August 30 | Hebrews 10:19-25
- Elaine Pierce
- Aug 30
- 2 min read
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Guard Your Heart
By Elaine Pierce
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23).
Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water (Hebrews 10:22).
In the United States on average nearly 5,000 heart transplants are performed each year. Post surgery, the patient must take up to 12 anti-rejection medicines every 12 hours for their rest of their life. Yes, the rest of their lives. This is the only way that the new heart has a chance to survive and thrive.
Isn't that true of the Christian life? We say yes to Jesus - we ask him to forgive us our sins and we invite him into our heart. So we're all done - we can move on and live our life. I suppose that is one way, but it certainly won't ensure that our faith grows and deepens. Note the last two verses in today's passage and how they remind us that our faith isn't a 'one and done' proposition:
Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together.....but let us encourage one another (Hebrews 10:24-25).
How can we grow in our faith? Through love and good deeds, and through meeting together. Not just once, but regularly. Faithfully. Joyfully. If you aren't in a small group, I would encourage you to join - the UALC web site has lots of information on how to find a group. And there are so many opportunities to serve through our church body. Take a look - be open to how God might use you.
Yes, guard your heart. Draw near to God daily. He is waiting for you.
PRAYER
Lord, I want to deepen my faith, and yet so often I go astray. Help me to guard my heart - to focus on what is good, true, and just. Help me to serve you and only you. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ELAINE PIERCE
It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!
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