And he [Jesus] answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”
Luke 10:27 RSV
This morning we read Luke chapter 10 and once again the idea of my Biblical “heart” representing my mind, my will and my emotions caught my imagination.
The Greek word is ‘kardia‘ and is defined as “the center and seat of spiritual life”. [Blue Letter Bible Lexicon]
Several months ago, when this idea first grabbed my attention I grabbed my Study Bible, looked up “heart” in the concordance and was immediately overwhelmed with the enormity of its significance.
Be careful what you think. Above all that you guard (protect) your heart,
Proverbs 4.23 The Expanded Bible
because your thoughts run your life. (life flows from it).
Because our theme this year (2022) is Growing More Intimate With Jesus it seems to me that further in-depth study of how my heart impacts my relationship with God – my Father, Jesus – my Savior, and Holy Spirit – my comforter, counselor and friend is an important (no, make that imperative) step in my growth.
The Message Bible puts it this way:
Learn It by Heart
Dear friend, listen well to my words;
tune your ears to my voice.
Keep my message in plain view at all times.
Concentrate! Learn it by heart!
Those who discover these words live, really live;
body and soul, they’re bursting with health.Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
Proverbs 4:22-27 MSG
that’s where life starts.
Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth;
avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.
Keep your eyes straight ahead;
ignore all sideshow distractions.
Watch your step,
and the road will stretch out smooth before you.
Look neither right nor left;
leave evil in the dust.
Contentment Cottage 
I love this so much, Ellen. And I am so happy to receive these in my Inbox each day. Thank YOU!
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