Sunday, 16th July, 2023
By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life“ (Proverbs 4:23 KJV).
The word ‘keep’ in the opening scripture doesn’t mean to hide something. The Hebrew word is “natsar” and it gives the picture of a stronghold mounted over something valuable. Thus, you’re to mount guard over your heart; keep your heart sanctified with the Word.
The reason the Bible places a premium on mounting guard over your heart—maintaining a perfect heart—is that out of it are the issues of life. Everything flows from your heart. In other words, everything you need for life is actually in your heart right now.
Everywhere you would ever go, everything you would ever have, everything you’d ever enjoy in this world is in your heart. The Bible says He has set eternity in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11). The Kingdom of God is in our hearts (Luke 17:21). What then are you supposed to do?
Fill your heart with the Word so only good will always come forth from your heart. Never let anything unwholesome take root in your heart. Pride, anger, malice, bitterness, hatred—these are poisonous to the heart.
Philippians 4:8 gives us an idea of what God wants you to fill your heart with: things that are honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy. Nothing meets this qualification better than God’s Word. That’s why you must allow the Word of God to dwell in you richly (Colossians 3:16).
PRAYER/CONFESSION
"My thoughts are renewed by the Word, and therefore filled with things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of a good report, virtuous and praiseworthy. I think on the Word, as it creates and produces in me ideas and pictures of success, endless possibilities and victories, love and fellowship with God. Hallelujah!"
FURTHER STUDY
ROMANS 12:2 (KJV); 1 TIMOTHY 4:15(KJV); LUKE 6:45(KJV)
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 24:1-27 & Psalms 1-6
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 9:10-17 & Joshua 12