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"The heart is deceitful above all things,
and desperately wicked; who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I
test the conscience, even to give every man according to his ways and
according to the fruit of his doings." Jeremiah 17:9-11
It is so important that we examine
ourselves. How about those "good deeds" of yours? What is the motive
behind what you do? Even with those good things, are you doing
something good for others or primarily desiring to bring attention to
yourself?
Is your life controlled by the Holy Spirit?
Is there pride? Is there some unspoken sin or grudge you are holding in
your heart? For example, you may be driving your car and someone
accidentally cuts you off. Someone may inadvertently jump ahead of you
in the line at the grocery store. Are you a respecter of persons - would
you respond differently according to who the person is - or what they
are wearing? In either case, let's say you react in some angry or
unkind way and then say…"Oh no, that is not me, I'm really a nice
person". You know what? It is you! That was your response, your
reaction to an action. Do you see the problem?
"The Lord sees not as man sees for man looks
on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel
16:7
A root of bitterness can grow and make you
more and more cynical and disagreeable, difficult to be around. We must
recognize that God, who searches the innermost depths of our hearts,
knows the truth about each one of us.
Praise God, Christian. Our Lord loves us
and is a God of grace. He is merciful and ever waiting and wanting to
forgive and to cleanse, so that we can start afresh. Is there something
you need to surrender to the Lord today?
"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." Psalm 139:23-24
Monthly devotions are written by Robert and Laura Nance,
musicians/artists gifted by the Lord. The current devotion features artwork and music by Robert. You can view
their website by clicking on
the link
below:
http://www.robertandlauranance.com
Control background music
"New Morn" - By Robert Nance
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