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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Guard Your Heart (06/08/12)
Did you know that we have two hearts? No, I’m not crazy. We really do have two hearts.

One heart manifests itself physically. It is that critical organ, that strong pumping muscle that moves blood rich in oxygen throughout the body where it is needed to maintain life. It helps us grow and develop physically.

The other is less tangible; it can’t be actually seen or scientifically proved. It is, however, inside us just the same. It constitutes our soul, that inner capacity for love and good will through Christ which is breathed into us from the Holy Spirit. If we listen to it and follow its guidance, it helps us grow and develop spiritually.

Both of these hearts have to be protected, or guarded, from things which could impact them negatively. This is where the choices foisted upon us from free will come into play. Whatever we choose, we suffer or are rewarded by the consequences.

In the case of the physical heart, rest, diet, exercise, and a positive attitude play a big part in keeping it pumping effectively. Lack of these can cause stress, major arterial blockage and blood pressure problems. These can ultimately lead to an early loss of earthly life.

In the case of the spiritual heart, failing to routinely commune with God and to listen to what the Holy Spirit says silently inside us, may ultimately result in a diminished faith and commitment on our part. If unchecked, it will eventually result in the loss of opportunity to attain everlasting life. Our living with Him for eternity would be eliminated.

And this is an enormous difference, because the loss of everlasting life is much greater than the loss of earthly life. It is a gift waiting for all of us if only we listen to Him, love Him and follow Him.

But there is also another great difference. To truly nurture the spiritual heart, we have to open it up to God and let him take control of our life in service to Him. Just like open heart surgery on a physical heart is frightening, to open up our soul makes us very vulnerable. And we really don’t like being vulnerable.

But if we will just take this chance and open ourselves and share our heart and its love with others, the richness of life and the happiness and joy we receive will overwhelm our concerns.


Will each of us make the commitment to live on earth as He wishes so that we may live with Him eternally? The choice is ours.

Let us pray:

Dear God, Help us to accept the gift which has been so graciously offered, the gift of everlasting life. Help us to understand the true meaning of love and devotion that is required of us. Stand with us in our trials and tribulations, and make us see that, in pleasing Thee, we will share in the eternal peace and joy that awaits us when this earthly life is done. We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior, Amen.
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But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. ROMANS 6:17
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Laura Manley
06/15/12
This reader read with interest you explanation of the physical heart and the spiritual heart. Very well written...however, I have to respectfully disagree with you when you say "If unchecked, it will eventually result in the loss of opportunity to attain everlasting life. Our living with Him for eternity would be eliminated." Perhaps I am missing your point, but once a person is given the gift of salvation by accepting Jesus as their Saviour, there is nothing, absolutely nothing that can cause that person to lose his/her salvation. Once saved, always saved! Other than that, I think your actual writing was very descriptive and kept this reader's interest.
Lisa Johnson
06/16/12
I have to admit that I also stumbled over the theological point mentioned in the previous comment. However, I do think your writing shows promise. Keep writing. God bless you!
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
06/18/12
This is a nice devotion. I liked how you used an example from life to help illustrate your point. I also liked the Bible verse you used (make sure you cite which translation it is) The prayer too was quite lovely. Good job.
C D Swanson 
06/20/12
This was simply beautiful in all aspects. I loved it. Great job with this piece. Thank you. God Bless~