MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:

I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time

I need to be baptized
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism

I need to attend Starting Point
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point

I need to join a small group
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/small-groups

I need to join a serve team
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve

Dig Deeper:
1. Recall a song, tv show, or a movie you have seen or listened to recently that encouraged viewers to “follow their heart.” Describe what it shared.
2. Describe a situation you have observed where a person followed his/her own heart, but it didn’t go well.
3. What are some of the wrong conclusions we choose to, “follow our hearts?”
4. Why do you think the Bible mentions the heart over 900 times?
5. The heart is the core of who we are. Everything we do flows out of our hearts; it’s the center of our desires, emotions, and feelings. Why is it important to understand the condition of the human heart?
6. Read Jeremiah 17:9. What does this passage reveal to us about our heart? How can a heart be deceitful?
7. Read Judges 17:6. If everyone did what was right in their own eyes, what would happen? What if we simple did exactly what we felt all the time?
8. How can following our heart lead us down a wrong path in these areas: finances, relationships, marriage, parenting, personal wellbeing, work, serving?
9. Read Proverbs 4:23. What is the importance of guarding our hearts? What will happen to an unguarded heart?
10. Read Psalm 119:10-11. Why does the enemy love for us to follow our heart? How does hiding God’s word in our heart prevent us from sin?
11. Describe a time when memorizing or knowing God’s word has helped you remain guarded in your heart.
12. Read Proverbs 3:5-6. How do we “trust in the Lord” will all of our heart? What does the word “trust” mean in this passage? Why is trust so important when making wise decisions?
13. How do our own desires play a part in trusting God? Can you trust in God and continue to rely on your own understanding?
14. What does it mean when it says “He will make your paths straight”? What paths do you need straightened in your own life?
15. How are little decisions we make every day as important as the major decisions we have to make? How do minor decisions lead to major decisions?
16. Read Psalm 37:4. Describe ways you take delight in the Lord. How have you seen evidence in Him giving your heart His desires when you take delight in Him?
17. How does following our own heart lead us astray at times? Discuss how we can lead our hearts to follow Jesus Christ.

Live It Out:

Life change begins with a heart change.

1. Understand your heart’s condition. In what area of your life do you have an unguarded heart? When do you find yourself making unwise choices? Read Psalm 139:23 and ask God to know you heart.

2. Guard your heart. How can you guard your heart in the areas you identified? What scripture can you memorize or keep visible as a constant reminder of God’s wisdom?

3. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do you know God in “all your ways” (Proverbs 3:6)? If not, how can you begin to trust God with all of your heart and not rely on your own understanding?

Reading Plan:
Monday: Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 3:5-6, 4:23
Tuesday: Matthew 15:19-20, Psalm 119:10-11
Wednesday: Ezekiel 36:26, Romans 10:9-10
Thursday: Matthew 6:33, Matthew 7:11, Matthew 6:21
Friday: Genesis 8:21, Genesis 27:41, Matthew 22:37
Saturday: Psalm 16

Recommended Resources:
More Than You Can Handle, by Nate Pyle

Suffering: Gospel Hope When Life Doesn't Make Sense, by Paul David Tripp

It's Not Supposed To Be This Way, by Lysa TerKeurst