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| "Above All Else, Guard Your Heart, For Everything You Do Flows From It" Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) |
INTRODUCTION
The inspiration to write a book on the subject of the heart came to me about two years ago. Did you know that this subject is addressed in the Bible more than any other topics - more than faith, hope, love and even more than worship? But of course, all these spiritual expressions are matters of the heart. The many Scripture references in the Bible concerning the matters of the heart surely imply the importance God has placed it in His Word. It is also enthralling to note that there are many songs written with lyrics and expressions about the heart. However, this is one subject that is rarely preached from the pulpits and you can only find a handful of books written on it.
The heart is the center and seat of our spiritual life. It dictates to a great extent how we live. The heart is also a fickle thing; it is easily drawn into enticements of the world and compulsions of the flesh. That is the reason why the Bible says, "above all else, guard it!" This is more than a warning or admonition, it is a command!
It is my sincere prayer that as you dig into this book you will allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart as He has done to mine. May you be enlightened by the many revelations the Lord has placed upon my heart and reveal you to new insights on how to personally guard your own heart. Ultimately, we need to be vigilant, steadfast and disciplined to continuously practice the guarding of our hearts to ensure that we stay devoted within the boundary of God's will and purposes for our lives and for His kingdom. This conscientious act when exercised on a daily basis will ensure that our hearts stay within the covering of the Holy Spirit's guidance and protection.
The heart is the center and seat of our spiritual life. It dictates to a great extent how we live. The heart is also a fickle thing; it is easily drawn into enticements of the world and compulsions of the flesh. That is the reason why the Bible says, "above all else, guard it!" This is more than a warning or admonition, it is a command!
It is my sincere prayer that as you dig into this book you will allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart as He has done to mine. May you be enlightened by the many revelations the Lord has placed upon my heart and reveal you to new insights on how to personally guard your own heart. Ultimately, we need to be vigilant, steadfast and disciplined to continuously practice the guarding of our hearts to ensure that we stay devoted within the boundary of God's will and purposes for our lives and for His kingdom. This conscientious act when exercised on a daily basis will ensure that our hearts stay within the covering of the Holy Spirit's guidance and protection.
BOOK CONTENTS
Foreword/Preface/Acknowledgements/ Introduction Chapter 1 - The Quest Of Guarding Our Hearts
Chapter 2 - What Really Is The Heart?
Chapter 3 - Guarding The Heart Is Our Responsibility
Chapter 4 - The Gateway Into Our Hearts
Chapter 5 - Our Hearts: In The Parable Of The Sower
Chapter 6 - Setting Spiritual Boundaries
Chapter 7 - A Better Way: Guarding From Inside-Out
Chapter 8 - The Desires Of Our Hearts
Chapter 9 - An Undivided Heart
Chapter 10 - Your Heart Is A Tablet
Chapter 11 - The Heart Of A Worshipper
Chapter 12 - Let's Guard Our Hearts
About The Author
PREFACE
The Purpose of this book is to bring about a real change in your life. The change will happen when you take time to allow the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to address the core issue of your life:
- THE HEART -
The content of this book is rather easy to follow. It defines what really the heart is; it explains why the guarding of your heart is so important; it also presents you the guidelines on how to guard your heart. There are many applicable scriptural references and practical examples which will enlighten your understanding. May the Holy Spirit illuminate, empower and transform you to live victoriously and become the person God wants you to be. The re-reading of this book is imperative because the guarding of your heart is a continuous process. Above all, allow the Holy Spirit to be your teacher and guide as you practice the guarding of your heart.
Blessings
Ricky Sim
ENDORSEMENTS
Pastor Bob Sorge
Authour of widely acclaimed book - Exploring Worship
Founder of Oasis House Ministries (USA)
http://www.oasishouse.net/
"There is an old Scottish proverb that says when God measures a man He puts the tape around his heart and not his head. In this excellent book Ricky Sim insightful detail and demonstrates this. He clearly shows that if our hearts are not right then everything else in our lives is negatively affected and out of alignment with God's purposes and that guarding our hearts empower our lives and draw us closer to God.
Ricky also reveals his own heart as a passionate worshipper. As informing as the book is, it is not just theory or knowledge but practical and purposeful. This book is well researched, well written and worth reading and digesting."
Pastor David Holdaway
Elim Pentecostal Church (United Kingdom)
Author of: The Captured Heart, The Burning Heart and The Issues Of The Heart.
"Anyone who reads this book will agree that one should never take his heart for granted. The heart is above all very deceitful and therefore it calls for Christians to be vigilant and to take responsibility to guard his or her heart against the spirit of this world.
This book must be a read book for every believer and a timely reminder to mature believers."
Rev. Alfred Yeo
Senior Pastor
Zion Full Gospel Church
(Affiliated with the Assemblies of God Singapore)
"I have known Ricky for many years now and have witnessed his selfless service in our church, especially in the Worship Ministry. This small book comes from a big heart with a big message. Out of our hearts flow the issues of life and this alone cries out the special need for guarding it. Scouring through endless bookshops I can hardly find such a book that focuses on this important topic and Ricky covers every aspect with great insight and care. I heartily endorse this wonderful little book that comes from the pen of one whom I have witnessed diligently seeking to guard his own heart."
Rev. Timothy James Gibson
Pastor (English Service)
Church of Singapore (Bukit Timah)
"Ricky has a passionate and tender heart that is continually seeking and drinking from the Source of life, our great all-sufficient and Almighty God. In The Unguarded Heart, Ricky is able to intricately weave and teach with great insights drawn from his personal encounter and experience as a worshipper, the steps that will draw the reader to a more intimate and vibrant relationship with Abba Father.
This book is a great resource for those who yearn to draw closer to the heart of God. It provides guidance in how a believer can live victorious in this ever changing and challenging world at large. You will be richly blessed in gleaning the principles taught in this book."
Rev. David Ong Tiong Chuan
Pastor/Mission Director
Church of Singapore (Bukit Timah)
"I have known Ricky Sim since 1975 when I was the Senior Pastor of Faith Assembly of God. My earliest memory of him was when he was involved in the Worship Ministry of the church. Through the decades I have known him, he has been consistently involved in different activities of worship in and outside the church. Therefore, I can testify that he has a heart for God and very passionate in worship.
As I read his book, there are two main points I received: first he has zealously guarded his heart and the other is he has a passion to be scriptually based. I have seen the abundance of Bible references and worshipful songs he quoted. I believe that by reading his book you will be inspired to guard your heart to worship God."
Rev. Dr. Andrew Ong
Minister-at-Large
Regular Faculty of Assemblies of God Bible College
"A true worshipper and an example of consistency is how I would describe Ricky Sim. I have known Ricky for over 20 years and even had the privilege of being his pastor for a season in Singapore. He has progressively developed himself and kept up his pursuit of God, determined to be found pleasing and approved of God in every area of his life. I have been very privileged to be able to assist Ricky in the production of this book and must say that this book provides all the essential fundamentals and divine insights to guarding our hearts. This book is an invitation for transformation and change that will result in the kind of life that pleases God and glorifies His name. This book is a must read for every believer."
Rev. Dr. Isaac Albert James
Senior Pastor
World Harvest Church Malaysia
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Is happily married to his wife, Wendy for 28 years. They have been blessed with two sons, Benjamin and Timothy, now in their 20s.
He is currently worshipping at The Church of Singapore (Bukit Timah), English Service. He plays an active role in worship leading in the services, cell and the men’s ministry. He also conducts Praise and Worship workshops and shares about the Worship Lifestyle of a believer both locally and in the South East Asia regions.
In encouraging more believers to live a Lifestyle Worshiper, he publishes his weekly blog on ‘The Praise and Worship Connection’ which is accessible to international followers on:
Ricky is also a worship songwriter. He currently has two worship albums. He shares the songs on the website: www.reverbnation.com/rickysim
He serves as an Advisor to The Singapore Christian Songwriters and Music – a non profit organisation. This is a platform that promotes local songwriters.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/csmusicsg/
With more than 30 years experience serving the Lord in various ministries (youth leader, worship director, deacon, etc.); recently, he sensed a new direction the Lord had put in his heart to write this book to inspire Christian to remain focus on the true meaning of the heart of worship and being a worshiper that God wants them to be!
He prays that the Lord will use his book to encourage all believers to practice and know how to guard their hearts in the Christian walk.
10 comments:
Just attended a book launch today by a good friend Brother RICKY SIM whom I have known for 40 plus years. I would like to highly recommend this book especially for Singaporeans because the message it carry is written by a man whose heart is pure and have no guile. In addition, he lives among us, speaks our lingo, and identifies with us. Great to have someone write a book like that.
Thank you for sharing The Unguarded Heart with us. I've read 5 chapters of your book and have found it so practical in it's application in my life that I'm now starting it over before I go on so that I can make notes. This book will be a blessing to many, thank you.
Praise the Lord!
You have written a fantastic book on His Words. I am so touch after reading half way through last night. I will be finishing reading the book tonight.
Thank you for "THE UNGUARDED HEART". Very blessed by the deep sharing ....
We are really blessed by the book. It was really a blessing sir because we attended a national youth camp and its so connected with the lessons in the book and it even became a expression for us that we always mention "unguarded heart" whenever we are facing a situation or trials
We are currently using the book for the leaders of the young people and young adult...and many are eager to have your book so I hope you could bring more books in your coming mission trip to Cebu in September 2012
I have found your book an excellent guide to guarding one's heart. It is instructive and very relevant in this day and age. I intend to share from part of the book this Sunday in my church.
I am making my way through The Unguarded Heart trying to digest every word and I LOVE IT! I want everyone I know to read it. Pray about making a group Bible study workbook format based on this book!
Following are my humble comments about the book:
I seldom finished a book in a day which I did reading yours. I have read many spiritual books and I can say this book speaks a lot to me because it has to deal with my heart condition.
Songs posted at the end of some of the book chapters:
• Change my heart, O God - I sang this more than 20 years ago and still this is my prayer till today.
• The Power of Love – my favourite song
• Renew My Life – another favourite song.
• Lord, I give You my heart - Is always my desire to honour Him but many times I failed. I want to give Him my heart, soul and all, and live for Him alone yet many things have taken His place especially the children's education, well being, etc and also the "me" on the throne instead of God. How I wish like the song goes, let every breath that I take and every moment that I'm awake, I will make an effort to allow God to have His way in me.
Chapter 4: The Gateway into our Hearts
You have pointed out the important aspects of contact which will affect our hearts. I like that heart with the 4 arrows. I personally find that it would be better if you had used the cover heart shape which is more 'relational'
Quotations: I love these phrases:
Page 23 - Dallas Willard "Put everything you have into the care of your heart, for it determine what your life amounts to."
Page 31 - Martin Luther "That to which your heart clings to is your god."
Page 25 – The litmus test …by checking our motives and desires under the search light of God's Word.
Page 108 – John W. Stevenson " A Worshipper is one who is intimately acquainted with and has a daily relationship with God exhibited through obedience"
Chapter 12: The list of Scriptural verses is a good reference for us to refer.
I cried a lot reading your book firstly because of my heart condition and secondly I feel that the Lord is using your book to speak to many believers about having an intimate relationship with Him. Thank you for your obedience to Him in writing this book and I thank my dear friend, Lily who has blessed me with your book.
I pray that your book will reach not only to the local believers but also to the world via missionary works, foreigners who work and study here, publishers, etc.
God has His way!
Blessings
Anonymous(Singapore)
As I read more pages of The Unguarded Heart, I began to appreciate your efforts, for in it there are many spiritual nuggets good for the soul!
This book has all the power and integrity of a sold out beliver in Christ that wants true worshippers to have all the access possible to God. The book was more than what I bargained for. If you think you really understand the scripture on to "guard your heart with all diligence. For out of it flows the issue of life" then you may want to test yourself and read this book. This Singaporean brother truly expresses his heart on how to place and guard our own heart in life's battles and joys.
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