“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” Jer. 17:9
Today’s Christian Daily Devotional
Sometimes I will say a quick prayer for something I desire, and when I am done praying, I get a “tug” on my spirit. When this happens, I always ask God: “Did I have the right motives in asking you for that?” This is just a reminder to me that I have to constantly pray AGAINST my natural inclinations. Having a human heart, I know that I can twist anything to justify my actions. I have done this numerous times, and every time I do—I PAY for it! Why do we do this? I believe it is just pride. We want to make the rules, to receive the reward that WE THINK we deserve–all our way. God will not let us take over His position, but when we truly allow Him to rule our hearts (and influence our decisions) we will benefit in the long run. Want to go the distance? Stick with God. He makes the rules, He knows the road (and it’s blocks) and He knows the safest way to navigate this road of life!
“Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your wisdom. My heart IS wicked. I know this, because when I am left to my own devices, I get in a heap of trouble! Although part of me desires to do good, another part seems to take over when I forget to ask you to guide me. I am asking for your infinite wisdom. Help me to stop and take a breath and search for your voice when I am moving too quickly in this life. I know this is where I will make my biggest mistakes if I don’t take a moment to seek your approval. Lord, you are the master of time. One minute invested in prayer with you can save me a lifetime of pain, sorrow and trouble. I am seeking you NOW when things are calm, so that when the storms of life arise, I will already be on the right path. You know my heart, you know my weaknesses. Show them to me so that we can work against them together. In Jesus’ precious name, so I can have a heart that is pure and true, Amen.”