The Heart of the Matter. . .
by Fleta R. Robinson
This fragment of song was singing in my mind/memory as I awakened this morning. I don’t know who wrote it, or even if I recall the exact words. I haven’t heard it in years— but its source is Scripture.
"Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life."
Proverbs 4:23 (NKJ)"A good man, out of the treasure in his heart, brings forth good . . . For out of the obedience of the heart his mouth speaks."
Luke 6:45 (NKJ)It is dark at 6:00 a.m. this winter morning. Other members of the household will soon be up, but at the moment
me-myself-and-I are alone write here with the dear Lord. I continue to listen, read, write, and learn.
Direction is seldom given without purpose. What will come across my life today that may give me opportunity to neglect keeping my heart "with all diligence"?
STOP signs are in places of potential danger. It is wise to stop-look-listen before entering the cross street. It was placed there with a purpose— our physical protection.
My mind still rings with the cheerful advice to keep my heart right. Will today bring temptation to handle life . . .
deceitfully? disrespectfully? negatively? impatiently?
Or will the "whole armor" God provides
(Ephesians 6)truth
, righteousness vs. 14be available? YES— our spiritual protection is even more important than our physical protection.
"Our Father in Heaven
Hallowed be Your name
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done . . ."
— in my small niche on Earth today—
"As it is in Heaven. . .
For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
Amen"
Matthew 6