV  I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. [Application:  Presenting ourselves to God as a living sacrifice is one way to “transfer the title of our heart” to God.]

Philippians 2:13 ISV  For it is God who is producing in you both the desire and the ability to do what pleases him.  [Application:  As we transfer the title of our heart to God, we will experience an increasing desire and ability to do what pleases Him.]

Psalms 24:1 HCSB  A Davidic psalm. The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the LORD.  [Application:  Transferring the title of our heart to God is merely acknowledging the fact that we belong to God.]

In summary, the best way to guard our hearts is to give ownership of our heart to Jesus – to give Him the keys to our heart.  This is confirmed in the following verse:

Proverbs 23:26 (HCSB) My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe [and give attention to] my ways.

In other words, God is speaking to us, imploring us to give our hearts to Him -- to observe intently, and give attention to, His ways and nature.  Remember:  to whatever (and whomever) we give our attention, we are empowering them, and giving them our heart.  When we give our full attention to God, we are giving Him our heart.

Will you join me in purposing to give my attention and my heart first and foremost to God?

Today, I encourage you to “Reflect on This.”