Guard Your Garden! By Major Frank Materu
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Introduction
In these times of great adversity, perversity, and insanity, the battle for the heart and soul is fiercer than ever. The demonic powers raging across the land seek to kill, steal, and destroy. However, as God’s chosen people, we are called to guard the garden of our hearts with diligence and obedience. The Word of God admonishes us in Proverbs 4:23 (NIV): “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” This message serves as a reminder of our duty to remain steadfast in faith, resist the enemy, and keep our hearts pure for God’s purposes.
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The Need for Diligence
God calls His people to be vigilant and to exercise caution in what they take in, view, and review. The pervasive wickedness of our time—violence, witchcraft, and unbridled immorality—is not to be entertained by those who belong to Him. Colossians 3:2 (ESV) instructs: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Guarding our hearts means turning away from the distractions of this world and keeping our focus on Christ.
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Rejecting the World’s Allure
There are many who claim to belong to God yet are captivated by the deceit of the world. These individuals place their trust in media and the false promises of worldly gain rather than in God. This behavior grieves the Lord, for He has called His people to holiness and righteousness. James 4:4 (NKJV) warns: “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”
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Walking in Consecration
The Lord desires His people to be separated and consecrated unto Him. This means rejecting vanity and choosing instead to walk in the Truth and Light of God. His Holy Spirit has been given to guide us daily in paths of righteousness. Psalm 119:105 (NIV) declares: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Let us be diligent in keeping our hearts dedicated to God and not be swayed by the lies of the enemy.
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Avoiding Unholy Alliances
Believers are warned against entering covenants with unbelievers. Such partnerships lead to compromise and hinder the furtherance of God’s Kingdom. 2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV) reminds us: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” Staying true to God requires avoiding alliances that contradict His purposes.
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Guarding Against Deception
In times of danger, it is foolish to immerse oneself in sin and believe there will be no consequences. Those who fail to guard their hearts risk spiritual contamination. Galatians 6:7 (NIV) warns: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” Protecting our spiritual garden requires steadfast attention and reliance on God’s guidance.
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The Importance of Faithfulness
God calls His people to remain faithful and not allow seeds of deceit to take root in their hearts. The faithful pilgrim walks in truth, avoiding the folly of the world. Hebrews 10:23 (NIV) encourages: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Faithfulness to God ensures that our lives bear fruit for His glory.
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Summary
In these perilous times, guarding the garden of our hearts is crucial. By remaining vigilant, rejecting the world’s allure, and walking in consecration, we align ourselves with God’s purposes. Avoiding unholy alliances and guarding against deception are essential to maintaining a heart that is steadfast and faithful to the Lord.
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Conclusion
The call to guard your garden is a call to action for every believer. As we protect our hearts from the seeds of deceit and remain rooted in God’s Word, we prepare ourselves for His Kingdom purposes. Ephesians 6:11 (NIV) exhorts: “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Let us be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
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Call to Action
Examine your heart daily and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas that need cleansing. Commit to reading God’s Word and living in obedience to His commands. Share this message with others, encouraging them to guard their hearts and walk in righteousness.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Be encouraged that God has provided everything you need to guard your garden and walk in victory. Philippians 4:13 (NIV) declares: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Stay faithful, and you will see God’s promises fulfilled in your life. Guard your garden, for it is the wellspring of life!
