October 13, 2005

 

The heart is deceitful above all things,

And desperately wicked;

Who can know it?

                             --Jeremiah 17:9

 

One lady said to her pastor, “My husband is a gambler and spends all of our money. He’s an alcoholic and constantly stays drunk. He’s unfaithful to me—a womanizer and adulterer! But Pastor, he’s got a good heart.” Out of the heart proceed evil things. A man isn’t a sinner because he sins; he sins because he’s a sinner in his heart! The human heart is the culprit.

 

There are two ideas about humankind. One idea says that humankind is basically good and we simply need to find that spark of goodness in every human being. But Jesus said just the opposite of that. He said there’s a problem so terrible within the human heart that we are filled with sin, evil, and wickedness as a result.

 

Jesus specifically said that the heart is deceitful and depraved. Many times we hear, “Just follow your heart,” but that’s bad advice because the Scripture says, “Foolishness is bound up in the heart…” (Proverbs 22:15). Isn’t it about time you get your heart right with the Lord?

 

If you’re willing to accept the diagnosis that the Great Physician gives to your heart, then you are ready for a cure. Ezekiel 36:26 says, “A new heart also I give to you and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the hard heart of the flesh.” Jesus can give you that new heart today—a spiritual heart transplant—if you are willing to accept Him as Lord and Savior of your life. Simply pray a prayer like this:

 

Lord, I admit I’m a sinner and can’t save myself. But I know You died on the cross for me, You took my sins upon Yourself, You rose again on the third day, and You’re alive today! Jesus, I confess You as my Lord. I invite You to come into my heart. Give me a brand new life and walk with me from this day forward.

 

TAKE CARE OF THE HEART INSIDE YOU, AND YOU’LL BEGIN TO SEE A CHANGE IN YOUR ENTIRE LIFE.