“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” Jeremiah 17:9-10 NLT
When we read about the exploits of some notorious criminals we are amazed at how wicked they can be. But I’m quite sure that if you have a conversation with some of these individuals, they might not agree with you; they may feel that they are just like you. They might even claim that they were wrongfully accused. It’s difficult for people to come to terms with their evil deeds.
Yet God had strong words for the condition of the human heart; He said the heart of man is deceitful and desperately wicked. Now we would all agree that those who engage in criminal activities do so out of the wickedness of their hearts. However, when God said that the heart is wicked, He included everyone without exception. There are many people who would disagree with that statement. They will use their good deeds to validate the condition of their heart. But when God talks about wickedness, He is talking about what is happening on the inside of your heart. It’s easy to be gracious and kind to those who treat you well but what do you do when you are mistreated? Sometimes our smiles hide the anger and rage that is boiling on the inside.
So God is not fooled by our smiling exteriors. He knows the truth about us because He searches the hearts and examines our secret motives. How many times have someone done a kind deed to hide how much hate they have for someone? When those around you look at how much you are doing for the individual who used and abused you, they lay accolades at your feet, but God sees the vile and wicked thoughts you have regarding that individual.
Our hearts are wicked, and really who can know the motives of the heart? Sometimes, we can’t even identify the real motives in our own hearts. So God Himself examines the heart to identify our secret motives. Then He gives due rewards. Lord, help us today to be honest before you and identify the secret motives in our own heart.
Thought for Today: Friend, only God can change a wicked heart.
Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory.
Victory Walk 
With prayer all things are possible.
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