7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. —Proverbs 1:7
9 “THE HUMAN HEART IS THE MOST DECEITFUL OF ALL THINGS, AND DESPERATELY WICKED. Who really knows how bad it is? 10 But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” —Jeremiah 17:9-10
18 But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. 19 For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. 20 These are what defile you… —Matthew 15:18-20
19 Hear, my son, and be wise and DIRECT YOUR HEART in the way. —Proverbs 23:19
23 GUARD YOUR HEART ABOVE ALL ELSE, for it determines the course of your life. —Proverbs 4:23
5 May the Lord LEAD YOUR HEARTS into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ. —2 Thessalonians 3:5
1. Direct your heart to
God above all else
29 Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. 30 AND YOU MUST LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL OF YOUR HEART, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ —Mark 12:29-30
7 You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, 8 ‘These people honor me with their lips, BUT THEIR HEARTS ARE FAR FROM ME. 9 Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.” —Matthew 15:7-9
2. Direct your heart to be
towards God
12 Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. 13 You must warn ach other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. —Hebrews 3:12-13
18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and HARDENED THEIR HEARTS AGAINST HIM. —Ephesians 4:18
9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. —1 John 1:9
3. Direct your heart to be
by God
21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 THROW OFF YOUR OLD SINFUL NATURE and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, LET THE SPIRIT (did you notice the words used?) renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. —Ephesians 4:21-24
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. —Proverbs 3:5-6
Being led by God begins with a commitment to trust Him! God cannot lead you where you will not follow.