“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17‬:‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Criss Cross

Guarding your heart can be a little tricky.

But, if there’s ever a time you need to go into action, it’s now!

What does that involve actually?

To guard means to watch over in order to protect or control.

To protect against damage or harm.

A person who keeps watch, especially a soldier or other person formally assigned to protect a person or to control access to a place.

A device worn or fitted to prevent injury or damage.

Be the Best-Dressed Person Around

I like that last one. When you dress for the day, “putting on” the whole armour of God and the garment of praise is the main device needed to protect or control the heart and prevent injury or damage.

The issues you are facing right now is heart-breaking and mind-boggling!

It’s a thousand wonders you are still sane!

But you’re still here.

And that counts for something in God’s eyes, even through the struggling, mistakes and anguish you are standing neck-deep in.

Blow after blow, the enemy has left you barely standing.

That red-eyed devil wants you weary in well-doing.

The Bible has forewarned, temptation would be on every hand in the last days.

None of us are exempt.

The devil is still going around trying to devour whoever he can get his grubby paws on.

He don’t even play favorites! Any soul will do.

My friend, your heart is so burdened.

By things out of your control.

But also, by things in your control.

• Drugs
• Alcohol
• Lust
• Infidelity or thoughts of infidelity
• Thoughts of suicide
• Porn
• Stealing from work
• Addictions of all sorts

Some of you are standing in the valley of decision.

Wondering if you gave in to the situation, would it help to ease the hurt, the hellfire and torment you are going through.

It’s NEVER the answer!

Don’t do what you’re planning to do!

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭139‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭

You can CHOOSE to walk after the Spirit and not the flesh.

Be a soldier. Steadfast. unmovable. Unshakable

So that “thing” you feel you need to do—it will destroy you.

Secretly in your heart, you know this.

Remember where it got Judas.

Ananias and Sapphira.

And Saul.

It will cost you EVERYTHING.

Is that what you’re willing to pay?

EVERYTHING???

For one moment of pleasure?

To satisfy the flesh in one heated moment?

The flesh will steer you wrong, if you let it.

The devil will tell you a lot of smooth stuff like:

No one will ever know.

It’s just you it will affect.

It’s your life, you can do with it what you want.

But what he won’t tell you is, the devastation that ONE decision will leave behind.

The curse it will bring to your family for generations to come.

Your walk with God shattered.

A ministry undone.

Relationships severed.

The souls it will cost. (Mainly yours)

The risk of losing your family.

Your marriage.

You could even lose your reputation or job.

All will be changed in the blink of an eye!

And you may never fully recover.

So what do you do?

You tie a knot in the rope and hang on for dear life!

Purpose to be a woman or man of integrity. A man/woman after God’s own heart.

Stay the course!

Don’t listen to the voices.

Realign yourself.

Pick up your sword of truth and fight, fight, fight!

You have to purpose to follow after God with all your heart!

The devil will destroy you, if you don’t.

Soldier, get your eyes back on the finish line!

Keep the faith!

We all make mistakes.

Remember that.

If you’re already on the other side of the trial, and you failed, just know you have an advocate with your Father.

He will never turn His child away. Repent and move forward.

One step at a time.

You are stronger than you know!

I believe in you!

But more important than that, Jesus believes in you!

He wants you to win this race and battle!

He’s rooting in your corner, He’s on your side!

And He wants you to get the victory over your flesh.

The world.

The enemy.

And the pride of life.

“…for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭32‬-‭33‬ ‭

Did you get that?

He knows! And He’s waiting for you to seek Him and find pleasure in Him, instead of the pleasures of the world.

Seek Him first.

Desires reversed!

Criss cross.

Keep the first things first.

PRAYER: Lord, you see this child of God’s struggles. The turmoil and the suffering and strain they are under. Send your angels to minister and strengthen this very minute, we pray! Help your child to find relief in You, and to be an overcomer! RESTORE, LORD! In Jesus Name, we pray. Amen!