May 27, 2009 The Hidden Inner Life
Today’s Bible Reading: Proverbs 4–6; Romans 8
Scripture Focus:
Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life.
Romans 8:5–6 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Observation:
These verses from Proverbs 4 and Romans 8 speak about the part of me that isn’t initially seen by others—the heart and the mind. What I allow to control my heart and mind will eventually work it’s way out into the way I live and what I do.
We are told to be diligent about “keeping” our heart. We are told to set our minds on things of the Spirit. Why? It makes the difference of life or death, of peace or turmoil.
Application:
It takes diligence to keep my heart pure and focused on the things that bring life. I must set my mind on things of the Spirit in order to live according to the Spirit with the fruit of life and peace.
As the days slip by I realize I’m coming closer and closer to the end of life when I will give account for what I have done. May I earnestly guard my heart and mind so that no more time is wasted on things that don’t bring life.
Prayer:
Abba Father, today is a new day. Your mercies and faithfulness are new every morning. I need your help to guard my heart and set my mind on things of the Spirit today.
