Tuesday, March 29, 2022
Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.
-Proverbs 4:23
Christians should be careful that they keep the heart with all diligence. They should cultivate a love for meditation, and cherish a spirit of devotion. Many seem to begrudge moments spent in meditation, and the searching of the Scriptures, and prayer, as though the time thus occupied was lost. I wish you could all view these things in the light God would have you; for you would then make the kingdom of heaven of the first importance. To keep your heart in heaven, will give vigor to all your graces, and put life into all your duties. To discipline the mind to dwell upon heavenly things, will put life and earnestness into all our endeavors. Our efforts are languid, and we run the Christian race slowly, and manifest indolence and sloth, because we so little value the heavenly prize. We are dwarfs in spiritual attainments. It is the privilege and duty of the Christian to be “increasing in the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” [Ephesians 4:13.] As exercise increases the appetite, and gives strength and healthy vigor to the body, so will devotional exercises bring an increase of grace and spiritual vigor. {3BC 1157.5}
The affections should center upon God. Contemplate His greatness, His mercy and excellences. Let His goodness and love and perfection of character captivate your heart. Converse upon His divine charms, and the heavenly mansions He is preparing for the faithful. He whose conversation is in heaven, is the most profitable Christian to all around him. His words are useful and refreshing. They have a transforming power upon those who hear them, and will melt and subdue the soul (The Review and Herald, March 29, 1870). {3BC 1157.6}
Heart Questions: What is the first thing you think about each day? Do you look at the news, your e-mails or social media? Do you start thinking about all your problems? Or do you look up to Jesus with all diligence? As you go through today, make a new commitment to keep your heart with all diligence upon Jesus instead of looking down on your trials. Keep your heart in Jesus for hope of eternal life, on His greatness, His greatness, His mercy, and His Excellences, instead of turning to the secular world for encouragement.
- Ask God to help you keep your heart with all diligence as you focus on Jesus. Pray that all your affection to be centered upon Christ and to contemplate God’s greatness, His mercy and His excellences.
- Pray for the church membersliving in Grenada. Pray that there would be church growth, increased commitment to God and service, as well as punctuality and consistency in attendance.
- Pray that we would learn to study God’s Word on a deeper level, and also share His Word in practical ways with those around us.
- Pray for the Spiritual Retreat for Deacons and Deaconess that schedule in September