Keep the Heart

Welcome to Teachback Tuesday, where you'll hear the most popular episodes from previous seasons. This week's episode deals with a common problem: the controlling person. The desire to control the outcomes and people in our lives is a very common temptation. It’s a flawed thread that runs throughout the fabric of our lives, making us tense and anxious.  We can trick ourselves into believing that if we manipulate situations just right, things will turn out according to our desires. The problem with this plot is that we’re out of line. People with control issues also have major trust issues, and the lack of trust starts with God and then works its way down into other relationships. This episode examines three signs of a controlling person, and follows with a few suggestions on ways to give up this draining habit. Books, Bible Studies, and more in the Shop at Keep the Heart Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW: Hope Endures: A Biography of Faith by Jennifer Arrington BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions NEW: The Counting Tree by Jennifer Arrington From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit, where you can listen to a chapter of Proverbs in less than five minutes. If you are new at this, expect to increase in wisdom and understanding of how to handle the "issues of life." If you've been reading along for a while, you've probably already noticed how God uses the practical teachings of Proverbs to guide and instruct us for daily living. Here's a great verse reminding us that our motives matter:  Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. (Proverbs 21:2) Books, Bible Studies, and more in the Shop at Keep the Heart Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW: Hope Endures: A Biography of Faith by Jennifer Arrington BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions NEW: The Counting Tree by Jennifer Arrington From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Everyone gets a turn in the rotation of painful situations, but there are varying degrees of trouble, big and small. When we haven’t been through the fire, we may have a hard time understanding the painful burns of extreme loss. When the trouble is not in our lives, it takes intentional effort to have compassion, empathy, and true concern. This episode considers three ways that God increases our compassion for others, with the goal of becoming better about caring about others. "But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies." (Lamentations 3:32) Books, Bible Studies, and more in the Shop at Keep the Heart Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions What Do I Have to Lose: A 50-Day Devotional (Book Two) by Janice Wolfe From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Mentioned in the Episode: "The Hiding Place" by Corrie Ten Boom Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit, where you can listen to a daily chapter of Proverbs in about five minutes. The seventh chapter of Proverbs is a hard one. If you've developed the habit of reading or listening to a daily Proverb, you already know what's coming: the chapter about "the strange woman." The word "strange" in this context refers to a prostitute or a harlot. It also carries the meaning "to commit adultery." The "strange woman" is immoral and enticing. This chapter should be read slowly, and yet it may be painful reading. Have you ever wondered how the "strange woman" ended up on that path of humiliation and destruction? And what about the man who accepted the invitation? They were both selfish. Taking advantage of people to satisfy the flesh never ends well. Here's how chapter seven closes: "For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death." (Proverbs 7:26-27) That's not a happy ending, it's a dark warning. VISIT THE SHOP AT KEEP THE HEART FOR BOOKS, BIBLE STUDIES & MORE! Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions What Do I Have to Lose: A 50-Day Devotional (Book Two) by Janice Wolfe From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome to Teachback Tuesday, where we play the most popular episodes from previous seasons. This week’s episode, “Escaping the Envy Trap” received thousands of downloads when we first aired it in 2021 and it made me wonder: How many people are stuck in this trap of studying other people’s lives and wanting to be where they are, or to have what they have, or to look like they look? A hyperfocus on other people's lives is a shortcut to envy, and envy is rotten for the soul. This episode will give you several things to consider, as well as pointing the way out of this consuming trap.  "A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones." (Proverbs 14:30) VISIT THE SHOP AT KEEP THE HEART FOR BOOKS, BIBLE STUDIES & MORE! Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions What Do I Have to Lose: A 50-Day Devotional (Book Two) by Janice Wolfe From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit. This is something you can do. In less than five minutes, you will have listened to a chapter of Proverbs, gaining valuable wisdom for the day. If you've been struggling to develop a daily Bible reading habit, the simple change of a daily Proverb will end the struggle. The daily Proverb system has worked for decades, leading people into a closer relationship with God and a deeper study of His Word. By starting small with Proverbs, you will expand your habit over time. Soon, you are reading the entire Bible repeatedly, finding new treasures while applying what you're learning. Here's a great verse for the week, reminding us to live what we're learning from Scripture: "Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge." (Proverbs 23:12) HELPFUL STUDY TOOLS AT KEEP THE HEART Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions What Do I Have to Lose: A 50-Day Devotional (Book Two) by Janice Wolfe From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Did you know that a leading cause of drowning is exhaustion? This happens when a swimmer gets too far from shore and they are unable to make it safely back. Walking away from God is like drifting away from the safety of the shoreline. When a person drifts too far for too long, they soon find themselves so far away that they give up trying to turn back. Soon, they are drowning in a sea of rebellion, believing lies, and rejecting the truth. How can a person find their way back to God? This episode offers four suggestions, and then you can spend some time in prayer after this episode, asking God for even greater direction. This is just a starter list. By the way, if you know someone who has drifted away from God, do not assume that they will want to listen to this episode. Ask their permission first before sharing.  HELPFUL STUDY TOOLS AT KEEP THE HEART SMALL GROUP FAVORITE: Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions What Do I Have to Lose: A 50-Day Devotional (Book Two) by Janice Wolfe From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit! If you are new to these episodes, set a goal to listen for the next three months without missing a chapter. By the end of three months, you will have a habit that helps you to handle the daily issues of life wisely. A chapter of Proverbs takes about 4-5 minutes to read, but gives us so much more in life instructions and guidance. Chapter nine includes this classic verse: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10) There is a direct connection between the fear of the Lord and wisdom.  Do you have a healthy fear of God? The way you live answers that question.  HELPFUL STUDY TOOLS AT KEEP THE HEART BOOK CLUB FAVORITE: Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions What Do I Have to Lose: A 50-Day Devotional (Book Two) by Janice Wolfe From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome to Teachback Tuesday, where we play the most popular episodes from previous seasons. This week's episode, "Developing a Daily Bible Study Habit" is for anyone who has been struggling to simply read your Bible daily.  Trying to live the Christian life without the Bible is a bad habit worth changing. Listen to this episode, and then accept the challenge to read your Bible daily for the next three months. At the end of three months, your relationship with God will be deeper than ever, and your wisdom and understanding will increase by the day. You can do this, and it will take you less than 10 minutes per day. Isn't God worth more than that? Bible reading is the introduction to Bible study. Once you begin reading, you can move into studying and applying what you learn. "Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge." (Proverbs 23:12) HELPFUL STUDY TOOLS AT KEEP THE HEART BOOK CLUB FAVORITE: Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions What Do I Have to Lose: A 50-Day Devotional (Book Two) by Janice Wolfe From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit, where you can gain valuable wisdom for daily living. Each chapter has life applications that are like having the answers to a pop quiz! Here's an example: Two people are in a quarrel that has nothing to do with you, but you make the mistake of deciding you will be the referee. The Bible has simple advice for this: DON'T. "He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears." (Proverbs 26:17) Here's what Bible commentator Matthew Henry wrote about Proverbs 26:17: "He that has got a dog by the ears, if he lets him go he flies at him, if he keeps his hold, he has his hands full, and can do nothing else." (So it's better not to take the dog by the ears!) Take five. Build your Bible habit. VISIT THE SHOP AT KEEP THE HEART BOOK CLUB FAVORITE: Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions What Do I Have to Lose: A 50-Day Devotional (Book Two) by Janice Wolfe From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

I can vividly remember the day of my Norman’s surgery. They were removing the kidney that had a large, cancerous tumor on it. The surgeon asked my husband this question: “Are you ready to meet your maker?” The question, “Are you ready to meet your maker”? caused my husband to ask the surgeon a question: “Do you know my Maker?” They both smiled, and the surgeon said, “I sure do.” The grateful look on the surgeon’s face was matched by the recognition of a brother in Christ on my Norman’s face. They chatted a bit more and then Norman was taken to surgery. That question brought me to tears as I realized that this was yet another indicator of how seriously ill my husband was. As I sat in the waiting room crying quietly, a nurse walked in. She asked me what was wrong, and I told her about my Norman’s cancer prognosis and how this was all so sudden and hard. That’s when she made a statement that I have never forgotten: “Oh honey, she said, “We are ALL terminally ill.” She hit me with the truth. We know our birthdays, but only God knows the day of our death. My Norman had renal cell carcinoma and multiple myeloma, both stage 4. He was diagnosed in April 2017, and passed on Sept 15, 2017. When a loved one is terminally ill, there are many things to face. In this brief episode, I’ll provide suggestions for walking through this challenging time. These are not in-depth solutions. In fact, if this is not the first time you’ve had a loved one who was terminally ill, you could add to this short list easily. These are just some things I wish someone had shared with me when I was walking this road. Workplace Protections for Individuals Impacted by Cancer (mentioned in the episode) VISIT THE SHOP AT KEEP THE HEART BOOK CLUB FAVORITE: Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions What Do I Have to Lose: A 50-Day Devotional (Book Two) by Janice Wolfe From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit, your audio Proverbs library! The wisdom and understanding that can be gained from Proverbs is priceless. This book of the Bible provides practical direction, instruction, and correction. It's not just a book of hearing; it's a book of doing. Here's your Proverb for the week: "Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad." (Proverbs 12:25) Do you know someone who has been going through a really tough time? They could use a "good word," which is something pleasant, encouraging, and agreeable. We all take turns facing hard times, and we also take turns being the encouragers. VISIT THE SHOP AT KEEP THE HEART! START YOUR BOOK CLUB! Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor GREAT FOR COUPLES! Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor START YOUR BIBLE STUDY GROUP! ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions What Do I Have to Lose: A 50-Day Devotional (Book Two) by Janice Wolfe From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome to Teachback Tuesday, where you'll hear some of the most popular episodes from previous seasons. This week's episode, "When An Adult Child is Struggling" was recorded during a thunderstorm. As the storm was raging outside in the background, I could imagine the storms raging in the hearts and minds of parents who are painfully navigating difficult events with their adult children. This episode is brief, and was not designed to cover every issue that could come up in the lives of adult children. It's a four-point list of things to consider if you are walking through a hard season with your adult child. Take some time after listening to this episode to pray for direction for your situation. Psalm 143:8 makes an excellent prayer pattern: "Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee." (Psalm 143:8) VISIT THE SHOP AT KEEP THE HEART! Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor What Do I Have to Lose: A 50-Day Devotional (Book Two) by Janice Wolfe From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit, where you can listen to a chapter of Proverbs in about five minutes. The life applications in Proverbs are so deeply valuable, our lives are enriched when we live what we learn from these gold mine chapters of scripture. Here's a pointed reminder for the day from Proverbs 29:9: "If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest." Do you have a dispute with a foolish person? Save your breath. It won't end reasonably, but usually ends without any gain. "There is no rest" when a wise person tries to reason with a foolish person. Sadly, the fool doesn't think there is a God, and so they have no motivation to follow biblical principles. Hold the argument. VISIT THE SHOP AT KEEP THE HEART! Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor What Do I Have to Lose: A 50-Day Devotional (Book Two) by Janice Wolfe From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Digital peer pressure is a real thing, and it's creating a chaotic way of life for many. From seeking validation to comparing ourselves, the online world has become the modern day Wild West. Point. Shoot a video. Post it for the world. Repeat. Joining me in this episode is a fellow Bible-loving sister friend, Quortney Jernigan from Running Redeemed, a ministry that Quortney started to help women learn to study their Bibles. We're examining the effects of digital peer pressure on women, children, relationships, and then we're wrapping it up with a brief discussion on risks vs. benefits. This episode would make a great study topic in a small group discussion. Save it and share it! Follow Quortney from Running Redeemed on Instagram The Blog and Website for Running Redeemed VISIT THE SHOP AT KEEP THE HEART! Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor What Do I Have to Lose: A 50-Day Devotional (Book Two) by Janice Wolfe From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome back to chapter 16 on Build Your Bible Habit. Every chapter of Proverbs includes life instructions that help us to handle matters wisely (Prov. 16:20). The Word of God is sufficient to guide us in every aspect of our lives, but we need to know what it says in order to follow the guidance. Do you trust God so much with your life that you pray for direction and then only want His will? "Thy will be done" is an essential part of the prayer pattern that Christ left us in Matthew 6:9-13. Proverbs 16:3 is another way of saying, "Thy will be done." When we commit our works to the Lord, He makes us stable, secure, and steadfast.  "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established." (Proverbs 16:3) Building your Bible habit with a daily Proverb will increase your wisdom and understanding as you yield your plans to God and apply His Word to your life.  Book Club Selections in the Shop Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor What Do I Have to Lose?-Book 2 Devotional by Janice Wolfe Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established." (Proverbs 16:3)

Welcome to Teachback Tuesday, where you'll hear some of the most popular episodes from previous seasons. I blame the beauty queen in the waiting room. She prompted this podcast. We were talking about things in general when she suddenly inserted that she was a former beauty queen. It was such an odd insert that it confused me at first, but as I continued to listen, I heard the voice of insecurity in the background. I don't remember inviting insecurity into our conversation. Insecurity is a creepy beast that preys on our vulnerabilities. Whether we're frequently putting ourselves down or elevating ourselves on pedestals, insecurity is the driving force behind the self-absorption. There are ways we can overcome this unhelpful habit. Let's consider five suggestions in this episode. Book Club Selections in the Shop Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton What Do I Have to Lose?-Book 2 Devotional by Janice Wolfe Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook  

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit, where you can listen to a chapter of Proverbs in about five minutes. What we gain in this daily habit is priceless! Whenever we mishandle a situation, it is due to either a lack of wisdom or the failure to apply wise principles. Wisdom helps us to make better choices and decisions. God wants to help us to become wiser, but we have to turn away from our own self-directed living and trade it for God's direction. Here's a great reminder verse for the week from Proverbs 1:23: "Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you." Book Club Selections in the Shop Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton What Do I Have to Lose?-Book 2 Devotional by Janice Wolfe Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Have you ever felt like a person or a people group deserve punishment, but you don’t? There was a man in scripture like that. His name was Jonah, and he lacked mercy but expected to receive it. Are we like Jonah? Sometimes I think we're more like the bad actors in the Bible than the good ones. A careful study of the book of Jonah reveals several common problems. It’s easy to point out Jonah’s faults, but he really was a lot like us. We want people to forgive us when we’re wrong, but we may not be so willing to show them the same kind of mercy. Let’s study four lessons from the book of Jonah. Book Club Selections in the Shop Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Vitamins for the Soul: A Study on Maintaining Spiritual Health by Kathy Ashley Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook  

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit! The next five minutes in Proverbs chapter 17 will increase your wisdom and strength, if you apply what you learn. Daily Proverbs are to the soul what powerful nutrients are to the physical body: life-changing. Here's a verse for your week: "The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with." (Proverbs 17:14) Practice it: The next time you sense a conversation is turning into an argument, "leave off contention." You don't have to argue, and the discussion can continue when both sides have cooled off. Learn to recognize "the beginning of strife" and don't keep talking past that point. Pause. VISIT THE SHOP AT KEEP THE HEART! Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Vitamins for the Soul: A Study on Maintaining Spiritual Health by Kathy Ashley Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook