"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23).
Mom used to make a delicious dessert called “Cocktail Pudding.” She made it so many times that she knew the recipe by heart. One day she concocted it, but forgot the soda. We ate it, but it was rather chewy—not the same.
Once, my daughter, Lynette, decided to make sugar cookies. Failing to locate the shortening, she decided to leave it out. She did not ask me, “Where's the shortening?” because she wanted to surprise me. We tried, but did not eat those tough cookies.
One day I omitted an important ingredient. I prayed that the Lord would wake me up for my quiet time. He did—at 5:30 a.m. I said in my heart, “That's too early,” and went back to sleep. I missed a blessing. God forgave me, but I could not buy back that lost time with the Lord.
Sometimes, Christian lives lack ingredients, too. If we leave out Bible reading, prayer, church attendance, witnessing,...it matters. These things affect the heart from whence the issues of life emanate. It affects our testimony. Watch those missing ingredients!
Oh Lord, forgive me when I omit vital ingredients from my life. Help me to put all that Thou instructs me in my life. Reflect the image of Christ in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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