February 21, 2024 – A “Values Vault”

A “Values Vault”
February 21, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 4:23-25
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

        We put up fences to guard our properties. We build large homes and buildings, equipped with locks on the doors and windows to protect our belongings. We put our money in a safe place, such as a bank or a vault. Why? Because all of these things are of value to us. So, what do we do to guard our heart?

      Here in Proverbs, we are told to keep or guard our heart. Why? Well, because it’s where all of life stems from. So how do we do that? How can we build a safe place for our heart?

      Glad you asked. The next verse tells us how to begin. Verse 24 says we should put away; “a froward mouth, and perverse lips.” To be froward is to be crooked or departing from what’s right. Do we really want to guard our hearts? Then we need to keep our conversations and our minds on what’s right. Don’t get sidetracked into thinking about things that are sinful and wicked. It also means we should not be mean-spirited toward others. Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” God wants our minds on what’s right so our mouths will say what’s right.

      Do we want to guard our hearts? Verse 25 says to keep our eyes on the path before us, focusing on what really matters. Our eyes are wonderful tools given to us by God. Nevertheless, Satan likes to divert them to bring temptations our way. It happened to Eve. It happened to David with Bathsheba. Do not think for a second that it cannot happen to us. Be on guard.

     We must not let Satan drag us off course. We must build a “Values Vault” in which we guard our eyes, minds, and mouths, which will help us guard our hearts.

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

     Matt. 6:33-34 tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and not to be overly concerned with tomorrow because, as we all well know, there will be plenty to deal with tomorrow already. So, let’s not worry about the future until we get there. Instead, let’s concentrate on walking the path God set before us today and let God help us in our walk.

How are you building a “VALUE VAULT” for your heart?

IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:

Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this Passage, and todays Devotion?

Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?

What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?

  

GOD TALKING TO ME: FEBRUARY 21, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  Numbers 5 – Numbers 7
  Proverbs 4:23 – 25

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Leviticus 18-19
  Mark 2