The human heart has so many recesses for vanity, so many lurking places for falsehood. Is so shrouded by fraud and hypocrisy, that it often deceives itself.
– John Calvin.
Many stories in the Bible show how the heart of man is deceitful. For instance, Joseph’s brothers tried to kill him first and later on sold him to the travelling Ishmaelites because of their hatred for him. Moreover, their sin did not stop there. They have to lie to their Father Jacob to cover their offence. Another story we are going to reflect on is Saul’s, deceitful heart.
Bible Reading
Today’s devotional reading is from the Book of 1st Samuel 18:17. Please, read our recent devotional from the Book of Psalm 90:17: God’s Favor Was Manifested By Christ On The Cross
God Saw Saul’s Deceit
Saul noticed that David had the favour of God and the Israelites. So when he thought, “Let not my hand be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him.”. It was not because Saul trusted David’s capability in the army. But that David might die in battle with the Philistines and not through his hands. God saw through Saul’s deceitfulness.
Saul started to be a good King. However, he slowly departed from the ways of God. And he was led by his proud and deceiving heart. David then was favoured by God because he continuously sought the will of God. He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds: (Psalm 78:70).
Is Your Heart Deceitful?
Jesus said, for from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person. (Mark 7:21-23). Is your heart deceiving you from believing these verses?
John Calvin was right when he said that our hearts deceive us. But do not fret because when we fill our hearts constantly with the words of God, we will be able to discern what is against His will. Likewise, when we listen and obey the stirring of the Holy Spirit, we will receive the guidance that we will never harm us.
Therefore, let us turn away from deceit. Ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten you of the state of your heart. Repent from your sins and put your faith in Jesus Christ as your redeemer. Accept Jesus Now.
Reflection
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV.
- What is the state of your heart?
- Have you acknowledged that your heart is often deceiving?
- How are you led by your deceiving heart?
- How can we refocus on Jesus?
Related Posts
- Philosophy and Empty Deceit
- Covert or Overt: How To Know Lies?
- Do not live with envy
- Do good to others(Opens in a new browser tab)
- Keep His Word in Your Hearts(Opens in a new browser tab)
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, You are the Creator of the Universe and Lord of all hosts. Praise Your Name above all the names. Thank You for the wisdom that comes from Your Word. O Holy Spirit, teach us, guide us and reprove us. Grant us Your love and wisdom to be always with us. We entreat that we will not be deceived by our hearts, but rather be guided by the teachings of Christ through the Scriptures and enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. All these we pray in the saving name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
