Barbara Caldwell
Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church
Pastor Kevin McNeil
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GUARDING THE HEART
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The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of the heart, both as the center of emotions and desires and as the seat of moral and spiritual life. Proverbs 4:23 declares, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." This verse emphasizes the importance of the heart in shaping one’s character, actions, and relationship with God. To guard one’s heart is not merely to protect oneself from harm but to preserve a life rooted in holiness and truth.
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The heart represents more than emotions; it is the core of a person’s being. Jesus taught, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). This means that our heart determines the quality of our thoughts, words, and deeds. A guarded heart, filled with God’s Word and guided by the Holy Spirit, enables us to live in alignment with His will.
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We must always be aware that the heart can very easily become corrupt. Jeremiah 17:9 cautions, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Left unguarded, the heart is vulnerable to sin, false teachings, and worldly temptations. Paul encourages believers to focus on what is true, noble, and pure (Philippians 4:8), highlighting the necessity of guarding the heart by filtering influences through the lens of Scripture.
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Guarding the heart involves intentional practices. Saturating oneself in God’s Word (Psalm 119:11) and cultivating prayer create a shield against spiritual attacks. Accountability within a community of believers also plays a crucial role, as Proverbs 27:17 states, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Additionally, being cautious about what we watch, hear, and engage with helps prevent unhealthy influences from taking root.
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When we guard our hearts, we are not only protecting ourselves but also inviting the peace of God to reign within us. Philippians 4:7 promises, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” A heart surrendered to God is filled with His peace and empowered to reflect His love to others.
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In a world filled with distractions and dangers, a guarded heart anchored in God’s truth becomes a beacon of light, guiding us closer to Him.
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2024
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JULY GOD is Our Healer (Sis. Capitola Scott)
JUNE A Silent Killer (Sis. Barabara Spencer)
MAY The Mindset of Christ (Sis. Barbara Caldwell)
APRIL
MARCH
FEB Endurance (Sis. Capitola Scott)
JAN Wilderness Experience (Sis. Barbara Spencer)
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2023
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SEPT I Don't Understand (Sis. Barbara Spencer)
AUG ...For If You Forgive... (Sis. Barbara Caldwell
JUL Natural Comfort Discourages Change (Sis. Capitola Scott)
JUN When Love Really Matters (First Lady Patricia Jones)
MAY Blessings from My Mom (Sis. Brenda Rucker)
APR Still Some Do Not Believe (Sis. Barbara Spencer)
MAR Out of the Mouth (Sis. Barbara Caldwell)
FEB A Christian's Resolution (First Lady Patricia A. Jones)
JAN Putting the Past Behind (Sis. Brenda Rucker)
2022
DEC Paying It Forward (Sis. Barbara Spencer)
NOV Mad Gratitude (Sis. Barbara Caldwell)
OCT Trust. Just Trust. (Sis. Patricia A. Jones)
SEPT Muddling Through Difficult Times (Sis. Barbara Spencer)
AUG Let's get Back to School (Sis. Shavon Brown)
JULY Keeping Him Your #1 (Sister Barbara Caldwell)
JUNE A Father's Day Tribute (Master Jaxson Jones)
MAY An Open Letter to My Mom (Sis. Zinnia Hubbard)
APR Understanding is the Key (Sis. Barbara Spencer)
MAR GOD is GOOD (Sis. Brenda Rucker)
FEB Justice and Peace (Sis. Barbara Caldwell)
JAN Walking in the Newness of Life (Sis. Patricia Jones)
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2021
DEC Not a Fairytale (Sis. Barbara Spencer)
NOV ALL IN (Sis. Brenda Rucker)
OCT Dare to Recognize (Sis. Barbara Spencer)
SEP Good Clean Living (Sis. Barbara Caldwell)
AUG What About the Church? (Minister Erica Cox)