As you begin to 'turn over a new leaf' for Fall, consider this scripture from Proverbs 3:6 as your guide: 'In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success.'

In Joseph Allison's book, 'Setting Goals That Count,' he talks about how God influences your goal-setting and plan-making through your internal guidance system, which the Bible refers to as the heart. God guides you through your heart.

The Bible reveals that your internal guidance system has two interrelated functions. The heart function refers to setting goals and forming character. The mind function deals with making daily plans to reach your goals.

Look at the difference between a person's heart and mind in this verse from Hebrews 8:10: 'I will put my laws into their minds, and I will write them upon their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be My people.'

Notice that it says God will put (suggesting temporary keeping) His law into their minds, and write (suggesting permanent keeping) it upon their hearts. We often say that we've changed our mind, but seldom do we say we've changed our heart. A person's heart guides what his or her mind thinks.

Jesus taught that the heart guides our entire life. (Matthew 12:34; Mark 7: 21-23; Luke 6: 43-45) It's the switchboard for our thoughts, feelings, and actions. If we change our heart, we change our entire life.

God can transform your life by giving you a new heart!

Scripture To Remember
And may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:5

Question To Consider
What are you putting in your mind and what are you writing on your heart?

Prayer
Lord, help me not to give in to the world view of thinking, but strive to put your laws and principles in my mind and to always write your word of truth in my heart. Amen

Thought for the Day
Today I will change my heart for Christ!