Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
An interview with Trenton Best, on mission in Saugerties, New York. Trenton and his wife Laura enjoy serving the Lord together.
PBS: James 1:22 commands us to apply the instruction set out in Scripture. Share with us how you have guarded your heart as set out by the psalmist (Psalm 119:11-16). When did you realize that you were ALL IN?
1. Applying Scripture (Psalm 119:11–16)
Guarding my heart begins with remembering how much greater God is than me. Left to myself, my perspective becomes small and my heart can easily drift toward the wrong things. But God has graciously given us His Word so we can know Him and be shaped by His truth. Coming back to Scripture reminds me of my constant dependence on Him and realigns my heart with His wisdom.
I realized I was “all in” early in college after the Lord truly saved and changed my life. As I understood the grace of the gospel and that Jesus had rescued me from being separated from God forever, it became clear there was no better way to live than for Him. Since then, my desire has simply been to follow wherever He leads and make much of Him with the life He has given me.
PBS: What are your Life Verses? How do these verses challenge you and define you?
2. Life Verses (John 15:1–10; Ephesians 2:8–10)
John 15 continually reminds me that apart from Christ I can do nothing. If my life or ministry is going to bear any real fruit, it cannot come from my own strength or ability but from abiding in Him. That truth leaves no room for pride and keeps bringing me back to daily dependence on Jesus.
Ephesians 2:8–10 reminds me just as clearly that salvation is completely a gift of God’s grace. I did nothing to earn it, and I cannot sustain it by my own efforts. God is the one who saves, and He is also the one who prepares the good works for us to walk in. Remembering that keeps my heart grounded in gratitude and dependence on Him.
PBS: Scripture sets out clearly the contrast between a pure heart and prideful heart. How do you come to God’s Word with the requisite teachable spirit?
3. Teachable Spirit
Early in my walk with the Lord, someone encouraged me to always remain a lifelong learner. That counsel has stayed with me because there is never a point where we outgrow our need to keep learning from God and His Word. The Lord is an inexhaustible well, and the more we seek Him, the more we discover the depth and richness of who He is. Coming to Scripture with that mindset helps keep my heart humble and teachable, remembering that there is always more to learn about Christ and more ways He wants to shape my life through His Word.
PBS: What is your daily discipline to keep in the Word and on the path the Lord has set for you and Laura?
4. Daily Discipline
Spending time in God’s Word requires intentionality. Like anything meaningful in life, it doesn’t simply happen by accident. Laura and I try to guard time with the Lord because we know how much we need Him. We are far from perfect at this, but I’m thankful that the Holy Spirit lovingly convicts and reminds us that God desires for us to draw near to Him. Even when our discipline falters, that conviction brings us back to seeking Him and asking for His guidance through His Word.
PBS: Proverbs 11:14 sets out the value of having guidance. What role do accountability partners play in your life?
5. Accountability
Accountability is vital in every season of life. No matter someone’s age or position, we all need people around us who will speak truth and lovingly challenge us rather than simply tell us what we want to hear. Wise and faithful believers who care first about our relationship with the Lord help keep our hearts grounded and focused on Him. Having that kind of counsel and being open with one another is invaluable, and I’ve seen how much of a difference it makes in walking faithfully with Christ.
Prayer: Trenton and Laura please lead us in prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word and the grace You have shown us through Jesus. Help us guard our hearts by anchoring them in Your truth. Teach us to abide in Christ daily, remembering that apart from Him we can do nothing. Give us humble and teachable hearts, a desire to spend time with You, and faithful people around us who will encourage us to walk closely with You. May our lives bring glory to Your name as we trust You and follow wherever You lead. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Trenton & Laura Best
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