I’m working on a new project.  It is my newest book entitled, What Fills Your Heart?  The premise of the book is to set several contrasts before the reader asking which of them fills their heart?  Some examples of chapter titles are:

• What fills Your Heart: Fear or Faith?
• What Fills Your Heart: Joy or Sorrow?
• What Fills Your Heart: Are You the Proverbial Man or the Prodigal Son?
• What Fills Your Heart: Praise or Posturing?

As I write I am encountering the leadership of the Holy Spirit in a multitude of ways that are inspirational and so refreshing.  In fact, I bought a little leather notebook to carry with me so I can write down His impressions without losing the thought.  Maybe you’ve said this to yourself, too… “No, I don’t need to write that down.  I’ll remember!”  And then the great idea floats away into the air, never to be thought of again.  I decided that this is too great a loss and a tragic waste of God’s wisdom.  So, I’m writing more and more of His truths on paper so they are not lost!  (In fact, if you were to look at my workout notebook, you would see notes even there.  He guides us with insights, no matter what we are doing!)

And this is the point I want to make with you in this blog.  Whatever activity or pastime that we are involved in, we need to include God.  Are you working?  God wants to guide you there.  Are you enjoying vacation?  Don’t leave God behind!  Are you writing a book?  Listen to the still, small voice that knows infinitely more that we do and get His input!  You see, what we listen to and allow into our hearts will literally dictate what comes out of our mouths and how we live our lives.  Would you prefer to fill your heart with the things of God, or the things of this world?

In Proverbs 4.23 Solomon said this: Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.  What goes in dictates what comes out.  You may be wondering how the Spirit of God speaks.  How does He give us insights, understanding and wisdom?  First and foremost, He grants us all of this in His Word, the Bible.  Don’t go looking for signs from God if you haven’t opened the Scriptures.  Don’t think you should listen for special voices if you haven’t studied the revelation of Christ in the Bible.  Here you will find infallible truth, complete teaching on what His will is for you.  Does the Bible answer every possible question you might have?  No.  There are no solutions to math problems here, nor will you find rocket science.  But God has given us every necessary principle for how we should live this life, including recognizing that it will be infinitely better to have lived this life well and to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant”, rather than to have spent our lives seeking wealth, fame and power all of which will take wings and fly!

So, let me say this to you: Take care with what you fill your heart.  Let it be based on the voice of God in the Scriptures.  Will He add a word of knowledge on occasion?  Perhaps.  Might He give a word of wisdom?  Hopefully.  Can He influence you with the words of a Christian song?  Absolutely…even some Christian rock!!!  But don’t fill your heart with spiritual flights of fancy, the destination of which can lead you to who knows where.  Live in the Word.  Meditate here.  Receive guidance from the Word.  And get a notebook to write down what you learn so you don’t miss a thing!

As always be willing to receive counsel from brothers and sisters in Christ whom you trust.  When you have questions seek out others for guidance.  That can include a pastor, a Christian counselor or Life Coach.  If needed, give me a call.

Chuck Phillips

Life Choices Christian Counseling, LLC

Licensed Christian Pastoral Counselor, N.C.C.A.

Board Certified Professional Life Coach, I.B.C.C.

LifeChoicesCLC.Com LifeChoicesCLC@gmail.com

573-280-5093