Your heart determines the entire course of your life, serving as the driver of your actions and desires. This week, Ps. Richard shares how we can take responsibility for what we let into our hearts through the power of Jesus.

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WHAT ARE YOU LETTING INTO YOUR HEART? / MAINTAINING A HEALTHY SPIRIT

Proverbs 4:23 NLT

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

Hosea 10:12 NLT

Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.

THE GUARD, THE GARDENER, AND THE SOIL

MY HEART, MY RESPONSIBILITY

YOU ARE THE GUARD: YOU DECIDE WHAT YOU LET IN

Acts 27:10-11 NLT

"Men," he said, "I believe there is trouble ahead if we go on—shipwreck, loss of cargo, and danger to our lives as well." (11) But the officer in charge of the prisoners listened more to the ship's captain and the owner than to Paul.

Acts 27:20 NLT

The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone.

Many things will knock on your heart. You have a choice what you let in

Galatians 5:24-25 NLT

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. (25) Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.

Acts 27:21-22 NLT

No one had eaten for a long time. Finally, Paul called the crew together and said, "Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Crete. You would have avoided all this damage and loss." (22) But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down.

JESUS IS THE GARDENER: LET HIM WORK DAILY ON YOUR HEART

Acts 27:23-25 NLT

For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, (24) and he said, 'Don't be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What's more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.' (25) So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said.

What we grow in private shows up in public

Colossians 2:6 NKJV

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,

JESUS IS THE GARDENER: LET HIM PULL THE WEEDS BEFORE THEY TAKE ROOT

Acts 28:3 NLT

As Paul gathered an armful of sticks and was laying them on the fire, a poisonous snake, driven out by the heat, bit him on the hand.

Acts 28:5 NLT

But Paul shook off the snake into the fire and was unharmed.

Hebrews 12:15 NLT

Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.

Ephesians 4:26-27 NLT

And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, (27) for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

Do whatever it takes to forgive.

Acts 28:9 NLT

Then all the other sick people on the island came and were healed.

Guard your heart. Let Jesus garden your heart. And let's get on with the mission!

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CONNECT GROUP QUESTIONS:

• What is one thing that helps you stay close to Jesus when life is hard?
• Paul encouraged others even while going through a storm. Who is someone you can encourage this week?
• Is there something you need to let go of or forgive right now?
• What is one good thing you can choose to focus on this week?
• How can this group help you keep moving forward?