Our Thoughts Control Our Life

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. – (Proverbs 4:23, NLT)

Above all, be careful what you think because your thoughts control your life. – (Proverbs 4:23, ERV)

Above all else, watch over your heart; diligently guard it because from a sincere and pure heart come the good and noble things of life. – (Proverbs 4:23, VOICE)

 

The thoughts we hold in our heart determine the direction that we take in life. If we hold onto negativity or fear or frustration, each step that we take is weighed down by the heaviness we are holding. However, if we guard our hearts and listen and trust in His word of truth, our burdens lessen and we are better able to stay the course to which we have been called. Obstacles will always stand before us, yet if we move forward with our eyes open and our hearts fixed on He who is greater, the challenges will not determine our direction; the path that has already been presented will continue to propel us to progress in the life to which we are being led. May we ever guard our hearts and minds, fixing all securely on our Savior; for in Him, we find safe harbor and a course that has been set for us to successfully navigate with Him.

 

Let us guard our hearts,

photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography. ❤

Above other things;

For the thoughts we think,

Impact our blessings.

As we are weighed down,

Fixed on weight we bear;

We miss so much good,

That God has to share.

Protect heart and mind,

For good things shall come;

Our path is made plain,

When we seek the Son.

The blessings in life,

All good things that flow;

Are from God to us,

As we seek to grow.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we guard our hearts and place our trust in You, You lead us on a course that is far greater than we could have hoped or imagined. Thank You that though trials and difficulties will come, as we fix our eyes on You, rather than the challenge, You lead us on and carry us through. Forgive us for not guarding our hearts from the heaviness that life can bring. Teach us to trust You more, so that we do not get weighed down by the difficulties and instead rise up in Your strength to press on. Show us how to love those around us well, so that we may extend Your goodness, strength and grace to help others navigate the course to which You are calling them. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we guard our hearts and fix our eyes on You; for with You, good and noble things light the path to which we are called to walk.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

Because of the tender mercy of our God, …the rising sun will come to us from heaven. – Luke 1:78

Soul Sweetening Speech

Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. – (Proverbs 16:24, NLT)

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. – (Proverbs 16:24, NIV)

 

The words we choose matter. When we opt to offer kindness, not only are we building others up, but we are actually extending light and life where darkness and death try to take hold. The world is full of negativity and unkindness, so our choosing to speak with grace and kindness is extending the very light and life that Christ gives to us. Let us offer kind words to all whom we encounter, as we have the opportunity to bring encouragement to souls and health to bodies, simply by offering the words that well up within us as we listen to the Lord.

 

Let our words be kind,

Wherever we go;

For words we choose speak,

Do more than we know.

Our words can give life,

Bring health to the soul;

Make what was dark, light,

And the broken, whole.

Go forth in kindness,

Let the Lord’s light shine;

Offer a kind word,

May His heart be mine.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You speak kind and gracious words unto us, because You love us without limits. Thank You that You call us to go and do likewise. Forgive us for wielding words that do not bring light nor life to those around us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would listen to Your leading, and speak the gracious and kind words that You place on our hearts to those around us. Help us to love others well, so that they may see You in us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we extend kind words to all whom we encounter. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Because of the tender mercy of our God, …the rising sun will come to us from heaven. – Luke 1:78