Deceitful Heart & Real Enemy

“For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.” Matthew 15:19-20 (NIV)

I have helped in a men’s purity ministry for many years and recently, I left that ministry to focus on BecomElects. Our Lord showed me that time is short, and I must make disciples for Him. Without those firsthand experiences witnessing betrayal, suffering, trials, patience, love, tears and joy, I wouldn’t be qualified to write anything. Our Lord has given a heart of discernment to an ordinary man saved by His grace and love. If, through these sharings, one person can repent, my job is done. Two or more, it is a bonus.

Like many, my heart was deceitful and listened to many lies. I couldn’t give something I didn’t have. I couldn’t give unconditional love because I did not know that even existed. As said in other Daily Cross, everyone weeps when they repent and come to the foot of the Cross to receive love and the forgiveness of their sins. Once we receive that unconditional love from our Lord Jesus Christ, we now have permission to give that love freely. He wants us to do that, the flow of the Living Water. But this is not a quick journey; be patient. This is a marathon because our hearts and flesh are against it all the time. It is a journey to build characters, a process like refining gold with fire. The most important requirement for this journey is being humble. I hope our Lord can continue to give me enough wisdom to share what I need to share. Without Him, it is not possible.

Divorce and separation among Christians are no different than in the secular world. I have not seen any difference in anger, resentment, or entitlement among Christians compared with the secular world, sometimes even more because of self-righteousness. Many like to preach, but most do not do what they preach, and many things are hidden. Does this sound familiar to people you know? When one does not lead by example, how can we ask our loved ones to follow and trust our Lord? When one does not forgive, how can we ask someone to forgive us? When one does not love unconditionally, how can we ask someone to love us back?

Our Lord said: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12 (NIV)

Only our Lord Jesus Christ can change hearts if we allow Him by trusting Him and obeying His commands. But I’m going to remind you about a very real adversary. He wants people to think that he does not exist, and he likes deceitful hearts.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:6-9 (NIV)

“Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”“ Matthew 16:23 (NIV)

Our Lord could see what His disciples couldn’t. Peter knew the real enemy from firsthand experience. I knew him too. We know that Peter disowned his Lord and our Lord three times almost 2,000 years ago. Peter repented and wept. Our Lord loved him so much that He gave him a second chance for redemption. Peter did not waste that chance. Simon Peter had a deceitful heart but he repented and became the Number One Apostle of Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that we can be like Simon Peter too.

Next time when your anger, resentment and entitlement arise against your loved ones, keep your mouth closed, go to an empty room, humble yourself, kneel, and pray for your loved ones and for their salvation. We are actually entitled to nothing, and we cannot change any heart or shield anyone from the real enemy. But our Lord Jesus Christ can.

Trust Him and May His will be done.

BecomElects Ministry