Keep the Heart

Managing Our Thoughts

Have you ever had negative thoughts replaying in your mind, and you felt powerless to stop them? This merry-go-round that you never asked to get on is taking you in circles inside your head. And what’s worse about it, is these thoughts are indicators of the condition of our hearts. Why is that? Because thoughts come from the heart.

This episode title, “Managing Our Thoughts” is carefully worded. Notice that I didn’t say “Controlling Our Thoughts,” because clearly, we are not in control. If we were, we’d all be enjoying so much peace and abundant quiet, because thoughts are noisy! We can’t control our thoughts, but God can teach us how to manage them, and as we continue to yield this area to God, He can even teach us to discipline our thinking so that we become masterful at managing our thoughts.

The Bible has a lot to say about our thoughts, and it helps us if we know these truths. Let’s consider three ways that God’s Word gives us for managing our thoughts.

Be sure to visit the Shop at Keep the Heart for helpful devotional books, Bible studies and more! Links below.

Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor

NEW! What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe

NEW! Far Above Rubies: A 31-Day Devotional by Melissa Hedrick

NEW! Encouragement for Young Women: A 30-Day Devotional for Teens by Charity Berkey & Team

Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK

Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley

The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton

Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias

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Build Your Bible Habit-Proverbs Chapter 31

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit, a series designed to help you develop a habit of daily Bible reading. Proverbs 31 is where we read about the "Proverbs 31 woman," also known as the "virtuous woman," but this chapter has wisdom for men and women. 

Here's a verse that is good for all of us:

"She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." (Proverbs 31:26)

Words spoken in "the law of kindness" are easier to receive than words spoken in harshness. There are many opportunities to say the wrong thing, but if we'll open our mouths with wisdom, we'll avoid the messy cleanup that comes with ill-spoken words.

Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor

NEW! What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe

NEW! Far Above Rubies: A 31-Day Devotional by Melissa Hedrick

NEW! Encouragement for Young Women: A 30-Day Devotional for Teens by Charity Berkey & Team

Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK

Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley

The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton

Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias

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Gracious Ways to Disagree

Disagreements with people are nothing new, but we are seeing an increase in the contentious nature of the disagreements. This is mainly because our culture is promoting a mentality that you must agree with only one line of thinking or you are automatically wrong and therefore intolerant. That’s a two-way street.

Expecting people to agree with us 100% of the time is unrealistic. How did we get here? The answer is as old as the Old Testament. Listen to this verse from Judges 21:25: "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes."

This verse is our clue. We are facing a reenactment of Judges 21:25. This results in people making up things and then insisting that their way is right. 

How can we disagree without the mudslinging and labeling? Let’s consider three suggestions for walking in wisdom when handling disagreements.

Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor

NEW! What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe

NEW! Far Above Rubies: A 31-Day Devotional by Melissa Hedrick

NEW! Encouragement for Young Women: A 30-Day Devotional for Teens by Charity Berkey & Team

Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK

Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley

The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton

Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias

Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram

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Build Your Bible Habit-Proverbs Chapter 15

Welcome back to Proverbs Chapter 15 on Build Your Bible Habit.

This chapter, like the rest of Proverbs, is filled with relationship verses. When we apply the verses to our daily interactions, we have better outcomes, but when we disregard the Word, we have more messes.

Here's an example from Proverbs 15:1:

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."

Application: We can tell when a conversation is becoming tense, so instead of increasing our volume or using a harsher tone to make our point, we turn down the volume and reduce the heat. Anyone can argue, but it takes godly character to master the art of the "soft answer."

Even the practical takes practice.

Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor

NEW! What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe

NEW! Far Above Rubies: A 31-Day Devotional by Melissa Hedrick

Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK

Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley

The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton

Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias

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Replay Friday-Four Ways to Stop Double Mindedness

Welcome to Replay Friday, where we play the most popular episodes from previous seasons. This week's episode, “Four Ways to Stop Double Mindedness” was in demand back in season 3. No surprise, because this is a common problem, especially when we're faced with tough decisions. 

Double mindedness overcomplicates our lives, making us unstable. This episode shares ways that we can avoid this unhelpful habit. 

"A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." (James 1:8)

Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor

NEW! What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe

NEW! Far Above Rubies: A 31-Day Devotional by Melissa Hedrick

Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK

Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley

The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton

Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias

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Build Your Bible Habit-Proverbs Chapter 2

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit, where you can listen to a daily chapter from the book of Proverbs. The second chapter of Proverbs reads like a "listen up" list of life instructions, written to help us to walk wisely even in unexpected situations.

It takes less than five minutes to listen to or read a chapter of Proverbs, but this habit provides a lifetime supply of wisdom. Wise people make better decisions. 

"For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:6)

NEW! What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe

Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor

Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK

Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley

The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton

Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias

Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram

Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

 

A Winning Loser-Interview with Janice Wolfe

We tend to think of losing as an automatically negative event, but in her new devotional, "What Do I Have to Lose," Janice Wolfe demonstrates how Christ reframes losing into the miraculous discovery of an abundant life in Him. Losing is culturally scorned, but it is biblically desirable. 

To find our lives, we must first lose them in Christ. This is a painful yet strength-building journey designed by God, but not actively pursued by many. Let’s face it: by nature, we like life to be predictable, comfortable, and enjoyable. How could losing have anything to do with our life goals?

In God’s plan, losing our lives and setting aside our personal agendas allows us to experience the abundant life in Christ.

Janice Wolfe is an author, conference speaker, and radio host of the popular women's program, eleven2one on Faith Music Radio. After hearing this interview with Janice, be sure to click the link below to get a copy of her book in the shop at Keep the Heart.

NEW! What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe

Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor

Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK

Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley

The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton

Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias

Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram

Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Build Your Bible Habit-Proverbs Chapter 19

Welcome to Proverbs chapter 19 on Build Your Bible Habit. The theme of upright living is woven throughout this chapter, giving us principles to put into practice right away. If you haven’t started doing so, I suggest that you pray before listening to these Proverbs. Ask the Lord to show you what to work on from the chapter, and then watch for pop quizzes throughout your day. Remember, sometimes people are the "tests" in life.

You will find yourself applying the Bible more to your everyday living as you continue to build your Bible habit. Verses will pop up on the screen of your mind, prompting you to pause and edit yourself, putting you in a position to have better outcomes in your relationships.

Proverbs 19:11 is a perfect example of this, as it reminds us of this key relationship principle: "The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression." The next time someone does or says something that provokes you and you’re tempted to have a short fuse, pause and P.O.A.T.: Pass over a transgression. We love it when people do that for us.

Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor

NEW! What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe

Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK

Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley

The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton

Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias

Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram

Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Replay Thursday-Three Great Relationship Habits

Welcome to Replay Thursday, where we play the most popular episodes from the previous season. 

Imperfect people can’t have perfect relationships, but God left us with the wisdom of scripture to help us do a better job. This episode shares three verses that are great for our interactions with each other. When we have better relationship habits, we'll have better relationships.

 

Build Your Bible Habit-Proverbs Chapter 4

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit, audio Proverbs combined with brief commentary from your host, Francie Taylor. The Proverbs are known as God's "instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity" (Prov. 1:3). The book of Proverbs teaches us how to live what we're learning from the Word. 

Chapter four reminds us that wisdom is essential. Take the next five minutes to saturate your soul with the "principal thing." Keep up this habit with a daily Proverb, and watch God show you how to walk out your Christian life!

"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." (Proverbs 4:7)

Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor

NEW! What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe

Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK

Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley

The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton

Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias

Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram

Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

 

Replay Thursday-Four Ways to Stop Double Mindedness

Welcome to REPLAY THURSDAY, where you'll hear the most popular episodes from the previous season. What does it mean to be “double minded? The Strong’s Concordance defines it as “two spirited,” “TWO” as in number. It goes on to define it as “wavering, doubting, and uncertain.” We’re going back and forth on an issue in our opinion, our purpose, or both. This phrase only appears twice in the New Testament, and both times are in the book of James.

Listen to the bottom line from James 1:8: "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." Granted, this verse was speaking about asking God for wisdom without wavering, but it applies to any area where we’re wavering.

Being double minded is uncomfortable on purpose. It's an helpful way to live. Let’s consider four ways to stop this confusing habit.

Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor

Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK

Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley

The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton

Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias

Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram

Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Build Your Bible Habit-Proverbs Chapter 20

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit. These audio Proverbs provide a great tool for getting into the Word of God daily. In less than five minutes, you can listen to a chapter of Proverbs, allowing the principles to sink into your soul. Before long, you'll go from listening and reading to living and applying! 

Verse of the week: "Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?" (Proverbs 20:24)

We may not understand every "why" that happens in our lives, but God does. Investing time in your relationship with God will reward your soul as you grow in grace and knowledge of Him.

Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor

Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK

Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley

The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton

Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias

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Suffering and Survival from the Book of Job

No matter how many times I read the book of Job, I pause and try to imagine the traumatic shock waves that must have been passing through the souls of both Job and his wife, not to mention the unnamed people who were a part of their lives. What happened to their family was beyond comprehension. It was as if they were living in a horror movie.

People still go through heartbreaking tragedies today that we simply cannot comprehend. There are modern-day versions of Job.

Have you ever wondered why God included Job’s story in scripture? We can only guess, but I wonder if one of the reasons was so that we would know that it is possible to go through the darkest, most pain-filled time and still survive. It may feel like we are not going to make it, but time passes and the razor-sharp edges of pain soften and we find a way to breathe again. Job’s survival of trauma beyond comprehension is proof that devastating events do not have to destroy our lives. Out of 42 incredible chapters, let's consider four lessons from the book of Job. 

Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor

Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK

Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley

The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton

Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias

Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram

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Build Your Bible Habit-Proverbs Chapter 6

Build Your Bible Habit with Proverbs! One of the greatest gifts you'll give yourself is the habit of reading or listening to your Bible daily. Knowledge of God, strength for the journey, and instructions on how to live are all found within the pages of the Word. Keep building your Bible habit. You're improving your life!

Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor

Olive Petal KJV Snap Flap Bible

Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley

The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton

Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias

Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram

Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Build Your Bible Habit-Proverbs Chapter 30

Welcome to Proverbs chapter 30 on Build Your Bible Habit! These audio proverbs, read by Francie Taylor provide a easy way to learn and apply the Bible to daily living. Look at this prayer request from Proverbs 30:7-8:

"Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me..."

"Give me neither poverty nor riches" is another way of saying, "I will be fine with just enough." When we learn how to be satisfied with what God has already provided, everything else is above and beyond the blessings!

Pick up a copy of the new 31-Day Devotional "Apply" in the shop at Keep the Heart. It will be another useful tool helping you to build your Bible habit!

Find it here: Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor

Adding Temperance to Your Faith

Don’t you hate self-sabotage? You know, those times when you are planning to do something that is good for you, but then you’re forced to battle the inner toddler that wants to do the opposite. There was someone who had this same struggle in the New Testament, and he wrote these words in Romans 7:15:

"For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I."

The apostle Paul was writing about the battle with self, also known as the a lack of temperance.

According to the Strong’s Concordance, temperance is another word for “self-control.” It’s that very difficult spiritual workout of learning how to have the mastery over our desires, passions, and appetites. And when the definition says “appetites,” that’s not just referring to food. Some people have an appetite for power, while others have an insatiable desire for pleasure.

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary includes this definition for temperance: “Patience; calmness; sedateness; moderation of passion.”

So how can we achieve this calm, patient, management of the self? Let’s consider three truths from Scripture, and then you can pray for God to show you where to begin.

Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor

Olive Petal KJV Snap Flap Bible

Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley

The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton

Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias

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Replay Thursday-Don't Be Fooled

Welcome to REPLAY THURSDAY, where you'll hear the most popular episodes from the previous season. Have you ever heard someone say they were "speaking their own truth?" The absence of God plus the presence of deception equals strong delusion.

We need to protect ourselves from deception by keeping our souls nourished. God's Word is our "necessary food," as Job observed in Job 23:12: "Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food." 

The Word of God is as essential to our souls as physical food is to our bodies. Don't be fooled. Three suggestions in 12 minutes.

INSPIRING NEW DEVOTIONAL BOOK! Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor

Olive Petal KJV Snap Flap Bible

Rose Gold Beautifully Embossed KJV Bible

Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley

The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton

Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias

Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram

Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Build Your Bible Habit-Proverbs Chapter 9

Welcome back to Proverbs chapter 9 on Build Your Bible Habit! In less than five minutes, you can listen to a chapter of Proverbs while building a habit that will improve your daily decisions and interactions with others. Walking in wisdom is possible. We just need to apply what we're learning!

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10)

INSPIRING NEW DEVOTIONAL BOOK! Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor

Olive Petal KJV Snap Flap Bible

Rose Gold Beautifully Embossed KJV Bible

Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley

The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton

Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias

Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram

Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Messy Conflicts

There are regular conflicts, and then there are MESSY conflicts. Regular conflicts are easily resolved, but messy ones take more time. Messy conflicts are a part of the cost of having relationships. There will be awkward, uncomfortable, embarrassing, infuriating, and even shocking events that happen in daily life. Maybe you’re facing a messy conflict right now. It’s like trying to walk over a bed of hot coals without burning your feet. Anywhere you step, there’s heat.

Trouble is human. We see this stated in Job 5:7: "Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward." Imperfect people will not have perfect relationships. The more relationships you have, the more opportunities you have for conflict. And not everyone has mastered the biblical practice of appropriate conflict resolution, so that means you may have to face a few toddlers stuck in adult bodies.

We know that run-ins and strong disagreements happen, but we may make conflicts worse if we are not handling matters with wisdom. Wisdom comes from God, and He has left us a lifetime supply of wisdom in His Word. What can we do when we’re facing messy conflicts? Let’s consider four suggestions together.

INSPIRING NEW DEVOTIONAL BOOK! Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor

Olive Petal KJV Snap Flap Bible

Rose Gold Beautifully Embossed KJV Bible

Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley

The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton

Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias

Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram

Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Build Your Bible Habit-Proverbs Chapter 19

Welcome back to Proverbs chapter 19 on Build Your Bible Habit. The theme of upright living is woven throughout this chapter, giving us principles to put into practice right away. If you haven’t started doing so, I suggest that you pray before listening to these Proverbs. Ask the Lord to show you what to work on from the chapter, and then watch for pop quizzes throughout your day. Remember, sometimes people are the "tests" in life.

You will find yourself applying the Bible more to your everyday living as you continue to build your Bible habit. Verses will pop up on the screen of your mind, prompting you to pause and edit yourself, putting you in a position to have better outcomes in your relationships.

Proverbs 19:11 is a perfect example of this, as it reminds us of this key relationship principle: "The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression." The next time someone does or says something that provokes you and you’re tempted to have a short fuse, pause and P.O.A.T.: Pass over a transgression. We love it when people do that for us.

INSPIRING NEW DEVOTIONAL BOOK! Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor

Olive Petal KJV Snap Flap Bible

Rose Gold Beautifully Embossed KJV Bible

Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley

The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton

Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias

Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram

Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Widows, Widowers, and the Big Remarriage Question

Here’s a question I’ve been asked a lot since my Norman passed away: "Francie, are you ever going to remarry?" There’s nothing wrong with the question itself, but may I tell you how it sounds to my ears? (I am only speaking for Francie here, not for all of widowkind!) It sounds like this:

Francie, when are you going to become whole again?

Francie, when are you going to stop being single?

Francie, what’s a nice girl like you doing in a place like this? (as if widowhood is a bad neighborhood)

Not everyone sees the simple question about remarriage in the same way, but it's worth noting that the question raises questions.

Some widows and widowers remarry. Some do not. This personal episode will look at the complicated things that we consider when we’re trying to figure out whether we will commit to another marriage. If you are not a widow or widower, this will be informative. If you are, you probably already know these things so this may be more of a refresher. If you’re a new widow or widower, save this for future reference. Let’s examine some verses from 1 Corinthians chapter 7 to dive into this topic about widows, widowers, and remarriage.

INSPIRING NEW DEVOTIONAL BOOK! Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor

Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley

The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton

Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias

Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram

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Replay Thursday-No Guile-Getting Rid of the False Front

REPLAY THURSDAY: Guile is the art of being deceitful, dishonest, and double-dealing in our interactions with others. Guile is easy to practice because it's carnal, and carnal behaviors come naturally.

It's also problematic, because a person with guile cannot be trusted. Genuine Christianity is hard to find, but if we'll let God "create clean hearts" within us, we can become people who are without guile. Without the false front.

Real. And a real blessing.

"Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile." (Psalm 32:2)

INSPIRING NEW DEVOTIONAL BOOK! Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor

Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley

The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton

Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias

Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram

Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Calm in the Chaos

Does it seem to you like people are more stressed out lately? The further we move along the timeline of what the Bible calls “last days,” the more we are seeing people who are operating in a constant level of distress. But is this our lot in life? Do we have to live as if life is ganging up on us and we have no way to stop it?

It’s unreasonable to expect life to be free of trouble. Job recognized this when he spoke these words in Job 5:7: “Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.” We’re going to have things happen that weren’t in our planners, but if your life is one continuous stream of chaos, that’s like a check-engine light on the dash in your car. Something needs to be examined. Chaos happens, but it doesn't have to become our operating system.

Let's consider four questions to ask ourselves when life is more chaotic than calm.

EXCITING NEW DEVOTIONAL BOOK! Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor

Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley

The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton

Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias

Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram

Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Replay Thursday-Lying is a Breakable Habit

REPLAY THURSDAY: A friend of mine once said to me, "If you don't like my cooking, lie to me." She was just kidding, but it reminded me how easy it is for us to pick and choose when we're going to lie or tell the truth. Lying is habit forming, but it is also a breakable habit.

When we know better, we can do better. God can help us to remove this habit from our lives, but we will need to ask for His help and yield to His Word.

"Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously." (Psalm 119:29)

NEW IN THE SHOP AT KEEP THE HEART!

Apply: Living What We Learn--A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor

Build Your Bible Habit-Proverbs Chapter 29

Welcome back to BUILD YOUR BIBLE HABIT, the popular audio Proverbs series. Chapter 29 opens with a warning about being stubborn:

"He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." (Proverbs 29:1)

Stubbornness can fill our lives with unnecessary chaos and pain. This is another loaded chapter, and it will take you less than five minutes to read and listen!

Visit the shop links below at Keep the Heart for books by Francie Taylor and other authors, as well as a beautiful selection of Bibles.

Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor

Vitamins for the Soul: Maintaining Spiritual Health by Kathy Ashley

Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley

The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton

Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor

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