The Heart Is

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”  ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I’ve heard so many say, “God knows my heart” to justify their sins; unwilling to repent.  But we must have a heart willing to submit unto The LORD!

“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” James‬ ‭4:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It is indeed hard to lay down our pride, for it is a strong spirit, but surrender it we must! Coming to the point we know we have nothing in and of ourselves to offer God is major! The talents we have are nothing to Him for He gave them to us. But our willingness to give them to Him for His use, as He sees fit, or to NOT use is vital; for often in those we become puffed up; pride rears his ugly head.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”  Psalms‬ ‭139:23-24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It’s a milestone for the believer to grasp his own wickedness. We are told we are good; told to be good; desire to be good at what we do.  Yet, the spirt of rejection that most have, at the same time,  is telling us we are no good. The spirit of lust keeps us craving validation; driving us for recognition!

“And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.” Luke‬ ‭18:19‬ ‭KJV‬‬. Notice Jesus said that!!!

The key to this dilemma is to keep your focus on Him NOT yourself! He has to be your Principal Purpose; His will - not yours is a must!

“Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.” ‭Psalms‬ ‭143:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When our focus is on ourselves, there is no room for Him. We are occupying His space, for there can be only one on the throne of your heart! He will not share it. After all He is God, and you are not!

Often times it takes royally messing up our lives before we come to that conclusion. Or exhausting every avenue the world has to offer for relief of an illness or disaster before we, in utter desperation turn to God! He knows what it will take for you to surrender to His authority and, I’m sorry to say, it will not be pleasant, for we are indeed a stubborn lot! I know from experience how low we have to go before we cry out! But PRAISE GOD He is faithful and will offer His hand! 

“Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭89:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Sold out” is almost a cliche these days, it is used so often; in almost a casual sense, however,  that is indeed the requirement to be a follower of The LORD Jesus Christ! There are no halfway measures. That is the change; living your life for Him instead of yourself; choosing to obey His Word! 

“Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James‬ ‭5:14-16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Notice “Confess your faults one to another”? This is where the pride comes in! Admitting to God you have sinned does not seem to be as hard as confessing to another person(s) yet that is from where the Power Of God comes! The act of humbling oneself He honors. I’ve seen (and also experienced myself) many healings from obedience to this commandment! Repenting Of unforgiveness, judgments, resentments, unbelief and anger in front of another, and then them praying for you, God mightily blesses! 

When I humbled myself, confessed and repented, I was delivered as healed!  At that time, for the first time in my life I surrendered to His authority! I willingly became obedient to His Word! 

Seek Him with your whole heart! Hunger and thirst after His Word! Trust Him for every aspect of your life! Consult Him and include Him in everything you do; for He is your constant companion! Walk in His ways for only in Him is there is peace and joy! 

“Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.” Psalms‬ ‭143:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Repent and obey while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA