Welcome to Heartstrings

Last time we met we talked about building on the best foundation. When I was a kid and went to work with my dad on Saturdays once in awhile I got to be his 'grunt'. Meaning, I moved boards, picked up nails, and some unusable items from the construction job he was doing.

It wasn't really a fun thing, but I did get to spend time with my dad, and receive a reward for helping some. The worst thing for me was all the slugs that clung to the underside of lumber, wet with mud! I still get shivers thinking about those slimy creatures.

I have discovered other things that creep me out. Like for instance, a wayward thought about someone. That I know without a doubt, is how to hurt the heart of God. Now, I know He loves me and waits to see how I will respond to that thing that flashed through my mind. Whether I carry on a conversation with the enemy, agreeing, with that ugly thought or if I take it to the Lord who made them too. God is so patient isn't He?

So if I find myself in a yucky, sticky situation that slug thinking can produce ... I have to hate those thoughts hiding in the dark muddy places of my mind and bring them out into the Light in order to dispose of them. What do you do?

Philippians 4:6-7 shows us the Way, the Truth and the Life..."Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

You do know there are many examples don't you? I mean, if you haven't had a run in with slugs in your garden, there are always other intruders. Same in the spirit world. Jesus spoke on parables about things that could strike the hearts of His listeners. I learn best by these and word pictures. Battles have been won by taking captive my thoughts before His throne!

Read these Scriptures about your thoughts. God sees them.

So, when I was young and found out that salt would kill those slugs from my garden, out came the salt shaker! When I lived at the coast it was a problem too. Okay, you are likely getting tired of the slug analogy. But, think of this...

We are called to be salt in this world. Jesus knew that when we caught the meaning of this and how to use His Word in situations, we would know His power in a greater way. 

I can honestly say today that slugs and anxiety are really the same to me. Both slimy, clinging and leaving a marked trail behind me. What effects me will likely leave a trail of unpleasantness on those near to me. I don't want to live like that!

If I want peace and beauty in my life I must go everyday to the place of prayer and petition with thanksgiving in the presence of Jesus. Let the Word of Life salt my witness as I draw near to God.

If I want the peace of God that goes far beyond what I can explain, I must come close to Jesus. Everyday. 

If I want to be the Salt Jesus talks about and bless others as I am blessed, I have to spend time in His Word and know Him intimately.

The promise is...that peace will guard my heart and my mind. Only in Christ Jesus.

Last thing. From John 16:33 Jesus said, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." 

Wow! What a difference we can bring in the lives of others if only we would remember Jesus Is Lord! So, we lift up and exalt the matchless name of Jesus Christ, amen. God bless you.

Abundance is...I once was lost but now I am found