🍂 📖 STANDING GUARD (Week 3 – Strengthened in the Secret Place)
Have you ever prayed for God to take something away… but He said no? 💔
In this week’s video from the Strengthened in the Secret Place series, I’m sharing the powerful words my pastor spoke that rattled me for days — and how God used them to teach me the importance of guarding my heart when life doesn’t go as planned.
If you’ve been walking through a hard season, wondering why God hasn’t removed the thorn in your life, this message will encourage you to see His love and purpose even in the “no.” 💛
👉🏽 Join me for Week 3’s video —then pull out your journals and begin! ✍️
{If you are reading this in an email or feed – click here to view the video}
Week 3 – STANDING GUARD
8 Practical Ways to Stand Guard
1. Guard your heart.
Each morning, pray: “Lord, keep my heart tender toward You and firm against sin.”
2. Guard your mind.
Limit what news, social media, or entertainment you allow in. Replace at least 15 minutes of scrolling with Scripture reading or meditation.
3. Guard your words.
Before speaking, pause and ask, “Will this build up or tear down?” Try keeping a “watch your words” verse (like Ephesians 4:29) in your kitchen or car as a reminder.
4. Guard your peace.
When stress rises, step away for a few minutes, breathe deeply, and pray Philippians 4:6–7. Even folding laundry or washing dishes can become a calming rhythm of prayer when you invite God’s peace in.
5. Guard your gratitude.
Keep a “gratitude jar” or notebook on your counter. Each day, write one thing you’re thankful for. At the end of the week, read through them again and give thanks.
6. Check the gate.
Ask yourself at the end of the day: “What did I let into my heart and mind today? Did it draw me closer to God or further away?” This daily checkup builds awareness.
7. Set holy boundaries.
Create one boundary this week that guards your heart or peace (example: no phone the first 30 minutes of your day, or not engaging gossip at work). Practice saying no to unnecessary noise, drama, or busyness that disturbs peace
8. Pray on the armor.
Each morning, put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6) in prayer, piece by piece, as a way of actively standing guard.
📖 Now – let’s get started!
🕯️ Week 3 – Challenge 💐
Go pick a bouquet of flowers from your garden or a nearby field or buy yourself a small bouquet. Each time you see the flowers, be reminded of God’s love and presence with you. Our creator God is listening to your prayers.
I will be purchasing a small bouquet from my grocery store and placing it in a vase, in my kitchen.
Here is this week’s Bible Reading Plan
This Week’s Verses of the Day:
(Leaders: You can use these images in your groups by using right click and “save as” or screen shot them.)
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Printable Bible Bookmark
Signature GMG SOAK Bible Study Method
Don’t Miss the Daily Check-Ins on Facebook
Join us EVERY weekday morning ANYTIME after 7:00amEST on Facebook
to discuss the day’s reading assignment.
***Unlike my other Bible Studies, this series will only have MONDAY blog posts. For daily encouragement during this challenge follow me out on –> facebook . I’ll be there every day cheering you on!
Let’s begin! It’s time to slow down and catch up with God. Light your candle, give thanks to the Lord, then open God’s Word and drink deeply from the living well.
Keep walking with the King,
Don’t miss this week’s NEW video below:
I’m so glad you are joining us!
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