Keep the Heart

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

Welcome to Replay Wednesday, where you'll hear the most popular episodes from previous seasons. This week's episode, "Did God Answer Your Prayer?" was downloaded thousands of times. Many people wonder why God supposedly "didn't answer," but is that accurate? If the answer to our prayers is according to God's will, things may turn out differently than how we prayed. If we really mean it when we pray, "Thy will be done," then we must accept that God's will may or may not match our prayer request.  "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10) VISIT THE SHOP AT KEEP THE HEART! Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW! Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley NEW! From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton What Do I Have to Lose?--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 to grow in wisdom and knowledge. One of the most popular passages from Proverbs 3 is found in verses 5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6) It's one thing to know this passage. It's a lot harder to live it. As you're listening to Proverbs 3, carefully consider each verse and ask yourself this question: "Do I live by this, or just listen to it?" Bible application can be summed up in two words: live it. VISIT THE SHOP AT KEEP THE HEART! Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW! Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley NEW! From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton What Do I Have to Lose?--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

It is May 2025 and I am in a sling, recovering from rotator cuff repair surgery. This episode was recorded two days post-op, so my voice may be a little slurred at times as I tried to speak into a microphone while under the influence of strong pain medications!  Why didn't I record before surgery? Because I was in conference season, which is the same as saying that I was living in airplanes and sleeping in hotels. But I wanted to provide an episode that would share some lessons that I have learned and continue to learn every time I face a new challenge--medical or otherwise. Are you going through a medical challenge? This episode is for you. Are you going through some other challenge? This episode will still be helpful. Things may be tough now, but you've been through tough things before and experienced the blessing of God turning trials into blessings.  "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit." (Ecclesiastes 7:8) SALVATION: You Need to Know About Eternal Life VISIT THE SHOP AT KEEP THE HEART! Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW! Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley NEW! From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton What Do I Have to Lose?--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 and learn practical truths for daily living. Proverbs 24 is a collection of application treasures. The practicality of Proverbs makes it possible for us to understand what we're learning. When we understand it, we can apply it. Make a commitment to read a chapter of Proverbs daily for the next 90 days without missing a day. Pay extra attention to verses that are relevant to your circumstances, and ask God to help you to grow in your ability to handle matters wisely. "If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small." (Proverbs 24:10) VISIT THE SHOP AT KEEP THE HEART! Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW! Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley NEW! From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton What Do I Have to Lose?--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! Proverbs chapter 13 is a study of contrasts: "live like this, not like that." The practicality of these verses will sharpen and equip you to walk in greater wisdom. Here's an example: "Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard." (Proverbs 13:15) When we know what is right, but we choose to do the wrong thing anyway, Proverbs 13:15 clearly warns us that our way will be "hard." It's not easy to live biblically, but the alternative is harder. We do get to choose. VISIT THE SHOP AT KEEP THE HEART! Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW! Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley NEW! From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton What Do I Have to Lose?--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

There is a word for relationships that are stuck in a zone of alienation. That word is “estranged.” There are many reasons for people to distance themselves, but there are times when you may not even know what led to the separation. Sometimes we may know why a relationship has been damaged, but not always. There are those times when you can't think of anything you've done and God hasn't brought anything to mind, and yet you are dealing with the pain of a loved one who has cut off communication without explanation. Whether it's a family member or a friend, the result is the same: there is pain. It's puzzling to go through estrangement, but we don't want to do or say anything to make it worse. This episode covers four things to remember when someone we love won't speak to us. Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW! Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley NEW! From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton What Do I Have to Lose?--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 to Build Your Bible Habit, where you can listen to a chapter of Proverbs in five minutes or less! Developing a daily Bible reading habit is a "gift that keeps on giving." As you spend time in the Word, your relationship with God deepens and your ability to handle matters wisely increases. Proverbs 29:23 is a great reminder verse for the day, cautioning us about the temptation to think too highly of ourselves: "A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit." Being conceited comes naturally. Humility is a spiritual quality that takes practice.  Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW! Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley NEW! From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton What Do I Have to Lose?--Devotional by Janice Wolfe Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Elegant Olive Petal Snap Flap Bible--Great for travel! The "Be Like Jesus is Better Than You Do You" T-Shirt 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, "Don't Correct a Scorner," prompted emails, messages, and thousands of downloads. We are not the first people to have loved ones who are rejecting God, disregarding biblical living, and engaging in behaviors that cause a loss of sleep for those who love them. If you have a scorner in your life, this episode is for you. When it comes correcting a scorner, the Bible says "reprove not." That's Bible for "Don't." Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW! Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley NEW! From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton What Do I Have to Lose?--Devotional by Janice Wolfe Elegant Olive Petal Snap Flap Bible--Great for travel! The "Be Like Jesus is Better Than You Do You" T-Shirt Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional 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 Proverbs chapter in under five minutes! Proverbs 16 is loaded with life application principles that guide us into handling matters wisely.  God's Word teaches us not only how to live, but even how to speak. Words have power, and when we employ them like power tools--with care--we arrive at better outcomes in our interactions with others. Here's a great verse example: "The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips." (Proverbs 16:23) Notice that this verse says "the heart of the wise teacheth his mouth." When wisdom is in our hearts, it shows in our speech. Wise people speak with godly sensitivity. Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW! Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias What Do I Have to Lose?--Devotional by Janice Wolfe Elegant Olive Petal Snap Flap Bible--Great for travel! The "Be Like Jesus is Better Than You Do You" T-Shirt Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor 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, "Three Great Relationship Habits" has a short list of goals that are easy to achieve. Life is a vapor, and that includes our relationships. Take a 10-minute break to listen to this helpful relationship-building episode from Season Three.  Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW! Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias What Do I Have to Lose?--Devotional by Janice Wolfe Elegant Olive Petal Snap Flap Bible--Great for travel! The "Be Like Jesus is Better Than You Do You" T-Shirt Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook  

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit. The first day of each month puts us at the beginning of the book of Proverbs. This introductory chapter lays the foundation for the purposes of Proverbs in our lives: "To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion." (Proverbs 1:4) The word "subtilty" means "wisdom and prudence." In other words, Proverbs teach us how to apply practical wisdom to the issues that we face in daily living. It is worth listening to Proverbs chapter 1 at least twice. Pay extra attention to the closing verses. They warn us of the hazard of being poor listeners. When God gives instructions, they are not suggestions. Click HERE to visit the Shop at Keep the Heart Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias What Do I Have to Lose?--Devotional by Janice Wolfe ICU--In Christ Unconditionally: Heart Conditions Bible Study by Francie Taylor Elegant Olive Petal Snap Flap Bible--Great for travel! The "Be Like Jesus is Better Than You Do You" T-Shirt Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook  

Do you have a problem that is over 12 years old? Maybe your situation has gone on longer. One thing is certain: your issue is not too hard for God. We may not understand His timing, but we can trust His goodness. When we don't understand, Psalm 119:68 makes an excellent prayer request: "Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes."  There was an unnamed woman in the New Testament who had a "12-year issue of blood," which meant that she was hemorrhaging for a major portion of her adult life. Let's examine four lessons from her long-running story. Whether your problem is physical or something else, your faith is being tested. Click HERE to visit the Shop at Keep the Heart Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias What Do I Have to Lose?--Devotional by Janice Wolfe ICU--In Christ Unconditionally: Heart Conditions Bible Study by Francie Taylor Elegant Olive Petal Snap Flap Bible--Great for travel! The "Be Like Jesus is Better Than You Do You" T-Shirt Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional 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 5 minutes or less. The goal of these chapter episodes is to build a habit of daily Bible reading. While listening may not be the same as reading from a physical Bible, this is a great way to establish your habit. Here's a verse from Proverbs 18, reminding us that arrogance is destructive, while humility is rewarding: "Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility." (Pro 18:12) Click HERE to visit the Shop at Keep the Heart Apply: Living What We Learn--Great for small groups! Elegant Olive Petal Snap Flap Bible--Great for travel! The "Be Like Jesus is Better Than You Do You" T-Shirt Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

When I was a senior in high school, I was selected to participate in a foreign exchange student program that led me to live in Chile for a year. My first few months were hard. I felt like a person who didn't fit in anywhere. There were some days when I just felt lonely and wanted my old familiar life back.  Grief is like that. The foreign land of grief is unfamiliar and can even make us feel hopeless at times, but there is hope beyond grief. No matter who it is who passes from our lives—husband, child, parent, sibling, close friend—we may go through a season of feeling lost and out of place, but just as seasons change, this too, shall pass. Let's consider four reasons why we have hope beyond grief. Click HERE to visit the Shop at Keep the Heart Apply: Living What We Learn--Great for small groups! Elegant Olive Petal Snap Flap Bible--Great for travel! The "Be Like Jesus is Better Than You Do You" T-Shirt Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome to Replay Wednesday, where you'll hear some of the most popular episodes from the previous season. This week's episode, Calm in the Chaos, struck a chord with last season's listeners. When life is chaotic for too long, it changes from challenging to tormenting. It's doubly distressing when we don't know why things are so disorderly and confusing. If you missed this episode in 2024, take a break for less than 15 minutes to consider four questions you can ask yourself when life is stuck in the uncomfortable zone of chaos. Pray for God to "give you understanding" as you carefully consider the questions you'll hear. "Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word." (Psalm 119:169) VISIT THE SHOP AT KEEP THE HEART Apply: Living What We Learn--Great for small groups! Elegant Olive Petal Snap Flap Bible--Great for travel! The "Be Like Jesus is Better Than You Do You" T-Shirt Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional 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 under 5 minutes. The point isn't to make Bible study as short as possible. The goal is to build a daily Bible habit. Time in the Word is personal time with God: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1)  In less time than it takes to scroll through social media, you could listen to a chapter of life-changing Proverbs, building your relationship with Christ while growing in grace and knowledge. Here's a sample verse from today's chapter, reminding us that we don't need to seek the admiration of others: "It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory." (Proverbs 25:27) VISIT THE SHOP AT KEEP THE HEART Apply: Living What We Learn--Daily Devotional by Francie Taylor Elegant Olive Petal Snap Flap Bible--Great for travel! The "Be Like Jesus is Better Than You Do You" T-Shirt Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

The Bible has historic accounts of the lives of people who were just like us. We are not the first to wrestle with uncertainty, disbelief, or even skepticism. God can help us to grow in our ability to trust Him, but we'll need to deal with the doubt. Let's look at three ways that doubt works against our faith, and consider how we can surrender our doubts to God. Mentioned in this episode: Secret Doubts: Working Through Unspoken Unbelief by Tim Zacharias Apply: Living What We Learn--Daily Devotional by Francie Taylor Elegant Olive Petal Snap Flap Bible--Great for travel! The "Be Like Jesus is Better Than You Do You" T-Shirt Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit! The habit of being in the Word of God daily builds us up, making us spiritually stronger. God uses the "knowledge of the holy" to give us understanding, helping us to make wiser decisions and choices in our lives. Proverbs 14 is full of instructions, observations, and even warnings like this: "Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge." (Proverbs 14:7) Foolish people give matching counsel. So what did God say to do? "Go from the presence of a foolish man..." Who has your ear? The people we listen to have influence in our lives. Visit the Shop at Keep the Heart: Apply: Living What We Learn--Daily Devotional by Francie Taylor Elegant Olive Petal Snap Flap Bible--Great for travel! The "Be Like Jesus is Better Than You Do You" T-Shirt Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome to Replay Wednesday! This episode, "How to Handle Discouragement" from Season One continues to be one of the most frequently-downloaded episodes. No surprise. Discouragement is a common experience, and it has a lot of causes. Maybe you've lost a job and haven't been able to find another one yet. Or perhaps there's trouble in your family and it feels like the problems are multiplying. Or maybe there's something you have been longing for in your life and it hasn't come to pass, and you're wondering if it ever will? Discouragement can make our spirits heavy, but this is a temporary condition, not a permanent address. Find a comfy chair and pause for these helpful insights designed to encourage. There is hope. Even when we lose our own. "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance." (Psalm 42:5) Helpful tools here in the Shop at Keep the Heart: Apply: Living What We Learn--Daily Devotional by Francie Taylor Elegant Olive Petal Snap Flap Bible--Great for travel! Encouragement for Young Women: A 30-Day Devotional for Teens by Charity Berkey & Team What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional 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. This is a habit that pays in the currency of godly wisdom, which the Bible calls "the principal thing (Prov. 4:7). If you've ever wondered why it seems like divisiveness is increasing, there is an answer to that question in Proverbs 29:27: "An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked."  When a person is living in godliness, they will be very unappealing to those who choose to do the opposite. What can we do about this gap? Look for people who want to know if there is more to life than a bunch of people arguing and slapping labels on each other. Engage in a sincere and caring conversation about why you believe what you believe, and always be ready to share your faith. Not everyone is antagonistic. Some are still seeking. Helpful tools here in the Shop at Keep the Heart: Apply: Living What We Learn--Daily Devotional by Francie Taylor Elegant Olive Petal Snap Flap Bible--Great for travel! Encouragement for Young Women: A 30-Day Devotional for Teens by Charity Berkey & Team What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Prideful thoughts sound like these: Who do they think they are? She/he thinks her/his way is the only way to do things. Why do they get praised for doing the same work that I do? I should get recognition for this. I'm not bragging, but... Welcome to a Bible Study segment from the series, ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions. This week's episode is a study of "The Proud Heart." This is a 25-minute episode, since it is the entire lesson from ICU. We do not need lessons on how to be prideful. It comes naturally. In this episode, we'll look at a poster child for the prideful heart: King Nebuchadnezzar. He thought way too highly of himself, but aren't there times when we're doing the same thing? If you're planning to teach a Bible study group, get the Leader Guide which includes teaching notes. The Leader Guide is also appropriate for solo study. The participants in your group would each need a Participant Guide, which includes interactive blanks to fill in, along with space for study notes. Get your group together and play this episode. You'll complete this lesson in less than 30 minutes. You'll confidently teach the other lessons on your own. Bible study groups are a great way to form lasting bonds of friendship around the Word of God! The episode ends with a BONUS SEGMENT of tips for leading your next Bible study group. "Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom." (Proverbs 13:10) START YOUR BIBLE STUDY GROUPS WITH THESE TOOLS! ICU: In Christ Unconditionally--Heart Conditions Leader Guide ICU: In Christ Unconditionally--Heart Conditions Participant Guide ICU: In Christ Unconditionally--New Testament Leader Guide ICU: In Christ Unconditionally--New Testament Participant Guide ICU: In Christ Unconditionally--Old Testament Leader Guide ICU: In Christ Unconditionally--Old Testament Participant Guide Apply: Living What We Learn--Daily Devotional by Francie Taylor Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit! This week, Proverbs 15 opens the chapter with a lesson on the "soft answer." We need this lesson. When people speak to us harshly, it's human nature to want to respond the same way. Our carnal nature is not interested in godliness. It is human to have a classic case of "how dare they speak to me like that."  When we tell someone off and imagine that it will settle things, instead this wrong move heats up the conversation until both sides are angry. God wants to help us fix this tendency. The solution? Learn the art of the soft answer. Godliness is rewarding to the soul, building humility and temperance. Here's a great verse for the week: "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." (Proverbs 15:1) Those sharp words you were tempted to use? Soften them. Helpful tools here in the Shop at Keep the Heart: Apply: Living What We Learn--Daily Devotional by Francie Taylor Elegant Olive Petal Snap Flap Bible--Great for travel! Encouragement for Young Women: A 30-Day Devotional for Teens by Charity Berkey & Team What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook  

When I had a heart procedure done a few years ago, I was told that I would be feeling great afterwards. This was not my experience! Instead, shortly after going home I was taken right back to the ER with overwhelming pains that were shooting through my body. The heart procedure had damaged some nerves at the point of entry for the surgery. These nerves went crazy and sent lightning bolts of pain through my body for a few days. Once the pain resolved, I actually did feel much better than I had felt before going into the procedure. The end was better than the beginning, but I had to be patient and walk through some pain before getting to that "better" part. In this Season 5 Intro episode, I'm sharing my theme verse with you, explaining the blessing of how this simple habit helps. If you don't have an annual theme verse, pick one today. Watch how God uses that verse, often in ways that bring both "growing pains" and joy!  My theme verse for 2025: Ecclesiastes 7:8 "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit." Helpful tools here in the Shop at Keep the Heart: Apply: Living What We Learn--Daily Devotional by Francie Taylor Far Above Rubies: A 31-Day Devotional by Melissa Hedrick Encouragement for Young Women: A 30-Day Devotional for Teens by Charity Berkey & Team What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit! One of the greatest habits you can develop for the health of your soul is to feed it daily from the Word of God. Just as the physical body needs nourishment, so does the soul. The 3rd chapter of Proverbs is full of instructions that guide and direct us in our daily living. In fact, the first two verses point us to the importance of remembering God's Word and living by it. "My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee." (Proverbs 3:1-2) The benefits are "length of days, long life, and peace." These are priceless! Bible commentator Matthew Henry said this about Proverbs 3: 2: "As grace increases, peace shall increase..." Peace with God and others is a gift of God. Helpful tools here in the Shop at Keep the Heart: Apply: Living What We Learn--Daily Devotional by Francie Taylor Far Above Rubies: A 31-Day Devotional by Melissa Hedrick Encouragement for Young Women: A 30-Day Devotional for Teens by Charity Berkey & Team What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional 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 five minutes or less. The habit of feeding your soul from the Bible daily is like the habit of providing nourishment for the physical body. Just as junk food doesn't build strength, filling the mind with everything but the Bible leads to spiritual weaknesses. Building a daily Bible habit will build your wisdom and understanding.  Read a chapter of Proverbs without skipping for 90 days and see how God speaks to you directly from His Word, teaching you how to handle matters wisely. You will appreciate the newfound strength! Read Proverbs 27 on the 27th, Proverbs 28 on the 28th, and so on. Keep this up, and you will grow in grace and knowledge of God, as well as developing a sound heart and mind. A great verse in Proverbs 27:17 focuses on our influence. We are all "influencers" in the lives of others, but is that a good thing or not? If we're living biblically, we are helping others to become spiritually "sharpened." "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." (Proverbs 27:17) Apply: Living What We Learn--Daily Devotional by Francie Taylor Far Above Rubies: A 31-Day Devotional by Melissa Hedrick Encouragement for Young Women: A 30-Day Devotional for Teens by Charity Berkey & Team What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Have you ever had a problem that you could not figure out? That's like asking if you have a pulse. It is part of life to face things that are hard to understand, let alone solve. That's a good time to pray at least three words: "Give me understanding." The words, "give me understanding" appear five times in Psalm 119. This episode briefly covers those five verses, all of which make excellent prayer requests. Stumped? No clue what to do? Ask God to "give you understanding." It's a biblical prayer request. Apply: Living What We Learn--Daily Devotional by Francie Taylor Far Above Rubies: A 31-Day Devotional by Melissa Hedrick Encouragement for Young Women: A 30-Day Devotional for Teens by Charity Berkey & Team What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit, with episodes that take you through a chapter of Proverbs in under 5 minutes. Proverbs chapter 12 covers a broad range of life topics, from righeous living to the hazards of laziness. Applying the instructions from Proverbs leads to better relationships and wiser decisions. Daily Bible reading is a habit that makes life better! "Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish." (Proverbs 12:1) Apply: Living What We Learn--Daily Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW! Far Above Rubies: A 31-Day Devotional by Melissa Hedrick NEW! Encouragement for Young Women: A 30-Day Devotional for Teens by Charity Berkey & Team What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome to Replay Friday, where you'll hear some of the most popular episodes from previous seasons! This week's episode, "Are You a Drama Mama," was played and replayed and shared thousands of times. It is easy to become a Drama Mama. All a person needs is an attitude. A bad attitude. This replay covers five marks of a Drama Mama. This episode is like a self-exam. Sometimes we need to check our behaviors and thought processes for blind spots. Share this episode. Let's reduce the drama. Book & Bible Bundle: Apply-This Liberty of Yours-Olive Snap Flap KJV Bible Apply: Living What We Learn--Daily Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW! Far Above Rubies: A 31-Day Devotional by Melissa Hedrick NEW! Encouragement for Young Women: A 30-Day Devotional for Teens by Charity Berkey & Team What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Family gatherings have the potential to put people together who have strong disagreements over their philosophies of life, as well as other topics. One simple statement can start an argument that turns what was supposed to be a joyous time into an event-ending conflict. Sometimes this can feel like walking into a trap! The holiday season in particular is the time when people often get together after months or even years of not having seen each other. Why should we mess up these rare gatherings with disagreements when we can find so many other things to discuss and enjoy? Let's consider three things we can do to handle the potential pitfalls with wisdom.  Book & Bible Bundle: Apply-This Liberty of Yours-Olive Snap Flap KJV Bible Apply: Living What We Learn--Daily Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW! Far Above Rubies: A 31-Day Devotional by Melissa Hedrick NEW! Encouragement for Young Women: A 30-Day Devotional for Teens by Charity Berkey & Team What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit! When we're in the Word, we grow "fat" in a good way: we become well fed with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. The book of Proverbs is filled with instructions on how to live in this world, even when times are loud and confusing. God is not the author of confusion (1 Cor. 14:33), and He has left us with clear directions that enrich our lives and improve our relationships. It takes under five minutes to read a chapter of Proverbs. That's less time than it takes to watch five reels on social media. Feed your soul. It will reward you with stability and spiritual strength. "By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life." (Proverbs 22:4)

Welcome to Replay Friday! This episode had thousands of downloads when it first aired in 2021, and maybe that's partly because people like to hear about how others blew it! Ha! "Dumb Things I Did as a Newlywed" is not just for brand new wives. It's for married women of all stages. The problem with doing things incorrectly is that it may become habit-forming, persisting into the later years of marriage. Marriage is a "work of heart," including routine maintenance as well as occasional repairs. This episode covers four things that qualify for the "Not to Do" list. Self-directed marriages are filled with struggles, but biblical marriages improve with age.  "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD." (Proverbs 18:22) More on this topic here: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor Apply: Living What We Learn--Daily Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW! Far Above Rubies: A 31-Day Devotional by Melissa Hedrick NEW! Encouragement for Young Women: A 30-Day Devotional for Teens by Charity Berkey & Team   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 from the book of Proverbs in about five minutes. A Bible reading habit becomes a Bible study habit, leading to a closer relationship with God while increasing your wisdom and knowledge. God wants us to know how to live, so He gave us His Word, placing Proverbs right in the middle. Never underestimate the value of God's Word. It's priceless and proven: "Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it." (Proverbs 8:10-11) Is your life on track? If not, maybe you need to invest more time seeking instruction, knowledge, and wisdom from God's Word. Nothing compares to it. You will appreciate the life improvements that come from building your Bible habit. Here's a helpful tool to use with your Proverbs studies: Apply: Living What We Learn--A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor

When someone says or does something that irritates you, what comes out of your mouth? Unfiltered speech that stings, or carefully chosen words spoken according to the "law of kindness"? We are at great risk of picking up the infections of the culture, including the tendency to open the mouth with unedited harshness. If your companions, electronic or "in real life" are mouthy and careless, you will be influenced by them. But if your role models are biblically sound, that beautiful soundness will become an admirable pattern for you. The best companions are God-fearing ones, as it says in Psalm 119:63: "I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts." This episode is an excerpt from Apply: Living What We Learn. Day 31 examines "the law of kindness." People who have learned how to apply this kindness to the way they communicate are precious, encouraging, and rare.  "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." (Proverbs 31:26) Get your copy of Apply here: Apply: Living What We Learn--A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor

Welcome to Replay Thursday, where we play the most popular episodes from the previous season! This episode, "When Plans Change," was recorded after I was released from the hospital following a health emergency. I had to cancel a trip, was grounded from flying for over a month, and had to make several other unplanned changes on my calendar and in my life. This was hard, but people face much harder changes.  We won't always understand why plans change, but it's good to remember that this is a page in the story, not the end of the story. In this vaporous life, we simply cannot know what will happen by the end of the day, let alone tomorrow. This is worth another listen, especially if you're experiencing an abrupt and unexpected change in your plans. "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." (James 4:14) Apply: Living What We Learn--Daily Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW! Far Above Rubies: A 31-Day Devotional by Melissa Hedrick NEW! Encouragement for Young Women: A 30-Day Devotional for Teens by Charity Berkey & Team What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook  

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit. In less than 5 minutes, you'll complete a chapter of Proverbs while equipping yourself with valuable daily living instructions for handling daily matters wisely. Here's a gold nugget from chapter 17: "He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends." (Proverbs 17:9) Disagreements grow in size when shared with those who are not part of the problem. Sharing our disagreements with others, outside of the realm of seeking godly counsel, is often a thinly-veiled attempt to paint someone else in a bad light while making ourselves look blameless. Want to be biblical? Cover that transgression. And when it's your turn to mess something up, pray that others will do the same for you. Apply: Living What We Learn--Daily Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW! Far Above Rubies: A 31-Day Devotional by Melissa Hedrick NEW! Encouragement for Young Women: A 30-Day Devotional for Teens by Charity Berkey & Team What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

According to various online sites, "self-care" is a term that became popular within the medical community in the 1950's. Regardless of its origin, the definition of the phrase is flawed. It's missing the soul: "Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. This can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact."--National Institute of Mental Health ("Caring for Your Mental Health," NIMH) What about the soul? Doesn't it need self-care, too? Yes, it does. God knows how to guide us into the best overall self-care, and He doesn't limit it to just the physical and mental aspects. His Word nourishes, strengthens, and fortifies our souls as well.  "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thessalonians 5:23) We are more than physical bodies with mental faculties. The soul is our "inner person" and it needs daily self-care. In this episode, we'll look at Day Eight in the devotional, Apply: Living What We Learn. Day eight addresses our need for daily soul food. To get a copy of this helpful Bible-habit-building tool, see the link below, or click on the book title in this paragraph. Apply: Living What We Learn--Daily Devotional by Francie Taylor Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome to Replay Saturday! Today's episode, "Courage Steps for Handling Challenges," takes a snake story and transforms it into a how-to session on handling things that cause fear. You may not have to face a real snake in your life, but things that make a person afraid are part of the human experience. There are steps we can take to break fears down into steps that bring the challenges down to size. Take a break for nine minutes of courage-building! Apply: Living What We Learn--Daily Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW! Far Above Rubies: A 31-Day Devotional by Melissa Hedrick NEW! Encouragement for Young Women: A 30-Day Devotional for Teens by Charity Berkey & Team What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit, where listening to a chapter of Proverbs helps you to develop the habit of daily Bible reading. To build a Bible habit, simply begin and keep it up. Over time, Bible reading leads to Bible study, and God does the rest. With an audio Bible, you only need to press "play" and listen. Simple. Soon, your life is improved by increased wisdom and understanding. A trouble-free life was never promised by God, but instead He give us the "peace of God that passeth understanding" when we learn how to keep our hearts and minds on Him. Here's a great reminder verse from this chapter: "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." (Proverbs 27:17)  You will become spiritually sharpened as you Build Your Bible Habit. God will transform you by the renewing of your mind, and you will be the kind of friend that "sharpens" others with godly wisdom. Want more help with building your Bible habit? Get your copy of "Apply: Living What We Learn" HERE.

Welcome to BAM: Your Bible Application Moment. Today's application comes from Proverbs 23:9, which tells us what not to do: "Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words." (Proverbs 23:9) So why do we disobey this scripture so often and so boldly? Did you know that when we're disregarding scripture while trying to correct someone else, we will be totally ineffective because of our own disobedience? "Speak not" means "don't speak." So don't. More Bible Application Here: Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome to Replay Thursday, where we play the most popular episodes from the previous season.  Have you ever almost side-swiped a car because they were in your blind spot? We often "side swipe" people in our daily lives for the same reason: they were in our blind spot. When new cars added the Blind Spot Warning System to vehicles, it really helped drivers to know when someone was in that zone. The system detects vehicles in the blind spot and notifies the driver of their presence, often with a light in the sideview mirror and an audible warning ping. It's great that there's a warning system to help us avoid car crashes. Too bad there's not a Blind Spot Warning System to keep us from human clashes. This episode covers three common blind spots, and what we can do to avoid side-swiping other people in our lives. Apply: Living What We Learn--Daily Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW! Far Above Rubies: A 31-Day Devotional by Melissa Hedrick NEW! Encouragement for Young Women: A 30-Day Devotional for Teens by Charity Berkey & Team What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias 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! "Little is much, when God is in it." If you need a way to develop a daily Bible reading habit, this will help. Invite a friend to do the same, and you can compare notes on what you've learned from each chapter. Why does it seem like people are becoming cruder, ruder, and lacking in basic courtesy? This is a result of living for self while disregarding God and His "Instruction Manual" for how to walk in this world. You'll open the chapter with a verse that explains it well: "Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish." (Proverbs 12:1) Embrace the instructions from the Word of God. Apply them to your life, and you'll reap the benefits of a truly "best life." Remember to visit the shop at Keep the Heart for helpful books, Bible studies, and more! Links below. Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor NEW! What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe NEW! Far Above Rubies: A 31-Day Devotional by Melissa Hedrick NEW! Encouragement for Young Women: A 30-Day Devotional for Teens by Charity Berkey & Team Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Have you ever had negative thoughts replaying in your mind, and you felt powerless to stop them? This merry-go-round that you never asked to get on is taking you in circles inside your head. And what's worse about it, is these thoughts are indicators of the condition of our hearts. Why is that? Because thoughts come from the heart. This episode title, “Managing Our Thoughts” is carefully worded. Notice that I didn't say “Controlling Our Thoughts,” because clearly, we are not in control. If we were, we'd all be enjoying so much peace and abundant quiet, because thoughts are noisy! We can't control our thoughts, but God can teach us how to manage them, and as we continue to yield this area to God, He can even teach us to discipline our thinking so that we become masterful at managing our thoughts. The Bible has a lot to say about our thoughts, and it helps us if we know these truths. Let's consider three ways that God's Word gives us for managing our thoughts. Be sure to visit the Shop at Keep the Heart for helpful devotional books, Bible studies and more! Links below. Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor NEW! What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe NEW! Far Above Rubies: A 31-Day Devotional by Melissa Hedrick NEW! Encouragement for Young Women: A 30-Day Devotional for Teens by Charity Berkey & Team Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit, a series designed to help you develop a habit of daily Bible reading. Proverbs 31 is where we read about the "Proverbs 31 woman," also known as the "virtuous woman," but this chapter has wisdom for men and women.  Here's a verse that is good for all of us: "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." (Proverbs 31:26) Words spoken in "the law of kindness" are easier to receive than words spoken in harshness. There are many opportunities to say the wrong thing, but if we'll open our mouths with wisdom, we'll avoid the messy cleanup that comes with ill-spoken words. Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor NEW! What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe NEW! Far Above Rubies: A 31-Day Devotional by Melissa Hedrick NEW! Encouragement for Young Women: A 30-Day Devotional for Teens by Charity Berkey & Team Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook  

Disagreements with people are nothing new, but we are seeing an increase in the contentious nature of the disagreements. This is mainly because our culture is promoting a mentality that you must agree with only one line of thinking or you are automatically wrong and therefore intolerant. That's a two-way street. Expecting people to agree with us 100% of the time is unrealistic. How did we get here? The answer is as old as the Old Testament. Listen to this verse from Judges 21:25: "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes." This verse is our clue. We are facing a reenactment of Judges 21:25. This results in people making up things and then insisting that their way is right.  How can we disagree without the mudslinging and labeling? Let's consider three suggestions for walking in wisdom when handling disagreements. Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor NEW! What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe NEW! Far Above Rubies: A 31-Day Devotional by Melissa Hedrick NEW! Encouragement for Young Women: A 30-Day Devotional for Teens by Charity Berkey & Team Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome back to Proverbs Chapter 15 on Build Your Bible Habit. This chapter, like the rest of Proverbs, is filled with relationship verses. When we apply the verses to our daily interactions, we have better outcomes, but when we disregard the Word, we have more messes. Here's an example from Proverbs 15:1: "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." Application: We can tell when a conversation is becoming tense, so instead of increasing our volume or using a harsher tone to make our point, we turn down the volume and reduce the heat. Anyone can argue, but it takes godly character to master the art of the "soft answer." Even the practical takes practice. Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor NEW! What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe NEW! Far Above Rubies: A 31-Day Devotional by Melissa Hedrick Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome to Replay Friday, where we play the most popular episodes from previous seasons. This week's episode, “Four Ways to Stop Double Mindedness” was in demand back in season 3. No surprise, because this is a common problem, especially when we're faced with tough decisions.  Double mindedness overcomplicates our lives, making us unstable. This episode shares ways that we can avoid this unhelpful habit.  "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." (James 1:8) Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor NEW! What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe NEW! Far Above Rubies: A 31-Day Devotional by Melissa Hedrick Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias 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 from the book of Proverbs. The second chapter of Proverbs reads like a "listen up" list of life instructions, written to help us to walk wisely even in unexpected situations. It takes less than five minutes to listen to or read a chapter of Proverbs, but this habit provides a lifetime supply of wisdom. Wise people make better decisions.  "For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:6) NEW! What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook  

We tend to think of losing as an automatically negative event, but in her new devotional, "What Do I Have to Lose," Janice Wolfe demonstrates how Christ reframes losing into the miraculous discovery of an abundant life in Him. Losing is culturally scorned, but it is biblically desirable.  To find our lives, we must first lose them in Christ. This is a painful yet strength-building journey designed by God, but not actively pursued by many. Let's face it: by nature, we like life to be predictable, comfortable, and enjoyable. How could losing have anything to do with our life goals? In God's plan, losing our lives and setting aside our personal agendas allows us to experience the abundant life in Christ. Janice Wolfe is an author, conference speaker, and radio host of the popular women's program, eleven2one on Faith Music Radio. After hearing this interview with Janice, be sure to click the link below to get a copy of her book in the shop at Keep the Heart. NEW! What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome to Proverbs chapter 19 on Build Your Bible Habit. The theme of upright living is woven throughout this chapter, giving us principles to put into practice right away. If you haven't started doing so, I suggest that you pray before listening to these Proverbs. Ask the Lord to show you what to work on from the chapter, and then watch for pop quizzes throughout your day. Remember, sometimes people are the "tests" in life. You will find yourself applying the Bible more to your everyday living as you continue to build your Bible habit. Verses will pop up on the screen of your mind, prompting you to pause and edit yourself, putting you in a position to have better outcomes in your relationships. Proverbs 19:11 is a perfect example of this, as it reminds us of this key relationship principle: "The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression." The next time someone does or says something that provokes you and you're tempted to have a short fuse, pause and P.O.A.T.: Pass over a transgression. We love it when people do that for us. Apply: Living What We Learn by Francie Taylor NEW! What Do I Have to Lose: Losing My Way and Finding God's by Janice Wolfe Sister Friends by Francie Taylor--Same book NEW LOOK Minerals for the Mind: A Study of Romans 12 by Kathy Ashley The Mirror of God's Word: A Biblical View of Physical Beauty by Robin Parton Fret Not: Peace of Mind in Perilous Times by Tim Zacharias Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook