JEREMIAH 17:9
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it"?
All one has to do to go to Hell is be natural. The Lord looks on the heart. When He see the heart of the unregenerate, our text verse describes His evaluation: "The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it?" The problem with religion is its effort to make man feel good about himself, to lift himself up. But even when one reforms outwardly, Jeremiah 17:9 still describes his heart. The depth of wickedness of the heart cannot be fully comprehended.
Unbelievers do not realize the awful state they are in. In Psalm 7:11 we read, "God is angry with the wicked every day" Romans 1:18 says, "The wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness." At any given moment the lost are only one breath away from an eternity of agonizing torment. But God is rich in mercy and He continues to offer to His enemies peace through the blood of the cross.
The totally depraved heart makes it impossible to do anything pleasing to God. Those outside the Body are dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1). The only hope is the Gospel of Christ which is the power of God unto salvation to every one who believes (Romans 1:16). Let's preach the Gospel to the world avoiding man-made phrases (such as "give your heart to Jesus," "ask Jesus into your heart," etc...) which contradict the truth of the total depravity of the heart
THOUGHT TO PONDER
Stop worrying, God will provide what you need in ways that amaze you. If you're His child you're not the victim of circumstances. Your future is not in the hands of people, it's in the hands of God. And what He owns, He takes care of! -- Bob Gass
Php 4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Today's Bible Verse...
But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. —Deuteronomy 8:18
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
As we enter the month often associated with giving thanks, this reminder from Moses is an important one! We so easily forget to give thanks when things are going well. It's easy for us to whine and ask God to help us when we are in trouble, but we often feel like we "deserve" the good things that happen to us. God reminds us that what we have is simply a confirmation of his grace and his faithfulness to do what he has said. We need to remind ourselves, and each other, that the blessings we have come from his hand and not because we deserved them more than someone else.
My Prayer...
Generous Father, forgive me for my forgetfulness. Deep down I know I don't deserve all the good things you have poured into my life, yet I sometimes find myself thinking that I've earned them. Use your Spirit to forge in me a heart like Jesus, who did deserve everything good and yet gave it all up to come to earth and give me the greatest gift imaginable — the gift of your salvation! Thank you so much for this gift of grace and the many other undeserved gifts that you have lavished on me. In Jesus' name I thank you. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
Today's Verse Illustrated...
Pastor's Greeting Duties by Rob Portlock
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