Guard Your Heart

Posted on August 13, 2015 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

Guard Your Heart

Proverbs 4:3; John 7:38; John 16:7-11, 1 John 1:8-2:1 

My sin cost God personally; His Son shed His own blood for me. I am a sinner saved by God’s grace. Unfortunately I still have the capacity to enslave myself to sin.  I must not sin against The God who loves me so (Romans 5:8). 

What are the Bible terms for sin so I can measure myself against Bible truth?

Below are key terms:

Transgression, Psalm. 51:1; Romans 2:23: an act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct: an offense.

Iniquity, Romans 1:21-23: immoral or grossly unfair behavior.

Error, Romans 1:18; 1 John 3:4: The state or condition of being wrong in conduct or judgment.

Missing The Mark, Romans 3:23: off the target in thought or conduct.

Trespass, Ephesians 2:1: commit an offense (against a person or set of rules) first against God and then others.

Lawlessness, 1 Timothy 1:9: not governed by or obedient to laws; characterized by a lack of civic order.

Unbelief, John 16:9: lack of religious belief; an absence of faith.

God, The Holy Spirit will help me (John 16:7,8). My habit must be to confess my sin and  forsake it as soon as the Holy Spirit makes me aware of it.

God knows my sin so why confess (Hebrews 4:13)? When I confess I name my sin to God; I agree with Him (1John 1:8-2:1;John 13:10). I am no longer chained to my sin (Psalm 32:5) and God has promised He will never bring it up (Psalm 103:8-14)! Emotionally, my closeness to God and my fellowship with him is restored. I am no longer feeling like a dead man rather I am alive in the resurrection life of Christ (Galatians 2:20). I can celebrate the power of the blood of Christ and the unfailing faithfulness of God’s love for me. Joy unspeakable Joy, praise God!

Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil to join His purpose I must be aware of my potential to sin and deal with it immediately. This is how I guard my heart.

Will you guard your heart along with me today?

Today’s Affirmation: I will, with the Holy Spirit’s help, guard my heart.

Pastor Bob Wood is a seasonal camper at America’s Keswick and a pastoral mentor/disciple. You can email him at Dgtbob@col.com

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 87-88; 1 Peter 3

Think About This: Your faith will not fail while God sustains it; you are not strong enough to fall away while God is resolved to hold you. —J.I. Packer

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. ⁸ Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:7-8