The best way for me to summarize my sentiments in this episode is by a line I saw on a t-shirt by Lisa Bevere that said ‘the future is male and female’. Understanding this, and the fact that it's important to God, gives us perspective on why it's important we speak from a place of understanding and with the intent to build up vs tear down. In this instance, the focus is on what narrative we are supporting and upholding about men.

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen”

Ephesians 4:29

What does it really mean to guard our heart, and how do we do it? This is what I know so far.

" Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."

Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)

"We love Him because He first loved us" 1 John 4:19

The extent of God's love for you has nothing to do with the degree to which we please Him, and everything to do with Him. He loved us before we had even surrendered our hearts to Him or decided to live for Him. His love remains unshakable, constant, and unconditional. When we are in our areas where we feel we've displeased Him most, therein lies the proof of His love for us, because the extent of it doesn't change.

Is our expectation of what good should look and thus feel like translating into a limited understanding and skewed perspective of what it means for God's goodness to show up in our lives?

"Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life"

Psalms 23:6

"If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything"

A challenge to all of us to not just mindlessly consume opinions, no matter how good they sound, but take time to really test and think about it, public opinion especially.

Romans 12:2

Welcome to the first episode of my podcast! Learn a little more about me, and what to expect in my brief message in this episode.