Check out my 2019 Book Catalogue
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines
the course of your life.” ~ Proverbs 4:23
“Matters of the Heart” is a weekly blog that deals with the deepest issues of the human heart, the issues we all face but sometimes don’t want to talk about. The heart is the programming center of our lives. What is programmed into our heart will affect every area of our lives. Learn how to examine your heart and how to program your heart for success.
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For the past several years on this blog, we have been exploring the importance of guarding our hearts in obedience to God’s command in Proverbs 4: 23 so that we can grow in our relationship with Jesus. Guarding our hearts–aka protecting our hearts by locking out whatever would corrupt our hearts–is critical to walking closely with Christ.
In this blog post, I’d like to look at some practical ways to guard our hearts in these perilous times in which we live:
1–Focus on Jesus. Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, and everything in between. What we focus on in life will grow. If we focus on Jesus, His character will grow in us.
2- Spend time daily lingering in Holy Spirit’s Presence. Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity and the Spirit of Jesus. Holy Sprit’s main job is to point us to Jesus and to reveal Him to us. As you sit in Holy Spirit’s Presence, He will reveal Jesus to you. Nothing is more worth your time and your attention.
3- Speak in tongues regularly. If you are not baptized in the Holy Spirit, get baptized in the Holy Spirit. Click here to learn how.
4 – Choose carefully what you look at and what you listen to. The physical eyes and the physical ears are the gateways to the heart. We must be discriminate in what we allow to pass through our eyes and our ears into our hearts. Let us allow only what is pleasing to God and in alignment with His holiness. While we cannot always control what comes before our eyes and ears, we can avoid as best as possible those movies, TV programs, and music that is displeasing to our Lord.
5 – Obey Philippians 4 8: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Throughout each day, we are presented with numerous choices regarding how we are going to think. Are we going to allow our minds to dwell on truth or on lies? On pure things or impure? On faith or fear? By choosing those thoughts that align with God’s thoughts (as found in Philippians 4: 8), we will be aligning our thoughts with God’s thoughts and, in so doing, we will be guarding our hearts.
TWEETABLE: “How to Guard Your Heart?” by Dr. MaryAnn Diorio @DrMaryAnnDiorio (Click to Tweet)
40 Days of the Names, Titles, & Attributes of God
by Gina L. Diorio
Paperback:
https://www.amazon.com/Days-Names-Titles-Attributes-God/dp/1793314616/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1547231711&sr=8-3&keywords=gina+l+diorio
e-Book:
https://www.amazon.com/Days-Names-Titles-Attributes-God-ebook/dp/B07GY5BXZ3/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1547231711&sr=8-1&keywords=gina+l+diorio
Check out my You-Tube series, YOU WERE MADE FOR GREATNESS!, based on my popular book by the same title.
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NOW AVAILABLE!
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THE ITALIAN CHRONICLES: The Complete Trilogy
in a single e-book or print format.
Save almost $4.00 over the purchase price
of the three individual novels.
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AVAILABLE FOR ORDER NOW!
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Need a break? Read my latest short story, “Fire-Engine Love.” Only $1.99!
Tammie Burke is expecting her second child. But when her husband is suddenly taken from her, Tammie faces the fear of having to raise their two children alone. Will her faith in God help her to put her life back together?
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THE ITALIAN CHRONICLES TRILOGY
Book 1: The Madonna of Pisano Book 2: A Sicilian Farewell Book 3: Return to Bella Terra
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If you found this post helpful, please forward it to a friend. Thank you! You may also be interested in reading the following popular posts:
“How to Destroy Mental Strongholds”
“Convergence: Clear Sign of the End Times”
“The Rise of Wicca, Witches, and Warlocks”
“How to Recognize a Controlling Spirit”
Please check our archives in the right sidebar for older posts on a variety of topics. You may also search for a particular topic in the search box at the top right.
For additional encouragement, check out my podcasts at the following links:
A Moment with MaryAnn – Podcasts on Living the Good Life
Winning with the Word Podcast Series
Write Your Heart Out! – Podcasts for Writers
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Thank you for your wisdom, Dr. M. Praying God will continue to bless you as you use your God-given writing gift in other ways for His glory. Love you much! Blessings,
Tracey
Thank you, sweet Tracey! Blessings on your writing as well! May our Lord multiply your influence for His glory as you reap the harvest. 🙂
Love and Blessings to you as well, dear friend. Please stay in touch!