Storing the Word in My Heart

Many life lessons can be learned through gardening. My husband is the one with the “green thumb” in our house, but I do know some basic principles 😊. If a seed is planted in good soil and provided the needed elements such as water and sunlight, the seed will produce after its kind. In Luke chapter 8, the soil is used to illustrate the heart of man and the seed represents God’s Word. When God’s Word (seed) is stored in your heart (ground), you will not sin against Him (Psalm 119:11 paraphrased). To sin is to do the opposite of God’s will and all sin is a byproduct of unbelief. It’s only when one truly doesn’t believe God that he/she will not follow His guidance. When one doesn’t believe God, it is often because he/she hasn’t fully grasped that God is not like humans and is forever good!

So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself). Romans 10:17 AMPC

There is a plan and purpose God has predestined for your life and storing the Word in your heart will produce a life trusting and believing God to fulfill that purpose.

On Thursday, click the video at the bottom of this email to join me live on YouTube for more on this topic. **Please Note: The Prayer for the Journey email will now contain the link to Thursday’s Live devotional video on YouTube. I realized an additional email was not needed on Thursday because subscribers to the YouTube page, are alerted via email by YouTube when I go live. For this reason, I will no longer send out an additional email for the YouTube devotional video. If you have not already done so, please subscribe to my YouTube page here. Please help by sharing the content written and video devotionals with your family and friends!

Prayer for the Journey

God, I now understand that a pure heart is one that trusts you and wants to do your will. Although I have a pure heart, I understand that I will still make mistakes because of my weaknesses. Help me to quickly repent once I see the error of my ways and believe that you are doing an inner transformation through the power of Your Word.

In Jesus Name, Amen!

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Join me, Thursday – 08.11/2022, live on YouTube at 6am CST for the topic: “My Ground is Good”. We will examine the different types of hearts discussed in Luke 8 to ensure we have a heart that will yield a prosperous harvest.

God Knows Your Heart

We are all born into sin with a nature far removed from the characteristics of God. Through our belief in Christ, we receive a new identity and new nature but still wrestle with a flesh that desires to be pleased by worldly lusts. Jeremiah 17:9 AMPC The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly perverse and corrupt and severely, mortally sick! Who can know it [perceive, understand, be acquainted with his own heart and mind]? Many times, we tempt to hide the evil thoughts of our hearts from a God who sees all and knows all. Our quest to hide what we truly feel steams from shame. However, exposure of the wrong thoughts and intentions of the heart to a good God is the only way for Jesus to be your help. When we honestly and openly tell God our true thoughts concerning a matter, even if they are based in wickedness, and ask Him to help us think more like Him – it is then we find help in the time of need (Hebrews 4:16). God knows your heart, so there is no need to hide. Tell Him how you truly feel so that He can help you think more like Him.

I hope you will join me all this month as we discuss having a pure heart.

Prayer for the Journey

Father, I am grateful for your presence that remains when my thoughts are far from your thoughts. I will not hide what I truly feel but lay before you the thoughts and intentions of my heart. My prayer is that you will be my help to think and be more like you! I desire to live a life yielding to your will and way. I know you will not leave me nor forsake me. You are right by my side.

In Jesus name, Amen!

Freedom from the Fear of Man

Fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

Proverbs 29:25 AMPC The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever leans on, trusts in, and puts his confidence in the Lord is safe and set on high.

The fear of what people will think, say, or do becomes a trap or bait of wickedness. If one has been given a directive by God but is afraid of man, the fear will cause him/her to do what is pleasing to man and not God.

Hebrews 13:6 NLT So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

The Lord of the universe is on your side. So, why be afraid?! Our God is Omniscient (all-knowing), Omnipresent (present everywhere at the same time), and Omnipotent (all-powerful). There is nothing on earth that can stand against our God!

Prayer for the Journey

Lord, you are the vine and I am the branch. I can do nothing without you! Sometimes I am hesitant to fulfill your will because of fear of what people will think say, think, or do. Because You are with me, I don’t have to be afraid of who is against me. As I focus on your faithfulness and goodness, may the spirit of peace eradicate the fear of man. My hope, confidence, and trust are in you!

In Jesus name, Amen!