Prepare Your Heart
If you search the Bible for the word “Heart” you will find 926 occurrences of it in the NKJV. However, when the Bible mentions heart, It is not talking about your blood pumping organ. The Strong’s Concordance refers to the heart “kardia” as the mind, character, inner self, will, intention, center. In short, the Bible is referring to your heart as your soul; (mind, will, and emotions). So any time you see the word heart in a scripture, think of the mind, will, and emotions. For example, in Ezra 7:10 above Ezra prepared his mind, will, and emotions to seek the Word of God. This would entail making a decision in your mind (Deuteronomy 30:19) that you are going to get into the Bible and renew your mind with the Word of God (Romans 12:2) in order to prove God’s perfect will for your life. Once you have found God’s will, you then do it. Then after you have done it, God will lead you to teach others (Matthew 28:20). This should be a premeditated decision you make.
This premeditated decision is part of Proverbs 4:23. The Amplified translation says, “Keep and guard your heart (mind, will, and emotions) with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.” Above everything that you guard in your life; your spouse, kids, home, car, money, valuables in a safe, guns, etc. you are to guard your heart (mind, will, and emotions) more. The way to guard your heart is by doing what Ezra did, seeking the Law of the Lord and doing it! Why should you guard it above everything else? Proverbs 14:30a says, “A calm and undisturbed heart are the life and health of the body…” 2 Chronicles 16:9a says, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. God is looking for the faithful. Make the decision today to seek the Lord through the Word of God. Choose to be obedient to what He reveals to you. Then you will be an example for others and able to teach and share what you have learned.
