“Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!” Deuteronomy 5:29   NIV

     Old time cowboy and Indian battles and many wartime victories involved heading off an enemy at the pass, or at a narrow spot in the road or waterway.

     Winning the battle of life involves heading sin off at the pass by guarding our hearts.

     Every sin emanates from the heart.  We have been given the power of the Holy Spirit to take every thought, captive to make it obedient to Christ.  (2 Corinthians 10:5).

     When we guard our hearts with the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20), sin can have no dominion over us, and God will give us His all sufficient strength to escape any temptation that might come our way.

      When we tenderize our hearts through godly sorrow, and daily confession and repentance, we will be able to head our sins off at the pass, and they will not be able to take root and conquer us.

      When our hearts are filled with the peace and joy that we have in the unconditional love of God in Christ, there will be no room for the anger, envy, lust, or pride of sin to dwell within our hearts.

     Jesus has headed off our death and destruction and given us a pass into eternal life by our faith in His victory on the Cross.

     A guarded heart will keep us from going  back to being controlled by the world, the flesh, or the devil. It will keep us safe and secure under the control of the One who has delivered; and will continue to deliver us by the power of His blood.

   Father, help me to remember what my sins cost You, and help me “head them off at the pass” in my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen