Tag: guarding your heart

March 2, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Hold On to the Light

Opening Verse

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”
Matthew 5:14 (KJV)

Introduction

God has chosen you to shine. He has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Yet, in a world filled with distractions, compromise, and trials, it is easy to feel like your light is flickering. But remember, the light within you is not your own—it is the light of Christ. You must hold on to it, guard it, and let it shine brightly.

Devotional Story

A young woman had always been on fire for God. She loved reading His Word, sharing the gospel, and living a life of holiness. But as time went on, the cares of life began to weigh her down. Work became overwhelming, relationships became distractions, and slowly, she found herself praying less, reading less, and seeking God less.

One evening, as she walked through her neighborhood, she noticed a row of streetlights. Some were shining brightly, while others flickered or had gone out completely. She felt the Lord speak to her heart, “You were meant to shine, but you’ve let the world dim your light.”

Tears filled her eyes as she realized how far she had drifted. That night, she knelt before God and repented, asking Him to restore her passion, to relight the fire within her. As she prayed, she felt the warmth of God’s presence again—her light was being restored.

What This Means

God has called you to be a light in a dark world. But if you let sin, distraction, or discouragement take over, your light will grow dim. The enemy wants to extinguish your fire, but you must fight to keep it burning. Stay close to Jesus, spend time in His Word, and guard your heart from anything that seeks to snuff out the light of Christ in you.

Think About This

  • Have you noticed your spiritual fire growing dim?
  • What distractions or sins might be trying to put out your light?
  • Are you willing to fight for your light and let it shine brightly for the world to see?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank You for calling me to be a light in this world. Forgive me for the times I have let my light grow dim. Lord, restore my passion for You. Help me to guard my heart and remain close to You so that I may shine brightly for Your glory. Strengthen me to resist anything that tries to take my focus away from You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.”
Isaiah 60:1 (KJV)

January 13, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Feeding Your Mind and Soul

Opening Verse

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” – Proverbs 4:23

Introduction

Our daily choices shape the health of our bodies and minds. Just as a diet of sugary foods can harm our physical health, what we allow into our minds affects our mental and spiritual well-being. It is essential to guard our hearts and minds from unhealthy influences, for they shape how we think, feel, and act.

Devotional Story

A man loved sugary snacks. Cupcakes, sodas, and candies were his daily indulgences. For a time, he felt fine, but soon his energy faltered, his health declined, and his doctor warned him of the dangers of his diet.

At the same time, he spent hours consuming content filled with gossip, fear, and anger. He noticed his thoughts becoming darker, his mood more irritable, and his perspective clouded. It became clear that both his body and his mind were suffering from what he was feeding them.

One day, as he opened his Bible, he read Philippians 4:8:

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

The verse convicted him. He began to change, swapping sugary snacks for wholesome meals and replacing negative content with worship, Scripture, and encouraging conversations. Over time, his body regained its strength, and his mind was renewed by God’s Word.

What This Means

Just as poor nourishment affects our physical health, filling our minds with harmful or sinful content damages our relationship with God. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us that we must guard our hearts diligently, for they are the wellspring of life.

Choose to nourish your soul with what is pure, uplifting, and God-honoring. Prayer, worship, and Scripture are like fresh, living water for the soul, bringing health and vitality to your spirit.

Think About This

  • What are you feeding your mind each day? Are your choices leading you closer to God or further away?
  • How can you intentionally guard your heart and renew your thoughts with God’s truth?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for reminding me that what I take into my mind and heart shapes my life. Help me to discern what is good, pure, and pleasing to You. Teach me to reject negativity and distractions and instead fill my soul with Your Word and truth. Strengthen my heart and mind to reflect Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” – 3 John 1:2