“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4: 23)
Diligence is persistent effort and constancy of purpose. This active devotion to a cause or goal should be focused on what is really important, vital in fact, to our lives. We must with awareness keep a guard on our hearts, on the thoughts and intentions that undergird our actions and experiences.
If we keep a faithful watch over our thinking we are protecting our very lives. For our thought is where danger would attempt to turn us from Truth, from God. This defense also applies to our hearts—our intentions, our motives and aspirations. We must, without fear or guilt, look within and determine where our ideas and practices are coming from. What do we seek and for what intent do we seek it? Being honest in this, we can cultivate higher ideals, those which will also naturally most bless us.
Looking outside of ourselves for protection, living in fear of others and their behavior towards us or thoughts of us, will never get to the heart of the matter. The “issues of [your] life” are not resolved by others, and they are not damaged by others’ behavior. Your own thoughts and purposes determine your attitude, your expectations, and their fulfillment in experience. Let your heart know and keep guard on Truth and Love, as cause and means, and you will be safe, happy, and free.
This is today’s e-inspire. Come back every Tuesday and Thursday for fresh inspiration. Or receive an inspirational message like this one every morning directly to your inbox by subscribing at www.beingfreenow.com or contacting me at lamolitercs@aol.com. A downloadable compilation of categorized messages is also available.
Being Free Now 
Thanks! Very timely for me!
I had trouble seeing the article by clicking on the email that came out. It said I wasn’t authorized to edit…? I went right to your site directly and saw it. There is a problem with the email that was sent out.
Thanks Laura!!
Sorry, Pat. Not sure how the automated e-mail works. Unfortunately, my computer’s in the shop and I may not be able to research this right away. I send these out by e-mail 6 days a week (full content, not a link). I can add you to that list, if you want. But no pressure! Just FYI.
PLEASE do!! I love your Listen Up and I need to Lighten Up!! Put me down for two front row center seats!! I’ll bring the popcorn and soda!! The reminder will help me make sure I don’t miss one.
Pat
More from Pat Collins. I just rechecked and the bad link was via Facebook. one person had “Liked” it and commented but when i clicked the link it wouldn’t open. so it was the Facebook link that I had trouble with.
Pat
Wonderful! I’ll add you and hope you will receive your first one bright and early tomorrow…IF the computer is back in my impatient (yet loving!) little hands by then! 😉
I love the diligence thougt, constancy, the vital effort. Did you see my article about doing the Important things?
Here is a link:
http://hilltopglimpses.blogspot.com/2012/08/urgent-or-important.html
Have a Big Ol Texas January!!!
Gotcha on the link. I posted it from a borrowed iPad and I have no idea what I am doing! I will try to repost it.