Teaching Notes

Do you know whatever kinds of seed you plant, that is what you will grow?  It would seem quite strange to have planted a rosebush and gotten something else.  So it is with our heart.  Whatever we plant in our hearts, is what will come up from the soil of our hearts.  If we water bitterness, hatred or lies, from our hearts will come the fruit of that seed.  If we plant love, joy and peace, from that seed will come the fruit.  What fruit do you want?

What's In Your Heart?

Proverbs 3:1-3 (The Message)

Good friend, don't forget all I've taught you; take to heart my commands. They'll help you live a long, long time, a long life lived full and well. Don't lose your grip on Love and Loyalty. Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart. Earn a reputation for living well in God's eyes and the eyes of the people.

Notes: The writer of this Proverb is reminding the reader to keep that which has been given to him in his heart. He gives the reason why it is important to keep the Lord's commands.

Question: What were the reasons given for taking the commandments of God to heart?

Answer: The writer is encouraging the reader to keep the commandments of God because they help one to have a long life and to live in the fullness of God's promises. He also tells that it is when one keeps the commandments of God that they are able to hold on to love and to stay loyal to the things of God. He says to tie them around their necks.  This is really telling the reader to make God's commandments so much a part of who they are, that it goes wherever they go.  God's word is what leads them, what motivates them and what helps them.  The question is, what is in your heart?  The answer to that should be God's word.  If you put it in your heart it will help you to live God's way.

Prayer: Lord, today we ask you to help us.  Help us to take your word to heart so that we can receive the benefits of living a life for you.  Help us to hold onto your word and allow it to lead us every step.